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If Michigan football fans are wondering why there hasn’t been a commitment yet under new head coach Sherrone Moore, one explanation is the staff turnover.

Michigan football had to hire an entirely new defensive coaching staff. The Wolverines even needed to hire the defensive line coach twice after Greg Scruggs resigned his position following a DUI.

It’s been an eventful couple of months since the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh. It takes time for new coaches to start building those relationships. But now, Michigan football is starting to build momentum. The Wolverines have taken the lead in a few different recruitments over the past week. They are also aiming to flip a four-star linebacker committed to Miami.

Michigan football aims to flip Miami commitment

Elijah Melendez is the player in question. He’s 6-foot-1, 210 pounds according to his On3 recruiting profile. The On3 industry rankings also have him ranked No. 157 overall in the 2025 class. He’s from Kissimmee, Florida, and has been pledged to the Hurricanes since December.

Brian Jean-Mary seems to be getting Michigan football back in the mix. Tennessee was one of the schools that hosted Melendez for a visit before his commitment, while Jean-Mary was the linebackers coach. Michigan football hosted him once before too, but it appears that Melendez visited again this week (or is planning to visit).

Melendez is reportedly going to visit Miami once again this weekend. The Hurricanes have the in-state advantage, but if Michigan football can get him on campus for an official visit and maybe a game next fall, then the Wolverines could be in business. I also think defenders are going to like what they see in the Wink Martindale defense.

Martindale might not be an active recruiter, but his scheme is going to win over players. Michigan’s defense will be fun to watch this season and that should only help win over recruits like Melendez.

This article first appeared on Blue By Ninety and was syndicated with permission.

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