2026 four-star Bear McWhorter has a nastiness and mean streak that Sherrone Moore and company look for along the offensive line. Here’s a film study on what McWhorter will bring to Michigan:
Get excited, Ann Arbor.
The Michigan Wolverines picked up a huge commitment last week from 2026 four-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter. The product of Cass High School in White, Georgia was plucked from SEC country by head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive line coach Grant Newsome.
Named after legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant, the lifelong Crimson Tide fan McWhorter shocked recruiting experts with his decision.
Here’s what Michigan fans can expect from the 6-foot-3.5, 293-pound beast.
Film breakdown
McWhorter’s junior year tape is extremely impressive. He dominates at the point of attack and makes defensive linemen and linebackers — mind you, elite Georgia high school football players — look like children.
He is a complete monster in the run game and routinely drives his defenders 10, even 15 yards back. McWhorter loves to finish his blocks and doesn’t mind playing a little after the whistle. Even when the ball carrier is out of reach, he buries defenders into the dirt.
His only goal? Punishing anyone in his path. This meanness and aggression will fit perfectly in Michigan’s run-heavy identity.
There are dozens of instances of McWhorter creating massive lanes for his running backs, something Michigan must love about him. It does not matter if he is in a man-to-man, zone or pulling scheme, he is going to make his presence felt.
He has a great center of gravity and combines technique with power for (seemingly) easy pancakes.
McWhorter is surprisingly flexible and nimble for someone his size and can get to the second level with ease. He appears almost giddy to engage with smaller defenders. Beyond his physical traits, this demonstrates an eagerness to impose his will and wear down defenses.
One of the best aspects of McWhorter’s game is his hands. He mauls guys with a mean set of claws and consistently shovels players out of his way. These hands are a huge advantage on the line of scrimmage and are a weapon once he gets downfield.
When tasked with double-teaming, McWhorter does not merely create time for his quarterback or running back. He attacks the rusher with superb leverage and always looks to embarrass them. This is another area where his hands stand out.
McWhorter played all over the line for Cass, but he will likely slot in as a guard for the Wolverines. While he can handle himself in one-on-one blocking, the idea of McWhorter as an inside doubler should get the Maize and Blue faithful excited.
There are very few flaws — if any — in his game. A lack of pass protection film may indicate he needs some work there. However, as a coach’s son and excellent athlete with great instincts, this development should not be a problem.
McWhorter on the Michigan coaching staff
Here’s what he had to say about two of the most important figures in his recruitment, via On3 :
“Coach [Grant] Newsome talks to me every day. He is a very personable guy, I can go to him about anything and we have gotten really close.”
“Coach [Sherrone] Moore was a huge factor, too. He is a great head coach who has had a lot of success coaching offensive linemen.”
Even in this NIL-dominated age, it feels like McWhorter chose Michigan because it is a natural fit, he loves the vision from Moore and Newsome, and the program has a storied history with developing players at his position.
“I really like how they develop offensive linemen, the culture is great and I really want to be a part of it,” McWhorter said.
In the coming years, Michigan will boast an offensive line group including Ty Haywood , Andrew Babalola , Avery Gach and Kaden Strayhorn . Perhaps it won’t be long before the program adds to its Joe Moore Award collection.
You can check out all of McWhorter’s 2024 pancakes and pile drives here: