UM moves up, MSU steady in way-too-early rankings

How much did Michigan’s impressive haul help the Wolverines for the 2016 season?

A little bit, at least, apparently.

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach re-ranked his “Way-Too-Early Top 25” on Tuesday to reflect results from National Signing Day. Jim Harbaugh’s highly touted class helped bump up Michigan one spot to No. 3 in Schlabach’s early forecast.

Michigan State, which welcomed what many believe to be coach Mark Dantonio’s strongest class, held steady at No. 14 in Schlabach’s rankings.

Michigan’s class is ranked anywhere between fourth and sixth by major recruiting services, bolstering the returners from last season’s 10-3 team.

“Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh made a big splash with his first full recruiting cycle, signing a top-10 class,” Schlabach wrote. “The crop includes No. 1 prospect Rashan Gary, who might be able to help on the defensive line right away. The Wolverines have to replace only three starters on offense, and Houston transfer John O’Korn is the early favorite to replace departed quarterback Jake Rudock. New defensive coordinator Don Brown will have to replace the team’s entire starting linebacker corps, but incoming freshman Devin Bush Jr. might be able to help.”

The Spartans, meanwhile, have plenty of positions to fill after losing talented seniors such as center Jack Allen, quarterback Connor Cook, and defensive end Shilique Calhoun, as well as junior left tackle Jack Conklin from a team that won the Big Ten title and reached the College Football Playoff.

Schlabach writes Dantonio has brought in players who could help right away.

“Michigan State’s recruiting class is being called the best of coach Mark Dantonio’s 10-year tenure in East Lansing,” he wrote. “It’s a needed boost, because the Spartans have to replace all but three starters on offense this coming season. The departed senior class guided MSU to 43 victories, three straight top-10 finishes and two Big Ten championships. While the Spartans lost three starting defensive linemen, ESPN 300 end Josh King and tackles Naquan Jones and Mike Panasiuk might be able to provide depth. Quarterback Messiah DeWeaver and ESPN 300 receiver Donnie Corley headline the offensive signees.”