Sherrone Moore and Michigan football have been on an insane spree of landing high-end commitments as of late, with Sunday bringing the almost-sudden pledge of five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows. But the train, it’s not showing any signs of slowing down, even as the Wolverines’ 2026 class continues to fill up.
The last day of June and the first week of July promise more likely commitments for the maize and blue, and Monday started things off in a positive direction. Michigan has recruited the DMV region of the country very hard this cycle, having thus far landed two commits from Washington D.C. and one from Virginia. But now, you can make that two from the state of Virginia with Richmond (Va.) Hermitage four-star cornerback Andre Clarke committing to the Wolverines.
This is Michigan’s seventh commitment in as many days (Titan Davis, Zion Robinson, Marky Walbridge, Markel Dabney, Malakai Lee, and Carter Meadows preceded him). Clarke chose the maize and blue over Kentucky, but he also had offers from Florida State, Miami, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and others.
Scouting report
The scouting report from 247Sports’ Clint Brewster:
Clarke is a premier level playmaker in the defensive secondary with the ability to play both cornerback and safety. Very desirable combination of instincts, athleticism, and tackling ability. Clarke can mirror and match receivers in coverage but also play center field safety and read the quarterback with great timing and leaping ability on passes downfield. Plays heady and aware of down and distance in the passing game but can also come up and lay explosive hits on ball carriers. Clarke is more thin-framed but shows more strength and toughness than his size insists. Clarke’s playmaking ability and coverage chops project him to a mid to early round NFL draft choice projection.
Clarke is rated highest by ESPN, which has him as the No. 101 player in the nation, regardless of position. He’s also listed as a cornerback on some sites (247Sports) and a safety on others (On3).
Outlook and the rest of the class
The second cornerback commitment of the 2026 class, Clarke joins Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin four-star Brody Jennings, who has been tenuously pledged since the summer of last year. Michigan is still targeting other defensive backs, including four-star cornerback Dorian Barney (who has a prediction to end up in Ann Arbor), four-star safety Davon Benjamin, four-star nickel Donovan Webb (also predicted to become a Wolverine), and four-star athlete Salesi Moa.
Here is what the class looks like now with Clarke in the fold:
All rankings by the 247Sports Composite
Clarke is the 19th commitment in the 2026 class. He’s the second from Virginia, as mentioned, joining linebacker Markel Dabney, who is also from Richmond. The Wolverines are targeting one more in Mineral (Va.) Louisa County five-star running back Savion Hiter.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football boosts 2026 class with 4-star CB Andre Clarke commitment
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
