Once upon a time, Alex Graham applied to an elite local program, Cass Tech in Detroit (Mich.). But like many prospects across the country, Graham transferred to the prestigious Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, the best high school program in the country.
This is the same path former Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy took when he left Nazareth (Ill.) Academy, and Michigan football hopes to secure a local product as a prodigal son.
Good news on that front came Thursday when Graham, a five-star 2025 defensive back, announced his top seven. Michigan's football team was joined by Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, Penn State, Colorado and Utah.
Graham is listed as a safety by 247Sports and is rated the No. 159 prospect in the nation by the 247Sports Composite. On3 lists him as a cornerback. Meanwhile, his highest ranking comes from ESPN, which makes him the 63rd ranked player in the country. Rivals ranks him 78th overall.
Scouting report by 247Sports' Andrew Ivins:
The play-making defensive back prospect began his prep career in Detroit before transferring to national powerhouse IMG Academy for his junior season. His size has not been verified by a third party, but he appears to be pushing 6 feet with a beefier build. He has experience working both as a pressman and outside coverage. His backpedal is pretty smooth and he does a great job of mirroring with his hips while trying to turn the wide receiver to the sideline. He's not one to shy away from contact and tends to embrace the run support role. While the lack of data points isn't ideal, he played the role as an 11th grader working across from five-star corner Ellis Robinson IV, who won numerous athletics awards throughout his youth. He could fill a role in many spots in the secondary. He's dealt with a number of injuries over the years and will need to stay healthy, but he's been a strong Power Five starter for several years and has the tools to make a difference on the back end.
247Sports has one crystal ball that shows his choice schools. Allen Trieu predicts it will eventually become Wolverine. However, that's November 2022, so we'll see how he clashes with the new coaching staff, although he continues to be scouted by Ron Bellamy and new head coach Sherone Moore.
The story originally appeared on Wolverines Wire
