For my latest 2017 Michigan football recruiting class prediction, I have made several changes from the April BGRC. That includes multiple players moving from looking like a possible addition to the class to likely additions as well as a couple news names and one reach at linebacker.

As for how I put together the numbers, here you go:

• Class size: According to Sam Webb, the class is projected to be between 28-32 recruits after all of the expected attrition and graduates ($). I went with 30 in this prediction.
• The positions that have the biggest hauls include offensive line (6), the defensive backfield (6) and defensive line (5).
• As for possible attrition from the class, decommitments are always likely with this much time remaining before NSD but it’s unknown exactly where they could come from.

With that, check out my latest 2017 Best Guess Recruiting Class:

Chances Key

• Excellent – Top Team
• Very Good – Top Three
• Good – Top Five
• Fair – Puncher’s Chance
• Poor – Likely Not Happening

1. QB: Dylan McCaffrey, 6’5″ 205lbs. Littleton, CO (Valor)

The five star and #1 overall quarterback in the class is well known for his family (son of former NFL receiver Ed and brother of Stanford star running back Christian) but looks likely to make a big name for himself at the college level. He not only comes from a family full of elite athletes but he may be the best of the bunch. His size, athleticism, mechanics and pocket presence mixed with the tutelage of Jim Harbaugh gives him a chance to be a star in the Maize and Blue.

• Commitment Date: 2/16/16
• Story
• First on List: March 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #39 overall) – Rivals (4*, #39 overall) – 247 (5*, #19 overall) – ESPN (4*, #19 overall)

2. RB: Kurt Taylor, 5’9” 205lbs. Covington, GA (Newton) 

The three star is a tough, stout, quicker than fast running back that loves contact. When you look at how built he is for a high school student (or anyone for that matter), you can see why he has no problem looking for defenders. Though he can also beat the defense with a quick first step, he has similar running style to former Wolverine, Mike Hart. But he’s also a name to watch until the finish line as other programs look to be ramping up the pressure.

• Commitment Date: 10/16/15
• Story
• First on List: August 2015
• Rankings: Scout (3*, #45 RB) – Rivals (3*, #26 RB) – 247Sports (3*, #49 RB) – ESPN (3*)
• Other Options: Najee Harris, Stephen Carr, Sione Lund, Chase Hayden, CJ Cotman 

3. RB: AJ Dillon, 6’1” 239lbs. Groton, MA (Lawrence Academy) 

The four star back is the prototypical Jim Harbaugh recruit. He’s a very smart player both on and off the field, plays and excels at multiple positions and happens to do so with a hard nosed mentality. And that is what jumps off the screen on his highlight tape. At Michigan, he could be a workhorse similar to DeVeon Smith.

• Commitment Date: 3/28/16
• Story
• First on List: February 2016
• Rankings: Scout (3*, #41 RB) – Rivals (4*, #16 RB) – 247Sports (4*, #24 RB) –ESPN (3*, #34 RB)
• Other Options: Najee Harris, Stephen Carr, Sione Lund, Chase Hayden, CJ Cotman 

4. RB: O’Maury Samuels, 5’10” 190lbs. Los Lunas, NM (Los Lunas) 

The three star back (but rising) is one of the best athletes in the entire class. He proved his all around athleticism at The Opening Regional camp at JerryWorld, posting a 138.30 rating (which is the best in the class so far) against some of the top players in the nation. That speed, strength, agility and physical build is what the staff wants and needs out of another running back in the 2017 class as he’s the true home run threat the depth chart needs. If he takes to the coaching, he could be a star for the Wolverines.

• Commitment Date: 4/4/16
• Story
• First on List: Now
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #23 RB) – Rivals (4*) – 247Sports (4*, #266 overall) – ESPN (4*, #222 overall)
• Other Options: Najee Harris, Stephen Carr, Sione Lund, Chase Hayden, CJ Cotman 

5. FB: Chase Lasater, 6’2” 235lbs. Jacksonville, FL (Trinity Christian)

The unranked Floridian is the first full back commit of the Harbaugh era and looks to be a perfect fit in UM’s pro-style, ground and pound offense. He is a physical, hard nosed, athletic player that plays both fullback and linebacker for his high school but is expected to be used primarily on offense in the Maize and Blue.

• Commitment Date: 4/1/16
• Story
• First on List: Now
• Rankings: Scout (2*) – Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #1 FB) – ESPN (NR)

6. WR: Donovan Peoples-Jones, 6’2″ 175lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

Peoples-Jones is the top player on the board and #1 player in the state. Thanks for his many connections to the University (father graduated from UM medical school, plenty of Cass Tech talent on the roster, etc), his fit in the pro-style air attack, and him wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps as a surgeon, Michigan looks to be in great shape. Florida, Alabama and Ohio State are top threats but I like where UM stands after his recent visit to campus.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• First on List: March 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #30 overall – Rivals (5*, #13 overall) – 247 (5*, #6 overall) – ESPN (4*, #12 overall)
• Crystal Ball: Yes
• Other Options: Tarik Black, Tee Higgins, Joseph Lewis, Kenedy Snell

7. WR: Nico Collins, 6’5” 200lbs. Pinson, AL (Clay-Chalkville)

Collins is another big, physical receiver that the staff looks to be near the top of the staff’s wish list. And they showed that during his recent unofficial visit to campus. He spoke with SEC Country’s Chris Kirschner about how Michigan is his leader after his first visit to Ann Arbor thanks to how the staff cares about their players. He also mentioned how he wants to play in a pro-style offense which is another point for UM as Alabama looks to be moving a little more towards a pro/spread mix with their 2017 QB commit. Add in his family ties to Detroit and his return visit planned for mid-June, and I believe Michigan is in better shape than most believe.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• First on List: November 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #118 overall) – Rivals (4*, #35 overall) – 247 (4*, #79 overall) – ESPN (4*, #151 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Tarik Black, Tee Higgins, Joseph Lewis, Kenedy Snell

8. TE: Matt Dotson, 6’5” 235lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Moeller) 

Dotson visited Michigan last month and quickly jumped to the top of staff’s tight end board. And it’s coming at the right time as he’s planning on announcing his commitment at The Opening in July. He looked to be favoring MSU before he took his trip to Penn State, but now predictions are flowing for the Nittany Lions. If he’s still able to make a last trip Ann Arbor, UM should have a shot before he decides. But either way, committed to another school or not, I believe Michigan should remain in the hunt up until he signs his LOI.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• First on List: April 2016
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #285 overall) – Rivals (4*, #9 TE) – 247 (4*, #9 TE) – ESPN (3*, #12 TE)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Major Tennison, Jimmy Jaggers, Jake Ferguson, Josh Falo

9. TE: Carter Dunaway, 6’6” 225lbs. Bloomfield Hills, MI (Brother Rice)

The three star is a legacy recruit as his father Craig played for Bo from 1980-82 and his brother Jack will be joining Michigan this summer as a preferred walk-on. Add in his lifelong affinity for the Maize and Blue, and this was a quick and easy decision that only took two weeks after landing his offer. He’s a player that still has room to grow and should take to becoming more of a viable option during his senior season.

• Commitment Date: 4/18/15
• Story
• First on List: April 2015
• Rankings: Scout (2*) – Rivals (3*) – 247 (3*, #56 TE) – ESPN (3*, #14 TE)

10. OT: JaRaymond Hall, 6’5″ 255lbs. Oak Park, MI (Oak Park)

While the four star was not the most offered recruit in the state (at the time of his UM offer), he is a player that was expected to blow up on the scene throughout his recruitment. Though I don’t believe it would change his decision to Michigan as he’s looked like a near lock to end up in the Maize and Blue since the day they offered. Add in how high the staff is on him and something big would have to happen for him not to sign with the Wolverines on NSD.

• Commitment Date: 12/5/16
• Story
• First on List: March 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #205 Overall) – Rivals (3*, #52 OT) – 247 (4*, #27 OT) – ESPN (4*, #161 Overall)

11. OT: Isaiah Wilson, 6’7” 322lbs. Brooklyn, NY (Poly Prep) 

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• First on List: August 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #65 overall) – Rivals (5*, #5 overall) – 247 (5*, #20 overall) – ESPN (5*, #2 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Alijah Vera-Tucker, Toryque Bateman, Aaron Banks, Kai-Leon Herbert, Alex Leatherwood, Trey Smith, Obinna Eze 

12. OT: Henry Bainivalu, 6’6” 302lbs. Sammamish, WA (Skyline) 

The Michigan staff is looking to bring in a good amount of tackles in this class thanks to the lack of depth behind the 2016 graduating class. With Hall on board already and Wilson looking very good, the next best option on the board is tough to say. Vera-Tucker, Herbert, Bateman, Leatherwood and Banks look like good options but Bainivalu may be the best fit and one of the staff’s top targets. Washington is a top candidate but him paying his way to take an unofficial visit across the country is a good sign for UM. If the staff keeps pushing for him and gets him on campus again, they could pull him away from the in-state Huskies.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• First on List: Now
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #117 overall) – Rivals (4*, #208 overall) – 247 (4*, #124 overall) – ESPN (4*, #154 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Alijah Vera-Tucker, Toryque Bateman, Aaron Banks, Kai-Leon Herbert, Alex Leatherwood, Trey Smith, Obinna Eze 

13. OL: Tedarrell Slaton, 6’5” 325lbs. Ft Lauderdale, FL (American Heritage) 

The five star lineman is an elite level player that named Michigan his leader multiple times over the past year. However, in a recent interview with Fightin’ Gators’ Jacquie Franciulli he said that Clemson is now his leader ($). In the world of recruiting, things are very fluid. While the Tigers may be the leaders at the moment, Michigan has been the most consistent team throughout. Both Slaton and teammate Kai-Leon Herbert are expected to attend the Big Man camp in Ann Arbor on June 18th. Add that along with a likely official visit in fall and the Wolverines will have as good of a chance as anyone to sign the versatile big man.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• First on List: August 2015
• Rankings: Scout (5*, #6 overall) – Rivals (4*, #47 overall) – 247 (5*, #30 overall) – ESPN (4*, #27 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Jordan Reid, Trey Smith, Alex Leatherwood, Toryque Bateman, Robert Hainsey, Wyatt Davis, Obinna Eze 

14. OL: Cesar Ruiz, 6’4” 290lbs. Camden, NJ (IMG Academy)

Ruiz is another top target on the board and arguably the best bet out of every offensive lineman. He’s been a normal visitor to campus throughout the entire cycle thanks to the staff targeting him early and him being former teammates with two 2016 signees (Brad Hawkins and Ron Johnson). Thanks to those connections and the staff making him a priority, it looks like just a matter of time before he makes his decision.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• First on List: June 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #178 overall) – Rivals (4*, #106 overall) – 247 (4*, #138 overall) – ESPN (4*, #88 overall)
• Crystal Ball: Yes
• Other Options: Jordan Reid, Robert Hainsey, Drew Dalman, Wyatt Davis, Aaron Banks, Obinna Eze 

15. C: Brett Neilon, 6’2” 285lbs. Santa Margarita, CA (Santa Margarita Catholic)

The California standout is, yet, another top offensive line target for the staff and maybe the top #1 center on the board. While Ruiz can play any interior spot, Neilon is a true center. And the staff has as good of a shot as anyone at him. He has a top three of Michigan, USC and Washington but UM looks to be pushing harder than anyone. He visited for the spring game and had an amazing time. With him (possibly) making a summe decision, UM could take a commanding lead when he visits the staff during their local satellite camp.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• First on List: Now
• Rankings: Scout (3*, #4 C) – Rivals (4*, #113 overall) – 247 (4*, #201 overall) – ESPN (4*, #178 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Jordan Reid, Robert Hainsey, Drew Dalman, Wyatt Davis, Aaron Banks, Obinna Eze 

16. NT/DT: Phillip Paea, 6’4” 280lbs. Berrien Springs, MI (Berrien Springs)

The rising three star is a big, physical and versatile athlete that could play multiple positions at the next level. In high school, he plays both offensive guard and defensive tackle but thanks to his wrestling background, it looks like he’ll be a run stuffing big man in the middle of the Wolverines defense for years to come.

• Commitment Date: 4/2/16
• Story
• First on List: March 2016
• Rankings: Scout (3*, #25 DT) – Rivals (3*, #13 OG) – 247 (3*, #34 DT) – ESPN (NR)

17. NT/DT: Neil Farrell, 6’4” 295lbs. Mobile, AL (Murphy) 

After taking a shot in the dark on Farrell in April’s BGRC, I’m sticking with him. He’s an up and coming prospect and Michigan looks to have got in at the perfect time. After watching his tape, you can see why the staff jumped in. He has the look of a dominant 1 or 3 technique. And UM has a great shot at him after Farrell told Scout’s Chad Simmons that Michigan is in his top three, along with LSU and Clemson ($). He’s likely to attend UM’s satellite camp in Mobile which could give the staff a step up in his recruitment.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: No
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• First on List: April 2016
• Rankings: Scout (3*, #40 DT) – Rivals (3*, #19 DT) – 247 (3*, #37 DT) – ESPN (NR)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Corey Bolds, Marlon Tuipulotu, Greg Rogers, Darnell Ewell, Akial Byers

18. SSDE/DT: James Hudson, 6’5” 280lbs. Toledo, OH (Central Catholic) 

Hudson had an eventful week as he decommitted from Kentucky, visited Ann Arbor for the first time and received his offer from the staff before he left town. Thanks to that offer, the visit and his fit along Michigan’s defensive line has the Wolverines looking very good here. According to Scout’s Bill Greene, this is one to watch as he may make a return visit soon ($). If the staff continues to push for him and that visit does take place, look out.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• First on List: Now
• Rankings: Scout (3*, #29 DE) – Rivals (4*, #211 overall) – 247 (3*, #11 SDE) – ESPN (3*, #28 TE)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Deron Irving-Bey, Hunter Echols, DJ Johnson, Greg Rogers, Darnell Ewell, Robert Porcher IV

19. DE/SAM: Luiji Vilain, 6’4” 235lbs. Alexandria, VA (Episcopal) 

Vilain visited this past weekend for the first time receiving his offer from the staff. Things were looking very good before he arrived on campus as myself and several others put in Crystal Ball predictions in favor of Michigan. Well, now that the visit is over, it now just looks like a matter of time before he announces his commitment to UM. The decision was expected to come on June 8th but we’ll see if he sticks to that timeline.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• First on List: March 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #203 overall) – Rivals (4*, #89 overall) – 247 (4*, #92 overall) – ESPN (4*, #95 overall)
• Crystal Ball: Yes
• Other Options: Deron Irving-Bey, Hunter Echols, Langi Tuifua, DJ Johnson, Guy Thomas, Labryan Ray, Robert Porcher IV

20. DE/SAM: Corey Malone-Hatcher, 6’4” 240lbs. Saint Joseph, MI (St. Joe’s)

Malone-Hatcher has long looked like a lock to commit to Michigan and I still believe it’s just a matter of time. Things have been pointing towards UM for awhile and though a decision date isn’t set, things look to be winding down a bit. As one of the top players in the state and his fit in Brown’s blitz heavy defense, the staff has him atop their pass rusher board and are one of his most frequent visitors. It shouldn’t be too much longer before an announcement as he’s also planning on early enrolling where ever he ends up.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• First on List: March 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #287 overall) – Rivals (4*, #13 SDE) – 247 (4*, #17 WSDE) – ESPN (4*, #254 overall)
• Crystal Ball: Yes
• Other Options: Deron Irving-Bey, Hunter Echols, Langi Tuifua, DJ Johnson, Guy Thomas, Labryan Ray, Robert Porcher IV

21. OLB: Willie Gay, 6’2” 215lbs. Starkville, MS (Starkville) 

Gay is the biggest reach on the list as his offer list is stock full of SEC offer and he just so happens to be from the heart of SEC country. However, Michigan made him a priority early on and quickly jumped up his list. His top five is made up of the Mississippi State, Ole Miss, LSU, South Carolina and, you guessed it, Michigan. He told Wolverine247 that he loves everything about UM and could visit this summer ($). Though Mississippi State looks to be the favorite if he decides early, meeting with the staff at the satellite camp in Pearl and a possible summer visit to Ann Arbor could put the Wolverines in a spot to steal one of the class’ top linebackers out of the south.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Good
• First on List: Now
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #89 overall) – Rivals (4*, #18 OLB) – 247 (4*, #127 overall) – ESPN (4*, #152 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Shanon Reid, Jordan Anthony, Kenneth Murray, Leonard Warner, Antjuan Simmons

22. LB: Drew Singleton, 6’3″ 215lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)

The four star standout may be the top defensive target on the staff’s board and for good reason. Not only is he out of Michigan’s top out-of-state pipeline school but he also happens to be one of the best linebackers in the class. And though Clemson is a very real threat here, all of his visits to Ann Arbor and strong relationships with current players and coaches, Michigan should win out in the end.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• First on List: March 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #81 overall) – Rivals (4*, #34 overall) – 247 (4*, #57 overall) – ESPN (4*, #125 overall)
• Crystal Ball: Yes
• Other Options: Jordan Anthony, Kenneth Murray Leonard Warner, Shanon Reid, Antjuan Simmons

23. LB: Josh Ross, 6’2″ 225lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (OLSM)

The four star is one of the top 2017 linebackers and players in the state. While he was a top target for the previous coaching staff, he became a true priority when Harbaugh took over. And for good reason. There aren’t many linebackers that are better pure tacklers in the class which should make him a great fit at the SAM or MIKE spot in Brown’s defense.

• Commitment Date: 3/22/16
• Story
• First on List: March 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #228 overall) – Rivals (4*, #189 overall) – 247 (4*, #188 overall) –ESPN (4*, #162 overall)

24. LB/FB: Ben Mason, 6’3” 245lbs. Newtown, CT (Sandy Hook)

Mason is the prototypical “Harbaugh player”. Similar to 2017 LB Joshua Ross, Mason is a physical, smart, instinctive player that loves to play football. He shows signs of being a productive MIKE or WILL linebacker but thanks to his ability to block, catch and make plays with the ball in his hands, fullback is a definite possibility.

• Commitment Date: 5/3/16
• Story
• First on List: Now
• Rankings: Scout (3*, #32 ILB) – Rivals (3*, #4 in CT) – 247Sports (3*, #35 ILB) – ESPN (NR)

25. CB: Benjamin St-Juste, 6’3” 190lbs. Montreal, Quebec (Cegep du Vieux) 

The three star Canadian committed to the 2016 recruiting class over the summer after putting on a standout performance at the UM camp. But because of the Canadian high school system, he reclassified to the 2017 class. This is actually a good move for both St-Juste and Michigan as it will allow him to continue to grow as a player which should help him be ready for college ball.

• Commitment Date: 6/23/2015
• Story
• First on List: August 2015
• Rankings: Scout (3*, #32 CB) – Rivals (3*) – 247 (3*, #77 CB) – ESPN (3*)

26. CB: Ambry Thomas, 5’10” 170lbs. Detroit, MI (King)

Thomas looked like he was heading to MSU or out of state. However, thanks to the staff making him a priority and the chance to play alongside his cousin DB Jaylen Kelly-Powell (who’s a candidate for next UM commit), things are looking very good for Michigan. He told TMI’s Josh Newkirk that, though he doesn’t have a leader, Michigan is “near the peak” ($). But could he just be playing the game there? 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong is hearing very good things on UM’s chances ($). So good that he went ahead and put in hisCrystal Ball prediction for Thomas to Michigan. If the heavy pursuit continues and JKP jumps on board, UM looks very likely to add the King star to the fold.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• First on List: March 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #77 overall) – Rivals (4*, #154 overall) – 247 (4*, #135 overall) – ESPN (4*, #243 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Donovan Johnson, Darnay Holmes, Kary Vincent Jr, Jaylon Redd, Shaun Wade

27. CB: Alex Perry, 5’10” 165lbs. Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman)

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• First on List: April 2016
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #109 overall) – Rivals (4*, #174 overall) – 247 (4*, #172 overall) – ESPN (4*, #150 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Donovan Johnson, Darnay Holmes, Kary Vincent Jr, Jaylon Redd, Shaun Wade

28. DB: Jaylen Kelly-Powell, 6’0” 183lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

The four star safety out of Cass Tech has long looked like he’d commit to Michigan. However, he held off on his plans to announce a decision after his junior year as Ohio State looked to be gaining ground. But that was short lived as it now looks like it’s just a matter of time before he jumps on board, especially after his latest visit alongside cousin CB Ambry Thomas this past weekend.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• First on List: May 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #27 S) – Rivals (3*, #24 S) – 247 (4*, #243 overall) – ESPN (4*, #246 overall)
• Crystal Ball: Yes
• Other Options: Brelin Faison-Walden, AJ Harris, Collin Smith, CJ Holmes, Jonathan Sutherland

29. S: J’Marick Woods, 6’3” 205lbs. Florence, AL (Florence)

Woods is one of the biggest safeties in the class. At 6’3″+, he has the size, length and athleticism to be a real game changer on the backend of the defense. Though he’s still a bit raw as a cover man, he can play the centerfield position with the best of them thanks to that length and ball hawking ability. Something every defensive coordinator wants and needs.

• Commitment Date: 3/28/16
• Story
• First on List: Now
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #279 overall) – Rivals (3*, #31 overall) – 247 (3*, #25 S) – ESPN (4*, #263 overall)

30. ATH: Markquese Bell, 6’3” 200lbs. Bridgeton, NJ (Bridgeton)

Bell is climbing the national rankings and remains a top target for the staff. Though Rutgers and Florida are definite threats, according to 247Sports’ Ryan Bartow, “Michigan has the edge” ($). While a decision isn’t expected until after he takes his official visits, Ann Arbor is expected to be a fall destination and another trip to campus could help solidify things for the Maize and Blue.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• First on List: September 2015
• Rankings: Scout (4*, #28 ATH) – Rivals (4*, #225 overall) – 247 (4*, #261 overall) – ESPN (4*, #91 overall)
• Crystal Ball: No
• Other Options: Brelin Faison-Walden, Jonathan Sutherland, CJ Holmes, Kenedy Snell

Projected Class Score: 298.51 (per 247Sports)

If Michigan ended with this class and somehow no one’s rankings changed (not sure which one is less likely to happen), UM would be fighting for the #1 spot overall. This score would have given them the #2 class in 2016, #3 class in 2015 and the #3 class in 2014.

Just Missed

• DE Deron Irving-Bey
  • Irving-Bey was the last player taken off of this list because of room. With his upcoming visit to Ann Arbor, UM could overtake MSU as the team to beat.
• OL Jordan Reid
  • Reid is another in-state target that could very well end up in this class. Though Florida is still said to be the leader, Michigan has a real shot. It may come down to which staff pushes harder for him over the summer.
• SR Kenedy Snell
  • Snell received his offer from Michigan, quickly set up a visit and named UM his leader. Only question is if he’ll remain a take by the time he makes it to campus with the lack of open spots and the staff’s real chance at Peoples-Jones, Collins and Black.
• WR Tarik Black
  • Speaking of Black, the talented wideout has been a normal addition to the BGRC. However, with Collins taking the 2nd receiver spot and UCLA, Stanford and Alabama pushing for him, it looks like Black may end up elsewhere.
• DT Jay Tufele 
  • I believe the staff sees Tufele as one of their top defensive tackle targets on their board and, if they can get him on campus, a real option for the class. But at this point, he’s favoring Ohio State (per 247Sports Justin Hopkins).
• DE Langi Tuifua
  • If Michigan gets Tufele on campus, his teammate and friend Tuifua will likely take the trip as well. And with him being an Oregon commit and their no-visit policy, a visit to Ann Arbor could be huge.
• S Brelin Faison-Walden
  • Faison-Walden is a name that’s not getting a ton of attention but one that I believe is a name to watch. He’ll visit Ann Arbor on either May 28th or 29th. With the staff looking for versatile safeties, he could leave town with Michigan near the top of his list.
• OL Robert Hainsey
  • Hainsey may be a top offensive line target for the staff and Michigan looks to be near the top of his list. However, there’s multiple reports that Michigan State is his leader at this point. If he holds off on a decision until this fall, UM could end up landing him.
• CB Donovan Johnson
  • Though Johnson has yet to receive his offer from Michigan, he told DetNews’ David Goricki that UM is starting to reach out to him. If the staff does end up offering him, they could jump to the top of his list. Until then, I’ll have him on the outside looking in.
• OLB Kenneth Murray
  • Murray is a top target for the staff and looks to be taking to their pursuit. He’s expected to make his decision before the start of his senior season so a successful visit to Ann Arbor this summer could put him in a future class prediction.
• TE Major Tennison
  • Tennison is still committed to Texas but looks like a main flip candidate for the staff. Though it’ll be interesting to see what happens if the staff can reel in Dotson.

What do you think of the class? How about my predictions for the tougher positions to guess (DE, DT, CB)? Let me know what you think and how you think the class will look in 9 months in the comment section below!

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

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Garrett Fishaw

Marketing Manager and Communications Director by day, Owner and Managing Editor of MGoFish.com by night. Detroit resident. Played soccer and graduated from Seton Hill University.

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