Commitment to Michigan

On December 17, 2010, Countess announced his oral commitment to attend the University of Michigan

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...

. He noted that, after visiting Ann Arbor, he "fell in love with Ann Arbor, the coaches, the school, the football legacy, the Big House, and it's just where I felt at home." He was regarded as the top prospect in Michigan's 2011 recruiting class. ESPN.com

ESPN.com

ESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...

 called him "a natural cover guy with good size and speed," and noted that he has "all the tools to be an outstanding player in college." Three weeks after Countess committed to Michigan, the school's head coach Rich Rodriguez

Rich Rodriguez

Richard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...

 was fired. After the firing, Countess' high school coach noted that the move was unlikely to effect Countess' commitment. He noted that Countess was aware of rumors about Rodriguez being fired before giving his commitment and noted, "He said he picked Michigan because of the school." He signed his letter of intent with Michigan in February 2011.

2011 season

Countess saw his first substantial playing time for the 2011 Michigan Wolverines football team

2011 Michigan Wolverines football team

The 2011 Michigan Wolverines football team represents the University of Michigan during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wolverines play in the Legends Division of the Big Ten Conference and play their home games at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which hosted its first...

 in the fourth quarter of a 28-7 victory over San Diego State on September 24, 2011. In less than one quarter, Countess accumulated seven tackles and broke up a pass in the endzone from Ryan Lindley

Ryan Lindley

Ryan Lindley is an American football quarterback for the San Diego State Aztecs. He is considered one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.-Early years:...

. After the game, Michigan lineman Ryan Van Bergen

Ryan Van Bergen

-College:Made one start as a redshirt freshman for the 2008 Wolverines on October 11 against . Following the 2008 season, Michigan had to replace three starting senior co-captain defensive linemen: Terrance Taylor, Tim Jamison and Will Johnson....

 noted that Countess has "a swagger about him." The following week, Countess again drew praise for forcing a fumble and leading the team in tackles in a 58-0 win over Minnesota

2011 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team

The 2011 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represent the University of Minnesota for the 2011 college football season. The Golden Gophers are members of the Big Ten Conference and play their home games at TCF Bank Stadium...

. He received the Next Level Player of the Week award from Matt Bracken of The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun is the U.S. state of Maryland’s largest general circulation daily newspaper and provides coverage of local and regional news, events, issues, people, and industries....

.