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Crystal Ballin: Prior to the 2016 BBQ at the Big House

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

The Michigan football coaching staff will host a large group of recruiting visitors this weekend for the 2016 BBQ at the Big House. That list includes some of the top overall prospects in the class as well as some of the top targets that are looking likely to join the Wolverines in the 2017 class.

While there are plenty of players that could drop during the recruiting event, nothing is a guarantee. But there are plenty of recruits that will be in attendance that I believe end up in this class.

Here are the uncommitted prospects that I have Crystal Ball predictions in for that are expected to visit this weekend:

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Poor
  • Note: As a five star talent, DPJ will very likely take all of his official visits before making a final decision. Not even kind of thinking about him dropping this weekend.

OT Toryque Bateman: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Very Good
  • Note: Recently named Michigan his leader. With OL spots tightening up, and as long as things go as planned, he looks like the best bet to drop this weekend.

DE James Hudson: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Good
  • Note: Rumor has it that Hudson nearly committed last time on campus in June. MSU had my Crystal Ball for a little while but with news of UM expecting to make a strong run at him this weekend, I’ve moved my CB to Cloudy.
  • UPDATE: According to 247Sports Steve Wiltfong, Hudson is the most likely player to drop this weekend. My CB is back on Michigan.

WR Oliver Martin: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Good
  • Note: Making his first visit to campus, Michigan looks to be a very good fit for Martin. While I don’t expect a decision, I wouldn’t completely rule it out if it’s everything he’s looking for in a program.

DE Deron Irving-Bey: Michigan State

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Fair
  • Note: Oddly enough, this is the first visit to Michigan for DIB. Though anything can happen, MSU looks to be in control here. It may take one hell of a visit for a quick decision.

CB Ambry Thomas: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Good
  • Note: Though Florida and MSU are real options here, Michigan has be at/near the top of his list for awhile now. He’s a top target for the staff and they’ll likely roll out the red carpet for him. Anything could happen.

WR Nico Collins: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Very Good
  • Note: When a player who has publicly named a program a leader makes his 3rd visit in just under 4 months, he’s a player to watch closely. He was expected to take his time but I could see him just getting it over with.

DB Jaylen Kelly-Powell: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Poor
  • Note: Kelly-Powell continues to be a safe bet to choose Michigan but he’s made it clear it won’t be this weekene.

OL Henry Bainivalu: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Good
  • Note: Bainivalu is very high on Michigan’s board and Michigan is high on Bainivalu’s list. Making a 2nd unofficial visit in 6 months to Ann Arbor from Seattle says a ton about his interest. With OL spots tight, I wouldn’t rule out a quick decision.

LB Jordan Anthony: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Good
  • Note: According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, Anthony isn’t expected to make it ($). Still waiting to 100% confirm. Either way, Michigan is at the top of his list and I still expect him to end up in this class whether he makes it to the BBQ or not.

OG/DT Marquan McCall: Michigan

  • BBQ Commitment Chances: Good
  • Note: As a top in-state talent in the 2018 class, McCall is a player that Michigan has been in very good shape with for awhile now. Not sure if he ends things this early but UM should remain a main favorite here.

Chances Key

  • Excellent – Expected 
  • Very Good – Very possible to happen
  • Good – If the mood strikes 
  • Fair – Not completely off the table 
  • Poor – Not happening 

Anything could happen at a recruiting event as big as the BBQ at the Big House. So, who do you think will drop? Let us know in the comment section below! 

Photo Credit: Flickr

Garrett Fishaw
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