With a full year of recruiting, everyone, including the coaching staff, is expecting a top notch class. They have done a great job at selling the program and themselves to the nation’s top recruits, especially those in California, Texas and Florida. Add in the likely hood of attrition and the available scholarships should increase quite a bit (around 16 available now), and I believe they will put together a top 10 class, made up of elite prospects from all over the country.
Check it out below:
- Excellent = Top team, likely to join class
- Very Good = Top Three, very possible
- Good = Top Five, possible
- Low = Outside Top Teams, not very likely at the moment
1. QB: Brandon Peters, 6’5” 205lbs. Avon, IN (Avon)
– With Costello likely off the board, Peters jumps to the top of the list of uncommitted prospects but is far from a 2nd tier prospect. He has the size, smarts and arm to be a very good player under Harbaugh, and when you watch his tape, he reminds me a ton of Harbaugh’s #1 pupil, Andrew Luck, in terms of athleticism, accuracy, release and ability to make plays under pressure. (While I didn’t add a 2nd QB to this list, there’s a decent shot another is added before NSD).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Spring Game
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Highlights
- Other Options: KJ Costello, Jacob Eason, Dwayne Haskins, Cole Kelly, Logan Byrd
2. RB: Rakeem Boyd, 5’11” 200lbs. Houston, TX (Stratford)
– One of the more underrated players in the country, Boyd is a quick, slashing back that shows great patience and vision. He also happens to be very high on Michigan and, especially, Coach Wheatley. A visit is expected to happen in the near future and if everything goes as well, a commitment may not be out of the question.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Robert Washington, Elijah Holyfield, Kingston Davis, JD Spielman
3. RB: Matt Falcon, 6’1″ 210lbs. Southfield, MI (Southfield)
– Falcon is the top running back in the state and, until Harbaugh came calling, looked like he was going to leave the state. But with the Michigan offer in hand and the relationship building, it looks like it’s just a matter of time until he joins the 2016 class in Ann Arbor.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Robert Washington, Elijah Holyfield, Kingston Davis, JD Spielman
4. WR: Desmond Fitzpatrick, 6’3” 195lbs. Farmington, MI (Farmington)
– Fitzpatrick is one of the best receivers in the state and midwest thanks to his route running and ability to make the circus catch. He’s very polished and something Harbaugh clearly likes as a weapon for his quarterbacks. Even though he’s been committed to the Cardinals for awhile, the offer from his childhood favorite Wolverines looks like one that cannot be beat.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Louisville (Excellent)
- Highlights
- Other Options: Donnie Corley, Theo Howard, Tyler Vaughns, Tre Nixon, Demetric Felton, Austin Mack
5. WR: Dylan Crawford, 6’1” 175lbs. Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (Santa Margarita Catholic)
– The #1 receiver on the board, in my opinion and likely the coaching staff’s, Crawford is one of the best players in the country. He has the speed, route running and game breaking ability to be a star at the next level, and happens to be very high on Michigan. He visited last summer with teammate KJ Costello, and though Costello is likely staying out west, he told Scout that the two are not a packaged deal ($). It will be a tough pull but I like the Wolverine’s chances if he visits before his summer decision.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Donnie Corley, Theo Howard, Tyler Vaughns, Tre Nixon, Demetric Felton, Austin Mall
6. TE: Devin Asiasi, 6’5” 230lbs. Concord, CA (De La Salle)
– Thanks to his size, route running and hands, Asiasi is not only a top target on the staff’s board but also one of the top tight ends in the country. After landing his offer, Michigan looks to jump near the top of his list along with the local favorite, USC. He’s looking to visit this summer with teammate Boss Tagaloa, and if the staff blows them away, I could see the duo ending up in the Maize and Blue on NSD.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Naseir Upshur, Cary Angeline, Thaddeus Moss, Luke Farrell, Jacob Mathis
7. TE: Isaac Nauta, 6’5” 239lbs. Buford, GA (IMG Academy)
– Nauta is the top tight end in the country and the top tight end on the staff’s board thanks to his ability to dominate as a receiver and blocker. Only problem, he’s committed to Florida State. However, he’s from Michigan, has family still in the state, visited early on in his recruitment and has a very close relationship with Greg Mattison (his uncle played for him at Western Michigan). He’s already said he will officially visit and, while I’m going out on a bit of a limb, I feel like Harbaugh’s ability to produce NFL tight ends and highlight them in his offense, mixed with Mattison’s relationship, will result in a big time flip.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Florida State (Good)
- Highlights
- Other Options: Naseir Upshur, Cary Angeline, Thaddeus Moss, Luke Farrell, Jacob Mathis
8. OT: Erik Swenson, 6’7” 285lbs. Downers Grove, IL (Downers Grove South)
– The first commitment of the class is a life long Michigan fan and will have the chance to not only don the Maize and Blue, but become a star on the offensive line. Swenson has all of the characteristics of the elite offensive tackles Michigan has produced over the last 20+ years.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- Highlights
9. OT: Michael Jordan, 6’6” 265lbs. Canton, MI (Plymouth)
– Jordan has quickly become one of the most coveted players in the Midwest after his 2014 summer camp circuit but Michigan was the first to extend an offer, and that’s not the only reason he’s high on the Wolverines. His family is said to be big fans of the Maize and Blue, and with Harbaugh’s staff making him a main target, I really like Michigan’s chances here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: EJ Price, Frank Martin II, Alex Akingbulu
10. OL: Ben Bredeson, 6’5” 255lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead HS)
– Bredeson is the top offensive line target on several team’s boards, including Michigan’s. He has the elite skill and size to be a star at just about any spot on the line. With the familiarity he has with the program thanks to the previous staff, as well as his brother joining the 2015 Michigan baseball recruiting class, things are looking very good for Michigan here. He’s expected to visit again this spring, which gives Harbaugh and company a chance to move to the top of his list for good.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: EJ Price, Frank Martin II, Alex Akingbulu, Terrance Davis, Austin Myers, Chris Owens
11. OG: Michael Onwenu, 6’2” 300lbs, Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
– Onwenu is one of the top players in the Midwest thanks to his versatility and dominance on both sides of the ball. While Hoke’s staff targeted him as a nose tackle, Coach Drevno wants him at offensive guard and thanks to the relationship the staff has quickly built with the Cass Tech star, things are looking better and better for Michigan here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Terrance Davis, Austin Myers, Chris Owens, Jack DeFoor, Jack Wohlabaugh
12. DT: Boss Tagaloa, 6’3” 295lbs. Concord, CA (De La Salle)
– Tagaloa is one of the latest interior lineman to land an offer from the staff and it’s one that made a big impact on his recruitment. After landing his offer from Harbaugh, he told Go Blue Wolverine’s he was at a loss for words ($). Being a big fan of Harbaugh’s while in San Francisco has helped him see what his future could possibly hold. Add in his desire to play college ball with teammate Devin Asiasi and their plan to visit Ann Arbor, and I believe Michigan has a good shot at landing the De La Salle duo.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Naquan Jones, Chris Daniels, Dexter Lawrence, Ed Oliver
13. DT: Rashan Gary, 6’4” 280lbs. Scott Plains, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
– The #1 player in the country and #1 player on the Michigan recruiting board, Gary is a dominant defensive lineman that has the size and power to play on the inside but also the athleticism and speed to be a pass rusher. He has been targeted by the Wolverines for a long time but it looked like a pipe dream until Harbaugh came on board and hired his high school coach and good family friend, Chris Patridge. And a source very close to the situation told me he may be visiting for the spring game so the staff will have their shot to really impress the nation’s top recruit. If everything goes according to plan, things are looking very good for Michigan here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Possibly for the Spring Game
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Naquan Jones, Boss Tagaloa, Dexter Lawrence, Ed Oliver
14. DE: Connor Murphy, 6’7” 250lbs. Phoenix, AZ (Brophy College Prep)
– Murphy is a long, athletic defensive end that looks to fit Harbaugh’s defensive style and personality perfectly. He’s the younger brother of former Stanford standout, Trent Murphy, and has a very close connection to Coach Harbaugh. In an interview with Rivals, he said Harbaugh is “like a father figure” ($). If they can get him on campus in the near future, it looks like Michigan has a very, very good chance at landing him.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Rahshaun Smith, Josh King, Rahssan Thornton, Xavier Kelly
15. DE: Khalid Kareem, 6’4” 252lbs. Farmington, MI (Harrison)
– Kareem has quickly become one of the most wanted defensive ends in the country, landing offers from the likes of Alabama and Notre Dame. His ability to get after the quarterback is what every coach wants, including Michigan, who has made him a top target. He’s visited Ann Arbor several times since Harbaugh took over and, even though he was committed to Michigan State for about 3 hours, it looks like the Wolverines could be making a big move on his list. Add in how important education is in his recruitment and his possible role in the Michigan defense and I believe there’s a good chance he ends up in this class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Rahshaun Smith, Josh King, Rahssan Thornton, Xavier Kelly
16. OLB: Caleb Kelly, 6’3” 215lbs. Fresno, CA (Clovis West)
– Kelly is one of the best players in the country and is the #1 player in California, according to Scout. He has the size and athleticism to be a star off the edge and thanks to a great unofficial spring visit, it looks like Michigan has a real shot at landing him. According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, Kelly received the red carpet treatment, including an academic tour, hanging with Jabrill Peppers and speaking with John Harbaugh ($). It’s early, but I feel like the Wolverines have a very good shot here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey McCulloch, Camilo Eifler, Xavier Kelly, Devin Bush Jr, Mique Juarez, Jalen Cochran
17. LB: Dele’ Harding, 6’1” 218lbs. Elkton, MD (Eastern Christian)
– Harding pulled the trigger on his commitment to Michigan right after Coach Hoke was fired, which is very strange but let people know that he is committing to the University and program, not a coach. And though he’s been very quiet, he looks to be solid with his commitment after the coaching change. However, I’m not sure how solid the staff is here. I haven’t heard much in terms of them reaching out to him so he’s a name to keep an eye on.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey McCulloch, Camilo Eifler, Darrian Franklin, Devin Bush Jr, Mique Juarez, Dontavious Jackson, Jaquan Yulee
18. LB: Jonathan Jones, 6’2” 220lbs. Orlando, FL (Oak Ridge)
– Jones is another recruit that should skyrocket up the recruiting rankings in the not-so-distant future. He has been dominating every camp he’s attended, including landing an invite to The Opening and being named the Linebacker MVP at both the Orlando Opening Regional camp and the Rivals Speed and Strength Challenge in Orlando. And at both events, he let it be known that Michigan is his leader and that he’s looking to visit and make a decision before the summer. Unless something drastic happens, the Wolverines look to stay on top here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Highlights
- Other Options: Dontavious Jackson, Jaquan Yulee, Caleb Kelly, Darrian Franklin, Devin Bush Jr, Jeffrey McCulloch, Mique Juarez
19. CB: David Long Jr, 6’0” 175lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Loyola)
– Long is another out of stater that has been performing well at the offseason camps and has shown why Michigan has him at the top of their corner back board. While nothing is solidified here, the coaching staff is letting him know how big of a priority he is and it looks to be working. He will be tough to pull from the West Coast but if they can get him on campus, I like their chances at landing the Loyola star.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Wayne Davis, Levert Hill, Eric Cuffee, Lamar Jackson, Shyheim Carter
20. CB: Camryn Bynum, 6’0” 175lbs. Corona, CA (Centennial)
– Bynum is the only player on this BGRC that has yet to be offered so I’m going out on a bit of a limb here. However, he’s a very talented, ball hawking/playmaking corner that has a nose for the ball and happens to be very high on the Wolverines. He let Go Blue Wolverine’s Kyle Bogenschutz know that Michigan is his “dream school” ($). He’s also looking to visit during his summer road trip, if the staff extends an offer and invites him to campus, things are looking very good for the Maize and Blue and Bynum.
- Offer: No
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
- Highlights
- Other Options: Wayne Davis, Levert Hill, Eric Cuffee, Lamar Jackson, Shyheim Carter
21. S: Jordan Fuller, 6’2” 190lbs. Westwood, NJ (Old Tappan)
– Fuller is one of the most versatile athletes in the country and looks to be the #1 safety on the Michigan recruiting board. He has the frame and athleticism to be a star on the back end and the staff is making sure he knows it. The pursuit has gone so well that he moved up his unofficial visit to mid March and though he’s not looking to make a quick decision, it looks like Michigan just may be the favorites along with Penn State.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: March 13th-15th
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Demetric Vance, Chris Brown, CJ Pollard, Andrew Pryts, Calvin Bundage
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