Rashan Gary picks Michigan; 1st time top ESPN prospect to Big Ten

— -- BRISTOL, Conn. -- Rashan Gary, the No. 1 ranked prospect overall, has committed to Michigan.

The coveted defensive tackle chose Michigan over Clemson and had offers from nearly every major program in the country.

Michigan landing the 6-foot-4, 287-pound prospect gives the Big Ten its first No. 1 ranked signee since ESPN started its rankings in 2006. It also gives Michigan its highest-ranked commitment, the next highest was Jabrill Peppers who was ranked No. 2 overall in the 2014 class.

The Michigan staff worked diligently to fend off pushes from Clemson, USC, Alabama, Auburn and Ole Miss throughout the process and the relationships Gary and his mother built with the staff paid off in the end.

Academics and the surrounding environment were important aspects in his decision, and despite feeling that a few schools were similar in certain categories, he said that Michigan ultimately made him feel the most comfortable.

Part of that comfort level had to do with Michigan's success in recruiting Gary's home state of New Jersey. Five of the eight ESPN 300 prospects from the Garden State chose the Wolverines.