The 2016 class is rumored to be going up to nearly a full class (24-25) and the coaching staff recruiting for it (#Fab25). So, my latest Team 137 BGRC is much bigger than the last, which means it has an even better chance at being a top 10 class. And after the latest commitments and Spring Game visits, I believe it will be.
247 Class Calculator: 279.99 (OSU was #7 in 2015 with 279.83)
Check it out:
1. QB: Brandon Peters, 6’5” 205lbs. Avon, IN (Avon)
– After a fantastic visit for the Spring Game, Peters pulled the trigger and became Harbaugh’s first commitment for 2016. He has the size, smarts and arm to be a very good player under Harbaugh, and when you watch his tape, he reminds me a ton of Harbaugh’s #1 pupil, Andrew Luck, in terms of athleticism, accuracy, release and ability to make plays under pressure. And I wasn’t alone in that comparison, as Harbaugh told him the same.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- Highlights
2. RB: Kingston Davis, 6’1” 225lbs. Prattville, AL (Prattville)
– Davis isn’t highly rated and only held offers from three other Power 5 conference teams so once Michigan offered him and landed his teammate and good friend Keith Washington (2015 CB signee), the Wolverines looked like the favorite. Add in a wonderful visit for the spring game and Michigan has it’s 1st running back of the 2016 class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- Highlights
3. RB: Matt Falcon, 6’1″ 215lbs. Southfield, MI (Southfield)
– Falcon is the top running back in the state and, until Harbaugh came calling, looked like he was going to leave the state. But with the Michigan offer in hand and the relationship building, he didn’t waste too much time and committed to the Wolverines after his spring game visit.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- Highlights
4. FB/LB: David Reese, 6’1” 235lbs. Farmington, MI (Farmington)
– Reese is a physical, aggressive, hard nosed player that will actually be moving to the offensive side of the ball for good in Ann Arbor. According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, he is being recruited as a full back ($) and I believe it’s a good fit. He has the skills to play linebacker at the next level but his best long term spot just may be as a lead blocker and ball carrier.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- Highlights
5. WR: Desmond Fitzpatrick, 6’3” 195lbs. Farmington, MI (Farmington)
– Fitzpatrick is one of the best receivers in the state and midwest thanks to his route running and ability to make the circus catch. He’s very polished and something Harbaugh clearly likes as a weapon for his quarterbacks. Even though he’s been committed to the Cardinals for awhile, the offer from his childhood favorite Wolverines looks like one that cannot be beat.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Louisville (Excellent)
- Highlights
- Other Options: Dylan Crawford, Austin Mack, Ahmir Mitchell, Joshua Hammond
6. WR: Donnie Corley, 6’2” 180lbs. Detroit, MI (King)
– Corley is the top ranked player in the state, according to Scout, and is a top target on the board for the Michigan coaching staff. While the Wolverines were on the outside looking in before the Harbaugh hire, Michigan has quickly shot up his list after multiple visits to Ann Arbor. His recruitment reminds me of Brian Cole’s in 2015 as most believed the best WR in the state was destined for either East Lansing or the SEC, but Michigan ended up winning out in the end. And I believe Corley’s recruiting will go down the same.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Dylan Crawford, Austin Mack, Ahmir Mitchell, Joshua Hammond
7. WR: Brad Hawkins, 6’2” 190lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)
– Hawkins is one of the premier receivers in the country and looks to be one of the top receivers on the staff’s board. He has the size and athleticism they’re looking for, and they have a very good chance at landing him. He visited with the other top New Jersey targets at the end of March and, according to Go Blue Wolverine’s Sam Webb’s interview with DE Ron Johnson, Hawkins “really liked it” ($). Add in the staff’s need for playmakers at wide receiver and him looking to play early, and I believe he’ll end up choosing the Maize and Blue.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Dylan Crawford, Austin Mack, Ahmir Mitchell, Joshua Hammond
8.TE: Devin Asiasi, 6’5” 230lbs. Concord, CA (De La Salle)
– Thanks to his size, route running and hands, Asiasi is not only a top target on the staff’s board but also one of the top tight ends in the country. After landing his offer, Michigan looks to jump near the top of his list along with the local favorite, USC. He’s looking to visit this summer with teammate Boss Tagaloa, and if the staff blows them away, I could see the duo ending up in the Maize and Blue on NSD.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Naseir Upshur, Cary Angeline, Thaddeus Moss, Luke Farrell, Jacob Mathis
9. OT: Erik Swenson, 6’7” 285lbs. Downers Grove, IL (Downers Grove South)
– The first commitment of the class is a life long Michigan fan and will have the chance to not only don the Maize and Blue, but become a star on the offensive line. Swenson has all of the characteristics of the elite offensive tackles Michigan has produced over the last 20+ years.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- Highlights
10. OL: Ben Bredeson, 6’5” 275lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead HS)
– Bredeson is the top offensive line target on several team’s boards, including Michigan’s. He has the elite skill and size to be a star at just about any spot on the line. With the familiarity he has with the program thanks to the previous staff, as well as his brother joining the 2015 Michigan baseball recruiting class, things are looking very good for Michigan here. He’s expected to visit again this spring, which gives Harbaugh and company a chance to move to the top of his list for good.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Michael Jordan, Alex Akingbulu, Cameron Kolwich, EJ Price, Cole Van Lanen, Josh Sills, Jack Wohlabaugh
11. OG: Terrance Davis, 6’4” 305lbs. Hyattsville, MD (DeMatha)
– Davis is one of the top offensive guards in the country and near the top of the board for the staff. He visited for the Spring Game with several members of his family and told me he had a great time. Thanks to the opportunities on and off the field in Ann Arbor, most believe that Michigan now leads for the talented East Coaster. As for a commitment, it could come at any time but he is looking to visit other schools.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Michael Jordan, Cameron Kolwich, EJ Price, Cole Van Lanen, Josh Sills, Jack Wohlabaugh
12. OG/NT: Michael Onwenu, 6’2” 300lbs, Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
– Onwenu is one of the top players in the Midwest thanks to his versatility and dominance on both sides of the ball. While Hoke’s staff targeted him as a nose tackle, Coach Drevno wants him at offensive guard and thanks to the relationship the staff has quickly built with the Cass Tech star, things are looking better and better for Michigan here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Michael Jordan, Cameron Kolwich, EJ Price, Cole Van Lanen, Josh Sills, Jack Wohlabaugh
13. NT/DT: Boss Tagaloa, 6’3” 295lbs. Concord, CA (De La Salle)
– Tagaloa is one of the latest interior lineman to land an offer from the staff and it’s one that made a big impact on his recruitment. After landing his offer from Harbaugh, he told Go Blue Wolverine’s he was at a loss for words ($). Being a big fan of Harbaugh’s while in San Francisco has helped him see what his future could possibly hold. Add in his desire to play college ball with teammate Devin Asiasi and their plan to visit Ann Arbor, and I believe Michigan has a good shot at landing the De La Salle duo.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Naquan Jones, Chris Daniels
14. DT: Rashan Gary, 6’4” 280lbs. Scott Plains, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
– The #1 player in the country and #1 player on the Michigan recruiting board, Gary is a dominant defensive lineman that has the size and power to play on the inside but also the athleticism and speed to be a pass rusher. He has been targeted by the Wolverines for a long time but it looked like a pipe dream until Harbaugh came on board and hired his high school coach and good family friend, Chris Patridge. The two met back up when Gary visited at the end of March, and from reports, he really liked his visit and could lead for him (per Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Naquan Jones, Chris Daniels
15. DE: Ron Johnson Jr, 6’4” 240lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)
Johnson (left) and Hawkins (right)
– Johnson is an under the radar recruit for most Michigan fans but that may need to change as he visited with the other New Jersey targets at the end of March, and had a great time. He spoke Sam Webb about his trip and admitted he thought about committing ($). He also said that he wants to play college ball with teammate and top Michigan WR target Brad Hawkins. So, if the coaches continue to make them top priorities, I really like their chances at landing the Camden duo.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Josh King, Connor Murphy, Rahssan Thornton, Jeffrey McCulloch
16. DE/OLB: Khalid Kareem, 6’4” 252lbs. Farminton, MI (Harrison)
– Kareem is one of the top players in the state and one of the most offered defensive ends in the country. While he holds offers from every B1G and was committed to Michigan State for a brief minute, he has become a mainstay in Ann Arbor since the coaching change. Mix that in with his desire to go to a school with great academics, the fact that he’s very good friends with fullback commit David Reese and the emergence of similar prospect Lawrence Marshall, and I believe he ends up in the Maize and Blue (though it’ll be a tough pull).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Josh King, Connor Murphy, Rahssan Thornton, Jeffrey McCulloch, Julian Okwara
17. DE/OLB: Xavier Kelly, 6’5” 230lbs. Wichita, KS (East)
– Kelly is one of the most athletic defensive ends in the country (also stars on the basketball court) and has become a top target for Michigan. He was committed to Kansas State for a bit, but when the Wolverines came calling, he decommitted and quickly added them to this top three. In an interview with The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown, Kelly raved about Michigan and why they’re among his top teams($). He let me know he’ll be on campus in June and I believe everyone will be on #CommitWatch that weekend.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: June
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Josh King, Connor Murphy, Rahssan Thornton, Jeffrey McCulloch, Julian Okwara
18. LB: Camilo Eifler, 6’2” 210lbs. Oakland, CA (Bishop O Dowd)
– Eifler is one of the most physically impressive high school athletes in the country and looks to be very high on the staff’s linebacker board. He visited right after the Spring Game and looked to have an amazing time (via Twitter) and ended up giving Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz ($) and The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown ($) glowing remarks on the Maize and Blue. While he isn’t planning on committing until after his senior season/taking his 5 official visits, I believe Michigan is in fantastic shape to land his commitment at the end of the day.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Devin Bush Jr, Caleb Kelly, Jeffrey McCulloch, Will Small, Erroll Thompson
19. LB: Dontavious Jackson, 6’2” 248lbs. Houston, TX (Alief Elsik)
– Jackson is a prototypical MIKE linebacker and defensive enforcer. He is a heavy hitter that plays with great passion and Michigan is looking to bring in to be the face of their defense. And according to Steve Lorenz’s sources, the Wolverines may be his leader at the moment ($) thanks to an amazing, 5 day visit to the Great Lakes state. It’s still early for the national target but with the successful visit, the staff’s need for interior linebackers and his teammate, Chris Brown, also being very high on the Wolverines, I really like the chances of him wearing the winged helmet at the next level.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Devin Bush Jr, Caleb Kelly, Jeffrey McCulloch, Will Small, Erroll Thompson
20. LB: Dele’ Harding, 6’1” 218lbs. Elkton, MD (Eastern Christian)
– Harding pulled the trigger on his commitment to Michigan right after Coach Hoke was fired, which is very strange but let people know that he is committing to the University and program, not a coach. And though he’s been pretty quiet outside of his spring game visit, he looks to be very solid with his commitment.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- Highlights
21. LB: Jonathan Jones, 6’2” 220lbs. Orlando, FL (Oak Ridge)
– Jones is another recruit that should skyrocket up the recruiting rankings in the not-so-distant future. He has been dominating every camp he’s attended, including landing an invite to The Opening and being named the Linebacker MVP at both the Orlando Opening Regional camp and the Rivals Speed and Strength Challenge in Orlando. And at both events, he let it be known that Michigan is his leader and has already planned his official visit to Ann Arbor for October 25th. But look out for him to try and get onto campus this summer, and if that happens, we’ll be on #CommitWatch.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Highlights
- Other Options: Devin Bush Jr, Caleb Kelly, Jeffrey McCulloch, Will Small, Erroll Thompson
22. CB: Lavert Hill, 5’10” 170lbs. Detroit, MI (King)
– Hill surprisingly committed to the Nittany Lions on an unofficial visit at the end of January and looked to be very solid, until the Michigan spring game. He returned to campus on a secret visit that only few knew was happening (including Scout’s Allen Trieu and 247’s Steve Lorenz), and now could be a very possible flip ($).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Penn State (Very Good)
- Highlights
- Other Options: Tony Butler, David Long Jr, Wayne Davis, Shyheim Carter
23. CB/ATH: Korey Banks Jr, 6’0” 175lbs. Tyrone, GA (Sandy Creek)
– Banks has burst onto the Michigan recruiting scene after quickly landing an offer while on an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor in late March. Even though he said multiple times afterwards that he didn’t have a leader, multiple 247 Crystal Ball predictions came in right away for the Maize and Blue. An SEC offer could possibly change things, but right now, Michigan looks to be the team to beat. If he ends up with the Wolverines, he’s a good candidate to play in all three facets of the game (corner, receiver and returner).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Highlights
- Other Options: Tony Butler, David Long Jr, Wayne Davis, Shyheim Carter
24. S: Chris Brown, 5’11” 183lbs. Houston, TX (Alief Elsik)
– Brown is one of the more underrated players on the Michigan recruiting board and happens to be teammates and good friends with LB Dontavious Jackson. He was also on the Spring Game visit and looked to have a fantastic time, as well. Add that in with the Wolverines being his first/biggest offer (along with MSU), and I really like the chances of Michigan getting the Houston duo.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jordan Fuller, Demetric Vance, CJ Pollard, Andrew Pryts
25. K: Quinn Nordin, 6’1” 200lbs. Rockford, MI (Rockford)
– Nordin is the nation’s #1 kicker, according to Kornblue Kicking, and landed his Michigan offer while visiting for the Spring Game. Though he says both Penn State and Michigan are at the top of his list, 11 analysts have already put in predictions for the Maize and Blue. Add in him telling Go Blue Wolverine’s Sam Webb that most of his family are Michigan fans and he’s good friends with new commit David Reese ($), and I believe he chooses Michigan in the not-so-distant future.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Highlights
- Excellent = Top team, likely to join class
- Very Good = Top Three, very possible
- Good = Top Five, possible
- Low = Outside Top Teams, not very likely at the moment
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