After missing on one top 100 offensive tackle, the Michigan coaching staff could not afford to miss on its other top tackle target on the board. And they didn’t disappoint as 2017 Aledo (TX) OT Chuck Filiaga officially committed to Michigan at the U.S. Army All-American Game.

Scouting Report

Filiaga is one of the most physically impressive recruits in the class. He stands at a legit 6’6″ 350lbs and moves very well for that size. Add in his pure power and advanced technical ability, and he’s one of the top tackles in this class. He should be able to make an instant impact in Ann Arbor, especially with the playing time available at the tackle position.

Two way lineman who could play on either side of the ball in college. We like him as an offensive tackle because of his length, long arms and athleticism. He has an ideal tackle frame, shows the feet to kick out and take on speed rushers but the strength to handle bull rushers as well. He is a talented defensive lineman and can get a push off the edge and moves around the line to take advantage of mismatches – Scout’s Greg Biggins

Recruitment

The staff’s need for instant impact offensive tackles was well known in this class and Filiaga was one of the top names on that board. However, being from California and living in Texas, USC and the Texas schools were favorites for the big man for the majority of the cycle. Michigan didn’t really look like a real threat in the race until later in the summer. But once he officially visited for the Wisconsin game at the beginning of October, the Wolverines became the team to beat.

I put in my Crystal Ball prediction for Filiaga to UM after he told 247Sports’ Jeremy Clark that Michigan is his leader after his visit ($). And though Nebraska and Oklahoma made late pushes, a Jim Harbaugh speech to his high school team and the chance to play early kept the Wolverines out front throughout. He announced his commitment to Michigan at the U.S. Army All-American Game and gave the staff its day one contributor it needed in this class.

Height : 6’7”

: 6’7” Weight : 335lbs

: 335lbs Hometown (School) : Aledo, TX (Aledo)

: Aledo, TX (Aledo) Notable Offers : USC, Oklahoma, Alabama, Texas, UCLA, Washington

: USC, Oklahoma, Alabama, Texas, UCLA, Washington Rankings: Scout (4*, #125 overall) – Rivals (4*, #118 overall) – 247 (4*, #107 overall) – ESPN (4*, #137 overall)

Scout (4*, #125 overall) – Rivals (4*, #118 overall) – 247 (4*, #107 overall) – ESPN (4*, #137 overall) Composite Ranking: Four star, #98 overall, #14 OT, #14 in Texas

Highlights/Interviews

As for the Rest of the Class

Filiaga is the 27th overall commitment in the class, the 6th offensive lineman and the 1st player out of Texas. With him now officially on board, the staff will sit back and see if Najee Harris flies to Detroit instead of Tuscaloosa. As for the offensive line, Mekhi Becton is the best bet to join the class, if the staff pushes. Besides that, they’ll likely continue to recruit Isaiah Wilson, Tedarrell Slaton and Austin Jackson while also trying to hold onto Kai-Leon Herbert. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Filiaga as the last offensive line commit in this class.

Photo Credit: 247Sports