Markel Dabney, a three-star linebacker from Huguenot High School in Richmond, VA, officially flipped his commitment from SMU to Michigan on June 27, 2025 . Standing at 6′1″ and listed around 205–210 lbs, he represents the Wolverines’ 16th commit in the 2026 class and the first linebacker pledge so far .
Dabney received his Michigan offer in early February, visited soon after, but initially committed to SMU during Michigan’s contact ban . Once the ban lifted, Michigan’s linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary intensified communication, discussing position techniques like block reads, coverage drops, and overall defensive schemes. Dabney cited these conversations as instrumental in swaying his decision .
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Versatility & Skill Set
Primarily recruited as a linebacker, Dabney offers notable versatility—playing roles at safety and nickel, and even moonlighting at running back and wide receiver. In fact, he posted over 1,000 receiving yards during his junior season, highlighting his athletic adaptability . Despite being underrated in recruiting rankings (No. 68 linebacker, No. 807 nationally, No. 16 in VA; three-star per Composite) , evaluators see upside in his raw athletic traits.
EJ Holland from On3 notes that Dabney’s frame may be a little heavier than listed (closer to 215–220 lbs), and praises his “great build,” athleticism, speed, and comfort in space—though he acknowledges Dabney is still a bit “raw” .
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Fit in Michigan’s Defense
Michigan values versatile defenders who can handle multiple roles in their linebacker corps. Dabney’s ability to play off-ball, drop into coverage, and transition from LB to secondary packages fits well in the Wolverines’ evolving defensive scheme . His prior experience in coverage and return skills at receiver suggest he projects as a coverage linebacker or nickel-type implementation rather than traditional thumper.
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Outlook & Upside
While Dabney isn’t the flashiest or highest-ranked linebacker in his class, he brings traits Michigan covets: length, instincts, and positional flexibility. At 6’1″ with a sturdy, athletic build, he offers developmental potential, especially under a coaching staff known for maximizing linebackers’ strengths. His recruiting trajectory also underlines Michigan’s ability to win flip battles against programs like SMU for versatile, high-upside players .
Long-term, expect Dabney to compete on special teams early, earn situational linebacker snaps, and continue adding weight and technique. If he refines his play-reading and physicality, he could be a valuable chess piece in Michigan’s defensive rotation down the line.
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In short, Markel Dabney is a smart Michigan-style fit: versatile, athletic, and coachable. He may not headline the 2026 recruiting class yet, but with development, he could become a key rotational defender—and a solid representation of Michigan’s recruiting strategy.