First 2019 Best Guess Michigan Recruiting Class

Welp, it’s about that time of the year for my first wayyyyyyy too early Michigan football recruiting class prediction for the class after the current class. This time, it’s for the 2019 class (which won’t be signed for another 20 months) and Michigan just so happens to be setting itself up really well for this loaded class.

Thanks to a smaller 2018 class, that’s filling up pretty quickly, the staff has been able to focus on this class more and really build some solid relationships early on. And it should pay off big time as UM looks to be in good-to-great shape with a handful of top positional prospects and anywhere from 10-15 top 100 prospects, and well over 20, if you bump it up to the top 200. This class has the early looks of a super class but time will tell if the staff can hold onto this early momentum. A big 2017 season on the field could do wonders for the potential of this class.

That’s especially true for the in-state talent.

The state of Michigan is absolutely loaded with talent in 2019. With Harbaugh already having his way with in-state recruiting plus the issues going on in East Lansing, Michigan should once again clean up between its borders, with Ohio State, not Michigan State, being its biggest competition. This class is so good that, even though there ended up being a shakeup throughout the 2016 cycle for the #Pipeline9 movement, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the staff make another pitch/hashtag for all of their in-state targets to play together in college in this class.

With all that said, here’s how I put this wayyyy too early 2019 Michigan football recruiting class prediction together:

  • Class Size
    • This question is impossible to answer prior to about a month before NSD, so, there’s obviously no exact answer. But one thing that is for sure is the lack of scholarships that are set to be available when the 2019 class can sign. Looking at the Michigan football scholarship breakdown, the staff will have at least 24 scholarships to give out in the next two classes combined thanks to huge classes in 2016 and 2017. But, since there will almost definitely be transfers, medical retirements, early graduates, and/or all other types of attrition, this class should be much bigger than a six person class. So, I went with 18 in this class, just like in 2017. We’ll see if the staff even has that many spots available.
  • Position Numbers
    • If this class is as small as I’m expecting, the staff may have to be very picky in 2019. One position they’ve set themselves up for really well is running back, where they have four legit options early on. Offensive line and corner back could also be spots where the staff is selective, thanks to the 2017 and (expected) 2018 hauls. Though with half of the 2018 cycle still to come, it’s useless to even try to pinpoint which spots will need what.
  • Class Attrition
    • Need at least one commitment to even begin talking about attrition.

Chances Key:

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

Check out my first 2019 Michigan football best guess recruiting class prediction:

1. QB: JT Daniels, 6’2” 205lbs. Santa Ana, CA (Mater Dei) 

Photo Credit: SocialSidelines.com

Photo Credit: SocialSidelines.com

Unlike most classes, quarterback is the one of the only positions in this class where Michigan doesn’t have at least a player or two that look to be leaning towards UM at the moment. However, if there’s a guy that UM is in on the most, it’s the nation’s #1 ranked quarterback. Daniels was supposed to visit Michigan for the A4 camp but that didn’t come to fruition. However, he’s still expected to visit later this summer ($), per TMI’s Brice Marich. And that could be huge as, according to 247Sports Tom Loy, Michigan could “pull off the upset” here ($). He’ll be tough to pull away from the west coast with USC and Stanford looking like the biggest competition. But the chance to visit Ann Arbor and meet with Pep Hamilton and Jim Harbaugh this early in the cycle should, at least, give Michigan a legit chance to land the five star prospect.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan’s Chances: Good
  • First on List: Now
  • Highlights
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (5*) – 247 (4*, #8 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Stanford
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Luke McCaffrey, Michael Johnson Jr, Grant Gunnell, Sam Johnson, Spencer Rattler

2. RB: Steele Chambers, 6’2” 210lbs. Roswell, GA (Blessed Trinity) 

Photo Credit: Steele Chambers/Twitter

Photo Credit: Steele Chambers/Twitter

Chambers not only is one of the best names in the class but he’s also one of the players that Michigan is in the best shape with early on in this class. According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, Michigan may be the favorite after his mid-April visit to Ann Arbor ($). There’s still a ways to go in this cycle and though he’s said to be targeted as a running back, his tape shows that he could be a legit linebacker/safety prospect as well.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (NR) – Rivals (NR) – 247 (3*, #260 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Charles Mincy Jr, Noah Cain, Quavaris Crouch, Deondrick Glass

3. RB: Jaren Mangham, 6’1” 215lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech) 

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Though Mangham is the next big thing to come out of Cass Tech, he’s not as safe as a bet as most would think. Mangham is actually from Texas, lived in Ohio in middle school, and didn’t move to Michigan until his freshmen year. He told 247Sports Anna Hickey that Michigan State, Mississippi State and Clemson are teams he likes early on but that he’s “open to leaving Michigan” ($). However, he’s also on the record with The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown, mentioning that he grew up a fan of UM thanks to his dad being a big fan of the Wolverines after nearly donning the maize and blue ($). Though the Michigan staff still have yet to offer, his mix of size, speed and tenacity should see the staff making a big push, sooner or later, for the in-state standout. We’ll see if Harbaugh and company can talk Mangham into following in the footsteps of his high school coach (former UM running back Thomas Wilcher) to Ann Arbor.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (NR) – Rivals (NR) – 247 (4*, #169 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Charles Mincy Jr, Noah Cain, Quavaris Crouch, Deondrick Glass

4. ATH: Luke McCaffrey, 6’1” 180lbs. Littleton, CO (Valor Christian)

Photo Credit: Luke McCaffrey/Twitter

Photo Credit: Luke McCaffrey/Twitter

McCaffrey is indeed Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey and UM freshmen QB Dylan McCaffrey’s younger brother. But, in terms of style of play, he’s much closer to Christian than Dylan. He’s a game changer as a receiver but is expected to take over for his brother at the quarterback position at Valor this fall. It’ll be interesting to see where his position will be in college but it’s looking like he’d best fit in a Julian Edelman/Golden Tate-like slot receiver role. As for Michigan’s chances, the early offer from the staff and the chance to team up with his brother again is a great start for UM. We’ll see if the staff likes him more as a wide receiver, running back or dual-threat quarterback.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (NR) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #201 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Charles Mincy Jr, Theo Wease, Jadon Haselwood, Arjei Henderson, Cornelius Johnson

5. WR: Isaiah Williams, 5’10” 165lbs. Saint Louis, MO (Trinity Catholic)

Photo Credit: 247sports.com

Photo Credit: 247sports.com

Williams is easily one of the most dynamic players in high school football, regardless of age, as he could legitimately play 6-7 positions at the collegiate level (depending on a team giving him a shot at QB). His athleticism, shiftiness, speed and, pretty much entire game, reminds me of another player out of Saint Louis (Illinois, that is), 2017 signee and Miami (FL) WR Jeff Thomas. And, like Thomas, Williams is a big fan of the Wolverines early on. Enough so that 247Sports Steve Wiltfong even put in a Crystal Ball for Williams to Michigan back in March ($). Williams has since visited Ann Arbor with some teammates and looked to have a great time rocking the Maize and Blue. Like with every name on this list, it’s still extremely early and, for a player of Williams’ level, he’s gonna have every single team coming after him. Michigan may have an early advantage but this is going to be a long recruitment. This will be one to watch closely as he looks to be an early priority for the staff.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #50 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Missouri/Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Theo Wease, Jashawn Sheffield, Jadon Haselwood, Arjei Henderson, Cornelius Johnson

6. TE: Grayson Boomer, 6’6” 225lbs. Collinsville, OK (Collinsville) 

Photo Credit: Grayson Boomer/Twitter

Photo Credit: Grayson Boomer/Twitter

Of course Boomer is from Oklahoma. And, of course, OU is the heavy favorites early on to land the top ranked tight end in the class. However, Michigan looks to be more than just a dark horse in this race. Outside of the obvious reasons why UM is a candidate for almost every tight end, Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz spoke with the talented tight end after his visit and offer from the staff, which was a big one as the staff sees a lot of Butt in Boomer’s game ($). And I couldn’t agree more. His tape looks a ton like Butt’s high school tape. Along with the chance to (potentially) be the only tight end in this small class, the pitch to be the next Jake Butt could be a big time pitch to a talented tight end. It might also help with Jim Harbaugh going up against new OU coach, Lincoln Riley.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Good
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (NR) – 247 (4*, #18 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Oklahoma
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Austin Stogner, Ryland Goede, Blake Hinson

7. OT: Logan Brown, 6’6” 275lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (East Kentwood)

Photo Credit: Logan Brown/Twitter

Photo Credit: Logan Brown/Twitter

I mentioned in the intro that the state of Michigan is absolutely packed with talent in this class. And Brown is one of the potential stars available. He also may be a bit of a lean to the Wolverines early on. Brown visited Ann Arbor for the spring game back in April and, though other top teams like Alabama and Wisconsin are pushing for him, I like where UM sits as he heads into his junior season. Like with all top in-state recruits, I expect the staff to ramp up their pressure for him sooner rather than later.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #86 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Spencer Brown, Michael Tarquin, Evan Neal, William Putnam, Quinn Carroll

8. OT: Devontae Dobbs, 6’4” 270lbs. Belleville, MI (Belleville) 

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Oh look, another top offensive positional prospect. Though this one is far less of a stretch than the others as Dobbs is the top ranked player in Michigan, ahead of a lot of talented prospects. And though Ohio State looks to have plenty of momentum after his visit to Columbus, Harbaugh has been very good at keeping the top talent (that he wants) in the state. With Dobbs being such a highly ranked player, look for this recruitment to be a long one. But i’ll put confidence in the UM coaching staff winning out in the end here.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #9 overall) – ESPN (NR)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Spencer Brown, Michael Tarquin, Evan Neal, William Putnam, Quinn Carroll

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

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Probably the safest bet in this class, Rumler has long been a heavy lean to the Wolverines. His name first popped up on the UM front wayyyyy back in 2015, even before he received his offer from the staff in September of 2015. Since then, it’s looked like he would be the first commitment of the class. And I still feel like that will eventually be the case, (possibly even happening in the near future as Wolverine247’s Stev Lorenz is hearing the big guy will visit Ann Arbor this weekend ($)) even with a lot of other big boys throwing their hat in the ring. He was one of my first Crystal Ball predictions in May of 2016 and I still feel very, very good about that prediction.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #122 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Spencer Brown, Michael Tarquin, Evan Neal, William Putnam, Quinn Carroll

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

Photo Credit: GACSpartans.com

Photo Credit: GACSpartans.com

Yet another highly ranked player makes the first class prediction, though Hinson is one of the better bets at this point. Big Chris has been a popular name on the Michigan recruiting front for sometime now, especially in the last couple of weeks. He visited Ann Arbor earlier this month to only reiterate the rumors of him being a lean towards the Wolverines. I put in my Crystal Ball for him to UM back in early May and love where things stand with it for the future five star. Though he could possibly be an offensive tackle, his physical build, playing style and pure strength gives him the look of a young Ndamukong Suh, which is why it makes sense if he plays his college ball on defense.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (5*) – 247 (4*, #14 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Mazi Smith, Antonio Alfano, Jowon Briggs, Zach Harrison, Spencer Brown, Michael Tarquin, Lloyd Murray

11. DT: Jacob Lacey, 6’2” 295lbs. Bowling Green, KY (South Warren)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Lacey is another top target for the staff that I have put in my Crystal Ball in favor of Michigan. He received his offer from the staff in-person during his spring game visit and looks to be a priority for DL coach Greg Mattison, as the veteran coach stopped by to see him right after returning home from the Italy trip, per Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz ($). Though he’s a guy that a lot of heavy hitters are pushing for, especially Notre Dame, the early connection with Mattison, educational opportunities, plus the chance to play alongside the other talented lineman in Ann Arbor, has me feeling good about Lacey and the Wolverines.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #125 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Notre Dame
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Mazi Smith, Antonio Alfano, Jowon Briggs, Lloyd Murray 

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

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Herron is another top ranked player that Michigan is in great shape with early on. He has been said to be favoring the Wolverines thanks to his unofficial visit to Ann Arbor over the winter, his early relationship to Greg Mattison and the opportunities available on and off the field in Ann Arbor. And though holding that lead throughout the cycle is unlikely for almost every recruit, Herron has continued to give off positives vibes towards UM. He gave some very positive signs towards UM to The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown at the Rivals Challenge ($) and also recently named Michigan to his top 10, with UM just so happening to be the first team listed. This should be a long recruitment with plenty of ups and downs as the big boys are all involved, including Ohio State, Alabama and Stanford.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #34 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Ohio State
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Keyon Ware-Hudson, Zach Harrison, Zacch Pickens

13. OLB: Anthony Solomon, 6’0” 185lbs. Fort Lauderdale, FL (St Thomas Aquinas)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Outside of Rumler, Solomon is probably the most sure-fire bet to end up in this class. And it wouldn’t shock me in the least bit to see hi m become the first member and leader of this class. He’s let it be known multiple times that Michigan is his leader, though his multiple visits on his own dime up to Ann Arbor (which includes one 5 day trip) were pretty clear giveaways. According to TMI’s Evan Petzold, Solomon’s expected to visit Michigan again this summer ($). We’ll see if he waits to make a decision or ends it sooner to start recruiting for the class.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #144 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Shane Lee, King Mwikuta, Jamir Thomas, Ge’mon Eaford, Trezman Marshall, Tyrece Woods

14. LB: Drake Thomas, 6’1” 225lbs. Wake Forest, NC (Heritage) 

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Thomas is yet another prospect that has been showing Michigan a lot of love early on. The Ben Boulware-clone has been looking like a potential lean to the Wolverines since receiving his offer from the staff back in December. And even though he’s started to blow up on the recruiting trail, he made some noise by showing up to the Rivals Challenge in a Michigan shirt. It’s still early but with one unofficial visit already in the books, UM looks to be in fantastic shape here.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (NR) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (NR) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking:
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Shane Lee, Jamir Thomas, Ge’mon Eaford, Trezman Marshall, Tyrece Woods

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

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Photo Credit: Scout.com

There’s another top prospect in this class that looks to be favoring Michigan, and has been for quite some time. Thomas is one of my early favorites in this class after watching his tape. His nose for the ball, elite ability to read a play and impact upon arrival has myself thinking that he’ll be an absolute stud as a recruit and player. As for his interest in the Wolverines, Thomas has shown a lot of love to the Maize and Blue since receiving his first big offer from the staff back in May of 2016. Per Brandon Justice, he’s expected to visit Michigan on the 24th. And though Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz is hearing he may be slipping down UM’s board a bit ($), that visit is one where I’ll be paying pretty close attention.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: June 24th
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (NR) – Rivals (NR) – 247 (4*, #195 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None…yet
  • Other Options: Shane Lee, Jamir Thomas, Ge’mon Eaford, Trezmon Marshall, Tyrece Woods 

16. CB/WR: Julian Barnett, 6’2” 189lbs. Belleville, MI (Belleville) 

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Notice the gloves. Photo Credit: Scout.com

Barnett is another big timer out of the state of Michigan and another out of Belleville in this class. Though his offer from Notre Dame looks to have pushed the Fighting Irish to the top of the list early on, like with every 2019 prospect, there’s still a ton of time. Plus, the same thing happened with Ohio State after he visited Columbus. So, this may be a long recruitment. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Michigan make a surge for the talented two-way in-stater as soon as they can get him back on campus and extend an offer. The biggest question may be whether the staff likes him more at corner or wide receiver. I believe he could play either at the collegiate level.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #100 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Notre Dame
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Nyquee Hawkins, Akeem Dent, Chris Steele, Moses Douglas, Max Williams

17. DB: Marvin Grant Jr. 6’2” 200lbs. Detroit, MI (King) 

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Grant is another top in-state target and another player that looks like a pretty good bet to end up in this class, at this point. Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz’s has been hearing great things about Michigan and Grant throughout the spring thanks to the Don Brown factor ($). Since receiving his offer from the staff back in early March, he’s received six Crystal Ball predictions in favor of UM, including myself. He looks to be another candidate to be the first to jump on board.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (NR) – Rivals (NR) – 247 (4*, #102 overall) – ESPN (NR)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Nyquee Hawkins, Akeem Dent, Brian Williams

18. S: Litchfield Ajavon, 6’0” 190lbs. Alexandria, VA (Episcopal) 

Photo Credit: Rivals.com

Photo Credit: Rivals.com

Ajavon is a name to remember throughout this cycle. He’s former teammates with freshmen defensive end Luiji Vilain, which may only be a small reason why Michigan could end up landing the hard hitting man-child. He told Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz that Michigan is “the total package as far as athletics and academics go” ($) after visiting Ann Arbor for the first time earlier this month. Lorenz has mentioned Ajavon among the staff’s top overall targets in this class for awhile. If they keep pushing for him, I really like their chances to beat out the likes of Notre Dame and Clemson.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (NR) – 247 (4*, #101 overall) – ESPN (NR)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Prediction: Notre Dame
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Brian Williams, Daxton Hill, Kenyatta Watson

Projected Class Score: 299.08 (per 247Sports)

It’s still wayyyyy too early to really even start thinking about the final ranking of this class, especially without a single commitment in it at this time. But, with so many top targets looking good early on for Michigan, it’s hard to not see the potential here. And this score shows it. Even with another small class, Michigan would likely fight for a top 3-5 spot with a class of this caliber.

Just Missed/Names to Remember

  • RB Charles Mincy Jr
    • Quincy was the last name I took off of this list and it was pretty much only because this class will not be very big, barring some crazy amount of attrition. He’s named Michigan his leader on multiple occasions and, according to 247Sports Steve Wiltfong, he loves Harbaugh ($). Because of that early lead and his dynamic running style, he should be on this list. It wouldn’t shock me at all to see him end up committing to Michigan sooner or later.
  • RB Noah Cain
    • Cain is visiting Michigan this weekend for four days. That long visit, his public interest in Michigan and his close friendship with freshmen LB Jordan Anthony made him a tough removal from this list. However, pulling a highly ranked Texas kid out of Florida will be pretty difficult. A lot more should be known on UM’s chances after his long visit.
  • LB Shane Lee
    • Lee was another guy that I had on the list for awhile. He’s one of the most physically impressive recruits in this class and has the mix of size and instincts to be a stud linebacker in college. And Michigan has a couple “ins” with him already. He’s held an offer from the staff since last year, he attended UM’s satellite camp and worked with the coaches in Baltimore last summer, he’s former teammates with junior OL Stephen Spanellis, and he’s now at St. Frances Academy, where (now) former Michigan assistant, Biff Poggi, is the head coach, who also coached him at Gilman before leaving for Michigan. Ohio State and Penn State could be the biggest competition here, but UM has a very realistic shot here.
  • DT Mazi Smith
    • Smith is another highly ranked player in the state of Michigan but, unlike most of the other top recruits, the Wolverines are fighting an uphill battle against the Spartans. The main reason why? Smith is cousins with former MSU great, RB TJ Duckett, which has him looking like a big lean to Michigan State. We’ll see if Michigan makes a run at the talented defensive tackle.
  • TE Ryland Goede
    • Goede is another highly ranked tight end that Michigan is in pretty good shape with early on. According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, Michigan will remain to be a factor for the top 100 tight end ($). The staff is pushing hard for Georgia prospects and I’d expect Goede to remain on their list for quite some time, even with Georgia and Auburn looking like they’re the leaders early on.
  • CB Akeem Dent 
    • Dent is an early top recruit in this class and, according to TMI’s Brice Marich, just so happens to be 2017 commit QB Joe Milton’s cousin ($). With an offer already on the table, look for the staff to use Milton and their connections in Florida to try and take a run at the elite prospect. Miami and LSU already have Crystal Ball predictions here. Expect just about everyone to throw their hat in the ring.
  • OLB Ge’mon Eaford
    • Eaford has shown a lot of interest in Michigan early on, especially after receiving his offer from the staff way back in January of 2016. He’s another guy who I had on the pre-draft list for quite sometime but with things remaining quiet on his front for awhile, he’s been moved down here. We’ll see if the staff pushes for him throughout the cycle.

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Photo Credit: Bryan Fuller/MGoBlog

Garrett Fishaw