The Harbaugh Stamp

These rankings are progressively getting harder to put together. The reason for that is the fact that the talent level on the roster is rising high above what it has been in the last 10-12 years. I've been following Michigan recruiting since the early 90's. I've witnessed ineptitude and greatness both with my own eyes, and I've known a lot of guys that were big time college football players. Some of them are now big time college coaches. I've analyzed a lot of rosters over the years, particularly Michigan's, and I have not seen as deep of a team in Ann Arbor as the one Harbaugh is putting together right now.

More than ever, THE TEAM has a lot of guys returning that played at a relatively high level in 2016 and 2017. They were youngsters then, and they performed better than average across the board. Now they will be seasoned veterans going into their second and third years. And if a starter goes down, it will be a lot less painful than it was last year because there are a lot of newer, highly rated kids on the block that will be looking to emerge themselves. Many of them simply redshirted last season.

At least 34 of the top 50 players on this team were rated as a 4-Star prospect or better coming out of high school. Only three players in were considered 2-Stars or less, and they were walk-ons. That's a testament to Harbaugh's recruiting. And now is that critical moment during his regime that it should start producing some real results on the field. And by results I mean that they need to finally beat Sparty and the Buckeyes in the same season. They don't have to beat Notre Dame, Wisconsin, or Penn State. They can realistically lose two of those three games, possibly even all three, as long as they just beat OSU and MSU. That would put them in position to win the East and make an appearance in the Conference Championship Game. But of course anything less than 10-2 with another loss to a rival will be considered a complete disaster in the eyes of most fans, despite the fact that Harbaugh and company will face one of the toughest schedules in the country.

The Wolverines haven't gotten more than a 10-win regular season since 2006. Lloyd Carr was coach. Jake Long, Chad Henne, Mario Manningham, Leon Hall, and Mike Hart were all on the team. They won 11 straight and then dropped their last game - in an epic showdown with the Buckeyes - before getting beat by USC in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State went on to lose the national title game that year in a beat down at the hands of Florida.

Anyway, here are your Leaders and Best, 2018 Edition:


Top 20 Returning Players

1. LB Devin Bush Jr. 4-Star (Jr) - The only returning All-American (2nd Team) on the team. Looks like he is primed to be the best 'backer in the nation and a possible first round draft pick in 2019. To put it simply, he can do it all. Not only did he lead a very good defense in tackles (100tkls) in 2017, but he also led the team in passes broken up (8pbu). Any improvement in his game could send him into GOAT territory. 
2. DE Rashan Gary 5-Star (Jr) - As we all know, Gary has all-world potential. He is a physical specimen that is every bit as fast as he is strong. He led the team with seven QB hurries and also chipped in six sacks. Look for him to have a monster year in '18, as the defense will look for somebody to step up as a leader on the line now that Mo' Hurst Jr is gone. It's Gary's time. Let's see what he can really do now that the spotlight is upon him.
3. LB Khaleke Hudson 3-Star (Jr) - Has emerged as a big-time playmaker at the "Viper" position. He can do it all. In fact, he put a lot better numbers up on the stat sheet than Jabrill Peppers did the year before. This linebacking corps should be dangerous in 2018, possibly the best in the conference.  
4. CB Lavert Hill 4-Star (Jr) - Took over as the top corner and did a fantastic job. Collected five tackles for a loss and seven pass breakups, showing tremendous versatility on the perimeter. He also had two picks, one of which he took to the house. He could be the best returning corner in the BIG this year.
5. DE Chase Winovich 3-Star (5th) - Is the best player remaining from Hoke's recruits. Could've gone pro but chose to return and raise his draft stock a bit, possibly compete for a natty. Was the team leader in sacks (8) and tackles for a loss (17.5). Another season like that and he should be in first round conversation for the 2019 NFL Draft. 
6. OL Ben Bredeson 4-Star (Jr) - Bredeson did not play in the Outback Bowl but has the most starts returning on the line under his belt. Is one of the highest rated recruits that Harbaugh has reeled in to the program. He will be looked up to as a leader going forward and is expected to perform at a high level. Might play left tackle, but he has played left guard for most of the last two years. He has had some very good moments, but needs to improve in his third season to help the offense make a statement. 
7. OL Cesar Ruiz 4-Star (So) - In less than one year on campus he has established himself as a leader and a definite building block on the O-line. Is the only player in the top ten here that won't be draft eligible after this season. He will most-likely play center, and could be one of the best to ever play the position. I know that is really saying a lot, but I truly believe in this kid. He could play any three of the interior positions and be just fine. Look for him to step up into a leadership role this fall.
8. CB David Long 4-Star (Jr) - Quietly became a rock out on an island opposite Hill. Is a rare athlete that can make up for mental errors with his physical abilities. Can also turn a big play once the ball is in his hands. Gained 105 yards on two INT's in 2017. Any improvement in his game could see him getting consideration as a high draft pick in 2019 as well. 
9. RB Karan Higdon 3-Star (Sr) - The team's top rusher in 2017 with 994 yards and 11 TD's. He averaged six yards per carry. With continued development up front Higdon could have a monster season. He is not a bad pass-catcher either. If there was one facet to his game that he needs to improve it would be his pass-blocking. That's where he could really help this team get better, particularly on third and long situations. 
10. RB Chris Evans 4-Star (Jr) - Second on the team in rushing with 685 yards and six TD's. He has had some fine moments in his first two seasons at Michigan, but everybody seems to still be waiting for him to truly break out. He and Higdon are one of the best returning tandems in the BIG, so big things are expected. Evans has proven himself to be a threat out of the backfield too, but he could also use some work on pass pro. If he can improve it would go a long way towards getting THE TEAM over the hump.
11. DT Bryan Mone 4-Star* (5th) - Was once among the top five players on the team during Harbaugh's first spring four years ago, but injuries and a major influx of talent have held him back a bit. Still has all the makings of a superb nose tackle. Doesn't get a lot of stats, but can dominate the point of attack. His return is important for this defense to truly thrive.
12. DT Aubrey Solomon 5-Star (So) - Another freshman that got some starts under his belt. Made quite an impression in his first year too, though he didn't blow up the stat sheet either. He has star potential, and will be one of the starters inside. Expect big things from him very soon. He could top this list next year.
13. TE Sean McKeon 3-Star (Jr) - Was one of the more reliable targets in his second season, and he should continue developing into a real weapon. Actually led the team with 31 receptions. He should get a lot more opportunity with better play in the pocket. He is not unlike the type of player Jake Butt was at this point in his respective career. Has that type of potential. Big things could be on the horizon if he can keep improving his overall game.
14. WR/PR Donovan Peoples-Jones 5-Star (So) - DPJ could have been ranked higher on this list, but it's a thin margin between 10th and 13th and that muffed punt is still ringing in my ears. He was a solid punt returner most of the year, so it's hard to knock him too much for it. It's just that the timing of it was critical in losing the Outback Bowl. In fact, it all but sealed the game. He and Peters were beginning to connect midway through the season until that injury took Peters out of the equation in November. There is no doubt that DPJ will be a big part of the offense from here on out, and he should be near the top of this list next year, if all goes as planned of course.
15. S Tyree Kinnel 4-Star (Sr) - Say what you want about the play of Michigan's safeties, but they still helped field the top passing defense in the nation. Kinnel was everywhere and he ended the season fifth on the team in tackles. He also had two INT's, one of which he took back for six points. He also had 4.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. The coaches just need to cultivate some depth behind him. Expect him to be a team captain and show up in a big way to finish his career.
16. OL Michael Onwenu 4-Star (Jr) - Was at times, before he got injured, the best lineman on the field. When he came back from that lower leg injury, he was unable to regain his starting position from Ruiz. He should be the starter at right guard going forward though, unless his weight and conditioning continues to be a real issue. It would be nice to see him more in the 330lb range as opposed to the 360 that he has been rockin' for the last year. To put it simply, if he can get in better shape he could become a star. 
17. WR Kekoa Crawford 4-Star (Jr) - Had a solid game against Cincinnati in week two, with four catches for 83 yards and a TD, but pretty much all but disappeared until the final week of the season, where he had two catches for 57 yards against the Buckeyes. He then topped it all off with a five catch, 61 yard performance against SC. He is a good athlete, and the coaches think that he is a star in the making. 
18. WR Tarik Black 4-Sar (So) - Was the best receiver on the team until he broke his foot. Should reclaim his spot in the starting lineup by fall and continue what he started. To put it simply, Black only played three games and was still sixth in receptions (11). He will have a lot of ground to make up this spring though.
19. QB Brandon Peters 4-Star (RSo) - For anybody paying attention, it was easy to see the positive effect that Peters had on on the offense once he took over during the Rutgers game. It was a completely different team right up to the point where he got injured in the Wisconsin game. It was the best four game stretch the offense had once the Big Ten schedule opened up. He didn't look very good in the Outback Bowl though, and pretty much cost them the game with two second half INT's. Let's see how he responds. 
20. S Josh Metellus 3-Star (Jr) - Another returning starter on a great defense. Had some trouble against elite opponents (PSU, OSU), but also had some big moments too. He did record 49 total tackles, five pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick. Needs to stop making critical mental errors that he can't physically make up for in the passing game.

Honorable Mention:

OT Grant Newsome 4-Star (RJr) - Hasn't played any football in over a year. His status is still uncertain. Nobody expects him to really play again. If he can help with depth it would be a miracle. If he becomes a starter then he should be Comeback Player of the Year. Honestly, it's just a miracle that he can walk.

Other Key Returnees:

1. CB/KR Ambry Thomas 4-Star (So) - Very athletic and talented player that established himself as the number one returner on kickoffs, averaging just over 20 yards per return against some very good teams. He could be a very dangerous weapon for UM in 2018, as a returner, on defense, and as a receiver or wildcat QB on offense. And I would not be the least bit surprised if he takes a starting job somewhere in the secondary, possibly at safety. 
2. TE/WR Zach Gentry 4-Star (RJr) - Was third on the team in receptions (17) and led the team with a whopping 18 yards per catch. With improved play at quarterback, Gentry will see more opportunities to utilize his 6'7" frame downfield. Look for a real breakout season from him.
3. K Quinn Nordin 4-Star (RSo) - Did not have a typical season of a redshirt freshman. He literally went from breaking records in week one to missing extra points by midseason. He reemerged in the bowl game while going 4/4 on FG's, but he looked like a kid when he decided to grab his junk as he taunted the South Carolina bench. It was completely erratic, but it was a testament to the 2017 season in general. The potential to be the best kicker in the nation is definitely there. He has NFL-type distance on his balls, but he desperately needs to work on his accuracy from within 40 yards. If he perfects his chip shots - the most important part of the kicking game - the sky would be the limit for him. 
4. FB Ben Mason 3-Star (So) - Is quickly earning a reputation on the team as a big hitter on lead blocks. He also collected two TD's on offense and two tackles on special teams in 2017. He will help ease the loss of Hill and Poggi.
5. WR Grant Perry 3-Star (Sr) - Was at times early in the season the most reliable target at wide receiver, even after coming off a tumultuous offseason that saw him suspended from the team for several months. With a strong spring and summer he could be poised for a big senior year. He will get overshadowed by a lot of the younger, more athletic talent on the roster. but one should never underestimate his route-running abilities. 
6. OL Stephen Spanellis 3-Star (RSo) - A smart kid with a big body (6'4"/315lbs) that works hard to move the pile. Proved himself to be among the top seven or eight linemen on the team and garnered some playing time as a redshirt freshman. His presence provides solid depth on the line. 
7. TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr 4-Star (RJr) - Big bodied athlete still hasn't broken out, but with all the struggles at QB that shouldn't be surprising. His versatility and experience will be a huge asset to the roster, and his 6'4"/265 lb frame should continue to be a huge asset to the running game. A possible move to fullback isn't out of the question either though, as the depth is looking a little thin over there.
8. OT Juwann Bushell-Beatty 3-Star* (5th) - JBB is a big man (6'6"/315lbs) who can help move the pile on the right side of the line. He has lots of experience with eight starts on his resume so far. He will be the de facto right tackle until somebody takes the job from him. 
9. LB Noah Furbush 3-Star* (5th) - Brings a lot of experience, size and enough speed to help with depth at linebacker. He could be the starter next to Bush on the inside but he will have to work hard to fight off some younger talent. 
10. DL Lawrence Marshall 4-Star* (5th) - Hasn't really made his mark in four years at Michigan, but Don Brown seems to think that Marshall will play a big role this fall. Was a secondary backup to a talented group of tackles in 2017. Manged to get in on five tackles himself. I am not expecting much but it would be great if he could help provide depth along the DL
11. RB Kareem Walker 4-Star (RSo) - Did not fare well in his limited opportunities. His best outing was against Rutgers, where he averaged 5.7 yards on eight carries (34yds) and scored a TD.  He is expected to be in the regular rotation. Let's hope that he can start putting it all together in his third season in the program.
12. CB Brandon Watson 3-Star* (5th) - Got some playing time throughout the season. Was the first corner off the bench in most situations. Played well enough. Was credited with 19 stops and five passes defended. Don't expect a big jump in the stat sheet for him, with all the young talent that will be looking to take reps from him and all. He helps give the Wolverines experienced depth at corner though.
13. OL Nolan Ulizio 3-Star (RJr) - Started out the season as the starter at right tackle and played well against Florida. His play slid off in the ensuing weeks as his pass pro skills, or lack thereof, got exposed. He still has a lot of upside, so don't count him out completely yet. Look for him to play some more at guard if things don't work out at tackle.
14. P Brad Robbins 2-Star (So) - Came in as a freshman and played consistently enough while averaging 41 yards per punt. If he can get a little stronger and drive those punts a little deeper then he could be among the top punters in the conference. 
15. WR Eddie McDoom 3-Star (Jr) - That drop in the fourth quarter against MSU is hard to forget, especially when you consider the fact that he hasn't done much to make me forget about it. He has a lot of ability and the coaches still think he can take a leap in his development. The window of opportunity is getting smaller with all the talent on board. 

Next Men Up:

1. WR Nico Collins 4-Star (So) - Had a few nice moments in three games worth of action as a true freshman, but didn't get much of an opportunity due to an injury. He could be one of the top risers off the bench this spring. That could lead to big things in the fall. His large frame (6'4"/205lbs) will surely come in handy against some tough opponents in 2018.
2. DE Kwity Paye 3-Star (So) - Collected 1.5 tackles for a loss and a sack as true freshman backup. He has a lot of potential as a pass-rusher and the versatility to play fullback on offense if needed too. 
3. LB Devin Gil 3-Star (Jr) - Strictly a backup up 'til this point, but hasn't been terrible when given a chance to play. Did start the game against Florida. The word is that he is on the path to replace McCray at the Will position. 
4. CB Benjamin St-Juste 4-Star (So) - Garnered a little PT as a freshman and made a few tackles. Not sure if he qualified as a redshirt or not. Will most-likely get a lot of reps in the spring in an attempt to make the cornerback position one of the deepest in the conference. 
5. DT Michael Dwumfour 3-Star (RSo) - With nine game appearances as a backup over the last two seasons, Dwumfour looks primed to push for playing time in 2018. Mattison says he has the quickness that reminds him of Mo' Hurst Jr, so that's a great sign.
6. Jon Runyan Jr. 3-Star (RJr) - Has gotten a few starts in at right tackle, but hasn't really shown much yet. Displays very good run-blocking ability in practice, and the coaches are hoping it comes out on Saturdays this year.
7. TE Nick Eubanks 3-Star (RSo) - Flashed some big-time potential early in the season. Could be primed for a big season if there weren't so many bodies in the way. 2019 could be his year. 
8. DE/LB Josh Uche 3-Star (RSo) - We've heard his name mentioned a few times by coaches over the last two years, but he's been buried on the depth chart. Still managed to get three solo tackles (1TFL) last year. He too will help with depth and on special teams. Might see him in some special packages designed to suit his pass-rush skills. 
9. RB O'Maury Samuels 4-Star (So) - Showed enough to Harbaugh and his staff to get some reps late in the season. Could be a kid to watch in the near future. 
10. LB Josh Ross 4-Star (So) - A big hitter that could eventually be the guy in the middle once Bush Jr. goes to the NFL. Has been getting his feet wet on special teams, and will look to expand his role going forward. 
11. DE Carlo Kemp 4-Star  (RSo) - Got some playing time in relief of Gary and Winovich, but didn't really do too much to speak of. He is expected to help with depth this fall if he can continue to show progress.
12. S/LB Jordan Glasgow 2-Star (RJr) - Was a primary backup at safety and "Viper". Got some reps, mostly on special teams, and made seven tackles on the year. He is credited for one pass defended. He will help with depth but could get squeezed out of the picture in an increasingly crowded depth chart. 
13. S Brad Hawkins 3-Star (So) - Got some playing time at safety and as a kick returner in his first season after one year at prep school. Will be counted on to compete for a primary backup job in 2018. If he can step his game up it will go a long way towards solidifying some sore spots in the defense. 
14. S Jaylen Kelly-Powell 4-Star (So) - Got thrust into some game action due to a lack of depth. Will get a chance to compete in spring and could turn out to be a very good, versatile backup to the starters this fall. Played safety and corner at Cass Tech.
15. WR Nate Shoenle 2-Star (RSo) - Competes hard in practice and might have the best hands on the team. Is not athletically gifted. Everything he gets is earned the hard way. That doesn't mean he won't play or be a valued member of this team going forward. 

Top New Faces:

1. QB Shea Patterson 5-Star (Jr) - The top QB prospect in the 2016 recruiting cycle will be finishing out his college career in Ann Arbor. He is athletic enough to avoid pressure and make plays with his feet. His arm is also strong enough to make all the big throws. Many Ole Miss players thought that he was on the verge of breaking out. He already knows guys like Rashan Gary and Brandon Peters from the high school summer camp and all-star circuit. Whether he takes the reigns as a starter at Michigan or not, he at least assures that the team won't have any similar issues that it has had with depth. If Peters misses time, I for one will feel good about our chances with Patterson, and vice versa. Throw in Dylan McCaffrey and THE TEAM has a lot of raw talent in the top three players on the depth chart. All three could've signed anywhere they wanted to coming out of high school. All three are now Wolverines. This is a huge leap in talent at the position over what has been there for most of the last decade. 
2. WR Oliver Martin 4-Star (RFr) - After sitting out a year, he could become the slot receiver that this roster has needed for a while now. Harbaugh says he is quickly moving up the depth chart.
3. OL James Hudson 4-Star (RFr) - Possesses all the tools to be a great lineman and his name has come up occasionally as someone to keep our eyes on in the future. I expect to see him as a primary backup and ascending player this coming year, but with a strong spring he could earn a starting job at left tackle.
4. S Casey Hughes 3-Star (Grad Transfer) - Started 11 games at corner for the Utes last season and will serve as a backup coverage safety for the Wolverines. The team needed to increase its depth at safety and adding Hughes should help. 
5. OT Chuck Filiaga 4-Star (RFr) - A huge kid (6'6"/345lbs) with a lot of upside. Looks like the future at right tackle if he proves to have the lateral quickness needed to protect the passer.
6. LB Anthony Jordan 4-Star (RFr) - Sat out his first season on campus, but was a very highly touted recruit that could be ready to step up and fill a spot. 
7. LB Drew Singleton 4-Star (RFr) - Was technically still recovering from a torn knee ligament he suffered in high school and sat out as a freshman. Will get a lot of opportunities in the spring to show the coaches what he can do. He should be competing for playing time next fall. 
8. DE Luiji Vilain 4-Star (RFr) - Nursed an injury in his first season but could begin to break out at some point in 2018. Was a top 50 recruit in last year's cycle.
9. DE Donovan Jeter 4-Star - Loads of potential. Should be a solid backup at strong-side end or tackle. Is reported to be up to 300 lbs after coming in at about 255 a year ago.

There are 25 players returning with starting experience already. 26 if you include the Ole Miss transfer. 14 out of the top 20 players coming back were 4-Star recruits or better coming out of high school. In all, 33 of the top 55 players on the roster were 4-Star prospects or better. There were four players among them that were considered 5-Star prospects by all the major recruiting services. This info does not include any of the incoming, recently signed recruits.


In-Coming Recruits Most-Likely to Play as Freshmen:

1. CB Myles Sims
2. TE Mustapha Muhammad
3. ATH Michael Bennett
4. FB/HB Ben VanSumeren
5. RB Christian Turner

Depth Chart (returning players and transfers only):

QB - Peters, Patterson, McCaffrey
RB - Higdon, Evans, Walker, Samuels, Taylor
FB - Mason
WR - Perry, Black, Peoples-Jones, Collins, Martin, Crawford, McDoom
TE - McKeon, Gentry, Wheatley Jr., Bunting, Eubanks,
LT - J. Hudson, Newsome, Honigford
LG - Bredeson, Runyan Jr.
C - Ruiz, Spanellis
RG - Onwenu, Ulizio
RT - Bushell-Beatty, Filiaga, Stueber,

SDE - Gary, Kemp, Jeter
NT - Mone, Dwumfour, Paea
DT - Solomon, Marshall, Johnson, Irving-Bey
WDE - Winovich, Paye, Vilain
"Viper" - K. Hudson, Uche, Glasgow
MLB - Bush Jr., Ross, Mbem-Bosse
WLB - Gil, Furbush, Anthony, Singleton
S - Kinnel, Kelly-Powell
S - Metellus, Woods, Hawkins
CB - Hill, Thomas
CB - Long, Watson, St-Juste

K - Nordin
P - Robbins