How many players will Harbaugh sign in 2016? That’s the question being asked by just about every Michigan fan at the moment. The staff already has 22 recruits committed to the program along with 15+ targets that are legit options to end up in the class and (if my math is right) 22 spots available right now.
So, how will they sign all of these recruit?
There are enough spots available, if they didn’t bring back any 5th year seniors (SPOILER: That’s not happening). Looking at the roster, there are 7-9 redshirt juniors that will very likely receive a 5th year scholarship. Add in the extremely likely attrition after the season (transfers) and Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz reporting that the staff will likely approach a couple commits about taking a grayshirt year (they wouldn’t be on scholarship until their sophomore year).
Looking over the commitment list, there are only two guys I could see possibly accepting a grayshirt year. That is why I have them bringing in 29 players in this class.
Enough math and numbers, here is my latest edition of the Team 137 Best Guess Recruiting Class:
1. QB: Brandon Peters, 6’5” 205lbs. Avon, IN (Avon)
– 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 while the ESPNU announcers were comparing him to the former Harbaugh pupil throughout his nationally televised game on September 11th. 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)
– 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 as long as Nick Saban doesn’t come calling with an Alabama offer, he’ll very likely sign with the Wolverines on NSD.
- Commitment Date: April 6th, 2015
- Story
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
3. RB: Matt Falcon, 6’1″ 215lbs. Southfield, MI (Southfield)
– 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. But a bit of a hiccup has happened in his recruitment as he suffered another season ending injury. Some have thought the staff would move on but after speaking with him, I believe 100% that he’ll sign with Michigan.
- Commitment Date: April 8th, 2015
- Story
- First on List: September 2014
- Highlights
4. RB/ATH: Kiante Enis, 6’1” 200lbs. Winchester, IN (Winchester)
– 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. The staff is recruiting him as a running back but it’ll be interesting to see if that’s his position throughout his Michigan career.
- Commitment Date: 6/4/2015
- Story
- First on List: May 2015
- Highlights
5. WR: Brad Hawkins, 6’2” 200lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 7/3/2015
- Story
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
6. WR: Ahmir Mitchell, 6’3” 206lbs. Egg Harbor City, NJ (Cedar Creek)
– Mitchell is the latest addition to the class and one of the highest ranked. And it’s for good reason. He is easily one of the most physically impressive recruits in the class and, though he’s raw as a receiver, has a real chance to play early. Add in his recruiting relationships and he’s one of the top gets for Harbaugh and his staff.
- Commitment Date: 8/27/15
- Story
- First on List: September 2014
- Highlights
7. WR/ATH: Keyshawn Young, 5’11” 175lbs. Miami, FL (Senior)
-The coaching staff desperately needs to add more dynamic athletes to the roster which is why Pie Young is a such a big target. He has that speed and playmaking ability that would be a nice fit on offense for the Wolverines and there’s a good chance that happens. His top teams have been Michigan and Alabama for awhile and it’s been rumored that UM is out front. Add in the other rumor that he is not a take at the moment for the Crimson Tide and (as long as a spot is available) I still believe he ends up in this class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
- Decision Date: After Official Visits
- First on List: July 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Donnie Corley, Korey Banks, Jack Jones, LaMar Jackson, Dylan Crawford, Donald Stewart
8. TE: Jacob Mathis, 6’5” 215lbs. Tampa, FL (Berkeley Prep)
I had a very tough time choosing who to add in this spot. My gut tells me that Isaac Nauta will end up choosing Michigan but my brain is making the safe pick and saying Mathis will be the 2nd tight end in this class. Does that mean Nauta would be out of a spot? I doubt it. But for now, I’m playing it safe and going with Mathis after Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz heard from sources that UM is the favorite ($). If it’s true and the Wolverines land him, that’s a fantastic addition to the class and the offense. His athleticism and size will remind everyone of Devin Funchess but his hands won’t (that’s a good thing).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Decision Date: Unknown
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Isaac Nauta, Devin Asiasi, Donnie Corley, Dylan Crawford, Jack Jones
9. TE: Sean McKeon, 6’5” 227lbs. Dudley, MA (Shepard Hill)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/15/2015
- Story
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
10. OT: Erik Swenson, 6’7” 285lbs. Downers Grove, IL (Downers Grove South)
– 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
11. OT: Devery Hamilton, 6’7” 290lbs. Baltimore, MD (Gilman)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/24/2015
- Story
- First on List: January 2014
- Highlights
12. OL: Ben Bredeson, 6’5” 275lbs. Hartland, WI (Arrowhead HS)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/17/2015
- Story
- First on List: April 2014
- Highlights
13. OG: Michael Onwenu, 6’4” 370lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
– 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
14. OG: Terrance Davis, 6’4” 315lbs. Hyattsville, MD (DeMatha)
Davis has been a part of this class for months now but has yet to pull the trigger. And it’s not expected until after he takes his all of his official visits this fall but things are still looking good for Michigan. He told Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz that “Michigan is still #1” ($). As long as a spot remains available, I believe he ends up in this class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Decision Date: After OVs
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jean Delance, JohnCarlo Valentin, Landon Dickerson
15. DT: Rashan Gary, 6’4” 280lbs. Scott Plains, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
– The nation’s #1 player has looked like a very good bet to end up in the Maize and Blue for awhile now but that feeling is not as strong at the moment. While Gary has kept everything very close to the vest, rumor has it that he’s likely to end up in the SEC. Not officially visiting Michigan helps that theory but I still believe the Wolverines will win out in the end. Michigan can offer him everything him and his mother are looking for on top of having his former coach and good family friend, Chris Partridge, on the coaching staff.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- Decision Date: TBD
- First on List: August 2014
- Highlights
- Other Options: Chris Daniels, Jordan Elliott, Keyshon Camp, Boss Tagaloa
16. DL: Rashad Weaver, 6’5” 245lbs. Cooper City, FL (Cooper City)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/14/2015
- Story
- First on List: June 2015
- Highlights
17. DE: Ron Johnson, 6’4” 240lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/25/2015
- Story
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
18. DE: Khalid Kareem, 6’4” 257lbs. Farmington, MI (Harrison)
– Kareem pulled off a big shocker over the summer when he changed his mind at the last minute and committed to Alabama over Michigan. But it’s looking like the Wolverines may get another shot at the in-state talent. After speaking with a source close to the situation, I feel pretty good about Michigan’s chances of flipping Kareem from the Crimson Tide and keeping him closer to home. Question is (like always), will a spot be available?
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Committed to Alabama (Good)
- Decision Date: TBD
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Connor Murphy, Levi Onwurizike, Terrell Lucas
19. DE/OLB: Carlo Kemp, 6’3” 255lbs. Boulder, CO (Fairview)
– Kemp is still one of the more underrated names on the Michigan recruiting trail and I’m not sure why. Not only does he look like a likely addition to the 2016 class but he also is one of the top BUCK linebackers in the country. He has the size, instincts and athleticism needed and also happens to be one of the hardest hitters in the class. Though he’ll likely take his official visits first before making a decision, as long as the spot isn’t filled and he’s blown away on his 2nd visit to Ann Arbor, I believe he ends up choosing and signing with Michigan.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Decision Date: TBD
- First on List: August 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Caleb Kelly, Connor Murphy, Jonathan Jones, Dontavious Jackson, Armani Posey
20. LB: Devin Bush Jr, 6’1” 220lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)
-Most signs still point to Michigan at the moment here but that “sure thing” feeling is slowly starting to drift as a decision has yet to be made. Both Auburn and his father’s alma mater, Florida State, are legit options and could very well keep him down south. However, once Bush visits Michigan again and talks with his teammates a little more (i’m sure they’ve had the same conversation 1,000 times), I believe he’ll end up committing to the Wolverines.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Decision Date: TBD
- First on List: June 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Dele Harding, Jonathan Jones, Caleb Kelly, Dontavious Jackson, Armani Posey
21. LB: David Reese, 6’2” 235lbs. Farmington, MI (Farmington)
– Reese is a physical, aggressive player that will play with a chip on his shoulder. And that will likely be what makes him a very good player at Michigan after so many questions surrounding him having to move to full back once he gets to college. Those rumors were the reason many believed a decommitment was possible. But give credit to the staff for reassuring the Farmington star that he will play linebacker when he (likely) enrolls early this winter.
- Commitment Date: April 4th, 2015
- Story
- First on List: March 2014
- Highlights
22. LB: Dytarious Johnson, 6’1” 215lbs. Prattville, AL (Prattville)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/7/2015
- Story
- First on List: June 2015
- Highlights
23. CB: Antwaine Richardson, 6’0” 170lbs. Delray Beach, FL (Atlantic)
-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, as well as the fact that he participated and earned his offer at the satellite camp while playing with a torn ACL. That toughness is exactly what Harbaugh wants on this roster.
- Commitment Date: 6/12/2015
- Story
- First on List: June 2015
- Highlights
24. CB: Sir Patrick Scott, 6’1” 175lbs. Upper Marlboro, MD (Riverdale Baptist)
– Scott not only has, arguably the best name in the class and in program history, but also happens to be a great fit in Durkin’s defense. He is a big, long corner that has the perfect build, length and ability to jam at the line to be a play the press, and it’s what the staff saw when he made his way to Ann Arbor for the BBQ. Once they got to know him even better and see him up close, his recruitment was over.
- Commitment Date: 8/2/2015
- Story
- First on List: July 2015
- Highlights
25. CB: Lavert Hill, 5’10” 170lbs. Detroit, MI (King)
-Hill is another top in-state target that is currently committed elsewhere but looks likely to end up flipping to Michigan. Though he keeps saying he’s “100% committed to Penn State”, it looks like just a matter of time before he flips. And with St-Juste officially reclassified to 2017, another corner is much needed and Hill is one of the best in the country.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Committed to Penn State (Very Good)
- Decision Date: TBD
- First on List: January 2014
- Highlights
- Other Options: Lamar Jackson, Tony Butler, Chris Brown, Armani Posey
26. S: Josh Metellus, 6’0” 185lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/17/2015
- Story
- First on List: June 2015
- Highlights
27. S/ATH: Devin Gil, 6’1” 205lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/19/2015
- Story
- First on List: June 2015
- Highlights
28. ATH: Chris Evans, 5’11” 186lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Ben Davis)
– 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.
- Commitment Date: 6/7/2015
- Story
- First on List: June 2015
- Highlights
29. ATH: Victor Viramontes, 6’2” 220lbs. Norco, CA (Norco)
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 h-back, linebacker or safety.
- Commitment Date: 6/15/2015
- Story
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
Projected Class Score: 277.36 (per 247Sports)
– This score would have landed Michigan the #9 overall class in the 2015 class and will likely get them a top 10 class in 2016 which would be impressive for Harbaugh since he is still behind on building relationships with top players in the class. Michigan fans would/should be very happy if the class ends up like this.
Just Missed the List:
- TE Isaac Nauta
- I have remained very optimistic about Michigan’s chances here since the beginning of his recruitment and still believe there’s a real chance he ends up a Wolverine. However, the safe pick was Mathis and unless the staff has another grayshirt possible, a spot may not be left by the time he decides.
- Prediction: Georgia
- WR Donnie Corley
- Each and every week, it seems like Corley is closer to having Michigan out front. However, I’m not ready to put him in the BGRC just yet. If he’s still uncommitted by this time next month, he may be included.
- Prediction: Michigan State
- DE Connor Murphy
- With the news of Khalid Kareem being back in the fold, it knocks Murphy off of the list. Though I doubt the staff would turn him down if he’s ready to commit.
- Prediction: Arizona State
- LB Dele Harding
- Committed but looking less and less likely to sign with Michigan.
- Prediction: West Virginia
- LB Jonathan Jones
- Jones is another target that may be a victim of the numbers game since he’s not expected to make a decision until after his senior season. Though if the spot is there, he’ll likely be a Wolverine.
- Prediction: Duke
- ATH Korey Banks
- Back on the recruiting board and looking to visit soon, Banks is a legit option to fill that wide receiver/defensive back spot but I believe his possible addition will push Young to grab the spot first.
- Prediction: North Carolina
- OT Jean Delance
- With the dismissal of Logan Tuley-Tillman, the staff has an even bigger need at offensive tackle and Delance is the #1 option. They’ll push hard for him, and I was close to adding him to the list, but I think he ends up staying in the Longhorn State.
- Prediction: Texas
- DT Chris Daniels/Keyshon Camp
- If Michigan feels like it’s out of the Gary chase or wants to make sure it lands a defensive tackle, they’ll likely crank up the pressure on both Daniels and Camp. Both are legit options if they become priorities.
- Daniels Prediction: Texas A&M
- Camp Prediction: USC
- CB Lamar Jackson
- Only down near the end of the list because of the likelihood that Lavert Hill flips from Penn State. But if that spot or another spot is available, he’s a real option to sign with Michigan.
- Prediction: USC
- K Quinn Nordin
- It looks like the nation’s top kicker is back in play but the lack of open scholarships could be an issue here. If there is room, I like Michigan’s chances to flip him but that’ll be tough to do.
- Prediction: Penn State
- OLB Caleb Kelly
- Visiting this weekend for the UNLV game, Kelly is starting to fade a bit for Michigan though they are still in great shape in his recruitment. If the staff can truly sell him on their ability to develop him into an NFL player, they have at landing him. But at the moment, all signs point to the Sooners.
- Prediction: Oklahoma
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