While the 2016 class is on a commitment roll, the 2017 class is still looking for their 2nd commit to join TE Carter Dunaway. And it looks like that could come before the end of the summer as Michigan has cranked up the heat on their top in-state targets.
One quick note, the list is shorter than before since the staff is clearly recruiting for more than 25 in the 2016 class and we’ll likely see some RS Juniors graduate and move on after this season.
Check out my latest 2017 Best Guess Recruiting Class:
1. QB: Dylan McCaffrey, 6’5″ 200lbs. Littleton, CO (Valor)
– 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, Tate Martell, Shawn Robinson, Hunter Johnson, Jake Allen
2. QB: Andrew Marty, 6’4″ 205lbs. Wyoming, OH (Wyoming)
– 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 they eventually offer).
- Offer: No
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good, if offered
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jack Coan, Tate Martell, Shawn Robinson, Hunter Johnson, Jake Allen
3. RB/ATH: Allen Stritzinger, 6’0″ 180lbs. Warren, MI (De La Salle)
– 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: Cam Akers, Eno Benjamin, Anthony MacFarland, Trey Sermon, Kyshaun Bryon
4. RB: Greg Johnson, 5’10” 185lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Hawkins)
– Johnson is one of the most versatile and talented players in the country, regardless of class, and recently landed an offer he and his teammates (2017 WR Joseph Lewis, 2017 TE Taariq Johnson and 2018 WR Jalen Hall) had been waiting on from the Wolverines. The talented duo told 247’s Steve Lorenz they want to “start a legacy somewhere else” and the staff clearly sees them as top targets as they’ve visited Hawkins high multiple times. When the group gets out to Ann Arbor, look for the staff to roll out the red carpet.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Cam Akers, Eno Benjamin, Anthony MacFarland, Trey Sermon, Kyshaun Bryon
5. WR: Joseph Lewis, 6’2″ 190lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Hawkins)
– Lewis is one of the four Hawkins high stars that Michigan has a very good shot with, and could have the highest ceiling of all of them. He’s been getting a ton of attention from the staff and is expected to visit with the rest of the group in the not-so-distant future. If the staff can get one, they may get all the rest. And I believe that will happen.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Russ Yeast, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Daquon Green, Hunter Harris, Andrew Papantonis
6. WR: Donovan Peoples-Jones, 6’1″ 175lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
–DPS is the top player in the state and one of the best receivers in the country. 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. 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: Russ Yeast, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Daquon Green, Hunter Harris, Andrew Papantonis
7. WR: Tarik Black, 6’3” 203lbs. Cheshire, CT (Cheshire Academy)
– 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 ($). And I agree, as long as the staff is able to build a great relationship with him and get him on campus. Though his childhood favorite, Ohio State, could be a big time candidate IF they throw their hat into the ring.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: May 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Russ Yeast, Juwan Burgess, Nathan Tilford, Leroy Henley, Daquon Green, Hunter Harris, Andrew Papantonis
8. ATH: Jordan Merrell, 5’10” 185lbs. Ft Lauderdale, FL (Dillard)
– Merrell was another find for the staff during the satellite camp tour. He is a tough, play making wide receiver that was said to have “that dog in him” that the staff loves. Something similar to Baltimore’s Steve Smith. And though he’s already committed to the Bearcats, it looks like this Michigan offer is a game changer. If he gets up to Ann Arbor, I think there’s a very good shot at a flip.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Cincinnati (Very Good)
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: KJ Hamler, Daquon Green, Juwan Burgess, Eno Benjamin,
9. WR/TE: Taariq Johnson, 6’4” 210lbs. Los Angeles, CA (Hawkins)
– Another Hawkins offensive weapon that holds an offer, Johnson is a Devin Funchess-type of a hybrid receiver. And there’s a good chance to see him in the Winged helmet after he told 247’s Steve Lorenz that Michigan was his “dream” offer ($). The staff has already made the Hawkins trio a priority but look for them to try and get them on campus as soon as possible to really make a statement. If the visit goes as planned, the Wolverines could become the out of state team to beat.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: May 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Brock Wright, Kedrick James, Grant Carrigan
10. TE: Jimmy Jaggers, 6’3” 237lbs. Roseville, CA (Roseville)
– 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, I believe the Wolverines will be the team to beat soon afterwards.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Brock Wright, Kedrick James, Grant Carrigan
11. TE: Carter Dunaway, 6’6” 225lbs. Bloomfield Hills, MI (Brother Rice)
– 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.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: COMMITTED
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
12. OT: JaRaymond Hall, 6’5″ 255lbs. Oak Park, MI (Oak Park)
– 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: Jake Moretti, Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert
13. OT: Wyatt Davis, 6’5” 290lbs. Bellflower, CA (St. John Bosco)
– 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: Jake Moretti, Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert
14. OC: Cesar Ruiz, 6’4” 290lbs. Camden, NJ (Camden)
– Ruiz is a shot in a dark as a member of the 2017 Best Guess Recruiting Class, for now. I spoke with him a couple weeks ago and he told me he’s interested in Michigan and that he speaks with very possible 2016 Wolverine commits and current teammates, Brad Hawkins and Ron Johnson, about playing together in college. If they jump on board and the staff offers, I believe they could become a favorite quickly.
- Offer: No
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good, if offered
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Robert Hainsey, Austin Jackson, Andrew Thomas, Micah Clark, Kai-Leon Herbert, Kayden Lyles
15. NT: Dalyn Wade-Perry, 6’4” 320lbs. Englewood, NJ (Pope John)
– 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” ($).He also said that he’s looking to visit soon and that Chris Partridge is a big reason why the Wolverines stand out. Look for the staff to continue making him a top priority.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: May 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Juan Harris, Bryce Brand, Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
16. DT: Marvin Wilson, 6’4” 316lbs. Bellaire, TX (Episcopal)
(via Scout.com)
– Could Michigan really land the nation’s top defensive tackle in back to back years? I believe it’s a real possibility. He recently named the Wolverines in his top five teams thanks to the coaching staff’s ability to produce pros, and that is one thing that will not change. Once he gets to campus, Michigan could possibly make a big jump up his list.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Juan Harris, Bryce Brand,Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
17. DL: Corey Bolds, 6’3” 260lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
– Bolds is another top talent out of Paramus Catholic and, like his teammates, he is very interested in Michigan, especially after landing his offer on his spring visit. With his connections to the program (multiple former teammates on the team, current teammates highly interested and Chris Partridge on staff), Michigan looks like the team to beat.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: April 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: AJ Epenesa, Chuck Filiaga, Breyon Geddy, Fred Hansard
18. DE/OLB: Joshua Kaindoh, 6’6” 231lbs. Essex, MD (Mt Carmel)
– Kaindoh was one of the major standouts at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp in early June and caught the eyes of the entire coaching staff. He was quickly offered and looks to be a main priority for the staff, and they may have an ‘in’. He let 247’s Steve Lorenz know that academics are one of the biggest factors in his decision ($). With his length and athleticism, he could star at defensive end or Buck linebacker in Durkin’s defense.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Leonard Warner, Malik Herring, Chester Graves, Jaden Hunter, Nathan Proctor
19. OLB: Corey Malone-Hatcher, 6’3″ 235lbs. Saint Joseph, MI (St. Joseph’s)
– 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. And that decision could come at any time.
- 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
20. LB: Drew Singleton, 6’2″ 215lbs. Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
– 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” ($). If the staff continues to make him a priority, I believe he ends up joining the Wolverines with his former teammates.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jordan Anthony, Kyle Bolden, Nate McBride, David Adams, Jaden Hunter
21. LB: Josh Ross, 6’1″ 220lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (OLSM)
– The younger brother of current Wolverine linebacker James Ross III, Josh may be even better than his older sibling. He is one of the most coveted recruits in the state and is extremely high on Michigan. He’s recently received several big time offers but I still believe he’ll be one of the first couple members of the class. Just looks like a matter of time.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jordan Anthony, Kyle Bolden, Nate McBride, David Adams, Jaden Hunter
22. CB: Stanford Samuels, 6’2” 175lbs. Hollywood, FL (Flanagan)
Gil, Samuels and Metellus
– This is the biggest reach on the list but not impossible. Samuels is a heavy Florida State lean thanks to his father being a former Seminole. However, he’s teammates with the 3 Flanagan targets at the top of the 2016 board, and if they all choose Michigan, the Wolverines likely jump up his list. Also, he told 247’s Ryan Bartow that Michigan was the one school he wants to see most ($).
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Decent
- First on List: Now
- Highlights
- Other Options: Darnay Holmes, Jamyest Williams, Chevin Calloway, Jaylon Redd, Donovan Johnson
23. DB: Jaylen Kelly-Powell, 6’0” 183lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)
– 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.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: Yes
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- First on List: May 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey Okudah, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods, Daniel Wright
24. DB: Paris Ford, 6’2″ 175lbs. Pittsburgh, PA (Seton La Salle)
– Ford was one of the first 2017 offers from the new staff, and for good reason. He’s a top talent in the class and has close proximity to the state (Western PA). After landing his offer, he told 247’s Steve Lorenz he was at a loss for words ($). He also spoke with The Wolverine’s Tim Sullivan and let him know he grew up a fan of the program and he plans to be at Michigan a lot ($). If the staff keeps him as a top priority, I really like their chances at landing the Pittsburgh star.
- Offer: Yes
- Visit: No
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- First on List: March 2015
- Highlights
- Other Options: Jeffrey Okudah, Devon Hunter, J’Marick Woods, Daniel Wright
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