With the roll that the Michigan staff is on, it looks like they will wrap up a top 10 class in 2016 and could be set up for an even better finish in 2017. The early relationships and interest they have built in-state and around the country has been impressive and should produce another top 10, possibly even top 5, class.
Check out my latest 2017 Best Guess Recruiting Class:
1. QB: Dylan McCaffrey, 6’5″ 200lbs. Littleton, CO (Valor)
(via Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
– McCaffrey is the son of former NFL receiver Ed McCaffrey and was the first 2017 quarterback offered by Harbaugh. He has the size and arm that will draw offers from just about every program in the country but thanks to a fantastic visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan looks to be the favorites at the moment (most believe a Stanford offer could change things). However, even with an offer from the Cardinal, I believe the Wolverines still have a very good chance at landing the Valor star.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: May 30th
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jack Coan, Hunter Johnson, Tate Martell
2. QB: Andrew Marty, 6’4″ 205lbs. Wyoming, OH (Wyoming)
(via Hudl.com)
– Marty’s an underrated quarterback out of Ohio that visited this past fall. He has a very similar playing style as Jim Harbaugh (good arm, mobile and makes plays after a play breaks down) and I think that will resinate with the Michigan head coach. With the staff likely taking two quarterbacks in this class and Marty already interested in the Maize and Blue, I like the Wolverines chances here, if the new staff targets him.
- Offer: No
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good, if offered
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jack Coan, Hunter Johnson, Tate Martell
3. RB: D’Andre Swift, 5’9” 195lbs. Philadelphia, PA (St Joseph’s)
(via Michael Bryant/PrepFootball.com)
– Swift is listed as the #1 running back in the class, according to 247Sports, and is one of the top guys on the staff’s running back board. While he will be a very tough pull, he happens to be good friends and teammates with 2015 Michigan signee Jon Runyan Jr and according to The Wolverine ITF, Michigan may already be the favorite ($). Add in the other east coast targets that Michigan is in on and he’s good friends with, and I believe he’ll end up in the Maize and Blue.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Eno Benjamin, Cam Akers, Anthony MacFarland, Trey Sermon, Cordarrian Richardson
4. RB/ATH: Allen Stritzinger, 6’0″ 180lbs. Warren, MI (De La Salle)
(via Julian H. Gonzalez Detroit Free Press)
– Stritzinger has quickly become a top in-state target for the staff and looks to be one of the most likely members of the “Pipeline 9″ to commit. He’s visited multiple times already and is expected to be on campus at least a couple more times this summer, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he pulled the trigger sooner rather than later.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Others Options: Eno Benjamin, Cam Akers, Anthony MacFarland, Trey Sermon, Cordarrian Richardson
5. WR/ATH: Jordan Merrell, 5’10” 185lbs. Ft Lauderdale, FL (Dillard)
(via Sun Sentinel/Fansided)
– Merrell was another find for the staff during the satellite camp tour. He is a tough, play making offensive weapon that can play either tailback or wide receiver and was said to have “that dog in him” that the staff loves. And though he’s already committed to the Bearcats, it looks like this Michigan offer is a game changer. If he gets up to Ann Arbor, I think there’s a very good shot at a flip.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Cincinnati (Very Good)
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: KJ Hamler, Daquon Green, Juwan Burgess, Anthony MacFarland, Cordarrian Richardson
6. WR: Donovan Peoples-Jones, 6’1″ 175lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
(via Julian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press)
–DPS is the top player in the state and the top athlete in the country, after winning the Nike SPARQ championship at The Opening. He also happens to be from the top in-state pipeline, Cass Tech, and looks to be high on the Wolverines after landing his offer. He has family ties to Michigan and seems to be feeling the Maize and Blue more and more as the continue to make him a top target. It may not happen soon but I believe he ends up choosing Michigan at the end of the day.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Daquon Green, KJ Hamler, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Hunter Harris
7. WR: Tarik Black, 6’3” 203lbs. Cheshire, CT (Cheshire Academy)
(via Hudl.com)
– Black is one of the top players and wide receivers in the class and, according to multiple analysts including The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown, he’s a good candidate to be in the class ($). And I agree, as long as the staff is able to build a great relationship with him and get him on campus. Though his childhood favorite, Ohio State, is a big challenger, in the end, I think Michigan will win out.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: May 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Daquon Green, KJ Hamler, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Hunter Harris
8. WR: Josh Palmer, 6’2” 175lbs. Ft Lauderdale, FL (St Thomas Aquinas)
(via canadafootballchat.com)
– Palmer is one of the more unknown names on this list but is one to remember. The Canadian moved to Florida to play for St. Thomas Aquinas and made his way to Ann Arbor last month after landing his Michigan offer. Thanks to a fantastic visit, he told TMI’s Josh Newkirk that he’s “feeling Michigan the most” ($). If the staff makes him a top target, I believe he ends up in the class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- OtherOptions: Daquon Green, KJ Hamler, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Hunter Harris
9. WR: Clevan Thomas, 6’0” 199lbs. Miami, FL (Flangan)
(via Hudl.com)
– Thomas is another new name on the list and another to remember. Not only is he from Flanagan high school (same school as Devin Bush Jr, Devin Gil and Josh Metellus) but he also was one of the standout satellite camp performers that landed himself an offer from the staff. Thanks to the offer, teammates headed to Michigan and the coaching staff, it looks like it’s just a matter of time before he joins the class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Daquon Green, KJ Hamler, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Hunter Harris
10. TE: Jimmy Jaggers, 6’3” 237lbs. Roseville, CA (Roseville)
(via recruitingnewsguru.com)
– Jaggers has been included on the 2017 BGRC since the start and now that he has his offer in hand, and has also visited Ann Arbor, things look even better for the Maize and Blue. He told me that he doesn’t plan on doing any camps this summer but is planning on seeing Michigan again for a game this fall. With another great visit and continued recruitment, I believe the Wolverines could be the team to beat.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Tre McKitty, Brock Wright, Keegan Cossou, Kedrick James, Grant Carrigan
11. TE: Carter Dunaway, 6’6” 225lbs. Bloomfield Hills, MI (Brother Rice)
(via John Lenihan | Courtesy of Dunaway family)
– Dunaway is the son of former Michigan tight end Craig Dunaway and brother of 2015 preferred walk-on Jack Dunaway. So, when he landed his offer from Harbaugh himself, it didn’t take long for him to pull the trigger and become the first member of the 2017 class. Look for him to blow up on the recruiting trail after his junior season but he’s about as solid of a lock as you can find.
- Commitment Date: April 18th, 2015
- Story
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
12. OT: JaRaymond Hall, 6’5″ 255lbs. Oak Park, MI (Oak Park)
(via Scout.com)
– The in-state star is starting to make a name for himself in the recruiting world after a bit of a breakout season for Oak Park. Though he’s very raw at the moment, he has the natural born athleticism and size that helped land him an offer from the Wolverines. And thanks to that offer and being made a priority, it looks like Michigan is the heavy favorite here and a commitment could come at any time.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert
13. OT: Wyatt Davis, 6’5” 290lbs. Bellflower, CA (St. John Bosco)
(via Patrick T. Fallon / For the Times)
– Davis is one of the top lineman in the class thanks to his size and versatility. He has the strength to play on the inside and the athleticism to play tackle. And he happens to be very high on Michigan. Once Coach Drevno was hired by Harbaugh, Davis wanted an offer. He now has that offer, the Wolverines look to be a top team moving forward.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List:
- Highlights
- Other Options: Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert
14. OT: Walker Little, 6’7” 301lbs. Bellaire, TX (Episcopal)
(via Hudl.com)
– Little is one of the most physically imposing recruits in the nation, regardless of class. And he looks to be high on Michigan after the staff extended an offer at the Houston satellite camp. Add in his teammate, friend, and #1 player in the class, Marvin Wilson, also being high on Michigan, I think there’s a chance the Wolverines steal two of the top players in the state away from Texas, Baylor and Texas A&M.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert
15. OC: Cesar Ruiz, 6’4” 290lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)
(via 247sports.com)
– Ruiz went from a shot in the dark to be on this list to one of the names that looks the most likely. After speaking with him, the nation’s #1 center landed his offer from Michigan while on his visit to campus and looks to be favoring the Wolverines early. Add in his teammates being committed and the fact that he’ll make a 2nd summer visit to Ann Arbor for the Barbecue, and I think it’s just a matter of time before he pulls the trigger.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: June 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Robert Hainsey, Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert, Kayden Lyles
16. NT: Dalyn Wade-Perry, 6’4” 320lbs. Englewood, NJ (Pope John)
(via Scout.com)
– Michigan will be looking for plenty of help up front on the defensive line in this class and Wade-Perry looks to be a very good candidate to join the class after landing his offer. He spoke with TMI’s Sam Webb after landing his offer and said he “always liked Michigan” ($).He also said that he’s looking to visit soon and that Chris Partridge is a big reason why the Wolverines stand out. With the other top players from the east coast high on Michigan, I like the chances with DWP.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: May 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Fred Hansard, Juan Harris, Bryce Brand, Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy
17. DT: Marvin Wilson, 6’4” 316lbs. Bellaire, TX (Episcopal)
(via Scout.com)
– Could Michigan really land the nation’s top player in back to back years? I believe it’s a real possibility. Wilson recently named the Wolverines in his top five teams thanks to the coaching staff’s ability to produce pros, and that is one thing that will not change. Once he gets to campus, Michigan could possibly make a big jump up his list, especially if they have a solid 2015 season and put a nice group of players into the draft.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Juan Harris, Bryce Brand,Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
18. DL: Corey Bolds, 6’3” 260lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
(via 247sports.com)
– Bolds is another top talent out of Paramus Catholic and, like his teammates, he is very interested in Michigan, especially after landing his offer on his spring visit. With his connections to the program (multiple former teammates on the team, current teammates highly interested and Chris Partridge on staff), Michigan looks like the team to beat.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: AJ Epenesa, Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
19. OLB: Jarez Parks, 6’5” 255lbs. Sebastian, FL (Sebastian)
#20 (via XAVIER MASCAREÑAS/TCPalm)
– After the staff saw Parks in person while in Florida for the satellite camp tour and saw everything they need to see from the five star talent. He has the elite size and athleticism to be a dominant Buck linebacker in Durkin’s defense and it looks like he knows that after adding Michigan into his top 5, per 247Sports’ Ryan Bartow. If the staff keeps him as a top target and they can get him on campus, I think there’s a good chance to pull him out of the Sunshine State.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Leonard Warner, Malik Herring, Chester Graves, Jaden Hunter, Nathan Proctor
20. OLB: Corey Malone-Hatcher, 6’4” 240lbs. Saint Joseph, MI (St. Joseph’s)
(via @CMH2017/Twitter)
– CMH has been one of the top recruits in the state since his freshmen year and has been high on every fan’s list for awhile now. He has the size, athleticism and versatility to be a star as a pass rusher at the next level, and with an offer from the Wolverines, he looks to be leaning towards joining the Maize and Blue. While I don’t believe he’ll pull the trigger this early, he will be on campus for the Barbecue on August 2nd.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Leonard Warner, Malik Herring, Chester Graves, Jaden Hunter, Nathan Proctor
21. LB: Drew Singleton, 6’2″ 215lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
(via Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media)
– Singleton has been seen as the next big star at Paramus Catholic for awhile now and his offer list now shows it. He landed offers from top programs like Alabama, Penn State and Georgia recently but it’s the offer he received from his former head coach and current Michigan recruiting director Chris Partridge that caught his attention the most. Telling 247’s Lorenz that “Michigan definitely has the edge” ($). And it looks like a decision could possibly be made in the not-so-distant future.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jordan Anthony, Kyle Bolden, Nate McBride, David Adams, Jaden Hunter
22. LB: Josh Ross, 6’1″ 220lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (OLSM)
(via @Joshua_Ross05/Twitter)
– The younger brother of current Wolverine linebacker James Ross III, Josh may be even better than his older sibling. He is one of the most coveted recruits in the state and is extremely high on Michigan. He’s recently received several big time offers but I still believe he’ll be one of the first couple members of the class. Just looks like a matter of time.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jordan Anthony, Kyle Bolden, Nate McBride, David Adams, Jaden Hunter
23. CB/ATH: Ambry Thomas, 5’10” 160lbs. Detroit, MI (King)
(via 247sports.com)
– Thomas is a member of the “Pipeline Nine” aka the staff’s top in-state targets in the 2017 class, and because of that, I think Michigan has an even better chance than some believe. The staff is mending the issues with the King coaches and with them on board, I think the Wolverines have a fantastic shot especially since Michigan is the team he’s always hoped to play for since he was a child ($).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Stanford Samuels III, Donovan Johnson, Jamyest Williams, Chevin Calloway, Jaylon Redd
24. DB: Jaylen Kelly-Powell, 6’0” 183lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
(via @LemmingReport/Twitter)
– JKP is another in-state target that most believe will end up in the Maize and Blue once he received his offer. His entire family is full of Wolverine fans, he was actually named after Fab 5 star Jalen Rose, and he also happens to be a 4.0 student. And it just looks like a matter of time before he pulls the trigger to join the class.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: May 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey Okudah, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods, Paris Ford, Markquese Bell
25. S: RJ Potts, 6’3” 180lbs. Fishers, IN (Fishers)
(via Hudl.com)
– Potts is one of the top players in the Midwest and has been said to be very high on the Wolverines early on. While he didn’t land his offer from the staff like most predicted after the satellite camp tour, I believe it will come in the not-so-distant future. And if/when it does, Michigan will likely jump to the top of his list along side Notre Dame. Unlike most ND vs UM battles with Indiana recruits, Michigan may actually be the favorite here.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good, if offered
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey Okudah, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods, Paris Ford, Markquese Bell
Next on the list:
- QB Jack Coan
- WR Joseph Lewis
- RB Greg Johnson
- WR Eddie Lewis
- WR/TE Taariq Johnson
- WR KJ Hamler
- ATH Antjuan Simmons
- DT Fred Hansard
- LB Kyle Bolden
- CB Donovan Johnson
- CB Stanford Samuels III
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