Early Impact: Looking at Michigan’s 2019 Early Enrollees

Michigan’s top 10 2019 recruiting class will send eight signees to Ann Arbor for early enrollment this month. That includes a couple players that should make an immediate impact and see the field early and often this fall.

Here’s a breakdown of Michigan’s 2019 early enrollees:

RB Zach Charbonnet

He may have had to sit out the All-American Bowl with an injury but Charbonnet should be the player that makes the biggest early impact in Ann Arbor. I believe he’s the best running back in this class and is already built like a third year college player. Add in the immediate need at the position and playing time available, and I believe he not only plays in 2019 but becomes a main contributor to the offense during his true freshmen season.

DT Mazi Smith

Smith is another player that should not only play but make a big impact on the defensive line this fall. He’s always been one of the best gets in this class but it took his performance at the Under Armour All-American game to really put the world on notice. There’s playing time available on the interior of the line and with a good spring and summer, Smith could find his way into the two-deep.

DE David Ojabo

Maybe the biggest boom or bust player in this class, Ojabo has an extremely high ceiling even though being new to the game and raw as can be. But the athleticism and burst is there. He’ll need coached up and develop a go-to move or two during his time. If he even scratches his potential, he should be a force off the edge for Michigan.

ATH Mike Sainristil

Will it be wide receiver or corner? That’s the biggest question for Sainristil. Best thing is, I believe he’ll be a standout wherever he ends up during his time at Michigan. He has that quickness, burst and elusiveness the offense needs but that’s also what the defense could use as well. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a chance on both sides of the ball, as well as on special teams during his career.

CB Jalen Perry

After the loss of David Long to the draft and nothing set in stone in terms of depth behind the top two returners (Lavert Hill and Ambry Thomas). So the playing time could be available if Perry, a long, athletic playmaking cornerback, can show out during the spring and summer. A redshirt seems the most likely here but I really like what he brings to the roster and could be during his time in the maize and blue.

TE Erick All

All may need some time to put on the size needed for tight end but he could be another Zach Gentry like player for Michigan. He’s a pass catching tight end that can make the acrobatic catch. There’s depth at the position but playing time will open in 2020 and beyond. That’s when I see All starting to get some run with the ones.

QB Cade McNamara

McNamara may not have the lofty rankings but he should be a really nice add to the quarterback room in Ann Arbor. Playing time may not be there for some time but he’s the type of player and play maker that should push for the starting job during his time with the Wolverines.

DE Gabe Newburg

Newburg is flying under the radar and may take a little time to make an impact but I could see him being a longterm contributor to this defense. He’s got the frame, get off, and quick twitch to be a problem off the edge. I see him in the two-deep by his junior year.

Add in what Michigan will be getting with its summer enrollees, like S Dax Hill, DT Chris Hinton, WR Cornelius Johnson, and its full offensive line haul, and you can see why this class could be something special for the Wolverines.

Photo Credit: Tarek Fattal/LA Daily News

Garrett Fishaw