2019 Best Guess Recruiting Class: October 3rd

Sorry for the delay. Spilled beer tried to take out my laptop but like the 2018 Michigan defense, it doesn’t go down that easy. Now that it’s up and running I’m finally able to finish up my latest Best Guess Recruiting Class.

With so many additions to the class already, there isn’t a ton of room left. Add in the amount of elite and wanted targets remaining on the board and this wasn’t the easiest prediction to put together. Though there weren’t many names added to finish off this class, it’s hard to see this class not ending with a couple big time gets.

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

Class Size
- Looking at the scholarship chart, where it could be when the 2019 season begins, adding in the new commits, and looking at the number of spots the staff looks to be targeting for, this class looks like it’ll be around 25 in total, give or take one or two. Plenty of attrition would be needed to get to that number but all signs point to that happening.
Class Attrition
- CB Te’Cory Couch and DE Stephen Herron are the only decommitments so far in this class but I wouldn’t be surprised to see another one or two prior to NSD. With the number of top-flight targets left on the board, amount of current commits, and the number of potential scholarship available, some movement may take place.
Chances Key
- Excellent – Top Team/Favorite to Land
- Very Good – Top Three/Realistic Possibility
- Good – Top Five/Sticking Around
- Fair – Puncher’s Chance/Questionable Take
- Poor – Hardly Mentioned/Not Happening

Check out my latest attempt at predicting the 2019 Michigan football recruiting class:

1. QB: Cade McNamara, 6’1” 205lbs. Reno, NV (Damonte Ranch)

Photo Credit: Jeff Mulvihill Jr, RGJ file

McNamara has been one of the leaders of the class and was a huge reason why Michigan landed his 7on teammate, Giles Jackson. He’s also a good quarterback prospect. Though he may not blow you away with his athleticism or arm strength, he’s got a mix of everything. Reminds me a bit of Kirk Cousins. He’ll be a nice addition to the quarterback room and a guy who will compete for the starting job by his sophomore year.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 3/16/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #9 Pro-QB) – 247Sports (4*, #325 overall) – ESPN (4*, #256 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #274 Overall, #9 Pro-QB, #1 in Nevada

2. RB: Zach Charbonnet, 6’2” 205lbs. Westlake Village, CA (Oaks Christian)

Photo Credit: Andy Holzman/SCNG)

The gem of the class, Charbonnet is a guy that should be an immediate contributor and has the chance to be a superstar. With his name more well known and a big senior season already in the making, look for him to make a big jump up the rankings. He could/should very well be a five-star prospect by National Signing Day.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/24/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #236 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #40 overall) – ESPN (4*, #26 RB)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #168 overall, #9 RB, #20 in California

3. RB: Eric Gray, 5’10” 190lbs. Memphis, TN (Lausanne Collegiate)

Photo Credit: TONY MARABLE | HERALD-CITIZEN

Gray is one of the best gets of the class and another player with potential star written all over him. However, there have been plenty of rumors of a potential flip after a couple SEC programs in Ole Miss and Tennesee have ramped up their pressure and some have said he’s looking to play closer to home. The Wolverine’s Chris Balas mentioned that the Rivals’ Ole Miss site mods expect a flip to eventually happen ($) while TMI’s Steve Lorenz is hearing positive things from Michigan’s side of things ($). Gray’s visit to Knoxville last week received good reviews but it looks like Ole Miss is the bigger competition here. This is one to watch closely until the ink is dry on his LOI.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 7/1/18
First on List: September 2017
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #6 APB) – 247Sports (4*, #87 overall) – ESPN (4*, #282 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #217 Overall, #3 All-Purpose RB, #8 in Tennessee

4. SR/APB: Giles Jackson, 5’9” 170lbs. Oakley, CA (Freedom)

Photo Credit: Giles Jackson/Twitter

Jackson is one of the newest additions to the class and one that happened pretty quickly after Oregon was firmly in the driver’s seat for months. He’s easily one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the country and is already putting in work as a recruiter. He’s targeting fellow California recruits, TE Isaiah Foskey and WR Kyle Ford, both of whom Michigan looks very good for at the moment. If he can help reel in either or both of those guys, he’ll be an even bigger fan favorite in the maize and blue.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 9/10/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #7 APB) – 247Sports (4*, #213 overall) – ESPN (3*, #42 ATH)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #362 Overall, #5 APB, #45 in California

5. WR: George Johnson III, 5’11” 180lbs. Stuart, FL (Martin County)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Jackson was an overlooked summer addition to this class. But he’s another guy who has a really high ceiling if he can continue to develop as a receiver. He’s an athletic playmaker with plenty of speed. He’s been playing a lot of quarterback in high school so it may take him a little time to make an impact but I wouldn’t bet against him.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/25/18
First on List: July 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #86 ATH) – ESPN (3*, #53 ATH)
Composite Ranking: Three-Star, #803 Overall, #52 ATH, #112 in Florida

6. WR: Quintel Kent, 6’0” 170lbs. Lakewood, OH (St Edward)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Kent was another lower rated receiver commitment that is starting to look more and more like a steal as he continues to put up big numbers during his senior season. He’s a deep ball threat that can get over the top of the secondary and make the big catch. He’s a guy that showed out in front of the staff in camp and continues to show out in front of recruiting analysts. We’ll see if he gets a ratings boost before NSD.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 8/4/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (2*) – 247Sports (3*, #89 WR) – ESPN (3*, #155 WR)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #1253 Overall, #145 WR, #53 in Ohio

7. TE: Erick All, 6’4” 225lbs. Fairfield, OH (Fairfield)

Photo Credit: Tony Tribble/WCPO Cincinnati

All is another commitment that’s flying under the radar a bit but I believe could be one of the more productive members of this class during his collegiate career. He’s a Devin Funchess-like tight end. Big, athletic and fast. With Gentry and McKeon gone after the 2019 season, he could see the field pretty early on during his time in Ann Arbor.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/24/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #17 TE) – 247Sports (4*, #267 overall) – ESPN (3*, #15 TE)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #363 Overall, #17 TE, #11 in Ohio

8. TE: Isaiah Foskey, 6’4” 220lbs. Concord, CA (De La Salles

Photo Credit: Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group

Foskey isn’t one of the more talked about elite targets but he’s up there on the board. While he’s got a little ways to go with his size to play tight end in college, he’s one of the best pass-catching tight ends in this class. He also plays at one of the top high school football programs in the country. Michigan has continued to make him a priority and according to TMI’s Steve Lorenz, the addition of his childhood friend, Giles Jackson could be a real factor here ($). Add in the tight end friendly system, his longtime relationships built within the staff, and it looks like this could happen. An official visit to Ann Arbor could be a game-changer. This is a recruitment to watch closely with Notre Dame looking like the biggest threat for the talented tight end.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #133 Overall) – 247Sports (4*, #283 overall) – ESPN (4*, #213 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #171 Overall, #5 TE, #23 in California
Crystal Ball Prediction: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Kyle Ford

9. OT: Trevor Keegan, 6’6” 310lbs. Crystal Lake, IL (Crystal Lake)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Keegan is back on the list but is far from a lock to be a part of this class as Ohio State, Georgia and Clemson are pushing, the Bulldogs especially. He’s been a priority for this class throughout for the staff and the potential early playing time mixed with his family’s connections to the state are big reasons why he’s included here. Michigan has three top-flight offensive tackle targets in Keegan, Bryce Benhart, and Danielson Ike. This spot looks to be first come first serve out of Keegan and Benhart. I could see either player in this class but I’m sticking with my longtime Crystal Ball prediction.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
First on List: September 2017
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #196 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #112 overall) – ESPN (4*, #169 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #140 Overall, #16 OT, #1 in Illinois
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Bryce Benhart, Danielson Ike

10. OT: Trente Jones, 6’6” 285lbs. Loganville, GA (Grayson)

Jones is another very nice get for the staff out of Georgia and one of the more underrated additions to this class. He’s a big, physical offensive lineman that could play either tackle or guard in college. Playing against some of the top talents in the country in the Peach State, he’s a guy that could compete for a starting job early on in his career.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 2/21/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #16 OG) – 247Sports (3*, #48 OT) – ESPN (4*, #157 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #297 Overall, #30 OT, #32 in Georgia

11. OT: Karsen Barnhart, 6’5” 285lbs. Paw Paw, MI (Paw Paw)

Photo Credit: Karsen Barnhart/Hudl.com

Barnhart is another nice looking offensive tackle prospect. He’s a big, physical, athletic lineman that sees plenty of time at the tight end position for his high school team. But he’ll be moving to tackle full time in Ann Arbor. It may take a little time for him to see the field but once he does, he could be a very nice player for the Wolverines.

Story
Highlights
Commitments Date: 4/30/18
First on BGRC: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #47 OT) – 247Sports (4*, #243 overall) – ESPN (3*, #38 OT)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #403 Overall, #40 OT, #10 in Michigan

12. OL: Jack Stewart, 6’5” 280lbs. New Canaan, CT (New Canaan)

Photo Credit; Dave Stewart/New Canaan Advertiser

Stewart is another committed lineman in this class that looks like he could play either tackle or guard at the next level. Like Barnhart and Jones, he’s a big, physical lineman that plays with an edge. He’s still a bit of an unknown on the recruiting circuit but the Michigan staff is clearly excited about his addition.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/16/18
First on BGRC: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #80 OT) – 247Sports (3*, #52 OT) – ESPN (3*, #44 OT)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #642 Overall, #61 OT, #6 in Connecticut

13. OG: Zach Carpenter, 6’5” 300lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Moeller)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Carpenter is a pure offensive guard. Big, strong, nasty and makes his living serving up pancakes. He may not be highly ranked but his addition is a big one for this class. Him and Nolan Rumler could be a dominant run-blocking force on the inside for the offensive line during their time in Ann Arbor.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 5/30/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #17 OG) – 247Sports (3*, #25 OG) – ESPN (3*, #34 OG)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #517 Overall, #21 OG, #19 in Ohio

14. G/C: Nolan Rumler, 6’4” 290lbs. Akron, OH (Archbishop Hoban)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Speaking of Rumler, he’s a guy who could be a starter for the majority of his career. He’s a beast of a lineman and could get on the field very quickly thanks to his versatility and stout build. Whether it’s at center or either guard spot, I believe he’s set to do big things in the maize and blue.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 7/29/17
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #110 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #156 overall) – ESPN (4*, #180 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #135 overall, #6 OG, #3 in Ohio

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

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Interior defensive lineman was a big need in this class, especially at nose tackle and the staff delivered by landing one of the best nose tackles in the class in Smith. He’s a massive force on the line that features good feet, a quick burst, and aggressive hands. He’s a guy I see playing early and often.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/24/18
First on List: September 2017
Rankings: Rivals (4* #162 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #232 overall) – ESPN (4*, #27 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #123 Overall, #7 DT, #4 in Michigan

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

Photo Credit: GACSpartans.com

Hinton was the first five-star get of the class for Michigan and continues to be a leader on the recruiting trail. But his addition to the program will be most felt on the field as he is a good one. Elite measurables, hard work ethic, NFL bloodline, and should fit Greg Mattison’s defensive line like a glove.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 8/6/17
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (5*, #18 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #36 overall) – ESPN (4*, #38 overall)
Composite Ranking: Five-star, #23 overall, #2 SDE, #5 in Georgia

17. DL: Tyrece Woods, 6’2” 240lbs. Detroit, MI (Belleville)

Photo Credit: Brandon Brown/The Wolverine

Woods was a bit of a surprise addition to the class, especially with elite targets still remaining on the board. But I wouldn’t sleep on Woods. He’s a tough, hard-nosed, versatile lineman that could be used all over the defensive line by Greg Mattison and Don Brown.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/25/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (3* OLB) – 247Sports (3*, #121 DT) – ESPN (3*, #147 DE)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #1634 Overall, #103 DT, #40 in Michigan

18. DL: Mike Morris, 6’5” 255lbs. Delray Beach, FL (American Heritage)

Photo Credit; Mike Morris/Twitter

The Florida State flip finally joined the class in early September after weeks of rumors. He’s a very intriguing prospect as he features elite size, good athleticism, and a frame that could see him play multiple spots during his career. Most reports have him starting out at the anchor/strongside defensive end spot but he could eventually grow into a defensive tackle in the same style as former Michigan standout Chris Wormley.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 9/9/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #25 WDE) – 247Sports (3*, #31 SDE) – ESPN (4*, #275 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #322 Overall, #22 SDE, #44 in Florida

19. SDE: David Ojabo, 6’5” 240lbs. Blairstown, NJ (Blair Academy)

Photo Credit: Irish Sports Daily

Ojabo doesn’t get a ton of attention but he’s one of the better gets in this class. He was not only a big recruiting win over Penn State, Clemson and others but he also has an extremely high ceiling. He’s raw but crazy athletic and has the frame to put on some good size. His athleticism may get him on the field early but once he adds some more size and learns the defense, look out.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 7/2/18
First on List: July 2018
Ranking: Rivals (3*, #40 SDE) – 247Sports (4*, #201 overall) – ESPN (4*, #283 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #301 Overall, #19 SDE, #7 in New Jersey

20. WDE: Gabe Newburg, 6’5” 230lbs. Clayton, OH (Newburg)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Newburg has been in the class for a minute now and even after suffering a minor injury during his senior season, he’s a guy who the staff has to be excited about. He looks like a guy that may not contribute immediately but he has the motor and frame that Greg Mattison craves from his defensive ends.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/2/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #54 WDE) – 247Sports (3*, #63 WDE) – ESPN (3*, #63 DE)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #705 Overall, #56 WDE, #28 in Ohio

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

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Thomas may not be the tallest linebacker but he sets the tone with his energy and physicality in a similar fashion to Devin Bush Jr. He’ll be a nice add to an already loaded linebacker depth chart in Ann Arbor, one that needs to continue to add impact players.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/24/17
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #32 OLB) – 247Sports (4*, #303 overall) – ESPN (4*, #259 overall)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #417 Overall, #18 ILB, #45 in Georgia

22. VLB: Joey Velazquez, 6’0” 205lbs. Columbus, OH (St. Frances De Salle)

Photo Credit: Ryan Donnelly/Land of 10

The former Ohio State baseball commit turned Michigan football and baseball commit is the perfect fit for Don Brown’s defense and has continued to show it during his senior season. He’s a strong, physical, hybrid athlete that has the size of a safety but the physicality of a linebacker, which is pretty much the exact breakdown of Khaleke Hudson. He has a nose for the ball and can read offenses well from the safety position. Add him to the depth chart will be big for the defense.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/22/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3* S) – 247Sports (3*, #60 S) – ESPN (3*, #74 S)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #929 Overall, #74 S, #41 in Ohio

23. S/VLB: Quinten Johnson, 5’11” 190lbs. Washington, DC (St. Johns College)

Photo Credit: SEN

Johnson is another commit in this class that I believe will be a very, very good player for the Wolverines. He reminds me a bit of Khaleke Hudson but more of a safety prospect, even though he could eventually play the Viper position as well. His athleticism and playmaking ability will be a welcomed addition to the defense that continues to stock high potential players.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 7/3/18
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #25 S) – 247Sports (3*, #38 S) – ESPN (3*, #35 S)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #470 Overall, #40 Safety, #4 in DC

24. S: Daxton Hill, 6’1” 185lbs. Tulsa, OK (Booker T. Washington)

Photo Credit: Greg Powers/247Sports

Hill is an elite prospect. He’s an elite athlete, football player, and student. That’s why he’s the best recruiting win of this class. Not to mention, he’s also the top-ranked player in this class and has the chance to be a superstar in the maize and blue. To me, his game reminds me a lot of former Alabama All-American and first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, DB Minkah Fitzpatrick. Both Hill and Fitzpatrick are safeties by trade but can play lineup outside and play man-to-man coverage. His addition might also help on the recruiting trail as top-flight prospects tend to gravitate towards each other.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 9/18/18
First on List: Now
Rankings: Rivals (5*, #24 overall) – 247Sports (5*, #8 overall) – ESPN (4*, #14 overall)
Composite Ranking: Five-star, #12 Overall, #1 S, #1 in Oklahoma

25. CB: DJ Turner II, 5’11” 170lbs. Suwannee, GA (North Gwinnett)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Turner was a big recruiting win for the staff as his offers don’t match his rankings. He’s a long, rangy corner that can cover and isn’t afraid to hit. With his transfer to IMG Academy for his senior season, he could be ready to compete for playing time as soon as he gets on campus.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/25/18
First on List: May 2018
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #52 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #42 CB) – ESPN (4*, #23 CB)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #440 Overall, #42 Cornerback, #47 in Georgia

Projected Class Score: 266.03 (per 247Sports)

Michigan currently sits at 9th in the country with a 257.37 so the additions of Foskey and Keegan wouldn’t move the needle a ton. The class would likely finish inside the top ten, especially with the potential rise in the rankings for a couple current commitments. If it were to happen, it would be Harbaugh’s 3rd top ten class out of his four full recruiting classes.

Just Missed

WR Kyle Ford – USC
- The last name taken off of the list, Ford is a guy I can definitely see choosing Michigan. He’s been a longtime target, looks to care about things both on and off the field, has visited before and will visit again before NSD. USC is said the be the favorite but the early season struggles for the Trojans and what looks like the last season for Clay Helton, the door could be open. There isn’t enough there just yet but this is definitely one to watch closely.
OT Bryce Benhart – Nebraska
- Another name to watch closely. Benhart is one of the best tackle prospects in the class and is said to be looking to play early. Well, Michigan could be the perfect place for that. However, things look to be in better shape with Keegan and with spots getting tight, can’t see two additions there. Nebraska has been pushing hard here and he could definitely start his freshmen year.
DE Zach Harrison – Ohio State
- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Harrison would be one of the best recruiting wins of the Harbaugh-era. Landing arguably the best prospect in the entire class and getting him out of Columbus would be gigantic. And it looks like a real possibility. However, there’s just not enough there for me to put him in the class just yet, especially with Ohio State off to a hot start.
LB/RB Quavaris Crouch – Clemson
- Hey, look, another five-star talent that Michigan could realistically land. Crouch has been high on the Wolverines for a long time but has mentioned two hangups: 1. the weather 2. beating rivals. Those two rivalry games aren’t here just yet and the weather won’t be changing anytime soon. While I think Michigan can still win out even with those concerns, players that like year-round nice weather normally choose a place with year-round nice weather. Tennessee and Clemson look to be the biggest threats here.
DE George Karlaftis – Purdue
- Karlaftis is going to be a star in college and it continues to look like it’ll be with Purdue. He’s been committed to the Boilermakers for a while now and hasn’t wavered very much. The rough start to the season looked to have cracked the door open a bit but unless something drastic happens, I can’t see him flipping from Jeff Brohm.
WR Cornelius Johnson – Stanford
- Johnson has been on the list in the past but, like Aeneas DiCosmo, it looks like he’ll eventually choose Stanford. Michigan’s connections to Connecticut continue to help here and need for a big receiver in this class. An official visit to Ann Arbor could change things but until something changes, I see him choosing the Cardinal.
OT Danielson Ike – Mississippi State
- This is a name to watch if Trevor Keegan and Bryce Benhart choose to play elsewhere. He’s a four-star prospect that continues to get better. Michigan looks like it could land him if they prioritize him. As for a potential landing spot if not Michigan, Mississippi State and Iowa State are teams to watch.
DB Josh Sanguinetti – Nebraska
- Like Ike, Michigan looks like it could win out here if they pushed hard for Sanguinetti. His visit for the BBQ at the Big House in late July looked to go about as well as possible. But it’s not known if he’s a full blown take or not. Without a sure-fire favorite out there, a team I’ll be watching is Nebraska here.
ATH Mike Sainristil – Virginia Tech
- Sainristil looked like a near lock to flip from Virginia Tech after visiting Ann Arbor early in the summer. But that never happened and things have gone pretty quiet on that front. He’s a guy who I think would be a nice fit in this class as a defensive back that can get some offensive snaps, it’s unknown if he remains a take with Giles Jackson now on board.
WR Jaylen Ellis – Baylor
- Ellis looks to be extremely high on Michigan after his early season official visit but he may be running third on the staff’s wide receiver board with three receivers already committed. Texas is the Crystal Ball favorite to flip him from Baylor but Arizona is another team to watch.

Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog

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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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