2015 Recruiting Needs

Submitted by Marley Nowell on

With the departure of Ferns, along with some potential early departures, we are looking at a recruiting class of 12-14 players.  Rather than focusing on who exactly we are getting, how will the new coach fill the spots in limited time, etc. I am looking at where Michigan's recruiting needs are based on position.

QB: 1

Michigan should be taking a QB every year regardless of depth charts, and based on current needs we certainly need 1 here.

RB: 1

Unfortunately for Drake Johnson (and Michigan) his latest injury hurts depth now and in the future. As it stands there should be 4 contributors for next year so RB isn't a dire need, but a need nonetheless.

FB:0

This is a position that can be filled by walk-ons and I don't see the need for offering a scholarship unless we are in on a truly elite player.

WR:1

We are looking at 5 players here for 2 starting positions so this is certainly an area of utmost need.

Slot:1

Another position that needs depth and any real playing time logjams can be alleviated by moving someone outside.

TE:1

Another position lacking depth and potential position switchers, so the need here for a true TE is needed.

OT:1

Depth here is always tenuous so Michigan needs to take at least 1 true OT in 2015.

OG:1

This is not a dire need but Michigan can never have enough linemen. This position looks the most likely to be filled.

C:1

The only players that have taken snaps here recently are both leaving after 2015 so this is a very important position to fill.

DT:0

This is a well stocked position and with the small class size looks to be a position left un-recruited.

NT:1

Depth not as great here so getting a NT (or NT/DT type) is definitely a need.

WDE:1

This position lacks depth and needs playmakers. This is the one position I see that needs to be filled even if the player is considered a flier.

SDE:0

This position has good depth and can be filled in by other D-Linemen.

LB:1

With a new coaching staff coming in the positions here are bound to be somewhat reshuffled. Regardless depth is good but still needs a recruit to fill in for outgoing players.

CB:0

This position is well filled and the small size of recruiting class should prevent anything but an elite prospect being recruited.

SS/FS:2

This is position is very lacking in depth and Michigan should be taking 2 players here even if they are not highly touted recruits.

K/P:1

After graduations Michigan needs at least 1 Kicker/Punter type recruit.

 

I was trying to hit the 12 Scholarship # but I still managed to reach 14. Earlier I thought based on the small recruiting class size it wouldn't be a bad idea to bank some scholarships for 2016. However it looks like Michigan should be using at a minimum 10 scholarships in 2015.

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True Blue Grit

December 16th, 2014 at 3:29 PM ^

matter what.  I can see a number of players leaving after the winter semester is over, which is kind of normal.  It all depends on how many buy-in to the new coach and staff (or don't).  But of course the new coaches don't know who those guys are when they have to sign people in February. 

The good news for the new staff is there aren't any real gaping holes like there were when Hoke came in.  But, I think the two biggest areas of need in this class are RB and OL.  Drake Johnson's injury situation alarms me a little.  If he can't return to where he was, then we have 3 guys at most coming back after Hayes uses up his eligibility next season.  That assumes no transfers or early NFL exits.  Throw in other attrition risks, and I can see even a need for 2 guys. 

If they can keep the 2 OL in this class already, then I think they need one more for sure.

Brian Cole is a key guy to keep IMO.  He and Drake Harris could be two really good playmakers in next year's offense, to go with the solid guys coming back.  I wouldn't mind seeing another slot guy though.  One with a lot of speed and great hands.

I agree at safety.  But, I'd like to see another good CB too. 

EDIT:  I forgot TE.  We absolutely need another good pass catcher who can run.  The new coach needs to make a run at Clark to get him back for sure.

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Bodogblog

December 16th, 2014 at 3:34 PM ^

I think you can break it down even more simply: what does Michigan lack?  On defense, we desperately need pass rushers and have for several years.  It's not easy to find early contributers there, but you may get lucky.  I'd take two of those.  WDE, SDE, whatever their size as long as they can get to the QB.  Safeties as well.  Two please.  DT/NT, I think we have plenty.

On offense we definitely need playmakers.  Two WR's, maybe three.  I know the roster is stocked with them, but they all got passed by Canteen and Bo Dever.  Increase the odds that one of them will pop.  And a QB, obviously.  I like Malzone a lot, but what the hell do I know.  A new scheme means being on campus for several years won't have as much weight as it normally would.

A lot of well stocked positions.   

 

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alum96

December 16th, 2014 at 3:39 PM ^

Too early until we see full attrition but the class will be larger than you mention, especially if there are more transfers.  But even without it's probably going to be more like 16-17.

Other than kicker, QB, RB, and DTs I think we need everything now with this recruiting class imploded.  We lost corners, linebackers, DEs, TE, RBs and WRs to decommittment.  I think if Cole stays in the class than you can live with that as the only WR as most of our WRs are still young, and you could get by with no RB if Weber is not able to be flipped as we have Isaac essentially as a recruit.

But man the whole secondary needs reinforcements - Peppers and Lewis should be starting CBs next 2 years but after that it could be a gaping chasm.  Guys in this class are the ones who would take over in 2017 - esp ifLewis turns out to be special and leaves early.  S with Wilson gone in a year is scary and DE depth lacks.  With the loss of Kirkland at ILB and all our targets at OLB we need 1 of each. 

Offensive players in 2015 are younger so I am less worried for this class (they can be replenished more in 2016) but our defense gets VERY young in 2016 outside of the corners and DTs and a Gedeon, Charlton on the 2 deep so it needs replenishing at a lot of spots.

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Michology 101

December 16th, 2014 at 3:40 PM ^

Well, I just hope the new coach doesn't run out and pick up a bunch of 2 star kids to help fill up the 2015 class. I would rather save the scholarships and just go after a larger group of 4 and 5 star kids for 2016 class.

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ifis

December 16th, 2014 at 3:50 PM ^

its too early now, though.  Until new coaches are named and the current players react to it, we won't know.  Keeping Malzone (QB) and Cole (WR/DB) is key, as those are two positions of need.  So is keeping our offensive linemen.  Attracting an elite athlete at WDE is next on the list, but that seems like a pipe dream at this point.    Safety is another issue; I really hope we keep Kinnel (and Cole).  RB is starting to look thin, but I think the next coach should be able to recruit a talented back and may even convince an elite back like Harris or Weber to re-commit to UM.  Assuming no critical attrition, my tentative ranking looks like this:

1) QB

2) athletic pass rusher, preferably WDE

3) WR

4) S

5) OL

6) RB

7) interior DL

8) complete TE

9) LB

 

 

 

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