When Kirby Smart said, “We sell relationships over transactions,” during SEC Media Days, it sounded like just another inspirational statement from one of the best minds in college football. Even the strongest “relationships” aren’t always durable in the current scenario, where early commitments are being flipped left and right due to NIL deals. And Smart’s words about relationships aren’t just inspiring, they’re being tested in real time.
Michigan is now subtly influencing the four-star linebacker market and seriously going after Nick Abrams, one of Georgia’s most sought-after commits. This is intriguing not only because Michigan is attempting to snatch a top recruit, but also because they are doing so with deceptive tactics, game-day visits, and a program strategy that has a track record of turning over even the most devoted SEC prospects.
Host Josh Newberg and EJ Holland, of the Rivals, discussed that Michigan isn’t afraid to take a risk when it comes to flipping recruits, and linebacker Nick Abrams is a perfect example. Speaking on Sunday, EJ Holland pointed out, “Getting him back in for a game after he’s already committed to Georgia, huge.” By using game-day visits and in-person meetings to remind top prospects why the Wolverines are a program worth considering, Michigan is making it obvious that they are taking this recruit seriously.
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There is more than just talk involved. As Holland points out, “Nick Abrams has long been at the very top of Michigan’s linebacker board. So, I think they’re willing to invest some NIL. They wouldn’t be bringing him in and continuing to talk to him if they weren’t willing to invest.” Michigan knows exactly what they need on defense, and landing a talent like Abrams would fill a major gap while sending a message that they’re willing to invest in elite players. And Abrams has had ” made multiple visits in the offseason ” and he admitted, “Michigan hasn’t given up…They talk about how great the atmosphere is in the Big House, and I’m excited to see it for myself.”
The Wisconsin game on October 4th looks likely to be a crucial one. According to Holland, “Nick Abrams is set to be back for Michigan’s first big recruiting weekend of the fall, which will be October 4th against Wisconsin… it should be a good opportunity for Michigan to really make a strong impression on a lot of recruits. They’re loading it up with a lot of commits uh that have already confirmed that they will be there.” Beyond just watching the game, Abrams will have ” an opportunity to bond with some of the other or some of the commits in Michigan’s class. Kind of get a feel for the guys coming in.” Michigan’s push is even riskier for Georgia because, as Holland puts it, “He’s very familiar with the program, having made multiple visits in the offseason.” If the Wolverines can pull this off this has gotta be a receruiting statement.
Georgia and Kirby Smart hold Nick Abrams, but the Wolverines loom
This summer, Nick Abrams made headlines when he chose Georgia over strong rivals like Michigan, Alabama, and Oregon. The Maryland four-star linebacker gave a straightforward explanation for his choice: “For the next three to four years, I’ll be playing under the lights at Sanford Stadium…a big thing for me was the development part, coach (Glenn) Schumann and coach Smart…That duo has produced three Butkus Award winners and multiple first-round draft picks.”Georgia had just finished a successful season, so Abrams believed the Bulldogs provided the ideal balance of academics, NFL development, and elite football.
Still, Michigan and Oregon have not given up their efforts. In order to ensure that Abrams has a clear idea of what life would be like in Eugene or Ann Arbor, both programs have continued to be in touch. Abrams will get a firsthand look at how he might fit in outside of Georgia through game-day visits and opportunities to tour the facilities, interact with current players, and experience the culture of the program. He will have the opportunity to experience the energy and atmosphere of one of college football’s most iconic stadiums when he travels to Michigan on October 4 to watch the Wolverines play againsy Wisconsin. This will be his first time visiting the Big House.
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Abrams is still confident in his decision despite the growing interest from other schools: “I think knowing what UGA could do for me keeps my commitment to them 100%…The linebackers in the room and how much success they’ve had is big. The culture Coach Kirby Smart has in place is big too.” Also, Georgia continues to have regular communication, keeping him updated on the program and checking in every day. Abrams, who is 6′ 2″ and 220 pounds, adds size, versatility, and football IQ. The Bulldogs are still in the lead—for the time being—even though Michigan and Oregon are still in the running.