On the toes of the 2014 season, we have put together our August version of our Team 136 Best Guess Recruiting Class, which we are predicting to end exactly like most are projecting. Peep the strategy:
1. QB: 4* Alex Malzone, 6’3” 200lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (Brother Rice)
– The top quarterback in Michigan, Malzone is a talented signal caller with that winners mentality that every coach wants. He is a very talented player that has plenty of room to grow. He has a live arm and poise, and adds even more depth and talent to the QB room. Add in his ability to recruit and you can see that the staff may have landed one of the biggest steals of the class.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
2. TB: 4* Mike Weber, 5’10” 205lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS)
– Weber is one of the most talented tailbacks in the country and the Michigan coaching staff has finally showed him that type of attention. Both the coaches and commits put the full court press on the Cass Tech product and it worked out as Weber pulled the trigger on a surprise visit to Ann Arbor
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
3. WR: 4* Brian Cole, 6’2” 210lbs. Saginaw, MI (Heritage HS)
– Cole is the top recruits in Michigan and one of the highest rated players in the country. He has the skill and athleticism to play running back, wide receiver or safety at the next level. But the Wolverines coaching staff sees him as a big play receiver on the inside and outside. Expect for him to play and play early.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
4. WR: 3* Grant Perry, 5’11” 175lbs. Bloomfield, MI (Brother Rice HS)
– One of the most underrated talents in the state, Perry is a quicker than fast receiver with great hands that can play inside and out. He also happens to be Malzone’s #1 target at Brother Rice and a life long Michigan fan. And with the uncertainty around the receiver position in this class, I believe he will see his offer (and commit on the spot) after a fast start to the season.
Offer: No
Visit: Yes
Decision Date: Immediately, if offered
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, Top 3
Other options: George Campbell, Kirk Merritt, Daniel Imatobhebhe, Auden Tate
5. TE: 4* Tyrone Wheatley Jr, 6’6” 240lbs. Buffalo, NY (Canisius HS)
– The son of the former Wolverine running back great Tyrone Wheatley Sr, TJ is a physical specimen that stars at both tight end and defensive end. However, the coaches are recruiting him as a tight end (though that might change if they miss out on their other DE targets). He has been extremely quiet during his recruitment but all signs are still pointing towards him following the family lead to Michigan.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Decision Date: Anytime
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
6. TE: 5* Chris Clark, 6’6” 247lbs. Avon, CN (Avon Old Farms)
– One of my favorite recruits in this class, Clark is a prototypical tight end that has the size and skill to be a star. He was committed to UNC for about a month, but that is no longer that case. Especially after a second visit to Ann Arbor. He loved both visits and didn’t waste any time committing to Brady Hoke and the Wolverines. Now he is one of the biggest and best recruiters for Team 136.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
7. OL: 3* Jon Runyan Jr., 6’4” 270lbs. Philadelphia, PA (St Joseph HS)
– The son of former Wolverine great, Jon Runyan, Jr is a talented youngster that is still growing. He had a very good showing at the 2013 and 2014 summer camp but is looking like more and more like a center at the next level. But that is not a bad thing at all. Michigan needs interior lineman, especially centers.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
8. OT: 4* Grant Newsome, 6’7” 280lbs. Mclean, VA (The Lawrenceville School)
Grant Newsome #72, OT |
– After being offered by Michigan, Newsome has blown up in the recruiting world. Landing offers from most of the top programs in the country, including Alabama, LSU, Miami, and OSU. However, Michigan was the program and University he fell in love with. He is that big tackle that the staff had been looking for and it looks like he has the chance to be a star.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
9. DE: 5* Keisean Lucier-Smith, 6’4” 235lbs. Orange, CA (Lutheran HS)
Keisean Lucier-Smith #16, DE |
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Decision Date: Signing Day (could be during his visit)
Michigan’s Chances: Very High, Top 2
Other Options: Terry Beckner Jr, Josh Sweat, Jalen Dalton, Jalen Bates
10. SSDE: 4* Darian Roseboro, 6’4” 265lbs. Lincolnton, NC (Lincolnton HS)
– Roseboro is one of the top defensive lineman in the country. He is a beast that can play inside and outside (or even as a fullback), which would fit in perfectly at Michigan. There wasn’t much hype between him and the Wolverines until he spent 4 straight days in Ann Arbor at the beginning of the summer. After another visit, it looks like Michigan is the sure-fire bet to be his choice on August 29th.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Decision Date: August 29th
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Other Options: Terry Beckner Jr, Josh Sweat, Jalen Dalton, Jalen Bates
11. MLB: 4* Darren Kirkland Jr, 6’1” 213lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Lawrence Central)
– A prototypical MIKE linebacker, Kirkland was the first linebacker commit for the class. His bulldog type style is a perfect fit in Mattison’s defense. He has the size, speed and skill to dominate from sideline to sideline. With great coaching, he has the chance to be a star.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
12. LB: 4* Asmar Bilal, 6’3” 195lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Ben Davis HS)
– Bilal is one of the most talented prospects in the Midwest and happens to fit Michigan perfectly. He not only excels on the field, but he is also a great student and person. Hoke would call him the ideal \”Michigan man\”. His recruitment is down to the Wolverines and Fighting Irish but it looks like he is starting to lean towards the Maize and Blue.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Decision Date: Late Summer/Early Fall
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, Top 2
Other Options: Osa Masina, Joshua McMillon
13. CB: 4* Garrett Taylor, 6’1” 187lbs. Richmond, VA (St. Christophers)
Garrett Taylor #11, CB |
– Seen as a Stanford lean since last summer, Taylor’s recruitment completely changed when he visited Ann Arbor during the spring with his parents. Thanks to full dedication from the coaching staff, professors and University, Taylor fell in love with the school and moved his commitment up. And as they say, the rest is history.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
Highlights
14. CB: 4* Marcus Lewis, 6’2” 180lbs. Washington, DC (Gonzaga HS)
– The former Florida commit made it up to Ann Arbor for the BBQ at the Big House and had a fantastic time. Lewis is a prospect that I really hoped Michigan would land, and it looks like it could happen as he has admitted that the Wolverines are the favorite. His physicality and length make him a perfect fit in Mattison\’s defense. He could make a decision anytime between now and the end of his season.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Other Options: Mook Reynolds, Iman Marshall, Tyrone Miller
15. S: 4* Tyree Kinnel, 6’0” 185lbs. Huber Heights, OH (Wayne HS)
– Another camper at the 2013 summer camp, Kinnel is rising fast on the recruiting boards. He is a very instinctive and athletic ball hawk that Mattison seems to love. Look out for him now that he has an offer. Im a really big fan of this kid already. He was named DB MVP at the Rivals Challenge, which featured some of the top prospects in this and next years classes, and has been improving with each and every game he plays. The Wolverines landed a big time steal.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
16. K/P: 3* Andrew David, 5’8” 170lbs. Massilon, OH (Washington HS)
Andrew David, K |
– The member of the Chris Sailer Kicking Academy is one of the top kickers in the country and landed an offer after his great showing in front of the coaching staff. He didn’t wait long to become the first commitment of Team 136 and looks like he could be that kicking and punting specialist every team and coach wants.
Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
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