2019 Best Guess Recruiting Class: New Years Eve 2017 Special

The Early Signing Day Period has really taken a lot of air out of the 2018 recruiting cycle as the heavy majority of recruits have signed with their chosen teams, leaving few to make their final decisions. So, a lot of attention is starting to turn to the 2019 class, where Michigan has started to build a stellar class.

There have been plenty of changes on the board for Michigan after the junior seasons of the 2019 recruits have been completed. A lot of top targets look to be down/off the board while plenty of new names are starting to pop up. That includes new names in and big names off of my latest class prediction

Without giving too much away, here’s how I put together my third attempt at the 2019 Michigan football recruiting class prediction:

  • Class Size
    • That number won’t be known for awhile but by looking at the scholarship chart and where it could be when the 2019 season begins, this class should be a smaller class that doesn’t go above 20. So obviously I took it the class to the limit and put together a class of 20.
  • Position Numbers
    • This should be a pretty well rounded class with fewer spots and some prime positions of need. Some of those positions that the staff will likely look to load up on in this class will be offensive line where 4-5 signees should be expected, as well as running back and safety. And a lot of those spots could be filled by top100 talent as the staff has done extremely well early on with multiple targets at all of those positions.
  • Class Attrition
    • All four of Michigan’s commitments look to be as solid as can be at this point. No need to even worry about attrition at this point.

Chances Key:

  • Excellent – Top Team
  • Very Good – Top Three
  • Good – Top Five
  • Fair – Puncher’s Chance
  • Poor – Likely Not Happening

Check out my second attempt at the 2019 Michigan football best guess recruiting class prediction:

1. QB: Taisun Phommachanh, 6’4” 205lbs. Bridgeport, CT (Avon Farms)

Photo Credit: GazetteNet.com

Photo Credit: GazetteNet.com

Cam Newton Jr. That’s all I see when I watch Phommachnh’s junior highlight tape. He’s big, strong in the pocket, throws the ball with a ton of zip, is elusive without being extremely agile, doesn’t go down easy, plays the game with a lot of enthusiasm, and once he gets a head of steam going, it’s hard to bring him down. But he also dominates thanks to not playing the greatest competition. It’s likely why he’s not very highly ranked. But he’s the type of guy that could blow up on the scene this offseason, if he gets to camps. Whether that happens or not, Michigan is in fantastic shape here thanks to Don Brown’s reputation in the Northeast and the early scholarship offer, as he told TMI’s Brice Marich the Wolverines are already a top choice ($). There’s a ways to go but with the current depth chart, taking a shot on a natural talent like Phommachanh is well worth it.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Good to Very Good
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Rivals (3* Pro-QB) – 247Sports (3*, #13 Dual-QB/ATH) – ESPN (NR)
  • Composite Ranking: Three star, #656 overall, #22 Dual-QB, #3 in Connecticut
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Graham Mertz, Michael Johnson Jr, Dequan Finn

2. QB/ATH: Luke McCaffrey, 6’3” 180lbs. Littleton, CO (Valor Christian)

Photo Credit: Andy Cross/The Denver Post

Photo Credit: Andy Cross/The Denver Post

As a quarterback, he reminds me of another successful dual-threat NFL quarterback: Colin Kaepernick. He’s a pure dual-threat quarterback that holds and throws the ball with a very similar motion to the former Harbaugh pupil, is tall and lanky, can beat defenders with one quick cut, and he can absolutely fly in the open field. Because of that raw athleticism and versatility, regardless if the staff adds a pro-style quarterback, I think he remains a want for Michigan throughout. He is the most versatile player on this list. If he wants to ride it out at quarterback, that works. But he also has the ability to pull a Zach Gentry and see the field faster at another offensive position (most likely wide receiver). This will be a tougher pull than some would think with so many power suitors out there but thanks to his familiarity with the staff and school, his multiple unofficial visits already (including one for the OSU game), and the chance to play alongside his brother in Ann Arbor, I have him back on the list.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: June 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*, #37 ATH) – 247Sports (4*, #212 overall) – ESPN (3*)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #307 overall, #31 ATH, #1 in Colorado
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Graham Mertz, Michael Johnson Jr, Dequan Finn

3. RB: Eric Gray, 5’10” 185lbs. Memphis, TN (Lausanne Collegiate) 

Photo Credit: Caitie McMekin / Knoxville News-Sentinel

Photo Credit: Caitie McMekin / Knoxville News-Sentinel

Thanks to a successful first trip to Ann Arbor for a summer camp visit, UM is sitting pretty for the electric talent. TMI’s Steve Lorenz mentioned Gray as a name to watch after his summer visit as he’s a “Michigan type” of kid ($). Though the coaching change at Tennessee will actually help the Vols in this race, Michigan’s biggest competition may end up being Stanford because of the well-rounded opportunity both universities offer. Thanks to that early visit to Ann Arbor and his growing relationship with running back’s coach, Jay Harbaugh, I like Michigan’s early chances for the electric tailback.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: September 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*, #4 RB) – 247Sports (4*, #88 overall) – ESPN (NR)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #255 overall, #2 All-Purpose RB, #15 in Tennessee
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Quavaris Crouch, Noah Cain, Sampson James, Daniel Carter

4. RB/ATH: Steele Chambers, 6’2” 215lbs. Roswell, GA (Blessed Trinity) 

Photo Credit: NeighborNewsOnline.com

Photo Credit: NeighborNewsOnline.com

Chambers continues to be one of the names to watch closely. Though it’s not a lock to happen thanks to the amount of time left in the cycle and heavy hitters going after him, he continues to show Michigan a lot of love and the staff continues to make him a priority. He made his second unofficial visit to Ann Arbor for the OSU game which only helps Michigan’s chances. Add in the possibility for him to play baseball for the Wolverines as well and I like his chances of choosing Michigan.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
  • First on List: June 2017
  • RankingsRivals (3*, #30 ATH) – 247Sports (3*, #288 overall) – ESPN (4*, #243 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #310 overall, #32 ATH, #36 in Georgia
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Quavaris Crouch, Noah Cain, Sampson James, Daniel Carter

5. ATH/WR: Isaiah Williams, 5’10” 165lbs. Saint Louis, MO (Trinity Catholic)

Photo Credit: 247sports.com

Photo Credit: 247sports.com

Williams is one of the biggest game changers in this class and another top target the staff may end up signing. 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong put in his Crystal Ball for Williams to Michigan back in March ($) and double downed on that feeling with a reaffirmation of his prediction for the human highlight reel to end up with the Wolverines, alongside his fellow top100 teammate, WR Marcus Washington ($). Williams and his teammates have visited Ann Arbor multiple times and though there’s plenty of time to go until he has to sign his letter of intent, things continue to look good for Michigan here.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • First on List: June 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #34 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #50 overall) – ESPN (4*, #27 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Five star, #26 overall, #3 ATH, #1 in Missouri
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: David Bell, Kyle Ford, DeMarcco Hellams, Mycah Pittman

6. WR: Marcus Washington, 6’2” 190lbs. St Louis, MO (Trinity Catholic) 

Photo Credit: Gordon Radford/STLhighschoolsports.com

Photo Credit: Gordon Radford/STLhighschoolsports.com

Teammate with Isaiah Williams, Washington is another top100 target that Michigan is in excellent shape with at the moment. 247Sports Steve Wiltfong put in the first Crystal Ball prediction to the Wolverines after talking to sources ($) and thanks to him making another visit to Ann Arbor for the OSU game, things continue to look good for Michigan here. There’s a ways to go here but UM has put itself in great position for the dynamic duo from Trinity Catholic.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • First on List: September 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #102 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #57 overall) – ESPN (4*, #10 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #39 overall, #8 WR, #2 in Missouri
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: David Bell, Kyle Ford, DeMarcco Hellams, Mycah Pittman

7. TE: Isaiah Foskey, 6’4” 220lbs. Concord, CA (De La Salle) 

(Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

(Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

This is one of the hardest positions to predict early on. Michigan is in on the top tight ends in the class but looks to be running second at best for all of them. But there are two names sticking out most. According to TMI’s Steve Lorenz, those two names are Isaiah Foskey and Ryland Goede ($). Goede may end up picking Georgia soon so I went with Foskey here. He’s a guy Michigan has been pushing for and is in good shape with early on thanks to him being a high academic kid and a pass catching tight end. But the staff will need to work their magic to pull him off of the west coast. Multiple visits may be necessary.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Good
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #86 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #100 overall) – ESPN (4*, #115 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #82 overall, #4 TE, #11 in California
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Stanford
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Ryland Goede, Jude Wolfe

8. OT: Trevor Keegan, 6’6” 290lbs. Crystal Lake, IL (Crystal Lake South)

After this fall, adding Keegan to the list has gone from a sure-fire move to a questionable one. Michigan looked to be firmly in the driver’s seat but thanks to a visit to Wisconsin, the Badgers are now rumored to be out front. So, why’s he still on the list? Keegan’s mom is from Livonia, Michigan and the family is full of Wolverines fans. He’s also a top tackle target and with the high need at the position in the class and on the roster, I believe Michigan can still win out here.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: September 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #155 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #75 overall) – ESPN (4*, #198 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #129 overall, #16 OT, #1 in Illinois
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Logan Brown, William Putnam, Devontae Dobbs, Michael Tarquin, William Harrod

9. OL: Jacob Dean, 6’8” 315lbs. Walled Lake, MI (WL Western) 

(via Hudl.com)

(via Hudl.com)

Dean is a new addition to the list and another offered in-state offensive lineman to keep an eye on in this class. Michigan offered Dean in mid-December and immediately became a name to watch. Not only is he an in-state recruit (though that clearly hasn’t meant success for UM and in-state lineman in this class) but Michigan is also only his second offer so far, along with Iowa State. More offers are sure to come but with the staff seeing the potential he has at his size early on, it’s hard to see Michigan not remaining a favorite here. Only question will be whether or not he remains a take throughout the cycle.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (N/A) – ESPN (NR)
  • Composite Ranking: N/A
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: None
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Logan Brown, William Putnam, Devontae Dobbs, Michael Tarquin, William Harrod

10. OL: Nolan Rumler, 6’4” 290lbs. Akron, OH (Archbishop Hoban)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Rumler was pretty much a lock to join this class from the very start of the 2019 recruiting cycle. Though he waited even longer than I thought he would, he committed to Michigan over the summer at the BBQ and is a solid as can be in that commitment. He’s also one of the top offensive lineman in the class and could be a player that comes in and contributes immediately.

  • Story
  • Highlights
  • Commitment Date: 7/29/17
  • First on List: June 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #98 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #124 overall) – ESPN (4*, #53 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #78 overall, #11 OT, #3 in Ohio

11. OL: Harry Miller, 6’4” 300lbs. Buford, GA (Buford)

Miller is another highly ranked addition to the list and could end up fighting to be one of the top five ranked overall offensive lineman in the entire class when NSD rolls around. And Michigan is in very good shape heading into the final year of the cycle. This looks to be a battle between Clemson and Michigan but thanks to UM’s growing momentum in Georgia and his two unofficial visits already to Ann Arbor, Im giving the tie to the Wolverines. However, this recruitment has a ways to go, especially with the likes of Georgia and Alabama not too far away from him.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: Now
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #48 overall) – 247Sports (N/A) – ESPN (4*, #132 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #67 overall, #9 OT, #12 in Georgia
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Georgia
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Logan Brown, William Putnam, Devontae Dobbs, Michael Tarquin, William Harrod

12. DT: Mazi Smith, 6’3” 300lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (East Kentwood) 

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Smith is another highly ranked in-state target that Michigan is sitting pretty with early on. At a high position of need, he’s a guy that looks to be a priority in this class. And it’s clearly working as Smith spoke with The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown about his interest in UM, which included him raving about his relationship with Greg Mattison and may have tipped his hand about who he’s favoring at this point ($). That prompted me to put in my Crystal Ball selection for Smith to Michigan and I have no plans to change it, even with Notre Dame pushing.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: September 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #127 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #167 overall) – ESPN (4*, #156 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #106 overall, #8 DT, #4 in Michigan
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Even
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Jowon Briggs, Jacob Lacey, Kayvon Thibodeaux, 

13. DLChris Hinton, 6’4” 275lbs. Atlanta, GA (Greater Atlanta Christian) 

Photo Credit: GACSpartans.com

Photo Credit: GACSpartans.com

Hinton is not only the crown jewel of the class but he’s also one of the top recruiting wins in recent memory for Michigan recruiting. He’s a flat out stud of a player with NFL bloodlines and also happens to be a leader of this class in terms of recruiting for Michigan. Though he’s a five star in the heart of SEC country, he’s as solid a commitment as there is.

  • Story
  • Highlights
  • Commitment Date: 8/6/17
  • First on List: June 2017
  • RankingsRivals (5*, #13 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #13 overall) – ESPN (4*, #66 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Five star, #15 overall, #1 SDE, #4 in Georgia

14. WSDE: Stephen Herron Jr., 6’4” 235lbs. Louisville, KY (Trinity)

Herron may no longer have that five star status but he remains an elite get for Jim Harbaugh and the coaching staff. He’s an uber-athletic defensive end with the ability to get to the quarterback with his quick first step and speed. He’s another highly ranked early commitment that will be a pillar to this class.

  • Story
  • Highlights
  • Commitment Date: 7/29/17
  • First on List: June 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #43 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #34 overall) – ESPN (4*, #87 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #34 overall, #4 WSDE, #1 in Kentucky

15. OLB: Anthony Solomon, 6’0” 185lbs. Fort Lauderdale, FL (St Thomas Aquinas)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Things have been pretty quiet on the Solomon front for a couple months now but I’m still pretty confident in my Crystal Ball prediction and his addition to this class prediction. He’s made multiple unofficial visits up to Ann Arbor over the past year and some change, which includes a five-day visit this past spring. Clemson and Miami is interested as well but Michigan still looks to be the favorite, as long as the staff pushes for him.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
  • First on List: June 2017
  • RankingsRivals (4*, #132 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #150 overall) – ESPN (4*, #112 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #117 overall, #9 OLB, #18 in Florida
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Shane Lee, Nakobe Dean, Ge’Mon Eaford, De’Gabriel Floyd

16. ILB: Charles Thomas, 6’0” 225lbs. Fairburn, GA (IMG Academy)

Thomas is another 4*+ commitment in the class and recruiting leader alongside Chris Hinton. He also happens to be a stout, stud linebacker that flashes his big hits, big play ability and quickness from the position that resembles Devin Bush Jr. Like the rest of the current commits, he looks to be as solid as it comes in his commitment.

  • Story
  • Highlights
  • Commitment Date: 6/24/17
  • First on List: June 2017
  • RankingsRivals (3*, #26 OLB) – 247Sports (4*, #206 overall) – ESPN (4*, #257 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #309 overall, #7 ILB, #48 in Georgia

17. VIPER/OLB: Lance Dixon, 6’3” 200lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (West Bloomfield)

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Dixon is quickly becoming one of the most wanted in-state recruits by the in-state powers. This one looks to be a Michigan-Michigan State battle that could go either way. While he grew up a fan of both programs, his fit at the Viper position in Don Brown’s defense is what I believe will win out in the end here. But this one is far from a sure-thing. Keep your eyes on Dixon throughout this cycle.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: September 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*, #21 OLB) – 247Sports (3*, #27 OLB) – ESPN (NR)
  • Composite Ranking: Three star, #453 overall, #29 OLB, #12 in Michigan
  • Crystal Ball Prediction: Michigan State
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: DeGabriel Floyd, Ge’Mon Eaford, Chris Steele, Josh Sanguinetti, Shane Lee, Nakobe Dean

18. VIPER/S: Marvin Grant Jr. 6’2” 200lbs. Detroit, MI (King) 

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Don Brown may not have to leave the state to find his Vipers in this class. Lance Dixon is a top target but Marvin Grant Jr. is much more likely to join the class. He’s long looked like a lean to the Wolverines and, as long as the staff stays on him, looks like he’ll eventually commit to the coaching staff. I wouldn’t be surprised to see something happen before his senior season begins.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • First on List: June 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #110 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #104 overall) – ESPN (4*, #207 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #125 overall, #9 S, #5 in Michigan
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
  • Other Options: Chris Steele, DeGabriel Floyd, Josh Sanguinetti, Khris Bogle

19. DB: Lewis Cine, 6’2” 180lbs. Everett, MA (Everett) 

Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Cine is back on the list and that’s thanks to the Don Brown factor. Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz reported that Brown is a big fan of Cine and the two already have a budding relationship ($). However, Michigan will have its work cut out for it as Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State and Georgia, among plenty of others, have offered the versatile defensive back over the fall. We’ll see if Don Brown’s northeast ties can prove valuable again here and help Michigan win out.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Good
  • First on List: September 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #60 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #32 overall) – ESPN (4*, #77 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #35 overall, #3 S, #1 in Massachusetts
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Tied (Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State)
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Chris Steele, Jammie Robinson, DJ Turner, Josh Sanguinetti, Roderick Heard

20. S: Litchfield Ajavon, 6’0” 180lbs. Alexandria, VA (Episcopal) 

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

After making an appearance on the first 2019 BGRC and then missing the second BGRC, Ajavon is back on the list. According to TMI’s Steve Lorenz, he continues to be a top target for the staff ($)  but he also looks to be a top target for several other teams. Luckily for Michigan, Ajavon is close friends and former teammates with freshmen DE Luiji Vilain. That connection mixed with him already visiting Ann Arbor twice and the staff making him a priority has me feeling good about Michigan’s chances moving forward.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Highlights
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: June 2017
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #79 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #103 overall) – ESPN (4*, #204 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #108 overall, #10 ATH, #3 in Virginia
  • Crystal Ball Favorite: Notre Dame
  • Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
  • Other Options: Chris Steele, Jammie Robinson, DJ Turner, Josh Sanguinetti, Roderick Heard

Projected Class Score: 295.11 (per 247Sports)

If I am a true crystal ball reader and this is exactly how the Michigan class ends up and none of the players change their rankings (literally 0% chance of happening), this would be less than a point away from the final score for the 2017 class (296.03). Not too bad for a smaller class and a prediction that doesn’t include a lot of top ranked targets that Michigan will have a real shot at landing.

Just Missed the List

  • RB Quavaris Crouch – Very Good
    • Michigan made a huge impact on Crouch during his July visit to Ann Arbor for the 2017 BBQ at the Big House. It went so well that Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz believed Michigan had the upperhand on Clemson and others, after the trip ($). But things have been a little quiet on this front since the end of the summer. Nearby Clemson and South Carolina aren’t going away while Alabama and Georgia will likely make a push for him before it’s all said and done.
  • WR David Bell – Very Good
    • Bell is the top ranked prospect out of the Hoosier state and another four star receiver that looks have Michigan near the top of his list. And that looked to be the case before he even received his, which came at the beginning of this month. Ohio State is the main competition here as they lead the Crystal Ball predictions and were his favorite team growing up. With limited spots in this class and Michigan in great shape with 2-3 other receivers at the moment, I have him just off the list.
  • TE Ryland Goede – Very Good
    • Goede is clearly a top target for the staff and could reportedly make his decision sooner rather than later. He’s been high on Michigan, Georgia and Auburn for awhile now but with the unreal momentum that the Bulldogs have on the recruiting trail, it’s hard to see them miss out on a top in-state target. Though it did happen with Chris Hinton.
  • RB Sampson James – Good
    • James is one of the top players in the Midwest and happens to be from the same school as Brandon Peters. After receiving his offer from Michigan during his visit for the OSU game, UM now looks to be firmly in the thick of things. But it’s a little early to put him on the list right now though he’s definitely a name to watch moving forward.
  • CB Chris Steele – Very Good
    • Steele continues to be one of the staff and recruits top overall targets. Chris Hinton continues to publicly recruit him on Twitter and it’s clearly been working as Steele made some noise prior to the Cotton Bowl by not mentioning Ohio State in a tweet predicting the outcome of the game. But as a top ranked target out of California, it’s still too early to put him on the list.
  • RB Noah Cain – Good to Very Good
    • Cain is yet another highly ranked prospect that Michigan is in good shape with early on. The five star back visited and camped at Michigan over the summer but there’s conflicting reports about where the Wolverines stand in his recruitment. There have been reports that UM is pretty much out of it and reports that UM may be the leader. The addition of Shea Patterson helps Michigan’s cause but it’ll be a tough pull to get him away from
  • DT Jowon Briggs – Good to Very Good
    • Briggs is another highly ranked player out of the region that the staff looks to be highly targeting. While there’s a real chance he could end up with Michigan, the staff looks to be in better shape with Mazi Smith and both Notre Dame and Ohio State are in good shape early on. We’ll see if Harbaugh can beat out the other Midwest blue bloods here.
  • CB DJ Turner – Good
    • Turner is another offered recruit out of Georgia that the staff and commits are going after. He holds offers from some of the top teams in the country but Michigan is a team he’s shown a lot of love for early on. But with the likes of Alabama, Clemson and Auburn nearby, it’s hard to see UM win out at this point.
  • LB Shane Lee – Good to Very Good
    • Lee has visited Michigan twice already and quietly looks to be a name that could end up in this class. He’s a name to watch closely but, at the moment, it’s too tight between Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State to add him to the list.
  • OT Logan Brown – Committed to Wisconsin
    • Brown committed to Wisconsin over the fall and is locked into that commitment. But as a top ranked in-state player at a position of need, it’s hard to see the staff giving up that easily with so much time left. It’ll be tough with the Badgers’ recent success but it’s also not completely out of the realm of possibility.

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Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog

Garrett Fishaw