Bio Blast: Meet three-star Michigan linebacker signee Kaden Catchings

Three-star Jackson (Miss.) Hartfield Academy Kaden Catchings officially signed with Michigan on Wednesday.

Here is everything you need to know about the talented prospect.

The Skinny

Height: 6-1
Weight: 205
Industry Ranking: No. 28 athlete, No. 980 overall
Interesting Facts: First Mississippi prospect to commit to Michigan since Jeremy LeSueur in the late 90s. Also started at running back for Hartfield Academy. Will enroll early at Michigan.

Recruitment

Catchings had a bit of a whirlwind of a recruiting process. He gave Liberty an early verbal commitment before make a visit to Michigan this summer, where he earned an offer on the spot. Michigan explored other options at the position in the fall, which led to a flip to South Florida. Once the Wolverines pushed for a flip of their own, they won him over in November. Michigan linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary led the way in his recruitment.

He Said It

“When I went out there, I had a great time. I came home and sat down with my parents. We finalized things and felt Michigan was the right place. I know Michigan is going to be a challenge, especially coming from Mississippi. It’s going to be really cold (laughs). But I love the way they develop their players. I also like that the freshmen have really stepped up. They see me like the linebacker they have (Jaishawn Barham) since he’s so versatile. Really, all their linebackers are versatile. They can blitz and cover. They see me as a guy that can do it all at the linebacker position.”

Scouting Report

“I’d put Catchings behind both Reeder and Markel Dabney. I think the latter two are hovering in that high three-star range, while Catchings seems like more of a mid or low three-star. There is a lot to like about his athleticism. He shows that while playing running back on tape. However, he’s a guy who will probably have to sit and wait for multiple years. Catchings best projects as a WILL in Michigan’s defensive scheme. Again, he’s athletic and can run. He should have no issue playing in space, either, once he’s coached up. A lot will simply depend on linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary and how well he can develop him. Catchings reminds me a bit of former Michigan linebacker Deuce Spurlock, who eventually transferred out and ironically landed at Liberty, where Catchings was originally committed.” — The Wolverine’s EJ Holland