Kyle Kalis now headed to Michigan

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Ohio State has lost its top 2012 football recruit to Michigan, as offensive tackle Kyle Kalis switched his commitment to the Wolverines last weekend.

Kalis, of St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, is listed at 6-foot-5 and 306 pounds and is considered one of the nation's top offensive line recruits. He's ranked 140th overall and 20th at his position in the ESPNU 150.

The only member of Ohio State's 2012 recruiting class ranked in the ESPNU 150, Kalis decommitted in June.

"I can't go there (Ohio State) and take penalties for something I never did," Kalis told ESPN.com on Monday. "Ohio State is a great program. I'm just not sure how long it will take them to recover. I want a solid, grounded coaching staff with a safe environment. Where there aren't such tough questions."

Kalis said although he is an Ohio State fan and has had "constant stress and anxiety" from the community about his decision, it's the best choice for him.

“

I believe the Michigan-Ohio border is now open. I think you're going to see eight or nine guys from the state of Ohio going over to Michigan this year.

” -- Michigan recruit Kyle Kalis

"When I de-committed to (Ohio State coach) Luke Fickell I called him and told him and he understood where I'm coming from," Kalis said. "With the turmoil and uncertainty I just couldn't."

Kalis said he visited Michigan last weekend and called coach Brady Hoke from the "M" logo at the middle of the field at Michigan Stadium to inform him he was coming to Ann Arbor.

"He is the type of guy I want to play for," Kalis said. "(Hoke) has an incredible amount of passion. I believe the Michigan-Ohio border is now open. I think you're going to see eight or nine guys from the state of Ohio going over to Michigan this year."

Kalis nearly ended his commitment to Ohio State in late May, after Jim Tressel resigned, before a conversation with Fickell changed his mind.

Joe Schad is a college football reporter for ESPN.

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Joe Schad

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• College football reporter for ESPN
• Sideline reporter for ESPN Radio coverage