Team 137 Best Guess Recruiting Class: June 25th

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

After the 2016 season, the Michigan staff will have plenty of holes to fill as their 27-man class in 2013 will be graduating, which includes plenty of top skill players and lineman. That is why it is so important for them to bring in a strong class of freshmen to learn from those seniors and possibly be able to step in and contribute in their 2nd years. Luckily, there\’s a good chance this class is one of the best in country thanks to high interest from plenty of the country\’s top recruits.

Check out who we are predicting to be apart of Team 137\’s 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: No
  • Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED
  • Highlights

2. RB Kareem Walker, 6’1” 190lbs. Wayne, NJ (De Paul Catholic)

Predicting the #1 running back in the country this early seems like a bit of a reach but Walker is very close with Roy Manning thanks to plenty of attention and visits. He has clearly been targeted as their top target after being the first back offered in the class and getting several visits throughout the process. It is very early, but thanks to his relationship with Manning and his friendship with Jabrill Peppers, I think Michigan will stands a very real chance. His speed and home run hitting ability makes him a perfect match to the power backs that make up the depth chart.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Not Yet
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Robert Washington, Martell Pettaway, Matt Falcon, Elijah Holyfield, Miles Sanders

3. RB: 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. If and when he visits and is offered, I think a decision could be made quickly.

  • Offer: Not Yet
  • Visit: Planned for May
  • Michigan\’s Chances: 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 Josh Imatorbhebhe, 6’3” 202lbs. Suwannee, GA (North Gwinnett)

One of the top players in Georgia, Imatorbhebhe is a big, athletic receiver that can go up and win the ball over just about any defensive back. It is something Nussmeier is looking to add to the offense and it looks like Josh is one of their top targets (via 247sports). Thanks to Michigan\’s academic excellance and youthful roster, it looks like they are much more than just another contender in Imatorbhebhe\’s recruitment. It\’s early, and an offer from hometown Georgia could be huge, but I think there\’s a good chance the Wolverines are in this one until the end.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Emmanuel Rugamba, Steven Smothers, Jalen Martin, TJ Chase, Scott Bracey

8. TE Isaac Nauta, 6’5” 239lbs. Buford, GA (Burford 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 3
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Kaden Smith, Jake Hausmann, Michael Robb, Nathan Skene, Marquise Guinn

9. 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. After visiting Ann Arbor, I think it assured the Wolverines\’ spot at the top of his list.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Isaac Nauta, Kaden Smith, Jake Hausmann, Michael Robb, Nathan Skene, Marquise Guinn

10. 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

11. OT 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: Ben Bredeson, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Tommy Kraemer, 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\”.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, Top School
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Ben Bredeson, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Tommy Kraemer, Liam Eichenburg

13. OG Michael Onwenu, 6’2” 300lbs, Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS)

The Cass Tech star has been dominant on the camp scene this summer, which included the Michigan camp. His raw power and natural quickness gives him the ability to drive in run blocking and protect in the passing game. If/when the Wolverines offer, they could jump to the top of his list.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Ben Bredeson, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Tommy Kraemer, Liam Eichenburg

14. DE Lawrence Gordon, 6\’6\’\’ 240lbs. Saginaw, MI (Arthur Hill)

Another local product (Michigan is loaded in 2016), Gordon is a force on the line but extremely raw. Because of his natural size and athleticism, the staff would have the chance to mold him into a player similar to Frank Clark. 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 Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Joseph Jackson, Janarius Robinson, Khalid Kareem, Kyree Campbell

15. 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

16. 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, Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Rashan Gary, Dexter Lawrence, Kendall Jones

17. 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 

18. LB 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 interest in several schools, but many believe that he will eventually follow his brother to Ann Arbor.

  • Offer: Not Yet
  • Visit: Multiple Times
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Daelin Hayes, Shaquille Quaterman, Dele Harding, Tuf Borland, Noah Burks, Zack Sandwisch, David Reese 

19. 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.

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

20. 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 

21. 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: Stefan Claiborne, Jonah Morris, Keevon Harris, Michah Croom, Tru Wilson, Keyvone Bruton

 

Garrett Fishaw
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