Most, including myself, thought Michigan was only going to target and land a couple in-state recruits in 2016. However, while the staff has gone after California, Texas, Florida and New Jersey harder than any other states, they are coming back to the Midwest and are starting to really make waves in their own back yard.
With the latest offers and visits, things are looking better and better for Harbaugh and the Wolverines to clean up on the 2016 in-state recruiting trail (which may be one of the deepest/top classes in state history).
Here is the latest on the top in-state targets for Michigan (in order of my most likely to least likely to join the class):
WR Desmond Fitzpatrick
– The talented Southfield receiver is currently committed to Louisville but the offer from his in-state Wolverines may be a game changer. He’s visited multiple times since Harbaugh took over and will be at the Spring Game. I believe it’s just a matter of time before the flip happens.
Probability: 95%
LB David Reese
– Reese is teammates with Fitzpatrick at Southfield and also happens to be committed to Louisville. And just like Fitz, landing his offer from Michigan very likely changes things. I could see this flip happening sooner rather than later.
Probability: 95%
OG Michael Onwenu
– The top ranked Cass Tech player in the class, Onwenu looked to be a sure-get for Ohio State prior to Harbaugh’s hire and the Mike Weber situation. With Drevno making him a priority for this class, things are looking very good for Michigan here.
Probability: 75%
OT Michael Jordan
– Jordan is a star for Plymouth and is the top offensive tackle in the state. He has the size and athleticism to be a very good player at the next level as well, and Michigan could be the leader thanks to, not only the new coaches, but because of the education. In an interview with The Wolverine’s Tim Sullivan, his father let it be known how big of a factor education will be ($).
Probability: 60%
RB Matt Falcon
– Falcon landed his offer soon after Harbaugh took over and it went a long way in his recruitment. Michigan was the offer he wanted most but he isn’t a quick decision type of recruit. He’s still looking to build up the relationships with the coaching staff before pulling the trigger. I believe he’ll end up in this class but he’s not as positive of a get as others. He’s very high on Tennessee as well.
Probability: 60%
OLB Jalen Cochran
– Cochran is an athletic but raw outside linebacker for Canton and is starting to gain a ton of interest from Michigan. He visited this week and let me know he’ll be visiting for the Spring Game as well. IF an offer is extended, his recruitment could be over very quickly.
Probability: 50%
DE Khalid Kareem
– Kareem was committed to Michigan State for a couple of hours after a winter visit. However, he decided to take his time and that patience has given Harbaugh and the Wolverines a chance to make a big impression. He’s another recruit that is very high on education and has been a main stay in Ann Arbor since spring practice started. I don’t see him making another quick decision but I do like Michigan’s chances here.
Probability: 30%
WR Donnie Corley
– Corley is the top ranked receiver in the state and had Michigan off his top 5 list until Harbaugh took over. With the new, NFL experienced staff in place, he has made multiple visits to Ann Arbor and looks to be raising the Wolverines way up his list. He’s great friends with several of the players on this list and a couple commitments could make a nice impact on his recruitment. He’s wanted by just about everyone, so stay tuned because a decision could come at any moment.
Probability: 30%
S Demetric Vance
– Vance is a very talented, raw safety that landed an offer from Michigan early on during a visit to Ann Arbor. While some thought an offer from the Wolverines would make them the favorites, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Out of everyone on this list, I believe he’s the least likely to be in this class. But I’m in no way ruling it out.
Probability: 25%
- Names to Watch: QB Joshua Jackson, OT Alaric Jackson, LB Eric Rogers
- Committed elsewhere: Daelin Hayes (USC) and Lavert Hill (PSU)
Once a couple of the top in-state guys commit, it should dramatically increase Michigan’s chances with almost everyone else on the list.
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