Blueprint 2017
Grading System:
Quarterback
Dylan McCaffrey 4-Star 6'5"/196lbs (Littleton, CO) Grade: 89
The top player coming out of Colorado. One of the top arms in the country and an above average athlete at the position. He placed 7th in the Elite 11 Finals last summer and played in the Army Bowl in January. Still needs to develop physically, but has the frame to add more bulk. A couple years in the UM weight room will be very good for him. Has a high ceiling but he is not college-ready. So don't expect to see anything from him for at least a year, probably more.
Running Back
O'Maury Samuels 4-Star 5'11"/190lbs (Los Lunas, New Mexico) Grade: 80
The top player coming out of New Mexico. An elite athlete with great speed. Doesn't have a true position and needs to develop his game at running back. Harbaugh loves these types of guys - reminds of a Chris Evans. Could turn out to be an explosive weapon. I expect him to redshirt while he gets his college legs under him, but if Harbaugh sees something in him early he won't hesitate to see if it produces on Saturdays.
Kurt Taylor 3-Star 5'9"/200lbs (Covinton, GA) Grade: 75
More of a grinder that does a lot of things well than a speedster who can break one off on any given play. Has a polished game and looks like he lives in the weight room. Could get playing time early in his career, but most people feel that he doesn't have a high ceiling. Doesn't really jump off the film at you, but he played against quality competition in Georgia. Kinda reminds me of former 3-Star Karan Higdon, who played high school ball in Florida.
Wide Receiver
Donovan Peoples-Jones 5-Star 6'2"/192lbs (Detroit, MI) Grade: 96
The best pure athlete the team has recruited at the position in over a decade. Leads one of the best hauls of receivers in Michigan history. Could be an instant game-changer with all the athleticism and speed to light up any mismatches. Is enrolled early and will be on the field this spring. Should compete for playing time immediately.
Tarik Black 4-Star 6'4"/205lbs (Cheshire, CT) Grade: 85
Great receiving prospect. Has all the length and athleticism you need to build around. Isn't a burner but is fast enough. Beat a lot of high school defenders on jump balls. Can play like a running back once the ball is in his hands. Could earn playing time early in his career. He is also already enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
Nico Collins 4-Star 6'5"/195lbs (Pinson, AL) Grade: 84
A big-time steal right out of 'Bama's back yard. Fifth best player in the state of Alabama. With him committing and signing on National Signing Day this becomes the best group of receving prospects in the nation. Not the fastest kid, but has enough speed to go deep and he uses length well to position for the ball. Can get up over defenders and sheilds them on inside slants. Once he gets a little stronger he could be a very deadly weapon.
Oliver Martin 4-Star 6'1"/190lbs (Iowa City, IA) Grade: 83
Nobody runs crisper routes than this kid. Came virtually out of nowhere in the last year and has rocketed up recruiting boards across the country. Made a lot of splash plays at The Opening last summer and fit right in at the Army Bowl. Possesses strong hands and a large catching radius. Can turn his body to adjust to the ball then make a nasty cut when it's in his hands. A frustrating player to have to cover all game. Will out-work defenders and beat them eventually.
Brad Hawkins 3-Star 6'1"/200lbs (Camden, NJ) Grade: 77
Was originally in the 2016 class, but attended prep school for a year before joining the Wolverines. Does not possess the elite quickness that some of the other receiving prospects do. Plays the game tough. Wins jump balls and puts his shoulder down to initiate contact. Looks like a running back. Can break tackles and carry defenders for extra yardage. Has enough straight-line speed to break off a big play but will never be a true deep threat. Could play safety.
Offensive Line
Cesar Ruiz 4-Star OC 6'3"/315lbs (IMG Academy) Grade: 90
A top 50 prospect and easily the best center available. Plays with a lot of pop and keeps his head on a swivel. Looks for defenders to hit and delivers a blow. Can drive-block but needs to work on his body a little bit. Is enrolled early and could play this fall. All-American material.
Chuck Filiaga 4-Star 6'6"/330lbs (Aledo, TX) Grade: 85
Looks like a prototypical right tackle prospect with the potential to be great. Instantly improves the depth. Has massive hands, good arm length, and a large frame to hang more muscle upon. He doesn't need to get any bigger, but he does need to develop what he's got. Should be a starter sooner or later.
JaRaymond Hall 4-Star (Oak Park, MI) Grade: 81
Slightly overlooked and underrated recruit by many outlets. Has a good, solid frame and loves to pancake defenders. Might need some time to bulk up but is enrolled early. Should help with depth right away and could play the left side.
Andrew Stueber 4-Star (Darrien, CT) Grade: 78
Is considered a 3-Star by most publications but he is another underrated recruit that has slowly crept up the rankings. Impressed the coaches in camp last summer and the coaches have made it known that they "love his athleticism". Had offers from Tennessee, Penn State, and North Carolina, among others, which says he was indeed a coveted player on the national scene. Could help with depth right away. Could play defensive tackle too.
Joel Honigford 3-Star (Sugarcreek, OH) Grade: 75
Solid offensive line recruit. Uses good technique and keeps working through the whistle. Might also be a little underrated and he could compete for backup job very soon. If he's the lowest rated line recruit you're hauling in then you're probably doing really well recruiting the position.
Defensive End
Luiji Vilain 4-Star (Alexandria, VA) Grade: 87
A quick defender that plays with pop. Gets in the backfield and instantly dirupts the play. Made a lot of tackles for losses in high school. Should be competing for playing time right away at the weakside end position. Will be interesting to see how he develops. Could be an All-Conference player some day soon. Originally from Canada.
Deron Irving-Bey 4-Star 6'5"/280lbs (Flint, MI) Grade: 80
A true strong-side end prospect that is just beginning to tap into his potential as a player. Has risen up the rankings quite a bit over the last year and a half. Said he didn't start taking football seriously until two years ago. Could be one of the real surprises of the cycle if is tuned into the coaches. He is a great physcial specimen who can run. Can lay some nasty hits. Was destroying high school opponents on any given play. His ceiling is very high.
Donovan Jeter 4-Star 6'5"/250lbs (Beaver Falls, PA) Grade: 80
Is not unlike what Chris Wormley looked like as a recruit five years ago. Is big and athletic enough but still has a lot of room to grow. Is enrolled early. Would not be shocking to see him add 30 lbs of muscle in the next year. Could have gone to Notre Dame, Penn State, 'Bama, or Georgia if he wanted to, but fell in love with the Harbaugh way.
Corey Malone-Hatcher 4-Star 6'3"/246lbs (St Joseph, MI) Grade: 80
Played most of his high school career in a two-point stance but definitely showed that he can play with his hand in the grass too. Also had offers from 'Bama, UCLA, Ohio State, and Sparty, among others. Was a big recruiter for the program in the months leading up to NSD. Plays with a solid base, good feet, and some hand quickness. Not really speed rusher but just a notch below what former Wolverines Brandon Graham and Lamar Woodley were at that age. Already on campus and working out with the team.
Kwity Paye 3-Star 6'4"/230lbs (Warwick, RI) Grade: 77
The top player out of Rhode Island. One of the most underrated prospects in the entire nation. Displays very good quickness, vision, and power at the point of attack. His highlight reel is very entertaining, as he dominated the weaker competition on both offense and defense. Could play linebacker or running back but will get a chance to rush the passer from the weakside first. Helps make this one of the deepest group of ends in the nation.
Defensive Tackle
Aubrey Soloman 5-Star 6'3"/290lbs (Leesburg, GA) Grade: 97
Is about as good of a defensive tackle prospect as you can ask for in any given cycle. Is one of the top 25 players coming out of high school who can go toe-to-toe with anybody. Played a lot of nose tackle in high school against good competition over the years and has been dominant. Possesses a lot of raw strength, athleticism, and a set of quick hands that helped put a lot of would-be teenage blockers on their backs. Will play immediately and could be a two-way player some day, as he has the hands and athleticism to play tight end or fullback.
James Hudson 4-Star 6'5" 290lbs (Toledo, OH) Grade: 82
Considered a strong-side end prospect by most, but definitely has the makings of a good tackle. Has a big body and surprising athleticism. Can out-hustle opponents and bullied a lot of kids in Ohio. Is a rising player that could crack the rotation this fall. Could also be a quality candidate for the offensive line. Played both ways in high school and dominated either way. Looks country-strong with room to grow. Ohio State didn't offer him but he could've gone to plenty of Big Ten, SEC, and ACC schools, including 'Bama and Miami (FL). Was once committed to Kentucky.
Phillip Paea 3-Star 6'4"/285lbs (Berrien Springs, MI) Grade: 77
One of the top six players in the state of Michigan. A solid prospect with a big body. Has a lot of natural strenght and power, but could be limited athletically. Has the frame to add more weight and become a real player for this team down the road. Chose Michigan over the likes of Notre Dame, Oregon, and USC.
Linebackers
Jordan Anthony 4-Star 6'0"/220lbs (IMG Academy) Grade: 86
Played at a top program against top competition and played very well throughout the process. Was coveted by all the major programs and is widely considered among the top 100 prospects in the nation. Has a strong base and the ability to roam sideline to sideline. Also knows how to wait for his reads before committing himself. Made a lot of tackles for a loss. Could play any three of the linebacker spots but looks like a Will to me. Can also play running back.
Drew Singleton 4-Star 6'2"/215lbs (Paramus, NJ) Grade: 86
A true outside linebacker prospect that could help fill in for the departed Jabrill Peppers immediately. Is still recovering from a knee surgery but should be ready to go full speed this summer. Has elite quickness and can deliver a nasty blow to ballcarriers. Should be a good passrusher off the blitz with the ability to sniff out screens, draws, and reverses.
Josh Ross 4-Star 6'2"/225lbs (Oak Park, MI) Grade: 82
The number three player coming out of the state of Michigan completes the linebacker haul perfectly with his ability to play both the Mike and Will positions. Has a lot of pop and hits players head on. Held his own at The Opening last summer against all the elite athletes and had offers from the likes of Sparty and the Buckeyes. Overall, Ross helps this become the best group of linebackers assembled in the Big Ten conference for this recruiting cycle.
Ben Mason 3-Star 6'2"/245lbs (Sandy Hook, CT) Grade: 75
Gives this class a lot of depth with his versatility. Could play both linebacker and fullback in his career at UM. Will be limited athletically but he is a big kid who plays with toughness. Is not unlike a Joe Bolden-type of prospect, though he is a bit bigger than Bolden was at this age.
Defensive Backs
Ambry Thomas 4-Star CB 5'11"/174lbs (Detroit, MI) Grade: 86
The number two in-state player who is already enrolled. Possesses elite athleticism and can play offense or defense. Raised some eyebrows during The Opening last summer and has risen up the rankings into the top 100. Will improve the depth immediately and could earn a starting job if he's up to it.
Benjamin St-Juste 4-Star CB 6'3"/185lbs (Ceqep du Vieux, CA) Grade: 80
Brings unique tools and a great skill-set to the position. Played in Canada and tested out well against all the big boys at The Opening last summer. Might need to work on his game for a year or two, but his ceiling is very high.
Jaylen Kelly-Powell 4-Star S 6'0"/180lbs (Detroit, MI) Grade; 80
The best in-state safety and a top five prospect out of Michigan. Did play some corner but looks ideal for the cover safety spot that Delano Hill played last year. Is one of the early enrollees looking to get a jump start on his college career.
J'Marick Woods 3-Star S 6'3"/205lbs (Florence, AL) Grade: 77
A tall safety prospect that can go up for jump balls downfield and is not afraid to come up to make a play at the line of scrimmage. Has a lot of upside but could take some time to develop. Wants to play right away and is enrolled early as well.
Punter
Brad Robbins 2-Star 6'2"/180lbs (Westerville, OH) Grade: 72
Considered one of the best pure punting prospects in the nation. Got an offer from Harbaugh on NSD. Doesn't show much potential as a field goal kicker but could be a big player for the Wolverines in terms of playing for field position.
Line 'Em Up!
S S
Woods3-Star Kelly-Powell4-Star
CB CB
Thomas4-Star WLB MLB SLB St-Juste4-Star
Anthony4-Star Ross4-Star Singleton4-Star
Mason3-Star
WDE DT DT SDE
Vilain4-Star Aubrey Soloman5-Star Hudson4-Star Jeter4-Star
Paye3-Star Irving-Bey4-Star Paea3-Star Malone-Hatcher4-Star
WR LT LG C RG RT WR
Peoples-Jones5-Star WR Hall4-Star Stueber3-StarRuiz4-Star Honigford3-Star Filiaga4-Star Black4-Star
Martin4-Star
Hawkins3-Star
RB
Samuels4-Star
Taylor3-Star
There are several Preferred Walk-On players too, but I will review them at another time.
2018 Positional Projections by the Numbers:
QB - 1
RB - 2
WR - 1
TE - 2
OL - 4
DL - 2
LB - 2
DB - 4
I see somewhere around 18 total signings for the calss of 2018, maybe less. With the large sizes of the last two classes I don't see the team being able to extend too many scholarships throughout the next cycle.
- 91-100 points - True "five-star", once in a generation-type of player with elite physical tools and brings a big-boy's game. These guys have a higher chance of contributing right away for most programs.
- 81-90 points - The top of the four-star athletes, these guys are generally highly coveted by most big-time programs and can usually find a role on a team very quickly.
- 71-80 points - This range of prospects consists of some of the four star prospects and upper echelon of the threes. These recruits have a high chance of being a contributing factor for most programs but may need a few years to develop. Believe it or not, most of the NFL is made up of guys in this range. Often, the guys that get these rankings are simply late-bloomers that need a little more time to grow.
- 61-70 points - This range of prospects are players that will most-definitely need some time to work on their game and hit the weight room, but they can often develop into great players too. Many NFL players were once two-star recruits of this caliber.
- 51-60 points - Predominantly not FBS level talent. Recruits that receive a ranking in this range are lacking physical maturity and elite skills, but might have just enough raw talent to be worthy of a scholarship somewhere.
- 50 or less - Division II and Juco prospects mostly. These guys typically lack the physical maturity to compete at the FCS or FBS levels.
Full list and analysis of all the incoming freshman for the class of 2017
Dylan McCaffrey 4-Star 6'5"/196lbs (Littleton, CO) Grade: 89
The top player coming out of Colorado. One of the top arms in the country and an above average athlete at the position. He placed 7th in the Elite 11 Finals last summer and played in the Army Bowl in January. Still needs to develop physically, but has the frame to add more bulk. A couple years in the UM weight room will be very good for him. Has a high ceiling but he is not college-ready. So don't expect to see anything from him for at least a year, probably more.
Running Back
O'Maury Samuels 4-Star 5'11"/190lbs (Los Lunas, New Mexico) Grade: 80
The top player coming out of New Mexico. An elite athlete with great speed. Doesn't have a true position and needs to develop his game at running back. Harbaugh loves these types of guys - reminds of a Chris Evans. Could turn out to be an explosive weapon. I expect him to redshirt while he gets his college legs under him, but if Harbaugh sees something in him early he won't hesitate to see if it produces on Saturdays.
Kurt Taylor 3-Star 5'9"/200lbs (Covinton, GA) Grade: 75
More of a grinder that does a lot of things well than a speedster who can break one off on any given play. Has a polished game and looks like he lives in the weight room. Could get playing time early in his career, but most people feel that he doesn't have a high ceiling. Doesn't really jump off the film at you, but he played against quality competition in Georgia. Kinda reminds me of former 3-Star Karan Higdon, who played high school ball in Florida.
Wide Receiver
Donovan Peoples-Jones 5-Star 6'2"/192lbs (Detroit, MI) Grade: 96
The best pure athlete the team has recruited at the position in over a decade. Leads one of the best hauls of receivers in Michigan history. Could be an instant game-changer with all the athleticism and speed to light up any mismatches. Is enrolled early and will be on the field this spring. Should compete for playing time immediately.
Tarik Black 4-Star 6'4"/205lbs (Cheshire, CT) Grade: 85
Great receiving prospect. Has all the length and athleticism you need to build around. Isn't a burner but is fast enough. Beat a lot of high school defenders on jump balls. Can play like a running back once the ball is in his hands. Could earn playing time early in his career. He is also already enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
Nico Collins 4-Star 6'5"/195lbs (Pinson, AL) Grade: 84
A big-time steal right out of 'Bama's back yard. Fifth best player in the state of Alabama. With him committing and signing on National Signing Day this becomes the best group of receving prospects in the nation. Not the fastest kid, but has enough speed to go deep and he uses length well to position for the ball. Can get up over defenders and sheilds them on inside slants. Once he gets a little stronger he could be a very deadly weapon.
Oliver Martin 4-Star 6'1"/190lbs (Iowa City, IA) Grade: 83
Nobody runs crisper routes than this kid. Came virtually out of nowhere in the last year and has rocketed up recruiting boards across the country. Made a lot of splash plays at The Opening last summer and fit right in at the Army Bowl. Possesses strong hands and a large catching radius. Can turn his body to adjust to the ball then make a nasty cut when it's in his hands. A frustrating player to have to cover all game. Will out-work defenders and beat them eventually.
Brad Hawkins 3-Star 6'1"/200lbs (Camden, NJ) Grade: 77
Was originally in the 2016 class, but attended prep school for a year before joining the Wolverines. Does not possess the elite quickness that some of the other receiving prospects do. Plays the game tough. Wins jump balls and puts his shoulder down to initiate contact. Looks like a running back. Can break tackles and carry defenders for extra yardage. Has enough straight-line speed to break off a big play but will never be a true deep threat. Could play safety.
Offensive Line
Cesar Ruiz 4-Star OC 6'3"/315lbs (IMG Academy) Grade: 90
A top 50 prospect and easily the best center available. Plays with a lot of pop and keeps his head on a swivel. Looks for defenders to hit and delivers a blow. Can drive-block but needs to work on his body a little bit. Is enrolled early and could play this fall. All-American material.
Chuck Filiaga 4-Star 6'6"/330lbs (Aledo, TX) Grade: 85
Looks like a prototypical right tackle prospect with the potential to be great. Instantly improves the depth. Has massive hands, good arm length, and a large frame to hang more muscle upon. He doesn't need to get any bigger, but he does need to develop what he's got. Should be a starter sooner or later.
JaRaymond Hall 4-Star (Oak Park, MI) Grade: 81
Slightly overlooked and underrated recruit by many outlets. Has a good, solid frame and loves to pancake defenders. Might need some time to bulk up but is enrolled early. Should help with depth right away and could play the left side.
Andrew Stueber 4-Star (Darrien, CT) Grade: 78
Is considered a 3-Star by most publications but he is another underrated recruit that has slowly crept up the rankings. Impressed the coaches in camp last summer and the coaches have made it known that they "love his athleticism". Had offers from Tennessee, Penn State, and North Carolina, among others, which says he was indeed a coveted player on the national scene. Could help with depth right away. Could play defensive tackle too.
Joel Honigford 3-Star (Sugarcreek, OH) Grade: 75
Solid offensive line recruit. Uses good technique and keeps working through the whistle. Might also be a little underrated and he could compete for backup job very soon. If he's the lowest rated line recruit you're hauling in then you're probably doing really well recruiting the position.
Defensive End
Luiji Vilain 4-Star (Alexandria, VA) Grade: 87
A quick defender that plays with pop. Gets in the backfield and instantly dirupts the play. Made a lot of tackles for losses in high school. Should be competing for playing time right away at the weakside end position. Will be interesting to see how he develops. Could be an All-Conference player some day soon. Originally from Canada.
Deron Irving-Bey 4-Star 6'5"/280lbs (Flint, MI) Grade: 80
A true strong-side end prospect that is just beginning to tap into his potential as a player. Has risen up the rankings quite a bit over the last year and a half. Said he didn't start taking football seriously until two years ago. Could be one of the real surprises of the cycle if is tuned into the coaches. He is a great physcial specimen who can run. Can lay some nasty hits. Was destroying high school opponents on any given play. His ceiling is very high.
Donovan Jeter 4-Star 6'5"/250lbs (Beaver Falls, PA) Grade: 80
Is not unlike what Chris Wormley looked like as a recruit five years ago. Is big and athletic enough but still has a lot of room to grow. Is enrolled early. Would not be shocking to see him add 30 lbs of muscle in the next year. Could have gone to Notre Dame, Penn State, 'Bama, or Georgia if he wanted to, but fell in love with the Harbaugh way.
Corey Malone-Hatcher 4-Star 6'3"/246lbs (St Joseph, MI) Grade: 80
Played most of his high school career in a two-point stance but definitely showed that he can play with his hand in the grass too. Also had offers from 'Bama, UCLA, Ohio State, and Sparty, among others. Was a big recruiter for the program in the months leading up to NSD. Plays with a solid base, good feet, and some hand quickness. Not really speed rusher but just a notch below what former Wolverines Brandon Graham and Lamar Woodley were at that age. Already on campus and working out with the team.
Kwity Paye 3-Star 6'4"/230lbs (Warwick, RI) Grade: 77
The top player out of Rhode Island. One of the most underrated prospects in the entire nation. Displays very good quickness, vision, and power at the point of attack. His highlight reel is very entertaining, as he dominated the weaker competition on both offense and defense. Could play linebacker or running back but will get a chance to rush the passer from the weakside first. Helps make this one of the deepest group of ends in the nation.
Defensive Tackle
Aubrey Soloman 5-Star 6'3"/290lbs (Leesburg, GA) Grade: 97
Is about as good of a defensive tackle prospect as you can ask for in any given cycle. Is one of the top 25 players coming out of high school who can go toe-to-toe with anybody. Played a lot of nose tackle in high school against good competition over the years and has been dominant. Possesses a lot of raw strength, athleticism, and a set of quick hands that helped put a lot of would-be teenage blockers on their backs. Will play immediately and could be a two-way player some day, as he has the hands and athleticism to play tight end or fullback.
James Hudson 4-Star 6'5" 290lbs (Toledo, OH) Grade: 82
Considered a strong-side end prospect by most, but definitely has the makings of a good tackle. Has a big body and surprising athleticism. Can out-hustle opponents and bullied a lot of kids in Ohio. Is a rising player that could crack the rotation this fall. Could also be a quality candidate for the offensive line. Played both ways in high school and dominated either way. Looks country-strong with room to grow. Ohio State didn't offer him but he could've gone to plenty of Big Ten, SEC, and ACC schools, including 'Bama and Miami (FL). Was once committed to Kentucky.
Phillip Paea 3-Star 6'4"/285lbs (Berrien Springs, MI) Grade: 77
One of the top six players in the state of Michigan. A solid prospect with a big body. Has a lot of natural strenght and power, but could be limited athletically. Has the frame to add more weight and become a real player for this team down the road. Chose Michigan over the likes of Notre Dame, Oregon, and USC.
Linebackers
Jordan Anthony 4-Star 6'0"/220lbs (IMG Academy) Grade: 86
Played at a top program against top competition and played very well throughout the process. Was coveted by all the major programs and is widely considered among the top 100 prospects in the nation. Has a strong base and the ability to roam sideline to sideline. Also knows how to wait for his reads before committing himself. Made a lot of tackles for a loss. Could play any three of the linebacker spots but looks like a Will to me. Can also play running back.
Drew Singleton 4-Star 6'2"/215lbs (Paramus, NJ) Grade: 86
A true outside linebacker prospect that could help fill in for the departed Jabrill Peppers immediately. Is still recovering from a knee surgery but should be ready to go full speed this summer. Has elite quickness and can deliver a nasty blow to ballcarriers. Should be a good passrusher off the blitz with the ability to sniff out screens, draws, and reverses.
Josh Ross 4-Star 6'2"/225lbs (Oak Park, MI) Grade: 82
The number three player coming out of the state of Michigan completes the linebacker haul perfectly with his ability to play both the Mike and Will positions. Has a lot of pop and hits players head on. Held his own at The Opening last summer against all the elite athletes and had offers from the likes of Sparty and the Buckeyes. Overall, Ross helps this become the best group of linebackers assembled in the Big Ten conference for this recruiting cycle.
Ben Mason 3-Star 6'2"/245lbs (Sandy Hook, CT) Grade: 75
Gives this class a lot of depth with his versatility. Could play both linebacker and fullback in his career at UM. Will be limited athletically but he is a big kid who plays with toughness. Is not unlike a Joe Bolden-type of prospect, though he is a bit bigger than Bolden was at this age.
Defensive Backs
Ambry Thomas 4-Star CB 5'11"/174lbs (Detroit, MI) Grade: 86
The number two in-state player who is already enrolled. Possesses elite athleticism and can play offense or defense. Raised some eyebrows during The Opening last summer and has risen up the rankings into the top 100. Will improve the depth immediately and could earn a starting job if he's up to it.
Benjamin St-Juste 4-Star CB 6'3"/185lbs (Ceqep du Vieux, CA) Grade: 80
Brings unique tools and a great skill-set to the position. Played in Canada and tested out well against all the big boys at The Opening last summer. Might need to work on his game for a year or two, but his ceiling is very high.
Jaylen Kelly-Powell 4-Star S 6'0"/180lbs (Detroit, MI) Grade; 80
The best in-state safety and a top five prospect out of Michigan. Did play some corner but looks ideal for the cover safety spot that Delano Hill played last year. Is one of the early enrollees looking to get a jump start on his college career.
J'Marick Woods 3-Star S 6'3"/205lbs (Florence, AL) Grade: 77
A tall safety prospect that can go up for jump balls downfield and is not afraid to come up to make a play at the line of scrimmage. Has a lot of upside but could take some time to develop. Wants to play right away and is enrolled early as well.
Punter
Brad Robbins 2-Star 6'2"/180lbs (Westerville, OH) Grade: 72
Considered one of the best pure punting prospects in the nation. Got an offer from Harbaugh on NSD. Doesn't show much potential as a field goal kicker but could be a big player for the Wolverines in terms of playing for field position.
Line 'Em Up!
S S
Woods3-Star Kelly-Powell4-Star
CB CB
Thomas4-Star WLB MLB SLB St-Juste4-Star
Anthony4-Star Ross4-Star Singleton4-Star
Mason3-Star
WDE DT DT SDE
Vilain4-Star Aubrey Soloman5-Star Hudson4-Star Jeter4-Star
Paye3-Star Irving-Bey4-Star Paea3-Star Malone-Hatcher4-Star
WR LT LG C RG RT WR
Peoples-Jones5-Star WR Hall4-Star Stueber3-StarRuiz4-Star Honigford3-Star Filiaga4-Star Black4-Star
Martin4-Star
Hawkins3-Star
FB QB
N/A McCaffrey4-StarRB
Samuels4-Star
Taylor3-Star
There are several Preferred Walk-On players too, but I will review them at another time.
2018 Positional Projections by the Numbers:
QB - 1
RB - 2
WR - 1
TE - 2
OL - 4
DL - 2
LB - 2
DB - 4
I see somewhere around 18 total signings for the calss of 2018, maybe less. With the large sizes of the last two classes I don't see the team being able to extend too many scholarships throughout the next cycle.
Comments
Post a Comment