Once full of in-state recruits, my latest 2021 Best Guess Recruiting Class prediction has seen a large drop off of local talent joining the maize and blue. That is just one of the many changes from my First 2021 BGRC to my second attempt at predicting the future.

I know plenty of fans are still not pleased with Michigan’s recruiting levels under Jim Harbaugh, mainly thanks to the ridiculous pace Ohio State has been recruiting at in this class (let alone the last 20 years). But do not sleep on what the Wolverines are putting together.

Michigan’s 2021 class currently sits at 11th overall on the Composite Rankings with the majority of its top-ranked targets still on the market. If the staff can land what I believe they’re in place to land, they’ll secure another top 10 class and potentially a top 5 class.

See how it could all come together.

• Class Size:
  • Always depends on attrition on the roster, which seems like it increases every year with the transfer portal. Looks like the staff is recruiting for at least a 25-man class.
• Class Attrition:
  • It’s pretty rare but Michigan has yet to have lose anyone in this class. But it’ll happen. Decommitments are expected in any class at this point.
• Chances Key:
  • Excellent – Top Team/Favorite to Land
  • Very Good – Top Three/Realistic Possibility
  • Good – Top Five/In the Running
  • Fair – Puncher’s Chance/Questionable Take

Check out my first 2021 Best Guess Michigan Football Recruiting Class Prediction:

1. QB JJ McCarthy, 6’2” 195lbs. La Grange Park, IL (Nazareth Academy)

McCarthy has it all as a quarterback prospect. So much so that he’s next up in the fun game of, “Is He the Future of the Michigan Football?!” I’ve seen this story before but something seems different with this five-star gunslinger. He’s got the elite physical skills and mental makeup but has also been an elite recruiter for the staff, as he’s helped recruit pretty much every name listed below.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 5/11/19
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #31 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #28 overall) – ESPN (4*, #24 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Five-star, #15 Overall, #2 Pro-QB, #1 in Illinois

2. RB Donovan Edwards, 5’11” 195lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (West Bloomfield)

Arguably one of the most important names on the board. Edwards is a must get for the staff and they’ve continued to put themselves in a great position to get. However, this is still far from a sure thing. Even with Ohio State out of the race with its stable full, Georgia, Oklahoma and Penn State are pushing hard as is Notre Dame and Michigan State. This looks to be a recruitment that may go on for quite a while. I’ll continue to cautiously keep my Crystal Ball on Michigan here.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #59 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #23 overall) – ESPN (4*, #67 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #38 Overall, #3 RB, #2 in Michigan
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan/Cloudy
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
• Other Options: AJ Green, Al-Shadee Salaam, Tavierre Dunlap

3. RB Prophet Brown, 5’11” 180lbs. Elk Grove, CA (Monterey Trail)

The old “dream school” recruit. Each class has a couple of guys who dreamt of wearing the winged helmet since they were a kid. Brown is that guy in this class and it’s far from just lip service. He has family in Detroit and has continued to speak extremely highly of Michigan. Getting him on campus is the biggest thing for the staff as Jay Harbaugh has put in a ton of work and put Michigan in fantastic shape. If they can get him on campus, I like their chances of checking the final box and beating out the rest of his top teams, which includes a lot of name brands like Stanford, USC, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Nebraska.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: No
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #9 APB) – 247Sports (4*, #180 overall) – ESPN (4*, #20 RB)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #339 Overall, #21 RB, #30 in California
• Rivals FutureCast: None
• Crystal Ball Favorite: None
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: AJ Green, Al-Shadee Salaam, Tavierre Dunlap

4. WR Markus Allen, 6’2” 190lbs. Clayton, OH (Northmont)

Allen is the early favorite for under the radar get of the class. He has that look of a late 90’s-early 2000’s go-to Michigan receiver. That big-bodied Braylon Edwards, David Terrell, Marquise Walker. All three were around 6’2” – 6’3” 200+ bills, jump ball monsters that can take over any game. Now, I’m not saying Allen is that guy right now but he has the physical traits. If he can put it all together, he could be another great get out of Ohio.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 4/28/20
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #117 WR) – ESPN (NR)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #494 Overall, #83 WR, #20 in Ohio

5. WR Jayden Thomas, 6’1” 200lbs. Atlanta, GA (Pace Academy)

Thomas is a four-star receiver out of Atlanta that has shot up the staff’s board. Out of one of the best schools in the area that sends plenty of players to UGA. But even though he holds an offer from the Bulldogs, they don’t look to be a player in this one. Michigan has been in the race for a minute now but things have really picked up recently thanks to Josh Gattis’ efforts. The possibility of playing baseball also helps, according to The Wolverine’s EJ Holland ($). Obviously a visit will be huge here but as a high academic kid as well as a great fit in Gattis’ offense, things look to be trending towards the Wolverines.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: No
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #131 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #247 overall) – ESPN (4*, #219 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #183 Overall, #34 WR, #18 in Georgia
• Rivals FutureCast: None
• Crystal Ball Favorite: None
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Cristian Dixon, Andrel Anthony, Bryce Stephens, Lorenzo Styles Jr, Titus Mokiao-Atimalala

6. WR Xavier Worthy, 6’1” 160lbs. Fresno, CA (Central East)

Worthy is easily one of the fastest receivers in this class and getting legit comparisons to DeSean Jackson. He’s that type of weapon on the outside and with the ball in his hands. Michigan got in right on time before he started to really catch fire on the recruiting trail, now holding offers from Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn to go along with his slew of offers from the west coast. This is looking like it’ll end up being a national recruitment but the Wolverines are in a good position to win out for the four-star as long as they can get him on campus.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: No
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (4*, #147 overall) – ESPN (4*, #125 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #208 Overall, #39 WR, #20 in California
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
• Other Options: Cristian Dixon, Andrel Anthony, Bryce Stephens, Lorenzo Styles Jr, Titus Mokiao-Atimalala

7. TE Louis Hansen, 6’5” 225lbs. Needham, MA (St. Sebastian’s)

Hansen was the first new weapon McCarthy got in this class. The pass-catching tight end has a ways to go to be an in-line blocker but what he can bring to the passing game will make him dangerous. He’s another high-ceiling prospect that, as he develops, should become a very productive player in the maize and blue.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 4/2/20
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #66 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #15 TE) – ESPN (3*)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #251 Overall, #10 TE, #2 in Massachusetts

8. TE Thomas Fidone, 6’5” 220lbs. Council Bluffs, IA (Lewis Central)

Fidone is Midwest royalty on the recruiting trail. A wanted man by the likes of Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, and Notre Dame. Throw in LSU and Alabama and he’s got some big tight end hitters with their hats firmly in the ring. This is one of those recruitments that could change quickly once official visits start to happen. Nebraska has the Crystal Ball lead and you can never sleep on in-state Iowa or “always gets the top tight ends” Notre Dame but according to TMI’s Steve Lorenz, Michigan may be right at the top of his list with the Cornhuskers($).

Once visits open back up, expect Sherrone Moore and the rest of the staff to have the red carpet ready for the top pass-catching tight end in the class. If the staff has already positioned themselves in this good of shape before a visit, I’m going to bet on the campus differences, on-the-field results, and JJ McCarthy to be the game changers.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: No
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #60 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #41 overall) – ESPN (4*, #267 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #98 Overall, #2 TE, #1 in Iowa
• Rivals FutureCast: Nebraska
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Nebraska
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Bryson Nesbit, Erin Outley

9. OT Giovanni El-Hadi, 6’5” 300lbs. Sterling Heights, MI (Adlai Stevenson)

El-Hadi was the first commitment of the class and quietly may have as high of a ceiling as any commit on the list. He’s still pretty raw but if you’re looking for all the measurables, he’s got it. Already a top 100 recruit, a year or two with Ed Warinner and he should really find his form. Could be locking down either side of the line for years in Ann Arbor.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 4/19/19
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #49 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #87 overall) – ESPN (4*, #133 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #70 Overall, #10 OT, #4 in Michigan

10. OT Tristan Bounds, 6’8” 285lbs. Wallingford, CT (Choate Rosemary Hall)

Michigan looks set on taking a 2nd pure tackle in this class. There are mixed reports of whether the staff would take six lineman but barring a current commit jumping ship/being processed before signing day, their actions point towards six to make up for the three-man OL class in 2020.

As for who will fill that tackle spot, there are a couple legit options but I’m going with another top Massachusetts target that Ed Warinner has been pushing hard for. Bounds has long been seen as a guy that may stay on the east coast with Virginia long being the rumored favorite but TMI’s Steve Lorenz is hearing it’s two blue bloods that have his attention ($). Michigan and Notre Dame battling it out, like always. But I like Michigan here thanks to being in on this one earlier, the relationship built with Warinner, the Ross School of Business, and the Mass-to-Michigan pipeline.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: No
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #39 OT) – ESPN (3*, #50 OT)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #635 Overall, #56 OT, #4 in Connecticut
• Rivals FutureCast: None
• Crystal Ball Favorite: None
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Thomas Cole, Garrett Dellinger, David Davidkov, Nolan Rucci

11. OG Rocco Spindler, 6’5” 285lbs. Clarkston, MI (Clarkston)

Spindler is right there with Donovan Edwards at the top of the staff’s “need to land” board. Long time relationships built between the staff and the Spindler’s have kept Michigan atop Rocco’s list. However, Notre Dame is right there as well. Crystal Balls and FutureCasts are nearly split with UM having the 60/40 lead on 247 and ND having a 60/40 lead on Rivals. This one is going to be really close as both staffs have made him a priority. But with the pandemic going on and travel being limited, I’m cautiously sticking with the in-state program and longtime favorite.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #55 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #63 overall) – ESPN (4*, #76 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #49 Overall, #2 OG, #3 in Michigan
• Rivals FutureCast: Notre Dame
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
• Other Options: Garrett Dellinger, Thomas Cole, David Davidkov, Nolan Rucci

12. OG Drew Kendall, 6’4” 255lbs. Dedham, MA (Noble & Greenough School)

While things look to be a damn near toss-up with Spindler, Michigan has covered its ground at the guard position by making Kendall, another son of a former NFL lineman, a priority as well. And it’s clearly been working as all the momentum is with the maize and blue.

Crystal Balls have completely moved off of his dad’s alma mater, Boston College, and are now firmly in Michigan’s possession. He’s big on academics, his teammate, Casey Phinney, is already in the class and Don Brown pretty much runs the northeast recruiting game. All signs point towards the Wolverines as a decision may be on the horizon.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #63 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #78 overall) – ESPN (4*, #257 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #110 Overall, #5 OG, #1 in Massachusetts
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Garrett Dellinger, Thomas Cole, David Davidkov, Nolan Rucci

13. G/C Greg Crippen, 6’4” 285lbs. Milton, MA (IMG Academy)

Crippen comes in as a natural center that has the ability to play either guard position as well, giving Ed Warinner that flexibility he loves with his lineman. As a center, he adds to one of the deepest individual position groups on the roster, where the staff has added several top prospects including the next name on this list. That’s why it’s good for him to have that positional flexibility.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 3/25/20
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #129 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #6 OC) – ESPN (4*, #297 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #243 Overall, #4 OC, #36 in Florida

14. C/G Raheem Anderson, 6’3” 300lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

Anderson went from a good bet to join the class to then looking like the center position was filled, to then getting the green light to be a Wolverine. Even more of a pure center prospect than Crippen, Anderson has the look of a multi-year starter and All-Conference level player.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 4/12/20
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #139 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #3 OC) – ESPN (4*, #238 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #209 Overall, #3 OC, #7 in Michigan

15. DT George Rooks, 6’4” 260lbs. Jersey City, NJ (St. Peter’s Prep)

Rooks has long been a name to know but there hadn’t very much noise surrounding the two parties. But things have changed as Michigan’s efforts looking to really be paying off. All the buzz is surrounding the Wolverines while Pitt, Syracuse, and Miami continue to push as well. Michigan hasn’t had the greatest success at St. Peter’s Prep in the past but thanks to the Shaun Nua/Don Brown duo and his sister being a Michigan grad, that trend looks like it could change here.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #123 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #21 DT) – ESPN (
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #201 Overall, #12 DT, #2 in New Jersey
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan/Notre Dame/Cloudy
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Rayshaun Benny, Daryl Peterson, Arden Walker, Kechaun Bennett, Josh Simmons, Pius Odjugo

16. DL Dominick Giudice, 6’4” 260lbs. Freehold, NJ (Mater Dei)

Giudice shocked everyone with his commitment in late March but he fits the Don Brown mold. He’s a big, versatile lineman that has the frame to grow into the interior of the line as he gets into the conditioning program. He reminds me a bit of Ryan Van Bergen and may have a similar career.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 3/25/20
• Rankings: Rivals (2*) – 247Sports (3*, #82 WDE) – ESPN (3*, #115 DE)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #1400 Overall, #71 WDE, #38 in New Jersey

17. DL TJ Guy, 6’4” 240lbs. Mansfield, MA (Mansfield)

Guy is, whataya know, another high ceiling defensive prospect that staff has been high on for a while now. Mixed with good technique, good agility, and a high effort level, he’s a guy that should produce throughout his career given the chance. The former Boston College commit joined the Wolverines in mid-April, the fourth get out of Massachusetts.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 4/17/20
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #31 WDE) – ESPN (3*, #86 DE)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #784 Overall, #44 WDE, #6 in Massachusetts

18. DE Quintin Somerville, 6’1” 235lbs. Scottsdale, AZ (Saguaro)

Somerville has been atop Shaun Nua’s list for quite sometime. The connection between the two looks to really have Michigan in a good position. The Wolverines have always been mentioned among his top teams and they may be leading the pack, according to 247Sports’ Blair Angulo as he put in his Crystal Ball for Michigan ($). This is all without a visit to campus. Expect that to happen as soon as possible, which should really help Michigan’s pitch.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #151 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #104 overall) – ESPN (4*, #107 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #104 Overall, #9 SDE, #3 in Arizona
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan/Oklahoma
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Derek Wilkins, Daryl Peterson, Arden Walker, Kechaun Bennett

19. LB Tyler McLaurin, 6’2” 215lbs. Bolingbrook, IL (Bolingbrook)

Athletic linebacker that has a lot of positional flexibility. Thanks to the slender build at the moment, he’s a guy that will likely move positions as he starts to pack on the size throughout his career. Wherever he ends up, he’ll immediately upgrade the speed and athleticism of the defense.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 5/9/20
• Rankings: Rivals (3* #30 OLB) – 247Sports (3* #37 OLB) – ESPN (3* #44 OLB)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #429 Overall, #27 OLB, #11 in Illinois

20. MLB Jaydon Hood, 6’1” 215lbs. Fort Lauderdale, FL (St. Thomas Aquinas)

Athletic linebacker that looks like he could be next in the line of big time MIKE linebackers for Don Brown. Fast and physical, a game is similar to Devin Bush. Which makes sense since he’s gone on record saying that’s a player he models his game off of. TMI’s Sam Webb put in his Crystal Ball following his teammate CB Ja’Den McBurrows’ commitment ($). Miami, Minnesota, Florida State, and Kentucky are all pushing but this looks like it’s setting up to be a really nice get for Brian Jean-Mary and Don Brown, which would give the staff its second win of the class out of powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #35 LB) – 247Sports (3*, #17 ILB) – ESPN (4*, #191 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #296 Overall, #11 ILB, #47 in Florida
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Jamari Buddin

21. WLB Casey Phinney, 6’1” 225lbs. Marshfield, MA (Noble & Greenough)

Phinney is a thumper of an inside linebacker. A tone setter. While he’s more of a linebacker prospect than Ben Mason was, with the way this linebacker class is shaping up added in with 2020’s haul and I wouldn’t rule out a move to offense to see the field earlier. He’s a legit ball carrier. But I still think he starts at the WILL.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 4/5/20
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #30 ILB) – ESPN (3*, #31 ILB)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #1037 Overall, #39 ILB, #9 in Massachusetts

22. OLB Junior Colson, 6’2” 225lbs. Brentwood, TN (Ravenwood)

Another versatile linebacker that could play multiple linebacker spots but as a former receiver, he looks like a dynamic fit at the Viper position even though a much different build than Jabrill Peppers or Khaleke Hudson. But first, Michigan needs to get his commitment. The Wolverines have been in pole position for quite some time but with the way Tennessee’s been pulling talent in 2021, it may not be a done deal with an expected announcement approaching. Obviously still feeling good about Michigan but the Vols are pushing to keep him in-state.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #83 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #182 overall) – ESPN (4*, #184 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #128 Overall, #10 OLB, #2 in Tennessee
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Jamari Buddin, Patrick Histake, Jahzion Harris

23. S Rod Moore, 5’11” 180lbs. Clayton, OH (Northmont)

Don Brown and Mike Zordich add another dynamic safety to their talent haul over the last couple of classes. He’s the second get out of Ohio which was a need in this class after not signing an Ohioan in the 2020 class.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 5/10/20
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #21 S) – ESPN (3*, #28 S)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #378 Overall, #22 S, #12 in Ohio

24. DB Ryan Barnes, 6’2” 180lbs. Gaithersburg, MD (Quince Orchard)

Quickly growing into one of my favorite prospects on the staff’s big board. Barnes fits today’s game. He’s a positionless/hybrid defensive back with great size, length and athleticism. Reminds me a little bit of former Clemson standout Isaiah Simmons. Michigan is trending in a big way here and that’s thanks in part to the efforts of Bob Shoop, per TMI’s Brice Marich ($). Marich mentioned a mid-June visit being set up. If/whenever that happens, the staff will have the chance to really set themselves apart.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: No
• Highlights
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #55 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #34 CB) – ESPN (N/A)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #553 Overall, #40 CB, #18 in Maryland
• Rivals FutureCast: None
• Crystal Ball Favorite: None
• Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
• Other Options: Donovan McMillon, Omarion Cooper, Ishmael Ibraheem, Tyreek Chappell, John Howse IV, Ceyair Wright

25. CB Ja’Den McBurrows, 5’10” 165lbs. Fort Lauderdale, FL (St. Thomas Aquinas)

McBurrows was quite the surprise of a commitment. Not really mentioned by anyone as a target, the staff was able to sell him on the idea of moving up north. And it’s a good thing as cornerback looks to be a spot with a lot of question marks in this class.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 4/24/20
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #27 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #90 CB) – ESPN (3*)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #580 Overall, #44 CB, #85 in Florida

26. P Tommy Doman, 6’3” 170lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (St. Mary’s)

It was about time for a specialist signee and Doman is one of the top ranked kicker/punters in the class. He’s one of the handful of in-state names on the list.

• Story
• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 4/2/20
• Rankings: Rivals (N/A) – 247Sports (N/A) – ESPN (N/A)
• Kicker Rankings: Kornblue (#2 P) – Kohl’s (5*, #3 K/#4 P)

Projected Class Score: 285.39 (per 247Sports)

If the staff were to pull off the class above, it would be adding its #2, #3, #5-11, #13, #16, #20 and #22 overall gets in the class (per current rankings). So there’s a ton left on the board but Michigan is in position to pull it off. If so, they’ll end up with a top 10 class, potentially a top 5 class with adjusted rankings.

This score would’ve given Michigan the #7 class in 2020, #4 class in 2019, and #7 class in 2018.

Just Missed

• DT Rayshaun Benny
  • Last guy off the list. Benny is a top 200 recruit so he has plenty of suitors, including Iowa, Kentucky, Notre Dame, and Penn State. This has the looks of a long recruitment that could go a number of ways. Michigan needs defensive tackles but this is one I could see going elsewhere.
    • Prediction: Kentucky
• OT Thomas Cole
  • With all that being said, the name to watch closely is this newly offered and newly minted four-star tackle, Thomas Cole. According to The Wolverine’s EJ Holland, there’s a connection building quickly between the two parties ($). He’s quickly jumped up the board following the offer, possibly sitting right behind Dellinger, Bounds, Rucci and Davidkov on the want list. This could come down to Bounds and Cole to fill that spot but because of the early familiarity, I’ll go with Bounds filling it first.
    • Prediction: Cal
• OT Garrett Dellinger
  • This has been a bit of a rollercoaster for the four-star in-stater. Michigan sat in a good position early on but then all signs pointed to him leaving the state and playing his college ball away from his teammate, Rocco Spindler. But there may be life for Michigan whether it’s a duo or just Dellinger, according to 247Sports’ Allen Trieu ($). Still not enough to put him on the list though.
    • Prediction: LSU
• S Donovan McMillon
  • McMillon is another big, versatile safety/viper linebacker prospect that would fit Don Brown’s defensive perfectly. He continues to sit atop the staff’s board but he’s also become a top target for several other programs including Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Florida, Penn State, Georgia and LSU. This recruitment looks to be wide open as he waits to take his visits. With other safety targets emerging and only so many spots available, there’s not enough to keep him on the list after making my First BGRC.
    • Prediction: No idea, Penn State?
• WR Cristian Dixon
  • Don’t be surprised if Dixon is on my next BGRC. Though Cal is the Crystal Ball favorite, Michigan is gaining a lot of momentum and may be sitting in second place right now, per The Wolverine’s EJ Holland ($). He’s a true academic/football prospect out of one of the best high school programs in the country. Visits are obviously huge for the staff to be able to sway him off the West coast.
    • Prediction: Cal
• RB AJ Green
  • Green made the first list and was very close to making this list as well. Michigan continues to sit in great shape for the electric two-way standout but with the in-state Sooners pushing, hard to keep him on the list. He’s a guy to keep a close eye on, especially if the staff misses on Edwards.
    • Prediction: Oklahoma
• WR Andrel Anthony
  • Anthony was another one of the last name taken off the list. For quite some time, he’s been a top target for the staff and looked likely to play his college ball in Ann Arbor. However, things look to be fading a bit as other receivers emerge. Michigan State, Penn State and Minnesota are pushing here.
    • Prediction: Penn State
• ATH Al-Shadee Salaam
  • Keep a close eye on Salaam. According to TMI’s Steve Lorenz, Michigan may be a legit factor for the Rutgers commit ($). There’s always a need for more speed on the roster and there aren’t many players in this class faster than Salaam.
    • Prediction: Rutgers, for now
• S/WR Titus Mokiao-Atimalala
  • Mokiao-Atimalala is a legit two-way prospect that looks to be rising up the board though, like most of the names on the list, visits will be crucial here. Making the trip from Hawaii all the way to Michigan will likely take time. So remember this name for later on.
    • Prediction: Notre Dame
• CB Omarion Cooper
  • Cooper is another Sunshine State standout that Jean-Mary and the staff are targeting. Question will be if the staff will take a second corner in this class or stick with a versatile defensive back, like Ryan Barnes, who can play both positions. Also too early to put Cooper on the list, though he looks to be a top target.
    • Prediction: Florida State
• WR Lorenzo Styles Jr.
  • The Notre Dame commit continues to be a target for the staff as it looks to load up at the receiver position. Styles is a top150 prospect out of Ohio committed to an arch-rival. Always worth the pursuit, though I feel like Michigan is in better shape with other receivers but this is a name to keep an eye on, especially when visits can happen again.
    • Prediction: Notre Dame
• LB Jamari Buddin
  • The ship looks to have sailed on this one as the staff has moved on to other targets, per TMI’s Sam Webb ($).
    • Prediction: Penn State

Don’t Forget About Us

• OT David Davidkov
• SDE Derek Wilkins
• OT Nolan Rucci
• EDGE Dallas Turner
• CB John Howse IV
• NT Pius Odjugo
• CB Ishmael Ibraheem
• WR Bryce Stephens
• EDGE Jahzion Harris
• CB Tyreek Chappell
• NT Jay Toia
• DE Kechaun Bennett
• CB Ceyair Wright
• EDGE Patrick Hisatake
• TE Bryson Nesbit
• RB Tavierre Dunlap
• OT Ilija Krajnovic
• RB Alton McCaskill
• OL William Reed
• DL Daryl Peterson
• OL Beau Stephens
• WR J. Michael Sturdivant 
• OT Diego Pounds 
• ATH Will Latu
• DT Josh Simmons
• TE Erin Outley
• DL Arden Walker

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