The college football regular season has come and gone, and now it’s time to really start turning attention to finishing up the 2018 recruiting class. Though the season didn’t go as planned for the coaching staff, they’ll have a chance to redeem themselves a bit by cleaning up on the recruiting trail ahead of the early signing period in mid-December and on National Signing Day at the beginning of February. And they have a very good chance of doing so thanks to consistent recruiting and a great group of official visits for the Ohio State game.
If the staff is able to put together what I’m predicting at this point, it should be another top 10 class for the Wolverines.
Here’s a little background on how I put my latest Best Guess Recruiting Class together:
- Class Size: With the season over and transfers starting to already roll in, the answer to the most asked question in recruiting is becoming a little clearer. There will be plenty of other transfers this offseason and after spring ball, like always. Earlier reports had it between 18-22 and that continues to be the case though it’ll very likely be closer to 22 than 18.
- Position Numbers: With a limited amount of space in this class and 16 scholarships already accounted for, Michigan will have to be pretty selective with it’s final 4-6 spots.
- Michigan has suffered two decommitments on the offensive line but still have two tackles committed. Look for the staff to add at least one more offensive lineman, two looks to be the goal though.
- The staff is pushing hard for its top three defensive lineman but it looks like the best bet is to sign 1-2 of them, at best.
- Otis Reese isn’t a lock to sign with Michigan. If things do open back up for him, look for the staff to kick the tires on some former and future OLB/Viper targets.
- Though there’s already two tight ends committed, the staff looks likely to add another to this class. Also likely to add a wide receiver at this point.
- Other possibilities include additions to the defensive backfield as well the chance to
- Class Attrition: Michigan has suffered four decommitments so far in this class (Jalil Irvin, Leonard Taylor, Antwuan Johnson and Emil Ekiyor). But there only looks to be one name to watch in terms of being another decommitment and that’s Otis Reese. More on him below.
Chances Key:
- Excellent – Top Team/Expected to Land
- Very Good – Top 2-3/Realistic Possibility
- Good – Top 5/Sticking Around
- Fair – Top 10/Puncher’s Chance
- Poor – Hardly Mentioned/Unlikey to Happen
Check out my latest 2018 Michigan football recruiting class prediction:
1. QB: Joe Milton, 6’6” 225lbs. Orlando, FL (Olympia)
Photo Credit: OrangeObserver.com
There’s plenty of noise about the possibility of a transfer quarterback but unless something drastic happens, I don’t see Milton going anywhere. And that’s important because he’s the player with, arguably, the highest ceiling in the class. His natural size, athleticism and passing abilities, mixed with Jim Harbaugh’s ability to develop quarterbacks, gives him the chance to be a superstar for the Wolverines. He may even play early-on thanks to the dual-threat capabilities he possesses.
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- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 5/7/17
- First on List: April 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #105 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #268 overall) – ESPN (4*, #111 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #167 overall, #8 Pro QB, #30 in Florida
2. QB: Kevin Doyle, 6’4” 210lbs. Washington, DC (St. John’s College)
Photo Credit: Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group
Doyle was one of the rare surprise commitments earlier in the fall but that doesn’t take away from his impact on the class. Not only is he a player that shouldn’t be overlooked as a potential starter down the line but he’s also been one of the most vocal leaders for the class to try and bring some of the top names with him to Ann Arbor. We’ll see if his hustle pays off as he was in Ann Arbor for the OSU game and its huge recruiting visitor list.
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- Commitments Date: 9/24/17
- First on List: October 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #405 overall) – ESPN (4*, #18 Pro-QB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #555 overall, #21 Pro-QB, #4 in DC
3. RB: Christian Turner, 5’11” 190lbs. Buford, GA (Buford)
Photo Credit: David McGregor/Gwinnett Prep Sports
Turner remains solid to Michigan and is a player that’s continues to fly under the radar in this class. He hasn’t seen the bump up in the ratings like I expected yet but after his senior year, he should move up a bit. But it won’t make a difference for his future at Michigan where he should be a contributor for multiple years in Jim Harbaugh’s offense.
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- Commitment Date: 4/10/17
- First on List: April 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #15 RB) – 247 (3*, #26 RB) – ESPN (4*, #20 RB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #454 overall, #24 RB, #47 in Georgia
4. RB: Hassan Haskins, 6’2” 205lbs. Eureke, MO (Eureka)
Photo Credit: Ben Loewnau/STLhighschoolsports.com
Haskins is another lower ranked running back recruit that shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s actually even less known and lower ranked than Turner but he’s a guy who I believe has a Luke Schoonmaker-like ceiling. Watch his senior tape. You see a guy who matured drastically from his junior to senior seasons, which shows why he should continue to see a jump before the final rankings. With more growth and opportunity, he could be a standout during his collegiate career.
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- Commitment Date: 10/29/17
- First on List: Now
- Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #89 RB) – ESPN (3*, #51 RB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #1363 overall, #86 RB, #15 in Missouri
5. WR: JaMarr Chase, 6’1” 195lbs. Metairie, LA (Archbishop Rummel)
Photo Credit: Nola.com
This may be the biggest reach on the list this month. Chase officially visited Michigan this past weekend for The Game. That visit was set up immediately after he received his offer from UM and decommitting from Florida. So his interest in the Wolverines was obvious. However, Michigan would need to showout on the trip to truly give itself a chance with a prospect out of Louisiana. And it looks like they did just that and now have a real chance to land the four star receiver, according to his interview with TMI’s Steve Lorenz ($) and the latest gut check report from Sam Webb ($). With the early signing period in December, this one could get interesting between UM and, the current Crystal Ball favorite, TCU. The chance to be the only receiver in the class (TCU already has 3) and work with NFL coaches may end up being the deciding factors.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Highlights
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: Now
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #50 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #25 overall) – ESPN (4*, #266 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #69 overall, #12 WR, #4 in Louisiana
- Crystal Ball Favorite: TCU
- Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
- Other Options: Kyle Philips, Chris Olave, Kamryn Babb, Amon-Ra St.Brown
6. TE: Tommy Tremble, 6’4” 225lbs. Norcross, GA (Wesleyan)
Photo Credit: Hudl.com
Tremble was another official visitor for the Ohio State game but, unlike Chase, the talented tight end already has Crystal Ball selections coming in to Michigan. That includes TMI’s Steve Lorenz and 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong. With the need for another tight end in the class, more in the mold of Nick Eubanks than Sean McKeon, you can see why the staff is pushing hard for Tremble. Notre Dame is obviously still a threat as is in-state Georgia (his dad played for the Bulldogs in the 90s) but all of the momentum right now looks to be with Michigan as the early signing period nears, even though Irish247’s Tom Loy believes he’ll still choose Notre Dame.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Highlights
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
- First on List: Now
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #21 TE) – 247Sports (3*, #15 TE) – ESPN (3*, #10 H-TE)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #502 overall, #22 TE, #51 in Georgia
- Crystal Ball Favorite: Notre Dame
- Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
- Other Options: Luke Ford, Kyle Philips, Chris Olave, Kamryn Babb, Amon-Ra St.Brown
7. TE: Luke Schoonmaker, 6’6” 235lbs. Hamden, CT (Hamden Hall)
Schoonmaker continues to look more and more like a future stud and the possible steal of the class. He continues to show his athleticism and versatility as an offensive weapon as he stars at both tight end and quarterback, where he’s actually pretty decent. Look out for him after a year or two of development with the coaching and training staffs.
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- Commitment Date: 7/25/17
- First on List: July 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #48 TE) – 247Sports (3*, #34 TE) – ESPN (3*, #20 TE)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #738 overall, #36 TE, #3 in Connecticut
8. TE: Mustapha Muhammad, 6’4” 230lbs. Missouri City, TX (Ridge Point)
Photo Credit: Hudl.com
Muhammad joined the class earlier in the fall after months of Michigan being the favorite. He’s one of the top ranked guys in the class and a player that could immediately make an impact for the Wolverines thanks to his mix of size and athleticism. Though he’ll have plenty of experienced talent in front of him, he’s a guy to watch for as soon as he gets on campus.
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- Commitment Date: 10/20/17
- First on List: August 2016
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #19 TE) – 247Sports (4*, #145 overall) – ESPN (4*, #44 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #109 overall, #5 TE, #14 in Texas
9. OT: Ryan Hayes, 6’6” 255lbs. Traverse City, MI (TC West)
Photo Credit: Josh Newkirk/Scout
Even if the staff adds another tight end to the class, at this point, it looks like Hayes is still expected to come to Ann Arbor as a tight end and then move to offensive tackle once he adds some more size. He’s got the frame and athleticism to be a nice player at either position but once he adds the size, his ceiling is extremely high as a left tackle.
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- Commitment Date: 5/27/17
- First on List: March 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #51 OT) – 247Sports (4*, #122 overall) – ESPN (4*, #29 OT)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #298 overall, #24 OT, #5 in Michigan
10. OT: Jalen Mayfield, 6’5” 250lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (Catholic Central)
Photo Credit: MLive.com
Like Hayes, Mayfield is another four star in-state offensive tackle commit that has immense potential. But, unlike Hayes, Mayfield is a pure offensive tackle that may end up playing pretty early in his career. He has some size to add but with the openings at tackle, his aggressiveness and athleticism could help fight for snaps in his first two years on campus.
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- Commitment Date: 5/23/17
- First on List: March 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3* OT) – 247Sports (4*, #100 overall) – ESPN (3*, #72 OT)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #282 overall, #22 OT, #4 in Michigan
11. OT: Nicholas Petit-Frere, 6’6” 275lbs. Tampa, FL (Berkeley Prep)
Photo Credit: Hudl.com
If Michigan were to pull this one off, I believe it would quiet 95% of the fan base that’s complaining about this class. That’s how big of an addition Petit-Frere would be to this class and to the roster. Michigan is in dire need of an elite offensive tackle and he just so happens to be the #1 offensive tackle, according to 247Sports. So, he’s obviously a wanted player. And though there’s still plenty of time to go before he signs his LOI and the likes of Notre Dame, Alabama and Florida coming after him hard, Michigan looks to be the team that checks off the most boxes. TMI’s Steve Lorenz is hearing good things about his official visit for the Ohio State game ($), which looks to have gone about as well as possible. Michigan was the first team to ever offer him and he happens to have appeared in my first ever 2018 BGRC. There’s valuable weeks coming up before the early signing day. We’ll see if the staff can finally land an elite left tackle target.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Highlights
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: August 2016
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #175 overall) – 247Sports (5*, #10 overall) – ESPN (4*, #16 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #42 overall, #4 OT, #7 in Florida
- Crystal Ball Favorite: Notre Dame
- Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
- Other Options: Jalen Goss
12. OT: Jarrett Patterson, 6’5” 280lbs. Mission Viejo, CA (Mission Viejo)
Photo Credit: 247Sports.com
Patterson is another recently offered prospect committed to another program that looks like a very real possibility to end up signing with Michigan, when everything is said and done. The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown believes it to be “likely” to happen ($), after the Arizona State commit received his offer and quickly made plans to officially visit Ann Arbor. Though that visit date is not exactly known at this point, it’s expected to take place in early December. With the early signing period in mid-December, a push from the staff during his official could be more than enough to flip him from the head coach-less Sun Devils. This could very well end up being another Greg Frey production as Patterson fits the Frey mold of being a lower ranked, athletic, versatile, project lineman with a very high upside.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Soon
- Highlights
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good (Committed to Arizona State)
- First on List: Now
- Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (4*, #259 overall) – ESPN (3*, #41 OT)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #590 overall, #46 OT, #72 in California
- Crystal Ball Favorite: None
- Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
- Other Options: Jalen Goss
13. DT: Tyler Friday, 6’3” 260lbs. Ramsey, NJ (Don Bosco)
Photo Credit: Scout.com
Welp, it looks like my longtime Crystal Ball prediction is set to come true as, according to every report out there, Michigan did a fantastic time during Friday’s official visit this past weekend and now the CBs are starting to roll in. The New Jerseyan made his way back to Ann Arbor for the Ohio State game for the first time since the spring and things look to go as well as possible. Things went so well that 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong expected to and then eventually did put in his prediction for the top100 defensive lineman to choose the Wolverines. Though OSU, Penn State and Alabama remain in the mix, I still feel very good about Michigan here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Highlights
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: May 2016
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #60 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #137 overall) – ESPN (4*, #126 overall)
- Composite Ranking: 4 star, #64 overall, #3 DT, #2 in New Jersey
- Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
- Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
- Other Options: Eyabi Anoma, Jayson Oweh, Michael Thompson, Rick Sandidge
14. DL: Taylor Upshaw, 6’5” 245lbs. Bradenton, FL (Braden River)
Photo Credit: YourObserver.com
After committing to Florida back in June, it looked unlikely that Upshaw would end up not signing with the Gators. However, poor performances led to a mid-season firing of head coach Jim McElwain. And Michigan jumped at the opportunity to target some of UF’s commitments. Upshaw was the commit that reciprocated the most interest as he quickly scheduled an official visit to see Ann Arbor for the Ohio State game. And it didn’t take him long to flip that commitment as he pulled the trigger the first night he was in Ann Arbor, becoming the 16th overall commitment in the class.
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- Commitment Date: 11/24/17
- First on List: Now
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #24 SDE) – 247Sports (3*, #33 SDE) – ESPN (3*, #65 DE)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #616 overall, #24 SDE, #101 in Florida
15. DE: Aidan Hutchinson, 6’7” 250lbs. Dearborn, MI (Divine Child)
Photo Credit: TheWolverine.com
There were some questions about Hutchinson’s commitment went it first happened as the in-state, legacy recruit was not yet physically there to be a top end recruit. However, he was only going into his junior year when he gave that pledge. And, like expected, he matured and grew into what the coaching staff was expecting: a problem. Hutchinson’s senior tape is full of him physically dominating his opponents and, though he has a ways to go in the weight room and practice field, he has all of the makings of the next high motor, pain the butt defensive end for offensive coordinators to worry about. By the way, he could also be a legit tight end, if the staff wanted to experiment with him there.
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- Commitment Date: 2/22/17
- First on List: May 2016
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #18 SDE) – 247Sports (4*, #109 overall) – ESPN (4*, #287 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #209 overall, #10 SDE, #2 in Michigan
16. OLB: Otis Reese, 6’2” 195lbs. Lee County, GA (Lee County)
Photo Credit: TheWolverine.com
If anyone is looking for drama on the recruiting trail, Reese may be the biggest nail biter heading into National Signing Day. He’s actually Michigan’s longest commitment but, though he continues to say he’s a Michigan commit, he’s been pretty much a soft commitment for quite awhile. He’s visited Georgia 4+ times this year and hasn’t been to Ann Arbor since the spring game back in April. And he’s yet to schedule his official visit (which would be huge for Michigan’s chances). Several Crystal Ball predictions have come in for the Bulldogs and the momentum is clearly with the in-state school. But there just isn’t enough smoke, at this point, for me to say he’s going to flip. But there is enough for me to put the “Other Options” bullet point up.
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- Commitment Date: 6/20/16
- First on List: August 2016
- Rankings: Scout (4*, #186 overall) – Rivals (4*, #116 overall) – 247 (4*, #140 overall) – ESPN (4*, #221 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #137 overall, #8 OLB, #17 in Georgia
- Other Options: Eyabi Anoma, Jayson Oweh
17. ILB: Cameron McGrone, 6’1” 215lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Lawrence Central)
Photo Credit: Kenneth Moreland / VictoryViews
There’s no need to worry about McGrone. He’s easily the surest 2018 commit as he’s been a main recruiter for the class since committing over the summer. He’s also may end up being the frown jewel of this class when everything is said and done. His mix of size, tenacity and nose for the ball make him a terror for offenses. He shows the ability to line up inside and outside, which has to have Don Brown excited. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him getting plenty of run during his freshmen season.
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- Commitment Date: 7/31/17
- First on List: June 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #238 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #42 overall) – ESPN (4*, #16 OLB)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #202 overall, #14 OLB, #2 in Indiana
18. S: German Green, 6’2” 161lbs. DeSoto, TX (DeSoto)
Though he’s not as highly ranked as his twin brother, Gemon, he’s a guy that has been said to be one to watch. He was injured during his junior season but looked to be getting his game back throughout his senior campaign. He’s a raw defensive back but, with size and the right coaching, he could be a very nice player. Look for him to be a guy who gets better and better, year after year, especially as he gets more comfortable on his knee.
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- Commitment Date: 4/20/17
- First on List: April 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #97 S) – ESPN (3*, #90 CB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #1179 overall, #96 S, #164 in Texas
19. DB: Sammy Faustin, 6’2” 170lbs. Naples, FL (Naples)
Photo Credit: Hudl.com
As he continues to put on size, Faustin looks more and more like a steal of a get. He’s a versatile, sure-tackling defensive back that could be used all over the secondary. While he may be listed as a cornerback by some, safety may be the position where he could flourish as he gets into a college weight program. Look out for him potentially playing early with questions at the safety position.
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- First on List: August 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #53 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #75 CB) – ESPN (3*, #49 CB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #575 overall, #50 CB, #93 in Florida
20. CB: Gemon Green, 6’2” 165lbs. DeSoto, TX (DeSoto)
Gemon is the higher ranked Green twin thanks to his more polished game. He’s a long, rangy corner with speed and instincts that has been described as “battle tested” as he’s competed against some of the top talent in the country on a weekly basis. There’s good depth at corner for Michigan but his experience, size and willingness to tackle should speed up the process of him seeing the field. And once that happens, I believe he could be an All-Conference performer, if not better.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 4/20/17
- First on List: April 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #36 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #399 overall) – ESPN (4*, #45 CB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #345 overall, #33 CB, #46 in Texas
21. CB: Myles Sims, 6’3″ 175lbs. Atlanta, GA (Westlake)
Though he’s overlooked because of the length of his commitment, “Spider” is one of the best gets of the Jim Harbaugh era to date. He’s a 6’3″ cornerback with long arms and the instincts to be a ball hawk at any level. As an early enrollee, he’ll get a step up on the other freshmen as the fight for playing time at the position should be extremely tight throughout the spring and fall camp.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 4/7/2017
- First on List: March 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #68 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #37 CB) – ESPN (4*, #132 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #127 overall, #16 CB, #15 in Georgia
Projected Class Score: 259.31 (per 247Sports)
With that score, Michigan would have the #5 class in the country, at the moment. But with so much time still to go and plenty of other teams picking up more commits, there’s a chance this class finishes inside the top 10.. Auburn finished 9th in 2017 with 255.92.
Just Missed
- DE Eyabi Anoma
- This one may be a close one after his official visit for the Ohio State game in the books. Alabama looked to be the favorite going in but with everything Michigan offers, including the blitz heavy defense, consistent defensive line standouts and the fact that his head coach, Biff Poggi, was on the UM football staff last year, this will be interesting. However, I haven’t seen enough to put the five star super recruit on the list.
- DE Jayson Oweh
- Michigan has been gaining momentum with Oweh ever since offering earlier this fall. He officially visited for the Ohio State game and it looked like everything went about as well as planned. There’s still time before his signs his LOI and the staff looks like it’ll be pushing hard to land him. However, it may be too little, too late as Ohio State and Penn State have been favorites for awhile now. We’ll see if the staff can make up the ground.
- DB Josh Jobe
- Jobe has long been a top recruit for Michigan but things look to be fading a bit. He cancelled his official visit to Ann Arbor for the OSU game and has yet to reschedule it. With Miami having a great year and Alabama being Alabama, there’s no way Michigan wins out without a visit to campus.
- S Bryan Addison
- Addison was a guy who I thought could end up choosing Michigan when everything was said and done. But with UCLA hiring Chip Kelly, I don’t feel as good about the Wolverines chances. It’s looking more and more likely that he stays out west.
- WR Chris Olave
- Olave is scheduled to officially visit in the beginning of December and that could be a visit to watch. Ohio State is the favorite for the speedy receiver right now but you can’t count out the Michigan coaching staff on the visit. This one could be very interesting whenever he makes his decision as he’s also teammates with OT Jarrett Patterson, who I added to the class prediction above.
- ATH Talanoa Hufanga
- The five star athlete officially visited Ann Arbor for the Ohio State game and things looked to go really well. And it may have come at the perfect time as the rumored favorite in his recruitment, Oregon, is possibly in the middle of another coaching change as Florida State may target Willie Taggert if Jimbo Fisher takes the Texas A&M job. However, that has yet to happen and there’s not even close to enough smoke on Michigan’s end to put him on the list at this point.
- DT Michael Thompson
- Thompson had been a member of the class prediction a couple times but looks unlikely to join the class officially, according to TMI’s Steve Lorenz. It’s not known exactly why but it looks like the staff will focus its time on other defensive lineman while USC continues to gain steam for the four star tackle.
- OT Jalen Goss
- Goss recently named Auburn his leader and is expected to visit the Tigers in December. Michigan will need to get him on campus for an official prior to him signing his LOI to have a chance. But that is still possible to happen. If the staff can get him to Ann Arbor, there’s a chance. But my money is on Auburn right now.
- RB Michael Barrett
- Barrett was a longtime member of this class prediction but he’s on the outside looking in for the second month in a row. With Haskins and Turner already on the board, it’s hard to see the staff taking another running back, even though there’s still a chance he officially visits.
- DT Rick Sandidge
- Sandidge has been a top target for the staff for months now but it looks like they’ll end up as a finalist at best as in-state South Carolina has held control here for quite awhile. His official visit for the OSU game was Michigan’s best chance to change things but that didn’t happen.
Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog
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