Michigan's new NFL-honed coach targets Philly's "positionless" linebacker gem, Brandon Lockley, as a cornerstone for their championship defense.
The streets of North Philly are a long way from the Super Bowl sidelines in Kansas City or the mountainous landscape of Salt Lake City, but for new Michigan linebackers coach Alex Whittingham, the mission remains the same: find elite talent and build a championship defense.
Just weeks after being officially named to the staff under his father, new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, Alex Whittingham has hit the recruiting trail with a clear target in sight. This week, that trail led him directly to the powerhouse program of St. Joseph’s Prep, home to 2027 four-star linebacker Brandon Lockley.
A New Era in Ann Arbor#
The hiring of Alex Whittingham was a definitive "pro-style" move for the Wolverines. Coming off an eight-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served as an assistant defensive line coach and worked closely with defensive mastermind Steve Spagnuolo, Whittingham brings three Super Bowl rings and a wealth of NFL developmental knowledge to Ann Arbor.
His arrival signals a shift in Michigan's defensive philosophy—one that prioritizes versatility, high football IQ, and the "modern linebacker" archetype. It is exactly that archetype that brings him to the doorstep of Brandon Lockley.
The Target: Brandon Lockley#
Lockley, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound thumper, is currently ranked as the No. 13 linebacker in the nation and the No. 8 overall prospect in Pennsylvania for the 2027 class. At St. Joseph’s Prep—a school famous for churning out NFL talent like D’Andre Swift and Marvin Harrison Jr.—Lockley has emerged as the next great defensive anchor.
What makes Lockley so enticing to Whittingham is his "positionless" capability. While he has the frame to play a traditional "Mike" linebacker role, he possesses the lateral quickness and coverage instincts of a safety. In the pass-heavy Big Ten of 2026, a linebacker who can stay on the field for all three downs is a non-negotiable requirement.
Building the Bond#
The visit to Philadelphia is more than just a scouting trip; it’s a statement of intent. Since being re-offered by the new Michigan staff on January 15, Lockley has reportedly "hit it off" with Whittingham. The appeal for Lockley is obvious: a coach who has spent nearly a decade coaching the likes of Nick Bolton and Chris Jones in the NFL.
Michigan faces stiff competition, however. Lockley holds offers from Penn State, Alabama, and Georgia Tech, and recently took visits to Nebraska and Pittsburgh. But with the Whittingham era in its infancy, the Wolverines are looking to plant a flag in the fertile recruiting grounds of the Northeast early.
Looking Ahead#
As the winter contact period continues, the momentum between Ann Arbor and Philadelphia seems to be growing. Lockley is expected to make a return visit to Michigan’s campus later this spring to see the new-look "Whittingham Defense" in action during spring practices. If the Wolverines and staff can continue to wow Lockley, there may be a good chance we see him in the maize and blue next fall.
If Alex Whittingham can leverage his NFL pedigree to land a cornerstone like Lockley, it would be a massive first win for a staff looking to prove that the Michigan standard isn't just being maintained—it's being elevated.