NSD: Early Edition: Harbaugh Setting Off Fireworks 12/19
"Here I am baby.
Signed, sealed, delivered.
I'm yours."
- Stevie Wonder
2019 Michigan Football Signed Recruits (by Position)
Quarterback
Cade McNamara 4-Star 6'1"/190lbs (Reno, NV) Grade: 81 - An Elite 11 finalist with a good enough arm to make all the necessary throws and fast enough wheels to keep him out of trouble. If he develops a great feel for the pocket in college he could turn out to be very dangerous. Was once committed to Notre Dame but flipped to Michigan early in the year. Despite his talent, he is entering one of the best, most experienced quarterback rooms in the country so he will have his work cut out for him before seeing the field.
Running Back
Zach Charbonnet 5-Star 6'1"/215lbs (Westlake Village, CA) Grade: 91 - I don't care what the high profile recruiting services say, this guy is as good of a running back prospect in the country. He can and will do it all at Michigan. Look for him to be the starting back at some point this coming year, possibly in week one. Michigan really needed a prospect like this and a lot of hopes are being pinned on him to be the next great Michigan running back. Fingers crossed!
Wide Receiver
Cornelius Johnson 4-Star 6'3"/195lbs (Greenwhich, CT) Grade: 82 - Just watch his highlight reel. It's very entertaining. Surely he won't be able to outrun as many defenders in college as he did in high school, but he also plays a very physical game that should fit in well at Michigan.
Giles Jackson 4-Star 5'8"/180lbs (Oakley, CA) Grade: 80 - This kid's game is all about speed and quickness. He can catch a short screen, make two or three moves, and sprint to the house as easy as any prospect in the nation. He isn't very big and his skill set doesn't really make him a redzone target, but he should be guy that defenses keep an eye on when the Wolverines are in third and long situations. The big question is whether or not he is a one trick pony. Hopefully he can run more than a couple different plays and therefore stay on the field more. As Detroit Free Press writer Nick Baumgartner pointed it on the Michigan Rant Podcast, Jackson brings a level of lateral quickness and agility that is currently non-existent on the roster.
Quintel Kent 3-Star 6'0"/170lbs (Lakewood, OH) Grade: 76 - A nice pickup out of Ohio. He appears to be a possession-type receiver with decent speed and wingspan. Has also brought along two high school teammates as preferred walk-ons, and he also spent time recruiting other players the week before signing day. LB Anthony Solomon was one of those guys. I can't wait to see how he develops as a receiver.
Tight End
Erik All 3-Star 6'4"/225lbs (Fairfield, OH) Grade: 79 - A well-rounded player that can contribute as a blocker or a receiver. A great ingredient to throw in the tight end hopper. Michigan didn't really need much here, but what they got is about as solid as it gets.
Offensive Line
Trevor Keegan 4-Star (T) 6'6"/310lbs (Crystal Lake, IL) Grade: 86 - One of the top tackle prospects on Michigan's board, possible the top guy. Good thing he comes from a family of Michigan fans. He could get reps early, especially with an opening at tackle.
Nolan Rumler 4-Star (G/C) 6'4"/290lbs (Akron, OH) Grade: 86 - A very, very good interior line prospect out of Ohio. He too is a big Wolverine fan. He and Keegan could be the big stars on the line in another year or two.
Trente Jones 4-Star (T) 6'6"/282lbs (Loanville, GA) Grade: 84 - Jones is a kid that has gotten a recent boost in the rankings, though he has been harboring offers from dozens of big time schools for a while now. Give him a couple years to refine his game and he should be competing for starting reps, but also don't be surprised if he elevates himself up the depth chart rather quickly.
Karsen Barnhart 4-Star (G/T/C) 6'4"/280lbs (Paw Paw, MI) Grade: 81 - A nice in-state pickup that could've easily gone somewhere else, including Michigan State, Nebraska, and USC. Very likely a better guard prospect overall, but he might be able to play all five positions on the line. That type of versatility could make him extremely valuable down the road.
Zach Carpenter 3-Star (G) 6'3"/310lbs (Cincinnati, OH) Grade: 78 - A big prospect that can maul defenders with his size and strength. Still has some work to do before he's really ready to compete, but his upside is quite high as a run-blocker. He might be able to play right tackle, but he might be a liability in pass pro. Give him a year to work on some things.
Jack Stewart 3-Star (G/T/C) 6'4"/280lbs (New Canaan, CT) Grade: 76 - Looks the part of a good, but not great prospect who doesn't quite have a true position yet. Like Barnhart though, he might be able to play all five positions some day at Michigan. Again, that type of versatility is an asset.
Defensive Line
Christopher Hinton 5-Star (E/T) 6'3"/280lbs (Norcross, GA) Grade: 93 - Could play the anchor or move inside to tackle. Got downgraded from 5-Star status by some recruiting services because he didn't participate in the summer camp circuit or transfer to a big-time program such as IMG. The star rating is bullshit anyway. This kid is about as good as any other D-line prospect in the nation. Honestly, I think he is a better pure football player than most of other top prospects at the position, including that kid that just signed with that team down south.
Mazi Smith 4-Star (T) 6'3"/290lbs (Grand Rapids, MI) Grade: 88 - Is the nose tackle this team needed and the other crown jewel of this phenomenal D-line class. He and Hinton could be a dominant duo on the interior. He too could've gone anywhere he wanted outside of Michigan but chose to stay in-state.
David Ojabo 4-Star (E) 6'4"/230lbs (Blairstown, NJ) Grade: 80 - Though he has only been playing two years, he has made the most of it. And as a prospect that possesses amazing speed for a guy his size, there are high-hopes that he can be an impact player fairly early in his career.
Mike Morris 3-Star 6'5"/255lbs (Delray Beach, FL) Grade: 79 - Got relegated to 3-Star status after flipping from Florida State. He apparently did not have a great showing at the Opening, which occurred around the same time. That's okay though. Put him in the Michigan strength and conditioning program for a couple years and he could be a Carlo Kemp-type of player with the ability to play the anchor or tackle.
Gabe Newburg 3-Star 6'4"/225lbs (Clayton, OH) Grade: 75 - Not as highly touted as the other guys in this group, but equally as important to this class of D-linemen. He might have the ability to play both end positions, and probably could switch to tight end of things get too crowded here.
Linebacker
Anthony Solomon 4-Star ('Viper') 6'0"/190lbs (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Grade: 85 - A nice late addition to the class after committing just a week before signing day. Is a big time outside linebacker prospect whose game depends on his quickness. He is a sound tackler.
Charles Thomas 4-Star 6'0"/220lbs (IMG Academy) Grade: 81 - A classic thumper from IMG. Doesn't have all the measurables that many scouts look for initially but he can play ball. He is quick, active, and can deliver a big hit. He can hit second gear very quickly but doesn't really possess that straight-line speed that would allow him to run a 4.5 forty. A very solid prospect for the inside and the longest-standing committed prospect to sign.
Cornerback
Jalen Perry 4-Star 6'2"/171lbs (Dacula, GA) Grade: 84 - A long-bodied corner with the speed that the team needs on the perimeter. Should be a starter sometime in the next few years.
DJ Turner II 4-Star 5'11"/165LBS (Suwanee, GA) Grade: 81 - Some scouts see him as more of a safety, but I think he could be a decent corner too. He kinda played all over the secondary high school, so he does have experience as a versatile component on defense. That skill set should be valuable in the Michigan secondary as well.
Safety
S Dax Hill 5-Star 6'0"/185lbs (Tulsa, OK) Grade: 95 - A the crown jewel of the entire class after flipping to 'Bama a few weeks ago and then eventually signing with Michigan first thing on NSD. He has the size, speed, and instincts to play right away. He can play the deep field or jump routes underneath. He can chase players down from a dead stop on the opposite side of the field or win jump balls in the end zone. He has all the measurables, including a 4.3 laser-timed forty. That should make him the fastest player on the roster.
Athlete
Mike Sainristil 3-Star 5'10"/175lbs (Everett, MA) Grade: 78 - As far as I have been aware, this uber-athlete from the East Coast is going to get a try-out at corner. However, many 'experts' in recruiting circles think he is a wide receiver. Somewhat like Giles Jackson, his game is also built around speed and agility. The coaches will give him some time to figure out where he might be needed the most. Either way, the Wolverines improved themselves by bringing this guy on board.
ATH George Johnson III 3-Star 5'11"/180lbs (Stuart, FL) Grade: 76 - Another under-ranked player that did a little of everything for his team, including playing quarterback. He has a nice, well-rounded set of skills. Most are projecting as a wide receiver. Don Brown, who was his primary recruiter, thinks he could play 'Viper' linebacker or safety. I think he will be practicing with the safeties within the year.
Committed but Unsigned
S Quentin Johnson 3-Star 5'11"/190lbs (Washington, D.C.) Grade: 81
ATH Amauri Pesek-Hickson 3-Star 6'3"/203lbs (Leawood, KS) Grade: 76
Signed, sealed, delivered.
I'm yours."
- Stevie Wonder
2019 Michigan Football Signed Recruits (by Position)
Quarterback
Cade McNamara 4-Star 6'1"/190lbs (Reno, NV) Grade: 81 - An Elite 11 finalist with a good enough arm to make all the necessary throws and fast enough wheels to keep him out of trouble. If he develops a great feel for the pocket in college he could turn out to be very dangerous. Was once committed to Notre Dame but flipped to Michigan early in the year. Despite his talent, he is entering one of the best, most experienced quarterback rooms in the country so he will have his work cut out for him before seeing the field.
Running Back
Zach Charbonnet 5-Star 6'1"/215lbs (Westlake Village, CA) Grade: 91 - I don't care what the high profile recruiting services say, this guy is as good of a running back prospect in the country. He can and will do it all at Michigan. Look for him to be the starting back at some point this coming year, possibly in week one. Michigan really needed a prospect like this and a lot of hopes are being pinned on him to be the next great Michigan running back. Fingers crossed!
Wide Receiver
Cornelius Johnson 4-Star 6'3"/195lbs (Greenwhich, CT) Grade: 82 - Just watch his highlight reel. It's very entertaining. Surely he won't be able to outrun as many defenders in college as he did in high school, but he also plays a very physical game that should fit in well at Michigan.
Giles Jackson 4-Star 5'8"/180lbs (Oakley, CA) Grade: 80 - This kid's game is all about speed and quickness. He can catch a short screen, make two or three moves, and sprint to the house as easy as any prospect in the nation. He isn't very big and his skill set doesn't really make him a redzone target, but he should be guy that defenses keep an eye on when the Wolverines are in third and long situations. The big question is whether or not he is a one trick pony. Hopefully he can run more than a couple different plays and therefore stay on the field more. As Detroit Free Press writer Nick Baumgartner pointed it on the Michigan Rant Podcast, Jackson brings a level of lateral quickness and agility that is currently non-existent on the roster.
Quintel Kent 3-Star 6'0"/170lbs (Lakewood, OH) Grade: 76 - A nice pickup out of Ohio. He appears to be a possession-type receiver with decent speed and wingspan. Has also brought along two high school teammates as preferred walk-ons, and he also spent time recruiting other players the week before signing day. LB Anthony Solomon was one of those guys. I can't wait to see how he develops as a receiver.
Tight End
Erik All 3-Star 6'4"/225lbs (Fairfield, OH) Grade: 79 - A well-rounded player that can contribute as a blocker or a receiver. A great ingredient to throw in the tight end hopper. Michigan didn't really need much here, but what they got is about as solid as it gets.
Offensive Line
Trevor Keegan 4-Star (T) 6'6"/310lbs (Crystal Lake, IL) Grade: 86 - One of the top tackle prospects on Michigan's board, possible the top guy. Good thing he comes from a family of Michigan fans. He could get reps early, especially with an opening at tackle.
Nolan Rumler 4-Star (G/C) 6'4"/290lbs (Akron, OH) Grade: 86 - A very, very good interior line prospect out of Ohio. He too is a big Wolverine fan. He and Keegan could be the big stars on the line in another year or two.
Trente Jones 4-Star (T) 6'6"/282lbs (Loanville, GA) Grade: 84 - Jones is a kid that has gotten a recent boost in the rankings, though he has been harboring offers from dozens of big time schools for a while now. Give him a couple years to refine his game and he should be competing for starting reps, but also don't be surprised if he elevates himself up the depth chart rather quickly.
Karsen Barnhart 4-Star (G/T/C) 6'4"/280lbs (Paw Paw, MI) Grade: 81 - A nice in-state pickup that could've easily gone somewhere else, including Michigan State, Nebraska, and USC. Very likely a better guard prospect overall, but he might be able to play all five positions on the line. That type of versatility could make him extremely valuable down the road.
Zach Carpenter 3-Star (G) 6'3"/310lbs (Cincinnati, OH) Grade: 78 - A big prospect that can maul defenders with his size and strength. Still has some work to do before he's really ready to compete, but his upside is quite high as a run-blocker. He might be able to play right tackle, but he might be a liability in pass pro. Give him a year to work on some things.
Jack Stewart 3-Star (G/T/C) 6'4"/280lbs (New Canaan, CT) Grade: 76 - Looks the part of a good, but not great prospect who doesn't quite have a true position yet. Like Barnhart though, he might be able to play all five positions some day at Michigan. Again, that type of versatility is an asset.
Defensive Line
Christopher Hinton 5-Star (E/T) 6'3"/280lbs (Norcross, GA) Grade: 93 - Could play the anchor or move inside to tackle. Got downgraded from 5-Star status by some recruiting services because he didn't participate in the summer camp circuit or transfer to a big-time program such as IMG. The star rating is bullshit anyway. This kid is about as good as any other D-line prospect in the nation. Honestly, I think he is a better pure football player than most of other top prospects at the position, including that kid that just signed with that team down south.
Mazi Smith 4-Star (T) 6'3"/290lbs (Grand Rapids, MI) Grade: 88 - Is the nose tackle this team needed and the other crown jewel of this phenomenal D-line class. He and Hinton could be a dominant duo on the interior. He too could've gone anywhere he wanted outside of Michigan but chose to stay in-state.
David Ojabo 4-Star (E) 6'4"/230lbs (Blairstown, NJ) Grade: 80 - Though he has only been playing two years, he has made the most of it. And as a prospect that possesses amazing speed for a guy his size, there are high-hopes that he can be an impact player fairly early in his career.
Mike Morris 3-Star 6'5"/255lbs (Delray Beach, FL) Grade: 79 - Got relegated to 3-Star status after flipping from Florida State. He apparently did not have a great showing at the Opening, which occurred around the same time. That's okay though. Put him in the Michigan strength and conditioning program for a couple years and he could be a Carlo Kemp-type of player with the ability to play the anchor or tackle.
Gabe Newburg 3-Star 6'4"/225lbs (Clayton, OH) Grade: 75 - Not as highly touted as the other guys in this group, but equally as important to this class of D-linemen. He might have the ability to play both end positions, and probably could switch to tight end of things get too crowded here.
Linebacker
Anthony Solomon 4-Star ('Viper') 6'0"/190lbs (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Grade: 85 - A nice late addition to the class after committing just a week before signing day. Is a big time outside linebacker prospect whose game depends on his quickness. He is a sound tackler.
Charles Thomas 4-Star 6'0"/220lbs (IMG Academy) Grade: 81 - A classic thumper from IMG. Doesn't have all the measurables that many scouts look for initially but he can play ball. He is quick, active, and can deliver a big hit. He can hit second gear very quickly but doesn't really possess that straight-line speed that would allow him to run a 4.5 forty. A very solid prospect for the inside and the longest-standing committed prospect to sign.
Cornerback
Jalen Perry 4-Star 6'2"/171lbs (Dacula, GA) Grade: 84 - A long-bodied corner with the speed that the team needs on the perimeter. Should be a starter sometime in the next few years.
DJ Turner II 4-Star 5'11"/165LBS (Suwanee, GA) Grade: 81 - Some scouts see him as more of a safety, but I think he could be a decent corner too. He kinda played all over the secondary high school, so he does have experience as a versatile component on defense. That skill set should be valuable in the Michigan secondary as well.
Safety
S Dax Hill 5-Star 6'0"/185lbs (Tulsa, OK) Grade: 95 - A the crown jewel of the entire class after flipping to 'Bama a few weeks ago and then eventually signing with Michigan first thing on NSD. He has the size, speed, and instincts to play right away. He can play the deep field or jump routes underneath. He can chase players down from a dead stop on the opposite side of the field or win jump balls in the end zone. He has all the measurables, including a 4.3 laser-timed forty. That should make him the fastest player on the roster.
Athlete
Mike Sainristil 3-Star 5'10"/175lbs (Everett, MA) Grade: 78 - As far as I have been aware, this uber-athlete from the East Coast is going to get a try-out at corner. However, many 'experts' in recruiting circles think he is a wide receiver. Somewhat like Giles Jackson, his game is also built around speed and agility. The coaches will give him some time to figure out where he might be needed the most. Either way, the Wolverines improved themselves by bringing this guy on board.
ATH George Johnson III 3-Star 5'11"/180lbs (Stuart, FL) Grade: 76 - Another under-ranked player that did a little of everything for his team, including playing quarterback. He has a nice, well-rounded set of skills. Most are projecting as a wide receiver. Don Brown, who was his primary recruiter, thinks he could play 'Viper' linebacker or safety. I think he will be practicing with the safeties within the year.
Committed but Unsigned
S Quentin Johnson 3-Star 5'11"/190lbs (Washington, D.C.) Grade: 81
ATH Amauri Pesek-Hickson 3-Star 6'3"/203lbs (Leawood, KS) Grade: 76
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