Team 137 Best Guess Recruiting Class: May 30th

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

After a small 2015 class, the Michigan coaches will have more space to work with in the 2016 class and they are in great shape so far. Thanks to the state of Michigan and the Midwest stocked filled of talent, as well as the coaches getting in early with several of the top players around the nation, the class has the chance to be one of the best in the country.

Check out who we are predicting to be apart of Team 137\’s class:

1. QB KJ Costello, 6\’4\’\’ 205lbs. Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (Santa Margarita HS)

The prototypical pro-style quarterback. Costello is a big, strong armed, poised, pocket passer that reminds me a ton of former Michigan signal caller Drew Henson. Luckily, Michigan got in early and Costello is very interested in the Wolverines. He will be visiting and camping this summer with an offer. If things go really well, he didn\’t rule out an early commitment before his junior season.

  • Offer: Yes
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
  • Highlights 
  • Other Options: Messiah deWeaver, Jacob Eason, Sonny Abramson

2. 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

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, Kareem Walker, Matt Falcon, Elijah Holyfield

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, Steven Smothers, Austin Mack, TJ Chase, Scott Bracey

6. WR: 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, Steven Smothers, Austin Mack, TJ Chase, Scott Bracey

7. WR: Emmanuel Rugamba, 6\’0\’\’ 170lbs. Naperville, IL (Naperville HS)

Rugamba is a shifty, crisp route runner that would be a great slot-type receiver, similar to Freddy Canteen. Michigan has got in early, has shown a ton of interest and could land a commitment with an offer, which is good because I think he will be one of the guys who blows up after his Junior season.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: Yes
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Cameron Chambers, Kalebb Perry, Steven Smothers, Austin Mack, 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. 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.

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

10. 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. 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, Very Good
  • Highlights
  • Other Options: Gregory Little, EJ Price, Juaun Williams, Ben Cleveland, Willie Allen, Liam Eichenburg

11. OT/OG: Tommy Kraemer, 6\’5\’\’ 285lbs. 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

12. OG: Ben Bredeson, 6\’5\’\’ 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. DE: 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, Janarius Robinson, Khalid Kareem, Kyree Campbell

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. DE/DT: 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, Michael Onwenu 

16. DT: Garrett Rand, 6\’3\’\’ 275lbs. Chandler, AZ (Hamilton HS)

After the 2016 season, Michigan will be down to only 4 defensive tackles including 3 that would be seniors. So they will need to stock up in this class, which is why they are taking a run at the top guys right off the bat. And Rand is one of those guys that is returning the interest. He reminds me a ton of old school Wolverine defensive lineman.

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

17. OLB: Daelin Hayes, 6\’2\’\’ 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 an outside 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: 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: Shaquille Quaterman, Dele Harding, Tuf Borland, Noah Burks, Zack Sandwisch

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, Patrice Rene, Jordan Overton, Hasise Dubois, Julian Love, Taurus Carroll 

20. CB: Treyjohn Butler, 5\’11\’ 185lbs. Rancho Cucamonga, CA (Etiwanda HS)

One of the top corners out of the West, Butler is a great fit for the Wolverine\’s defense thanks to his aggressive, man-to-man style and he happens to have plenty of interest in the Wolverines even without an offer. His plan is to go into auto engineering and Michigan is obviously a perfect fit. Throw in the fact that he also wants coaches that care about their athletes as more than just football players, and you can see why the chance to land him is high.

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

22. S: Keyvone Bruton, 6\’0\’\’ 200lbs. Chesapeake, VA (Oscar F Smith HS)

Like defensive tackle, the safety depth chart is going to need multiple additions in this class. So, with Michigan having great success in Virginia over the past couple classes, I think they will grab another top player out in 2016 in Bruton. He is a ball hawking safety that plays sideline to sideline.

  • Offer: No
  • Visit: No
  • Michigan\’s Chances: Decent
  • Highlights
  • Other Options:Stefan Claiborne, Jonah Morris, Keevon Harris, Michah Croom, Tru Wilson
Garrett Fishaw
Latest posts by Garrett Fishaw (see all)