The Michigan spring game is expected to start around 6pm on Friday night, rain or shine. It’s also expected to be quite the spectacle as Jim Harbaugh and the staff have not only put together a talented roster full of positional battles but they’ve also managed to get a large contingent of their top recruiting targets from across the nation to make it to Ann Arbor.
1. Quarterback Battle
Who will take the reins in the first true game action? Wilton Speight has been said to be having the best spring and getting the majority of #1 snaps in recent weeks but don’t count out John O’Korn just yet. The former Houston transfer has the most starting experience on the roster and adds a duel threat option to the position. It’ll be interesting to see who plays better as the two will likely start against each other.
Don’t forget Shane Morris and Brandon Peters, though. Morris is said to be struggling with touch and accuracy issues still but played well in the 2015 spring game. While Peters is the “future” of the position and has looked good when given the opportunities in practice.
2. Early Enrollees
Along with bringing in a top five recruiting class, the staff signed several early enrollee recruits. That includes:
- QB Brandon Peters
- RB Kareem Walker
- RB Kingston Davis
- WR Ahmir Mitchell
- TE Sean McKeon
- DE/LB Carlo Kemp
- LB Devin Bush Jr
Just about every player on the list has made an impact early on, though some more than others. That includes Mitchell and Bush Jr., who look like the best bets to see the field right away this fall.
3. Visiting Recruits
The list of recruiting visitors is down right impressive, especially since the fact that a lot of them are traveling a long distance on their own dime. Some of the top out of state names include:
- LB Drew Singleton
- DT Corey Bolds
- DT Fred Hansard
- C Cesar Ruiz
- OL Robert Hainsey
- OL Brett Neilon
- RB Stephen Carr
- CB Deommodore Lenoir (maybe)
- WR Nico Collins
- RB O’Maury Samuels
Out of the names listed above, Michigan could very well land a commitment or two. If I had to handicap it, I’d say the best bets are with Singleton and Samuels, though Ruiz, Bolds, Hainsey and Neilon look like they’re wildcards to drop.
As for other possible players to drop, Corey Malone-Hatcher and Chase Lasater could pull the trigger (the latter if he lands an offer). Then there’s the 2018 and 2019 visitors, who should be watched closely as well.
4. Game Day Events and Atmosphere
Though the weather is not expected to cooperate (PM showers), there should still be a large crowd on hand to catch the game. Not only is this one of the most talented rosters at Michigan in the last 15 years but add in the festivities expected to go down, including 2016 recruit entrances, a halftime concert and I’m sure other things Harbaugh has up his sleeve, the game itself should be one not to miss.
Are you going to the game? What are you most looking forward to see at the 2016 Michigan spring game? Let us know if the comment section below!
Photo Credit: Leon Halip/Getty Images
- The First 2024 Best Guess Recruiting Class - Mar 24, 2023
- 2023 Best Guess Recruiting Class: Early Signing Day - Dec 20, 2022
- The 2023 Best Guess Recruiting Class - Sep 22, 2022