Michigan Wolverines flip Spartans’ 2nd-highest-ranked commit

On National Signing Day, four-star defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny flips his in-state commitment from the Michigan State Spartans to the Michigan Wolverines.

Michigan football fans must be ecstatic on Wednesday morning, as the Wolverines were able to pry four-star defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny‘s commitment away from the Michigan State football program.

The Oak Park, Michigan native originally committed to the Spartans on Nov. 9. However, changes to the Michigan coaching staff allowed him to reconsider his decision. On Wednesday morning, Benny decommitted from Michigan State and announced his allegiances to the Michigan program with this tweet. Benny was Mel Tucker’s No. 2 overall recruit in the Spartans’ Class of 2021.

What does Rayshaun Benny flipping in the 11th hour mean for both programs?

For Michigan, it is a sign that even after losing the Paul Bunyan Trophy at home this past fall, the Wolverines are still perceived as the superior football program in-state. With head coach Jim Harbaugh revamping his defensive coaching staff, top high school prospects like Benny would be inevitably flipping their commitments one way or another. He makes Michigan’s class stronger.

As for Michigan State, this is a tough blow on National Signing Day. However, the changes made to the Michigan coaching staff in recent weeks left the door ajar for Benny’s decommitment to possibly happen. The 2021 cycle was Tucker’s first full year in East Lansing. While he may have his program trending up, losing a four-star like Benny to a rival school should not land well with him.

Look for the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry to rei-ntensify in the coming years in the Big Ten.

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