Michigan's 2017 National Signing Day Preview and Schedule

How big of a National Signing Day will it be for Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines? With several top targets left on the board, the safe bet is that UM has a pretty nice day with two, maybe three additions. But could something crazy happen? I wouldn’t bet on it but, as with everything in recruiting, you can never say never.

Check out the NSD schedule for Michigan’s top targets, final analysis and prediction:

OL Mekhi Becton – 9:30-10am

Becton has kept his recruitment quiet and to himself from the beginning of Michigan’s involvement. It seems to be a battle between in-state Virginia Tech and Michigan. Although it would be great for Michigan to have one more offensive lineman, I am not sure how much time and effort can be spotlighted on Becton compared to remaining targets Collins, Aubrey Solomon, and Willie Gay. That’s not to say that he is not wanted, but that they already have four other offensive tackles committed. I think since Becton is not sharing any information, he could very likely still be conflicted. In situations where an out of state kid is conflicted and they have an in-state school in their final group, they tend to have a difficult time leaving home (Virginia Tech) or choose a complete wildcard (Louisville).

Paputa’s Prediction: Louisville

DT Aubrey Solomon – 9:45-10am (on ESPN)

It’s very likely that Soloman could continue to go back and forth on his decision much like Rashan Gary and Mike Weber did in years past even though it is rumored that he has indeed made his mind up. To me, all of Solomon’s recruitment comes down to the notorious Periscope video that took place with Georgia commits at the Army All American Game a month ago; it could have been a legitimately disrespectful, meaningful comment from the heart or just a hoax to get a laugh from his friends. The in-home visit with Jim Harbaugh and daughter, Addie, seemed to spark some positive vibes on Michigan’s behalf. On another note, Michigan seems to be involved with major last minute, dramatic signing day productions by high caliber prospects- some they’ve won (Rashan Gary) and lost (Malik McDowell)- and Soloman could be that type of player to have a high level of drama this year.

Paputa’s Prediction: Michigan

LB Willie Gay – 10am

Has been visited by Michigan coaches during the time leading up to signing day. It was believed that Michigan was his leader following his Oct. 22 official visit. However, in-state Mississippi State and LSU made strong pushes to at minimum jump into the competition. If Gay were to sign a Letter of Intent following his official visit to Ann Arbor, it would have been to Michigan. But with rumored academic issues and surges by Mississippi State and LSU, anything could happen.

Paputa’s Prediction: Mississippi State

DT Jay Tufele – 11:30am

Tufele has been a quiet recruit that has always been interested in Michigan and never ruled them out, but never had them near the top of his list. To me, it comes down to a USC-Utah battle. I don’t see him bypassing his in-state Utah or west coast USC to come to Ann Arbor.

Paputa’s Prediction: USC

WR Nico Collins – 2:30pm (on ESPN)

It is not secret how important Collins is to the Michigan coaching staff. They have visited him multiple times in the month of January and made it known that they want a 6-foot-5 receiver to mix with their other four receiver commits. Collins seemed content with Michigan all summer and was rumored to consider committing, but instead, played out the recruiting process to the end like he insisted he would. That allowed a team like Georgia to jump in the mix and give themselves a puncher’s chance.