Michigan Wolverines

Former OSU commit Kareem Walker gives pledge to Michigan

Published Dec. 17, 2015 3:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

Michigan football gained a big name Thursday with the verbal commitment of Kareem Walker, a four-star running back from DePaul Catholic High School in New Jersey.

Walker made his decision known during a press conference at his high school and cited the head coach of the Wolverines among the factors.

Via 24/7 Sports:

Walker initially committed to Ohio State in January during the national championship game, but he backed off that pledge in the fall after visiting Michigan.

Rivals and 24/7 both rate Walker the No. 1 running back in the nation while Scout has him No. 2.

He named Florida State as a second choice this time around, and his decision to be a Wolverine instead moved Michigan up to 24/7's No. 2 class in the country -- one spot behind Ohio State.

"I feel like Jim Harbaugh is building something special at Michigan," Walker said on Thursday. "Not only that, but I'll get a great degree from a great college. It was not an easy decision though. I was up until 1:30 this morning talking with my coaches and stuff. I had to get some sleep though because I had a test this morning and had to focus (laughing)."