Michigan is still working to chip away at a Penn State commitment, and this time the target is one of the better defensive backs in the 2028 class.
Erie (Pennsylvania) McDowell’s Deonte Flemings Jr., Penn State’s first verbal pledge in that cycle, visited Michigan for the Indiana game and walked away with a scholarship offer from the Wolverines. Flemings committed to the Nittany Lions in January, but Michigan got a real shot at him only recently after circling back and getting him on campus.
The appeal is easy to see. At 6-2½ and 200 pounds, Flemings has the kind of frame schools want in the secondary. He began his career at cornerback and has spent this season at safety, giving him the kind of flexibility that recruiters love.
Michigan safeties coach Tyler Stockton delivered the offer, and Flemings also spoke with defensive coordinator Jay Hill.
“Michigan and Penn State was my two favorite schools just cause of there’s history,” he said. “My dad’s favorite player was Charles Woodson who played there, then me liking Will Johnson, I said I have to get down there.”
Flemings left the visit with a strong impression of the program and said the trip stood out across the board.
“I was treated really well throughout the visit,” Flemings said. “The coaching staff and everyone around the program made me feel welcomed and showed a lot of love.
The stadium was amazing, and the atmosphere was something special. Seeing the fans, the energy, and the passion surrounding the program made the experience even better.
It was definitely a visit I’ll remember and I will be back down there.”
Even with Penn State in the picture, Flemings is keeping the door open while he sorts through the process. He has been to multiple Penn State games this season and says the relationship there is solid, but he wants to keep talking with schools and make sure the choice fits.
“At the moment, it’s open but no decommit. I am just trying to find the right fit and make the best decision for my future,” Flemings said.
“I am grateful to be in this position and all these coaches giving a kid from a small city a chance. I appreciate all the relationships I’ve built throughout this process as well.”
Rivals’ Industry Rankings list Flemings as the No. 129 overall player in the 2028 class and the No. 11 cornerback.
Michigan also extended an offer to another defensive prospect, this one a pass-rusher with track speed.
Marlton (New Jersey) Cherokee junior Davis Walker added the Wolverines to a growing offer list that already includes Illinois, Maryland, Kentucky, Rutgers, Texas A&M and others. Walker is listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, and he brings serious burst off the edge, having run a 10.85 in the 100-meter dash. He also qualified for the New Balance Nationals in track.
Rivals ranks Walker as a four-star recruit and the No. 13 edge in the 2028 class.
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