After by far the most successful season Michigan has had since I started my website (thanks to me not producing any content), I’m back for an annual Best Guess Recruiting Class. And what better time to drop one than just a day before what should be one of the most exciting Signing Days for the Wolverines in recent memory.

Michigan has a nice class going so far with a lot of high ceiling prospects but the staff is looking to close the Early Period with a bang as they are in prime position for a handful of top end 2022 recruits as well as Transfer Portal targets.

My list below includes both recruits that I expect to sign with Michigan as well as transfer targets so the total number is a bit higher than Michigan’s actual openings at the moment. But that all works itself out during the offseason.

So, without further adieu…

Check out The 2022 Best Guess Michigan Football Recruiting Class:

1. QB Jayden Denegal, 6’5” 220lbs. Apple Valley, CA (Apple Valley)

• Commitment Date: 6/23/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #24 QB) – 247Sports (3*, #19 QB) – On3 (3*, #28 QB) – ESPN (3*, #21 QB)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #437 Overall, #25 QB, #30 in California

2. RB CJ Stokes, 5’11” 190lbs. Columbia, SC (Hammond School)

• Commitment Date: 6/19/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #41 RB) – 247Sports (3*, #51 RB) – On3 (3*, #46 RB) – ESPN (3*, #61 RB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #760 Overall, #61 RB, #8 in South Carolina

3. RB DeaMonte Trayanum, 5’11” 235lbs. Akron, OH (Arizona State)

The former four-star 2020 recruit and current ASU transfer jumped in the transfer portal this year after racking up 402 yards and 6 touchdowns for the Sun Devils. Trayanum is a bruising back that could perfectly slide into that Haskins “thunder” role for the Wolverines. And that could very well happen as he made his way to Ann Arbor this past weekend for a visit and momentum looks to be favoring Michigan here.

• Commitment Date: TBD
• Transfer Ranking: NR
• 2020 Rankings: Rivals (4*, #16 RB) – 247Sports (4*, #22 RB) – ESPN (4*, #285 overall)
• 2020 Composite Ranking: Four-star, #285 Overall, #23 RB, #5 in Ohio
• Other Options: Alex Orji

4. WR Tyler Morris, 6’0” 175lbs. Bolingbrook, IL (Nazareth Academy)

• Commitment Date: 4/20/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #151 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #92 overall) – On3 (4*, #50 WR) – ESPN (4*, #135 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #151 Overall, #27 WR, #4 in Illinois

5. WR Amorion Walker, 6’4” 175lbs. Ponchatoula, LA (Ponchatoula)

This is another race to keep a close eye on. Walker has been committed to Notre Dame since March 2021 but has been receiving Crystal Ball and other prediction love to Michigan for months now, especially from TMI’s Sam Webb, who’s been all over this recruitment. He’s been a top target for both staffs but it seems as if Michigan is trending in the right direction, even though he’s yet to decommit. Brian Kelly bailed on Notre Dame, giving Michigan more firepower here and though just about everyone is sticking with their Walker-to-Michigan predictions (besides The Wolverine’s Brandon Justice, as of 12/13), I’m a little weary this one could end up back in the Fighting Irish’s favor. But I’ll go with the majority for this one and keep Walker on the list to flip to Michigan tomorrow.

• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent (Committed to Notre Dame)
• Signing Date: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #40 ATH) – 247Sports (3*, #52 ATH) – On3 (3*, #71 WR) – ESPN (4*, #45 WR)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #452 Overall, #68 WR, #22 in Louisiana
• Other Options: Dane Key, Tobias Merriweather

6. WR Darrius Clemons, 6’3” 205lbs. Portland, OR (Westview)

Clemons was a name that was hot on the Michigan trail early on in the cycle but cooled off over the summer. Originally from Michigan, he moved to Oregon when he was 10 and the Ducks looked to be in great position (along with Auburn) for him up until Mario Cristobal bolted for the Miami job. Michigan stayed on him, got him to campus for an official visit, and thanks to fit, relationships, his friendship with freshmen WR Andrel Anthony, and the new found program stability, Michigan is trending big time here heading into Wednesday.

• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Signing Date: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #91 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #172 overall) – On3 (4*, #47 overall) – ESPN (4*, #181 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #98 Overall, #13 WR, #1 in Oregon
• Other Options: Dane Key, Tobias Merriweather

7. TE Marlin Klein, 6’6” 225lbs. Cologne, Germany (Rabun Gap-Nacoochee)

• Commitment Date: 9/22/20
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #26 TE) – 247Sports (3*, #27 TE) – On3 (4*, #19 TE) – ESPN (3*, #17 TE)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #428 Overall, #20 TE, #40 in Georgia

8. TE Colston Loveland, 6’5” 230lbs. Gooding, ID (Gooding)

• Commitment Date: 7/4/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #13 TE) – 247Sports (4*, #10 TE) – On3 (3*, #21 TE) – ESPN (3*, #11 TE-H)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #320 Overall, #16 TE, #1 in Idaho

9. OT Andrew Gentry, 6’8” 310lbs. Littleton, CO (Columbine)

Gentry was a fun surprise for this class. The former top target and top 100 recruit in the 2020 class, Gentry signed with Virginia before heading on his two year missionary trip. Well, right before that ended, Bronco Mendenhall resigned as head coach and Michigan took advantage, landing the commitment from the big guy. It may take a year or two to get back into football shape but he’s a guy who could start for multiple years in Ann Arbor.

• Commitment Date: 12/8/21
• 2020 Rankings: Rivals (4*, #68 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #147 overall) – ESPN (4*, #78 overall)
• 2020 Composite Ranking: Four-star, #88 Overall, #8 OT, #1 in Colorado

10. OT Josh Conerly Jr, 6’5” 275lbs. Seattle, WA (Rainier Beach)

Conerly is arguably the best tackle prospect in this class and a recruitment that, if Michigan ends up winning out, will be one of the best wins of the Harbaugh era. Looked excellent for Michigan until USC hired Lincoln Riley and Courtney Morgan went to Washington. However, the connections with Sherrone Moore and the rest of the staff that has been built for months looks to continue to keep Michigan out front. Problem is, he’s not expected to sign until February. Michigan’s momentum on the trail keeps him on this list but a lot of things can change in 6 weeks. Keep an eye on this one.

• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Signing Day: 2/2/22
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #58 overall) – 247Sports (5*, #9 overall) – On3 (4*, #55 overall) – ESPN (4*, #28 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Five-star, #22 Overall, #3 OT, #1 in Washington
• Other Options: Kiyaunta Goodwin, Xavier Chaplin

11. OL Connor Jones, 6’7” 285lbs. Monument, CO (Palmer Ridge)

• Commitment Date: 12/24/20
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #114 OT) – On3 (3*, #50 OT) – ESPN (3*, #82 OT)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1088 Overall, #80 OT, #6 in Colorado

12. OL Alessandro Lorenzetti, 6’6” 280lbs. Windsor, CAN (The Loomis Chaffee School)

• Commitment Date: 6/25/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #42 OT) – On3 (N/A) – ESPN (3* #52 OT)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #638 Overall, #54 OT, #1 in Connecticut

13. OC Victor Oluwatimi, 6’4” 275lbs. Hyattsville, MD (DeMatha Catholic)

Oluwatimi could potentially be the biggest offseason addition to the 2022 Michigan football roster if the staff can land his commitment. The 2nd Team All-American center not only is a cultural fit in Ann Arbor but he’s also the perfect replacement to departing starter Andrew Vastardis. And though Michigan has recruited the position well, the younger options may need another year of seasoning before taking over the crucial position. Michigan got Oluwatimi on campus this past weekend and though he said he’ll still play in Virginia’s bowl game and could return to the Cavs ($), Michigan just makes too much sense for his final year of eligibility.

• Commitment Date: TBD
• Transfer Ranking: #13
• 2017 Rankings: Rivals (NR) – 247Sports (NR) – ESPN (NR)
• 2017 Composite Ranking: Two-Star, #3300 Overall, #160 OG, #48 in Maryland
• Other Options: Xavier Chaplin

14. NT Kenneth Grant, 6’4” 335lbs. Merrillville, IN (Merrillville)

• Commitment Date: 9/28/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (4*, #43 DL) – On3 (4*, #129 overall) – ESPN (3*, #50 DT)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #390 Overall, #47 DL, #9 in Indiana

15. DT Deone Walker, 6’6” 350lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

Walker was the last name I added to the list. Kentucky has done a fantastic job selling the Detroit standout on playing and developing in the SEC. And it looked like he was going to sign with the Wildcats, especially following his visit to Kentucky this past weekend. However, according to both TMI’s Steve Lorenz and On3’s EJ Holland, Walker stopped by Ann Arbor on Sunday night ($), on top of making a mid-week official to Michigan. Even though it’s an in-state recruitment, this would be a big (literally and figuratively) win for the staff as it looks to add another versatile big man to the class.

• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Signing Date: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #23 DT) – 247Sports (4*, #202 overall) – On3 (4*, #246 overall) – ESPN (3*, #44 DT)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #261 Overall, #34 DL, #6 in Michigan
• Other Options: Lamar Law

16. DT Mason Graham, 6’4” 295lbs. Anaheim, CA (Servite)

• Commitment Date: 9/16/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (4*, #220 overall) – On3 (3*, #51 DL) – ESPN (3*, #69 DT)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #729 Overall, #87 DL, #57 in California

17. DL Derrick Moore, 6’4” 250lbs. Baltimore, MD (St. Frances Academy)

Moore could be a cherry on top of a top 10 haul. He decommitted from Oklahoma after Lincoln Riley jumped ship and Michigan immediately became an option. However, it’s not 100% known for sure if he’s allowed to sign with Michigan because he was coached by Biff Poggi, current Michigan staffer. It’s partially why Jeffrey M’ba isn’t signing with the Wolverines. But this story has a much different dynamic. If Michigan was willing to bring him in for an official visit, you have to think they feel good. TMI’s Steve Lorenz feels good about UM’s chances though Ole Miss is a real threat ($) as does Rivals’ Adam Friedman ($).

• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• Signing Date: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #121 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #107 overall) – On3 (4*, #167 overall) – ESPN (4*, #23 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #87 Overall, #12 DL, #2 in Maryland
• Other Options: Lemar Law

18. DE Ethan Burke, 6’7” 225lbs. Austin, TX (Westlake)

• Highlights
• Commitment Date: 12/1/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3* #43 DE) – On3 (4*, #33 DE) – ESPN (3*, #83 DE)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #420 Overall, #33 EDGE, #64 in Texas

19. LB Deuce Spurlock, 6’2” 200lbs. Madison, AL (Madison Academy)

• Commitment Date: 9/26/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #85 ATH) – On3 (3*, #41 ATH) – ESPN (3*, #53 OLB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1041 Overall, #56 ATH, #41 in Alabama

20. LB Micah Pollard, 6’3” 200lbs. Jacksonville, FL (Bartram Trail)

• Commitment Date: 7/12/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #40 LB) – 247Sports (3*, #89 LB) – On3 (3*, #48 LB) – ESPN (3*, #64 OLB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #604 Overall, #62 LB, #82 in Florida

21. LB Aaron Alexander, 6’1” 205lbs. Belleville, MI (Belleville)

• Commitment Date: 6/19/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (2*) – 247Sports (3*, #71 ATH) – On3 (4*, #295 overall) – ESPN (3*, #59 OLB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1561 Overall, #172 LB, #51 in Michigan

22. ILB Jimmy Rolder, 6’2” 220lbs. Chicago, IL (Marist)

• Commitment Date: 11/17/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #182 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #30 LB) – On3 (4*, #154 overall) – ESPN (3*, #13 ILB)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #279 Overall, #32 LB, #7 in Illinois

23. SS Keon Sabb, 6’2” 200lbs. Williamstown, NJ (IMG Academy)

Sabb is another name on the “most wanted” list in this class. He has been a top target for quite some time but after committing to Clemson early in the year, he looked to be off the table. However, Michigan stayed him and was able to get him on campus for a visit for the Ohio State win. But that wasn’t reportedly going to be enough to flip him. Then Brent Venabels went to Oklahoma and Sabb decommitted from the Tigers. With hardly any time between then and the Early Signing Day, Michigan played the long game and it looks like it’s going to work out.

• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #99 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #71 overall) – On3 (4*, #102 overall) – ESPN (4*, #141 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #102 Overall, #8 S, #15 in Florida
• Other Options: Koen Entringer, Sherrod Covil

24. FS Zeke Berry, 6’0” 195lbs. Concord, CA (De La Salle)

• Commitment Date: 12/3/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #250 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #65 overall) – On3 (4*, #59 overall) – ESPN (4*, #283 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #131 Overall, #10 S, #9 in California

25. DB Damani Dent, 6’0” 190lbs. Jacksonville, FL (Terry Parker)

• Commitment Date: 10/18/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: No
• Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #62 S) – On3 (3*, #66 S) – ESPN (3*, #58 CB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #719 Overall, #60 S, #103 in Florida

26. NCB Kody Jones, 5’11” 180lbs. Germantown, TN (Germantown)

In-state Tennessee came after Jones hard but in the end it looks like Michigan will win out and give the Wolverines another versatile athlete to add to the roster.

• Commitment Date: 2/5/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #21 S) – 247Sports (4*, #20 ATH) – On3 (4*, #269 overall) – ESPN (4*, #22 ATH)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #285 Overall, #8 ATH, #11 in Tennessee

27. CB Will Johnson, 6’3” 190lbs. Gross Pointe, MI (Gross Pointe South)

• Commitment Date: 2/28/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (5* #25 overall)- 247Sports (4*, #37 overall) – On3 (4*, #41 overall) – ESPN (4*, #19 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Five-star, #22 Overall, #3 CB, #1 in Michigan

28. CB Myles Pollard, 6’2″ 185lbs. Brentwood, TN (Ravenwood)

• Commitment Date: 7/7/21
• Signing Day: 12/15/21
• Early Enrollee: Yes
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #33 CB) – 247Sports (3*, #59 CB) – On3 (3*, #60 CB) – ESPN (3*, #72 CB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #532 Overall, #48 CB, #17 in Tennessee

Class Ranking: 271.04 (per 247Sports)

If Michigan were to sign the names above, the class will be in the top 10 once again. Closer to the 7-8 range but pretty solid considering all of the coaching changes over the last year. Biggest question will be how many players will Michigan sign in the Early Window and how many will they hold off on for later on?

Just Missed

• 4* DE Kevonte Henry
  • Biggest risk to flip on Wednesday, Henry was a Courtney Morgan find and with him now at Washington and Henry reportedly visiting the Northwest this past weekend, keep an eye out. TMI’s Brice Marich is already feeling like the flip could happen ($).
• 3* ATH Koen Entringer
  • Is there room for Entringer? If he is targeted for. the defensive side of the ball he could play a similar role as Keon Sabb. So, would they take both? I’m a fan of Entringer’s game and feel like he could be a quality late addition to this class. Iowa looks to be the other top option along with Wisconsin.
• 3* QB Alex Orji
  • Orji is a name to watch closely on Wednesday. Brother of two Vanderbilt players, the current Virginia Tech commit visited Michigan this past weekend thanks to the Hokies coaching change. Will Michigan take a 2nd quarterback? Will he be a take? Orji has the athleticism to play other positions if the route to playing time at QB is crowded. Keep a close eye on this one too though spots could be tough to find.
• 5* OT Kiyaunta Goodwin
  • This is going to be one of the those strange signings where Michigan and Alabama watch either Kentucky or Michigan State land the five star tackle. Whoever gets him will be a big winner on Early Signing Day and with MSU getting the last visit, Mel Tucker may be getting another big win in 2021.
• 4* S Sherrod Covil
  • There were stories going around of Michigan making a little movement here after Brent Venabals took the Oklahoma job but unless a lot more was going on behind the scenes and a huge surprise is in the making, I don’t see this one happening.

Photo Credit: Bryan Fuller/MGoBlog