With under 3 months to go until National Signing Day, you’d think the class prediction would be easier than ever. Not so much. Thanks to the coaching staff quickly turning around the on-the-field product, Michigan continues to expand it’s 2016 recruiting board which still has well over 20 legit targets included. To go along with that, there are several current commitments that are looking more and more likely to end up elsewhere.

“Who are those commits?,” you may be asking. Well, they’re not all known right now. Two names that are off the commitment list are now well known as RB Matt Falcon received a medical scholarship offer (now committed to Western Michigan) and LB Dele Harding is not expected to be a part of the class.

As for other players that could end up outside of the class, the only name that looks likely to end up elsewhere is LB David Reese as he’s looking to enroll early but UM doesn’t have an available spot for him. Add in his other big time offers, like Texas, Florida, Nebraska and TCU, and all signs are pointing to him signing with another school. And it’s really too bad and would be a loss for the class but he wants to play early (enrolling early obviously helps with that) and UM is said to be holding those few spots open for their top uncommitted targets.

So, if Reese does indeed leave the class, like most analysts are predicting, that would bring the class back down to 20 commits, 8 shy of the projected total number. But it looks like the number of commits could go down even more.

First mentioned by Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz over the summer, there’s a good chance Michigan will have a couple grayshirts in 2016 ($). But that’s not all. The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb and Allen Trieu are also hearing that there could be some attrition in the class because of grade issues and parting ways with current commits so they can find a better opportunity elsewhere ($). That would mean up to four more spots being available and 12 more recruits being added to the list overall.

Names that could fall into any of those categories are not yet known and will not be predicted by me. Not my style.

As for attrition from the current roster that will open up enough spots for all of these recruits, The Wolverine crew is also hearing about the likelihood of several current roster players, including freshmen, leaving the team through transfer ($).

So, this prediction will be pretty big. That means there will be 32 recruits included as I will go along with expected attrition numbers. And this list doesn’t even include all of the preferred walk-ons that will be joining the team as well.

Is that enough pre-gaming for this? Ok good. Check out my latest 2016 Michigan football recruiting class prediction:

1. QB: Brandon Peters, 6’5” 205lbs. Avon, IN (Avon)

Peters has gone from the backup plan at quarterback in 2016 to, arguably, the biggest steal of the class. He’s grown a ton as a QB since committing to Michigan in the spring. Thanks to multiple summer camps, including the Elite 11, he’s cleaned up his mechanics and decision making which helped him put on a show throughout his senior season. With Harbaugh’s tutelage and more time in the film room, he could be an absolute star in the Maize and Blue.

• Commitment Date: April 4th, 2015
• Story
• First on List: March 2015
• Highlights

2. RB: Kingston Davis, 6’1” 225lbs. Prattville, AL (Prattville) 

Davis was a bit of an unknown recruit when Michigan extended and ultimately landed his commitment. However, he is now one of the fan favorites and looks to fit the offense better than just about anyone. He is an old school, power back that will run over opponents but also has the athleticism to bounce it outside for longer gains. There are still some questions surrounding his recruitment as he’s planning to take more official visits. However, it still looks like he’ll end up signing with Michigan.

• Commitment Date: April 6th, 2015
• Story
• First on List: April 2015
• Highlights

3. RB: Kareem Walker, 6’1” 210lbs. Wayne, NJ (De Paul Catholic)

Like expected, Walker has now decommitted from Ohio State and looks destined for Michigan. Thanks to already officially visiting for the Northwestern game, several of his New Jersey recruiting friends a part of/expected to be a part of the class and his fit in the offense, and even though he’s taking a couple more official visits to powerhouse programs, all signs point to UM.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Decision Date: TBD
• First on List: January 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Rakeem Boyd, Abdul Adams 

4. WR: Ahmir Mitchell, 6’3” 206lbs. Egg Harbor City, NJ (Cedar Creek)

Mitchell is one of the highest ranked current commits for Michigan and for good reason. He has the size, speed and athleticism to be a star though he is pretty raw as a receiver. Luckily, he’ll have a great coaching staff to develop him in Ann Arbor. On top of being highly ranked, he has also become one of the top recruiters in the class as he’s publicly been recruiting several top targets on the board including Rashan Gary and Kareem Walker, who happen to also be from New Jersey.

• Commitment Date: 8/27/15
• Story 
• First on List: September 2014
• Highlights

5. WR: Brad Hawkins, 6’1” 202lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)

Hawkins is a big, fast, physical wide receiver that can make the tough catches that should make him a go-to possession receiver in the future. He reminds me a little bit of former Michigan WR Marquise Walker because of his mix of size and big play ability, both of which are badly needed in Drevno’s offense. He’s also been a big help on the recruiting front as he’s going after the other top New Jersey targets left on the board

• Commitment Date: 7/3/2015
• Story
• First on List: April 2015
• Highlights

6. WR: Keyshawn Young, 5’11” 175lbs. Miami, FL (Senior) 

Young may not be the #1 receiver on the board but he’s the most likely to end up in the class, at the moment. As a dynamic, home run hitting threat, he’s a great fit for the offense. Thanks to their offer from over the summer and his upcoming official visit for the Ohio State game, all signs point to Michigan here.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• Decision Date: December
• First on List: July 2015
• Highlights
• Other Options: Dylan Crawford, Eddie McDoom, Donnie Corley, Donald Stewart, Velus Jones 

7. TE: Sean McKeon, 6’5” 230lbs. Dudley, MA (Shepherd Hill)

McKeon is one of the more underrated commits in the class thanks to the fact that he’s featured more on the defensive side of the ball (defensive end) and is used more as a blocking tight end on offense. But when he does have a chance to show off his receiving skills, you can see why Michigan was quick to offer and accept his commitment.

• Commitment Date: 6/15/2015
• Story
• First on List: Now
• Highlights

8. TE: Isaac Nauta, 6’4” 237lbs. Buford, GA (IMG Academy)

Nauta has gone from a realistic option (awhile back), to off the board (committed to FSU), to back on the board but a long shot (decommitted from FSU), to now possibly looking like he could possibly be favoring UM. That’s just what I’ve gathered from reading the tea leaves in his recruitment while several analysts still believe he ends up at Georgia. But when you add all the pieces together and throw in the turmoil going on in Athens, things look good here for Michigan. If they continue to make him a priority and show out on the field, I think they steal the nation’s top tight end recruit away from his hometown Bulldogs.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Good
• Decision Date: TBD
• First on List: April 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Jacob Mathis, Devin Asiasi, Miller Forristall 

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

As the first commitment of the class, Swenson has stayed strong and true to his commitment through the process and has become a top recruiter for the class. Add in his size and skill, and I believe Swenson becomes one of the main highlights of this class.

• Commitment Date: 11/25/2013
• Story
• First on List: January 2014
• Highlights

10. OT: Devery Hamilton, 6’6” 290lbs. Baltimore, MD (Gilman)

Hamilton is a player most were very excited about when he joined the class in the middle of the summer. He’s big, strong and very athletic. Something that Michigan is looking for at the tackle position and has the chance to be a very good player at the next level.

• Commitment Date: 6/24/2015
• Story
• First on List: January 2014
• Highlights

11. OL: Ben Bredeson, 6’5” 295lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead)

The top ranked player in the class (at the moment), Bredeson is another cornerstone recruit that has put his recruiting hat on to help Michigan improve the class as much as possible. But it’s his skill, playing attitude and versatility that should make him a very good player at UM. Out of all of the offensive lineman, he could see the field quicker than any other thanks to his versatility and skill level.

• Commitment Date: 6/17/2015
• Story
• First on List: April 2014
• Highlights

12. OG: Michael Onwenu, 6’3” 365lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

Big Mike is a beast of a offensive and defensive lineman. He’s one of the most compact 365lb human beings on earth and has the athleticism and feet of a much smaller person. That size, strength and agility combination he has could help him become a stud offensive guard in Michigan’s power running game.

• Commitment Date: 6/3/2015
• Story
• First on List: March 2014
• Highlights

13. OG: Terrance Davis, 6’4” 305lbs. Hyattsville, MD (DeMatha)

While Delance looks to be higher on the board, Davis is the more realistic option at this moment. He’s been favoring the Wolverines since visiting over the spring and though a tackle is a bigger need than another guard, it’s still a position of need after looking at the future roster. Everyone’s been waiting awhile for Davis to commit to Michigan and with his official visit coming up for the OSU game, it could come during/soon afterwards. Especially if the staff pushes for it.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Decision Date: TBD
• First on List: April 2015
• Highlights
• Other Options: Jean Delance 

14. DT: Chris Daniels, 6’4” 300lbs. Euless, TX (Trinity) 

Daniels makes his first appearance on the list and it’s for good reason. For months he’s been a possibility but his ties to the state weren’t enough for me to include him. Well, now that he’s officially visited and, from all reports, had a great time, all signs are pointing to him playing his college ball in the state he played his freshmen year of high school ball. Though it’s not a slam dunk. He officially visits Oklahoma this weekend and they are a legit threat.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Decision Date: Mid December
• First on List: Now
• Highlights
• Other Options: Jordan Elliott, Boss Tagaloa

15. DL: Rashan Gary, 6’4” 310lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)

Landing the nation’s top recruit is never easy and almost always takes the full cycle, and Rashan Gary is no different. As the gem of the class and the top target on the board, Michigan has done everything in it’s power to bring the next Paramus Catholic superstar to Ann Arbor. And it’s working. It’s no secret that UM is in the driver’s seat for Gary but there is still time to go until NSD. He’s expected to take official visits to Ole Miss, Auburn and USC but, according to 247Sports, could very likely take an unofficial visit back to Michigan right before he decides. Because of that and everything else in UM’s corner, I’m 100% keeping him in this class.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Decision Date: Under Armour All American Game
• First on List: August 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Jordan Elliott, Boss Tagaloa

16. DL: Keyshon Camp, 6’3” 270lbs. Lakeland, FL (Lake Gibson)

I went back and forth with Jordan Elliott and Camp in this spot for awhile but though Elliott has named Michigan his leader and Camp is still committed to USC, I’ll go with Camp to land this spot at the end of the day. Elliott has already decommitted twice which makes it really hard to predict him to sign anywhere. As for Camp, while he’s committed to USC, he’s already officially visited Michigan and may be back for the OSU game (per Sam Webb and Steve Lorenz). Add in him being former teammates and very good friends with freshmen LB Reuben Jones and his versatility on the line, and I believe UM ends up flipping him from the Trojans.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Good (Committed to USC)
• First on List: Now 
• Highlights
• Other Options: Jordan Elliott, Boss Tagaloa

17. DL: Rashad Weaver, 6’5” 255lbs. Ft Lauderdale, FL (Cooper City) 

Weaver is one of the more unknown recruits in the class after landing an offer from Michigan and quickly committing during the satellite camp tour. He has that size and athleticism the staff is looking for in their defensive lineman and could end up being a nice steal out of Florida.

• Commitment Date: 6/14/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

18. DE: Ron Johnson, 6’4” 240lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)

Johnson is one half of the Camden duo for Michigan and one player that most are sleeping on. While he may not be the elite size for a defensive end or the elite athleticism for a BUCK linebacker, I believe the staff will find a nice fit for him as a hybrid end that specializes in rushing the passer.

• Commitment Date: 6/25/2015
• Story 
• First on List: March 2015
• Highlights

19. BUCK: Carlo Kemp, 6’4” 250lbs. Boulder, CO (Fairview) 

In DJ Durkin’s defense, the BUCK linebacker position is known to be the most important. And that is where Kemp is projected to play. He has the size, athleticism and instincts that should fit that position perfectly. Whether he starts off there or starts at defensive end or another linebacker position, there’s a good chance he sees the field early on in his career.

• Commitment Date: 11/8/2015
• Story 
• First on List: August 2015
• Highlights

20. LB: Jonathan Jones, 6’0” 225lbs. Orlando, FL (Oak Ridge)

Jones has been on and off of this list several times since the spring thanks to him naming Michigan his leader but planning on waiting until later in the process to make a decision. I originally thought that spot could be gone by the time he makes his choice. Not anymore. With the linebacker attrition in the class, him still being extremely high on UM, and his official visit coming up next week, it looks like he will indeed have that opening to join the class.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Decision Date: After his Official Visits
• First on List: March 2015
• Highlights
• Other Options: Dontavious Jackson, Caleb Kelly, Armani Posey

21. LB: Devin Bush Jr, 6’0” 228lbs. Pembroke Pines, FL (Flanagan)

Bush Jr went from an expected summer commitment, to a lock to end up in the class and now to a toss up. It’s been a roller coaster but I’m going to stay on for the ride and keep him in this class prediction. Though 247Sports’ Clint Brewster is hearing his mother wants him to follow in his dad’s footsteps at FSU ($), others are still like UM’s chances. That includes The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb who’s heard very positive things ($). This one is a toss up between UM, FSU and even Auburn, but thanks to his teammates heading to A2, the chance to play right away and the multiple rumors of his father possibly joining the UM staff in the future, I’ll stick with Bush Jr signing with and early enrolling at Michigan.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Decision Date: December
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights
• Other Options: Dontavious Jackson, Caleb Kelly, Armani Posey

22. LB: Dytarious Johnson, 6’1” 220lbs. Prattville, AL (Prattville)

Johnson is another lower rated recruit in the class that may end up being a steal for the staff. He has that speed and tenacity that should fit perfectly into Durkin’s defense. While some star gazers are not high on him, I believe he could be a really nice player for Michigan and a candidate for “steal of the class”.

• Commitment Date: 6/7/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

23. CB: Antwaine Richardson, 6’0” 165lbs. Delray Beach, FL (Atlantic)  

The Richardson commitment story is by far my favorite in the class. He ended up landing his offer from the Michigan staff while performing on a torn ACL at one of their staff’s satellite camps. It showed the staff that toughness factor they crave and, knowing of his injury, accepted his commitment soon after offering him. As a Wolverine, he’s an aggressive, cover corner that could really blossom with Mike Zordich’s coaching.

• Commitment Date: 6/12/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

24. CB: Sir Patrick Scott, 6’1” 175lbs. Upper Marlboro, MD (Riverdale Baptist)

Scott has one of the best names in the entire 2016 class but that is not his only top trait. He has the size and athleticism that Durkin is looking for out of his defensive backs which could give him the opportunity to play pretty early in his career.

• Commitment Date: 8/2/2015
• Story
• First on List: July 2015
• Highlights

25. CB: Lavert Hill, 5’11” 175lbs. Detroit, MI (King)

Hill was a first member of the original 2017 BGRC and though he did not remain on here the entire time, thanks to his commitment to Penn State, he’s basically a lock to be on it from here on out. Though he remains committed to PSU, all signs point to him flipping his commitment and joining his brother, Delano, in Ann Arbor as a Wolverine. Though when it will happen is unknown.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good (Committed to Penn State)
• First on List: January 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Chris Brown

26. CB: David Long, 5’11” 175lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Loyola)

Long was on the list awhile back, off of it after committing to Stanford and is now firmly on here until he signs his LOI. All signs are pointing to him not only decommitting from the Cardinal but also favoring and likely choosing the Wolverines. After his official visit for the MSU game, he told Scout’s Greg Biggins that he’s thinking of “opening things up” to make sure he makes the right decision ($). That’s normally code for “I’m going to decommit”. And with the staff highly targeting him from day one and the need for elite corners, it’s a perfect fit.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good (Committed to Stanford)
• First on List: February 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Chris Brown 

27. ATH: Devin Gil, 6’1” 205lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)

Gil committed back in June after flipping from Miami (FL) and hasn’t looked back ever since. He joined teammate Josh Metellus in the class and looks to be one of the more versatile defensive additions for the staff. His size and athleticism makes him a nice fit as a hybrid safety/linebacker in Durkin’s defense.

• Commitment Date: 6/19/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

28. S: Josh Metellus, 6’0” 195lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)

Metellus was another satellite camper that turned the opportunity into his future as he impressed the coaches enough to earn an offer and eventually accept his commitment. He’s a physical, hard hitting safety that can play over the top but will likely find himself down in the box most of his time in college.

• Commitment Date: 6/17/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

29. ATH: Kiante Enis, 6’1” 200lbs. Winchester, IN (Winchester)

While Enis may not play against the best competition at the high school level, there’s no denying that he can play. He put up absolute monster stat lines each week during his senior season. As for where he’ll fit at Michigan, he’s expected to start out at running back and though he’s a beast there in high school, I still believe he could end up playing safety at the next level. Either way, the staff will need to find a way to get him on the field once he puts on a little more size.

• Commitment Date: 6/4/2015
• Story
• First on List: May 2015
• Highlights

30. ATH: Chris Evans, 5’11” 186lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Ben Davis)

Michigan badly needs some dynamic playmakers on offense and, though some saw Evans as a cornerback in college, I think he’ll stick to the offensive side of the ball and see the majority of his time in the winged helmet at the slot receiver and kick/punt returner roles.

• Commitment Date: 6/7/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

31. ATH: Victor Viramontes, 6’2” 220lbs. Norco, CA (Norco)

Viramontes quickly became a fan favorite in this class once he landed his offer from Michigan at the satellite camp and committed days later. He has that “it” factor that every staff looks for in a recruit and will likely star at any position he ends up at in college. His college position is unknown but I wouldn’t be shocked to see him used early and often at multiple positions, including linebacker, safety, h-back and even some wildcat quarterback.

• Commitment Date: 6/15/2015
• Story
• First on List: July 2015
• Highlights

32. S: Jordan Fuller, 6’2” 190lbs. Westwood, NJ (Old Tappan)

Definitely going out on a limb here on this one. Fuller is a top target for the staff and has been since they started targeting 2016 recruits. He’s one of the best athletes in the class and could be a contributor from day one. But what are Michigan’s chances? He visited early in the process and will likely take an official before NSD. If Michigan gets him on campus again, lands Kareem Walker and remains in the lead for Rashan Gary, I believe they can definitely land Fuller.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Decent
• Decision Date: TBD
• First on List: March 2015
• Highlights
• Other Options: Khaleke Hudson, Mecole Hardman, Jack Jones, Lamar Jackson, Armani Posey

Projected Class Score: 298.84 (per 247Sports) 

To make it closer to the final score, I removed the three lowest rated players from the class since Webb and Trieu were able to say that the expected attrition is supposed to come from the lower rated commits (though I don’t believe all three of the removed commits will end up elsewhere).

As for the score, it would have given Michigan the #3 overall class in 2015 and 2014. On top of that, if they added the recruits in this BGRC, UM would be adding:

• Their 3 highest rated recruits
• 5 of their 6 rated recruits
• 10 of their 14 highest rated recruits

Just Missed the List

• K Quinn Nordin
  • Nordin is another player that could very likely end up in this class. Though how he’s added could be interesting. According to The Wolverine crew, the staff “isn’t in position to use a scholarship on him” ($). They also added a grayshirt could be possible though, without knowing his family’s situation, it’s tough to imagine him paying for a year of college on his own when he has multiple D1 offers. But, crazier things have happened.
• WR Dylan Crawford
  • This one is a close call now that Oregon has finally thrown their hat in the ring. While they have some ground to make up, it looks like Crawford could very well choose his childhood favorite over the Wolverines.
• DT Jordan Elliott
  • I believe it’s a toss up for the final spots on the defensive line. Elliott is favoring UM now but is hard to predict because of his past (decommitted twice already). He’s still a legit option for the class though.
• OT Jean Delance
  • I had Delance in this class for awhile but I’m not 100% comfortable putting him in there until he visits. The OSU visit will be huge and could definitely give UM a lead moving forward.
• DE Levi Onwuzurike
  • Too many questions still out there at this point to put him in the class. Though he’s a good candidate to be included.
• TE Jacob Mathis
  • Doesn’t look like there’s room for two more tight ends and Nauta looks to be the top option. Though if they miss on Nauta, things look very good here (as long as he’s still interested).
• LB Caleb Kelly
  • Several reports suggest Kelly isn’t as high on the staff’s board as the star systems would make you think. Sources still believe he’s bound for Oklahoma though it looks like UM could sway him if they ramp up the pressure.
• DE Connor Murphy
  • Harbaugh’s connection keeps Murphy as a legit option though he still has yet to set his official visit to Ann Arbor. It’s expected to happen and when it does, it’ll be interesting to see if there’s a spot available for him.
• LB Dontavious Jackson
  • Jackson is a top target for the staff and looked to have UM at/near the top after his spring game visit. However, it’s not known how high he is on Michigan at the moment. But with his official visit coming up next week for the OSU game, UM could make a big move here.
• CB Chris Brown
  • See above.
• ATH Khaleke Hudson
  • Hudson is a viable option for the class though it’s not known where he stands on the board.
• WR Eddie McDoom
  • McDoom has a fantastic name and is a real option. However, like others, until he takes an official visit, it’s very hard to put him in the class.

Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports