Michigan recently landed yet another four-star recruit in the 2026 class in four-star edge rusher Julian Walker, and according to a report, they had a pretty unique obstacle in doing so.
Allen Trieu of the Detroit News noted Walker’s father, Jamil Walker, is a strength and conditioning coach at South Carolina.
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“Most predictions had Walker going to the Gamecocks until recently,” Trieu reported. “Michigan’s staff, in particular, defensive line coach Lou Esposito, did an excellent job in recruiting Walker. His June 23rd official visit helped the Wolverines earn the commitment.”
According to Trieu, Walker said that Michigan “always had been one of his top schools, but the official moved them up higher in his eyes.”
“I really liked getting around the other recruits on this trip,” Walker said following his commitment. “There were a lot of good players this weekend. Just being lined up next to them was crazy. The campus tour was one of the best parts. It was cool to actually see what their campus environment was like. Being in the Big House in a uniform with a helmet on is a crazy experience. I could see myself playing there.”
Trieu added that “sources close to the recruitment say his father also felt comfortable with Michigan and did not pressure his son to be a Gamecock.”
Walker is the 12th four-star out of 18 commits in the Wolverines’ 2026 class, which is currently ranked 8th in the nation (3rd in the Big Ten) in the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
