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Going After the Best: How Many #1 Players will Michigan Sign?

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

With around three months until national signing day and even less time until early enrollees officially join their future programs. So, it’s time to start looking at the end of the road and, boy, does it look good for Michigan.

On top of looking like the outright favorites for the top player in the class and the top offensive guard already committed, they also have a very good shot at bringing in at least three other recruits that are ranked #1 at their position on at least one top recruiting sites.

In order of chances they sign with Michigan

OG Michael Onwenu

RB Kareem Walker

  • After recently decommitting from Ohio State, Michigan is in the drivers seat for Walker. And as the #1 running back on every recruiting site, except Scout, landing him would be a big time get for Harbaugh and the Wolverines in 2016. Though he has several visits planned, it looks like UM will end up landing Walker before the turn of the new year.
  • Confidence Level: 9/10

DT Rashan Gary

  • The nation’s #1 player on every site, except Rivals, is said to be heavily leaning towards Michigan. He’s made multiple visits to Ann Arbor, including an official for the BYU shutout win, and the staff has done a phenomenal job selling the program and University to both Rashan and his mother. Unless something drastic happens, it looks like UM will land the #1 defensive tackle in the class.
  • Confidence Level: 8/10

K Quinn Nordin

  • While the nation’s #1 kicker is committed to Penn State, he hasn’t hidden the fact that he’s starting to trend back towards the in-state Wolverines. He’s visited Ann Arbor for several games this season and hasn’t hidden his interest in UM on Twitter as he’s released multiple edits (including his best one from our Graphic Artist Brandon Whitaker). If the staff is still willing to take a kicker in 2016, it just looks like a matter of time before he flips.
  • Confidence Level: 7/10

TE Isaac Nauta

  • For a long time, the nation’s #1 tight end has been a top recruiting target for years now but the new staff has turned Nauta into a top target. And it’s working out. Thanks to Harbaugh’s tight end heavy offense and Nauta’s official visit for the Michigan State game, it looks like a battle between Michigan and (rumored favorite) Georgia. Most thought UGA was a lock but the tides are changing. It’ll be very interesting heading into his final decision but I still like where UM stands going forward.
  • Confidence Level: 6/10

ATH Mecole Hardman

  • Out of every name on the list, the #1 athlete is by far the least likely to be apart of the class. However, Michigan looks to be surging a bit with his official to Ann Arbor coming up for the Ohio State game. I still believe he ends up staying in-state with Georgia but I don’t think you can completely count out the Wolverines just yet.
  • Confidence Level: 2/10

If all things go as planned, Michigan could end up signing 6 recruits that are at the top of their positional rankings in 2016. Will they? I don’t believe they’ll land all of the names listed but they at least have a chance with the coaching staff in place, the improved play on the field, and available playing time.

 

Photo Credit: ANDY SHIPPY/TodaysU.com

Garrett Fishaw
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