A.J. Henning had taken official recruiting visits to Notre Dame, Georgia and Penn State.

He was impressed with each one.

However, the Lincoln-Way East running back’s visit Saturday to Michigan was a deal-maker.

“People who have gone through the recruiting process told me that I would get that feeling and know which school would be the right fit,” Henning said. “On Saturday, I had that feeling I never had before. Michigan is the place for me.”

Henning had 33 FBS offers to choose from.

On Wednesday, the 5-foot-10, 183-pound senior made it official with a 2:05 Twitter video saying, “Home is the University of Michigan. I’m coming home.”

Henning is listed as the state’s top-ranked recruit in the class of 2020 and the No. 80 national prospect in 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Henning had taken three unofficial visits to Michigan before Saturday.

“The difference was that I got a chance to hang out with the players, see the campus and get a flow of what it would be like to be a student-athlete at Michigan,” he said. “Michigan checked all the boxes socially, academically and as a student-athlete. It was really special.”

What was it about Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, the former Chicago Bears quarterback, that appealed to Henning?

“He expects the best out of his players,” Henning said. “He’s always there for his players. He has an open door policy. I felt really comfortable with him.”

Henning has never attended a football game at Michigan. He did watch the Wolverines play at Notre Dame last fall.

“I was able to walk into the (Michigan) stadium (Saturday) and was blown away,” he said. “I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like filled up with 110,000 fans.”

Michigan fans have been quick to point out the similarities between Henning and former Wolverine great Desmond Howard, a 5-10, 188-pound receiver and return specialist who won the Heisman Trophy in 1991.

Henning likely will shift between receiver and running back in college, and likely will see time on special teams.

“That comparison is something I hold special to me,” Henning said.

“His number (21) is retired and he’s in the school’s hall of fame. To be compared to him is an honor.”

Henning burst onto the scene as a sophomore, helping the Griffins to the Class 8A state championship. He rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns during a 23-14 win over Loyola.

Henning’s junior season was marred by injuries. He had hip surgery before the season and missed the first five games. He finished with 204 yards rushing and 271 yards receiving as the Griffins lost to Loyola in the 7A state semifinals.

Henning, however, looked at full strength during the track season. He finished fourth in Class 3A in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.73 seconds.

“Track season gave me a lot of confidence,” Henning said. “I’m back in stride.”

Illinois fans were hoping Henning would follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Quinn Richardson, who starred on the basketball court under Lou Henson after an all-state career at Eisenhower.

Henning’s sister, Destiny, is a junior at Illinois.

“My grandfather is excited for me and is happy I’m staying in the Big Ten,” Henning said. “Illinois is a great academic school. But the rest of the boxes I was looking to check weren’t there.”