The Michigan Wolverines football team has bolstered its roster for the 2025 season with the addition of Lawrence Hattar, marking their tenth transfer portal commitment. Hattar, who hails from Livonia, Michigan, is set to join the Wolverines after excelling at Ferris State, where he garnered the title of Division-II All-American.
On January 5, 2025, Hattar announced his commitment to Michigan, following his entry to the transfer portal on December 21, 2024. During his time at Ferris State, he played all 15 games and became instrumental in their impressive offensive performance. Under his watch, the Bulldogs averaged 45.0 points and accumulated over 491 total yards per game, leading to a national championship victory.
“Michigan has landed another transfer portal commitment, as Ferris State standout, Division-II All-American Lawrence Hattar, has pledged to the Wolverines,” reported Zach Shaw, highlighting the Wolverines’ success on the recruiting front.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 335 pounds, Hattar brings valuable size and versatility to the offensive line, where he can play both on the interior and at tackle. This capability is particularly significant as Michigan looks to fill gaps following the loss of key starters to the NFL, including Josh Priebe and Myles Hinton. Hattar joins fellow transfer Brady Norton from Cal Poly as the second offensive line recruit this season.
Hattar's addition is timely, especially after Michigan's offensive line faced challenges throughout the 2024 season amid departures of veteran players. The formidable unit, which had previously earned the Joe Moore Award for being the best offensive line for two consecutive years, struggled to maintain its dominance last season. This decline highlights the necessity for Michigan to re-strengthen their offensive front for the upcoming season.
He wasn’t the most prominent name entering the portal, but his performances caught the attention of Michigan’s coaching staff. Before his commitment, schools like Wisconsin and Pittsburgh showed interest, making Hattar’s decision to join the Wolverines all the more significant for the maize and blue community.
“His play helped Ferris State have an incredible season on offense, as they averaged 45.0 points, 491.5 total yards, 227.7 passing yards and 263.8 rushing yards per game,” said Trevor McCue, emphasizing Hattar's role in their title-winning team. His accolades also include being named to the AFCA Division II Coaches All-America First Team.
Overall, the Wolverines’ proactive approach to filling out their roster is evident with nine incoming transfers, which include players across multiple positions. Alongside Hattar, receiver Donaven McCulley, defensive backs Tevis and TJ Metcalf, and defensive tackles Damon Payne and Tré Williams are among the new faces expected to contribute to Michigan's effort to return to championship contention.
The competition within Michigan’s offensive line will likely intensify as spring training approaches, with Hattar aiming to secure significant playing time. Nonetheless, his experience and proven abilities should provide much-needed support and depth to the unit, which will be under scrutiny as they prepare for the 2025 season.
This strategic recruiting burst not only demonstrates Michigan’s commitment to improving their performance but also reflects their adaptability to the ever-changing dynamics of college football, especially after recent challenges on the field. The Wolverines are clearly intent on making the necessary changes to maintain their competitive edge and return to the glory they had previously achieved.