[Ed-M: bumped from diary - MGoBlog's recruiting editor updates the status of defensive recruitment]

Since Justice Hayes just committed, and there were still people looking around to see if it was ok to ask if he plays defense, I thought I would help them out. Here's a look at who's left on the defensive front for Michigan recruiting.

First, who's committed so far:

2011 Commitments

Name	Position	Height/Weight	Star Ranking
Brennen Beyer	DE	6'4", 225 lbs.	4 Star
Demetrius Hart	RB	5'8", 190 lbs.	4 Star
Justice Hayes	RB/Slot	5'10", 175 lbs.	4 Star
Dallas Crawford	DB	5'10", 185 lbs.	3 Star
Shawn Conway	WR	6'4", 183 lbs.	3 Star
Greg Brown	DB	5'10", 180 lbs.	3 Star
Jake Fisher	OL	6'7", 260 lbs.	3 Star
Delonte Hollowell	DB	5'8", 162 lbs.	3 Star
Kellen Jones	LB	6'1", 209 lbs.	3 Star
Jack Miller	OL	6'4", 270 lbs.	3 Star
Tony Posada	OL	6'5", 315 lbs.	3 Star
Chris Rock	DE/DT	6'5", 250 lbs.	3 Star
Kevin Sousa	QB	6'2", 220 lbs.	3 Star

For those counting at home, that's six commitments out of thirteen that are on the defensive side of the ball. There are around 9 spots left, give or take, for Michigan to fill up this class with. These are the current defensive recruits that Michigan has a shot with. 

 

2011 Defensive End Prospects

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Anthony Zettel	6'4", 255 lbs.	West Branch, MI	4 Stars	Junior Highlights
	Zettel is waiting until after the season is over to make his announcement. He has already taken his official to Iowa (Nov. 20th), he's visiting Penn State this weekend, and will be at Michigan on December 10th for the Big Chill.
	Deion Barnes	6'5", 230 lbs.	Philadelphia, PA	4 star	Deion Runs Fast
	Barnes has Michigan in his top five along with Georgia, Penn State, Pitt, and South Carolina. He has mentioned several times he plans on visiting after the season. He may visit for December 10th as well.

 

2011 Defensive Tackle Prospects

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Timmy Jernigan	6'2", 275 lbs.	Lake City, FL	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	Jernigan has Michigan in his top group with LSU, Alabama, and Florida State. He has made some recent trips to Florida, so I wouldn't count them out. I've been hearing a lot lately about Timmy, and a recruit actually told me that Jernigan really likes Michigan. He's concerned with our defensive scheme, however, so we'll see what happens.
	Darian Cooper	6'3", 275 lbs.	Hyattsville, MD	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	Cooper is planning a winter visit to Michigan, and outside of Jernigan, is probably Michigan's best option at defensive tackle. His season ended in the WCAC championship game this weekend, so he's now focusing on recruiting.
	Mickey Johnson	6'1", 310 lbs.	Covington, LA	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	While Johnson continues to list Michigan in his top group, I don't think he'll end up choosing the Wolverines. His name is still on the radar, but not likely.

 

2011 Linebacker Prospects

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Kris Frost	6'3", 210 lbs.	Matthews, NC	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	As everyone knows, Frost just got back from his official visit to Michigan. This visit came at the perfect time for Frost, and for Michigan. He will take officials to LSU and Cal, and is going to try to make it back up to Michigan again before deciding at the US Army game. Frost will be an early enrollee. I included him here for argument sake, since he is also being recruited for receiver.
	Desmond Morgan	6'1", 225 lbs.	Holland, MI	3 Star	Senior Highlights
	Morgan is a lifelong Michigan fan, and was beyond excited to receive his offer. He took an unofficial visit with his dad to the Illinois game, and will be back for an official visit on December 10th. He's taking his time, but I expect him to be in this class. If Michigan grabs Morgan and Frost, that will be a nice linebacker haul for the 2011 class with Kellen Jones already on board.

 

2011 Cornerback Prospects 

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Blake Countess	5'10", 170 lbs.	Owings Mills, MD	4 Star	Senior Highlights
	Countess has a top four of Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State and Michigan. It's been rumored that Michigan is in the lead, but Georgia Tech might be right there with them. Countess plans on visiting December 3rd, and will also be playing in the US Army game.
	Daren Kitchen	6'1", 170 lbs.	Houma, LA	3 Star	N/A
	If Michigan missed on Countess, they may finally offer Kitchen. Kitchen has said he's a big fan of Michigan, and would most likely commit if offered.

 

2011 Safety Prospects

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Avery Walls	5'11", 185 lbs.	McDonough, GA	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	Walls has already been to Michigan several times, including an official visit for the U Conn game. He has since taken visits to Oregon and Cal. I still think Michigan is in a good position, but I think Oregon has made a good impression on him. Due to an illness in his family he had put recruiting on the back burner. He still plans on taking a few more visits before he announces.
	Wayne Lyons	6'0", 190 lbs.	Ft. Lauderdale, FL	4 Star	Senior Highlights
	Lyons recently announced that Michigan will get one of his official visits. That was huge news for the Wolverines, as they seem to be climbing up his list. Wayne plans on being up at Michigan on December 3rd, and then out to Nebraska on December 10th. He has already taken visits to Notre Dame, Stanford, and UCLA. Michigan is making a move with the talented safety.
	Karlos Williams	6'2", 210 lbs.	Davenport, FL	5 Star	2010 Spring Game
	I'm including Karlos on this list because he still maintains that he will visit Michigan. The visit will probably take place in January. I've heard that it's not likely he will switch from FSU, but there's at least a small chance. He has been recruiting hard for FSU, so don't get your hopes up, but who knows what could happen with a visit.
	Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix	6'2", 190 lbs.	Orlando, FL	5 Star	Junior Highlights
	I'm including Ha'Sean for the same reason that I'm including Karlos, he still plans on visiting Michigan. I have heard that there's a small chance that he changes his mind from Alabama. Don't get your hopes up here either, but with his teammates selling Michigan and his visit you never know.

Michigan obviously doesn't have enough room to take everyone, and they're still looking for a few more offensive positions like tight end and offensive line. Most of the decision time tables for these recruits are after the season, or during the Army All American game. That should give Michigan plenty of time for visits, and a little extra push with coaching visits too.