Another Michigan native from NW could be coming home.
Former Northwestern Wildcat defensive back Rod Heard received an offer to play for the Michigan Wolverines , he announced on social media on Friday afternoon.
Blessed to receive an offer from Michigan pic.twitter.com/ab9XuXqxPq
— Rod Heard (@rod_heard) December 29, 2023
Heard also received an offer to play at Michigan State.
A native of Farmington, Hills, Heard was a three-star prospect in the 2019 class. He was ranked No. 912 overall and No. 22 in the state of Michigan, according to 247Sports’ composite. Before committing to Northwestern, he held other offers from Michigan, Indiana, Purdue, Syracuse and others.
At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Heard is a slot cornerback all the way. He played the majority of his snaps at the nickel the last two seasons at Northwestern. And with Mike Sainristil out of eligibility following the season, Michigan will be in need of some depth, or even a possible starter, at the position. Ja’Den McBurrows has flashed at times in the slot this year, but he has been injury prone and doesn’t have much experience.
Heard would be a great addition, especially after slot corner Upton Stout — who was once Crystal Balled to Michigan — decided to stay at Western Kentucky.
Heard has played 46 games in Evanston, compiling 182 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions, five forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. This past season, he racked up 73 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, five pass breakups, one interception and two forced fumbles.
Heard will be a grad student wherever he goes, with one year of eligibility left.