Breaking down Michigan’s recruiting class
Scout.com Midwest Recruiting Manager Allen Trieu, The Detroit News' recruiting columnist, provides the highlights for Michigan's recruiting class.
Instant impact
Running back Kareem Walker should see some carries this season, but it is linebacker Devin Bush that likely has the best opportunity to contend for a starting job. The Wolverines graduate several linebackers and Bush is an early enrollee with speed that could get him on the field as a true freshman even if he does not win the job outright.
Best athlete
Khaleke Hudson is a kid who can play all over the field and the YouTube video he posted of jumping over a teammate while making a one-handed grab shows what type of athleticism he brings to the table. He was a really good high school running back, but his future at Michigan is likely on defense.
Under the radar
While he is not a four-star on any recruiting sites, Miami native Joshua Uche jumps off the screen on his tape. He is a fast edge rusher with explosiveness and already does a good job with his hands. He will need to add weight and strength, but he has the tools to play outside linebacker or defensive end or a combination of both in the Michigan defense. He could be the surprise of this class.
Rankings riser
Quarterback Brandon Peters steadily climbed all through his senior season thanks to a great final campaign. The Avon (Ind.) product has all the requisite tools required for the position: a good arm, the athletic ability to make plays with his feet when needed, and intangibles. He is enrolled already, and while he has already been told he will redshirt, he looks like the quarterback of the future in Ann Arbor.
Best steal
Getting Kareem Walker to flip from Ohio State should get consideration here, but how about what happened with tight end Nick Eubanks? Michigan was way off the radar with him, but in a matter of a few days, the Wolverines put themselves back in the race, got him on campus and secured a commitment despite the Florida native having options much closer to home.
Most pro potential
Rashan Gary is the clear choice here, but Ben Bredeson should not be overlooked. The state of Wisconsin has produced its share of NFL linemen, especially recently with Travis Frederick, Kevin Zeitler and Peter Konz all becoming high draft choices. Bredeson may be next one day. The nation’s top-ranked guard, Bredeson is physical, mean, but also a good athlete. He has drawn some comparisons to former Wolverine David Baas.
In the family
Defensive end Carlo Kemp is the nephew of Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has several ties to his family.
Wolverine facts
Tallest: OT Stephen Spanellis, Baltimore (Md.) Gilman Schools – 6-foot-6
Biggest: OG Michael Onwenu, Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech – 367 pounds
Fastest: CB David Long, Los Angeles (Calif.) Loyola – 4.40 seconds in 40-yard dash