Early-enrollees standing out on Michigan defense

Michigan football came out of the 2025 recruiting cycle with the No. 6 class in the nation, per 247Sports. Four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and three-star linebacker Chase Taylor were among those to enroll early, and the incoming freshmen have impressed so far in spring practice.

Michigan freshman linebackers standing out at spring practice

Owusu-Boateng finished his prep career at IMG Academy (FL) after playing two seasons at Hyattsville DeMatha Catholic High (MD). In his first season at IMG in 2023, Owusu-Boateng recorded 45 tackles, six tackles for loss, one pass breakup, one fumble recovery and a sack.

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As a senior at Stockbridge High (GA), Taylor had 62 tackles, ten tackles for loss, two sacks, three hurries and four pass breakups. Michigan defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary said Owusu-Boateng and Taylor are making a leap.

“He’s been good, if not better than what our expectations were,” Jean-Mary said of Owusu-Boateng on Monday. “And we also have Chase Taylor, who is from Stockbridge, Georgia. They both have come in (early), and first you’ve seen the chance in their bodies. Coach (Justin) Tress and that staff down in the weight room have done an unbelievable job. 

“Most kids that come in in the spring, you see the physical differences with them and the rest of the team, and those guys haven’t missed a beat there.”

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Owusu-Boateng chose the Wolverines over USC, Ohio State, Notre Dame and more. Jean-Mary said he stands out between the lines.

“Nate has done a great job. He had to sit out most of his senior year (and) he was very highly thought of coming here,” Jean-Mary said. “We’re glad we have him. Explosive is what you would say when you see him on the field. Very fast, very explosive, intelligent, plays the game the right way. We’re very high on him (and) we think he’s got a chance to be a really good football player.”

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