Top TE Recruit Anthony Cartwright Plans Michigan Visit

Wolverines Recruiting Update Highlights Resurgence Under New Coaching Staff

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:21am

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A cubist-inspired painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, maize yellow, and crimson red, conceptually representing the competitive landscape of college football recruiting.Michigan's recruiting resurgence under a new coaching staff has the Wolverines in the mix for several top 2027 prospects, including a highly-touted tight end and a versatile defensive back.Muskegon Today

Michigan's new coaching staff is making waves in the college football recruiting world, with top 2027 tight end prospect Anthony Cartwright confirming plans for an official visit to Ann Arbor. Cartwright, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound four-star recruit from Detroit Country Day, has already visited Michigan multiple times and views the program as a top priority. The Wolverines are also hosting several other high-profile recruits, including 2027 four-star safety Isala Wily-Ava and four-star edge rusher Recarder Kitchen, who remains committed despite coaching changes.

Why it matters

Michigan's renewed focus on securing in-state talent and building relationships with top prospects could be a game-changer for the program. As the Wolverines look to reestablish themselves as a national powerhouse, landing commitments from elite recruits like Cartwright, Wily-Ava, and Kitchen would be a significant step forward. The competition for these prospects will be fierce, but Michigan's tradition and the new coaching staff's personalized approach could give them an edge.

The details

Cartwright, a four-star tight end, has already visited Michigan multiple times and plans to return in the spring for an official visit. During his recent trip, he connected with tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham and was impressed with the Wolverines' offense and how it could showcase his skills. Meanwhile, four-star safety Isala Wily-Ava from California and four-star edge rusher Recarder Kitchen from Muskegon, Michigan, are also expected to attend Michigan's spring game on April 18th. Kitchen, who committed to Michigan before the coaching changes, remains loyal to the program's tradition and is building relationships with the new staff.

  • Cartwright plans to schedule an official visit to Michigan this spring.
  • Wily-Ava will attend Michigan's spring game on April 18th.
  • Kitchen plans to visit Ann Arbor frequently this offseason to observe practices and the coaching dynamics.

The players

Anthony Cartwright

A 6-foot-5, 235-pound four-star tight end from Detroit Country Day High School, who has confirmed plans to visit Michigan.

Isala Wily-Ava

A 2027 four-star safety from St. John Bosco High School in California, who will attend Michigan's spring game on April 18th.

Recarder Kitchen

A four-star edge rusher from Muskegon, Michigan, who committed to Michigan before the coaching changes and remains loyal to the program's tradition.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely still one of my top priority schools.”

— Anthony Cartwright, Tight End Prospect

“Their offense allows me to showcase everything that I have.”

— Anthony Cartwright, Tight End Prospect

“I've never been, so I'm really excited.”

— Isala Wily-Ava, 2027 Four-Star Safety

“They told me they love the way I play and want to move me around and play multiple positions.”

— Isala Wily-Ava, 2027 Four-Star Safety

“I wasn't going there for no coaches at all. I was going there for the tradition and just Michigan.”

— Recarder Kitchen, Four-Star Edge Rusher

What’s next

Cartwright plans to return to Michigan for an official visit this spring, while Wily-Ava and Kitchen will attend the Wolverines' spring game on April 18th. The competition for these top prospects will be fierce, but Michigan's focus on in-state talent and the new coaching staff's personalized approach could give them an edge.

The takeaway

Michigan's renewed recruiting efforts under their new coaching staff have generated significant buzz in the college football world. The Wolverines' ability to secure commitments from elite in-state talent like Cartwright, Wily-Ava, and Kitchen could be a crucial step in their quest to reestablish themselves as a national powerhouse. The competition for these top prospects will be intense, but Michigan's tradition and the new staff's personalized approach could give them a competitive advantage.