Early Signing Period In Review

There really wasn't much fan fare or excitement from the first ever December signing day.   All but 3 commitments signed and Michigan added one late defensive lineman.  That makes 16 official Wolverines!


Otis Reese is Michigan's longest commitment but now might be shakiest as he didn't sign and continues to visit Georgia.  Georgia signed the #1 class in the country if your keeping score at home.   The next is QB Kevin Doyle, who wants to sign with his classmates in February.  This one is a bit suspect to me and I'm wondering if both sides are keeping their options open.   The third is very recent commit WR Ronnie Bell, who already signed a basketball LOI and can't sign two.  He is expected to be able to sign with Michigan in February.


Here is how the Wolverines currently rank:
24/7: #12
Rivals: #16
ESPN: #11
Please note, Scouts is gone and now part of 24/7.


This will not be a headline class and will continue to border on top 10 to top 15 class.    Michigan doesn't have any 5 stars and eleven 3 stars prospects.  Does that mean this class is a wash?  Absolutely not!  We have no idea how these kids are ranked or what kind of players they are going to be.   Wisconsin and others win with 3 stars players all the time.  College Football is all about development and Jimmy and staff has good talent with this class.  Let us not forget, Michigan landed the #1 QB in the 2016 class through transfer just a couple weeks ago and took a spot out of this class.  
What is left for this class?  If Michigan gets all 3 current commits that leaves 3 or 4 spots left.


Here is how I would rank their board right now:


#1:  Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT - His recruitment is a mystery, it seems Michigan has a shot.
#2: Jarrett Patterson, OT - Seems to be down to UCLA and Michigan.
#3: Tyler Friday, DT - Seems like an OSU - Michigan battle for this talented DT.
#4: Chris Olave, WR - Had to cancel his Michigan official but will re-schedule for Jan.
#5: JaMarr Chase, WR - Seems wide open
#6: Michael Barrett, Athlete - We expected him to be commitment and signed by now
#7: Vincent Gray, CB - Instate CB that just picked up an offer


The top priority is clearly offensive and defensive lines and it would be great if they could fill the remaining spots with the top 3 guys. 


Prospects can sign LOI's through Friday, but I don't expect any surprises this week and will see how the recruiting cycle plays out in January.