With video: Michigan football picks up commitment from Ohio's No.1 tailback, Deveon Smith

More importantly, Michigan continues to attack Ohio, a stronghold for football recruiting that typically sways the Buckeyes' way. However, coach Brady Hoke has implemented a philosophy of starting early and casting a wide net in recruiting, and it has paid off in his native state.

Smith is Ohio's No. 3 overall player, according to Scout. That means the Wolverines now have secured commitments from two of that state's top-three overall players, joining No. 2 Dymonte Thomas, a safety.

Michigan has pledges from six of the state's 20 best recruits, and seven overall. Its class features Ohio's No. 1 player at safety (Thomas), tailback (Smith) and tight end (Jake Butt), as well as the No. 2 linebacker (Mike McCray).

Smith is a gem, and he comes at a position of need for the Wolverines, who had not picked up a prototypical power back to run in offensive coordinator Al Borges' West Coast system.

He stands 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, and is a four-star player for Warren Howland High School.

Smith is the second tailback to commit to Michigan for 2013, joining Detroit Catholic Central's Wyatt Shallman. However, Shallman projects as more of a fullback.

The Wolverine reports Smith had offers from Ohio State, West Virginia, Indiana and Bowling Green. Scout reports he also had an offer from Purdue.