ANN ARBOR -- Michigan's 2019 recruiting class is off to a rather hot start.

Chris Hinton, a five-star defensive end from Atlanta, announced his commitment to Michigan's 2019 recruiting class Saturday night. He becomes the second five-star defensive end pledge in the class, joining Louisville prospect Stephen Herron.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Hinton is the No. 9-ranked player in the country and the No. 1-ranked strong-side defensive end. He's the No. 2-rated player in the state of Georgia -- an area Michigan continues to hammer in recruiting.

Hinton picked Michigan over Ohio State, Georgia, Stanford, Clemson and North Carolina.

He joins Herron, four-star offensive tackle Noah Rumler and four-star linebacker Charles Thomas as the four early pledges in Michigan's 2019 group.