TLDR: Elijah Dotson, Michigan’s second-ranked high school recruit, has joined the Michigan Wolverines football team. Dotson celebrated his commitment at a ceremony at Belleville High School, expressing gratitude to his family and teammates. Originally committed to Pittsburgh, Dotson switched to Michigan after Ivan Taylor decommitted. As Michigan’s secondary faces turnover with departures and injuries, Dotson is one of five defensive backs in the 2025 recruiting class. His skills as a safety and his athletic prowess in track highlight his potential vital role for the Wolverines. Dotson’s signing is a key addition to Michigan’s highly ranked recruiting class, enhancing their future defensive lineup alongside fellow recruit and top prospect Bryce Underwood.

Elijah Dotson has officially committed to playing for the University of Michigan football team, having celebrated his signing on Wednesday at Belleville High School. Known for his exceptional performance on the field, Dotson is highly ranked as the state’s number two recruit. During the event, Dotson showed gratitude towards his family, God, and his teammates, stating that the bonds formed at Belleville helped elevate his game. Having originally pledged to the University of Pittsburgh, Dotson’s decision to flip to Michigan came in the wake of Ivan Taylor’s decommitment and subsequent choice to join Alabama instead.

Dotson will be an important addition to the Wolverines as they look to refresh their secondary lineup following the departures of key players. Safeties Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson have completed their eligibility, while another player, Rod Moore, has yet to play due to an injury he sustained last spring. With these changes, the Wolverines are actively strengthening their defensive back lineup, where Dotson’s talents fit right in.

As part of Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, Dotson joins four other defensive backs, forming a highly rated group for the future. Notably, this class has been recognized for its quality, ranking in the top 10 nationwide by 247 Sports’ composite rankings. Dotson is not only highlighted for his football prowess but also for his achievements in track, adding versatility and speed to his potential contributions on the field.

The 2025 defensive back recruits include Shamari Earls from Virginia and Jayden Sanders from Texas, both of whom are expected to serve as cornerbacks. Alongside Dotson, Kainoa Watson from Washington and Jordan Young from North Carolina round out a promising core of safeties. This collective enhances the Wolverines’ defensive strategy with a mix of skill sets and regional diversity.

Ranked as the number 13 safety and an overall top-200 player, Dotson is seen as a valuable asset who brings size, skill, and tenacity—key attributes for impact players. Fully committed to the Wolverines, Dotson’s future in Ann Arbor is bright, notably with the added bonus of playing alongside Bryce Underwood, the nation’s leading prospect. Their partnership will undoubtedly add depth to Michigan’s already talented roster.