When Jim Harbaugh took over the reins as the head coach of the Michigan football program, everyone was expecting him make California a priority recruiting state, like in years past. And he hasn’t disappointed.
In 2016, Michigan signed three of the top players out of the Golden State in David Long, Kekoa Crawford and Devin Asiasi. All of whom were players that the staff had to grind it out for as they didn’t make their final decisions until very late in the recruiting cycle.
As for 2017, the staff is looking to bring in an even bigger haul from California. And they’ve put themselves in great shape to do so.
Check out the top targets out of California that Michigan could add to their 2017 recruiting class:
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RB Najee Harris
- Even with multiple five star recruits in town, Harris was the biggest name at the BBQ earlier this month. He’s the #1 player in the class and happens to have been committed to Alabama since April 2015. That’s why most believe he isn’t going anywhere. However, this visit alongside his mom isn’t one to be taken lightly. From all accounts, the visit couldn’t have gone any better. Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz is “certain” that Michigan is now the biggest threat to Alabama ($). While there’s still a ways to go, getting him back on campus for an official visit this fall and putting together a memorable season on the field could be huge. Still leaning towards him sticking with Bama but this one is not over.
- Crystal Ball: Not enough for a flip…yet.
- California Composite Ranking: #1
- Even with multiple five star recruits in town, Harris was the biggest name at the BBQ earlier this month. He’s the #1 player in the class and happens to have been committed to Alabama since April 2015. That’s why most believe he isn’t going anywhere. However, this visit alongside his mom isn’t one to be taken lightly. From all accounts, the visit couldn’t have gone any better. Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz is “certain” that Michigan is now the biggest threat to Alabama ($). While there’s still a ways to go, getting him back on campus for an official visit this fall and putting together a memorable season on the field could be huge. Still leaning towards him sticking with Bama but this one is not over.
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CB Darnay Holmes
- Out of every BBQ visitor, Michigan looks to have made the biggest move for Holmes. The five star cornerback raved about his visit to Scout’s Greg Biggins about his visit and the opportunities on and off the field at UM ($). Add in all of the positive things both Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz and The Wolverine’s Brandon Justice are hearing as well as his upcoming official visit and longtime friendships with freshmen CB David Long and WR Kekoa Crawford, and I made it clear I believe Michigan will beat out UCLA for Holmes.
- Crystal Ball: Michigan
- California Composite Ranking: #3
- Out of every BBQ visitor, Michigan looks to have made the biggest move for Holmes. The five star cornerback raved about his visit to Scout’s Greg Biggins about his visit and the opportunities on and off the field at UM ($). Add in all of the positive things both Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz and The Wolverine’s Brandon Justice are hearing as well as his upcoming official visit and longtime friendships with freshmen CB David Long and WR Kekoa Crawford, and I made it clear I believe Michigan will beat out UCLA for Holmes.
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RB Stephen Carr
- Carr may be a bit of a forgotten target out of California with the Najee Harris buzz building but the #3 RB in the class is not a player to sleep on just yet. He visited back in the spring and came away very impressed. After that visit, he was said to be a soft commit to USC but, still, has yet to back away from that commitment. Michigan has remained on him and is expected to host him for an official this fall. But I’m not very optimistic about their chances anymore. He’s still a name to watch moving forward because of the ties to Harris but, at this point, I think Carr stays out west and stays committed to the Trojans.
- Crystal Ball: No flip
- California Composite Ranking: #5
- Carr may be a bit of a forgotten target out of California with the Najee Harris buzz building but the #3 RB in the class is not a player to sleep on just yet. He visited back in the spring and came away very impressed. After that visit, he was said to be a soft commit to USC but, still, has yet to back away from that commitment. Michigan has remained on him and is expected to host him for an official this fall. But I’m not very optimistic about their chances anymore. He’s still a name to watch moving forward because of the ties to Harris but, at this point, I think Carr stays out west and stays committed to the Trojans.
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TE Josh Falo
- Though Falo was unable to work out his visit for the BBQ, it’s no secret that Michigan is a real candidate in his recruitment. He was added to my July BGRC after his performance alongside several UM commits/targets at The Opening and his original plans to visit for the BBQ. The visit does slow things down a bit but with an official visit expected this fall, should ramp things back up. Michigan is always looking to add to the tight end depth chart and Falo is the top name on their 2017 board. Will that pursuit be a big enough factor to sway him off the west coast?
- Crystal Ball: Leaning towards Michigan over Oregon
- California Composite Ranking: #17
- Though Falo was unable to work out his visit for the BBQ, it’s no secret that Michigan is a real candidate in his recruitment. He was added to my July BGRC after his performance alongside several UM commits/targets at The Opening and his original plans to visit for the BBQ. The visit does slow things down a bit but with an official visit expected this fall, should ramp things back up. Michigan is always looking to add to the tight end depth chart and Falo is the top name on their 2017 board. Will that pursuit be a big enough factor to sway him off the west coast?
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OT Aaron Banks
- Another BBQ visitor who Michigan made a big move for during his first trip to Ann Arbor was Banks. The big man out of El Cerrito had UM near the top of his list going into the visit thanks to his budding relationships with the staff and his uncle doing his part as a huge Wolverines fan. But it was the visit that looks to have put UM in very real contention for Banks. But, will he make his decision while the spot is still available? I don’t believe he’s a guy they’d turn away but there’s always a limit. This is a recruitment to watch closely heading into the fall.
- Crystal Ball: Leaning towards USC over Michigan
- California Composite Ranking: #20
- Another BBQ visitor who Michigan made a big move for during his first trip to Ann Arbor was Banks. The big man out of El Cerrito had UM near the top of his list going into the visit thanks to his budding relationships with the staff and his uncle doing his part as a huge Wolverines fan. But it was the visit that looks to have put UM in very real contention for Banks. But, will he make his decision while the spot is still available? I don’t believe he’s a guy they’d turn away but there’s always a limit. This is a recruitment to watch closely heading into the fall.
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ATH Popo Aumavae
- Aumavae was unable to make it to the BBQ but will take an official to Ann Arbor this fall. As a player who is higher on the staff’s board than most realize and vice versa, he’s a name not to sleep on. He’s the prototypical “jumbo athlete” as he can play either defensive tackle or along the offensive line at the collegiate level. And with need at both positions, Michigan will stay on him throughout. Will he make his decision before those DL and OL spots are filled? That’s the question because I believe a visit to Ann Arbor will put Michigan right at the top of his list.
- Crystal Ball: None, waiting until OVs
- California Composite Ranking: #39
- Aumavae was unable to make it to the BBQ but will take an official to Ann Arbor this fall. As a player who is higher on the staff’s board than most realize and vice versa, he’s a name not to sleep on. He’s the prototypical “jumbo athlete” as he can play either defensive tackle or along the offensive line at the collegiate level. And with need at both positions, Michigan will stay on him throughout. Will he make his decision before those DL and OL spots are filled? That’s the question because I believe a visit to Ann Arbor will put Michigan right at the top of his list.
Michigan is starting to set up shop in California once again. And they’re in good shape to land more out of the Golden State in 2017. Question is, who will it be? Let us know in the comment section below!
Photo Credit: 247Sports.com
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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