Team 137 Best Guess Recruiting Class: July 15th

Since my last 2016 Best Guess Recruiting Class, the staff has been on an absolute roll. Picking up 15 commitments this summer alone, the class is at 21 commitments and likely growing in the near future.

There are expected to be between 4-7 spots available but there are plenty of rumblings about a couple future decommitments. While you hope every commit stays on board, the world of recruiting isn’t always that easy. That is why I subtracted two current members of the class in LB Dele Harding and ATH David Reese.

  • Harding was one of the 3 holdover commitments from the Hoke era and has been pretty quiet throughout his recruitment. However, TMI’s Sam Webb first hinted at the possibility of him going elsewhere and now the first 247Sports’ crystal ball prediction has come in for West Virginia.
  • Reese was one of the Harbaugh’s first additions to the 2016 class and looked to be a perfect fit at fullback in the staff’s power running offense. However, Reese wants to play linebacker at the next level, and while I believe he’d be a nice fit at inside LB and the staff has let him know that he will start out there, it looks like a guarantee to play and stay at LB is what could win out in the end. After speaking with him, he is still expecting to enroll at Michigan this winter but is keeping his options open.
  • There is also a good chance that CB commit Benjimin St-Juste is a member of the 2017 class.
  • On top of decommitments, according to 247Wolverine’s Steve Lorenz, there could already be some grayshirts in place within the current commitments ($).

Now, it wouldn’t shock me to see both Harding and Reese stay on and sign with Michigan but from all of the rumblings, it looks more than likely a couple decommitments take place before National Signing Day.

As for the rest of the class, here is my latest edition of the Team 137 Best Guess Recruiting Class:

1. QB: Brandon Peters, 6’5” 205lbs. Avon, IN (Avon)

(via Avon High School/Freep.com)

(via Avon High School/Freep.com)

– 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. Expect him to come in and compete right away for the starting job.

  • Commitment Date: April 4th, 2015
  • Story
  • First on List: March 2015
  • Highlights

2. RB: Kingston Davis, 6’1” 225lbs. Prattville, AL (Prattville) 

(via Albert Cesare/ Montgomery Advertiser)

(via Albert Cesare/ Montgomery Advertiser)

– 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. And yes, he will be a running back in college.

  • Commitment Date: April 6th, 2015
  • Story
  • First on List: April 2015
  • Highlights

3. RB: Matt Falcon, 6’1″ 215lbs. Southfield, MI (Southfield)

(via Brian Quintos/The D Zone)

(via Brian Quintos/The D Zone)

– 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 built, he didn’t waste too much time and committed to the Wolverines after his spring game visit. Look for him to become the leader of the in-state recruiting moving forward.

  • Commitment Date: April 8th, 2015
  • Story
  • First on List: September 2014
  • Highlights

4. WR: Brad Hawkins, 6’2” 200lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden) 

(via NJ.com)

(via NJ.com)

– Hawkins is one of the premier receivers in the country and has the size and athleticism they’re looking for, and reminds me a bit of former Wolverine WR Marquise Walker. He decided to pull the trigger and join the Michigan class just a week after his teammate, DE Ron Johnson, joined the class.

5. WR: Ahmir Mitchell, 6’3” 206lbs. Egg Harbor City, NJ (Cedar Creek)

Sharon Stabley/PressOfAtlanticCity)

(via Sharon Stabley/PressOfAtlanticCity)

– Mitchell is another New Jersey product that the new staff made a priority. He has elite size and athleticism but is very raw as a receiver. And he has been showing Michigan a ton of love recently, with most believing they are the team to beat. With his friends and fellow Jersey recruits already on board, it just looks like a matter of time before he’s a Wolverine.

  • Offer: Yes 
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Decision Date: TBD (Expected this summer)
  • First on List: September 2014
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Jack Jones, Donald Stewart, Dez Fitzpatrick, Dylan Crawford, Dredrick Snelson

6. TE: Naseir Upshur, 6’3” 235lbs. Philadelphia, PA (Imhotep Institute)

(via Rick O'Brien/Philly.com)

(via Rick O’Brien/Philly.com)

– Upshur is the most likely tight end on the board to end up in the class thank to his relationship he’s built with Jay Harbaugh. The two have become very close and it looks like it’s paying off as he quickly set an announcement date after returning home from a trip to Ann Arbor. While he says he’s going to slow it down a bit and has plans to visit Alabama and Florida State, I still believe he chooses the Wolverines on August 8th or whenever he decides.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
  • Decision Date: TBD/August 8th
  • First on List: March 2014
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Isaac Nauta, Devin Asiasi, Jacob Mathis

7. TE: Sean McKeon, 6’5” 227lbs. Dudley, MA (Shepard Hill) 

hudl.com/athlete/2167128/sean-mckeon

(Via Hudl.com/athlete/2167128/sean-mckeon)

– McKeon is an old school tight end that can make plays as both a pass catcher and run blocker. He is underrated at the moment but thanks to his commitment to Michigan, most analysts have given his tape a closer look and it looks like he should be rising up the rankings this fall.

8. OT: Erik Swenson, 6’7” 285lbs. Downers Grove, IL (Downers Grove South)

(via 247sports.com)

(via 247sports.com)

– 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.

  • Commitment Date: 11/25/2013
  • Story
  • First on List: January 2014
  • Highlights

9. OL: Ben Bredeson, 6’5” 275lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead HS)

(via Russ Pulvermacher/waukeshanow)

(via Russ Pulvermacher/waukeshanow)

– 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, he decided to join the Wolverines recruiting class as, arguably, their biggest offensive addition.

10. OT: Devery Hamilton, 6’7” 290lbs. Baltimore, MD (Gilman) 

(via scout.com)

(via scout.com)

– Hamilton is a big time get for the staff. Though he’s a big raw (thanks to playing both defensive end and tackle in high school), he has that size and athleticism combo that gives him the look of a future standout. As for his exact position, he could play either side of the line but I like him at left tackle.

11. OG: Michael Onwenu, 6’4” 370lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

(via Canesight.com)

(via Canesight.com)

– Onwenu is a monster lineman that has the size and athleticism to be a dominant player on either side of the ball. However, Michigan sold him on being an offensive guard and the opportunity he’ll have to be a pillar in the teams future power running offense.

  • Commitment Date: June 3rd, 2015
  • Story
  • First on List: March 2014
  • Highlights

12. OG: Terrance Davis, 6’4” 315lbs. Hyattsville, MD (DeMatha) 

(via Hudl.com)

(via Hudl.com)

– I was very close to moving Davis off of the list and replacing him with one of the “Other Options” thanks to him expecting to make a decision after he takes his visits this fall. However, he clearly loves Michigan and continues to speak very highly of the Wolverines. If the staff pushes for a decision or he sees his spot possibly going elsewhere, I believe he could pull the trigger. Though this is not as much of a slam dunk as it was before, so make sure to keep an eye on this final offensive line spot.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • First on List: April 2015 
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Jean Delance,JohnCarlo Valentin, Landon Dickerson, EJ Price

13. DT: Rashan Gary, 6’4” 280lbs. Scott Plains, NJ (Paramus Catholic)

Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media

(via Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media)

– The #1 player in the country and #1 player on the 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 and things are looking excellent for Harbaugh to bring in the nation’s top player. He’s visited Ann Arbor twice, including once with his mother, and from all reports, it went extremely well. It should take some time, but I believe Gary will be apart of this class.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Decision Date: TBD
  • First on List: August 2014
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Chris Daniels, Boss Tagaloa

14. DLRashad Weaver, 6’5” 245lbs. Cooper City, FL (Cooper City)

(via @SleeperAthletes)

(via @SleeperAthletes)

– Weaver is a big, athletic end that has the size and ability to play either tight end or defensive end at the next level. And while most analysts believed he was being targeted for the offensive side of the ball, he let me know that the staff likes him purely as an athlete but I believe he’ll end up on the defensive line as an end/tackle, similar to former Oregon Duck DL Arik Armstead.

15. DE: Ron Johnson, 6’4” 240lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden) 

(via 247Sports.com)

(via 247Sports.com)

– Johnson is a big, physical lineman that has the size and power to play the strong side or even on the inside during passing plays and the athleticism to play the weakside. That versatility was a question mark for awhile but it’s why he is a nice fit in Michigan’s defense as Durkin can move him all over to create matchup problems.

16. DE: Connor Murphy, 6’7” 250lbs. Phoenix, AZ (Brophy College Prep) 

hudl.com/

(via hudl.com)

– Murphy is a long, athletic defensive end that looks to fit Harbaugh’s defensive style and personality perfectly. He’s the younger brother of former Stanford standout, Trent Murphy, and has a very close connection to Coach Harbaugh. In an interview with Rivals, he said Harbaugh is “like a father figure” ($). If he makes it to campus this summer, I believe he could make a quick decision.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No (late summer)
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Decision Date: Planning for After his Senior Season
  • First on List: February 2015
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Caleb Kelly, Terrell Lucas, Patrick Bethel, Levi Onwuzurike, Carlo Kemp

17. DE/OLB: Xavier Kelly, 6’5” 255lbs. Wichita, KS (East) 

(via @xavierkelly22/Twitter)

(via @xavierkelly22/Twitter)

– Kelly is quickly becoming a fan favorite and one of the top players on the board. He’s easily one of the most athletic players in the country and at that size, he has the looks of a 1st round pick. His dad is a fan of the Wolverines and from Detroit (with family still there), and that could be one of the biggest factors in his decision. This recruitment will likely go on for awhile with every top program taking a run at him.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Decision Date: TBD
  • First on List: March 2015
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Caleb Kelly, Terrell Lucas, Mique Juarez, Levi Onwuzurike, Carlo Kemp, Jonathan Jones

18. LB: Devin Bush Jr, 6’1” 220lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan) 

(via Devin Bush Jr/OregonLive)

(via Devin Bush Jr/OregonLive)

– Bush Jr is one of the top players on the board and it just looks like a matter of time before his pulls the trigger for Michigan. I’ve been hearing and reading rumblings of his commitment/silent commitment for awhile now so I would actually be shocked if he chose FSU or anyone else when he makes his decision in mid-August (per 247Sports’ Josh Newberg).

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Decision Date: Mid-August
  • First on List: June 2015
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Dele Harding, David Reese, Jonathan Jones, Caleb Kelly, Erroll Thompson 

19. LB: Dontavious Jackson, 6’2” 248lbs. Houston, TX (Alief Elsik)

todaysu.com

(via todaysu.com)

– 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 have been his leader ($) thanks to an amazing, 5 day visit to the Great Lakes state. There were even rumors of a silent commitment. However, things look to have cooled a bit but with a very likely official visit to Ann Arbor, I believe the staff could seal the deal, especially with a successful season.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Decision Date: TBD
  • First on List: April 2015
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Dele Harding, David Reese, Jonathan Jones, Caleb Kelly, Erroll Thompson 

20. LB: Dytarious Johnson, 6’1” 215lbs. Prattville, AL (Prattville)

(via hudl.com/athlete/3344048/dytarious-johnson)

(via hudl.com)

– Johnson is a hard nosed linebacker that has the athleticism and speed to make plays from sideline to sideline. While he may not be the highest rated player in the class, he has all the makings of a very good college player thanks to his instincts and athleticism.

21. CB: Antwaine Richardson, 6’0” 170lbs. Delray Beach, FL (Atlantic) 

http://prepbuilders.com/

(via prepbuilders.com/)

-Richardson is a long, athletic, play making corner that has the ability to match up with top receivers on opposing teams and win the jump ball. That is a big reason why the staff felt like he was needed in this class. The cornerback depth chart will be in shambles after 2015, especially corners with enough size to match up with big, tall receivers.

22. CB: Sir Patrick Scott, 6’2” 190lbs. Upper Marlboro, MD (Riverdale) 

(via Scout.com)

(via Scout.com)

– Not only is Sir Patrick Scott one of the best names in the class but he’s also one of the biggest surprise additions to the list. I had Tony Butler here for awhile but with Butler deciding to wait until August or September to make a decision, I believe Scott could grab the last defensive back spot while visiting for the Barbecue on August 2nd.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: August 2nd
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Decision Date: TBD
  • First on List: Now
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Tony Butler, Jack Jones, Chris Brown, Lavert Hill, Eric Cuffee, LaMar Jackson 

23. S: Josh Metellus, 6’0” 185lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan) 

@SleeperAthletes

(via @SleeperAthletes)

– Metellus is a hardhitting safety out of Flanagan HS that landed his offer from the staff after a standout performance at the Miami satellite camp. Thanks to that offer, he quickly joined his teammates on a visit to Ann Arbor and had such a great time that he decommitted from Georgia Southern while on the trip and joined the Wolverines’ class just days later.

24. S: Devin Gil, 6’1” 205lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan) 

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3537545/devin-gil

(via Hudl.com)

– Gil had been committed to Miami since January but within the first 12 hours of being on Michigan’s campus, he decided to decommit. After that decision, everyone saw the next move coming as he committed to Harbaugh and the Wolverines right after teammate and DB partner Josh Metellus jumped on board.

25. ATH: Kiante Enis, 6’1” 200lbs. Winchester, IN (Winchester)

(via Joshua Smith Richmond Palladium-Item)

(via Joshua Smith Richmond Palladium-Item)

– Enis is one of the latest offers from the staff and looks to be a very realistic 3rd running back/athlete for the class. He has the size and athleticism to contribute right away at multiple positions. And quickly after his performance at the Indianapolis satellite camp, he decided to pull the trigger and join Harbaugh’s first full class.

26. ATH: Chris Evans, 5’11” 186lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Ben Davis)

Doug McSchooler Associated Press

(via Doug McSchooler Associated Press)

– Evans is that home run hitting threat that the offense and special teams has been missing. However, he may end up at cornerback. It remains to be seen where exactly the staff sees his future but I imagine him seeing time in all three facets of the game while in the Maize and Blue.

27. ATH: Victor Viramontes, 6’2” 220lbs. Norco, CA (Norco) 

via Press Enterprise

(via Press Enterprise)

Viramontes is a tough, duel-threat quarterback that has the “it” factor you look for in recruits, and showed off that fire and skill in front of the staff during the satellite camp tour. He’s a star quarterback in high school and could stick to QB in college but if he wants to see the field faster, it’ll likely be at halfback, linebacker or safety.

28. ATH: Keyshawn Young, 5’11” 175lbs. Miami, FL (Senior) 

(via Fansided/ The Miami Herald)

(via Fansided/ The Miami Herald)

– Michigan is looking to add dynamic players to the roster and Young is one of the more underrated athletes in the country. He has the ability to be a game changer at both wide receiver and cornerback, which is perfect since the staff needs playmakers at both positions. And it looks like they have a real shot at landing the South Florida star. The offer from the Wolverines was huge for ‘Pie” as he is close friends with the Flanagan trio (Gil, Metellus & Bush Jr) and as already been talking to them about playing together in college. If he makes it to campus on August 2nd with Metellus, Michigan could become a favorite.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Decision Date: TBD
  • First on List: Now
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Jack Jones, Lavert Hill, Korey Banks, LaMar Jackson, Dylan Crawford, Donald Stewart 

*29. CB: Benjamin St-Juste, 6’3” 170lbs. Montreal, Quebec (Cegep du Vieux) 

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1385857/benjamin-st-juste

(via Hudl.com)

– Benj Juste, as he’s called, is a long, raw, athletic cornerback that uses his length and strength to bully receivers and blockers in the Great White North. And he put that skill on display at the ExposureU camp in Ann Arbor, which caught the staff’s eye. Quickly after landing his offer, he committed but to which class? After speaking with him, he didn’t know when he’d be joining the Wolverines and there are plenty of rumors that he’ll end up apart of the 2017 class.

Projected Class Ranking: 280.62 (per 247Sports)

– This score is before several targets receive a bit of a recruiting boost from their commitments, summer camp performances, and senior seasons. So, while this score would have given them the #7 class in the nation and #1 in the Big Ten in 2015, the class’ final score could be much higher by National Signing Day.

Next On the List:

  1. ATH David Reese
  2. LB Dele Harding
  3. CB Tony Butler
  4. OG JohnCarlo Valentin
  5. OLB Caleb Kelly
  6. LB Jonathan Jones
  7. OL Landon Dickerson
  8. ATH Jack Jones
  9. DE Terrell Lucas
  10. CB Chris Brown
  11. OT Jean Delance
  12. WR Dredrick Snelson
  13. OT EJ Price
  14. WR Dez Fitzpatrick
Garrett Fishaw