Recruiting: Michigan football getting 'special person' in new commit Jalen Mayfield

GRAND RAPIDS -- Four-star class of 2018 offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield (Grand Rapids Catholic Central) chose Michigan over Michigan State, Minnesota and Iowa among others Tuesday, giving the Wolverines the No. 6 player in the state of Michigan in the 247Sports Composite rankings for 2018.

In the rankings only by 247Sports, he is ranked as the state’s No. 1 player and No. 86 nationally.

For Mayfield, the decision to play for the Wolverines was an easy one after some simple deliberation following his most recent visit to Ann Arbor. 

"The spring game in April was big for me," he said following his commitment. "The coaching staff there made me feel really comfortable and I know Coach (Greg) Frey has had a lot of success in developing players like me at the college level. It's an honor to choose Michigan and I am excited to look towards my senior season before leaving for Ann Arbor." 

Cougars head coach Todd Kolster says despite Michigan's clear and heavy interest, they're not even fully aware of what they're getting in Mayfield. 

"Jalen is a special player, but he's also a special person," Kolster said. "We could see it right away when we pulled him up onto varsity as a freshman. He's a born leader. His teammates gravitate to him. You see all of the people who came to this event tonight and see all of the people who are here to support him. He's really a special kid and one of the most special players I've ever coached." 

Watch Mayfield's decision video:

Of course, Mayfield is also a dominating force on the field. Kolster is confident in the 6-foot-5, 255-pounder.

"You can't find ten other players at his position nationally that can do what he does," Kolster said. "Jalen plays the game the right way. People call it a 'mean streak' or describe him as aggressive but that's the way you're taught to play the game and it's the way he approaches his business on the field. The biggest thing with him is that the best is yet to come because he's just starting to get a grasp on his abilities. He has a big future ahead of him, and I don't think Michigan has realized the type of player and kid they're getting." 

Originally, Mayfield committed to Minnesota on Feb. 18.

U-M offered Mayfield a scholarship March 24, spurring his decommitment from coach new head coach P.J. Fleck and the Gophers.

U-M has named its 2018 recruiting class "Blue Bloods."

Mayfield's highlights:

More recruiting:

Recruiting: Michigan football's biggest position needs in 2018 class

Recruiting: Blue-chip Pa. offensive lineman Blake Zubovic looking to visit Michigan State