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Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines steal dynamic pass rusher from SEC country while winning out against family ties

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 6:15 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines have done a tremendous job developing the defensive line in recent memory. The most recent examples are in the 2025 NFL Draft where defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant both heard their names called in the first round. Names like Rashan Gary and Aidan Hutchinson are also major success stories on the edge.

Head coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines staff has continued to attract outstanding talent on the recruiting class. You can include 2026 Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork defensive end Julian Walker, who committed to Michigan on Tuesday. He opted for the program over finalists South Carolina and UNC.

BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Julian Walker has Committed to Michigan, he tells me for @rivals

The 6’6 250 EDGE from Columbia, SC chose the Wolverines over North Carolina & South Carolina

“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a MICHIGAN MAN.”https://t.co/a9ciGx3gYJ pic.twitter.com/wl21hGHrdA
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 1, 2025

Perhaps the most impressive part of this recruitment was that Michigan was able to steal Walker away from his home state. Jamil Walker, who is Julian’s father, is the stretch and conditioning coach with the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Wolverines were able to not only grab a talented defender from SEC country, but also beat out family ties while doing so.

Outside of his finalists, Walker also boasted an impressive offer list. Some of the top programs that have extended offers include USC, Auburn, Missouri, NC State, Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Wake Forest among others.

The 6-6, 250-pound pass rusher is currently rated as the No. 197 overall player and No. 20 EDGE in the 2026 recruiting class according to the 247Sports Composite ranking. That rating also has Walker pegged as the No. 4 player in the state of South Carolina.

Walker actually ranks a bit higher on the individual ranking for 247Sports. They have him pegged as the No. 155 overall player and No. 16 EDGE in the class.

As a junior, Walker was a part of an absolutely dominant Dutch Fork defense. He managed to collect 29 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Walker also broke up another two passes, and recovered a fumble.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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