Michigan has made the final eight for 2027 four-star defensive lineman Brayden Parks, a standout prospect with a promising future. Joining the Wolverines in this competitive race are Illinois, Ohio State, Georgia, Miami (FL), Oregon, Notre Dame, and Tennessee.
The Wolverines' pursuit of Parks has been bolstered by the efforts of former defensive line coach Lou Esposito. However, the recent addition of Larry Black, formerly with Vanderbilt, might give Michigan an extra edge. Black's previous connection with Parks, having offered him one of his first power four opportunities at Vanderbilt, could prove pivotal.
Parks is a key target for Michigan, not just for his talent but also due to his proximity. He hails from Chicago's Brother Rice, a powerhouse in Midwest high school football. This program is also home to another top prospect, 2027 four-star cornerback Tavares Harrington, who is set to visit Michigan in March.
Among Parks' top eight, Illinois, Notre Dame, and Miami (FL) are frequently mentioned as strong contenders. Notably, Miami has been quietly building a presence in Chicago, making this recruitment battle even more intriguing.
As of now, there are no predictions on where Parks will land, keeping the suspense high in this recruiting saga.