Ready for some fun? With the first 2017 commitment on the board (Carter Dunaway), things may start to get rolling for the staff in the not-so-distant future. They have several events and camps set up in June that may return multiple commitments or at the very least, extremely high interest from their top targets. And that includes top recruits from coast to coast.
Unlike my 2016 class prediction, I believe the 2017 class will be full of in-state stars thanks to the staff’s recent moves and change of focus. Along with several Michiganders, I also see the staff strengthening it’s pipeline to New Jersey and opening up a new pipeline to Hawkins high school in Los Angeles.
It’s still super early but every recruit included on the list was a calculated guess. So, make sure to take my double shot of optimism with a grain of salt. I’m not a psychic. But best believe, if this were 100% correct, I would have my own hotline number.
Anyways, here’s my latest 2017 class prediction, one that I see being a top 3 class in the country. Feel free to rip it apart:
1. QB: Dylan McCaffrey, 6’5″ 200lbs. Littleton, CO (Valor)
– McCaffrey is the son of former NFL receiver Ed McCaffrey and was the first 2017 quarterback offered by Harbaugh. He has the size and arm that will draw offers from just about every program in the country. With the early offer in hand, he will visit Ann Arbor for the first time on May 30th. I don’t believe he’ll pledge during the trip, but with him looking to make a name for himself outside of Stanford (where his brother plays) and his father knowing what Harbaugh can do for his career, I believe he’ll end up in the Winged helmet and (my gut feeling says) it could happen earlier than most would expect.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: May 30th
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jack Coan, Hunter Johnson, Jake Allen
2. QB: Andrew Marty, 6’4″ 205lbs. Wyoming, OH (Wyoming)
– Marty’s an underrated quarterback out of Ohio that visited this past fall. He has a very similar playing style as Jim Harbaugh (good arm, mobile and makes plays after a play breaks down) and I think that will resinate with the Michigan head coach. With the staff likely taking two quarterbacks in this class and Marty already interested in the Maize and Blue, I like the Wolverines chances here (if they eventually offer).
- Offer: No
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good, if offered
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jack Coan, Hunter Johnson, Jake Allen
3. RB: D’Andre Swift, 5’10” 195lbs. Philadelphia, PA (St Joseph’s)
– Swift is listed as the #1 running back in the class, according to 247Sports, and is one of the top guys on the staff’s running back board. While he will be a very tough pull, he happens to be good friends and teammates with 2015 Michigan signee Jon Runyan Jr. Look for him to visit Ann Arbor once Runyan is on campus and for the staff to pull out all of the stops for the nation’s top back.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Cam Akers, Eno Benjamin, Anthony MacFarland, Trey Sermon, Kyshaun Bryon
4. RB: Greg Johnson, 5’10” 185lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Hawkins)
– Johnson is one of the most versatile and talented players in the country, regardless of class, and recently landed an offer he and his teammates (2017 WR Joseph Lewis, 2017 TE Taariq Johnson and 2018 WR Jalen Hall) had been waiting on from the Wolverines. The talented duo told 247’s Steve Lorenz they want to “start a legacy somewhere else” and the staff clearly sees them as top targets as they’ve visited Hawkins high multiple times. When the group gets out to Ann Arbor, look for the staff to roll out the red carpet.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Cam Akers, Eno Benjamin, Anthony MacFarland, Trey Sermon, Kyshaun Bryon
5. WR: Joseph Lewis, 6’2″ 190lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Hawkins)
– Lewis is one of the four Hawkins high stars that Michigan has a very good shot with, and could have the highest ceiling of all of them. He’s been getting a ton of attention from the staff and is expected to visit with the rest of the group in the not-so-distant future. If the staff can get one, they may get all the rest. And I believe that will happen.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Russ Yeast, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Daquon Green, Hunter Harris, Andrew Papantonis
6. WR: Donovan Peoples-Jones, 6’1″ 175lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
–DPS is the top player in the state and one of the best receivers in the country. He also happens to be from the top in-state pipeline, Cass Tech, and looks to be high on the Wolverines after landing his offer. It’s still early but according to 247’S Steve Wiltfong, he is the #1 target overall for the staff in 2017, but the best way for them to land him will be showing out on the field.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Russ Yeast, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Daquon Green, Hunter Harris, Andrew Papantonis
7. WR: Tarik Black, 6’3” 203lbs. Cheshire, CT (Cheshire Academy)
– Black is one of the top players and wide receivers in the class and, according to multiple analysts including The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown, he’s a good candidate to be in the class ($). And I agree, as long as the staff is able to build a great relationship with him and get him on campus. Though his childhood favorite, Ohio State, could be a big time candidate IF they throw their hat into the ring.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Russ Yeast, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Daquon Green, Hunter Harris, Andrew Papantonis
8. WR: KJ Hamler, 5’9” 155lbs. Farmington, MI (OLSM)
– Hamler is an explosive athlete and one of the top players in the state. He has the speed and athleticism to make big plays at receiver or as a return man. And now he has his Michigan offer in hand. If they make him a top priority, they’ll have a wonderful chance at landing the in-state star.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Russ Yeast, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Daquon Green, Hunter Harris, Andrew Papantonis
9. WR/TE: Taariq Johnson, 6’4” 210lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Hawkins)
– Another Hawkins offensive weapon that holds an offer, Johnson is a Devin Funchess-type of a hybrid receiver. And there’s a good chance to see him in the Winged helmet after he told 247’s Steve Lorenz that Michigan was his “dream” offer ($). The staff has already made the Hawkins trio a priority but look for them to try and get them on campus as soon as possible to really make a statement.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Brock Wright, Kedrick James, Grant Carrigan
10. TE: Jimmy Jaggers, 6’3” 237lbs. Roseville, CA (Roseville)
– Jaggers has been included on the 2017 BGRC since the start and now that he has his offer in hand, and has also visited Ann Arbor, things look even better for the Maize and Blue. He told me that he doesn’t plan on doing any camps this summer but is planning on seeing Michigan again for a game this fall. With another great visit, I believe the Wolverines will be the team to beat soon afterwards.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Brock Wright, Kedrick James, Grant Carrigan
11. TE: Carter Dunaway, 6’6” 225lbs. Bloomfield Hills, MI (Brother Rice)
– Dunaway is the son of former Michigan tight end Craig Dunaway and brother of 2015 preferred walk-on Jack Dunaway. So, when he landed his offer from Harbaugh himself, it didn’t take long for him to pull the trigger and become the first member of the 2017 class. Look for him to blow up on the recruiting trail after his junior season but he’s about as solid of a lock as you can find.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
12. OT: JaRaymond Hall, 6’5″ 255lbs. Oak Park, MI (Oak Park)
– The in-state star is starting to make a name for himself in the recruiting world after a bit of a breakout season for Oak Park. Though he’s very raw at the moment, he has the natural born athleticism and size that helped land him an offer from the Wolverines. And thanks to that offer and being made a priority, it looks like Michigan is the heavy favorite here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert
13. OT: Jake Moretti, 6’5” 265lbs. Arvada, CO (Pomona)
– Moretti is another top target out of Colorado and looks to be very high on the Wolverines after recently landing an offer. He let me know he’s hoping to visit Ann Arbor “later on” and told 247’s Lorenz that he’s “very high” on Michigan ($). Things look good here early on but a visit is big for an out of region player of his level.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert
14. OL: Robert Hainsey, 6’4” 263lbs. Monroeville, PA (Gateway)
– Hainsey is the latest offered 2017 prospect and looks to be a very realistic option for the class. He’s visited in the past while Hoke was in charge and was high on Michigan, telling TMI’s Eric Rutter that the Wolverines and Nittany Lions were standing out in his recruitment ($). With the new staff targeting him, look out for him to get on campus and become a top option to join this class. Though they will need to make up plenty of ground on Penn State.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert, Kayden Lyles
15. OC: Cesar Ruiz, 6’4” 290lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)
– Ruiz is a shot in a dark as a member of the 2017 Best Guess Recruiting Class, for now. I spoke with him a couple weeks ago and he told me he’s interested in Michigan and that he speaks with very possible 2016 Wolverine commits and current teammates, Brad Hawkins and Ron Johnson, about playing together in college. If they jump on board and the staff offers, I believe they could become a favorite quickly.
- Offer: No
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good, if offered
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert, Kayden Lyles
16. NT: Juan Harris, 6’4” 356+lbs. West Union, IA (North Fayette)
– Harris decommitted from Iowa the day after returning from his visit to Ann Arbor where he landed an offer from the Wolverines. So, things were looking fantastic for Michigan here. However, there are some rumors out there that the staff backed off that offer for now. But then again, he recently said that the Wolverines were one of the two teams standing out most to him. With the need for nose tackles in Durkin’s offense, I see him ending up in this class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options:Marvin Wilson,Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
17. NT: Dalyn Wade-Perry, 6’4” 320lbs. Englewood, NJ (Pope John)
– Michigan will be looking for plenty of help up front on the defensive line in this class and Wade-Perry looks to be a very good candidate to join the class after landing his offer. He spoke with TMI’s Sam Webb after landing his offer and said he “always liked Michigan” ($). He also said that he’s looking to visit soon and that Chris Partridge is a big reason why the Wolverines stand out. Look for the staff to continue making him a top priority.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Marvin Wilson,Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
18. DT: Bryce Brand, 6’2″ 267lbs. Detroit, MI (Walled Lake Western)
– Brand is an in-state product that has already visited and caught the eye of the coaching staff. His athleticism at his size has them very intrigued about where he could play if he joins the Wolverines. In an interview with Scout’s Allen Trieu, he discussed his early spring visit to Ann Arbor and his conversation with Harbaugh where he told him he thinks he could play both sides of the ball as a defensive tackle and full back ($). He let me know he will be at the Michigan summer camp, and I wouldn’t rule out an offer from the staff if he has a great showing.
- Offer: No
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent, if offered
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Marvin Wilson,Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
19. DL: Corey Bolds, 6’3” 260lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
– Bolds is another top talent out of Paramus Catholic and, like his teammates, he is very interested in Michigan, especially after landing his offer on his spring visit. With his connections to the program (multiple former teammates on the team, current teammates highly interested and Chris Partridge on staff), Michigan looks like the team to beat. Expect the staff to make him a top target throughout his recruitment.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: AJ Epenesa, Marvin Wilson,Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
20. BUCK: Corey Malone-Hatcher, 6’3″ 235lbs. Saint Joseph, MI (St. Joseph’s)
– CMH has been one of the top recruits in the state since his freshmen year and has been high on every fan’s list for awhile now. He has the size, athleticism and versatility to be a star as a pass rusher at the next level, and with an offer from the Wolverines, he looks to be leaning towards joining the Maize and Blue. He’ll be apart of the In-State Great 8 event and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him be the first defensive commitment of the class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Leonard Warner, Malik Herring, Chester Graves, Jaden Hunter, Nathan Proctor
21. LB: Drew Singleton, 6’2″ 215lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
– Singleton has been seen as the next big star at Paramus Catholic for awhile now and his offer list now shows it. He landed offers from top programs like Alabama, Penn State and Georgia recently but it’s the offer he received from his former head coach and current Michigan recruiting director Chris Partridge that caught his attention the most. Telling 247’s Lorenz that “Michigan definitely has the edge” ($). If the staff continues to make him a priority, I believe he ends up joining the Wolverines with his former teammates.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jordan Anthony, Kyle Bolden, Nate McBride, David Adams, Jaden Hunter
22. LB: Josh Ross, 6’1″ 210lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (OLSM)
– The younger brother of current Wolverine linebacker James Ross III, Josh may be even better than his older sibling. He is one of the most coveted recruits in the state and is extremely high on Michigan. He’s recently received several big time offers but I still believe he’ll be one of the first couple members of the class and it could happen at the In-State Great 8 event.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jordan Anthony, Kyle Bolden, Nate McBride, David Adams, Jaden Hunter
23. CB: Darnay Holmes, 5’11” 180lbs. Newbury Park, CA (Newbury Park)
– Holmes is another elite corner in the class and a top target for the coaching staff. He looks be high on the Wolverines after landing his offer early on and is planning on visiting before his junior season starts. If they can get him on campus along with some of the other top Cali targets, it’s a shot in the dark but I like their chances at landing him.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Stanford Samuels III, Jamyest Williams, Chevin Calloway, Richard LeCounte, Jaylon Redd, Donovan Johnson
24. CB/ATH: Ambry Thomas, 5’10” 160lbs. Detroit, MI (King)
– Thomas is another top in-state star that the staff quickly offered and is one of the top offers on the board. He will be at the In-State Great 8 event and if the staff continues to make him a priority, I believe he’ll end up committing to the team he’s always hoped to play for since he was a child ($).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Stanford Samuels III, Jamyest Williams, Chevin Calloway, Richard LeCounte, Jaylon Redd, Donovan Johnson
25. DB: Jaylen Kelly-Powell, 6’0” 183lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
– JKP is another in-state target that most believe will end up in the Maize and Blue once he received his offer. His entire family is full of Wolverine fans, he was actually named after Fab 5 star Jalen Rose, and he also happens to be a 4.0 student. It wouldn’t shock me at all to see him pull the trigger at the In-State Great 8.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey Okudah, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods, Daniel Wright
26. DB: Paris Ford, 6’2″ 175lbs. Pittsburgh, PA (Seton La Salle)
– Ford was one of the first 2017 offers from the new staff, and for good reason. He’s a top talent in the class and has close proximity to the state (Western PA). After landing his offer, he told 247’s Steve Lorenz he was at a loss for words ($). He also spoke with The Wolverine’s Tim Sullivan and let him know he grew up a fan of the program and he plans to be at Michigan a lot ($). If the staff makes him a top priority, I really like their chances at landing the Pittsburgh star.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey Okudah, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods, Daniel Wright
27. S: Isaiah Pryor, 6’2” 190lbs. Lawrenceville, GA (Archer)
– Pryor was the first 2017 offer for the new staff and they clearly made a huge impact. He made visits in back to back weekends, including the Spring Game, and looked to have a fantastic time. He’s clearly the top safety on the board and I believe they have a great shot at landing him as long as they keep him as a #1 priority.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey Okudah, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods, Daniel Wright
28. ATH: Allen Stritzinger, 6’0″ 180lbs. Warren, MI (De La Salle)
– Stritzinger has quickly become a top in-state target for the staff and is another expected In-State Great 8 visitor. With his Michigan offer in hand, most believe the future running back/cornerback (I believe he’ll end up as a tailback) will be a Wolverine sooner or later.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Others: Cam Akers, Eno Benjamin, Anthony MacFarland, Jaylon Redd, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods
29. ATH: Antjuan Simmons, 6’1” 205lbs. Ann Arbor, MI (Pioneer)
– The Pioneer star is quickly becoming one of the most sought after 2017 recruits in the state thanks to his ability to make plays at both tailback and linebacker. He’s a great athlete so there’s a chance he’ll play both sides of the ball in college, which Harbaugh seems to love. He let me know that he’ll be at the Michigan camp this June, and I believe he could see his offer there.
- Offer: No
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent, if offered
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Others: Cam Akers, Eno Benjamin, Anthony MacFarland, Jaylon Redd, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods
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