The Early Signing Period has come and gone and Michigan now has 16 signees on the board with three other commits and several top targets waiting to sign their Letters of Intent on National Signing Day on February 7th. So, there’s still plenty of fun to be had over the final month of the 2018 recruiting cycle. Will Michigan be able to pull off landing its final top targets on the board? Can the staff sign a five star? Check out where things stand with my latest 2018 Michigan football recruiting class prediction.
Here’s a little background on how I put my latest Best Guess Recruiting Class together:
- Transfers: For the first time, I’ve included transfers to the list. Michigan already has one in Patterson but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the staff look for immediate offensive tackle help on the free agent market as well, if something comes available.
- Class Size: It originally looked like this class was going to finish under 20 spots but after signing 16, having 3 other commitments and clearly pushing for several other targets, the staff looks likely to sign around 23 players in this class.
- Position Numbers: The staff has loaded up at multiple position groups outside of the offensive line and defensive tackle. Look for the staff to add 1-2 more offensive lineman and at least one defensive tackle prior to/on National Signing Day. Other positions that could see additions include wide receiver and defensive back.
- Class Attrition: Michigan signed all of its commitments besides three, two of which look like possibilities to end up elsewhere. Otis Reese has been courted by Georgia for awhile now and, as the third quarterback, Kevin Doyle is a guy to watch as he could definitely fill the role as the only QB commit for another Power Five program.
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
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone. Enjoy my latest 2018 Michigan football recruiting class prediction, including (for the first time) transfers:
1. QB: Shea Patterson, 6’2” 221lbs. Toledo, OH (Ole Miss)
Patterson is the former #1 overall quarterback recruit and #4 overall player in the 2016 recruiting class, as well as a standout quarterback for Ole Miss. Though he only played in 10 games for the Rebels before injuring his knee, he flashed plenty of signs of that lofty recruiting ranking. So, his addition to the program via a transfer is a big one. It’s not known for sure if he’ll be eligible to play in 2018 but if he is, it completely changes the outlook of the season. He’s a proven talent that, if deemed eligible, may be the favorite to start the season. However, it won’t be given to him with Brandon Peters, Dylan McCaffrey and the next name on this list looking to land the spot.
- Story
- Highlights
- Eligibility: Sophomore
- Commitment Date: 12/10/17
- 2016 Recruiting Rankings: Rivals (5*, #3 overall) – 247Sports (5*, #3 overall) – ESPN (4*, #15 overall)
- 2016 Composite Recruiting Ranking: Five star, #4 overall, #1 QB, #1 in Florida
2. QB: Joe Milton, 6’6” 225lbs. Orlando, FL (Olympia)
Even with the addition of Shea Peterson to the team, Milton was all Michigan. He signed on December 20th and will enroll early in Ann Arbor. And it’s big because he has one of the highest ceilings in the class. His natural size, athleticism and passing abilities, mixed with Jim Harbaugh’s ability to develop quarterbacks, he could be a superstar for the Wolverines when he gets the chance.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 5/7/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: April 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #189 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #283 overall) – ESPN (4*, #111 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #174 overall, #8 Pro QB, #31 in Florida
3. QB: Kevin Doyle, 6’4” 210lbs. Washington, DC (St. John’s College)
Doyle committed to Michigan back in September but decided to wait until February to sign with Michigan instead of joining the rest of the commits and sign during the Early Signing Period. He’s gone on record to say that it was only because he wanted to sign with his other teammates. However, he may be a name to watch up until 2/7/17 as other Power Five programs may pursue him to be the only QB in their 2018 class. However, at this point, it looks like he’ll end up sticking with Michigan.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitments Date: 9/24/17
- Signing Date: 2/7/17
- First on List: October 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #24 QB) – 247Sports (3*, #447 overall) – ESPN (4*, #18 Pro-QB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #544 overall, #23 Pro-QB, #4 in DC
4. ATH: Michael Barrett, 6’0” 220lbs. Valdosta, GA (Lowndes)
My Crystal Ball prediction remains on Michigan for Barrett after a very successful official visit earlier in the month. Add in his ability to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball and he’s a guy the staff looks to be targeting until the finish line. But it’s not a lock to happen as the pitch to only play quarterback at Georgia Tech could be too enticing to turn down. This is another one to watch over the next month.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Highlights
- Signing Date: 2/7/18
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: May 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3* ATH) – 247Sports (3*, #69 ATH) – ESPN (3*, #49 ATH)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #723 overall, #62 ATH, #72 in Georgia
- Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
- Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
- Other Options: Tommy Bush, Chris Olave, JaMarr Chase, Talanoa Hufanga
5. RB: Christian Turner, 5’11” 190lbs. Buford, GA (Buford)
Turner burst onto the recruiting scene this winter as he added offers from the likes of Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Notre Dame, MSU and, of course, Michigan’s in the first two months of the year. But it was his first unofficial visit to Ann Arbor on Thursday, April 6th that put the Wolverines out front for good.The Georgia standout didn’t wait long to make his decision as he announced his commitment on Twitter just days after his visit. He never wavered on that commitment and signed with the Wolverines last week.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 4/10/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: April 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #18 RB) – 247Sports (3*, #32 RB) – ESPN (4*, #20 RB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #492 overall, #23 RB, #52 in Georgia
6. RB: Hassan Haskins, 6’2” 205lbs. Eureke, MO (Eureka)
Haskins burst onto the scene recently after receiving his offer from Michigan in mid-October. With offers from some MAC-level programs, he quickly jumped at the chance to check out what the Wolverines have to offer. He set up an official visit for Michigan’s next available home game, against Rutgers. And, as expected, Haskins didn’t need to see too much before making up his mind. He committed to Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan program before leaving campus and signed right away during the Early Signing Period.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 10/29/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: November 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #41 RB) – 247Sports (3*, #59 RB) – ESPN (3*, #52 RB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #929 overall, #49 RB, #11 in Missouri
7. FB/HB: Ben VanSumeren, 6’3” 230lbs. Essexville, MI (Garber)
VanSumeren is a man amongst boys in high school. Throughout his tape you see him running by, running through, and running over defensive and offensive players as he’s a standout at both tight end/wide receiver and outside linebacker. But will it translate against better competition? It’s the main question with most recruits but with VanSumeren, it’s his size, style and attitude that should fit in just fine as a Fullback and H-Back in Jim Harbaugh’s offense.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 12/17/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on the List: Now
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #37 ATH) – 247Sports (3*, #54 ATH) – ESPN (3*, #52 ATH)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #600 overall, #48 ATH, #11 in Michigan
8. WR: Ronnie Bell, 6’1” 170lbs. Kansas City, MO (Park Hill)
Bell was actually a basketball recruit committed to Missouri State up until the day he received his football offer from the Michigan staff on December 16th. He committed to Michigan on December 18th in the most subtle way possible these days without even making a formal announcement but just putting “University of Michigan Commit” in his Twitter profile. According to multiple reports, he didn’t sign during the Early Signing Period because of already signing a letter of intent with MSU for basketball. So, he’ll be signing on National Signing Day in Februrary.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 12/18/17
- Signing Date: 2/7/18
- First on the List: Now
- Rankings: Rivals (2*) – 247Sports (3*, #160 WR) – ESPN (2*, #125 WR)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #1510 overall, #224 WR, #18 in Missouri
9. 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. After being a surprise commitment over the summer, he now looks to be one of the better finds in the class and was one of the first signees in the class during the Early Signing Period.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 7/25/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: July 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #36 TE) – 247Sports (3*, #40 TE) – ESPN (3*, #20 TE)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #770 overall, #36 TE, #3 in Connecticut
10. TE: Mustapha Muhammad, 6’4” 235lbs. Missouri City, TX (Ridge Point)
Muhammad joined the class earlier in the fall after months of Michigan being the favorite and actually moved up his signing date to the Early Signing Period. 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 this summer.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 10/20/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: August 2016
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #16 TE) – 247Sports (4*, #155 overall) – ESPN (4*, #44 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #135 overall, #5 TE, #14 in Texas
11. TE/OT: Ryan Hayes, 6’7” 255lbs. Traverse City, MI (TC West)
Hayes may be one of the quietest commits in the class but he didn’t waste time signing with Michigan during the Early Signing Period. He was listed as a tight end by the staff on the program’s signing day central page as he’s expected to come in and see time at tight end but his future is expected at offensive tackle. Look for him to fill the role as a jumbo tight end and red zone target for his first year or two before eventually moving to tackle full time.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 5/27/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: March 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #47 OT) – 247Sports (4*, #132 overall) – ESPN (4*, #29 OT)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #323 overall, #21 OT, #5 in Michigan
12. OT: Jalen Mayfield, 6’5” 250lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (Catholic Central)
Like Hayes, Mayfield is another four star in-state offensive tackle commit that has some ways to go to reach his potential but there aren’t too many tackles in this class with higher ceilings. But, unlike Hayes, Mayfield is a pure offensive tackle that may end up playing pretty early in his career. If he adds the necessary size, he could end up in the two-deep within his first two years on campus.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 5/23/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: March 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #31 OT) – 247Sports (4*, #100 overall) – ESPN (3*, #72 OT)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #289 overall, #19 OT, #4 in Michigan
13. OL: Jarrett Patterson, 6’5” 280lbs. Mission Viejo, CA (Mission Viejo)
After receiving his offer from Michigan and decommitting from Arizona State, the Wolverines looked to be the outright favorites to land his signature. I put him on the November BGRC because of this. However, an offer from in-state UCLA and new head coach, Chip Kelly, followed by an official visit to Westwood had some believing the Bruins were the favorite here. But that doesn’t look to be the case as the Crystal Ball predictions have started coming in for Patterson to Michigan. I’ve yet to put a CB prediction in (waiting for more information) but I’m expecting to get word to put it on the Wolverines after the holidays.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Highlights
- Signing Date: 2/7/18
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
- First on List: November 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #34 OT) – 247Sports (4*, #217 overall) – ESPN (3*, #41 OT)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #363 overall, #24 OT, #48 in California
- Crystal Ball Favorite: UCLA
- Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
- Other Options: Nicholas Petit-Frere, Jalen Goss
14. DT: Tyler Friday, 6’3” 260lbs. Ramsey, NJ (Don Bosco)
My longtime Crystal Ball prediction is remaining on Michigan here and, even though some think he may end up picking the Buckeyes, most are firmly sticking with the Wolverines to win out here. His official visit to Ann Arbor for the OSU game looked to go as well as possible and, according to The Wolverine crew, he may make another visit back to town prior to making his decision in January ($). If that’s the case, it’s hard to see Michigan not winning out here. Though it’s not a guarantee.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Highlights
- Signing Date: 2/7/18
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
- First on List: May 2016
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #64 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #148 overall) – ESPN (4*, #126 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #85 overall, #3 DT, #2 in New Jersey
- Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
- Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
- Other Options: Jayson Oweh
15. DL: Taylor Upshaw, 6’6” 245lbs. Bradenton, FL (Braden River)
Upshaw quickly went from Florida commit to Michigan flip just a month after receiving his offer from the UM staff. And he followed up that commitment by signing with Michigan during the Early Signing Period. He’ll also be an early enrollee this winter which will be big for his development as he’s a guy with all of the physical traits but has only played football for a couple years. It’ll likely take him a couple years to become real contributor so the more reps the better.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 11/24/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: November 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #24 SDE) – 247Sports (3*, #33 SDE) – ESPN (3*, #66 DE)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #613 overall, #24 SDE, #101 in Florida
16. DE: Julius Welschof, 6’6” 250lbs. Munich, Germany
Welschof was a name that Michigan recruitniks knew from over the summer when he let the college football coaching world know who he was behind some standout camp performances. Greg Mattison took notice and clearly kept him in mind throughout the recruiting cycle. He ended up committing to Georgia Tech in October but, after missing on a couple top ranked defensive ends, the staff extended a late offer just days before the Early Signing Period. And it was something the 20 year old, factory worker/mogul skier could pass up as he flipped his commitment and signed with Michigan.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 12/20/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: Now
- Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (4*, #323 overall) – ESPN (3*, #64 DE)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #625 overall, #25 SDE, #1 in Germany
17. DE: Aidan Hutchinson, 6’7” 250lbs. Dearborn, MI (Divine Child)
As the son of former Michigan linebacker standout, Chris Hutchinson, Aidan was a player that looked very likely to end up in this class as soon as his name popped up on the radar. Though he didn’t want to be known as a full blown “slam dunk” recruit for the Wolverines, all signs continued to point towards UM heading into his senior year. But he didn’t even wait that long. After visiting Notre Dame after a Midwest recruiting camp, Hutchinson came back to the mitten state and knew where he wanted to play his college football. Two days later, he committed to Michigan. He signed with the Wolverines during the Early Signing Period.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 2/22/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: May 2016
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #17 SDE) – 247Sports (4*, #167 overall) – ESPN (4*, #287 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #232 overall, #8 SDE, #3 in Michigan
18. OLB: Otis Reese, 6’4” 205lbs. Lee County, GA (Lee County)
While Nicholas Petit-Frere and Tyler Friday are the biggest uncommitted prospects on the board, there may not be a more important recruitment for Michigan than Otis Reese’s. He’s the longest tenured commitment for Michigan even though that commitment is butter soft. In-state Georgia has been pushing hard for him for months and had him on campus several times in the last couple months. But with UGA running tight on numbers and Michigan making him a priority up, I still think the Wolverines end up receiving his Letter of Intent on February 7th. An official visit to Ann Arbor in January would help solidify that feeling.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 6/20/16
- Signing Date: 2/7/18
- First on List: August 2016
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #42 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #115 overall) – ESPN (4*, #221 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #93 overall, #6 OLB, #12 in Georgia
- Other Options: Jayson Oweh
19. ILB: Cameron McGrone, 6’2” 215lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Lawrence Central)
McGrone is one of the best gets in this class after swooping in and stealing his commitment from Notre Dame after the Fighting Irish were the favorites to land him for awhile. It’s a recruiting win that should pan out pretty quickly as McGrone has the size and athleticism to make an impact early on in his career in Ann Arbor. He has future team captain written all over him.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 7/31/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: June 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #238 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #32 overall) – ESPN (4*, #16 OLB)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #183 overall, #12 OLB, #2 in Indiana
20. FS: German Green, 6’2” 180lbs. DeSoto, TX (DeSoto)
Green was a prospect that wasn’t getting the same love as his brother, Gemon, on the recruiting trail. With several top programs holding off on offering him, after offering his brother, Michigan saw its opportunity and pounced. After extending an offer to the tall safety prospect, the Wolverines quickly became a top candidate to land the Green brothers. Both German and Gemon ended up committing to Michigan in April and signed with the Wolverines in December.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 4/20/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: April 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3* S) – 247Sports (3*, #99 S) – ESPN (3*, #97 CB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #1251 overall, #102 S, #176 in Texas
21. DB: Sammy Faustin, 6’2” 170lbs. Naples, FL (Naples)
While Faustin may not have the amount of stars that fans want, his game is everything Don Brown and Michigan crave out of defensive backs. And that was evident by the staff extending an offer to the Naples standout back in February. Though there were plenty of questions surrounding whether or not he’d be a take for the staff, if/when he wanted to commit, all of that was figured out when the staff saw him in person for the 2017 BBQ at the Big House. He ended up committing just days after leaving town and signing with the Wolverines during the Early Signing Period. He’s a guy who I believe could end up being a stud for the secondary throughout his career.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 8/2/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: August 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (3*, #58 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #78 CB) – ESPN (3*, #49 CB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #571 overall, #51 CB, #95 in Florida
22. CB: Gemon Green, 6’2” 175lbs. DeSoto, TX (DeSoto)
Green is another big get for this class, even if the recruiting rankings may not project that. He was a priority for the staff early on thanks to being the perfect fit for Don Bronw’s defense. He’s another tall, long, athletic corner that can play on an island and cover with the best of them. Though the signee won’t be on campus until this summer, he’s a guy that could see his way to the field early than some of the other defensive backs in this class.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 4/20/17
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: April 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #37 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #38 CB) – ESPN (4*, #45 CB)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #377 overall, #37 CB, #47 in Texas
23. CB: Myles Sims, 6’3″ 175lbs. Atlanta, GA (Westlake)
“Spider” may be the crown jewel of this class. He has beyond elite length for a cornerback and when you mix that along with his height, athleticism and nose for the ball, he’s a guy that be a superstar. He may need to add some more size to fully contribute at the next level but with him enrolling early and his cover ability, he could contribute during his true freshmen year.
- Story
- Highlights
- Commitment Date: 4/7/2017
- Signing Date: 12/20/17
- First on List: March 2017
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #79 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #39 CB) – ESPN (4*, #132 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four star, #149 overall, #17 CB, #21 in Georgia
Projected Class Score: 247.27 (per 247Sports)
After the Early Signing Period, Michigan held the 12th overall recruiting class. And it looks like it’ll end up finishing around that spot as the signings of Barrett, Patterson, Friday and Reese wouldn’t give Michigan enough points to jump inside the top 10.
Just Missed
- OT Nicholas Petit-Frere
- Petit-Frere would end up being the biggest get of the class, if the staff can pull it off. And there’s a very real chance of that happening. However, there’s just not enough there right now for me to put him in the class, especially with Notre Dame and Alabama pushing hard for his commitment as well. This will be something watch very closely from now until NSD.
- CB Vincent Gray
- Another recent offer and in-state target the staff is taking a run at ahead of NSD. The Michigan offer actually made the Missouri commit that was expected to sign with West Virginia hold off on signing a LOI during the Early Signing Period. There’s a very real chance that he ends up in this chance, if his official visit goes well and he remains a take. But until that goes down, ill keep him on the Just Missed List.
- WR JaMarr Chase
- Another five star prospect that Michigan is firmly in the race for heading into NSD. However, being from Louisiana and the unlikeliness of him making a return visit prior to signing his Letter of Intent, it’s hard to see the Wolverines pull off this upset. Best bet looks to be on TCU or LSU.
- WR Chris Olave
- Olave had to reschedule his official visit earlier in December after a family emergency popped up. But he’s reportedly trying to make up that visit and, with the staff clearly going after another receiver in this class, he remains a name to watch over the final month of the cycle. This one may come down to that visit. Michigan looks like a dark horse here, if the staff can get him on campus.
- ATH Talanoa Hufanga
- The five star athlete officially visited Ann Arbor for the Ohio State game and things looked to go really well. However, landing a player of his level out of the Northwest is extremely difficult. USC and Oregon look to be the favorites here for the West Coast standout.
- OT Jalen Goss
- Even though Michigan looks to be in his top two, Auburn continues to look to hold the lead for his services. This race isn’t over just yet as the Michigan staff could ramp up the pressure for him if Petit-Frere makes a decision earlier than expected. But, at this point, it looks like the Tigers will win out.
- WR Tommy Bush
- Bush is the latest offer from the coaching staff and a very intriguing one at that. At 6’5” and arms down to his knees, he already features one of the most impressive physical builds at the position. Add in his elite speed and you can see why the staff extended the offer. But is it too little too late? This is another recruitment where Michigan’s chances will lie on an official visit in January prior to NSD. This is another one to watch moving forward.
Forget About It
- DE Jayson Oweh
- Penn State or Ohio State
- DT Rick Sandidge
- South Carolina
- DT Michael Thompson
- USC or Missouri
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
- USC
Photo Credit: Bryan Fuller/MGoBlog
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