Some Michigan football recruits talk about their life-long goal of running out of the Michigan Stadium tunnel and tapping the banner at midfield.

Until quite recently, Ben Braden would have been more interested in suiting up for hockey coach Red Berenson at Yost Ice Arena.

In a Grand Rapids Press profile of Braden, the 6-foot-7, 295-pound offensive lineman who verbally committed to play at Michigan on Thursday, said he didn't start playing football until his sophomore year at Rockford High School.

"I was a hockey player most of my life, and I just decided it was time to change paths," Braden told the newspaper. "I never thought this would happen when I did that."

Braden, who was a part-time starter on the defensive line his sophomore season, switched to the offensive side of the ball last fall. He started at right tackle and helped the Rams to an 11-2 record.

Rockford coach Ralph Munger said the Wolverines are getting a tough football player as their first commitment from the 2012 class.

"He’s a big old boy, he’s very strong and aggressive with excellent feet. He has a dynamite work ethic, he’s very coachable and the right kind of guy off the field," Munger said. "In time, I think he will be a nice match for what they are trying to do. He will be a nice match for the offensive scheme they are implementing."

Find the entire Grand Rapids Press story here.