Elite Offensive Lineman Reschedules Michigan Visit

Michigan is hot on the recruiting trail in the 2024 class and a missed visit that resulted in a reschedule is more evidence of that.

Michigan has been killing it on the recruiting trail in the 2024 class as of late and there are still many more fireworks to come. One such development to keep an eye on is the recruitment of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei offensive tackle Brandon Baker.

The 6-5, 285-pounder is considered the No. 1 tackle in the entire country according to the 247 Sports Composite and he's got the offer list to back it up. With more than 25 big time tenders to his name, Baker definitely has options, and Michigan appears to be one of his top ones. Just five days ago, the California product posted a tweet with several upcoming visit plans laid out.

Since then, some things have changed. As you can see, Baker was supposed to be in Ann Arbor just a few days ago, but the trip never took place. Instead, Baker will now be at U-M in two weeks, on April 24. 

The month of April is going to be a busy one for Baker as he plans to travel to Michigan, Florida to see FSU, Georgia, Texas and Nebraska before heading back west to finally check out Oregon before returning home. As of right now, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, USC and Washington are listed as Baker's "warmest" schools per 247 Sports, but obviously he's got some interest in the schools listed above as well.

Gabe Brooks, national scouting analyst at 247 Sports, has seen Baker in person and has great things to say about him.

Athletically-built offensive lineman who can live long term on the outside. Owns adequate height with above average length and frame space to continue adding mass.

Plays mad and it shows in the run game. Excellent drive blocker who looks to finish blocks to the ground. Displays impressive lateral quickness and range when required to pull or reach targets at the second level.

Plays with consistent leg drive, especially once engaged. Play strength is good and combines with size to often overwhelm smaller, overmatched defenders.

Pass-pro reps are promisingly natural and effective. Quite light-footed and body-controlled in pass pro. Hand placement also shows encouraging consistency in pass reps.

Faces excellent competition in practice and often in games, though high-profile program results in lack of preferred multi-sport profile and two-way experience. Run-game hand placement consistency and body control when engaged can improve. Overpowers defenders with regularity, but punch power can more consistently manifest.

Through junior season, appears to have established himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 class. Projects as a potential multi-year high-major starter with an eventual ceiling that could lead to NFL Draft early-round candidacy.

As a borderline five-star prospect, Baker is definitely a wanted man and competition is going to be stiff for him, but Michigan is in the mix. With the way offensive linemen have been used at Michigan, and with how successful those offensive lines have been, along with U-M's overall success on the field, these battles are starting to feel winnable for the Wolverines. Sherrone Moore will be on the case for Baker and he's been phenomenal as a recruiter since he arrived in Ann Arbor. It also doesn't hurt that Michigan was Baker's second offer way back in mid-2021. That kind of thing sticks with kids.