Wolverine247 Board

I agree with both of you and I'd even put Jake Butt in the conversation. We've seen what a serious threat a good TE can be, and a 6-6, 230lbs pass catcher can be a big time mismatch in the type of offense we'll be running in a few years.

!! Great o- lines make a huge difference- Thats where it all starts! I was just commenting that last year n this year so far we haven't got that big name game changer that the recruiting sites love! Not sayin that matters- but it would be nice ya know!

None takin- I kinda knew my words would be misconstrued bye some..it's all good!! Im excited to see how the kids that are committed pan out- just sayin it would be nice to get a big name game changer- a Sammy Watkins type ! K bro.

Yea impact freshman don't grow on trees! Ur point taken...I'll never question coach hoke about anything he had me at this!!!

I think we can all agree that we are in great shape going forward. Looking at the number of elite recruits that have us in their top groups is very promising. I think Isaac and Treadwell end up in this class. Isaac is growing tired of the process and I think he will decide sometime this summer, if not earlier. The good thing about an early decision from him is that it will give us time to recruit other RBs should he pick USC. Conversely, I think Treadwell is enjoying the process, and you can't blame him. It appears clear that Michigan is his favorite, but as we always say, "get him on campus and things can change". That will hold true for other schools, so though I think he ultimately ends up at Michigan, I don't think he is a lock at this point.

Oddly, I have a good feeling about Cravens, even though I think he will end up at USC, as all signs are pointing to that. Once again, his early decision allows Michigan to target other players if he chooses to go elsewhere. Fuller is another wild card that I would love to have in this class, and I think the Countess factor is bigger than most realize. If I were to look at one of my former teammates that went to a school like Michigan, and started as a true freshman, that would indicate to me that the coaches are serious when they say come in and compete and we will put the best players on the field, regardless of class. Fuller is elite and could step in as a true frosh, following in Blake's footsteps. Obviously, a RS would be a better option for the long term, but him knowing he has that opportunity (to play early), as well as a friend on campus in Countess, and that makes Michigan a serious threat. I haven't seen what Fuller's timeline is, but I like where we stand, and I have a good feeling about him as well.

Since I don't feel like doing anything at work, I'll keep rambling about the other prospects. Let's examine Poggi. He is hard to read because he has stayed so low key, and doesn't discuss his recruitment much. My gut with this one says Alabama, but one caveat there is that we are competing with the likes of the Bamas, USCs, etc. for top recruits. Michigan is back to being a national power (at least in recruiting). Sure, there will be (and already have been) some misses, but that will happen. The key is winning some of these battles, and I think this staff will continue to do so.

The rest of the prospects out there don't seem to me to be close to a commitment, namely because a lot of them haven't been on campus yet. The coaches have the luxury of waiting for them to decide since the class is off to a great start (18 commits in early may, really?). I don't see us landing Mathis, unless Cravens goes with my gut and picks Michigan (yeah, my homer characteristics are coming out). He was far too impressed with each visit he's been on for me to think he will end up at Michigan. He seems like an "in the moment" kid. Not that that is a bad thing against him, but I don't see this one coming to fruition because of it.

Now looking at my perceived "needs", I think NT is an absolute must, and there are very few prospects on the board. This is a position where we lack depth, and we need to land not only a body, but somebody that will contribute and will not be a big step down from Pipkins, assuming he fills the starting role in the future. This position concerns me the most. It seems like there are plenty of options at the rest of the DL positions, but no true NTs that hold us in high regard (at least that I can think of right now). With York joining the class as the 2nd WR commit, I still think we need a 3rd, but it won't be the end of the world if we don't get one, and the coaches have put out a large net so there are plenty of options out there with more likely to surface.

I think commits at any other position is just icing on top of the cake. With 5-6 remaining, I see it playing out as follows:

1 WR
1 NT
1-2 DE/DT
2-3 Elites

A great position to be in with only NT being my major concern. This staff continues to impress me, and it is certainly a great time to be a Michigan fan.