Team 137 Best Guess Recruiting Class: September 26th

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

This is one of the more difficult class projections that I have done thanks to all of the rumors and turmoil happening around the program. Looking a year and a half into the future is tough since so many things could possibly change. However, I still am holding out hope that Hoke and his staff can right the ship and get this program headed in the right direction. And keeping up the elite level recruiting is a big part of that. So, here is my latest 2016 Michigan football recruiting class prediction which includes several big time changes:

1. QB Messiah deWeaver, 6’4” 205lbs. Dayton, OH (Trotwood-Madison)

deWeaver is a very accurate quarterback, that has great pocket presence. He has an above average arm that is getting stronger with natural growth, weight lifting and the tightening up of his mechanics, is class valedictorian, and reminds me a lot of former Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford. After earning his offer, he quickly made his dream come true and committed to the Wolverines.

  • Messiah deWeaver Commitment Story
  • Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
  • Highlights

2. RB: Matt Falcon, 6’1” 210lbs. Southfield, MI (Southfield HS)

The #1 tailback in Michigan, Falcon is a big, aggressive back that mixes a strong running style with great vision. He\’s coming off an injury that forced him to miss his entire sophomore year. So, to see his progress he\’s made early into his junior year is a great sign and will very likely earn him an offer from the staff. If/when that happens, Michigan should become the favorites thanks to his family being big Wolverine fans.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Elijah Holyfield, Kareem Walker, Robert Washington, Martell Pettaway

3. RB: Kentrail Moran, 5’10” 190lbs. O’Fallon, IL (O’Fallon HS)

One of the recruits I am sure of about landing in this class, if offered, Moran has a ton of interest in the Wolverines and is a great fit for Nussmeier’s offense. He is an all-purpose back that can run in between and outside the tackles. Once he landed his offer, he admitted that Michigan was #1 on his list. There\’s a very good chance he\’s the first tailback in the class.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Not yet
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very, Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Kareem Walker, Robert Washington, Martell Pettaway

4. WR: Theo Howard, 6’0” 170lbs. Thousand Oaks, CA (Oaks Christian)

 

– The latest wide receiver offer went out to the explosive receiver who just so happens to be a lifelong Michigan fan. Howard has the speed and catching radius to take the top off of a defense, which is exactly what the Wolverines need at the moment. It\’s still very early in his recruitment (only holds 4 offers at the moment) but this offer likely pushes the Maize and Blue to the top of his list after admitting they are his \”dream school\”.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Dylan Crawford, Justin Layne, Kalebb Perry, Desmond Fitzpatrick, Jalen Martin,  Emmanuel Rugamba

5. WR: Josh Imatorbhebhe, 6\’2\’\’ 202lbs. Suwannee, GA (North Gwinnett)

 

– One of the few out of state 2016 receivers that have actually visited Ann Arbor, Imatorbhebhe is a big, strong, physical receiver that excels on and off of the field. He is a very athletic receiver as well and one that the staff seems to be very high on. As for his interest, he is looking for a top football and academic University which clearly puts Michigan near the top of his list. It\’s always tough to pull a talent out of SEC country but thanks to his want for high academia and his great summer visit, the Wolverines are very much in this one.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Justin Layne, Kalebb Perry, Desmond Fitzpatrick, Jalen Martin,  Emmanuel Rugamba

6. TE: Luke Farrell, 6\’6\’\’ 220lbs. Perry, OH (Perry HS)

 

– One of the best tight ends in the Midwest and in the class, Farrell has that elite size that every staff is looking for in their tight ends. Mix in his athletic ability and he\’s a nightmare for opposing defenses. As far as his recruitment goes, he seems to be very high on the Wolverines and Buckeyes, with OSU having an edge at the moment. However, if/when OSU lands Jake Hausmann, the Michigan staff will be able to sell Farrell on the possibility to be the only tight end in the class.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Naseir Upshur, Kaden Smith, Isaac Nauta, Jake Hausmann 

7. OT Erik Swenson, 6’7” 285lbs. Downers Grove, IL (Downers Grove South)

 

– The first commit of the class, Swenson is an elite talent. With growth and strength conditioning, Swenson has the chance to be the next 1st round left tackle from the Wolverines. He’s that talented. To make things even better, he has already said he will be the leader of the class and that he has a good relationship with many of the top targets.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
  • Highlights

8. OT: Clark Yarbrough, 6’5” 255lbs. Woodberry Forest, VA (Woodberry Forest)

 

– Yarbrough is a name that hasn’t received the attention that he deserves. He is highly rated and one of the top talents in the country. He also happens to have big interest in the Wolverines and visited twice over the summer, including the BBQ. From the reactions, it looks like Michigan is the clear cut favorites to land the Virginia star.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Tommy Kraemer, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Liam Eichenburg

9. OT Michael Jordan, 6’6” 265lbs. Canton, MI (Plymouth HS) 

 

– One of the fastest rising juniors in the class, Jordan has been showing out at summer camps this year. But the athletic offensive tackle had yet to see an offer until Michigan extended one following the Michigan technique camp. He isn’t trying to make a quick decision but it’s said that this was his “dream offer”. It looks like a matter of time before he makes a decision for the Wolverines.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Tommy Kraemer, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Liam Eichenburg

10. OL: Ben Bredeson, 6’5” 255lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead HS)

 

– Easily one of the most talented prospects in the class, Bredeson has the ability to be a star on the inside or outside. And the staff knows that, which is why they have made him a top target. With his recruitment likely coming down to his home state Badgers, OSU, Notre Dame and Michigan, it looks like the Wolverines have the best shot at pulling him away from Wisconsin. Add in his relationships with the coaches, his amazing visits with his family and the fact that his older brother committed to play baseball for Michigan, and I believe he ends up in the Maize and Blue.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Tommy Kraemer, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Liam Eichenburg

11. C: Nik Urban, 6\’4\’\’ 285lbs. Willoughby, OH (South HS) 

 

– The hottest name on the offensive line board, Urban is a prototypical center that the staff seems to be very high on. He has the size and skill set they are looking for and they were able to see it first hand over the summer when he camped in Ann Arbor. To solidify his interest, he made his way up to Michigan for the Utah game seemed to have a great time. If they keep up the high recruitment, I believe he ends up in Maize and Blue.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights

12. DE: Josh King, 6’6” 250lbs. Darien, IL (Hinsdale South HS)

 

– Possibly the #1 player in Illinois, the Midwest, and one of the best in the nation, King is a stud defensive end that has the size and skill similar to previous top recruits. Luckily for Michigan, they have gotten in early and started a great relationship. When they offered, he expressed how excited he was and how much he loved Michigan and Ann Arbor each time he visited. I see him as a top target that the coaches will not let slip away.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Joseph Jackson, Janarius Robinson, Khalid Kareem, Kyree Campbell

13. DE: Prince Sammons, 6’8” 260lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Hills Christian)

 

– One of the most physically gifted players in the country, regardless of class, but is also one of the most raw. Coming over from Nigeria, he is still learning the game. As far as his recruitment is going, for some reason, Michigan is taking their time offering him even though they are rumored as a clear cut favorite. If an offer finally comes (which I believe it will, sooner or later), I think the Wolverines will jump into the top group. Now, it\’s just a waiting game for when the offer is extended.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Joseph Jackson, Janarius Robinson, Khalid Kareem, Kyree Campbell

14. DT: Rashan Gary, 6’4” 280lbs. Scott Plains, NJ (Paramus Catholic HS)

 

– Gary is a beast. He’s the best player in the entire class (IMO and many others) and is likely the #1 guy on the staff’s board. The mixture of athleticism, speed, size and tenacity makes him an ideal fit on the interior and a nightmare for every opposing defensive coordinator. And lucky for Michigan, he is very high on them as well. Thanks to the early interest, the Paramus Catholic coaches and him wanting a top notch education, the Wolverines have a good chance at the top player in the class.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Dexter Lawrence, Michael Onwenu, Kendall Jones, Blake Roe

15. NT: Michael Onwenu, 6\’2\’\’ 300lbs, Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS)

 

– The talented Technician is the next big thing out of the Michigan pipeline and seems to be very interested in the Wolverines, like many of his former teammates. Onwenu is a force on both sides of the ball but the staff sees him as a dominant nose tackle in their defense and I agree. It will be a tough pull but with so many of his former teammates in Ann Arbor, he looks like the most likely nose tackle target at this moment.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Dexter Lawrence, Michael Onwenu, Kendall Jones, Blake Roe

16. LB Dele’ Harding, 6’1” 218lbs. Elkton, MD (Eastern Christian) 

 

– Two years of camping and visiting Ann Arbor has opened up the eyes of Harding, who happens to be the former teammate of Team 135 freshmen Freddy Canteen and Brandon Watson. His athleticism and aggressiveness gives him the ability to play the MIKE, WIL or SAM (similar to James Ross III). Given his love for Coach Mattison and the Wolverine program, it looks like just a matter of time before he commits.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Extremely Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Brendan Ferns, Caleb Kelly, Lokeni Toailoa, Ethan Tucky, Tuf Borland, Zack Sandwisch

17. LB: Noah Burks, 6\’3\’\’ 215lbs. Carmel, IN (Carmel HS)

– The uber athletic linebacker is one of the best defensive players in the Midwest in 2016. He has the ideal size and range to play to sideline to sideline in Mattison\’s defense. And with Michigan being his \”dream school\”, the Wolverines have a very good shot at landing Burks with an offer.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Brendan Ferns, Caleb Kelly, Lokeni Toailoa, Ethan Tucky, Tuf Borland, Zack Sandwisch

18. LB: David Reese, 6’1” 235lbs. Farmington, MI (Farmington HS)

 

– One of the top recruits in the state, Reese is a prototypical MIKE linebacker and loves Greg Mattison. His tape is very impressive and he plays with an intensity similar to Ray Lewis, which i’m sure Mattison is selling him on. With a hot start to his junior year, it is likely that Reese will land the offer he covets the most. If it happens, a quick decision is very possible.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Brendan Ferns, Caleb Kelly, Lokeni Toailoa, Ethan Tucky, Tuf Borland, Zack Sandwisch

19. CB LaVert Hill, 5’11” 165lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS)

 

– The younger brother of 2013 safety commit Delano, LaVert is one of the top players in the state of Michigan and has the length to be a big time prospect and another top player out of Cass Tech. Thanks to his relationship and familiarity with the program, the Wolverines look to be near the top of his list. From what analysts and his own defensive coordinator is saying, he could be the best corner to ever come out of Cass Tech, which is saying a lot.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: LaVonta Taylor, Treyjohn Butler, Jordan Overton, Hasise Dubois, Julian Love, Taurus Carroll 

20. S: Ahmir Mitchell, 6\’2\’\’ 190lbs. Egg Harbor City, NJ (Cedar Creek HS)

 

– The #1 safety on the board, Mitchell is an athletic safety with range that the coaches have been trying to get since arriving in Ann Arbor. As far as his recruitment goes, he has included Michigan into his top three even without visiting campus. If/when he gets to campus, look for the staff to roll out the red carpet and put on a show. Until that happens he is a bit of a reach but since that is likely to happen, I believe the Wolverines will shoot up his list.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Tyrece Speaight, Jonah Morris, Keevon Harris, Michah Croom, Aaron Hansford, Keyvone Bruton

21. S Patrice Rene, 6’1” 180lbs. Alexandria, VA (Episcopal HS)

 

– The Candian star has burst on the scene thanks to great showings a summer camps. His size and athleticism allows him to dominate receivers, which makes him a perfect fit in Mattison’s defense. After visiting in June, it looks like Michigan may have jumped near or at the top of his list. Add in the fact that he wants to play in college with his two of his good friends, 2017 WR Jonathan Sutherland and DE Luiji Vilain, who are also high on the Wolverines. Add in his love for Charles Woodson and I think Rene ends up in Ann Arbor.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Tyrece Speaight, Jonah Morris, Keevon Harris, Michah Croom, Aaron Hansford, Keyvone Bruton
Garrett Fishaw
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