Team 137 Best Guess Recruiting Class: July 26th

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

After landing their QB, the 2016 Michigan recruiting class is starting to gain speed. They have a cornerstone tackle and underrated but extremely talented quarterback to build around, and those guys are doing that. Swenson and deWeaver have already started courting some of the top talent in the country, which is looking like it could go a very long way.

The two commits have their targets, which include top talent across the country and several players from Michigan and the Midwest. If they can land their main guys, this class could be one of the best in the country. See who we think will be apart of the Team 136 class:

1. QB Messiah deWeaver, 6’4” 205lbs. Dayton, OH (Trotwood-Madison)

de Weaver is a very accurate, that has great pocket presence. He has an above average arm that is getting stronger with natural growth, weight lifting and the tightening up of his mechanics, is class valedictorian, and reminds me a lot of former Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford. After showing out in front of Nussmeier for four days, deWeaver was offered and was a Michigan commit within a couple hours.

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

2. TB: Elijah Holyfield, 5’11” 190lbs. Atlanta, GA (Woodward Academy)

As one of the most physically impressive 2016 recruits, Elijah Holyfield is a Pit Bull type of a back that would fit Nussmeier\’s offense perfectly. 2016 commit Messiah deWeaver has been talking with Holyfield and WR Austin Mack about joining forces at Michigan, and it\’s rumored to be gaining a little steam. With Holyfield set to visit for two days, including the BBQ, it gives the staff and commits the perfect chance to put the Wolverines on top.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Robert Washington, Martell Pettaway, Matt Falcon, Elijah Holyfield, Miles Sanders, Kareem Walker

3. TB: Kentrail Moran, 5\’10\’\’ 180lbs. O\’Fallon, IL (O\’Fallon HS)

One of the recruits I am sure of about landing in this class, if offered, Moran has a ton of interest in the Wolverines and is a great fit for Nussmeier\’s offense. He is an all-purpose back that can run in between and outside the tackles. Once he landed his offer, he admitted that Michigan was #1. I fully expect Moran to be the first tailback to join the class.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Near Future
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very, Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Robert Washington, Martell Pettaway, Matt Falcon, Elijah Holyfield, Miles Sanders

4. FB: Antwand Wilson, 5\’9\’\’ 215lbs. Dayton, OH (Charminade Julienne)

This is a guess all the way but Houma and Kerridge will be graduating and Shallman will be the only fullback left on the roster. Wilson is a good power back that will be moved to fullback in college. He is right in Ohio and would be a very good fit.

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

5. WR: 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 shown Michigan a ton of interest. He\’s one of many \”quick commit\” possibilities.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Kalebb Perry, Donnie Corley, Steven Smothers, Jalen Martin, TJ Chase, Scott Bracey

6. WR: Austin Mack, 6\’2\’\’ 205lbs. Fort Wayne, IN (Bishop Luers HS)

The #1 player in Indiana for 2016, Mack is a very talented, physical receiver. He uses his size and strong hands to make catches all over the field. Lucky for Michigan, an offer from the Wolverine staff is what he wanted more than any other. Once that offer was extended, they jumped to the top of his list, like predicted. It will be a familiar battle for his commitment as OSU and Notre Dame are the biggest competitors, but in the end, I think he goes blue.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, Top 2
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Kalebb Perry, Donnie Corley, Steven Smothers, Jalen Martin, TJ Chase, Scott Bracey

7. WR: Donnie Corley, 6’2” 170lbs. Wyandotte, MI (Roosevelt HS)

Corley is one of the more impressive recruits in the state and Midwest thanks to his playmaking ability and great hands. He has yet to earn an offer from Michigan but I feel like another year of film will give the coaches everything they need to extend an offer. If/when that happens, the Wolverines should be at the top of the list.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Emmanuel Rugamba, Steven Smothers, Jalen Martin, TJ Chase, Scott Bracey

8. TE Naseir Upshur, 6’3” 231lbs. Philadelphia, PA (Imhotep Institute)

Upshur is another old school tight end that Tight End Coach Ferrigno loves; Big, strong blocking tight with good hands. He has been in contact with the staff for a long time and let us know he was \”very excited\” when he finally received his offer. He will be visiting for the BBQ and I believe that could put the Wolverines on top for good.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Luke Farrell, Isaac Nauta, Kaden Smith, Jake Hausmann

9. OT 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.

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

10. OT: Clark Yarbrough, 6’5” 255lbs. Woodberry Forest, VA (Woodberry Forest)

Yarbrough is a name that hasn\’t received the attention that he deserves. He is highly rated and one of the top talents in the country. He also happens to have big interest in the Wolverines and will be visiting for the 2nd time in a month for the BBQ. If the coaches knock another visit out of the park, Michigan may be the team to beat for his services.

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

11. OL Thiyo Lukusa, 6\’5\’\’ 300lbs. Traverse City, MI (Traverse City West)

The Traverse City West product is extremely high on the Wolverines and almost was a commitment this spring. However, the coaches told him to slow down and check out every school first. I don\’t think they want any more George Campbell and Damien Harris situations. As for Lukusa, he has the size and agility that any coach would love, especially a power run team like Michigan. Reminds me a little of Larry Warford from the Detroit Lions.

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

12. OT Michael Jordan, 6\’6\’\’ 265lbs. Canton, MI (Plymouth HS) 

One of the fastest rising juniors in the class, Jordan has been showing out at summer camps this year. But the athletic offensive tackle had yet to see an offer until Michigan extended one following the Michigan technique camp. He isn\’t trying to make a quick decision but it\’s said that this was his \”dream offer\”. If the BBQ visit goes extremely well, watch out.

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

13. OL: Ben Bredeson, 6’5” 255lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead HS)

Easily one of the most talented prospects in the class, Bredeson has the ability to be a star on the inside or outside. And the staff knows that, which is why they have made him a top target. With his recruitment likely coming down to his home state Badgers, OSU, Notre Dame and Michigan, it looks like the Wolverines have the best shot at pulling him away from Wisconsin. Another BBQ visit will surely help the cause.

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

14. DE Josh King, 6\’6\’\’ 250lbs. 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, Janarius Robinson, Khalid Kareem, Kyree Campbell

15. DL 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 possibly be a commitment soon after an offer.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Rashan Gary, Dexter Lawrence, Kendall Jones

16. LB Dele’ Harding, 6’1” 218lbs. Elkton, MD (Eastern Christian) 

Two years of camping and visiting Ann Arbor has opened up the eyes of Harding, who happens to be the former teammate of Team 135 freshmen Freddy Canteen and Brandon Watson. His athleticism and aggressiveness gives him the ability to play the MIKE or WILL. Given his love for Coach Mattison and the Wolverine program, it looks like a matter of time before he commits.

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

17. OLB: Daelin Hayes, 6’2” 210lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (St. Mary’s Prep)

There aren\’t many recruits that have blown up quite like Hayes. He is an elite athlete that make plays from all over the place, which is ironic because that is how his recruitment has been. Hayes nearly committed to the Wolverines in April, then had Notre Dame at the top of the list, and is now high on USC. With another visit to Ann Arbor planned (BBQ), look for the coaching staff to do their best to show him why he nearly committed in the first place.

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

18. CB Lavert Hill, 5\’11\’\’ 165lbs. 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. If keeps growing, he could be one of the top rated corners in the class.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: LaVonta Taylor, Jordan Overton, Hasise Dubois, Julian Love, Taurus Carroll 

19. CB Patrice Rene, 6’1” 180lbs. Ontario, Canada (St. Peter Catholic) 

The Ontario star has burst on the scene thanks to great showings a summer camps. His size and athleticism allows him to dominate receivers, which makes him a perfect fit in Mattison\’s defense. After visiting in June, it looks like Michigan may have jumped near or at the top of his list. Add in the fact that he wants to play in college with his two of his good friends, 2017 WR Jonathan Sutherland and DE Luiji Vilain, who are also high on the Wolverines. Add in his love for Charles Woodson and I think Rene ends up in Ann Arbor.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Treyjohn Butler, Jordan Overton, Hasise Dubois, Levonta Taylor, Taurus Carroll 

20. DB Tyrece Speaight, 5\’11\’\’ 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: Jonah Morris, Keevon Harris, Michah Croom, Tru Wilson, Keyvone Bruton

21. S: Stefan Claiborne, 6’1” 170lbs. Clinton Township, MI (Chippewa Valley) 

ESPN seems to be the only recruiting service that has taken notice to Clairborne\’s film. The talented safety can make plays all over the field and should get the offers after his junior year. If/when Michigan comes calling, I believe they will be one of the top schools from day one.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Jonah Morris, Keevon Harris, Michah Croom, Tru Wilson, Keyvone Bruton
Garrett Fishaw
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