The 2014 Class is off and running with four top recruits and are high on the lists of many of the top players in the country, including #1 and #2 on Rivals Top100 (Hand and Peppers) and the #5 recruit on Scout (Smith). With the class looking like it will end up between 16 and 20 (seeing they always have players leave the program), they will be very selective in their acceptance of commitments.
Check it:
1. QB: NR* Wilton Speight, 6\’6\’\’ 225lbs. Richmond, VA (Collegiate School)
![\"\"](\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvNS7SIVd48/UOiH6gtb_fI/AAAAAAAAA18/sRyUE478tjQ/s1600/Wilton+Speight.jpg\") |
| Wilton Speight #19, QB |
-One of the best pocket passers in the 2014 class, Speight was the only QB to land an offer in this class and accepted it immediately on National Signing Day. He is a strong armed, mobile quarterback that has a uncanny delivery and can make all the throws. Scouts and coaches compare him favorably to 2013\’s #1 QB and VA native, Christian Hackenberg. After summer camps, he should be a 4 star prospect.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
2. RB: 3* Jonathan Hillman, 6\’1\’\’ 207lbs. Jersey City, NJ (St. Peters Prep)
![\"\"](\"http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/8/f/8/8f8f0229-f322-49cc-8bad-f4750b6f2166/561529ed-0b81-e211-a211-002655e6c126_original.jpg\") |
| Jonathan Hillman, RB |
– Hoke and the staff have said they want to bring in a running back every class. They are not very high on the biggest recruits, besides 5* Elijah Wood who is looking to stay close to home. But Hillman is a very good back who has Michigan in his top 10.
Visit: No
Michigan\’s Chances: Good, Top 10
Other option: Kalen Ballege
3. WR: 3* Maurice Ways, 6\’4\’\’ 190lbs. Beverly Hills, MI (Country Day HS)
![\"\"](\"http://www.miprepzone.com/uploads/DCDvsGRSChristFball-1.jpg\") |
| Maurice Ways #9, WR |
– One of the hottest recruits in Michigan and a big time talent, Ways is a big, physical receiver that can stretch the field and make the big catch. He has been getting a ton of attention from Michigan coaches and has visited several times lately. If offered, he could be a possibly commit on the spot.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
Other option: Corey Holmes
4. WR: 4* Drake Harris, 6\’4\’\’ 180lbs. Grand Rapids, MI (GR Christian HS)
![\"\"](\"http://hssn-media.advance.net/MLive.com/news/d1d9799725c2eaa69a7bb1509a4376c8/grchristianlowell.jpg\") |
| Drake Harris #1, WR (via MLive.com) |
-The best offensive player in Michigan and one of the best WRs in the country, Harris is the latest and, possibly, most important commit. He is the big, fast, athletic receiver that can stretch the field and be a go-to target that Michigan coaches and fans have been craving for years. Stealing him from MSU and O$U makes it even sweeter.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
5. WR. 4* Artavis Scott, 5\’11\’\’ 180lbs. Tarpon Springs, FL (East Lake)
![\"\"](\"http://hometeam.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/v2/NP_326549_CLIF_FOOTBALL_13.800x800.JPG\") |
| Artavis Scott #7, WR |
-The quick twitch slot receiver could be a package deal with his teammate, 4* OT and Michigan commit, Mason Cole. They are both offered and looking to play together, and they both have shown big interest in Michigan. With Cole committed, the Wolverines have a consistant recruiter around Scott.
Army All-American
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Good, even better with Cole committed
Other option: Corey Holmes
6. WR: 4* KJ Williams, 6\’3\’\’ 190lbs. Bethlehem, PA (Liberty HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.lehighvalleylive.com/sports_impact/photo/11870416-large.jpg\") |
| KJ Williams #2, WR |
– The talented wide receiver was pretty high on Michigan coming into his visit, but by the time it was over Michigan was named \”by far\” his top school. His size and playmaking ability makes him a perfect fit at receiver for the Wolverines, who will be looking to load up at that position. He is my pick for the next commitment.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, Top team
Other option: Corey Holmes
7. TE: 4* Daniel Helm, 6\’5\’\’ 220lbs. Chatham, IL (Glenwood HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/476/722/722476.jpg\") |
| Daniel Helm #1, TE |
– Another top flight midwest prospect is showing big time interest in the Wolverines. After his February visit, Helm said Michigan was at the top of his list. It will be interesting with all of the big schools starting to offer.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
Other options: Nic Weisher, Ian Bunting
8. OT/OG: 4* Juwann Bushell-Beatty, 6\’5\’\’ 295lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
![\"\"](\"http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/p/sp/r/c9/c9350aef9dc7ecd4ffeb5e9a50d4c0ae/296047.jpg\") |
| JBB #73, OT (via Rivals.com) |
– Teammates with 5* DB Jabrill Peppers, JBB is a big offensive lineman that could play anywhere on the line but projects to be a guard. This monster lineman visited with Peppers recently and had a phenomenal time. So good that he has named Michigan as his leader.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
Other option: Tommy Doles
9. OG: 4* Alex Bars, 6\’6\’\’ 286lbs. Nashville, TN (Montgomery Bell Academy)
![\"\"](\"http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/002/201/481/bas_crop_exact.jpg?w=340&h=234&q=75\") |
| Alex Bars #70, OT |
– Brother of RS Freshmen lineman, Blake, Alex is a big, physical offensive lineman that projects all over the line. He could play with tackle or guard spot but I picture him as a right tackle. With his brother already in Maize and Blue, there is a good chance he could join him.
Highlights
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Good
Other option: Tommy Doles
10. OT/OG: 4* Mason Cole, 6\’4\’\’ 260lbs. Tarpon Springs, FL (East Lake HS)
![\"\"](\"http://hometeam.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/v2/masoncole.JPG\") |
| Mason Cole #61, OG |
-Said that Michigan \”felt like home\” when he visited for the MSU game. Cole is one of the best offensive lineman in the country and has decided to become the 4th commit of Team 135. He is teammates and great friends with high profile WR\’s Artavis Scott and 2015 WR George Campbell.
Army All-American
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
11. DT: 4* Bryan Mone, 6\’4\’\’ 316lbs. Salt Lake City, UT (Highland HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/112/1121371.jpg\") |
| Bryan Mone #52, DT |
-Teammate of 2012 signee and FB, Sione Houma. Mone has been hearing about and from Michigan for awhile now and finally decided to pull the trigger in February, making him the 3rd commit for the class.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
12. DT/DE: 4* Malik McDowell, 6\’6\’\’ 300lbs. Detroit, MI (Loyola HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.scout.com/media/image/97/973136.jpg\") |
| Malik McDowell #67, DE |
-The best defensive player in Michigan, #1 DE in the midwest and one of the top 50 prospects in the country, McDowell is a must get for Hoke. He has visited many times and it seems like Michigan is in front with Notre Dame.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
Other option: Andrew Brown
13. SSDE: 5* Da\’Shawn Hand, 6\’5\’\’ 250lbs. Woodbridge, VA (Woodbridge HS)
![\"\"](\"http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/images/11w/2012/05/DaShawn-Hand.jpg\") |
| Da\’Shawn Hand #54, SSDE |
-The #1 overall player in the 2014 class according to just about every recruiting site, Hand is a freak athlete that is in the mold of the former #1 recruits, Jadaveon Clowney and Robert Nkemdiche. Michigan is in his top 5 and has a great chance to land a commitment.
Visit: Planned Spring, Summer and Fall Official
Michigan\’s Chacnes: Top 5
Other option: Garrett Dickerson
14. WSDE: 4* Lawrence Marshall, 6\’3\’\’ 205lbs. Southfield, MI (Southfield HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/753/666/7_666753.jpg\") |
| Lawrence Marshall #12, DE |
-One of the top players in Michigan, Marshall is a very good athlete who landed his Michigan offer recently. He committed to Ohio but then decommitted after visiting MSU and Michigan. Marshall is expected to make an announcement after his senior season. It will most likely come down to Michigan, MSU, and O$U.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Good
Other option: Garrett Dickerson
15. LB: 4* LB Michael Ferns, 6\’3\’\’ 235lbs. St. Clairsville, OH (St. Clairsville HS)
![\"\"](\"https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2825770872/5b2354c2534db6a836880a5e6496af4e.jpeg\") |
| Michael Ferns #10, LB |
– The first commit of the 2014 class, Ferns is a stud linebacker that could be an All-American in the Mattison/Hoke defense. Look for him to be a top 100 player and top 10 LB in the class.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
16. LB: 3* Chase Winovich, 6\’4\’\’ 218lbs. Clairton, PA (Thomas Jefferson HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/714/793/6_793714.jpg\") |
| Chase Winovich #15 |
– The Keystone State linebacker was just offered by Michigan, most likely because Kyle Berger committed to Ohio. Winovich is a long, athletic, and instinctive linebacker that would fit in great at the SAM in Mattison\’s defense. He could be a steal from his childhood favorite, O$U.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, Top 3
Other option: Kyron Watson, Jared Wangler, Noah Furbush
17. CB: 4* Parrker Westphal, 6\’1\’\’ 175lbs. Bolingbrook, IL (Bolingbook HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/600/625/625600.jpg\") |
| Parrker Westphal #21, CB |
-Another player who the coaching staff seems to be targeting very heavily, Westphal has the perfect size and skill set to fit what Mattison wants in his corners. He has visited several times and, even though he does not have a top list, that Michigan very well could be the leader.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very High
Other options: Nick Watkins, Adoree Jackson
18. DB: 5* Jabrill Peppers, 6\’1\’\’ 210lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
![\"\"](\"http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/1/4/2/14291739-8990-442c-aaa1-e87a97a9cf84/df6b6234-58fb-e111-b4bb-002655e6c126_original.jpg\")
– The #2 player in the country, according to Rivals, Peppers grew up a Michigan fan and partially lived out his childhood dream of doning the maize and blue, and getting onto the field at the Big House when he recently visited. After the visit, which he said was \”mind blowing\”, it is rumored that Michigan is at the top of his list. He could end up at corner, safety, or even on offense, he\’s that good of an athlete.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, Top 5 and childhood favorite
Other options: Nick Watkins, Adoree Jackson
19. CB: 3* Jalen Embry, 5\’11\’\’ 180lbs. Detroit, MI (King HS)
| Jalen Embry #22, DB |
– One of the hottest names in Michigan, Embry is a talented athlete that can excel at both corner and safety. He has been getting more and more interest from the coaching staff and, if offered, he could be a commit on the spot.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
Other options: Nick Watkins, Adoree Jackson
20. ATH: 5* John \”Juju\” Smith, 6\’2\’\’ 185lbs. Long Beach, CA (Polytechnic HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/113/1132430.jpg\") |
| Juju Smith #9, ATH |
– One of the best players in the country, Juju Smith is the best safety in the country and possibly the best wide receiver, as well. Likely to play safety in college, he is big, physical, fast, athletic, and just makes plays all over the field. He has gotten a lot of love from Michigan coaches and commits, and it looks like he is loving Michigan as well with them in his top 5. Smith should be visiting soon and will decide late.
Visit: No
Michigan\’s Chances: Good, Top 5 but will be tough
Other options: Montae Nicholson, Erick Smith, Mattrell McGraw
And that is another Top 5 class for Brady Hoke and staff.
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