Team 137 Best Guess Recruiting Class: April 28th

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

The 2015 class is expected to be a small one and the 2016 class isn\’t expected to get much bigger. However, there are 18 seniors graduating in 2016 and there will likely be more spots available via attrition (likely around 20-22).

Michigan\’s coaches have hit the road harder than I can remember and it is clearly already working. They have developed great relationships with several of the top players in the country and, especially, the Midwest.

This class could be filled up very early thanks to the talent in the Midwest and the job the staff has done so far.
This class is a long time away but the staff has a head start. Check out our latest Best Guess 2016 Recruiting Class:

1. QB: 4* Messiah deWeaver, 6\’3\’\’ 180lbs. Dayton, OH (Trotwood-Madison)

The one 2016 QB the coaching staff is really focused on, de Weaver is a very accurate, pocket passer that can move in the pocket. His skills and playing style reminds me of Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford. Either way, Michigan would be getting a fantastic talent. If offered, he could be a quick commit to help get the QB position locked up.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good (if offered)
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: KJ Costello, Malik Henry, Shea Patterson, Jarrett Guarantano, Sonny Abramson

2. RB: 4* Kentrail Moran, 5\’10\’\’ 195lbs. O\’Fallon, IL (O\’Fallon HS)

The Michigan fan is one of the best players in the Midwest for 2016 and is a favorite to be apart of this class. He has the aggressive, strong running style that the coaches love. I believe he will be offered sooner or later, and when that happens, there is a good chance at a commitment in the not too distant future. The staff let him know that he was the top guy on their running back board.

Offer: Not Yet

  • Visit: Planned for May
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Robert Washington, Kareem Walker, Matt Falcon, Elijah Holyfield

3. RB: 4* Martell Pettaway, 5\’11\’\’ 185lbs. Saint Clair Shores, MI (South Lake)

The local product will very likely be the #1 RB and player in the state of Michigan. He doesn\’t have top end speed but he is built like a Wolverine and can cut better than most. Expect him to be a top target for the staff from here on out.

  • Offer: Not Yet
  • Visit: Yes, Many Times
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Robert Washington, Kareem Walker, Matt Falcon, Elijah Holyfield

4. FB: 3* Antwand Wilson, 5\’10\’\’ 215lbs. Dayton, OH (Chaminade Julienne HS)

I\’m taking a total shot in the dark on this one, but the staff will need to add a new fullback with Houma and Kerridge graduating and I think Wilson would be a solid pick up. He has the build and aggressiveness to play the pure fullback position.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights

5. WR: 3* Desmond Fitzpatrick, 6\’1\’\’ 175lbs. Farmington, MI (Farmington)

The state is loaded with wide receiver prospects for 2016 and Fitzpatrick looks like the best option to Go Blue (even though they all seem very possible). He is a smooth, polished receiver for his age and has showed Michigan a ton of interest. He\’s one of many \”quick commit\” possibilities.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good (if offered)
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Kalebb Perry, Emmanuel Rugamba, Austin Mack, TJ Chase

6. WR: 4* Scott Bracey, 6\’3\’\’ 195lbs. Richmond, VA (Benedictine)

The Michigan coaches have made it a point to move out east and they have done a fantastic job. Jabrill Peppers, Freddy Canteen, Wilton Speight, Garrett Taylor, and now, possibly Scott Bracey. He is a big time talent and has elite size that any quarterback would love. Luckily, the Wolverines got in early and may have him on campus soon. His high school is big on football and academics so many think Michigan is the perfect fit.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Soon
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Good (if offered)
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Kalebb Perry, Emmanuel Rugamba, Austin Mack, TJ Chase

7. WR: 4* Jalen Martin, 6\’2\’\’ 190lbs. Harper Woods, MI (Chandler Park Academy)

Out of the same school at 2013 commit Csont\’e York, Martin is a bit bigger and more polished as a receiver. He has become a consistent visitor and seems to really like the Wolverines. If/when offered, Michigan very may well be his favorite, if they aren\’t already.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good (if offered)
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Kalebb Perry, Emmanuel Rugamba, Austin Mack, TJ Chase

8. WR: 3* Donnie Corley, 6\’2\’\’ 170lbs. Wyandotte, MI (Roosevelt HS)

The best pass catcher of the class (IMO), Corley is big, strong and could end up having the highest rating of all the local receivers. He showed out at the Best of the Midwest and has high interest in the Wolverines. It looks very likely that he will receive an offer in the not-so-distant future.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good (if offered)
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Kalebb Perry, Emmanuel Rugamba, Austin Mack, TJ Chase

9. TE: 5* Isaac Nauta, 6\’4\’\’ 240lbs. Buford, GA (Buford HS)

One of the top players in the nation, the \”Buford Bison\”, as Nauta\’s called, is a player that every staff in the country is going after. However, the Wolverines got in early, got him on campus and showed him everything they have to offer. This went a long way and now Michigan is definitely in his top schools, with some rumors out there that they could be the team to beat. He will be back on campus this summer to allow the rest of his family to enjoy Ann Arbor.
  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Good, Top 5
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Kaden Smith, Michael Robb, Nathan Skene, Marquise Guinn

10. OT: 4* Erik Swenson, 6\’7\’\’ 285lbs. Downers Grove, IL (Downers Grove South)

The first commit of the class, Swenson is an elite talent. With growth and strength conditioning, Swenson has the chance to be the next 1st round left tackle from the Wolverines. He\’s that talented. To make things even better, he has already said he will be the leader of the class and that he has a good relationship with many of the top targets, including Nauta and Lukusa.

  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
  • Highlights

11. OT: 4* Thiyo Lukusa, 6\’5\’\’ 300lbs. Traverse City, MI (Traverse City West)

The Traverse City West product is extremely high on the Wolverines and is very likely to be the next 2016 commitment. He has the size and agility that any coach would love, especially a power run team like Michigan.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very, Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Gregory Little, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Liam Eichenburg

12. OG: 5* Ben Bredeson, 6\’4\’\’ 255lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead HS)

Easily one of the best players in the Midwest, Bredeson is Wisconsin boy who has grown very familiar with the Michigan program. He is an elite lineman is a likely guard in college, but could slide to  tackle if he continues to grow.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes, Multiple Times
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, Top 2
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Gregory Little, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Liam Eichenburg

13. OG/OT: 5* Tommy Kraemer, 6\’5\’\’ 305lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Elder HS)

One of the top players in the country, Kraemer is an Ohioan that most people believe will be a Buckeye. However, they don\’t know that he actually grew up a Michigan fan and his dad coached some Wolverine players while they were in high school. An offer should be extended in the near future, and Michigan should be in this one until the end.
  • Offer: No
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Gregory Little, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Liam Eichenburg

14. WSDE: 4* Lawrence Gordon, 6\’6\’\’ 230lbs. Saginaw, MI (Arthur Hill)

Another local product (Yeah, Michigan is loaded in 2016), Gordon is a force on the line but extremely raw. He has not been offered yet, but it is rumored that if/when that happens he could be a quick commitment.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very, Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Joseph Jackson, Jonothan Cooper, Khalid Kareem, Chris Daniels

15. SSDE: 4* Josh King, 6\’6\’\’ 245lbs. Darien, IL (Hinsdale South HS)

Possibly the #1 player in Illinois, the Midwest, and one of the best in the nation, King is a stud defensive end that has the size and skill similar to previous top recruits. Luckily for Michigan, they have gotten in early and started a great relationship. When they offered, he expressed how excited he was and how much he loved Michigan and Ann Arbor when he visited.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Joseph Jackson, Jonathan Cooper, Khalid Kareem, Chris Daniels

16. SSDE/DT: 5* Prince Sammons, 6\’8\’\’ 260lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Hills Christian)

One of the most physically gifted players in the country, regardless of class, PMS (that\’s a horrible nickname) is a force on the line. He is raw but could play either DE, DT or OT and be a five star talent. Luckily for Michigan, he is very high on the Wolverines and could be a commitment (if offered) soon after an offer.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very, Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Rashan Gary, Dexter Lawrence, Garrett Rand, Michael Onwenu 

17. OLB: 4* Daelin Hayes, 6\’3\’\’ 210lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (St. Mary\’s Prep)

Whataya know, another Michigan prospect. Hayes is the next big thing out of Orchard Lake St. Mary\’s (Jame Ross III\’s school). He is very athletic and is being recruited as a linebacker, and could make his decision later this summer. All signs are pointing towards Michigan.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Extremely Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Shaquille Quaterman, Dele Harding, Tuf Borland, Noah Burks, Zack Sandwisch

18. LB: 4* Brendan Ferns, 6\’3\’\’ 212lbs. Saint Clairsville, OH (St. Clairsville)

Brother of 2014 commit, Michael, Brendan could be even better than his older brother who was the first commitment and leader of the class. It is not a sure-fire get for the Wolverines as he has a lot of interest in Penn State as well.
  • Offer: Not Yet
  • Visit: Multiple Times
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Shaquille Quaterman, Dele Harding, Tuf Borland, Noah Burks, Zack Sandwisch

19. MLB: 3* David Reese, 6\’1\’\’ 235lbs. Farmington, MI (Farmington HS)

One of the top recruits in the state, Reese is a prototypical MIKE linebacker and loves Greg Mattison. His tape is very impressive and he plays with an intensity similar to Ray Lewis, which i\’m sure Mattison is selling him on.

  • Offer: Not Yet
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Shaquille Quaterman, Dele Harding, Tuf Borland, Noah Burks, Zack Sandwisch

20. CB: 4* LaVert Hill, 5\’11\’\’ 185lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS)

The younger brother of 2013 safety commit Delano, LaVert is one of the top players in the state of Michigan and has the length to be a big time prospect and another top player out of Cass Tech. Thanks to his relationship and familiarity with the program, the Wolverines look to be the early favorites.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: LaVonta Taylor, Patrice Rene, Jordan Overton, Hasise Dubois, Julian Love, Taurus Carroll 


21. FS: 4* Tyrece Speaight, 5\’10\’\’ 175lbs. Akron, OH( St. Vincent-St. Mary)

One of the best players in Ohio for 2016, Speaight is an athletic defensive back that could play either corner or safety. Luckily for Michigan, he grew up rooting for the Wolverines and absolutely loved his visit to Ann Arbor. If an offer comes through, I think his decision could come before his senior season.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Stefan Claiborne, Jonah Morris, Keevon Harris, Michah Croom


22. SS: 3* Tru Wilson, 5\’11\’\’ 180lbs. Warren, MI (De La Salle HS)

One of the hardest hitting safeties in the class, Tru Wilson is out of the newest Michigan factory, De La Salle. With his former teammates in the Maize and Blue already, there is a good chance he could become a Wolverine, if offered.
  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Stefan Claiborne, Jonah Morris, Keevon Harris, Michah Croom
If you\’re wondering what this recruiting class will look like on the Way Too Early Team 137 Depth Chart, feel free to check it out!
Garrett Fishaw
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