Dec 17, 2015 01:58 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

A little more than a month after leaving his commitment to Ohio State, Kareem Walker is taking his talents to "that team up north."

According to ESPN, Walker committed to Michigan on Thursday after considering Arizona State, Auburn, and Florida State upon reopening his recruitment. Walker's commitment is the 23rd in Jim Harbaugh's first full recruiting cycle as Michigan's head coach.

Walker ranks 31st overall on the 2016 ESPN 300 and first among all running backs. In his decision to de-commit from Ohio State, Walker indicated his relationship with the football coaching staff "changed," and of his Michigan commitment, he mentioned Harbaugh's immediate influence on the program.

"I felt like it's a great place to play football," Walker told ESPN. "Jim Harbaugh is building something special there. Not only that, but I'll have a great degree leaving college."

As MLive.com noted, Walker is the fourth running back to commit to Michigan in the current class, but the Wolverines were particularly thin at the position this past season. Walker's commitment also came right after ESPN 300 linebacker Devin Smith Jr. joined Harbaugh's recruiting class.

247 Sports rated Walker with a 0.9788 composite rating, first among running backs in his class and among the best 50 prospects overall. While Michigan does not have a five-star "crowning jewel" type of prospect, the current class is teeming with talent in areas of weakness from the past season.

Even still, Michigan remains in the mix for Rashan Gary, a five-star defensive tackle ranked first overall in the nation by both ESPN and 247 Sports.

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