Report: Eyabi Anoma Has Transferred to Michigan
Remember that year Michigan was cleaning house at St. Frances except there was a 5-star edge going to Alabama because that's where they go? Michigan couldn't hold onto Micah Mazzccua or Osman Savage, but Blake Corum, Nikhai Hill-Green, and ultimately Derrick Moore joined the class. Now, apparently, the 5-star edge is joining schoolmaster Biff Poggi in Ann Arbor as well.
Former five-star EDGE recruit Eyabi Anoma has enrolled at Michigan and is in the school's directory.
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) August 18, 2022
Former Alabama, Houston, UT Martin player entered the transfer portal on Aug. 15. Led UT Martin w/ 9.5 sacks last year.
MORE: https://t.co/IHN5AaoyWv pic.twitter.com/m1pUEHjDbG
A FIVE-STAR?
As in was ranked higher than Peppers.
Rivals: 6'5/235 | ESPN: 6'6/223 | 247: 6'5/245 | On3 | 247 Comp |
---|---|---|---|---|
5*, 6.1, #7 Ovr #1 WDE, #1 MD |
5*, 94, #1 East, #3 Ovr #1 DE, #1 MD |
5*, 100, #3 Ovr #1 LB, #1 MD |
didn't exist | 5*, 0.9987, #4 Ovr #1 LB, #1 MD |
4.98 | 4.95 | 4.94 | n/a | 4.99 |
A FIFTH-YEAR ELITE EDGE WHAT'S THE CATCH?
Anoma has had a rough career path since. He was kicked off Bama and Houston, in both instances for "violations of team rules." The issues sound like the kind that get you a spot at Last Chance U:
“A new report indicated Anoma did not change his behavior from what led to his dismissal from Alabama. According to Matt Zenitz of AL.com, tardiness, skipping class, clashing with teammates and insubordination led Houston to move on from the talented football player.”
On the other hand, Alabama had him on the academic honor roll before that. Given his association with Poggi, whatever story's there Michigan certainly knows it. Also the one area of Harbaugh's Michigan's program where they have more than earned the benefit of the doubt is academics.
CAN HE PLAY?
Anoma's certainly talented, the #4 player to the Composite in 2018, and #1 WDE. Via PFF he played 90 snaps for Bama in 2018, and though they gave him a grade in the 50s for that, he was named to the all-freshman SEC team. He didn't play for the next two seasons, then popped up at FCS UT Martin, listed at 6'6"/270. It was a productive, though not insane season: 6 sacks, 9.5 TFLs, 3 hurries. He was off the field more than on it, and probably rusty after two years of transfershirting. But if you ignore his rankings in 2018 and just look at his play on the field, Anoma doesn't look like an immediate impact guy. We're not talking about a Mike Danna who was putting up elite rushing numbers, caveat MAC. UT Martin was good, but Anoma wasn't its star.
NO I MEAN IS HE ELIGIBLE TO TRANSFER THIS LATE?
FCS->FBS transfers are under the same rules as intra-FBS transfers, so if he only entered the portal on 8/15 it would seem unlikely. However Rivals Josh Henschke reports he can because grad transfers aren't subject to the portal rules as long as they meet the grad transfer waiver requirement that his grad school offers a course of study not at his previous school.
So ??? This seems to be coming out because sleuths on The Wolverine's board found him enrolled for this fall, IE Michigan hasn't announced anything. There was talk last spring that Michigan was reaching out, said Balas($). Anoma sat out both 2019 (transfer to Houston) and 2020 (transfer to UT Martin) as transfer seasons, so he would be a Jr/5th in eligibility.
DO WE HAVE ROOM?
Nobody's said if he's getting a scholarship, actually. If he is, Michigan was two over the limit after Gabe Newburg hung it up, so now they're back to +3. It's usual to be +2 at this point—the over-signing alarms would be going off if they were +5.
DIDN'T YOU *JUST* PUT A PREVIEW IN PRINT?
Yes, well, things happen don't they. If you've read the Edge preview already, you're probably not too bummed about the prospect of a guy with Anoma's ceiling. Worst case scenario, the book is still on point.
August 17th, 2022 at 11:34 PM ^
He's a great disrupter!
(Just hopefully only for our opponents.)
August 17th, 2022 at 11:40 PM ^
This seems so crazy. Did he just get here this week then? Halfway through camp? Or did they keep a secret really well?
August 18th, 2022 at 9:23 AM ^
He was flown out to the submarine in a stealth helicopter. Risky move, but the staff thought it worth the effort.
August 17th, 2022 at 11:43 PM ^
Well well well... (twists mustache, raises brow)
August 18th, 2022 at 6:55 AM ^
How the turntables...
August 17th, 2022 at 11:45 PM ^
Maybe I’m wrong but considering multiple previous schools, would assume a grad transfer and can play immediately? Given M’s history of not accepting people.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:15 AM ^
Yes immediately
August 18th, 2022 at 12:03 AM ^
I think this is a very positive development. The team could definitely use some high-upside depth at DE. I hope it works out very well for everyone involved.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:11 AM ^
This is one of the most strange developments we have seen in roster management. Could be really good or could mean pull the fire alarm. My intuition says upside.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:00 PM ^
My guess is Biff was a father figure type that is a steady influence in his life since St. Francis. Kid was humbled by his time at UTM and it allowed him to get back on track. Whether he can contribute or not may be secondary to helping mold his future. I remember an article a few years ago about Biff and what he did for the kids in that program. I have no doubt if he can help this kid mature and grow he is going to do it. I can also see Harbaugh not only trusting Biff, but believing being part of a team is nothing but a positive for the player. If he is a disruption, no way they let him hang around.
Also probably helps being around some former teammates that have had success at UM. Hope it works out well for all involved but would not necessarily read anything into in regard to the roster.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:14 AM ^
Welcome aboard, let the cream rise to the top. Might not be much of an addition but you never know.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:16 AM ^
Just get him ready to sack CJ Stroud.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:24 AM ^
I love how Seth teases us with "five star ranked higher than Peppers" and then follows with "doesn't look like an immediate impact guy."
August 18th, 2022 at 11:46 AM ^
Seth also said that he had 6.5 sacks last year, whilst the tweet said 9.5. Either way, I would disagree with Seth's assessment of his impact on UT-M's defense.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:23 PM ^
My guess is the tweet was wrong and was supposed to say 9.5 TFLs, which is what Seth reported.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:39 AM ^
Hopefully Elston’s coaching chops and having Biff around will give him some structure
August 18th, 2022 at 8:02 AM ^
That's what I was thinking. Sounds like he decided he can get his life and possible career sorted out by following Biff to Harbaugh's structured program. With the support system that Poggi will have around him, if he can't figure it out here he's in trouble...
August 18th, 2022 at 10:24 AM ^
Kinda seems like he's already figured it out. Last two years he did well at his school and graduated. I guess there's a danger that the "old him" pops up, but the "new him" seems just fine. Not really worried here.
August 18th, 2022 at 9:07 AM ^
Sabans program at Alabama isn’t really known for a lack of structure. It’s not like meyers Florida where the top players can just do whatever. I doubt harbaugh has just some magic touch here.
but the hope is that he like most people, has matured over the last 4 years and learned from mistakes.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:42 AM ^
Here’s a little bit in a Wolverines Wire article.
https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/17/eyabi-anoma-could-transfer-to-michigan-football/
August 18th, 2022 at 12:45 AM ^
This is totally amazing and out of the blue. He was in the same recruiting class as Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Patrick Surtain and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Oh, and Aidan Hutchinson.
August 18th, 2022 at 3:49 AM ^
So better than Aidan...guess we already know who is going to be the top pick in next years draft
August 18th, 2022 at 12:48 AM ^
I wouldn’t get your hopes up. His 2018 recruiting profile is no longer particularly relevant. He’s shown everyone who he really is. Transformations are extremely rare.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:09 AM ^
Eh. PFF had him as the 10th ranked edge prospect in the 2023 draft. That is not nothing. Also I’d imagine Michigan is only taking him if he got his act together.
August 18th, 2022 at 10:22 AM ^
What would the 10th ranked edge get you? Maybe mid rounds? That should equate to a quality Big Ten starter
August 18th, 2022 at 12:09 PM ^
Eh probably mid 2nd-high 3rd. Looking at this past draft the 10th edge type player was Josh Paschal by non other than the lions at 46. Ojabo was the edge picked before and Nik Bonitto the 11th and still in 2nd round.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:55 AM ^
May be he is that rare guy. If not for Football, at least he figures it out at UM for his life. He is older and knows his future on the balance. Could become a feel good story. Let us see what happens.
August 18th, 2022 at 9:35 AM ^
The best predictor of future behavior is indeed past behavior, but I and many others are evidence that the growth in maturity from 18 to say 22 can be vast and transformative.
August 18th, 2022 at 9:46 AM ^
These are my expectations as well, but given the Edge talent on the roster in '22, it's gotta be worth a shot. If he doesn't work out he doesn't work out. You just have to hope this is the fit he's been looking for and he does the university proud.
August 18th, 2022 at 2:06 AM ^
He committed to Alabama in 2017. Yowza.
Still, assuming this doesn't cause roster havoc, letting him cause QB havoc on third and 5+ seems like dice worth rolling.
August 18th, 2022 at 5:50 AM ^
feldman sits, scotch in hand, relaxing after the grueling effort of creating his annual “freaks list” column. so, so many athletes didn’t make the cut, but he feels good. he got the big fish right.
his phone vibrates. “screw it, i’m done,” he thinks.
it vibrates again, and a third time. he glances down. it’s from ben herbert.
”DAMNIT!”
August 18th, 2022 at 6:07 AM ^
Preferably Michigan gets a player who hasn't transferred four times, but:
I'm happy to see this. It's how NIL should be used. He led his team in sacks last season (if I'm not mistaken).
It's a better "investment" than banking on an 18 year old.
Hopefully the young man is more comfortable being back with Poggi.
August 18th, 2022 at 6:56 AM ^
Yeah, seems Poggi is the key. For whatever reasons, this guy has had a checkered career. If Poggi can keep him focused and his talent approaches his rankings, he could be a jewel.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:29 PM ^
I'm not sure it's a "better" investment than an 18-year-old, per se, considering the massive red flags in this guys past. But we don't know what was spent (if anything at all - clearly no one else was very intersted if he was on UT-M just a few weeks ago).
So if the cost was minimal and just required a roster spot (which if available at this point, wouldn't have been filled by anyone but a walk-on given a scholarship), then definitely worth it.
August 18th, 2022 at 6:26 AM ^
Yowza! (I hope.)
August 18th, 2022 at 6:41 AM ^
Strange move, but I guess you can bring him in on third down in the Ojabo role and just let him get after the QB. Obviously an athletic guy and he did have 4.5 tackles for loss in a single game last year so it's not like he can't play.
https://utmsports.com/news/2021/10/31/football-eyabi-anoma-claims-ovc-defensive-player-and-newcomer-of-the-week-honors.aspx
August 18th, 2022 at 6:48 AM ^
So has he been there all camp? That's my only real question.
This is strange to say the least. But I suppose if it doesn't work out, it's really nothing lost. He runs out of eligibility and both parties move on.
August 18th, 2022 at 7:32 AM ^
This says much about where the bar is for Alabama’s academic honor roll.
August 18th, 2022 at 9:14 AM ^
"Alabama’s" academic honor roll"
Better then others.
August 18th, 2022 at 10:15 AM ^
I believe that was Ohio states
August 19th, 2022 at 10:33 AM ^
While acknowledging that Alabama is no Michigan (in terms of academics) and that Saban is certainly no saint, this is an unwarranted shot. It certainly downplays what the kid has done. He earned a degree over 4 years and 3 schools, including probably putting the finishing touches on it this very summer so that he could be immediately eligible at UM. That's not an easy accomplishment. Many athletes don't earn a degree over 4 years at 1 school. And, no matter what you think of Alabama academics, one of the most impressive things they've implemented (in my view) over the last few years, was the wearing of the "SEC" patch by players who had either graduated or were on pace to graduate in the following spring (I can't remember which). When they won their last title a couple years ago, about half their starters were wearing the patch (Smith, Leatherwood, Harris, etc), and most of them were in their 4th year. That's a pretty impressive feat. It wasn't the reason they lost to Georgia last year, but it might have been a contributing factor that they didn't have the same number of graduates on the team. Those kinds of players tend to positively impact the team in numerous ways beyond being excellent football players.
August 18th, 2022 at 7:33 AM ^
Probably doesn't hurt that Michigan has put numerous edge rushers into the NFL.
Guys like Paye, Ojabo, Hutchinson really paving the way with their success
August 18th, 2022 at 9:11 AM ^
None of the guys who coached those guys are still on the staff
August 18th, 2022 at 11:06 AM ^
No but the guy who doing similar things (putting d-line into the NFL on a regular basis) for Notre Dame is on staff. We're gonna see real quick how good Mike Elston is this year
August 18th, 2022 at 12:48 PM ^
I don't think this was a recruitment / situation where we had to sell the guy on Michigan.
If he was at UT-Martin until recently, this is a situation where literally no one else wanted him, which is understandable given that multiple programs had already cut him.
This is a situation where Michigan needed to be sold on taking a chance on him. Perhaps the presence of Biff Poggi made them think it was worth a roster spot that they might have thought wouldn't have been used anyway.
Slight red flag about what they think about current EDGE options too. I don't think you bother to take a chance like this if you like your current situation. But I do think the risk / downside is low.
August 18th, 2022 at 12:58 PM ^
Woodley, Graham
August 18th, 2022 at 7:35 AM ^
Poggi is no longer listed as a member of the football/coaching staff...
August 18th, 2022 at 9:49 AM ^
!!!
He'll be back. He always comes back.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:02 AM ^
I guess he's a lottery ticket so no harm there. My concern is they saw Upshaw, Harrell and McGregor in camp and thought this was necessary.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:52 AM ^
I think he would be right there with Upshaw and Harrell and ahead of McGregor. No spring or fall practice will hurt him, but if he can get formations/plays and conditioning down by mid season, he is a starter and will greatly help 2nd half of the year. at arguable the weakest position on the team. This has no downside. Great news IF he indeed plays.
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