Michigan football's heralded 2019 recruiting class just lost a player.

Four-star defensive end Stephen Herron Jr., who committed to the Wolverines almost a year ago, announced his next move on Monday. And it's not with Michigan.

In a letter published on Twitter, the Louisville, Ky., native announced his de-commitment from Michigan and commitment to Stanford.

"Every move I have made has been in the interest of ensuring my future - athletically, academically and philanthropically," Herron wrote. "With that being said and my recent acceptance into Stanford on early decision, I am decommitting from the University of Michigan and committing to Stanford University."

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” #CardClass19 #FearTheTree pic.twitter.com/XqW0EBV3FK — Stephen Jr. (@stephenherron_) July 23, 2018

The 6-foot-3 1/2, 235-pound end thanked the Michigan coaching staff, including head coach Jim Harbaugh, defensive line coach Greg Mattison and defensive coordinator Don Brown, and the fan base for supporting him.

This was not entirely unexpected. Speculation began last month that Stanford was gaining on Herron, who 247Sports' composite ranks as the fourth-best weak-side defensive end in the country.

Herron addressed those rumors in an interview with MLive earlier this month at Nike's Opening camp in Texas, reaffirming his commitment to Michigan but not entirely closing the door on changing his mind, either.

"I'm not looking right now, but you have to make sure it's the best spot for you," Herron told MLive. "If I de-commit, it's for a good reason: I'm not comfortable. Something's wrong."

Herron, who was once a five-star recruit, has scholarship offers from 18 schools, including Alabama, Georgia and Florida. 247Sports currently ranks him No. 86 overall in the class of 2019.

With Herron's departure, Michigan's 18-member 2019 recruiting class now ranks No. 9 nationally and second in the Big Ten.