Since Brady Hoke has hit Ann Arbor with the head coach tag, Michigan has been on a recruiting roll, to say the least. With top 10 classes in his first two seasons, Coach Hoke knows exactly what he wants in his football players and has drawn the top prospects in the country back to Michigan. They have targeted the midwest, especially Michigan, Ohio and Illinois, and it has shown to be very successful.
With the 2014 class already off to a good start, it\’s time to check out the 2015 prospects that Michigan will have it\’s eyes on.
Check it:
QB: 3-4* Aaron Winchester, 6\’1\’\’ 165lbs. Alpharetta, GA (Mount Pisgah Christian HS)
![\"\"](\"http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmatchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fsites%2F2518%2Fassets%2FAI0Y_nful_9_5_insidepisgah.jpg\") |
| Aaron Winchester #18, QB (via neighbornewspaper.com) |
– One of the top sophomore QBs in Georgia, Winchester is an athletic, smooth athlete that stars at both quarterback and safety. He has a nice release, strong arm and great accuracy, which reminds me a lot of a young Devin Gardner. With an invite to most of the top college camps in the country, including Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, and USC, he is definitely one player to keep you eye on.
Offer: No
Visit: No
Michigan\’s Chances: Too Early
QB: 5* Austin Kafentzis, 6\’1\’\’ 190lbs. Sandy, UT (Jordan HS)
![\"\"](\"http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/6/2/d/62d40064-3ed3-46cb-aa1e-5e1dacb3201c/5364e5c7-eb43-e211-9349-002655e6c126_original.jpg\") |
| Austin Kafentzis #2, QB |
-The Max Preps Freshmen Player of the Year in 2011, Kafentzis is someone that every BCS school will be watching.
Offer: No
Visit: No
Michigan\’s Chances: Low
QB: 4* Jayru Campbell, 6\’3\’ 180lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS)
![\"\"](\"http://i.usatoday.net/sports/_photos/2012/08/27/Bishop-Gorman-leads-list-of-new-Super-25-teams-OS25I51U-x-large.jpg\") |
| Jayru Campbell #10, QB |
-The two time state champion is one of the hottest names in the Michigan recruiting circles. He started and won the state championship his freshmen and sophomore years and looks like he is a Michigan lean already.
Offer: No
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very High, if offered
RB: 5* Damien Harris, 5\’11\’\’ 195lbs. Berea, KY (Madison Southern HS)
![\"\"](\"http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/e/f/1/ef10c798-72e5-4304-8f0d-c6e71ba66d81/3c40058e-782e-e211-ad0c-002655e6c126_original.jpg\") |
| Damien Harris #34, RB |
-Possibly the #1 running back in the class and one of the top players in the country, Harris is huge Michigan fan and is seen as a must get for Hoke. He is just bigger, faster, and stronger than his competition and has an Arien Foster running style.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Not Yet
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Very High (Tied for Top Team)
RB: 4* Mike Weber, 5\’10\’\’ 190lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS)
| Mike Weber #25, RB |
-After a game to remember in the 2012 Michigan State Championship game (186 yards), Weber introduced himself to the world of recruiting. He reminds me a ton of a young Ray Rice. Also, he is seen as a possible Michigan lean and will most likely be offered as soon as possible.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very High
WR/S: 4* Brian Cole, 6\’2\’\’ 190lbs. Saginaw, MI (Heritage HS)
![\"\"](\"http://www.mybaycity.com/images/FB_2012/20120923_Western_DSC_4258.jpg\") |
| Brian Cole #1, WR |
-One of the top players in Michigan, Cole is a big play receiver that can stretch the field and go across the middle. He is starting to receive interest from Michigan and could be a top recruit in the class after two summers worth of camps.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
WR: 4-5* George Campbell, 6\’3\’\’ 180lbs. Tarpon Springs, FL (East Lake HS)
![\"\"](\"http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.sbnation.com%2Fassets%2F2340291%2F861008.jpg\") |
| George Campbell sporting Michigan gloves (via SBNation.com) |
-Possible the #1 player in the receiver and a big time basketball player, Campbell is teammates with 2014 Michigan targets, Artavis Scott and Mason Cole. With Cole already committed and George showing a ton of love for the maize and blue, Campbell could very well end up at Michigan as well since he as admitted to wanting to play in college with his teammates.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very High
WR/CB: 4* Shaun Crawford, 5\’9\’\’ 160lbs. Lakewood, OH (St. Edward HS)
![\"\"](\"http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/SHAUN-CRAWFORD_8_9_150.JPG\") |
| Shaun Crawford, ATH |
-This speedster is one of the best playmakers in the country and happens to go to the same school as 2012 commit, Kyle Kalis. He is a big Michigan fan and looks like he could very well Go Blue if/when offered.
Offer: Not Yet (soon)
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very High
Highlights #17
TE/DE: 4* Tyrone Wheatley Jr., 6\’6\’\’ 235lbs. Manlius, NY (Fayetteville-Manlius HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/111/1118917.jpg\") |
| Tyrone Wheatley Jr. #9, TE/DE |
-Son of former Michigan star running back, Tyrone Wheatley, TJ (as he is referred too) is one of the most physically gifted players in the 2015 class. He can dominate at both tight end and defensive end, and Michigan sees him playing either side of the ball. With his Dad in his ear, the Wolverines have a great chance.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes, but not as a recruit
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
OL/DL: 4* Rob Dowdy, 6\’5\’\’ 260lbs. Westerville, OH (Westerville-South HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/116/825/825116.jpg\") |
| Rob Dowdy (247sports) |
-One of the best lineman in the Midwest for 2015, Dowdy has been targeted by the coaching staff early and will visit March 2nd with \’15 RB Mikey Weber.
Offer: No
Visit: March 2nd
Michigan\’s Chances: Good
OL: 4* Aaron Garza, 6\’4\’\’ 300lbs. Sherman, TX (Sherman HS)
![\"\"](\"http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/DSC_4532_1_30_150.JPG\") |
| Aaron Garza (via Rivals) |
-The first offensive lineman offered in the 2015 class, Garza is a big, physical lineman that projects to the interior of the line. Pulling him from Texas will be difficult but the early offer will definitely help.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Not Yet
Michigan\’s Chances: Decent
DE: 4* Josh Alabi, 6\’5\’\’ 240lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/147/692/692147.jpg\") |
| Josh Alabi #51, DE |
-The next big time defensive recruit from Cass Tech, Alabi already has college football size and picked up an offer from the Michigan coaching staff. He visited with teammate, Mikey Weber, and loved the entire Michigan experience.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
DT: NR Brady Pallante, 6\’1\’\’ 270lbs. Naples, FL (Barron Collier HS)
![\"\"](\"http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-n_EGBG3ytxk%2FUSGYdrbmHUI%2FAAAAAAAABz8%2F-hRw50H9TTc%2Fs1600%2F296607_2034749481869_1548165661_n.jpg\") |
| Brady Pallante #52 (via TheBigHouseReport.com) |
-The Florida high school wrestling state champion is the first commit to Team 136. He is coming in 2014 on a grayshirt, so his scholarship will not count against the 2014 class. Scouts say he is very similar to Michigan alum, Mike Martin.
Offer: Grayshirt offer
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Commitment
Highlights
LB/ATH: 4* Osa Masina, 6\’4\’\’ 190lbs. Salt Lake City, UT (Brighton HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/540/815/815540.jpg\") |
| Osa Masina #3, LB |
-One of the first 2015 offers to go out from Michigan, Masina is a top level athlete that looks to be a star. He is from Utah, which seems to be Hoke\’s new place to attack. Hopefully the Wolverines can pull him in just like they did 2014 commit, Bryan Mone.
Offer: Yes
Visit: Not Yet
Michigan\’s Chances: Decent
CB/RB: 4* Harrison Johnson, 5\’10\’\’ 165lbs. Trotwood, OH (Trotwood-Madison HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/960/img/photos/2012/04/28/05/96/Trotwood-Madison_s_1043936a.jpg\") |
| Harrison Johnson #25, CB |
-From the recruiting hotbed, Trotwood-Madison, Johnson is a player to definitely look out for in the state of Ohio.
Offer: No
Visit: No
Michigan\’s Chance: Average
CB: 4* Kei Beckham, 6\’0\’\’ 170lbs. Dayton, OH (Trotwood-Madison HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/627/645/645627.jpg\") |
| Kei Beckahm #21, CB |
-A top level cornerback prospect in this class that will be a top priority for Hoke and staff. He is at a very Michigan-friendly school in Ohio and the Wolverine staff has already begun contacting him.
Offer: No
Visit: No
Michigan\’s Chances: Average
DB: 4* Robert Branch, 6\’2\’\’ 190lbs. Baltimore, MD (Gilman HS)
![\"\"](\"http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/83/694/694083.jpg\") |
| Robert Branch #8, DB |
-The big, physical playmaker is a teammate of 2013 commit, Henry Poggi. He is one of the top sophomores in the country. Hopefully Poggi\’s commitment can help draw him to Ann Arbor.
Offer: No
Visit: No
Michigan\’s Chances: Average
DB/ATH: 4* Minkah Fitzpatrick, 6\’0\’\’ 180lbs. Jersey City, NJ (St. Peter\’s Prep)
![\"\"](\"http://static.hudl.com/users/prod/439050_db57444e62174c22aaa00930fb926ffa.jpg\") |
| Minkah Fitzpatrick (via Hudl.com) |
-Considered to be one of the top recruits of the 2015 class, Fitzpatrick could be the Jabrill Peppers of this class. A top level athlete that can play both sides of the ball but is exceptional as a defensive back. He has admitted to being a Michigan fan since he was a kid and that the staff has been contacting him already. According to TheMBlock, Michigan is definitely one of his top schools.
Offer: Not Yet
Visit: Not Yet
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
- The First 2024 Best Guess Recruiting Class - Mar 24, 2023
- 2023 Best Guess Recruiting Class: Early Signing Day - Dec 20, 2022
- The 2023 Best Guess Recruiting Class - Sep 22, 2022