Michigan's 2009 Recuruting Class: Down the Stretch They Come

So Michigan picked up the "crown jewel" of the 2009 class by getting the commitment/enrollment of "Big Will" Campbell a 5 star DT last weekend at the Army All American Bowl. Big Will was the 21st commitment for the Wolverines for the 2009 class, which leaves them with 4 more spots to fill by signing day February 4th, 2009. There are only 4 official visit weekends left.

Which positions does Michigan need to fill with the remaining spots? Needs in order of importance:

1. Another QB to back fill the Beaver. Really, Michigan has two targets for this spot. One is a huge reach and not likely, the other could happen. The long shot is 5 star QB Tajh Boyd who was recently was the star of the Army Bowl showing quickness in the pocket and a strong arm. Tajh has also mentioned he has been talking to Michigan but does not have an official visit set up yet. The more likely scenario is Denard Robinson who is a 4 star QB from Florida and is visiting this weekend.
2. A big WR to replace Bryce McNeal: Michigan has dusted off the snake oil bottle to look for another tall WR for this class. The two best prospects do have officials set up for the month of January. Je'Ron Stokes is a "soft" Tennessee commit and Travante Stallworth who is a "soft" Auburn commit. Je'Ron showed nice WR skills in the Army game and Travante has said he really likes Michigan's tradition. My feeling is one of the two will commit to the Wolverines.
3. Another DB: Good corner backs are very hard to find because most High School "athletes" play on the offensive side of the ball. So coaches have to either find diamonds in the rough or go "Morgan Trent" (take a fast guy and turn him into a corner). If Michigan can find a solid corner they will definitely use a final 4 spot on them.
4. A LB to replace the Freshman losses from last year. Some will disagree with me on this one but I think Michigan still needs a LB in this class. I know RR likes to take quick Safeties and bulk them up to play LB, but I still believe Michigan needs a true LB in this class. Barkevious Mingo is a very high profile LB that is taking a visit but currently doesn't have Michigan is his top 3. So don't expect a Mingo commitment anytime soon. The other options might be Tana Patrick (but Michigan needs to step it up to beat the Southern schools) and Dan Mason from Pittsburgh. Michigan hasn't offered Mason yet and there have been some rumors about some academic eligibility issues but if he makes the grade he could be a nice fit in this spot. Mingo and Patrick would be the first choices. My gut tells me that Michigan won't get another LB with the final 4 spots.

So your allowed to sign 25 players a year and if Michigan filled the above spots and don't lose any recruits that would equal a full class, but..........................

• Michigan will have an estimated 6 players enrolling in January. Meaning they can use a scholarship from the 2008 or 2009 class.
• Many schools are over signing recruiting classes because they know they will lose guys to injury, grades, transfers, and other bad things.
• Currently there are two "soft" commits on the defensive line in Pearlie Graves and DeQuinta Jones. Both are still taking visits closer to home. If both commits become "solid" Michigan is done at the DT spot.

Ok, so you are hinting Michigan might take more then 25 players in this class? They might rabbit, they might. (for you bugs bunny fans)

Ok, smart a-- where would they go with those extra spots?

• A wild card if Michigan doesn't get another QB in this class is Hollad Michigan QB AJ Westendorp. Michigan would prefer him to be a preferred walk on, but if they don't land Boyd or Robinson they might have to use a scholarship on AJ.
• Michigan always likes to sign a deep class of offensive lineman: They still have a few high profile ones on the board like Marcus Hall, Travis Bond, Quinton Washington, but I feel Michigan might have it's best shot at Chris Freeman a 6"8 315 lbs. kid from Ohio that has only been playing football for a couple of years. He would be a project but could end up with a big upside.
• One More DE: Sam Montgomery has shown interest in Michigan and they are interested in him. Michigan is already solid at DE with the commitment of LaLota and Roh but this position has not been recruited well the last 3 years and Michigan would take one more quality guy.