Inside Michigan Football’s push for a priority 2027 Utah safety

Zach Libby/Maize n Brew

Peyton Higginson was one of the notable 2027 visiting recruits this past weekend for Michigan’s spring game at The Big House. The unique part about his visit was the exhibition ended up being the climax, as it concluded a three-day stay in Ann Arbor.

“I was amazed to see how many fans showed up for a spring game,” Higginson told Maize n Brew. “I was impressed with Salesi Moa — dude can play. Atmosphere was awesome. Honestly our tour guide, Gavin Briggs, was really good. He knew every detail about Michigan and its history so that was cool to learn from him.

“I have been to some really amazing schools with great facilities but Michigan was a standout in that department. That golf simulator and bowling alley was a nice touch, too, but their weight room, position rooms, practice facilities, etc. were amazing. Campus vibe was cool. I was impressed with how big everything was but it still holds that college town small town vibe.”

Higginson’s relationship with Michigan defensive coordinator Jay Hill didn’t miss a beat upon the former’s arrival. The pair had grown to know each other on a personal level when Hill on BYU’s coaching staff.

Assistance for Hill in recruiting Higginson comes by the way of safeties coach Tyler Stockton, who made a big impression on the Salem (Utah) Hills athlete.

“I was really impressed with the safeties they have on the team and I like how they play the game, fast and physical,” Higginson said. “I feel like I could be a great fit in coach Hill’s scheme. I am just now getting to know coach Stockton, but I love his demeanor. He seems calm but really confident in who he is and what he he does and I like that about him. Seems like a great guy who loves his players and demands a lot which is what I like. I look forward to working out with him this spring in Utah.

“Coach Hill has been amazing to me. When he recruited me to BYU, he made a point to invest his time in me. Came to my baseball games, football games, football practice, invited me over to BYU for film study and practice, and has just been amazing. I respect coach Hill a lot, and when he got the Michigan job, he made a point to reach out and schedule a time to come to my home and visit me there with my family so I’m big on coach Hill. I love his defense, too. It’s exactly how I like to play football.”

Higginson will get the opportunity to develop a similar rapport with head coach Kyle Whittingham like the one he has established with Hill on his official visit the weekend of May 29. On the surface, though, Higginson is impressed with Whittingham’s track record of winning.