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2017 Michigan Recruiting: Michigan Is Reloading

With an absurd amount of seniors in their starting lineup in 2016, Michigan has to reload this offseason. What has Jim Harbaugh been doing on the trail?

By DJ Carver
NCAA Football: Orange Bowl-Michigan vs Florida State Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

This is a recurring feature leading up to National Signing Day where we will preview each teams recruiting class and who each team’s best recruit is and who can make an immediate impact. We’ll go in order from worst to first based on 2016 standings. All ratings come from the 247 composite rankings.

Where do they stand?

Michigan is currently ranked 4th in the nation in recruiting and 2nd in the Big Ten. They’re also 2nd in the Big Ten East because apparently the Big Ten East decided to be ridiculous recruiters and now has four teams in the Top 15.

How does the class breakdown?

Michigan has brought in 26 total recruits so far, 11 of which are Early Enrollees. That’s going to be big for them because they’re essentially replacing the entire starting lineup from last year. So far they’ve taken in 11 guys on offense and 15 on defense. Here is how it breaks down by position:

  • QB: 1
  • RB: 2
  • WR: 3
  • OL: 5 (4 OT/ 1 OC)
  • DL: 7 (5 DE/2 DT)
  • LB: 4 (2 ILB/2 OLB)
  • DB: 4 (2 CB/2 S)

And the full class listing, via 247:

Is the talent any good?

Yes. Michigan has brought in talent at all levels and their worst recruit is an average 3 star rating, better than the average of many Big Ten West classes. Michigan’s average is a .9116, which is an average of a 4 star recruit.

Who are they still after?

Aubrey Solomon is the biggest name left on the board and is the nations Number 5 DT. He announces on NSD. Michigan would most likely take talent anywhere on the board if they are good enough. Michigan was going after Ellis Brooks, an ILB, but he chose to go to PSU for his fifth OV instead this weekend.

Can anyone make early contributions?

Uh, yes. Donovan Peoples-Jones is a consensus 5 star WR and the nations top WR at that. He should start right away and is also an early enrollee. Caesar Ruiz is the nations top center and could push to start right away as well, also an early enrollee. Tariq Black is a 6’4” four star WR who could see playing time this year, especially in the redzone where he can use the height to his advantage. All four DB recruits are early enrollees too and could challenge to get into the 2 deep and get on the field in nickel/dime looks. Michigan is going to be young this year but they will be a very talented team.

Up next: Penn State