(PEPPERS COMMITMENT UPDATE): The 2014 Class is off and running with the top class in the country (according to ESPN and 247), thanks to Jabrill Peppers\’ commitment, the are also very high on the lists of many of the top players in the country, including #1 overall prospect, Da\’Shawn Hand.
With the class looking like it will end up between 18 and 20 (thanks to attrition), they will have to be very selective in their acceptance of commitments and most likely will only target elite prospects from here on out.
Check it:
1. QB: 4* 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.
Under Armour All-American
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
2. 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 finally received his offer and didn\’t take too long to commit. He has the ability to be a big time threat in Ann Arbor, and some scouts have compared him to a young Braylon Edwards.
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
3. 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.
Under Armour All-American
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
4. 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. Now, with Peppers on board, im sure he will also be recruiting Scott heavily.
Army All-American
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Good, even better with Cole committed
Other option: Corey Holmes
5. TE: 4* Ian Bunting, 6\’6\’\’ 210lbs. Hinsdale, IL (Hinsdale Central HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/483/896/896483.JPG\") |
| Ian Bunting, TE |
– In a bit of a surprise, Michigan landed it\’s 6th commitment of the 2014 class, when Hinsdale 4* TE Ian Bunting chose the Wolverines over offers from some of the biggest programs in the country. He will be a Devin Funchess/miss-match type for his entire career.
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
6. 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 ended up committing to Michigan in late April.
Under Armour All-American
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
7. OG: 4* Jamarco Jones, 6\’5\’\’ 285lbs. Chicago, IL (De La Salle HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/180/618/7_618180.jpg\") |
| Jamarco Jones #74, OL (247sports.com) |
– The top offensive lineman target for Michigan, Jones is down to his final four schools and will be visiting all of them this summer before making a visit. With the top commits trying to bring him in, the chance he pulls the trigger for the Wolverines is much higher.
Under Armour All-American
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Final 4
8. 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
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
9. NT: 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.
Under Armour All-American
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
10. DT/SSDE: 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.
Army All-American
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
Other option: Andrew Williams, Garrett Dickerson, Myles Garrett, Gelen Robinson
11. 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 with visits planned for the summer and an official in the Fall, Hand could very well push the Wolverines to the top of his list.
Under Armour All-American
Visit: Planned Spring, Summer and Fall Official
Michigan\’s Chances: Top 5, rumored top 2 with VaTech
Other option: Andrew Williams, Garrett Dickerson, Myles Garrett, Gelen Robinson
12. WSDE: 4* Lawrence Marshall, 6\’3\’\’ 215lbs. Southfield, MI (Southfield HS)
![\"\"](\"http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/images/11w/2013/01/Lawrence-Marshall.jpg\")
– The local product is one of the best players in the state and region. Marshall has had a wild ride so far in recruiting. He committed and de-committed from Ohio $tate, and has been a regular at both Michigan and Michigan State. Rumor has it that he was favoring the Spartans but recently Michigan has made up a ton of ground, and now he has committed to the Wolverines on a mid-May visit. With his size and athleticism, I think there is a chance he could move to rush linebacker in college.
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
13. MLB: 4* Michael Ferns, 6\’3\’\’ 235lbs. St. Clairsville, OH (St. Clairsville HS)
![\"\"](\"https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2825770872/5b2354c2534db6a836880a5e6496af4e.jpeg\") |
| Michael Ferns #10, LB |
– The first commit of the 2014 class, Ferns is a stud linebacker that could be an All-American in the Mattison/Hoke defense. He is already one of the main leaders of the 2014 class, trying to bring in the top talent in the country.
Under Armour All-American
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
14. SSLB: 3* Chase Winovich, 6\’4\’\’ 218lbs. Clairton, PA (Thomas Jefferson HS)
| Chase Winovich #15, OLB |
– The Keystone State linebacker is the top linebacker target for the Wolverines. Winovich is a long, athletic, and instinctive linebacker that would fit in great at the SAM in Mattison\’s defense. He was seen as an O$U lean but that didn\’t stop Michigan from landing his pledge.
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
15. OLB: 4* Darrion Owens, 6\’3\’\’ 221lbs. Orange Park, FL (Oakleaf HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/303/921/921303.jpg\") |
| Darrion Owens, OLB (247sports.com) |
– One of the latest targets for the coaching staff, Owens is a long, hard hitting, physical linebacker that has the athleticism to play strong side linebacker or strong safety. The coaching staff has really turned up the heat on him and it looks like he could visit this summer or fall. It will all depend on what happens with these last two linebacker spots.
Visit: Summer or Fall
Michigan\’s Chances: Good, getting better
Other option: Noah Furbush, Jimmie Swain, Richard Yeargin III
16. CB: 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\") |
| Jabrill Peppers #5, CB (via Scout.com) |
– The #2 player in the country, according to Rivals and ESPN, 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\”, and on May 26th, he chose Michigan on ESPNU. He is the biggest recruiting get in Michigan football history.
Under Armour All-American
Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
17. CB: 5* Adoree Jackson, 5\’10\’\’ 172lbs. Gardena, CA (Junipero Serra HS)
![\"\"](\"http://loveothegame.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Adoree-Jackson-on-the-move-12-Nov.jpg\") |
| Adoree Jackson #21, CB (LoveOTheGame.com) |
– The #2 corner in the country and top 10 player has become a focal point for the Michigan commitments. He is a superstar talent that could become an All-American pairing with Jabrill Peppers. He now has Michigan near the top of his list and is planning on visiting this summer or for the ND game. If they land him, the flood gates could officially open with top recruits, especially on the west coast.
Under Armour All-American
Visit: Not yet, Summer or Fall
Michigan\’s Chances: Good, Especially with Peppers
Other options: Nick Watkins, Jalen Tabor
18. CB/S: 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, Jalen Tabor
19. S: 4* Montae Nicholson, 6\’3\’\’ 200lbs. Monroeville, PA (Gateway HS)
![\"\"](\"http://www.gatewaygators.com/images/homepage/2012-05.jpg\") |
| Montae Nicholson #6 |
-One of the first offers in the 2014 class, Nicholson camped at Michigan and really proved himself to the Michigan coaches. News around him has been pretty quite as of late but I think the Wolverines want to bring in multiple safeties and he is a top target.
Army All-American
Visit: Yes, Camped
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
Other Options: Erick Smith, Nick Watkins, Jalen Tabor
20. S: 5* Juju Smith, 6\’2\’\’ 185lbs. Long Beach, CA (Poly Tech HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/113/1132430.jpg\") |
| Juju Smith #9, S (via Scout.com) |
– One of the best players in the country (the #1 safety according to Scout), Smith is a long, athletic stud recruit that could step in and play as a freshmen at safety or receiver. Michigan is in his top 5 and the recruits are trying to make sure he joins them. If they land Adoree Jackson, on top of Peppers, he could follow to put together the most elite defensive back recruiting class in recent memory. If they get him, there is a good shot he is the last commitment of the class.
Under Armour All-American
Visit: Not yet, Possible ND Game
Michigan\’s Chances: Good, Very Good with Peppers AND Jackson
Other Elite Options:
- 5* DT: Andrew Brown, 6\’4\’\’ 295lbs. Chesapeake, VA (Oscar F. Smith HS)
- 4* DE: Andrew Williams, 6\’4\’\’ 240lbs. McDonough, GA (ELC Academy)
- 4* DE: Myles Garrett, 6\’4\’\’ 229lbs. Arlington, TX (Martin HS)
- 4* CB: Nick Watkins, 6\’1\’\’ 180lbs. Dallas, TX (Bishop Dunne HS)
- 4* CB: Jalen Tabor, 6\’1\’\’ 186lbs. Washington, DC (Friendship Collegiate Academy)
And that would be another Top 5 class for Brady Hoke and staff. Amazing what this staff has done in such a short amount of time. You really have to be excited for the future.
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