TomVH: Best Guess List 2011
This is a prediction/guesstimate on what the 2011 recruiting class could potentially look like. Please don't read too much into any of this, and don't freak out either. (I know you will anyway, but it makes me feel better to tell you not to). I'm only going to put recruits that I think Michigan will get as of right now. This doesn't factor in kids with grade issues, or anything else.
Quarterback:
- Commit - Kevin Sousa, 6'2", 213 lbs, 3 star, Orlando, Florida
- Marquise Williams 6'3", 218 lbs, 3 star, Charlotte, North Carolina: Committed to UNC right now, but assuming that North Carolina is about to implode due to NCAA sanctions Michigan has a good shot with Marquise. It will be either Sousa or Williams, most likely not both.
Running Back:
- Commit - Demetrius Hart 5'8", 190 lbs, 4 star, Orlando, Florida
Slot Receiver:
- Devondrick Nealy 5'10", 175 lbs, 3 star, Monticello, Florida: Recently named Michigan as his favorite after his visit. He also struck a friendship with Demetrius Hart, and has said he would like to team up with Hart in college.
- Prince Holloway 5'9", 155 lbs, 3 star, Cape Coral, Florida: Nealy is more of a priority than Holloway, but I have heard that Michigan leads for Prince right now. We'll see how this plays itself out if both want to choose Michigan. I would expect Nealy to be in the class before Holloway.
Wide Receiver:
- Commit - Shawn Conway 6'4", 180 lbs, 3 star, Birmingham, Michigan
- Sammy Watkins 6'1", 180 lbs, 4 star, Fort Myers, Florida: The more I hear about Sammy, the more I think he will be in this class. I have heard it's between Michigan and Miami right now. Miami is having some problems with transfers, and as I've said before losing some commitments. If they lose QB commit Teddy Bridgewater (which could happen) I think it may turn Michigan's way.
- Chris Gallon 6'4", 185 lbs, 3 star, Orlando, Florida: If he gets offered, Michigan will be the leader. Teammates with Demetrius Hart, he will be visiting for the Illinois game.
- Still in it with: Hakeem Flowers (6'2", 173 lbs, 3 star)
Tight End:
- Drew Owens 6'5", 227 lbs, 3 star, Charlotte, North Carolina: Owens or Jack Tabb seem like the few options left still listing Michigan very high on their list. It's a toss up between the two, as of right now.
- Jack Tabb 6'4", 230 lbs, 3 star, Red Bank, New Jersey: Same goes for Tabb. They're working on getting him in for an official. it's most likely one or the other of these two.
Linebackers:
- Commit - Kellen Jones 6'1", 210 lbs, 3 star, Houston, Texas
- Commit - Brennen Beyer 6'4", 222 lbs, 4 star, Canton, Michigan
- Antonio Kinard 6'4", 215 lbs, 3 star, Youngstown, Ohio: 2010 commit, may still be included in this class.
- Kris Frost 6'3", 210 lbs, 4 star, Matthews, North Carolina: For argument sake I'm just going to put Frost under this category. He'll get a chance to play wide receiver.
- Sean Duggan 6'4", 215 lbs, 3 star, Cincinnati, Ohio: I think Michigan is moving up Duggan's list the more he is around the program. He recently came up for a visit, and will be in for his official in early December. He's down to Michigan, Duke, Boston College, and Virginia.
- Darryl Monroe 6'1", 215 lbs, 3 star, Orlando, Florida: He will be visiting with his Dr. Phillips teammates for the Illinois game. If Michigan offers I would expect us to lead.
- Still in it with: Austin Traylor (6'4", 210 lbs, 4 star, Columbus, Ohio)
Cornerbacks:
- Commit - Greg Brown 5'11", 180 lbs, 3 star, Fremont, Ohio: Recently took a visit to Syracuse. We'll see what happens.
- Commit - Delonte Hollowell 5'9", 165 lbs, 4 star, Detroit, Michigan
- Dallas Crawford 5'10", 185 lbs, 3 star, Fort Myers, Florida: I've heard nothing but positive things towards Dallas and Michigan. He might even be working on his teammate Sammy Watkins for Michigan.
- Still in it with: Daren Kitchen (6'1", 172 lbs, 3 star, Houma, Louisiana)
Safeties:
- Roderick Ryles 6'1", 185 lbs, 3 star, Orlando, Florida: Visiting with Dr. Phillips teammates for the Illinois game. If the visit goes well I would expect Michigan to take the lead.
- Avery Walls 5'11", 185 lbs, 4 star, McDonough, Georgia: I'm still optimistic with Avery, but his visit to Oregon makes me a little nervous. I still think he ends up with Michigan as of right now.
- Still in it with: Byron Moore (6'1", 205 lbs, JUCO, Wilmington, California), Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix (6'2", 190 lbs, 5 star, Orlando, Florida), Karlos Williams (6'2", 210 lbs, 5 star, Davenport, Florida), Wayne Lyons (6'0", 190 lbs, 4 star, Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Offensive Line:
- Commit - Tony Posada 6'6", 315 lbs. 3 star. Tampa, Florida
- Commit - Jake Fisher 6'7", 260 lbs, 3 star, Traverse City, Michigan
- Commit - Jack Miller 6'4", 268 lbs, 3 star, Perrysburg, Ohio
- Chris Bryant 6'5", 330 lbs, 4 star, Chicago, Illinois: Just set up his official visit for the Big Chill game.
- James Elliott 6'4", 305 lbs, 3 star, Pensacola, Florida: He'll be back up to Michigan for his official in December. He's waiting for his official offer from Michigan. If he gets it, he will commit.
Defensive End:
- Commit - Chris Rock 6'5", 250 lbs, 3 star, Columbus, Ohio: May move to defensive tackle.
- Anthony Zettel 6'4", 247 lbs, 4 star, West Branch, Michigan: If Michigan can continue to show improvement, and Rich Rod isn't fired then I would expect Anthony to pick Michigan
- Still in it with: Ray Drew (6'5", 243 lbs, 4 star, Thomasville, Georgia), Deion Barnes (6'5", 220 lbs, 4 star, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Damon Knox (6'5", 265 lbs, 3 star, Muskegon, Michigan)
Defensive Tackle:
- Darian Cooper 6'3", 275 lbs, 3 star, Hyattsville, Maryland: Will be visiting in December. Michigan needs to continue to improve and win a few more to make Darian feel comfortable.
- Still in it with: Kevin McReynolds (6'2", 281 lbs, 4 star, Washington DC), Tim Jernigan (6'2", 275 lbs, 4 star, Lake City, Florida), Mickey Johnson (6'1", 310 lbs, 4 star, Covington, Louisiana)
October 21st, 2010 at 8:38 PM ^
Well neither of those guys would need to be ready to play NT next year(at least full time) as long as Martin stays since they would be 3rd and 4th on the depth chart behind Martin and Campbell.
October 21st, 2010 at 11:40 PM ^
Campbell might be moved to the OL (where have you been?). And Martin might also get injured.
October 21st, 2010 at 10:37 PM ^
It seems whenever this topic comes up someone brings up this exact argument. Keep in mind those weights are from before the season, neither of these players is playing so they can focus on Bodybuilding with Barwis, and they're not expected to start next season.
Supposedly Talbott was 255 in high school, so maybe he dipped during summer workouts. Ash was 263 during high school, so hopefully he effectively mold his new weight over the next two seasons.
October 21st, 2010 at 7:26 PM ^
I wonder if Thomas Rawls is in the picture. I know he has to get his grades up.
October 21st, 2010 at 9:46 PM ^
Also wondering about Rawls.
October 21st, 2010 at 7:28 PM ^
Tom (or anyone else), what is your take on Damon Knox? First of all, is he a DE or DT? He's listed by Rivals as a DE, but he's a lean 265, and at 6'5" he could be a lean 295 after a redshirt year. He might be too tall for be a nose, but I think he could be a big, strong DT with athleticism.
Also, what is the story with him? Are we still worried about grades? He has offers from MSU and Illinois in addition to us, so he's no slouch. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
October 21st, 2010 at 10:19 PM ^
Kill me when we don't get them. They end up going to State or Iowa and they turn into beasts. Same thing goes for Rawls. What can I say I love me some in-state hype.
October 21st, 2010 at 10:52 PM ^
The issue with Knox is his work ethic.. apparently it's very lacking. Michigan is still pursuing Zettel of course, and Deion Barnes as well. I don't think Knox is a legitimate option at this point, if that helps you.
October 21st, 2010 at 11:12 PM ^
I thought the problem with Knox was whether he would qualify academically or not.
Either way, from what I've seen on film, Knox is a complete beast. I hope he's playing in Ann Arbor next year and not East Lansing.
October 21st, 2010 at 7:44 PM ^
I see no kickers were mentioned.
"Serenity now, serenity now."(Rocking back and forth)
October 21st, 2010 at 8:09 PM ^
Personally, I'm not crazy about spending another scholarship on a kicker, especially with Gibbons being on scholarship for the next few years. Most programs have very successful walk-on kickers and I'm hoping we can do the same.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 AM ^
With all the departures, surely we can spare a scholarship on another kicker. No?
October 21st, 2010 at 8:05 PM ^
I take "Still in it with:" to mean it's a longshot? If we could just get one of Walls, Clinton-Dix, Byron Moore, Karlos Williams, or Wayne Lyons, that would be huge for us.
I think getting Moore to sign could help exponentially next year, since he'd be ready to go physically and probably technique-wise on day one. It'd be a great luxury to have a strong player in the back four. I think he should be a big priority for next year. He's not a long-term solution, but we need short-term solutions right now. He'll need to find a home with near-guaranteed playing time, too, since he'll have junior status already.
It'll be great, too, to have TWolf mentor and play next to the young secondary guys for a year before he leaves. The lack of an apprenticeship model the past couple of years has hurt. Who's the role model in the secondary right now?
October 21st, 2010 at 8:27 PM ^
Actually, Byron Moore will be a sophomore this fall, wherever he ends up. He'll have 3 years of eligibility, that sounds like a long term fix to me.
October 21st, 2010 at 8:29 PM ^
He has three years to play three. He redshirted his first year at USC, so this is technically his redshirt freshman year.
October 21st, 2010 at 8:44 PM ^
USC tends toward the big physical safety too. He is definitely a guy size wise that could step in and create a lot of good competition for time. Throw Robinson maturing under Kovacs at Bandit in there too. The outlook would be a lot brighter pretty quickly.
October 21st, 2010 at 8:18 PM ^
I really want a 6' corner.
October 21st, 2010 at 9:59 PM ^
Well then we may have to put Talbott on Avery's shoulders
October 21st, 2010 at 8:55 PM ^
Are the coaches still confident that he can be a productive member of the class? We've heard some luke warm reviews about his performance this year. And now a move to DT?
October 21st, 2010 at 11:36 PM ^
interesting class to finish without a doubt, one that most of the board all seems to agree on. Nice. Can't go wrong on either qb. Nealy has the size and speed, good hearing Dee with spreading the "go blue" words! Now WR is tricky. IMO Dallas gets Sammy signed and sealed. Do you they still go after Arnett? With regards to C Gallon, he gets on Barwis' insane get ripped program. Bulks up and plays TE, thats two years away though. Like OL with the size. Michigan keeps contact with Kitchen wouldn't be a bad move IMO. Does have a 6ft 1in. frame. The rest of the defensive possible class would be a great grab, Really like to see Ryles and Haha on the back end. Tom do you know if Avery favours the ducks with what Nike has to offer?
October 21st, 2010 at 11:41 PM ^
From that list theres the very real possibility of six 4* recruits a 5* and rest 3*, not too shabby. However there's always the possibility that some bolt at the last second or dont even commit to Michigan.
I'm still however excited at the possibility of future recruits once Coach Rodriguez gets the defense handles and the offense should be straight for years to come. It's taking longer than we'd like but if the D can get straightened out Michigan will be back up there with OSU and Nebraska.
October 22nd, 2010 at 9:42 AM ^
I have a different reaction. Reading through that list disappointed me, as apart from the safety position the vast majority of guys Tom feels good about are 3 star guys with not many top schools (meaning elite OSU Bama etc) offering. That is to be expected I suppose given the last two years, but I was hopeful the fast start would get more elite guys onto us a bit. Maybe that will happen of we can win the next three, which are critical.
October 23rd, 2010 at 10:06 AM ^
I'm disappointed too. It might be true that Rodriguez can collect 3* offensive recruits and rely on his scheme (I say might because until we show our offense can dominate a game against a better defense, I consider the jury out on the genius of the scheme). The defense is an entirely different story.
October 24th, 2010 at 2:44 PM ^
...Brennen Beyer did get offers from a number of programs that at least were "near elite" status (Standford, MSU, etc.) while Chris Rock (even though he was a 3 star) got an offer from Oregon.
Besides which, William Campbell got offers from *everyone* and we all saw how much of an indicator that was...
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 AM ^
With only 20ish spots, i'm having a tough time whittling down my wish list. This is tough. I can't find room for guys i would definitely want in this class (if more coveted guys are also in the class). Screw it, let's pull some "Sabans" and get 31 in here.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:47 AM ^
Just curious, is there any significance to the order that they're listed in?
October 22nd, 2010 at 9:59 AM ^
Really appreciate the updates Tom. Especially since the 2011 board her on MGoBlog hasn't been updated in a while. GO BLUE!!!
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:38 AM ^
i would be pretty satisfied if crawford, walls, and frost were all added to the defensive side of the ball
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:31 PM ^
is there a reason we dont even seem to be targetting 5 star defensive players? We would seem to be a high profile program with lots of early playing time for defensive studs.
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:48 PM ^
Did you not see Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix and Karlos Williams on the list? Plus we are recruiting Lamar Dawson who is a high 4 star/5 star guy and also Curtis Grant who is a 5 star.
Calm down.
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:05 PM ^
The update is awesome, and I am just curious about a few things.
I know you have some guys listed as Potential recruits for this class. But for the people you say we still have a shot with, who do you feel most comfortable about us landing? great update Tom!!
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:28 PM ^
Are we still in it with Lamar Dawson? We made his first cut down to 7. He's a 4* guy at a position of extreme need and his offer list is pretty impressive (Florida, USC, Tennessee, Oregon).
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:39 PM ^
Reading up on some up some of those players I noticed that according to ESPN Cyrus Hobbi is considering Michigan as well. Any news on him?
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:47 PM ^
I have a concern about signing any more slot or wide receivers except for Watkins who appears to be a stud. Also, is anyone else concerned about our lack of offensive linemen. By my count, for next year, we have 14 scholarships devoted to the 3 receiver positions while we only have 13 scholarships devoted to 5 offensive line positions.
October 23rd, 2010 at 8:27 PM ^
Avery Walls, Kris Frost, Zettel, Dallas Crawford, and I think Byron Moore would be an awesome addition!
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