Wolverine Prospects to Watch in the Next Two Cycles:
2016
This year's cycle of incoming talent will be a lot different than 2015's version now that Harbaugh and his new staff have gotten their recruiting legs under them. With an entire year to prepare before the next signing day there won't be as much of a scramble to patch things together at the last minute. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see all the slots filled and all the commitments in before the first week of February. In other words, Harbaugh will get his guys and National Signing Day will be a lot less dramatic.
I am expecting about 18 or 19 scholarships to be available for 2016, but we could see as few as 17 or as many as 21. There are a lot of factors still at play and we won't know too much more until after spring.
In regards to needs, the 2016 class should resemble something like this at each position:
Quarterback: 1: With two guys committing in 2015 it takes a lot of pressure off the staff to pursue too many passers in the immediate future. Expect them to extend offers to and get a lot of attention from several of the top four and five star kids, but don't expect them to get too desperate in reaching for a prospect in order to fill a need. One solid four star prospect would suffice for now, but if two of the top kids they offer both want to come aboard then by all means sign 'em.
The program had a commitment from Ohio native Messiah DeWeaver, but he broke his pledge a couple weeks after Harbaugh took office. It's safe to say they probably didn't really hit it off that well and it's likely DeWeaver wasn't really fitting in to Harbaugh's vision. And I am completely okay with all that.
There will be other opportunities to grab talented passers in 2017 as well. Harbaugh will have more scholarships to work with too, so signing two passing prospects this go-round seems less likely.
Running Back: 1: With the addition of Higdon this year there won't be as much of a need for too many more ballcarriers again in 2016. Do not expect the staff to put a ton of energy into this position this time around, but...
Look for the Wolverines to go after some big fish in 2017 and don't be surprised if they sign three solid prospects to make up for everybody that will be graduating that same winter.
Fullback: 0-1: With Kerridge and Houma reaching the ends of their respective Michigan careers and Jim "Hardball" instilling his system, I would say there is more of a need for a true lead-blocking fullback than a running back at this point. Former defensive tackle Brady Pallante and former linebacker Chase Winovich could be the top two candidates currently on the roster to compete for the job after 2015 so there is plenty of room for more competition. Pallante, who measures in at 6'1" 276 lbs, could develop into the big blocking back they need to help run the ball over people, but he has a lot of ground to cover before getting to that point. Tight end Kahlid Hill looks like he could play a role at fullback if needed as well.
Only one offer has gone out to a true fullback in the 2016 cycle, and that was to Kingston Davis of Prattville, AL. Davis and 2015 Wolverine signee Keith Washington (CB/ATH) were teammates in high school. He already has offers from Ole Miss, Louisville, and Mississippi State among others. I would bet my right eye that he his holding out for an offer from 'Bama or Auburn though, so expect the staff to continue their search on into 2017.
Reciever: 1-3: There is a lot of young talent on the roster already with Dennis Norfleet being the only scholarship receiver set to graduate after this upcoming season. However, with 15 or so offers already on the table for receiver prospects it is a safe bet that the staff is focusing in on securing some top talent at the position this go around.
Whoever the team does bring in I expect them to have some wheels on them as Harbaugh is looking for speed to help stretch opposing defenses and return kicks. Current Wolverines Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson, Freddy Canteen, Mo' Ways, and Drake Harris are all underclassmen and average 6'2", 196 lbs between the five of them. The size is there but Harris might be the only one considered to be a true burner with the speed to consistently get deep. Until he proves himself on Saturdays there will be a hole to fill so one or two guys with more speed would be a nice compliment to the talent already there.
As many as five or six receiver prospects will get signed during the next two recruiting cycles with four more guys set to graduate after the 2016 season.
Tight End: 1-2: Everybody in Wolverine nation was disappointed in how things turned out here during the 2015 cycle. Yes, we missed out on a big prospect, but Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is a great one in his own right. However, he might be a better DE than a TE so you can bet this position will get hit hard these next two times around.
I expect two additions in this cycle and wouldn't be the least bit shocked to see as many as three TE prospects brought on board, especially if they have the versatility to play other positions.
The recent move of freshman Chase Winovich from linebacker to tight end eases the need to add two or three guys this year. The first year player is in his first spring and will have four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2014. He has all the size (6'3" 230 lbs) and athletic ability to become the pass-catching threat that Harbaugh loves out of the TE/HB role.
Offensive Line: 3-4: Drevno and Harbaugh will continue to add talent to the O-line as they plan on controlling games at the line of scrimmage, just like Ohio State did while beating 'Bama and Oregon in the playoffs.
Six or seven prospects will be brought in over the next two years with at least six current scholarship players set to leave before the 2017 season opens.
Defensive Line: 3: Depth at tackle is outstanding right now and should be decent through the next two years. Harbaugh will go after a few key targets but if he can't get any of them to commit he probably will not go scrambling around throwing out offers on the eve of National Signing Day just to fill a need. They can afford to wait until 2017 before getting desperate.
There is little doubt that Harbaugh will look to add more pass-rushing talent at DE/OLB because defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and defensive line coach Greg Mattison want to live in opponent's backfields whether they are playing a 4-3 or a 3-4. There are several top prospects that are interested so the outlook does look good to get a few of the guys they really want.
Linebacker: 3-4: Depth is outstanding here this year, but four of the top six players (Bolden, Morgan, Ross III, Jenkins-Stone) will graduate after the 2015 season. Expect at least three guys to get signed this go around after not adding any this year.
Whatever they don't get in 2016 they will hopefully get in '17. Expect as many as six or seven linebacker recruits to commit over the next two years.
Defensive Backs: 3-4: After missing out on at least one big recruit in 2015 the staff will work overtime in order to secure three or four highly-touted prospects in 2016. There is too much of the top talent on the roster set to graduate in the next two years to not add any talent here.
Getting two safeties and two corners would be nice. I wouldn't be opposed to taking as many as three corners though, if enough of the top prospects want to sign.
If the team scores big this year it will make next year's job a little easier, but Harbaugh will still be looking to land another four or five DB prospects in 2017.
Top Wolverine Prospects to Watch (2016):
QB
RB
FB
WR
TE
OL
DL
LB
2017
2016
 |
| There are few bigger targets than Paramus Catholic's DT Rashan Gary. |
I am expecting about 18 or 19 scholarships to be available for 2016, but we could see as few as 17 or as many as 21. There are a lot of factors still at play and we won't know too much more until after spring.
In regards to needs, the 2016 class should resemble something like this at each position:
Quarterback: 1: With two guys committing in 2015 it takes a lot of pressure off the staff to pursue too many passers in the immediate future. Expect them to extend offers to and get a lot of attention from several of the top four and five star kids, but don't expect them to get too desperate in reaching for a prospect in order to fill a need. One solid four star prospect would suffice for now, but if two of the top kids they offer both want to come aboard then by all means sign 'em.
The program had a commitment from Ohio native Messiah DeWeaver, but he broke his pledge a couple weeks after Harbaugh took office. It's safe to say they probably didn't really hit it off that well and it's likely DeWeaver wasn't really fitting in to Harbaugh's vision. And I am completely okay with all that.
There will be other opportunities to grab talented passers in 2017 as well. Harbaugh will have more scholarships to work with too, so signing two passing prospects this go-round seems less likely.
Running Back: 1: With the addition of Higdon this year there won't be as much of a need for too many more ballcarriers again in 2016. Do not expect the staff to put a ton of energy into this position this time around, but...
Look for the Wolverines to go after some big fish in 2017 and don't be surprised if they sign three solid prospects to make up for everybody that will be graduating that same winter.
Fullback: 0-1: With Kerridge and Houma reaching the ends of their respective Michigan careers and Jim "Hardball" instilling his system, I would say there is more of a need for a true lead-blocking fullback than a running back at this point. Former defensive tackle Brady Pallante and former linebacker Chase Winovich could be the top two candidates currently on the roster to compete for the job after 2015 so there is plenty of room for more competition. Pallante, who measures in at 6'1" 276 lbs, could develop into the big blocking back they need to help run the ball over people, but he has a lot of ground to cover before getting to that point. Tight end Kahlid Hill looks like he could play a role at fullback if needed as well.
Only one offer has gone out to a true fullback in the 2016 cycle, and that was to Kingston Davis of Prattville, AL. Davis and 2015 Wolverine signee Keith Washington (CB/ATH) were teammates in high school. He already has offers from Ole Miss, Louisville, and Mississippi State among others. I would bet my right eye that he his holding out for an offer from 'Bama or Auburn though, so expect the staff to continue their search on into 2017.
Reciever: 1-3: There is a lot of young talent on the roster already with Dennis Norfleet being the only scholarship receiver set to graduate after this upcoming season. However, with 15 or so offers already on the table for receiver prospects it is a safe bet that the staff is focusing in on securing some top talent at the position this go around.
Whoever the team does bring in I expect them to have some wheels on them as Harbaugh is looking for speed to help stretch opposing defenses and return kicks. Current Wolverines Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson, Freddy Canteen, Mo' Ways, and Drake Harris are all underclassmen and average 6'2", 196 lbs between the five of them. The size is there but Harris might be the only one considered to be a true burner with the speed to consistently get deep. Until he proves himself on Saturdays there will be a hole to fill so one or two guys with more speed would be a nice compliment to the talent already there.
As many as five or six receiver prospects will get signed during the next two recruiting cycles with four more guys set to graduate after the 2016 season.
Tight End: 1-2: Everybody in Wolverine nation was disappointed in how things turned out here during the 2015 cycle. Yes, we missed out on a big prospect, but Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is a great one in his own right. However, he might be a better DE than a TE so you can bet this position will get hit hard these next two times around.
I expect two additions in this cycle and wouldn't be the least bit shocked to see as many as three TE prospects brought on board, especially if they have the versatility to play other positions.
The recent move of freshman Chase Winovich from linebacker to tight end eases the need to add two or three guys this year. The first year player is in his first spring and will have four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2014. He has all the size (6'3" 230 lbs) and athletic ability to become the pass-catching threat that Harbaugh loves out of the TE/HB role.
Offensive Line: 3-4: Drevno and Harbaugh will continue to add talent to the O-line as they plan on controlling games at the line of scrimmage, just like Ohio State did while beating 'Bama and Oregon in the playoffs.
Six or seven prospects will be brought in over the next two years with at least six current scholarship players set to leave before the 2017 season opens.
Defensive Line: 3: Depth at tackle is outstanding right now and should be decent through the next two years. Harbaugh will go after a few key targets but if he can't get any of them to commit he probably will not go scrambling around throwing out offers on the eve of National Signing Day just to fill a need. They can afford to wait until 2017 before getting desperate.
There is little doubt that Harbaugh will look to add more pass-rushing talent at DE/OLB because defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and defensive line coach Greg Mattison want to live in opponent's backfields whether they are playing a 4-3 or a 3-4. There are several top prospects that are interested so the outlook does look good to get a few of the guys they really want.
Linebacker: 3-4: Depth is outstanding here this year, but four of the top six players (Bolden, Morgan, Ross III, Jenkins-Stone) will graduate after the 2015 season. Expect at least three guys to get signed this go around after not adding any this year.
Whatever they don't get in 2016 they will hopefully get in '17. Expect as many as six or seven linebacker recruits to commit over the next two years.
Defensive Backs: 3-4: After missing out on at least one big recruit in 2015 the staff will work overtime in order to secure three or four highly-touted prospects in 2016. There is too much of the top talent on the roster set to graduate in the next two years to not add any talent here.
Getting two safeties and two corners would be nice. I wouldn't be opposed to taking as many as three corners though, if enough of the top prospects want to sign.
If the team scores big this year it will make next year's job a little easier, but Harbaugh will still be looking to land another four or five DB prospects in 2017.
Top Wolverine Prospects to Watch (2016):
QB
 |
| Could Brandon Peters be the next big Harbaugh QB recruit? |
- Brandon Peters 4-Star Pro QB Grade: 88
RB
- Mathew Falcon 4-Star RB Grade: 82
- Robert Washington 4-Star RB Grade: 80
- Rakeem Boyd 3-Star RB Grade: 76
FB
- Kingston Davis 3-Star FB
WR
- Dylan Crawford 4-Star WR Grade: 88
- Ahmir Mitchell 4-Star WR/ATH Grade: 85
- Austin Mack 4-Star WR Grade: 84
- Justin Layne 4-Star WR Grade: 84
- Donnie Corley 4-Star WR Grade: 84
- Brad Hawkins 4-Star WR Grade: 82
- Desmond Fitzpatrick 4-Star WR Grade: 80 (Committed to Louisville)
- Josh Imatorbhebhe 4-Star WR Grade: 80
- Tre Nixon 3-Star WR Grade: 79
- Michael Irvin Jr. 4-Star WR Grade: 77
- Jalen Martin 3-Star WR Grade: 77
 |
| TE Devin Asiasi fits the Harbaugh mold perfectly. |
TE
- Kaden Smith 4-Star TE Grade: 86
- Devin Asiasi 4-Star TE/DE Grade: 85
- Naseir Upshur 4-Star TE Grade: 82
- Luke Farrell 4-Star TE Grade: 81
OL
- Ben Bredeson 4-Star T Grade: 88
- Liam Eichenberg 4-Star T/G Grade: 87
- E.J. Price 4-Star T Grade: 84 (Georgia)
- Erik Swenson (Committed) 4-Star T Grade: 82
- Michael Jordan 4-Star T Grade: 82
- Michael Owenu 4-Star G/DT Grade: 82
- Terrence Davis 4-Star G Grade: 82
- Thiyo Lakusa 4-Star T/G Grade: 78
- Jack Wohlabaugh 3-Star G/C Grade: 77
- Jack DeFoor 3-Star G/C Grade: 76
- Alex Akingbulu 3-Star T Grade: 76
DL
- Rashan Gary 5-Star DT Grade: 94
- Josh King 4-Star SDE Grade: 88
- Isaiah Chambers 4-Star SDE Grade: 86
- Rahshaun Smith 4-Star WDE Grade: 86
- Erick Fowler 4-Star WDE Grade: 86
- Xavier Kelly 4-Star WDE Grade: 84
- Boss Tagaloa 4-Star DT Grade: 84
- Kahlid Kareem 4-Star DE Grade: 83
- Chris Daniels 4-Star DT Grade: 82
- Ron Johnson 4-Star WDE Grade: 81
- Bryson Young 4-Star WDE Grade: 80
- Connor Murphy 4-Star DE/TE Grade: 79
LB
 |
| LB Caleb Kelly could start immediately in 2016 |
- Caleb Kelly 4-Star OLB Grade: 90
- Dontavious Jackson 4-Star ILB Grade: 85
- Jeffrey McCullough 4-Star OLB Grade: 84
- Curtis Robinson 4-Star OLB Grade: 84
- Jaquan Yulee 4-Star ILB Grade: 83
- Johnathan Jones 4-Star OLB Grade: 81
- Camilo Eifler 4-Star OLB Grade: 81
- Darrian Franklin 4-Star OLB Grade: 81
- Devin Bush Jr 4-Star OLB Grade: 78
- Dele Harding (Committed) 3-Star ILB Grade: 76
- David Reese 3-Star ILB Grade: 75 (committed to Louisville)
DB
- Jordan Fuller 4-Star S Grade: 85
- Jared Mayden 4-Star CB Grade: 83
- Lavert Hill 4-Star CB * (Penn State) Grade: 83
- Demar Hamlin 4-Star CB Grade: 83
- David Long 4-Star CB Grade: 83
- Lamar Jackson 4-Star CB Grade: 82
- C.J. Pollard 4-Star S Grade: 78
- Demetric Vance 4-Star S Grade: 77
- Andrew Pryts 3-Star S Grade: 76
- Korey Banks 3-Star CB Grade: 76
ATH
- J.J. Givens 3-Star WR/DB Grade: 77
- Demetric Felton 3-Star WR/CB Grade: 77
The Early Wish List:
- QB Brandon Peters - A four-star prospect with all the raw tools to develop into something special.
- RB Mathew Falcon - Local kid with the ability to compete at the next level. Somewhat similar build to Tyrone Wheatley's.
- FB Kingston Davis - Would be a nice steal out of SEC country and would fill a need at the position with the top two guys graduating after this season.
- WR Donnie Corley - A local kid that appears to be exactly what the coaches are looking for out wide.
- TE/DE Devin Asiasi - Is primarily being recruited to play offense but his versatility would be very valuable. He too is very high on Harbaugh's list.
- TE Naseir Upshur - Could the letter to his girlfriend from Jay Harbaugh seal the deal?
- OT Erik Swenson - A top 100 player that has been committed to the program for over a year already.
- OT E.J. Price - A top prospect out of Michigan that could develop into a very good left tackle.
- OG/DT Michael Onwenu - Stout lineman from Cass Tech fits the profile at either nose tackle on defense or guard on offense. Either way works for me.
- OG/C Jack Wohlabaugh - Looks like a solid prospect to groom at center.
- DT Rashan Gary - Appears to be the real deal. Just watch his film. Everybody has him among their top targets.
- DE Kahlid Kareem - Might not be the true speed rusher they covet but could play strong-side end or tackle at the next level not unlike current Wolverine Chris Wormley.
- LB Caleb Kelly - One of the top prospects at the position could quickly find a home in Michigan's defense.
- LB Dontavious Jackson - A top prospect out of Texas could contribute immediately in the middle of Durkin's defense.
- LB Jonathan Jones - Looks good enough to compete for playing time soon. I would love to see a commitment from him soon.
- LB Dele Harding - Already committed and fills a big need. His stock has been rising lately too. With a big hole opening up at the position next year it's great to have a kid like this on board.
- CB David Long - We will need corners and Long appears to be about as solid as they come.
- CB Lamar Jackson - If Lewis leaves for the NFL along with Countess graduating, then the team will have little to no starting-caliber players available at the position.
- S C.J. Pollard - Has stated that he will be visiting Ann Arbor in the fall. Might be close to a lock here.
- S Andrew Pryts - Looks like the type of hard-nosed, working-class defender that Harbaugh and Durkin love at safety.
2017
The Wolverine's Top High School Junior Watch List (19-25 Scholarships) and Early Offers:
QB
Hunter Johnson 4-Star Pro (Offered)
Isaiah Pryor 4-Star S (Offered)
Hunter Johnson 4-Star Pro (Offered)
Dylan McCaffrey 3-Star Pro (Offered)
Bruce Mann 3-Star Pro
Rodney Hall 3-Star ATH
RB
DeAndre Swift 4-Star RB
Najee Harris 4-Star RB (Offered)
Todd Sibley 3-Star RB (Offered)
Antjuan Simmons 3-Star RB
WR
Donovan Peoples-Jones 4-Star WR (Offered)
Jeff Thomas 4-Star WR (Offered)
Craig Yeast II 3-Star WR
TE
Leonard Warner 4-Star TE
Will Register 3-Star TE
Matt Dotson 3-Star TE
Jacob Coons 3-Star TE
Terrell Stanley 3-Star TE
Marquise Quinn 3-Star TE
OL
Calvin Ashley 5-Star T (Offered)
Emani Mason 4-Star T/G
Cam Spence 4-Star T
Kayden Lyles 4-Star G
Emani Mason 4-Star T/G
Cam Spence 4-Star T
Kayden Lyles 4-Star G
Jake Anderson 4-Star C
Robert Hainsey 3-Star T
Robert Hainsey 3-Star T
DL
A.J. Epenesa 5-Star DE (Offered)
M.J. Webb 4-Star DE (Offered)
Corey Malone Hatcher 4-Star DE (Offered)
Jordan Riley 4-Star DE
Chuck Filiaga 4-Star DT
Xach Gill 4-Star DT
Jordan Riley 4-Star DE
Chuck Filiaga 4-Star DT
Xach Gill 4-Star DT
Camaron Spence 3-Star DT
Darnell Ewell 3-Star DT/OG (Offered)
Bryce Brand 3-Star DT
Darnell Ewell 3-Star DT/OG (Offered)
Bryce Brand 3-Star DT
Johnathan Berghorst 3-Star DE
LB
Josh Ross 4-Star OLB (Offered)
Nate Mcbride 4-Star LB
Jeffrey Okudah 4-Star OLB (Offered)
Blake Gallagher 4-Star LB
Anthony Hines 4-Star LB (Offered)
Kyle Bolden 3-Star OLB
Jeffrey Okudah 4-Star OLB (Offered)
Blake Gallagher 4-Star LB
Anthony Hines 4-Star LB (Offered)
Kyle Bolden 3-Star OLB
Derrick Hubbard 3-Star LB
DB
Marcus Williamson 4-Star CB (Offered)
Jonathan Sutherland 4-Star ATH
Jonathan Sutherland 4-Star ATH
Devon Hunter 4-Star ATH (Offered)
R.J. Potts 4-Star S
Lamont Wade 4-Star CB
Deon Jones 4-Star CB
Donovan Johnson 3-Star CB
Ambry Thomas 3-Star CB
Jared Payton 3-Star S
ATH
Darnay Holmes 4-Star (Offered)
Jamyest Williams 4-Star (Offered)
Jaylen Kelly-Powell 3-Star Lamont Wade 4-Star CB
Deon Jones 4-Star CB
Donovan Johnson 3-Star CB
Ambry Thomas 3-Star CB
Jared Payton 3-Star S
ATH
Darnay Holmes 4-Star (Offered)
Jamyest Williams 4-Star (Offered)
These lists will change as things develop.
Comments
Post a Comment