2018 Best Guess Recruiting Class: September 30th

The 2018 Michigan recruiting cycle has been much different than previous Harbaugh classes, and even Hoke’s. Most of the class has been filled up since the summer, there aren’t any five star recruits and the staff has held off on having official visits until the biggest games of the year. And one of those games is next weekend as Michigan is expected to host a big group of recruiting visitors, including a couple stud recruits in the 2018 class.

Though things have been pretty quiet on the Michigan recruiting trail as of late, outside of the Doyle commitment, expect things to heat up a bit starting next weekend.

Here’s a little background on how I put my latest Best Guess Recruiting Class together:

Class Size: This is the million dollar question early on in every class. And, like always, the exact answer will not be known until NSD. There’s been reports of it being anywhere from 18-22. So, I’ll going to stick with 20 in this prediction. It’s hard to see that much attrition take place after this season.
Position Numbers: With a limited amount of space in this class and 12 scholarships already accounted for, Michigan will have to be pretty selective with it’s final 6-10 spots.
- It’ll be interesting to see if the staff continues to go after a 2nd QB or not. Depth is needed if a transfer isn’t brought in.
- There are already three offensive line commitments but the staff looks to want at least one more. However, there aren’t any options on the board that look good, at this point.
- The staff now looks like it’ll try to sign two more defensive lineman, with multiple defensive tackles and defensive ends still left on the board.
- With several defensive backs in a good-to-very good situation, it looks like there will be at least 1-2 more additions.
- The biggest question looks to be how many offensive weapons the staff decides to add to the class. Though Schoonmaker jumped on board, it looks possible that the staff could still take two more tight ends. But will three tight ends take away a wide receiver or 2nd running back spot? It looks possible.
Class Attrition: With so many out of state commits and top targets, it’s impossible to say every commit sticks until NSD. At this point, there’s at for sure one guy that everyone is watching.

Chances Key:

Excellent – Top Team/Expected to Land
Very Good – Top 2-3/Realistic Possibility
Good – Top 5/Sticking Around
Fair – Top 10/Puncher’s Chance
Poor – Hardly Mentioned/Unlikey to Happen

Check out my latest 2018 Michigan football recruiting class prediction:

1. QB: Joe Milton, 6’5” 220lbs. Orlando, FL (Olympia)

Photo Credit: 247Sports.com

Even with the second quarterback commitment, Milton looks to be one of the firmest commitments in the class. He’s also the player with, arguably, the highest ceiling in the class. His natural size, athleticism and passing abilities, mixed with Jim Harbaugh’s ability to develop quarterbacks, gives him the chance to be a star in the winged helmet.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 5/7/17
First on List: April 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #268 overall) – Rivals (4*, #105 overall) – 247 (4*, #269 overall) – ESPN (4*, #126 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #171 overall, #8 Pro QB, #31 in Florida

2. QB: Kevin Doyle, 6’4” 210lbs. Washington, DC (St. John’s College)

Photo Credit: Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group

In today’s world of recruiting, Doyle was a rare surprise commitment. According to Scout’s Allen Trieu, Pep Hamilton caught Doyle’s game on ESPN at the beginning of the season, reevaluated his tape and got the three star up for a visit for the Air Force game ($). Thanks to that visit and the staff wanting to take a second quarterback in this recruiting class, Doyle jumped at the offer and became the 14th overall commitment for Michigan’s 2018 class.

Story
Highlights
Commitments Date: 9/24/17
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (3*, #30 Pro-QB) – Rivals (3*) – 247 (3*, #15 Pro-QB) – ESPN (4*, #27 Pro-QB)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #546 overall, #21 Pro-QB, #4 in DC

3. RB: Michael Barrett, 6’1” 210lbs. Valdosta, GA (Lowndes)

Barrett remains on the list as he’s not only the most realistic running back option on the board but, according to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, Barrett is expected to officially visit Michigan this fall ($). With the dual threat quarterback/running back already very high on Michigan, an official visit to campus and a push from the staff to fill the second running back spot, I really like UM’s chances to add him to the class.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
Highlights
First on List: April 2017
Rankings: Scout (3*, #97 ATH) – Rivals (3* ATH) – 247 (3*, #60 ATH) – ESPN (3*, #49 ATH)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #700 overall, #60 ATH, #69 in Georgia
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: James Graham, Amon-Ra St. Brown

4. RB: Christian Turner, 5’11” 190lbs. Buford, GA (Buford)

Photo Credit: David McGregor/Gwinnett Prep Sports

Turner burst onto the recruiting scene this winter as he added offers from the likes of Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Notre Dame, MSU and, of course, Michigan’s in the first two months of the year. But it was his first unofficial visit to Ann Arbor on Thursday, April 6th that put the Wolverines out front for good as he committed to UM just days after leaving campus. He doesn’t look to be going anywhere in this class either after visiting campus again for the BBQ at the Big House and remaining to be a big recruiter for the staff down in Georgia.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/10/17
First on List: April 2017
Rankings: Scout (3*, #41 RB) – Rivals (3*, #15 RB) – 247 (3*, #24 RB) – ESPN (4*, #275 overall)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #453 overall, #23 RB, #47 in Georgia

5. WR: Dillon Spalding, 6’2” 215lbs. Lorton, VA (South County)

Photo Credit: John McDonnell/The Washington Post

Spalding is one of the new additions to the list thanks to a recent visit, where he landed an offer from the coaching staff. One big reason the visit and offer went down was because of the fact that one of Michigan’s analysts actually coached Spalding in high school ($), per Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz. He also told Lorenz about the staff comparing him to Minnesota’s Adam Thielan but I see a little more Anquan Boldin in his game. He’s a big, physical receiver that can make plays outside and in-between the numbers, has great hands, isn’t the fastest but is very athletic and has the ability to make highlight catches. If the staff pushes, I see him taking the lone receiver spot in this class.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Highlights
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (4*, #251 overall) – Rivals (3*) – 247 (3*, #369 overall) – ESPN (3*, #143 WR)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #352 overall, #63 WR, #9 in Virginia
Crystal Ball Favorite: Cloudy
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kamryn Babb

6. TE: Luke Schoonmaker, 6’6” 235lbs. Hamden, CT (Hamden Hall)

Schoonmaker is the latest commitment for the class and it was a complete surprise. He went from an unknown recruit that never publicly announced his offer from the staff and ended up committing via Twitter to show the world of UM recruiting. But don’t let the lower ranking scare you off. Not only is an exceptional athlete for the tight end position but if there’s one spot (besides quarterback) that Harbaugh knows how to develop and spot talent at best, it’s the tight end position. He has underrated pickup of the class written all over him.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 7/25/17
First on List: July 2017
Rankings: Scout (3*, #74 TE) – Rivals (3*, #48 TE) – 247 (3*, #33 TE) – ESPN (3*, #19 TE)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #735 overall, #36 TE, #2 in Connecticut

7. TE: Mustapha Muhammad, 6’4” 235lbs. Missouri City, TX (Ridge Point)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Everything still looks like a damn near lock for Muhammad to commit and sign with Michigan. And though he’s publicly said that he’d like to play in the SEC and has remained open to his other top schools, including USC, Clemson, Texas and Notre Dame, all 23 Crystal Ball predictions remain on the Wolverines. Barring something drastic, all signs continue to point towards the Wolverines. But, like with everything in recruiting, nothing is over until it’s over.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
First on List: August 2016
Rankings: Scout (4*, #66 overall) – Rivals (4*, #19 TE) – 247 (4*, #144 overall) – ESPN (4*, #47 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #113 overall, #6 TE, #14 in Texas
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Luke Ford, Michael Ezeike, Tommy Tremble

8. OT: Ryan Hayes, 6’6” 255lbs. Traverse City, MI (TC West)

Photo Credit: Josh Newkirk/Scout

Hayes is one of the most interesting commitments in the class thanks to his, expected, arrival as a tight end and, eventual, move to tackle. He wasn’t extremely high on Michigan’s board early on, Greg Frey’s addition to the coaching staff changed that. And thanks to Frey, Hayes’ first visit to Ann Arbor went so well that the Wolverines became the far and away leaders. And that stayed true all the way up until his commitment over Memorial Day weekend.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 5/27/17
First on List: March 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #270 overall) – Rivals (3*, #51 OT) – 247 (4*, #121 overall) – ESPN (4*, #30 OT)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #300 overall, #23 OT, #4 in Michigan

9. OT: Jalen Mayfield, 6’5” 250lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (Catholic Central)

Photo Credit: MLive.com

Like Hayes, Mayfield was another four star in-state offensive tackle commitment in the month of May after being a longtime lean to the Wolverines. His commitment was one that may be going under the radar more than it should. He’s a big, athletic tackle with a mean streak and a very high ceiling. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops under Frey. With more size, and maintained athleticism, he could be a stud.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 5/23/17
First on List: March 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #206 overall) – Rivals (3* OT) – 247 (4*, #100 overall) – ESPN (3*, #70 OT)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #318 overall, #25 OT, #6 in Michigan

10. OG/C: Emil Ekiyor, 6’3” 325lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral)

Photo Credit: Rivals.com

Ekiyor was the second commitment of this class, and like you hear with a lot of longtime commits at one time or another during the cycle, things may have been fading away a bit. However, thanks to visits from the coaching staff and multiple visits to campus, including participating in the Big Man camp in June and the BBQ at the Big House, look to have Michigan firmly atop his list. But Alabama won’t go away and will be a threat throughout.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 10/2/2016
First on List: February 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #167 overall) – Rivals (4*, #145 overall) – 247 (4*, #153 overall) – ESPN (4*, #54 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #106 overall, #4 OG, #1 in Indiana

11. DT: Michael Thompson, 6’4” 290lbs. Saint Louis, MO (Parkway North)

Photo Credit: Gordon Radford/STLHighSchoolSports

Missouri already fired its defensive coordinator and just got the doors blown off by Purdue. Wouldn’t be surprised to see more major changes this offseason.

Thompson is back on the list for the second straight month but remains a bit of a longshot. Though Michigan is pushing hard, the fit looks to be perfect with the lack of nose tackle depth on the roster, he recently visited Ann Arbor for the BBQ at the Big House, and there’s a good chance that Missouri has a tough season, he’s still seen as a lean to stay home with the Tigers. Will a poor on the field showing from Mizzou completely open the door for the Wolverines to snag him out of St. Louis? It’s far from a guarantee but there looks to be a real chance the Michigan staff can win out here.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Highlights
First on List: August 2016
Rankings: Scout (4*, #114 overall) – Rivals (4*, #55 overall) – 247 (4*, #69 overall) – ESPN (4*, #113 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #59 overall, #2 DT, #2 in Missouri
Crystal Ball Favorite: Missouri
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Rick Sandidge, Alim McNeill, Max Wright, Ronnie Perkins

12. DL: Tyler Friday, 6’3” 260lbs. Ramsey, NJ (Don Bosco)

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Once again, Friday is back on the list as I’ve kept my Crystal Ball on Michigan for the top defensive lineman out of New Jersey (and plan to keep it on him until further notice). He’s long been a top target for the staff and has had a connection with both Michigan’s coaching staff and the New Jersey players on the roster. Though there are rumors of him wanting to stay closer to home to play his ball, it’s really hard to imagine him wanting to play for Rutgers after, what looks to be, another horrible season on the field. If Michigan can get the love back from him after his official visit and shows him that there’s plenty of Jersey love around Ann Arbor, I like their chances of beating out both Rutgers and, other favorite, Ohio State (who may not have room for him in its class).

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
Highlights
First on List: May 2016
Rankings: Scout (4*, #61 overall) – Rivals (4*, #60 overall) – 247 (4*, #133 overall) – ESPN (4*, #125 overall)
Composite Ranking: 4 star, #64 overall, #3 DT, #2 in New Jersey
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Rick Sandidge, Alim McNeill, Max Wright, Ronnie Perkins

13. DE: Aidan Hutchinson, 6’6” 260lbs. Dearborn, MI (Divine Child)

Photo Credit: TheWolverine.com

Hutchinson is my early bet to end up finishing the class as the top ranked player in the state of Michigan for 2018. At 6’5”, his length and athleticism makes him a dominant force at the high school level. But it’s his motor and tenacity that stands out the most. He looks like a great fit for Brown’s defense and Mattison’s defensive line. As soon as he puts on the size and strength needed to contribute at the collegiate level, look out.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 2/22/17
First on List: May 2016
Rankings: Scout (4*, #223 overall) – Rivals (4*, #18 SSDE) – 247 (4*, #105 overall) – ESPN (4*, #284 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #211 overall, #10 SDE, #2 in Michigan

14. OLB: Otis Reese, 6’2” 195lbs. Lee County, GA (Lee County)

Photo Credit: TheWolverine.com

The new most interesting commitment in the class, Reese was the first commitment of the class and may have the brightest future out of any defensive get, thus far. So, he’s obviously wanted by a lot of programs, especially the SEC powers that are right in and around his backyard. Georgia and LSU have been reportedly given him a lot to think about with the Dawgs standing out among the two. At this point, I still expect Reese to stay with and sign with Michigan. But you can never count out the hometown teams, especially in SEC territory.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 6/20/16
First on List: August 2016
Rankings: Scout (4*, #186 overall) – Rivals (4*, #116 overall) – 247 (4*, #136 overall) – ESPN (4*, #220 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #135 overall, #7 OLB, #16 in Georgia

15. ILB: Cameron McGrone, 6’1” 215lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Lawrence Central)

Photo Credit: Kenneth Moreland / VictoryViews

McGrone was a bit of an unknown on the Michigan recruiting front for quite sometime in the 2018 cycle. As he didn’t even receive his offer from the staff until his first visit to campus on June 22nd, which also happened to be his birthday. But once that offer came through, he quickly vaulted to the top of the recruiting board and to the top of the potential commitment list. Though there was plenty of love for in-state Notre Dame prior to Michigan extending its offer, it was all Maize and Blue. He committed to the Wolverines and now becomes one of the best gets in the class for the staff.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 7/31/17
First on List: June 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #203 overall) – Rivals (4*, #238 overall) – 247 (4*, #41 overall) – ESPN (4*, #14 OLB)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #205 overall, #14 OLB, #2 in Indiana

16. S: German Green, 6’2” 170lbs. DeSoto, TX (DeSoto)

After extending an offer to the raw safety out of the Longhorn state, the Wolverines quickly became a top candidate to land both of the Green brothers. But things really started to heat up as the duo made their way to Ann Arbor for the first time just days after the spring game.Thanks to that trip and the game plan/recruiting pitch from the coaching staff, German and Gemon didn’t waste much time announcing their commitments to UM. Both brothers look to be as solid as commitments as possible right now.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/20/17
First on List: April 2017
Rankings: Scout (3*, #69 CB) – Rivals (3*) – 247 (3*, #90 CB) – ESPN (3*, #76 CB)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #1142 overall, #90 S, #154 in Texas

17. DB: Sammy Faustin, 6’2” 170lbs. Naples, FL (Naples)

Photo Credit: Hudl.com

Faustin is a long, rangy defensive back that shows good speed and the willingness to make any tackle. He could play either cornerback or safety at the collegiate level, though it looks like the staff is targeting him to be a safety. His game reminds me a bit of former UM cornerback, Channing Stribling. However, he’s even bigger and longer than Stribling and has an even higher ceiling. With the right size put on, he could be a stud for Don Brown’s defense.

Story
Highlights
First on List: Now
Rankings: Scout (3*, #80 CB) – Rivals (3*, #53 CB) – 247 (3*, #76 CB) – ESPN (3*, #50 CB)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #659 overall, #57 CB, #105 in Florida

18. DB: Josh Jobe, 6’1” 180lbs. Miami, FL (Cheshire Academy)

Photo Credit: The Miami Herald

Jobe is back on the list but is far from a sure thing. He’s been committed to Miami since June of 2016 but looks to be a soft commitment as both Michigan and Alabama have continued to be mentioned right alongside the Hurricanes. And though the Crimson Tide are a very legit option, as are the chances of him sticking with Miami, his transfer up to Cheshire Academy in Connecticut (same school as freshmen WR Tarik Black; also a school Don Brown has close ties with) gives Michigan a big advantage moving forward. His official visit and a big season on the field of UM could be gigantic here.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan’s Chances: Committed to Miami (FL) – Very Good
Highlights
First on List: February 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #53 overall) – Rivals (4*) – 247 (4*, #44 overall) – ESPN (4*, #110 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #93 overall, #12 CB, #19 in Florida
Crystal Ball Favorite: Alabama
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Chris Smith, Shayne Simon, CJ Smith, Bryan Addison, Talanoa Hufanga, Isaac Taylor-Stuart

19. CB: Gemon Green, 6’2” 165lbs. DeSoto, TX (DeSoto)

Thanks to the staff’s prioritizing of tall, long defensive backs and their admiration for the three star shown during his first trip to campus, both Gemon and his brother, German, decided to commit to Michigan’s 2018 recruiting class right after their first visit to Ann Arbor. Another visit to town for the BBQ at the Big House at the end of July only solidifies his commitment. He’s one of the most underrated additions to this class, especially with so many questions at cornerback on the roster.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/20/17
First on List: April 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #178 overall) – Rivals (4*, #36 CB) – 247 (3*, #385 overall) – ESPN (4*, #45
CB)
Composite Ranking: Three star, #347 overall, #34 CB, #45 in Texas

20. CB: Myles Sims, 6’3.5” 160lbs. Atlanta, GA (Westlake)

Sims is the crown jewel of this class so far. He has beyond elite size and length for a cornerback and the cover skills to match it. Like I mentioned with Gemon Green, Michigan has questions at cornerback. And though there’s plenty of young talent on the roster, adding an elite level prospect, like Sims, is big for the future of the position. And don’t worry about any possible visits he may take this fall, as he told TMI’s Josh Newkirk that he’s 100% committed to Michigan ($). And nothing looks to have changed there.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/7/2017
First on List: March 2017
Rankings: Scout (4*, #96 overall) – Rivals (4*, #68 overall) – 247 (3*, #39 CB) – ESPN (4*, #133 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four star, #129 overall, #17 CB, #15 in Georgia

Projected Class Score: 262.13 (per 247Sports)

If Michigan were to finish with this score, it would be 33.9 points below 2017’s mega class (class size being a main reason for the difference) and would have landed at #9 overall in the 2017 composite class rankings. So, while some believe this class lacks fire power and stars, a top 10 class in a tight scholarship year would actually be big for both Harbaugh and Michigan.

Just Missed

Offensive Lineman
- While I didn’t add a fourth lineman to the list above, it looks likely that the staff will take another lineman. However, the OL board isn’t really that strong at the moment. Some of the names that are getting the most attention are OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT Jerome Carvin, OT Daniel Faalele, as well as OT Jalen Goss.
  - Out of the names above, Petit-Frere looks to be the staff’s #1 guy but Faalele or Goss may be the best bets. Not enough out there, at this point, to put any of them on the class prediction. Official visits could change everything.
DE Eyabi Anoma
- 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong, as well as several other recruiting analysts, have been hearing good things about Michigan’s chances with Anoma. While UM isn’t said to be the favorite just yet (five CB predictions to Alabama), the Wolverines look to have a real chance to sign the five star pass rusher. This is another top target to watch closely throughout the official visit season.
DT Alim McNeill
- Mentioned in his interview with 247Sports’ Michael Clark, Michigan is back in on McNei;l and the big man is now planning to take an official to Ann Arbor before making his decision ($). Though NC State is the definitive favorite here (McNeill said it, plus 16 Crystal Balls to the Wolfpack), the chance to play for a bigger program looks to be catching his eye. His official visit will be huge.
DT Rick Sandidge
- Sandidge is easily one of the top targets on the board for the staff as Jim Harbaugh is actually in the Sandidge family group text. He’s a guy who I was close to adding to the main list but there’s still just too much smoke about him staying close to home. A bad season for South Carolina could be something to watch for UM’s sake.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
- According to multiple reports, St. Brown will officially visit Michigan for the Michigan State game next weekend ($). And the rumors out there about his dad not being a big fan of UM are true or not, this visit will give the staff a chance to wow the entire family. I wouldn’t bet against Harbaugh and company’s ability to put on a show during the visit. However, will it be enough to pull him away from favorite USC? Doubtful, but we’ll see what happens.
ATH Tre’Shaun Harrison
- Like McNeil, the former BGRC resident and current Oregon commit is expected to officially visit Michigan this fall. Harrison is a game changing weapon and a player I could see the staff push for, if he’s truly interested in hearing what the staff has to offer. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath about pulling him away from the west coast.
VIPER/SS Shayne Simon
- Simon is a guy that will stay on the Just Missed list throughout the cycle or at least until Brian Kelly’s future is figured out. If Notre Dame falls off this season, Kelly could get the ax and Simon could look around. Michigan may just be waiting.

Don’t Forget About Us

- DE Ronnie Perkins
- DB Julius Irvin
- S Bryan Addison
- DE Max Wright
- TE Luke Ford
- CB Chris Smith
- RB Mychale Salahuddin
- TE Tommy Tremble
- CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart
- ATH Talanoa Hufanga
- CB Derrik Allen
- TE Michael Ezeike

What do you think about the latest 2018 Michigan football recruiting class prediction? Who would be on your Best Guess Recruiting Class? Let us know in the comment section below!

Author
Recent Posts

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.

Latest posts by Garrett Fishaw (see all)