Wednesday Recruiting Update: Class of 2009

With the good work that Varsity Blue and Mgoblog are doing around recruiting, I just wanted to give my $.02 on the final few spots left in this class. It seems the 2010 class is starting to get some momentum with Michigan already having two 4 star WR's committed and likely a 5 star DB as well in a couple of weeks. For those of you that don't follow recruiting closely, there is a Gholsten (another DE) in the class of 2010 from Detroit. Yes, he has been offered by RR and staff and would be a great pickup.

How many more spots are there in the 2009 class? Michigan currently has 18 spots filled (as filled as a verbal commitment can be) in this class. It was thought at the start of this process that Michigan only had roughly 20 spots available. That is no longer the case with two Freshman LB's no longer on the team and a host of seniors that are probably either headed to the NFL or won't be asked back for their 5th year. My best guess is there are 5-6 spots still open.

What is Michigan's current needs for this class? With the loss of two 4 star LB's in the 08 class, Michigan needs to focus on the LB spot for this class. As you we now know, we have really had some difficult losses in this position from guys leaving or not having the skills to play at this level. I would also include DB and Offensive Line as needs.

Get out your Crystal Ball and list the players you think are high on RR staff's wish list?

1. "Big Will Campbell" 5 Star DT - Most believe Big Will will re-commit to the Wolverines.
2. Jelani Jenkins, a 5 star LB from Maryland. JJ doesn't talk much to the recruiting services and has offers from every major program.
3. Rueben Randle, is a 5 star WR from LA. It will be hard to pull him to Ann Arbor and I expect he will pick, "a damn good football team" over Ann Arbor.
4. Quinton Washington, is a 4 star 6"4 320 OL from South Carolina
5. Vlad Emilien, a 3 star Safety from Florida
6. Chris Freeman, a 4 star 6"8 315 OL (project - played one year of football)

Others include: Taylor Lewan a 3 star OL that is a teammate of Criag Roh in Scottsdale, Dennis Thames, Athlete/DB/WR who many thought would commit to Michigan this summer, Maybe another DE and hopefully a surprise DB and/or LB.

Why is recruiting happening so fast these days? That is the world we live in. The focus is now on the 2010 class, here 4 months before signing day for the 2009 class. If you use OSU has an example from last year, they were done at this point (besides TP) and started very strong on their 2009 class. Many believe there needs to be an early signing period for football and I would agree.

What now for 2009 class? Don't forget RR only had basically January and February last year to get the kids he wanted for the 08 class. We still have time and expect some of the verbals to get tentative or even de-commit before signing day. Michigan need to really focus on defense for the remaining spots. It would be great to get Big Will and Jelani in this class.