First things first, how the coaching staff is going to fit 28 signees in this class is going to be very interesting. With 21 current commitments and at least one expected decommitment, the staff looks to have around 8 available spots with over 20 realistic options left on the board.

So, how will they fit the top remaining targets into the class?

1. There almost always are multiple decommitments before NSD. It’s just how it is.
2. Speeding up the process on some recruits will help. I wouldn’t be shocked if the staff is starting to let some recruits know they’ll either need to jump on board or they could be left behind (obviously in a more subtle way).
3. I was able to confirm the multiple reports, RB Matt Falcon was extended a medical scholarship and, if he chooses to accept it, he will not play football for Michigan. Because of this, I’ll have him off of this list.
4. There have been reports of possible grayshirts for a couple current commits and some may have already been discussed, per Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz.
5. On top of that, there could be some really tough decisions by the staff to move on from some current commits. It’s not the best thing in the world but it happens in the world of recruiting. If it does happen, you just hope the staff gives the players plenty of time to visit other schools and find a good fit, which I fully believe this staff will/would do.

As for finding those available scholarships, that in itself will be interesting. All I know is that when I look at the current scholarship breakdown, while I’m able to find the 28 scholarships needed, it won’t come without ruffling some feathers. There will likely be a couple key players who do not receive a 5th year as well as multiple players transferring out.

There’s really no way around it. Very tough calls will have to be made, which will have message boards lighting up with “SEC tactics” conversations but if the staff is going to bring in a class of this size, those tough decisions are a must.

Here’s the good thing. With 8ish spots available and the product on the field starting to really catch the eye of just about everyone, this class has gone from having a good ending to likely ending in fantastic fashion.

Think of the difference between a superhero movie and Fight Club.

From gathering all of the information I could possibly find, I’m definitely chugging the Kool Aid a bit here, but I believe the class will add at least two more five star recruits before the early enrollee period/end of National Signing Day.

Just a quick heads up, there are more than 28 names thanks to the possibility/likelihood of grayshirt offers. While at the same time, multiple names on the “Just Missed” list may end up landing a spot in the class later on.

So, without further adieu, here is my latest 2016 Michigan football best guess class prediction:

1. QB: Brandon Peters, 6’5” 205lbs. Avon, IN (Avon)

Original image via Avon High School/Freep.com

– Peters has gone from the backup plan at quarterback in 2016 to, arguably, the biggest steal of the class. After a summer of camps and training, including being named to the final Elite 11, he has some of the best senior year film out of the 2016 QBs. If he continues to grow, like expected, he not only could be the steal of the class but also the future of Michigan football.

• Commitment Date: April 4th, 2015
• Story
• First on List: March 2015
• Highlights

2. RB: Kingston Davis, 6’1” 225lbs. Prattville, AL (Prattville) 

Original image via Albert Cesare/ Montgomery Advertiser

– Davis was a bit of an unknown recruit when Michigan extended and ultimately landed his commitment. However, he is now one of the fan favorites and looks to fit the offense better than just about anyone. He is an old school, power back that will run over opponents but also has the athleticism to bounce it outside for longer gains. Though he’s expected to take some official visits to SEC schools, he is solid to Michigan.

• Commitment Date: April 6th, 2015
• Story
• First on List: April 2015
• Highlights

3. RB: Kareem Walker, 6’1” 210lbs. Wayne, NJ (De Paul Catholic)

via MaxPreps.com

– The Ohio State commit made a very surprising official visit to Michigan for the Northwestern game and ended up rubbing the OSU staff the wrong way. After speaking with a source, I was told Walker was extremely likely to decommit and Michigan would be the favorite moving forward. Though the source is also hearing another big program is heavily involved and could also flip him, I’ll stick to my guns and put Walker on the list.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Good (Committed to Ohio State)
• Decision Date: TBD
• First on List: January 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Lamar Jackson, Jordan Fuller, Korey Banks

4. WR: Ahmir Mitchell, 6’3” 206lbs. Egg Harbor City, NJ (Cedar Creek)

Original image via Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger)

– Mitchell is one of the highest ranked current commits for Michigan and for good reason. He has the size, speed and athleticism to be a star though he is pretty raw as a receiver. Luckily, he’ll have a great coaching staff to develop him in Ann Arbor. On top of being highly ranked, he has also become one of the top recruiters in the class as he’s publicly been recruiting several top targets on the board including Rashan Gary and Kareem Walker, who happen to also be from New Jersey.

• Commitment Date: 8/27/15
• Story 
• First on List: September 2014
• Highlights

5. WR: Brad Hawkins, 6’1” 202lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)

Original image via NJ.com

– Hawkins is a big, fast, physical wide receiver that can make the tough catches that should make him a go-to possession receiver in the future. He reminds me a little bit of former Michigan WR Marquise Walker because of his mix of size and big play ability, both of which are badly needed in Drevno’s offense. He’s also been recruiting his in-state friends and Michigan recruits, like Mitchell, as well.

• Commitment Date: 7/3/2015
• Story
• First on List: April 2015
• Highlights

6. WR: Keyshawn “Pie” Young, 5’11” 175lbs. Miami, FL (Senior) 

via Fansided/The Miami Herald

– Pie has been on the list for quite sometime and looks to be one of the most likely uncommitted prospects to join the class. He has been extremely high on the Wolverines since landing his offer in June and is expected to take his official visit at the end of November for the OSU game. He’s also let it be known he’ll announce his decision in December so things look excellent for him to choose UM.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• Decision Date: December
• First on List: July 2015
• Highlights
• Other Options: Donnie Corley, Korey Banks, Jack Jones, Donald Stewart, Jacob Mathis

7. WR: Dylan Crawford, 6’1” 175lbs. Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (SMC) 

via YouTube.com

– Crawford was a popular name on the list last summer after loving his first visit to Ann Arbor. However, the coaching changes and his local friends heading to Stanford looked like that was all she wrote on his recruitment. But times have quickly changed again. His official visit for the MSU game went extremely well and several top 247Sports analysts have put in their Crystal Ball predictions for Crawford to choose Michigan. After speaking with another official visitor about their trip, I’ll join the analysts and put him in the class as well.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• First on List: August 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Lamar Jackson, Korey Banks, Jacob Mathis 

8. TE: Sean McKeon, 6’5” 230lbs. Dudley, MA (Shepherd Hill)

Original image via Hudl.com

– McKeon is one of the most underrated commits in the class thanks to the fact that he’s featured more on the defensive side of the ball (defensive end) and is used more as a blocking tight end on offense. But when he does have a chance to show off his receiving skills, you can see why Michigan was quick to offer and accept his commitment.

• Commitment Date: 6/15/2015
• Story
• First on List: Now
• Highlights

9. TE: Isaac Nauta, 6’4” 237lbs. Buford, GA (IMG Academy)

IMG Photo by Casey Brooke Lawson

– Yep, I’m doing it. The nation’s #1 tight end is back on the BGRC list and, unless something big happens, he’ll remain on it. While some still believe he ends up choosing Georgia or TCU, Michigan just makes the most sense. He lived in the state, has plenty of family still in the state and UM uses the tight end more than any other team in the country. Add in his official visit going even better than he expected and I’m going out on the limb and adding him to the class prediction.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Good
• Decision Date: TBD
• First on List: April 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Jacob Mathis, Devin Asiasi, Miller Forristall 

10. OT: Erik Swenson, 6’7” 285lbs. Downers Grove, IL (South)

Original image via 247sports.com

– As the first commitment of the class, Swenson has stayed strong and true to his commitment through the process and has become a top recruiter for the class. Add in his size and skill, and I believe Swenson becomes one of the main highlights of this class.

• Commitment Date: 11/25/2013
• Story
• First on List: January 2014
• Highlights

11. OT: Devery Hamilton, 6’6” 290lbs. Baltimore, MD (Gilman)

Original image via Scout.com

– Hamilton is a player most were very excited about when he joined the class in the middle of the summer. He’s big, strong and very athletic. Something that Michigan is looking for at the tackle position and has the chance to be a great player at the next level.

• Commitment Date: 6/24/2015
• Story
• First on List: January 2014
• Highlights

12. OL: Ben Bredeson, 6’5” 295lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead)

Original image via Russ Pulvermacher/waukeshanow

– The top ranked player in the class (at the moment), Bredeson is another cornerstone recruit that has put his recruiting hat on to help Michigan improve the class as much as possible. But it’s his skill, playing attitude and versatility that should make him a very good player at UM. Out of all of the offensive lineman, he could see the field quicker than any other.

• Commitment Date: 6/17/2015
• Story
• First on List: April 2014
• Highlights

13. OG: Michael Onwenu, 6’3” 365lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

Original image via Canesight.com

– Big Mike, as he’s known, is a beast lineman. He’s one of the most compact 365lb human beings on earth and has the athleticism and feet of a much smaller person. That size, strength and agility combination he has could help him become a stud offensive guard in Michigan’s power running game.

• Commitment Date: June 3rd, 2015
• Story
• First on List: March 2014
• Highlights

14. DT: Rashan Gary, 6’4” 310lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)

via MaxPreps.com

– Another list, another inclusion of the nation’s #1 high school football player. Rashan Gary looked like a pretty good option to be in this class to now looking like a shocker if he doesn’t end up at Michigan. He made a bit of a surprise official visit to Ann Arbor for the BYU game and came away more impressed than ever, per all reports. Add in the majority of 247Sports’ top analysts throwing in their Crystal Ball predictions and his addition on the list looks better than ever.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Decision Date: Under Armour AA Game/NSD
• First on List: August 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Chris Daniels, Jordan Elliott, Keyshon Camp, Boss Tagaloa

15. DL: Rashad Weaver, 6’5” 255lbs. Ft Lauderdale, FL (Cooper City) 

via Freep.com/per Rashad Weaver

– Weaver is one of the more unknown recruits in the class after landing an offer from Michigan and quickly committing during the satellite camp tour. He has that size and athleticism the staff is looking for in their defensive lineman and could end up being a nice steal out of Florida.

• Commitment Date: 6/14/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

16. DE: Ron Johnson, 6’4” 240lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)

via 247Sports.com

– Johnson is one half of the Camden duo for Michigan and one player that most are sleeping on. While he may not be the elite size for a defensive end or the elite athleticism for a BUCK linebacker, I believe he’ll find a very nice fit playing a mix of both spots during his time at UM.

• Commitment Date: 6/25/2015
• Story 
• First on List: March 2015
• Highlights

17. BUCK: Carlo Kemp, 6’3” 255lbs. Boulder, CO (Fairview) 

via Karl Gehring/The Denver Post

– Kemp is not as much of a lock as before thanks to his official visit to Notre Dame last week. However, Michigan still looks to be the favorite though it’s not by much. This one will be interesting to see play out but for now I’m sticking with Kemp choosing the Wolverines.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Decision Date: TBD
• First on List: August 2015
• Highlights
• Other Options: Caleb Kelly, Chase Pine, Connor Murphy, Armani Posey

18. LB: Devin Bush Jr, 6’0” 225lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)

via jj6recruitinganalysis.com

– Bush has looked like a near lock to join this class for quite sometime. However, he still has yet to pull the trigger. He recently made an unofficial visit up to Ann Arbor for the Northwestern game, which I won’t lie, I thought he was coming to commit. But he didn’t. That doesn’t change my confidence ending up in the class. Unless something drastic happens, I believe he ends up committing and signing with Michigan.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Decision Date: TBD
• First on List: 
• Highlights
• Other Options: Dontavious Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Dele Harding, Caleb Kelly, Armani Posey

19. LB: David Reese, 6’1” 235lbs. Farmington, MI (Farmington)

Original image via Hudl.com

– Reese was first commitments for Harbaugh in the 2016 class but questions quickly arose about his status when Michigan was looking at him as either a linebacker or fullback. That was cleared up quickly as Michigan let him know he’d be a linebacker in the Maize and Blue. Well now with Texas and Nebraska offering him an early enrollee spot, questions have arose again. However, I still believe he sticks with his in-state Wolverines though it doesn’t look like the lock it was a month ago.

• Commitment Date: April 4th, 2015 
• Story
• First on List: March 2014
• Highlights 

20. LB: Dytarious Johnson, 6’1” 220lbs. Prattville, AL (Prattville)

Original image via hudl.com

– Johnson is another lower rated recruit in the class that may end up being a steal for the staff. He has that speed and tenacity that should fit perfectly into Durkin’s defense. While some star gazers are not high on him, I believe he could be a really nice player for Michigan.

• Commitment Date: 6/7/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

21. CB: Antwaine Richardson, 6’0” 165lbs. Delray Beach, FL (Atlantic)  

Original image via prepbuilders.com

– The Richardson commitment story is by far my favorite in the class. He ended up landing his offer from the Michigan staff while performing on a torn ACL at one of their staff’s satellite camps. It showed the staff that toughness factor they crave and, knowing of his injury, accepted his commitment soon after offering him. He’s sat out his senior season but let me know he has already begun jogging and should be a full go well before he enrolls at Michigan.

• Commitment Date: 6/12/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

22. CB: Sir Patrick Scott, 6’1” 175lbs. Upper Marlboro, MD (Riverdale Baptist)

Original image via Scout.com

– Scott has one of the best names in the entire 2016 class but that is not his only top trait. He has the size and athleticism that Durkin is looking for out of his defensive backs which could give him the opportunity to play pretty early in his career.

• Commitment Date: 8/2/2015
• Story
• First on List: July 2015
• Highlights

23. CB: Lavert Hill, 5’11” 175lbs. Detroit, MI (King)

via Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

– Hill has been another name that has been on the list several times but has still yet to flip from the Nittany Lions. While a timeline is unknown, Hill ending up flipping to the Wolverines is looking very good thanks to the staff prioritizing him in this class, his ties to the program (his brother is starting safety Delano Hill) and the defense quickly becoming one of the best in the country.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good (Committed to Penn State)
• First on List: January 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Lamar Jackson, Tony Butler, Chris Brown, Armani Posey

24. CB: David Long, 5’11” 175lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Loyola)

via Hudl.com

– New(ish) to the list, Long is a name that I included back in February after the staff made him a #1 target soon after taking over the program. However, he committed to Stanford in August. That didn’t stop UM from going after him and it looks like they were right to do so. After his official visit for the MSU game, he told Scout’s Greg Biggins that he’s thinking of “opening things up” to make sure he makes the right decision ($). Add that in with all of the other reports from his visit and I believe the UM staff will end up landing one of their top targets on the board.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good (Committed to Stanford)
• First on List: February 2014
• Highlights
• Other Options: Lamar Jackson, Tony Butler, Chris Brown, Armani Posey

25. ATH: Devin Gil, 6’1” 205lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)

Original image via Hudl.com

– Gil committed back in June after flipping from Miami (FL) and hasn’t looked back ever since. He joined teammate Josh Metellus in the class and looks to be one of the more versatile defensive additions for the staff. His size and athleticism makes him a nice fit at either safety or linebacker in Durkin’s defense.

• Commitment Date: 6/19/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

26. S: Josh Metellus, 6’0” 185lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)

Original image via @SleeperAthletes

– Metellus was another satellite camper that turned the opportunity into his future as he impressed the coaches enough to earn an offer and eventually accept his commitment. He’s a physical, hard hitting safety that can play over the top but will likely find himself down in the box most of the time in college.

• Commitment Date: 6/17/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

27. ATH: Kiante Enis, 6’1” 200lbs. Winchester, IN (Winchester)

Original image via Joshua Smith Richmond Palladium-Item

– While Enis may not play against the best competition at the high school level, there’s no denying that he can play. He’s been putting up absolute monster stat lines week in and week out to lead his team throughout his senior campaign. As for where he’ll fit at Michigan, he’s expected to start out at running back and though he’s a beast there in high school, I still believe he could end up playing safety at the next level. Either way, the staff will need to find a way to get him on the field.

• Commitment Date: 6/4/2015
• Story
• First on List: May 2015
• Highlights

28. ATH: Chris Evans, 5’11” 186lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Ben Davis)

Original image via Doug McSchooler Associated Press

– Michigan badly needs some dynamic playmakers on offense and, though some saw Evans as a cornerback in college, I think he’ll stick to the offensive side of the ball and see the majority of his time in the winged helmet at the slot receiver and kick/punt returner roles.

• Commitment Date: 6/7/2015
• Story
• First on List: June 2015
• Highlights

29. ATH: Victor Viramontes, 6’2” 220lbs. Norco, CA (Norco)

Original image via Press Enterprise

– Viramontes quickly became a fan favorite in this class once he landed his offer from Michigan at the satellite camp and committed days later. He has that “it” factor that every staff looks for in a recruit and will likely star at any position he ends up at in college. While he’s said that Michigan will allow him to start at quarterback (he does remind me a bit of Tim Tebow; college Tebow, not NFL Tebow) it’s more likely that his career is mostly spent terrifying offensive coordinators as a linebacker or safety.

• Commitment Date: 6/15/2015
• Story
• First on List: Now
• Highlights

30. K/P: Quinn Nordin, 6’1” 200lbs. Rockford, MI (Rockford)

via @TomVH/Twitter

– While one PSU commit (Lavert Hill) looks very likely to flip to Michigan, Nordin looks just as, if not even more, likely to do so as well. He hasn’t hidden his admiration for UM since committing to the Nittany Lions and now that the staff is said to want a kicker in this class, it’s just a matter of time before he flips.

• Offer: Yes
• Visit: Yes
• Michigan’s Chances: (Very Good to Excellent) Committed to Penn State
• First on List:
• Highlights
• Other Options: Jordan Fuller, Lamar Jackson, Jacob Mathis, Korey Banks, Jack Jones 

Projected Class Score: 291.56 (per 247Sports) 

• Though this doesn’t exclude the possible grayshirts from the class, this score and one close to it would have given Michigan the #3 class in the 2015 cycle and the #4 class in 2014. If it ended this way, they’d also be adding their top 3 ranked players (Gary, Nauta and Walker) and 7 of their top 12 ranked players.

Just Missed the List:

• ATH Lamar Jackson – USC
  • Jackson was the last name I took off of the BGRC and it was hard to do so. I still believe he ends up in this class after he let me know Michigan leads in his recruitment after his visit but I just can’t fit him into it at this moment without him taking a spot of a current commit. So, ill predict him to stay home and sign with USC for now.
• TE Jacob Mathis – Florida
  • See above. Mathis had a great official visit and seemed to love Michigan but after adding Nauta to the class, there just wasn’t room for another tight end. Plus with Florida surging, there’s a real chance he stays in state either way.
• LB Jonathan Jones – Notre Dame
  • Jones is a player I’ve had on and off the list several times. He looks to be torn between Michigan and Notre Dame with his UM official visit upcoming. While I wouldn’t be shocked in the least bit to see him end up in the Maize and Blue, like the others, it’s hard to find a spot for him at this moment.
• OLB Caleb Kelly – Oklahoma
  • Kelly is very close to joining the actual list but even after a great official visit to Michigan and him being high on UM, I’m sticking with him choosing the Sooners. Though he’s a very legit option to take that BUCK linebacker spot, especially with Kemp looking like a toss up at the moment.
• OG Terrance Davis – Florida
  • As his decision continues to linger on, the chances of him having an available spot look to be falling off a bit. UM doesn’t have much room left and they’re already stacked on the offensive line. If he doesn’t decide during/soon after his official visit (Nov 28th vs OSU), there may not be room for him in this class.
• DE Connor Murphy – Arizona State
  • Like Davis, Murphy seems to be favoring Michigan but that spot seems to be in jeopardy. He has yet to announce his official visit to Michigan and though he has extremely close ties to Harbaugh, could be the odd man out on the defensive line.
• ATH Jordan Fuller – Ohio State
  • Fuller looked like a forgotten target for awhile there. However, with UM becoming the “go-to” school in New Jersey and their odds of pulling Gary and Walker increasing each day, the chances at them landing Fuller look to be increasing as well. But until he visits/sets an official to Michigan, I can’t put him on the list.
• LB Dontavious Jackson – Texas
  • Jackson is another name I couldn’t find room for on the list and felt stronger about Michigan’s chances with other players at his position at this time. But, like Crawford and several others, if a spot (open or not) is there from the coaches, UM has a great shot at landing him.
• WR Donnie Corley – Michigan State
  • Corley has been pretty quiet on the recruiting trail though he has made several stops to Ann Arbor this season. Until he sets up an official visit to Michigan, I can’t put him on the main list. Though, like everyone on this list, there’s a real chance he chooses the Wolverines.
• OT Jean Delance – Texas
  • Though he’s one of the staff’s #1 targets on the board and will officially visit for the OSU game, Delance still looks like a bit of a long shot to choose the Wolverines. However, if the staff rolls out the red carpet (like expected), anything could happen. They did the same for Gary, Long and Nauta, and it clearly worked out.
• OLB Chase Pine – Pitt
  • Pine is the only unoffered target on either list but is being pretty heavily targeted by the staff. Though he’s committed to Pitt, he’ll make a visit to Michigan this fall (couldn’t make it for the MSU game, like expected).
• DE Khalid Kareem – Notre Dame
  • Decommitted from Alabama and though most thought Michigan would be the obviously landing spot, all signs point to South Bend for Kareem.
• DB Chris Brown – Texas
  • Brown loved his first trip to Michigan for the spring game and was said to be close to committing. However, times have changed quite a bit. Unless he falls in love with UM all over again during his official visit for the OSU game, it looks likely that he’ll end up elsewhere.
• LB Dele Harding – West Virginia
  • According to several reports, the current linebacker commit may not be a commit for long. It’s not known exactly when the separation is supposed to happen but it is expected to happen. Even Rivals has removed him from the UM commitment list.

Photo Credit: Todaysu.com

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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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