2019 Best Guess Recruiting Class: September 28th

Though there’s a lot of time to go until National Signing Day (just under 17 months from now, to be exact), the 2019 recruiting cycle is off to a hot start all around the country. That’s especially true for Michigan as the staff has landed four top targets over the summer, including two of the best defensive line prospects in the class, a hard hitting linebacker out of the most talented high school program in the country, and a future pillar of the offensive line.

But the list of players that could fill the remaining spots is extremely long. Looking at the board, there’s a ton of options at just about every position, except quarterback. That is why, out of every position on the list, I (by far) feel the least confident in the quarterback selection as I took a shot in the dark with one of the higher upside in-state recruits. Besides that, I actually feel pretty solid (at this point) about the rest of the names on my latest Best Guess Recruiting Class.

With all that said, here’s how I put together my second attempt at the 2019 Michigan football recruiting class prediction:

Class Size
- This question is impossible to answer prior to about a month before NSD, so, there’s obviously no exact answer. But one thing that is for sure is the lack of scholarships that are set to be available when the 2019 class can sign. Looking at the Michigan football scholarship breakdown, the staff will have at least 24 scholarships to give out in the next two classes combined thanks to huge classes in 2016 and 2017. But this class should be much bigger than a 4 person class (after the 20 in my 2018 BGRC). Adding in players not granted 5th years, transfers, potential medical retirements, etc., I’m going with a normal 21 person class in 2019.
Position Numbers
- With so many interested targets and a ton of in-state talent, the staff may have to be very picky in 2019. One position they’ve set themselves up for really well is running back, where they have 4-5 legit options early on. Defensive line and cornerback will likely also be spots where the staff is extremely selective, thanks to the 2017, (expected) 2018, and early 2019 hauls. Though with the official visit season of the 2018 cycle here, it’s useless to even try to pinpoint which spots will need what.
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: Dequan Finn, 6’1” 175lbs. Detroit, MI (King)

Photo Credit: Jose Juarez/Detroit News

Finn is new to the list and a guy that every college football fan in Michigan and possibly around the country may want to keep an eye on. He’s the standout quarterback at Detroit Martin Luther King and, after a very nice sophomore season, has kicked off his junior season in style (10-19 for 150 yds & 2 TDs; 16 carries for 170 yards & 3 TDs in a win over 2018 commit OG Emil Ekiyor’s Indianapolis Cathedral). Speaking of style, to me, his is reminiscent of Dak Prescott. Good arm, throws a pretty ball, strong build, athletic, can make big plays with his arm and his feet. As for his recruitment, his name was first mentioned by Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz after several staff members started following him on Twitter. And though it’s obviously a bit of a shot in the dark at this point, looking at his tape and looking at the current status of the 2019 quarterback board, he’s a guy that I could definitely see Michigan eventually offering and pushing for at some point during his recruitment. As for Michigan’s chances, not only is he an in-state player but he has former teammates on the roster, has already visited Michigan for the 2016 BBQ at the Big House and the 2017 Spring Game.

Offer: No
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout: (NR) – Rivals (NR) – 247 (NR) – ESPN (N/A)
Composite Ranking: N/A
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Michael Johnson Jr, Hank Bachmeier, Sam Johnson, JT Daniels

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

Photo Credit: Caitie McMekin / Knoxville News-Sentinel

If Gray ends up committing to Michigan, it’ll be a huge feather in the cap of Jay Harbaugh. The first year Running Backs coach worked with him a lot during his summer camp visit which looks to be a big reason why UM is sitting pretty for the electric talent. According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, Gray is a name to watch after his summer visit as he’s a “Michigan type” of kid that ($). If he visits this November, like he told TMI’s Brice Marich, Michigan will have the chance to solidify its spot at/near the top of his list. He’s a legit option to be yet another big get for the staff.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (4*, #260 overall) – Rivals (3*, #4 RB) – 247 (4*, #89 overall) – ESPN (NR)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #260 overall, #2 All Purpose RB, #14 in Tennessee
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Noah Cain, Khafre Brown, Charles Mincy Jr

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

Photo Credit: NeighborNewsOnline.com

Chambers returns to the list and looks to be one of the best bets to join the class thanks to the staff making him a priority early on and the helpful fact that he’s longtime friends with current 2019 commit, DL Chris Hinton. He’s starting to receive a lot more attention as of late but things continue to look very good for Michigan here.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #180 overall) – Rivals (3*, #25 RB) – 247 (3*, #273 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #335 overall, #35 ATH, #40 in Georgia
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Noah Cain, Khafre Brown, Charles Mincy Jr

4. RB/ATH: Quavaris Crouch, 6’2” 225lbs. Charlotte, NC (Harding University)

Photo Credit: Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com/Charlotte Observer

Photo Credit: Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer

Yeah, I’m putting, arguably, the #1 target on the staff’s board in this prediction. And it’s not even a reach as 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 believes UM has the upperhand on Clemson and others, at this point ($). But, like with most top 20 recruits, he’s gonna be a top target for the country’s top programs which means this is far from over. Having early momentum is big. Now Michigan will just have to continue to impress him and get him back on campus. If/when that happens, the staff will have as good of a chance as anyone to sign the five star running back/linebacker.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (5*, #5 overall) – Rivals (4*, #15 overall) – 247 (5*, #29 overall) – ESPN (4*, #83 overall)
Composite Ranking: Five star, #18 overall, #2 RB, #1 in North Carolina
Crystal Ball Favorite: Clemson
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Noah Cain, Khafre Brown, Charles Mincy Jr

5. ATH: Luke McCaffrey, 6’1” 180lbs. Littleton, CO (Valor Christian)

Photo Credit: John Leyba/The Denver Post

The youngest McCaffrey is another stud recruit that Michigan offered early on and looks to have a good chance to sign. However, it’s far from a sure-thing, even with Dylan on campus. Ohio State, Duke and (eventually?) Stanford look to be legit contenders in his recruitment. However, I’m going with the Wolverines to win out here because of the early offer, and potential as a Swiss army knife for the offense. Not to mention the brother connection, which looks to be a factor, though it’s not known how big of a factor just yet.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (3*, #215 overall) – Rivals (4*, #108 overall) – 247 (4*, #209 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #296 overall, #29 ATH, #1 in Colorado
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Kyle Ford, Khafre Brown, DeMarcco Hellams

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

Photo Credit: 247sports.com

Williams has been a big fan of the Wolverines early on. And it’s been pretty well known as 247Sports Steve Wiltfong even put in a Crystal Ball for Williams to Michigan back in March ($) and has now double downed on that as he reaffirmed his prediction for the human highlight reel to end up with the Wolverines, alongside his fellow top100 target ($). Williams has already visited Ann Arbor with Washington and some of his other teammates, and looked to have a great time rocking the Maize and Blue. Though there is a ton of time left and he’ll be wanted by just about everyone, things continue to look good here for UM.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #55 overall) – Rivals (4*, #77 overall) – 247 (4*, #51 overall) – ESPN (4*, #27 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #94 overall, #6 ATH, #1 in Missouri
Crystal Ball Favorite: Missouri/Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Kyle Ford, DeMarcco Hellams, Julian Barnett

7. WR: Marcus Washington, 6’2” 170lbs. St Louis, MO (Trinity Catholic)

Photo Credit: Gordon Radford/STLhighschoolsports.com

Washington is teammates with Isaiah Williams and another top100 wide receiver target that Michigan looks to be in excellent shape with early on. 247Sports Steve Wiltfong put in the first Crystal Ball prediction to the Wolverines after to talking to sources ($) and, though it’s extremely early, it looks like his summer visit and the staff’s pitch to join Michigan’s deep receiving depth chart is winning out early on. We’ll see if it leads into a early commitment or if the talented receiver makes the smart move and holds off on making a decision until he’s 100% ready to drop.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout: (4*, #69 overall) – Rivals (4*, #98 overall) – 247 (4*, #58 overall) – ESPN (4*, #10 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #103 overall, #18 WR, #2 in Missouri
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Kyle Ford, DeMarcco Hellams, Julian Barnett

8. TE: Grayson Boomer, 6’6” 225lbs. Collinsville, OK (Collinsville)

Photo Credit: Grayson Boomer/Twitter

Boomer is one of the top tight ends in this class for a reason and a clear top target for the coaching staff. And though Oklahoma is a early favorite, his visit up to Ann Arbor this summer. Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz spoke with the talented tight end after his visit and offer from the staff, which was a big one as the staff sees a lot of Butt in Boomer’s game ($). It’s still obviously early and just about every top school is going to take a shot at the four star tight end. It’ll be tough to get him out of the Sooner state but he also is one of the better bets on the 2019 tight end board at this point

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Good
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #60 overall) – Rivals (3*, #7 TE) – 247 (4*, #18 overall) – ESPN (4*, #118 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #119 overall, #8 TE, #2 in Oklahoma
Crystal Ball Favorite: Oklahoma
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Austin Stogner, Ryland Goede, Isaiah Foskey

9. OT: Logan Brown, 6’6” 275lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (East Kentwood)

Brown may end up being the #1 overall player in the state of Michigan and just so happens to look like a pretty heavy favorite now and moving forward. The staff is in need of more offensive tackles and Brown has the potential to be an early impact player. As long as the staff continues to push for him, I feel good about the big man staying in state with the Wolverines.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #89 overall) – Rivals (4*, #28 overall) – 247 (4*, #88 overall) – ESPN (4*, #180 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #76 overall, #7 OT, #3 in Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Devontae Dobbs, Michael Tarquin, William Putnam, Pierce Quick

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

Like Brown, Keegan is another highly ranked offensive tackle that looks to be heavily favoring the Wolverines. Thanks to a “dream offer” and a BBQ at the Big House visit, Michigan received five Crystal Ball predictions, including my own. With him looking to be a top target for the staff moving forward, I feel very good about my prediction at this time.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout: (4*, #146 overall) – Rivals (4*, #141 overall) – 247 (4*, #76 overall) – ESPN (4*, #193 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #158 overall, #19 OT, #2 in Illinois
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Devontae Dobbs, Michael Tarquin, William Putnam, Pierce Quick

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

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

There haven’t been many recruits that I can think of that have been leans to Michigan as long as Rumler. He grew up a big fan of the Wolverines and looked likely to end up signing with the Wolverines as soon as he received his offer back in October of 2015. Though he took his time to pull the trigger and allowed plenty of teams to throw their hat into the ring, it always was expected to be Michigan in the end. That’s why he was the first Crystal Ball selection I put in after receiving those abilities. And he ended up following through with the commitment by jumping on board at the staff’s biggest recruiting event of the year.

Story
Highlights
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #125 overall) – Rivals (4*, #93 overall) – 247 (4*, #125 overall) – ESPN (4*, #48 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #85 overall, #12 OT, #3 in Ohio

12. OG: William Putnam, 6’4” 280lbs. Tampa, FL (Plant)

Putnam is a new name to the list but a name to remember for Michigan fans. He visited Ann Arbor over the summer and looked to have a great time connecting with the coaching staff. But it was his interview with The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown that put him on this list as he raved about pretty much everything Michigan is offering him ($). Not being from Florida (actually born in Michigan) definitely helps UM. Though there looks to be plenty of suitors for the top100 offensive guard. This will be a tough battle for Harbaugh, Drevno and Frey, but one it looks like they can win.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (4*, #141 overall) – Rivals (4*, #64 overall) – 247 (4*, #126 overall) – ESPN (4*, #161 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #80 overall, #9 OT, #13 in Florida
Crystal Ball Favorite: Ohio State
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Devontae Dobbs, Harry Miller, Michael Tarquin, Pierce Quick

13. DT: Mazi Smith, 6’3” 290lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (East Kentwood)

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Smith is another highly ranked in-state target that the staff looks to be in great shape with. Though he’s cousins with former Michigan State standout RB TJ Duckett, it’s Michigan who has his attention. 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 ($). It was more than enough for me to put in my Crystal Ball prediction in favor of the Wolverines as I see the staff landing both East Kentwood star recruits.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (4*, #154 overall) – Rivals (4*, #186 overall) – 247 (4*, #167 overall) – ESPN (4*, #156 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #148 overall, #7 DT, #4 in Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Even
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Jowon Briggs, Jacob Lacey, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Khris Bogle

14. DL: Chris Hinton, 6’4” 275lbs. Atlanta, GA (Greater Atlanta Christian)

Photo Credit: GACSpartans.com

Yet another highly ranked player makes the first class prediction, though Hinson is one of the better bets at this point. Big Chris has been a popular name on the Michigan recruiting front for sometime now, especially in the last couple of weeks. He visited Ann Arbor earlier this month to only reiterate the rumors of him being a lean towards the Wolverines. I put in my Crystal Ball for him to UM back in early May and love where things stand with it for the future five star. Though he could possibly be an offensive tackle, his physical build, playing style and pure strength gives him the look of a young Ndamukong Suh, which is why it makes sense if he plays his college ball on defense.

Story
Highlights
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (5*, #3 overall) – Rivals (5*, #3 overall) – 247 (4*, #14 overall) – ESPN (4*, #93 overall)
Composite Ranking: Five star, #15 overall, #1 SDE, #4 in Georgia

15. SSDE: George Karlaftis, 6’4” 245lbs. West Lafayette, IN (West Lafayette)

Photo Credit: Clayton Duffy/for the Journal & Courier

There’s a real chance that Michigan wraps up almost all of its 2019 defensive line haul pretty early in the process as not only Mazi Smith but Karlaftis is another top200 defensive lineman that I’ve put my Crystal Ball in for UM. This looks like another Greg Mattison production as the DL coach continues to connect with his top targets. It’s still early but outside of Michigan, the only top contenders look to be Miami, Notre Dame and Purdue. I really like UM’s chances at winning out here.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (4*, #180 overall) – Rivals (4*, #178 overall) – 247 (4*, #253 overall) – ESPN (4*, #196 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #176 overall, #16 SDE, #2 in Indiana
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options:Jowon Briggs, Jacob Lacey, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Khris Bogle

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

With five star recruits normally comes drama. However, Herron decided to make his decision a year and a half before National Signing Day and it was something I expected to eventually happen sooner or later. After his first visit to Ann Arbor over the winter and his strong, early relationship with Coach Mattison, I decided to put my Crystal Ball on the Wolverines for Herron. He ended up making me look alright by committing to Michigan at the 2017 BBQ at the Big House.

Story
Highlights
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #42 overall) – Rivals (4*, #40 overall) – 247 (4*, #35 overall) – ESPN (4*, #82 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #31 overall, #4 WSDE, #1 in Kentucky

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

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Though there are questions about how many linebackers will be in this class, Solomon remains firmly on this list. He’s visited Michigan several times on his own dime already and MGoFish has continued to hear nothing but good things about where things stand with UM. My Crystal Ball prediction isn’t going anywhere until something drastic happens. He’s another play making linebacker out of the Sunshine State that would make a nice duo with Charles Thomas, who’s down the road at IMG.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #120) – Rivals (4*, #118 overall) – 247 (4*, #150 overall) – ESPN (4*, #111 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #118 overall, #9 OLB, #19 in Florida
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Ge’mon Eaford, DeGabriel Floyd, Shane Lee, King Mwikuta, Jamir Thomas

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

Photo Credit: Charles Thomas/Twitter

Thomas visited Ann Arbor for the Elite camp in the Big House in late June and, according to Wolverine247’s Brandon Justice, the trip was more than just another recruiting trip for the talented linebacker, with a potential decision on his mind ($).Thanks to a great visit and connecting even more with the coaching staff, Thomas committed to Michigan and became the first commitment of UM’s 2019 recruiting class.

Story
Highlights
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (NR) – Rivals (3*, #25 OLB) – 247 (4*, #203 overall) – ESPN (4*, #250 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #320 overall, #9 ILB, #46 in Georgia

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

Photo Credit: Scout.com

It’s no secret that Michigan is stacked with top talent in 2019 and Dixon is another in-stater that Michigan looks to really like. According to Scout’s Allen Trieu, Don Brown made his way to Bloomfield during the bye week to watch Dixon play in-person ($). Though he’s yet to receive an offer from Michigan, it may not be long before that takes place. If/when that happens, it’s hard to see Michigan losing out on an in-state target the staff truly wants in the class.

Offer: No
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent, if offered
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (4*, #199 overall) – Rivals (3*, #20 S) – 247 (3*, #320 overall) – ESPN (NR)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #365 overall, #24 OLB, #10 in Michigan
Crystal Ball Prediction: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: DeGabriel Floyd, Ge’Mon Eaford, Chris Steele, King Mwikuta, Josh Sanguinetti

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

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Grant is another top in-state target and another player that remains one of the better bets to join the class, at this point. Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz’s has been hearing great things about Michigan and Grant throughout the spring thanks to the Don Brown factor ($). Since receiving his offer from the staff back in early March, all of his Crystal Ball predictions have been in favor of UM, including my own. While a timeline is unknown, as long as nothing drastic changes, I see him joining the class at the end of the day.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (3*, #235 overall) – Rivals (4*, #116 overall) – 247 (4*, #105 overall) – ESPN (4*, #203 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #225 overall, #13 S, #5 in Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Litchfield Ajavon, Chris Steele, DeGabriel Floyd, Josh Sanguinetti

21. DB: Lewis Cine, 6’3” 180lbs. Everett, MA (Everett)

Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Cine is another new member of the list but not an in-state recruit. He’s a long, rangy, physical defensive back that could possibly beef up enough to play the Viper position but I believe his length and physical style of play could make him an offensive coordinator’s nightmare at the collegiate level (I highly suggest watching his highlights). And Don Brown may feel the same. According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, Brown is a big fan of Cine and the two already have a budding relationship ($). Though plenty of other top teams are starting to throw their hats into the ring, the mix of what Michigan can offer and Brown’s influence in the northeast looks like it could win out in the end here.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (NR) – Rivals (4*, #117 overall) – 247 (4*, #33 overall) – ESPN (4*, #85 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #56 overall, #5 S, #1 in Massachusetts
Crystal Ball Favorite: Tied (Michigan and Wisconsin)
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Chris Steele, Jammie Robinson, Litchfield Ajavon, Josh Sanguinetti, Jaden Davis

Projected Class Score: 297.14 (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 a highest scored class in Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan.

Just Missed

S Litchfield Ajavon
- Ajavon is a name to remember throughout this cycle. He’s former teammates with freshmen defensive end Luiji Vilain, which may only be a small reason why Michigan could end up landing the hard hitting man-child. He told Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz that Michigan is “the total package as far as athletics and academics go” ($) after visiting Ann Arbor for the first time earlier this month. Lorenz has mentioned Ajavon among the staff’s top overall targets in this class for awhile. Only reason he wasn’t included in this list was because of my projected class size.
OT Devontae Dobbs
- UM has a ton of ground to make up here, if the staff even wants to make it up. Dobbs is a very talented player but it looks like the staff isn’t all about landing him just yet. I’ve moved my Crystal Ball to Cloudy after reports of him nearly committing to Michigan State recently. We’ll see where this thing goes. For now, I don’t see him at Michigan.
ATH Julian Barnett
- Barnett is teammates with Dobbs and another highly ranked in-stater that the staff hasn’t pushed for very much. It may be a position thing or it may be something else. But, at this point, things look to be pretty calm between the two sides as MSU, Ohio State and others push.
CB Chris Steele
- Steele is one of the staff’s top overall targets and may be getting pitched to be the only true cornerback commitment in this class. And it looks to be working early on. However, southern California recruits are extremely tough to pull away from the local schools. There’s just not enough there yet for me to justify having him on the list.
DT Jowon Briggs
- Briggs is another highly ranked player out of the region that could very well end up at Michigan. He’s at a position of need and is said to value the academic side of things much more than the average recruit. However, there hasn’t been a ton between him and UM just yet. That’s why he’s on the outside looking in, at this point.
OL Harry Miller
- According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, he’s about to make his third visit to Ann Arbor for the Michigan State game ($). And though I believe there’s a very real chance he could end up committing to Michigan, his high interest in Clemson as well and UM’s other highly interested lineman has me keeping him off the list, for now.
TE Ryland Goede
- Though he’s looked to be an early lean to Georgia, his upcoming trip to Ann Arbor for the Michigan State game could be huge for UM. As one of the top tight ends in the class and being out of Chris Partridge’s favorite state to recruit, he’s likely a top target. I’d expect the staff to make him a priority during the trip and moving forward. We’ll see if it’s enough to sway him away from the Bulldogs.
OLB Ge’Mon Eaford
- He may not get a lot of love on the recruiting trail but Eaford is a name to watch very closely for Michigan fans. He’s continued to name the Wolverines as his favorite and looks like a guy who Don Brown would love to have in his defense. We’ll see if the staff pushes for him. At this point, there just isn’t enough to add him to the list.

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Garrett Fishaw

Marketing Manager and Communications Director by day, Owner and Managing Editor of MGoFish.com by night. Detroit resident. Played soccer and graduated from Seton Hill University.

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