No. 1 player in the country makes his decision

The nation’s No. 1 overall prospect is heading to the Big Ten.

Defensive tackle Rashan Gary (Paramus, N.J./Catholic) committed to Michigan over Clemson during a nationally-televised announcement on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

The decision came down to the Tigers and Wolverines following a great official visit to Clemson last weekend. His former high school coach — Charlie Partridge — is on Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff in Ann Arbor. Auburn, Ole Miss and Alabama were in the mix until the final cut to two.

Gary is the crown jewel of an outstanding Michigan recruiting class, Harbaugh’s first full cycle at his alma mater, that includes a tremendous amount of depth and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. He was an Under Armour All-American and was arguably the top defensive tackle prospect in the country for two years running, even with talented depth nationally at the position in both the 2015 and 2016 cycles.

Gary is very likely a first-game starter given his talent level.

JC Shurburtt

Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South