First 2021 Best Guess Recruiting Class

Weird times in the world with Coronavirus running wild, causing the sports and recruiting world to come to a halt. That includes Michigan football and it’s recruiting as spring practice has been canceled as have over 100 spring recruiting visits.

But that won’t stop me from putting out my first 2021 Best Guess Recruiting Class. Though, question is, will the halt effect Michigan’s 2021 recruiting efforts?

After missing out on signing a single top100 recruit in 2020 and finishing 14th in the country, the Michigan coaching staff is looking to bounce back with an elite level class in 2021.

Thanks to one of the best in-state classes in the last two decades to go along with some successful early offers/targeting and the hiring of LB coach Brian Jean-Mary to replace ace recruiter Chris Partridge, they’ve set themselves up to sign the fourth top 10 class of the Harbaugh era. And I like their chances of doing so in part because of the early addition of elite QB JJ McCarthy.

The five-star quarterback is one of the most well-known names in this class and a camp star. He’s already been proving himself on the trail as he’s helped the Wolverines gain the attention of some of the top recruits in this class.

But, as always, the class will only reach its full potential if the team on the field can finally put it all together. That’s a post for another day. For now, check out my first crack at the 2021 Best Guess Michigan Recruiting Class:

Class Size:
- Way too early to say, as always, but this class looks like it could be pretty small if you go off the number of seniors on the roster. But when you add in inevitable transfers, early NFL departures, and every other type of attrition, to go along with the 23 signee 2020 class, there’s a chance for something closer to a full 25-signee class.
Class Attrition:
- Unlike in my First 2020 BGRC, there aren’t any early decommitments in this class. The staff looks to be doing a better job holding off on early commitments from, let’s call them, fringe recruiting targets. Should help keep the class from seeing too many departures.
Chances Key:
- Excellent – Top Team/Favorite to Land
- Very Good – Top Three/Realistic Possibility
- Good – Top Five/Hanging Around
- Fair – Puncher’s Chance/Questionable Take

Check out my first 2021 Best Guess Michigan Football Recruiting Class Prediction:

1. QB JJ McCarthy, 6’2” 180lbs. La Grange Park, IL (Nazareth Academy)

The gem of the class was the 2nd and last recruit to join the fray. McCarthy is the most naturally talented quarterback recruit Michigan has landed in recent memory. He’s a pure thrower of the ball as he can unleash frozen ropes with the flick of the wrist. Mentioned his prowess on the recruiting trail already, look for him to be a big reason why Michigan lands some big-time names over the next two classes.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 5/11/19
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #31 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #21 overall) – ESPN (4*, #23 overall)
Composite Ranking: Five-star, #13 Overall, #2 Pro-QB, #1 in Illinois

2. RB Donovan Edwards, 5’11” 190lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (West Bloomfield)

One of the best players in the state and running backs in the country, Edwards is a priority in this class. Early signs all pointed towards the Wolverines but Ohio State has all the momentum as multiple Crystal Balls have come in for the Buckeyes. However, there’s a long way to go in this recruitment. I still think Michigan can get its guy here but this is far from the slamdunk it looked like it was at the beginning of his recruitment.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #59 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #22 overall) – ESPN (4*, #78 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #38 Overall, #3 RB, #2 in Michigan
Rivals FutureCast: Ohio State
Crystal Ball Favorite: Ohio State
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: TreVeyon Henderson, Corey Kiner, Prophet Brown, Cam’Ron Valdez

3. RB AJ Green, 5’11” 190lbs. Tulsa, OK (Union)

*Photo Credit: Shane Cossey/Tulsa World*

Green is one of the most dynamic running backs in this class even though he’s seen as a cornerback by some. He has that elite burst and twitch you like to see in homerun hitting tailback. You’d expect a player of his talent level would be a guarantee to stay close to home at either Oklahoma or Ok State. However, like Dax Hill, he’s not a sure thing to stay in-state and Jay Harbaugh is pushing for him, per TMI’s Steve Lorenz ($). Michigan looks likely to land two backs in this class and Green looks to be creeping up the list of best bets to be one of the two.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Good to Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #33 CB) – 247Sports (4*, #111 overall) – ESPN (4*, #180 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #196 Overall, #15 CB, #2 in Oklahoma
Rivals FutureCast: Oklahoma/Arkansas
Crystal Ball Favorite: Oklahoma
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: TreVeyon Henderson, Corey Kiner, Prophet Brown, Cam’Ron Valdez

4. WR Andrel Anthony, 6’2” 165lbs. East Lansing, MI (East Lansing)

Anthony is another top in-state target and a receiver that’s a wanted man for both in-state programs. Even though he grew up in the shadow of Michigan State, Michigan has been the team here for a minute. He looks to be one of the top wide receiver targets on the board and hasn’t hidden his love for the maize and blue. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him be one of the next couple of commits in this class.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #71 WR) – 247Sports (3*, #90 WR) – ESPN (3*)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #446 Overall, #72 WR, #12 in Michigan
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Dekel Crowdus, Kaden Prather, Markus Allen, Jaden Alexis

5. WR Malcolm Johnson Jr., 6’1” 185lbs. Bryans Road, MD (St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes)

Johnson is a track star that also happens to be a hell of a wide receiver prospect. His 6.26 in the 55 meters has caught everyone’s attention, including Michigan’s Josh Gattis. The four-star told TMI’s Steve Lorenz that he’s in contact with Gattis more than almost any coach ($). Though the big hitters have him atop their boards too, the staff was already able to get him on campus for the Notre Dame win and could get him on campus again this offseason. This has the look of a battle the Wolverines could definitely win.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Good to Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #213 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #131 overall) – ESPN (4*, #280 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #201 Overall, #36 WR, #6 in Maryland
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Dekel Crowdus, Kaden Prather, Markus Allen, Jaden Alexis

6. TE Louis Hansen, 6’5” 225lbs. Needham, MA (St. Sebastian’s)

Michigan has a boatload of top tight end targets and they’re sitting in a good position for most of them. So, choosing which will fill the 2-3 spots in this class is difficult. But I’m going with the four-star out of Don Brown’s territory. Hansen is a big-time athlete at the position that could play defensive end at the next level if he chooses. Michigan has put itself in a great position early on. Out of their top targets, I believe he may be their best bet at the moment as they battle Ohio State and others.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #66 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #13 TE) – ESPN (3*)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #187 Overall, #8 TE, #2 in Massachusetts
Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Thomas Fidone, Brock Bowers, Moliki Matavao, Ryan Hoerstkamp

7. TE Jack Pugh, 6’5” 235lbs. Hilliard, OH (Hilliard Bradley)

Pugh is one of the most recent 2021 offers from the staff and looks to be jumping up the tight end board. The four-star out of Ohio has the elite frame and athleticism for the position. Following his unofficial to Ann Arbor at the beginning of March, his dad told 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong that they’re already working on making another unofficial this spring and an official this summer ($). An offer from Ohio State could change things drastically here (pretty common for Ohio prospects) but this is one where Michigan is already in great shape thanks to the multiple visits They could use some more wins in the Buckeye state. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the staff eventually push for Pugh.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (4*, #151 overall) – ESPN (NR)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #313 Overall, #13 TE, #10 in Ohio
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: Wisconsin
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Thomas Fidone, Brock Bowers, Moliki Matavao, Ryan Hoerstkamp

8. OT Giovanni El-Hadi, 6’5” 285lbs. Sterling Heights, MI (Adlai Stevenson)

El-Hadi is still just scratching the surface of his potential and is already ranked inside the top 100. He should only continue to get better heading into his senior season. As a leader of this class, he should be a big help for the fellow in-state offensive line targets.

Story
Highlights
Commitment Date: 4/19/19
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #49 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #87 overall) – ESPN (4*, #133 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #70 Overall, #10 OT, #4 in Michigan

9. OT Caleb Tiernan, 6’7” 265lbs. Livonia, MI (Detroit Country Day)

Tiernan is that prototypical in-state offensive tackle prospect. He has that elite frame for the position and Ed Warinner is clearly a big fan. Michigan’s OL coach has been eyeing him for quite some time and it has put the Wolverines firmly at the top of the three-star’s list. Barring a drastic change, all signs continue to point towards the maize and blue.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #32 OT) – 247Sports (3*, #53 OT) – ESPN (3*)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #366 Overall, #32 OT, #11 in Michigan
Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Garrett Dellinger, Nolan Rucci, Landon Tengwall, Caleb Banks,

10. OT David Davidkov, 6’6” 265lbs. Winnetka, IL (New Trier)

Davidkov is another top target that has been a familiar name for quite some time. Another prototype frame guy that the staff identified early on, got on campus, and have firmly put themselves in a very real position to land. The two Big Ten West OL factories, Wisconsin and Iowa, look to be the other teams to watch but I’ll stick with the Wolverines.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #190 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #83 overall) – ESPN (4*, #230 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #144 Overall, #19 OT, #2 in Illinois
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Garrett Dellinger, Nolan Rucci, Ross Maseuli. Raheem Anderson

11. C/G Greg Crippen, 6’4” 285lbs. Milton, MA (IMG Academy)

Crippen made a little noise when he visited Ann Arbor for the 2019 season opener while being committed to Notre Dame. While he made other visits, things went a little quiet until he announced his decommitment from the Fighting Irish at the beginning of March. That was quickly followed up by a Crystal Ball prediction from TMI’s Sam Webb to the Wolverines. That’s normally a pretty solid sign of where things are headed.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #129 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #13 OG) – ESPN (4*, #290 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #221 Overall, #11 OG, #29 in Florida
Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Garrett Dellinger, Raheem Anderson, Ross Maseuli, Noah Josey, Drew Kendall, Pat Coogan

12. OG/DT Rocco Spindler, 6’5” 285lbs. Clarkston, MI (Clarkston)

Spindler is the son of former Detroit Lions defensive end, Marc Spindler, so you know the genetics are there as he could play either side of the line in college. He’s also arguably the top target on the Michigan staff’s board. Pretty much all signs have been pointing towards the Wolverines here but he’s still on the open market as he’s taking trips all over the country. Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Oklahoma are firmly in this race. This is one where Michigan needs to win otherwise it would be seen as a huge miss. I like their chances of getting their guy.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #55 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #63 overall) – ESPN (4*, #76 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #49 Overall, #2 OG, #3 in Michigan
Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: Michigan
Other Options: Garrett Dellinger, Raheem Anderson, Ross Maseuli, Noah Josey, Drew Kendall, Pat Coogan

13. NT Victory Vaka, 6’3” 315lbs. Westlake Village, CA (Westlake)

Michigan’s main priority on the inside, Vaka is a name to become familiar with if you aren’t already. Shaun Nua is on this one and is clearly connecting well with Vaka thanks in part to their Samoan heritage. He’s expected to officially visit in June ($), which will obviously be a huge moment in his recruitment. Washington, Oregon, Florida, and Texas A&M are firmly in this race as well but with the heavy need for interior line help in this class and the connection between Vaka and Nua, I’ll cautiously add him to the first list.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #124 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #202 overall) – ESPN (4*, #277 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #200 Overall, #13 DT, #20 in California
Rivals FutureCast: Oregon
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Pius Odjugo, Tywone Malone, James Gillespie, Jay Toia, Damon Payne

14. DT Rayshaun Benny, 6’5” 275lbs. Oak Park, MI (Oak Park)

Now that Benny’s being targeted as a defensive tackle, it’s easy to slot him onto this list. I liked his tape as an offensive tackle but with the bigger need on the interior of the defense, it looks like a smart move all around. He’s visited Michigan multiple times already and hasn’t been shy about his thoughts about the program. As long as he remains a top target, I like Michigan’s chances of adding him to the class.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #83 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #187 overall) – ESPN (3*)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #126 Overall, #16 OT, #6 in Michigan
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Pius Odjugo, Tywone Malone, Quintin Somerville, James Gillespie, Jay Toia, Damon Payne

15. DL Kelvin Gilliam, 6’3” 250lbs. Highland Springs, VA (Highland Springs)

Gilliam has continued to shoot up the defensive line board and now looks to be one of the most wanted lineman for the staff. Luckily for them, he now has Michigan high on his list as well following his late winter visit, per his interview with TMI’s Brice Marich ($). It’ll be very interesting to see what this defensive line haul looks like in 2021 but at this point, Gilliam looks to be one of the better bets on the board.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Good to Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #104 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #129 overall) – ESPN (4*, #148 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #111 Overall, #5 WDE, #4 in Virginia
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Quintin Somerville, James Gillespie, Pius Odjugo, Jay Toia, Damon Payne

16. SDE Jason Onye, 6’5” 245lbs. Warwick, RI (Bishop Hendricken)

Onye is the next big thing out of Bishop Hendricken also known as the same high school as Kwity Paye. So you already know Michigan (Don Brown especially) have an in. Onye is another big, physical lineman that is not quite the pure athlete Paye was but has similar versatility. Notre Dame is the main competition here and it’ll be a battle between the two blue bloods. But he’s already visited/camped at Michigan last summer and, not to mention, it’s hard to bet against Don Brown in the Northeast.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (3*, #39 SDE) – 247Sports (3*, #22 WDE) – ESPN (3*)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #466 Overall, #27 WDE, #1 in Rhode Island
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: Notre Dame
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Quintin Somerville, James Gillespie, Jay Toia, Jah-mal Williams, Caleb Banks, Aaron Armitage

17. WDE TJ Guy, 6’4” 240lbs. Mansfield, MA (Mansfield)

Guy decommitted from Boston College in mid-February not too long after receiving his offer from the Michigan staff. He told TMI’s Brice Marich he plans on making multiple trips to Ann Arbor already ($). If and when those trips go down and if he remains a top target for the staff, the Don Brown effect mixed with the opportunities in the maize and blue could win out here.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #26 WDE) – ESPN (3*)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #700 Overall, #38 WDE, #6 in Massachusetts
Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Boston College
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Quintin Somerville, James Gillespie, Jay Toia, Jah-mal Williams, Caleb Banks, Aaron Armitage

18. DE/OLB Jahzion Harris, 6’4” 215lbs. Brooklyn, NY (Erasmus Hall)

Harris is out of the same high school as 2020 signee LB William Mohan. Like Mohan, Harris is a Swiss Army Knife on defense. A guy that can play multiple positions in Don Brown’s defense but at 6’4”, he could play along the line as well. This also looks to be another battle with Ohio State, among others. Getting him on campus once visits are available again will be extremely important. I could see him become a priority level recruit as this cycle goes on.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #111 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #21 WDE) – ESPN (4*, #247 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #208 Overall, #14 WDE, #1 in New York
Rivals FutureCast: Ohio State
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan/Ohio State
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Jah-mal Williams

19. LB Junior Colson, 6’2” 225lbs. Brentwood, TN (Ravenwood)

Colson is one of my favorite players in this class and looks to be a top target for the staff, even after the transition from Chris Partridge to Brian Jean-Mary. According to TMI’s Sam Webb, BJM immediately made a positive impact on the four-star linebacker whose mom happens to be from Michigan and both of his parents are fans of the Wolverines ($). With mom firmly in Michigan’s corner and the chance to be one of, if not the only pure linebacker in this class, I like the staff’s chances to beat out Texas A&M and others for his signature.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #80 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #177 overall) – ESPN (4*, #178 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #127 Overall, #10 OLB, #2 in Tennessee
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Jack Hollifield, Christian Burkhalter, Yanni Karlaftis, Tyler McLaurin

20. VLB Jamari Buddin, 6’2” 210lbs. Belleville, MI (Belleville)

Buddin is a perfect fit at the viper position and Don Brown knows it. The four-star has been a normal visitor to campus over the last year and continues to look like a top target for the staff. As long as nothing drastic changes, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him be one of the next couple of additions to the class.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #219 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #24 OLB) – ESPN (3*)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #260 Overall, #21 OLB, #9 in Michigan
Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
Crystal Ball Favorite: Michigan
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Jack Hollifield, Christian Burkhalter, Yanni Karlaftis, Tyler McLaurin

21. S Donovan McMillon, 6’2” 185lbs. Canonsburg, PA (Peters Township)

*Photo Credit: Luke Campbell/Observer-Reporter*

Michigan cleaned up at the safety position over the last two classes so it would be surprising if there is more than one safety in the 2021 class. For that one spot, McMillon looks to be one of the top three targets at the position and the staff has put themselves in a good position early on. If the staff can get him on campus after the recruiting hiatus, it could set the program apart from his other 20+ offers, including Notre Dame and Penn State.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #45 S) – ESPN (N/A)
Composite Ranking: Three-star, #799 Overall, #52 S, #19 in Pennsylvania
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: Khari Gee, Derrick Davis Jr, AJ Kirk

22. CB Ishmael Ibraheem, 6’1” 175lbs. Dallas, TX (Kimball)

Ibraheem is another newer name that Brian Jean-Mary has helped bring into the fold. But it’s not just his addition that is helping Michigan. According to TMI’s Sam Webb, the four-star corner was actually born in Detroit and his mom still lives in the city ($). His offer sheet is full of heavy hitters including Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, and LSU. This will be a battle to build the relationship and land him. It could be Jean-Mary’s first chance to really show his impact on the recruiting trail with a borderline top 100 prospect.

Offer: Yes
Visit: No
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Good
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #208 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #99 overall) – ESPN (4*, #109 overall)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #124 Overall, #12 CB, #20 in Texas
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: John Howse IV, Markevious Brown, Jeffrey Davis Jr, Tyreek Chappell, Nyland Green

23. CB Kalen King, 5’11” 170lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

King is the next Big Ten level corner out of Detroit and looks to be one of Michigan’s top targets at the position in this class. TMI’s Steve Lorenz has already put his Crystal Ball in for the Wolverines, Allen Trieu said he could see Michigan getting him ($). As long he remains a top target, it’s hard to see the staff losing out here.

Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Highlights
Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
Rankings: Rivals (4*, #21 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #23 CB) – ESPN (3*)
Composite Ranking: Four-star, #327 Overall, #25 CB, #10 in Michigan
Rivals FutureCast: None
Crystal Ball Favorite: None
Fish’s Crystal Ball: None
Other Options: John Howse IV, Markevious Brown, Jeffrey Davis Jr, Tyreek Chappell, Nyland Green

**Projected Class Score: 287.22 (per 247Sports)**

If I were to be a real psychic and somehow no one’s ranking changed, this score would likely give Michigan another top 10 class. The 287.22 score would’ve given them the #7 class in 2020 and the #4 class in 2019.

Just Missed

C Raheem Anderson
- This is a hard one. Anderson is a talented interior lineman that likes Michigan and the staff likes but with Greg Crippin looking like the top center target, it’s unclear whether or not there’s room available in this class with two centers already on the roster. If so and the staff pushes, I’d expect to see him on the next list.
RB TreVeyon Henderson
- Easily one of the most explosive players in the country and the #1 running back in the class, Henderson is scheduled to officially visit Michigan on June 19th, per TMI’s Steve Lorenz ($). The staff has put the Wolverines in a great position. Clemson had an early Crystal Ball lead but he now looks to truly be a recruit who’s up for grabs with Ohio State, Oklahoma and Alabama firmly in the race. Keep a close eye on this one.
TE Thomas Fidone
- The top tight end target on the board and one of the most physically gifted prospects in this class, Fidone has the entire Midwest after him and it looks very likely that he’ll be playing ball in the Big Ten. Will that be at home at Iowa? They have a hell of a pitch with their recent success at the position. Nebraska has the early love but another rough season in Lincoln could kill their chances. This is a recruitment to watch very closely.
OL Garrett Dellinger
- One of the last names I took off the list, Dellinger is the teammate of Rocco Spindler and has a very good chance to be a part of this class. However, there are only so many spots available and the heavy hitters look to have an in. Notre Dame and Alabama are firmly in this race as well.
RB Prophet Brown
- Michigan has been pretty solid at recruiting the state of California since Jim Harbaugh’s arrival, adding 4 four-stars in the last two classes. And Brown could be one of those gets in the 2021 class. The electric athlete let it be known that Michigan was his dream school when he received his offer from Jay Harbaugh in January. He also told TMI’s Brice Marich that he has family in Detroit ($). There’s a ton of time to go in this recruitment but Michigan’s in a good position here. He’s a name to keep an eye on during the offseason.
LB Jack Hollifield
- After landing a big linebacker haul in the 2020 class, Michigan may only have room for two backers in this class. Either way, Hollifield was going to be a tough pull with Virginia Tech having his brother on the roster and Michigan losing Chris Partridge to Ole Miss.
NT Pius Odjugo
- Michigan needs some meat upfront in this class and there aren’t many in this class that are bigger and as agile as the up and coming Odjugo. He’s still extremely raw as he’s just starting to get some attention on the recruiting trail. It would be a bit of a longshot at this point, especially since he hasn’t even received an offer just yet, but with where things stand with other top interior targets and the potential fit he’d fill, I could see him ending up in Ann Arbor.
DL Quintin Somerville
- Somerville is a name to watch closely. He’s known Shaun Nua since his time at Arizona State and it’s helping Michigan’s chances in a big way. Oklahoma isn’t a slamdunk here as Georgia, Washington, and Florida State are pushing.
RB Corey Kiner
- Kiner has been a longtime target for Michigan and was pretty open about his affinity for the maize and blue early on. He’s visited Ann Arbor multiple times over the summer and still looks to be in the top RB group for the staff. Along with the Wolverines, Ohio State and Cincinnati look to make up his top three. This could all depend on who pushes for him the most. If Michigan misses out on either TreVeyon Henderson or Donovan Edwards, Kiner could jump to the top of the staff’s list.
TE Brock Bowers
- Bowers is one of the several top tight end targets though the four-star has a little more position versatility than the others. He has a name brand offer list but has already visited Ann Arbor and looks to be high on the Wolverines. It’ll be a tough battle that will be one to watch.
DE Aaron Armitage
- Michigan looked to be in fantastic shape here early on thanks to the now-departed Anthony Campanile but with the coaching changes and the staff’s New Jersey connections depleted, hard to see him landing in Ann Arbor now. Notre Dame looks to be the favorite here.
TE Moliki Matavao
- Another top tight end target and a name to remember out of California. Matavao has Michigan firmly in his recently released top 10 and was planning on visiting this spring. Whenever he gets on campus, it’ll give the staff the real chance to solidify themselves among the top contenders.
WR Markus Allen
- A name not to forget. Allen is an up and coming prospect out of Ohio that Josh Gattis is targeting. It’s still early on but Michigan is in good shape here. Another prospect to watch over the cycle.
DT Tywone Malone
- Another New Jersey target whose chances were diminished following the coaching staff change. Reports are of Shaun Nua and the staff still pushing but it’s hard to see them winning out here at this point.

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Garrett Fishaw

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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