Pickerington High School Central senior defensive back Tamani Carter became the first verbal commitment for new Michigan football coach Brady Hoke on Jan. 20.

Carter had previously verballed to Minnesota. On Jan. 9, Carter spoke to GopherHole.com about why he chose Minnesota, who hired Jerry Kill from Northern Illinois as its new coach on Dec. 6.

"Just the level of football, Big Ten football," Carter said. "They have the new coaching staff, which means it is going to be a stable coaching staff. Definitely, with the coaching staff and where they've been in the post and the teams that they have been coaching, it just felt like it was the best fit for me."

Two days after Carter spoke with GopherHole.com, Hoke was hired at Michigan to replace Rich Rodriguez, who went 15-22 in three seasons. Carter told Scout.com that Rodriguez's staff did talk to him about coming to Michigan, but the new staff actually offered Carter a scholarship.

Carter, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back, was a first-team all-district and all-OCC-Ohio selection and playmaker on both sides of the ball. On defense, Carter had 43 tackles, six pass break ups, one fumble recovery and returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns. Offensively, Carter was Central's leading receiver with 21 catches for 352 yards and a touchdown. Central finished 11-1 after losing to Hilliard Davidson 13-6 in a Division I, Region 3 final. The Tigers also won their fifth consecutive OCC title and outscored opponents 435-60.

"Tamani had a very special season," said Central coach Jay Sharrett to ThisWeek last fall. "When we needed a pivotal play, he was always there for us. Whether we needed a big reception, interception or fumble recovery. Tamani was the guy who made plays that won games for us."

In addition, DeSales tight end and defensive end Chris Rock has verbally committed to Michigan.