2019 Best Guess Recruiting Class: Late Spring Edition

The Best Guess Recruiting Class is finally back. After some time off with huge changes coming to the Michigan recruiting front thanks to coaching changes and some philosophy changes, a lot is different from my last attempt at this back in January. Most of the names below are “new” to the list and are names you’ll want to get familiar with moving forward.

Without giving too much away, here’s how I put together my latest attempt at the 2019 Michigan football recruiting class prediction:

Class Size
- That number won’t be known for awhile but by looking at the scholarship chart, where it could be when the 2019 season begins, and looking at the number of spots the staff looks to be targeting for, I believe this class could end up between 20-24 spots when everything is said and done. And, yes, that does mean plenty of attrition may be on the way between now and National Signing Day.
Position Numbers
- This should be a pretty well-rounded class with fewer spots and some prime positions of need. With five offensive linemen already committed, the staff looks like it could still add at least one more to the list. Another quarterback looks likely while running back, wide receiver and tight end may only bring in four, five maximum.
- On defense, there’s still plenty to add. 1-2 Vipers should be added while another linebacker is also possible. Safety should add 1-2 by NSD and at least one more cornerback is expected.
Class Attrition
- Stephen Herron has had a lot of rumors around him potentially flipping to Stanford but he continues to kill those rumors. While he may stick around, it’ll be surprising if all 11 current commitments sign on NSD because of normal attrition that takes place over the next 8 months

Chances Key:

Excellent – Top Team/Favorite to Land
Very Good – Top 2-3/Realistic Possibility
Good – Top 5/Sticking Around
Fair – Puncher’s Chance/Questionable Take
Poor – Hardly Mentioned/Not Happening

Check out my second attempt at the 2019 Michigan football best guess recruiting class prediction:

1. QB: Cade McNamara, 6’1” 185lbs. Reno, NV (Damonte Ranch)

Photo Credit: Jeff Mulvihill Jr, RGJ file

McNamara was a bit of a surprise when he committed back in mid-March. After bailing on an 8-month commitment to Notre Dame, the four-star decommitted from Brian Kelly in early March and committed to Jim Harbaugh and Michigan just two weeks later. Though he’s not an extremely highly ranked quarterback in this class, he has all of the tools to be a good collegiate signal caller. He’s also taken a role as a leader of the class and a recruiter for the staff. It’ll be interesting to see if the staff adds another quarterback alongside him, as expected.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 3/16/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #9 Pro-QB) – 247Sports (4*, #310 overall) – ESPN (4*, #240 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four stars, #258 Overall, #10 Pro-QB, #1 in Nevada

2. QB: Cornelious Brown IV, 6’5” 180lbs. Calera, AL (Calera)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Brown is a new name on the Michigan recruiting front but one to watch moving forward. According to The Wolverine’s Chris Balas, Pep Hamilton has already been out to see Brown and, according to a source close to the situation, a Michigan offer would be a game changer ($). If that offer comes, he looks like he’ll be the favorite to fill the second quarterback spot in this class.

Offer: No
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #39 Pro-QB) – ESPN (N/A)
Composite Ranking: N/A
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Davis Beville

3. RB: Zach Charbonnet, 6’2” 205lbs. Westlake Village, CA (Oaks Christian)

Photo Credit: Andy Holzman/SCNG)

Charbonnet is one of the top running backs on the board and has been for quite some time. He unofficially visited Ann Arbor early on in the spring and clearly came away impressed. Though he’s one of the quietest recruits in the entire class (has yet to receive a Crystal Ball prediction), Michigan is in great shape heading into his upcoming official visit ($), according to TMI’s Steve Lorenz ($). UM could use a big get at the running back position in this class and Charbonnet is one of the top prospects available.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #22 RB) – 247Sports (4*, #219 overall) – ESPN (4*, #26 RB)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #300 Overall, #18 RB, #35 in California
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: John Emery, Quavaris Crouch, Isaiah Spiller, Breece Hall, Jerrion Ealy

4. ATH: Kyren Williams, 5’10” 195lbs. St. Louis, MO (St John Vanney)

Photo Credit: Michael Gulledge/St Louis Dispatch

Williams is one of the more elusive offensive weapons in this class, and a wanted recruit by two of the Midwest Blue BloodsThis is a battle between Michigan and Notre Dame. He recently told TMI’s Sam Webb that it’s “50/50” between the Wolverines and Fighting Irish following his visit to Ann Arbor ($). And though Notre Dame has the Crystal Ball lead, the way he raved about Michigan and his relationship with Jay Harbaugh to The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown ($), I like Michigan’s chances here. With the lack of top running backs and offensive weapons having UM at the top of their board, I could see the staff pushing hard for the St. Louis standout during his official visit in June and swaying the momentum towards the Maize and Blue moving forward.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #50 WR) – 247Sports (3*, #20 RB) – ESPN (4*, #26 ATH)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #396 Overall, #25 RB, #9 in Missouri
Crystal Ball Favorite: Notre Dame
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Isaiah Spiller, Quavaris Crouch, John Emery, Wandale Robinson

5. WR: Cornelius Johnson, 6’3” 195lbs. Greenwich, CT (Brunswick School)

Photo Credit: IrishSportsDaily.com

Johnson is a name to watch closely at the wide receiver spot as he’s made his way to the top of the staff’s board. Another northeast target for Michigan, Cornelius is a long, lanky receiver that is a deep threat that has a knack for making tough catches. He’s become a wanted recruit from several top programs, including Crystal Ball leader, Notre Dame and Alabama, while Penn State is also in good position. But Don Brown’s connections to the east coast and him being a top target for the staff, he looks to be the best bet at wide receiver to join the class.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #77 WR) – 247Sports (4*, #242 overall) – ESPN (4*, #239 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #342 Overall, #47 WR, #4 in Connecticut
Crystal Ball Favorite: Notre Dame
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: John Dunmore, Kyle Ford, John Metchie, David Bell, Demontae Crumes, Dylan Wright, Jaylen Ellis

6. TE: Erick All, 6’4” 225lbs. Fairfield, OH (Fairfield)

Photo Credit: Tony Tribble/WCPO Cincinnati

All has been on a roll as of late in terms of offers, receiving good news from several Big Ten programs this month, including Wisconsin and Michigan. According to The Wolverine’s Adam Ghabour, the staff had been targeting All for a minute before he received his offer ($). With Luke Deal committing to Auburn, All could jump to the top of the staff’s board. If he becomes a top target, Al Washington’s connections to Ohio and the offense’s tight end usage could be more than enough for Michigan to land him.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #22 TE) – ESPN (3*, #13 TE)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #773 Overall, #27 TE, #37 in Ohio
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Isaiah Foskey, Luke Deal, Keon Zipperer, Gary Cooper

7. OT: Trente Jones, 6’6” 290lbs. Loganville, GA (Grayson)

A month after receiving his offer from the staff, Jones took in the basketball team’s big win over Ohio State in mid-February but that wasn’t the part of the trip that stood out most to the four-star tackle. According to his interviews after the trip, it was the family-like atmosphere and the chance to play early is what made the difference. And it clearly made a huge difference as Jones announced his commitment to Michigan just days after the trip.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 2/21/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #35 OT) – 247Sports (3*, #43 OT) – ESPN (4*, #157 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #293 Overall, #31 OT, #30 in Georgia

8. OT: Karsen Barnhart, 6’5” 285lbs. Paw Paw, MI (Paw Paw)

Barnhart is the latest commitment on the board and another new member to list. Thanks to multiple visits to Ann Arbor, Michigan completely swung the momentum away from the former favorite, Michigan State, and were quickly in the driver’s seat in his recruitment. It didn’t happen as early as expected but thanks to a strong connection built between the staff and Barnhart, as well as the academic possibilities in Ann Arbor, the three-star lineman committed to the Wolverines while the team was over in Paris for Spring Break

Story
Highlights
Commitments Date: 4/30/18
First on BGRC: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #44 OT) – 247Sports (4*, #235 overall) – ESPN (3*, #36 OT)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #381 Overall, #38 OT, #10 in Michigan

9. OL: William Harrod, 6’5” 305lbs. Fort Washington, MD (NCA)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Harrod is one of the surest uncommitted names on this list to end up committing to Michigan. Though that’s been far from a guarantee in previous classes, it still looks like just a matter of time until he announces a decision. All 14 Crystal Ball predictions, including my own, is in favor of the Wolverines as Harrod continues to let it be known that UM is at the top of his list.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #11 OG) – 247Sports (4*, #132 overall) – ESPN (4*, #261 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #202 Overall, #20 OT, #5 in Maryland
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Trevor Keegan, Danielson Ike, Xavier Truss, Branson Bragg

10. OL: Jack Stewart, 6’5” 280lbs. New Canaan, CT (New Canaan)

Photo Credit; Dave Stewart/New Canaan Advertiser

Stewart joined the class last month after picking up his offer from the staff during his visit to campus. He’s a guy who was relatively unknown on the recruiting front before Michigan got involved, as he isn’t the recruiting camp type. But his size and mean streak make him a good fit for what Michigan’s trying to get back to on the offensive line. He’s a guy that could play all over the line, similar to a lot of the staff’s commits and targets.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/16/18
First on BGRC: Now
Rankings: Rivals (2*) – 247Sports (3*, #45 OT) – ESPN (3*, #41 OT)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #802 Overall, #70 OT, #6 in Connecticut

11. OG: Zach Carpenter, 6’5” 300lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Moeller)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Making a surprise commitment last night, Carpenter joined the class after all signs were pointing towards Clemson. But before he even made the trip to Death Valley, the three-star prospect decided to commit to Michigan, giving the staff another mauler on the inside to go along with fellow Ohio guard, Nolan Rumler.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 5/30/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #15 OG) – 247Sports (3*, #21 OG) – ESPN (3*, #34 OG)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #486 Overall, #19 OG, #18 in Ohio

12. OG: Nolan Rumler, 6’4” 290lbs. Akron, OH (Archbishop Hoban)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Rumler is one of the best gets for Michigan and has one of the highest ceilings out of any of the current commits or targets in this class. There were some message board rumors of him wavering a bit but that looks to be all cleared up with the new offensive line coaching staff. He’s a lifelong fan of the Wolverines that I see signing early and potentially making a very early impact during his career in Ann Arbor.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 7/29/17
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #110 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #156 overall) – ESPN (4*, #180 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #126 overall, #6 OG, #3 in Ohio

13. DT: Mazi Smith, 6’3” 300lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (East Kentwood)

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Smith has become a top target for the staff and a must-get, at this point. Luckily, he’s been leaning towards the Maize and Blue for a while now. My Crystal Ball has been in for Michigan since last September and I feel much better now than I did then. Nothing is a lock as Penn State and Notre Dame are still hanging around but I feel good about the East Kentwood standout committing to the Wolverines.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: September 2017
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #150 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #225 overall) – ESPN (4*, #29 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #117 overall, #8 DT, #4 in Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Jeffrey M’Ba, Zach Harrison, Marcus Hicks, George Karlaftis

14. DT: Rodas Johnson, 6’3” 290lbs. Columbus, OH (St Frances De Sales)

Johnson has been a name that hasn’t received a ton of attention on Michigan’s front but he’s a name to watch closely over the next month. According to TMI’s Steve Lorenz, Johnson and teammate/top target Joey Velazquez will camp at Michigan in mid-June ($). That visit to campus is expected to be a big one. Multiple analysts have changed their Crystal Ball predictions, including 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong and Tom Loy, from Penn State to Michigan, which is normally a good sign.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #161 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #254 overall) – ESPN (4*, #289 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #225 Overall, #14 DT, #6 in Ohio
Crystal Ball Favorite: Penn State
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Jeffrey M’Ba, Zach Harrison, Marcus Hicks, George Karlaftis, Jahfari Harvey

15. DL: Chris Hinton, 6’4” 275lbs. Atlanta, GA (Greater Atlanta Christian)

Photo Credit: GACSpartans.com

Hinton is not only the crown jewel of the class but he’s also one of the top recruiting wins in recent memory for Michigan recruiting. He’s a flat out stud of a player with NFL bloodlines and also happens to be a leader of this class in terms of recruiting for Michigan. Though he’s a five star in the heart of SEC country, he’s as solid a commitment as there is. Georgia, Alabama, and others won’t give up completely but I’d be completely shocked if he ended up elsewhere.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 8/6/17
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (5*, #13 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #25 overall) – ESPN (4*, #38 overall)
Composite Ranking: Five-star, #16 overall, #2 SDE, #3 in Georgia

16. DE: Gabe Newburg, 6’5” 230lbs. Clayton, OH (Newburg)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Bursting onto the Michigan recruiting scene after picking up his offer from the staff during an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor with his parents at the end of March. And it didn’t take long for the Wolverines to become the favorite and the trendy Crystal Ball pick for the Northmont standout. Though Newburg received offers from the likes of Michigan State and Iowa around the same time as his Michigan offer, and was also reportedly told to wait before making his commitment by Urban Meyer and Ohio State, the straight-A student followed his heart and committed to the Wolverines on Monday night just prior to the basketball team’s National Championship game appearance.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/2/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #53 WDE) – 247Sports (3*, #55 WDE) – ESPN (NR)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #798 Overall, #53 WDE, #36 in Ohio

17. DE: Stephen Herron Jr., 6’4” 235lbs. Louisville, KY (Trinity)

For months there have been a lot of rumors and questions surrounding Herron’s recruitment and commitment status. Stanford has made a huge push this winter and spring to lead to several Crystal Ball predictions to the Cardinal, including from a couple Michigan analysts. But, according to Herron (via 247Sports), he’s solid with Michigan and is in constant contact with the staff ($). His expected official visit should help solidify things even more, and one looks to be coming in the near future.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 7/29/17
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #51 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #139 overall) – ESPN (4*, #137 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #84 overall, #6 WSDE, #1 in Kentucky

18. SLB/DE: Aeneas DiCosmo, 6’3” 220lbs. Oradell, NJ (Bergen Catholic)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

This was one of the hardest calls for the entire list. DiCosmo looked like a shoo-in prior to his recent visit to Stanford. The Cardinal offer an unmatched educational opportunity and, for a kid that speaks multiple languages and highly values education, it’s obvious to see why that would be so appealing. But Michigan is far from a slouch on the educational level and when you add in the ties his family has to the staff, his fit as a SAM linebacker and rush end in Don Brown’s defense, and Michigan looking like it’ll get the final official visit before he makes a decision, I believe the staff can still win out here though it’s far from a sure-thing.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #42 WDE) – 247Sports (3*, #52 WDE) – ESPN (3*, #61 DE)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #754 overall, #52 WDE, #14 in New Jersey
Crystal Ball Prediction: Stanford
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: David Ojabo, Michael Fletcher, Adisa Isaac, Ruke Orhorhoro, Asa Turner, Jahfari Harvey

19. WLB: Charles Thomas, 6’0” 225lbs. Fairburn, GA (IMG Academy)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Thomas is a longtime member of the class and one of the lead recruiters for the staff. Though the staff is still heavily recruiting linebackers, it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. Heading into his senior year, the heavy hitting linebacker could be a perfect replacement for Devin Bush Jr. whenever he heads to the NFL.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/24/17
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #26 OLB) – 247Sports (4*, #206 overall) – ESPN (4*, #257 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #309 Overall, #7 ILB, #48 in Georgia

20. VLB: Joey Velazquez, 6’0” 205lbs. Columbus, OH (St. Frances De Salle)

Photo Credit: Ryan Donnelly/Land of 10

The Ohio State baseball commit landed a football & baseball offer from Michigan and visited Ann Arbor in April. Though he has yet to decommit from the Buckeyes, there has been a rush of Crystal Ball predictions in favor of the Wolverines. That includes predictions from TMI’s Steve Lorenz and 247Sports’ Allen Trieu and Bill Greene. There’s an outside shot OSU could extend a football offer as well, but if that doesn’t happen, it looks like he may end up making the rare Ohio State to Michigan flip.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (NR) – 247Sports (3*, #50 S) – ESPN (N/A)
Composite Ranking: N/A
Crystal Ball Prediction: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Daxton Hill, Lance Dixon, Kalen Deloach, Quavaris Crouch, Asa Turner

21. S: Lewis Cine, 6’2” 180lbs. Cedar Hill, TX (Trinity Christian School)

Photo Credit: The Boston Globe

Cine has been a top name on the staff’s safety board for the majority of this cycle and continues to be a priority. Though Michigan’s chances may have taken a minor hit when he moved from Massachusetts, where Don Brown’s legendary status shines through, to Texas for his senior year. However, it doesn’t look to have done too much as Cine has continued to mention the Wolverines among his favorites. This looks to be a Penn State-Michigan battle but he’s yet to visit Ann Arbor. If that visit goes as well as expected, and with the big need at the position in this class, I could see Michigan swinging momentum and winning out here for the versatile defensive back.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: September 2017
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #68 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #70 overall) – ESPN (4*, #35 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #43 Overall, #3 Safety, #7 in Texas
Crystal Ball Favorite: Penn State
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Daxton Hill, Triston Sinclair, Lance Dixon, Asa Turner, Josh Sanguinetti

22. S: Quinten Johnson, 5’11” 190lbs. Washington, DC (St. Johns College)

Photo Credit: SEN

Likely targeted as a strong safety, Johnson is more than just a playmaking defensive back. He has a little Golden Tate to his receiving game and showed his tough-nosed style and big playmaking ability in the passing game on both sides of the ball. According to his interview with 247Sports’ Greg Biggins, Johnson mentioned Michigan as a team pushing for him the hardest and the possibility of a return visit to Ann Arbor before making a decision ($). If the staff continues to push for him and miss out on Daxton Hill, Michigan could land the two-way standout.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Good
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #25 S) – 247Sports (3*, #38 S) – ESPN (3*, #35 S)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #469 Overall, #40 Safety, #4 in DC
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Daxton Hill, Triston Sinclair, Lance Dixon, Asa Turner, Josh Sanguinetti

23. CB: DJ Turner II, 5’11” 170lbs. Suwannee, GA (North Gwinnett)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Turner is one of the best bets on this list. Holding a much stronger offer list than ranking, he’s long been a top target for the staff. Thanks to his mid-April unofficial visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan owns all 13 Crystal Ball predictions, including my own. He’s expected to announce his decision on June 25th, just days after his official visit to Michigan. It would be a pretty big shock if he chose anyone else at this point.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #43 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #40 CB) – ESPN (4*, #23 CB)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #431 Overall, #39 Cornerback, #46 in Georgia
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Daxton Hill, Akeem Dent, Daequan Hardy

24. CB: Te’Cory Couch, 5’11.5” 160lbs. Hollywood, FL (Chaminade-Madonna)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Couch had been committed to Tennessee since June 2017. But that wasn’t the strongest commitment in the world after the firing of Butch Jones and hiring of Jeremy Pruitt. He openly named Miami and Michigan his top two in early April with a decision in mind ($). But after his visit to Ann Arbor in mid-April, he officially flipped his commitment to Michigan.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/15/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #20 S) – 247Sports (4*, #330 overall) – ESPN (4*, #272 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #292 Overall, #27 ATH, #46 in Florida

Projected Class Score: 261.51 (per 247Sports)

Michigan currently has the #5 class in the country with 193.72. But if they were to finish with this score, it would’ve given them just the 13th best class in 2018 and the 9th best class in 2017. It’s not bad but it’s not fantastic. However, with a potential rise up the rankings for several players and the chance to add another five star to the class, Michigan is set up to have a nice finish to this class.

Just Missed the List

S Daxton Hill
- Hill may be the top-ranked name on the board that the staff has the best chance with. Though in-state Oklahoma is the perceived favorite, momentum has been sliding towards Michigan for a little bit now. 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong has continued to hear good things about UM ($). With an official visit and a potentially big season on the field, there’s a chance Michigan could win out here. But, until there’s a little more, it’s hard to see the Sooners missing out.
OT Trevor Keegan
- My Crystal Ball remains on Michigan for Keegan even though I don’t have him on the list. Things slowed down quite a bit between both parties during the winter and early spring but, according to multiple reports, it’s picking back up and Michigan is right at the top for the Midwest standout. With a big (expected) push from the staff, like TMI’s Steve Lorenz has mentioned ($), there’s a real chance he replaces Harrod on the next BGRC.
ATH Quavaris Crouch
- Crouch has continued to include Michigan in his top school’s thanks to his memorable visit last summer. But he also always mentions the cold weather being a big negative factor for UM. At this point, unless his mind is changed about living in cold weather, it looks like he’s staying in the south with Tennessee now looking to be the team to beat.
DE Marcus Hicks
- Hicks is another top target for the staff and one they look to be in the top two for at the moment. However, like Hill, Oklahoma is the team to beat for his services. While I believe it’s a lot closer than some may think, there’s not enough there yet for me to put him on the list.
DE Zach Harrison
- Harrison is one of the top three players in the class and would be the biggest get of Harbaugh’s tenure. At this point, I can’t see it happening but Michigan is making this a race. Ohio State is the clear favorite with Penn State not far behind. But now Michigan looks to be right there with the Nittany Lions. I’m sticking with OSU but this is one to watch.
RB John Emery
- Emery has been a top target for the staff for awhile now and it’s clearly paying off. The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown projected him to end up committing to the Wolverines recently as Emery is said to have a real chance to get away from the Tigers and leaving the state ($). LSU owns the Crystal Ball lead but Georgia, Florida and Mississippi State look to be strong competition alongside Michigan.
DT Jeffrey M’Ba
- The biggest surprise on the list, M’Ba is a French international player that has held an offer by the staff since early April and even made a visit to see the team during the spring break trip to Paris. He’s clearly high on the Wolverines early on and could end up being a big-time steal for the staff. The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown even predicted him to sign with Michigan recently ($). However, moving to St. Frances in Maryland, where Biff Poggi is the head coach, Alabama is a team to watch until he signs his LOI. If he’s as good as advertised, this could become a national recruitment quickly.
RB Breece Hall
- Hall is a lower rated recruit that the staff has been targeting for a couple months now. He’s out of the same school in Kansas as top defensive end target Marcus Hicks, and though Hicks is higher on the board, Hall may be the more likely to end up at Michigan at this point. Originally from Detroit, Hall told The Wolverine’s Austin Fox about growing up being a fan of the program ($). Fandom doesn’t always lead to a commitment but with the need at the position and the lack of top targets favoring the Wolverines at this point, if the staff pushes for him, I could end up a part of this class.
DL Ruke Orhorhoro
- There have been questions about whether Orhorhoro was a take for the staff for a while now. But according to a report from The Wolverine’s Adam Ghabour, Orhorhoro has received plenty of attention as of late from Michigan’s defensive line coach, Greg Mattison ($). In his first year of playing football, he tallied 19 sacks, so it’s easy to see why teams like Michigan and Clemson like his potential. However, with numbers being tight, it’ll be interesting to see if the staff pushes for a commitment or not here.

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What do you think of the latest 2019 Best Guess Michigan Recruiting Class prediction? Let me know in the comment section below!

Photo Credit: Marc-Grégor Campredon/MGoBlog

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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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