Michigan’s defensive line just gained a major piece. Four-star standout Xavier Muhammad is already generating significant buzz following his May 14 commitment to the Wolverines. He, however, has some improvements to make.

“I'll go, Xavier Muhammad. And it starts with just the the pass rush upside. And it might take a year because he's going to play on the inside. He's got to gain some weight,” Jason Piacelli, the host of ROC Boys Football, said.

In a May 17 episode, Piacelli weighed in about the Wolverines’ recruitment drive, praised Muhammad’s rushing, and opined on what would amp up his performance in the future.

“He's already gained some nice weight…275 pounds now. Probably needs to get to 300 before he wants to play in the Big 10. So, I think there's a red shirt year that might be in Xavier Muhammad's future. His pass rush ability, you don't see many people or many kids this size that move the way Xavier Muhammad does,” he said.

According to ON3, he “boasts some high-end measurables, with an athletic 6-foot-3.5, 265-pound frame, an 84” wingspan and nearly 11” hands.” The defensive end holds the 27th rank in the state and is the No.4 DE overall. 

In his junior season, Muhammad recorded 22 tackles, six TFLs, three sacks, and eight QB pressures. Apart from Michigan, he had received offers from Arizona State, Stanford, Texas Tech and Vanderbilt. ON3 had called him “an easy high Power 4 prospect and a player we could see playing on Sunday’s for a very long time.”

Muhammad's multi-sport background provides the Wolverines with elite athleticism on the defensive edge.

Xavier Muhammad Boasts Inter-Disciplinary Athleticism

Xavier Muhammad, a Texas native, attended South Houston High School, played basketball, and competed in track and field. He finished the sophomore season with 15.1 points and 12.5 rebounds in 30-plus games. 

He played varsity as a freshman, averaged 8.9 points and 11.2 rebounds. As a freshman in Spring 2024, he posted a 47-5 shot put rep. As for honors in football, he was Texas District 22-6A Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore in 2024. 

With his and four-star wideout Quentin Burrell’s addition, Michigan has climbed in the recruiting rankings once again. According to 247, they now stand at No. 21 in the country.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar