Maryland flipped ESPN 300 linebacker Branden Jennings from Michigan on Wednesday, giving the Terrapins their second top-100 linebacker commit in the class. But the Wolverines' day got a boost when in-state running back Donovan Edwards announced he was signing with the team.
Jennings is the No. 67-ranked recruit overall and joins linebacker Demeioun Robinson, the No. 35-ranked prospect. Jennings, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect from Jacksonville, Florida, was the second-highest-ranked commit in Michigan's class.
Edwards is a 5-foot-11, 195-pound recruit out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, who is ranked No. 66 overall and is the No. 4-ranked recruit in the state. He chose the Wolverines over Georgia and Notre Dame.
Jennings had been wavering in his commitment to the Wolverines leading up to national signing day, and Michigan hopes that isn't a trend. There is still uncertainty around coach Jim Harbaugh's future, as he and the school have not publicly announced a contract extension.
The Wolverines also lost defensive end Quintin Somerville on Wednesday, as the No. 106 overall recruit flipped to UCLA.
The highest-ranked commit in the class, ESPN 300 quarterback J.J. McCarthy (No. 23), did sign with Michigan on Wednesday and told ESPN he wasn't concerned about the rumors. There is still the possibility the Wolverines could lose more commitments in this class, though, as ESPN 300 wide receiver Xavier Worthy has committed but is announcing a final decision Wednesday, with a top two of Alabama and Michigan. Cornerback Ja'Den McBurrows could also decide to leave the class.
Edwards said he is looking past the uncertainty around Harbaugh and sees a brighter future for the Wolverines.
"We're going to be on the rise. I just see a lot of great things coming from the people, coming from the players as well," Edwards said. "I feel as though we're all going to come in and compete from day one."
As an elite prospect, Edwards said he, McCarthy and the other commitments are bringing a positive mentality to Michigan.
"We just feel as though we're program-changing people, and we have the mentality of that," Edwards said. "It's not like it's just about us. We want everybody around us to get better. We want everybody around us to be great."
Michigan came into the day with the No. 15-ranked recruiting class.