Trieu: Where Michigan stands with top 2017 targets
Michigan now turns its attention to the 2017 recruiting class, where the Wolverines already have five commitments and are in a position to add more in the near future. Here are a few of the names to know about.
DE Corey Malone-Hatcher, St. Joseph (Mich.): Michigan’s recruitment of this hybrid passer from the west side goes back to the previous staff, but Greg Mattison bridged that gap and the Wolverines remain one of his top schools. Notre Dame is the other threat right now although Alabama, Ohio State and others have offered, as well.
QB Dylan McCaffrey, Highlands Ranch (Colo.) Valor Christian: The younger brother of Heisman finalist Christian McCaffrey, some say Dylan is actually the family’s best football player, which is saying something. A nearly 6-foot-5 passer who is mobile enough to make plays with his feet, as well, McCaffrey lists Michigan as one of his top choices.
OT Isaiah Wilson, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Poly Prep: A monstrous 6-foot-7, 280-pound left tackle prospect, Wilson has offers from all over the country, including Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and Penn State. That said, the Wolverines made his top 10 and many feel they are the odds-on favorite for him.
LB Josh Ross, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s: Older brother James Ross playing at Michigan gives the younger Ross great familiarity with the campus and program. While others like Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oklahoma have offered this hard-hitter, it is widely believed Ross will end up in Ann Arbor.
Breaking down Michigan�s recruiting class
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Detroit Cass Tech: The state’s top junior, Peoples-Jones is a fast, electrifying prospect. Given that the Wolverines have had good luck at Cass traditionally and 2016 signee Lavert Hill says he will be recruiting Peoples-Jones, they should be in the mix until the end for this one. Ohio State, Michigan State, Florida, Tennessee, Notre Dame and really the entire rest of the country are also recruiting him.
S J’Marick Woods, Florence (Ala.): Despite having to come from Alabama, Woods has already visited Michigan, attending a game last fall. The 6-foot-4, 196-pound athlete has a Wolverine offer. Other programs, including Tennessee and Kentucky, have offered, but the Alabama connection with 2016 signee Kingston Davis should help the Wolverines in this one.
More information
Allen Trieu began covering the state of Michigan for Scout.com in 2005 and began managing the entire Midwest in 2009. He has been featured on the Big Ten Network on its annual Signing Day Show. His Michigan and Michigan State recruiting columns appear weekly at detroitnews.com.