Michigan Football Recruiting Scorecard: QB Zach Gentry flipped from Longhorns

Jim Harbaugh became Michigan’s 20th football coach last month with all the pomp and circumstance anyone could imagine.

He was expected to hire a staff, salvage a recruiting class (that had shrunk to just six commits), then pick up 10 or 11 more by National Signing Day, Feb. 4.

More from Michigan Wolverines

• Betting Preview: Best Bets for Michigan vs. Ohio State Rivalry 
• Michigan Coach Shockingly Fired as Sign-Stealing Scandal Continues
• Betting Preview: Best Bets for Michigan vs. Penn State 
• Known Blowhard Paul Finebaum Makes Ridiculous Michigan Prediction about National Championship
• Michigan Wolverines New Betting Favorite to Win National Championship 

Harbaugh hired Tim Drevno to be his offensive coordinator, while selecting D.J. Durkin to coordinate the defense.

Drevno and Harbaugh have a long history together, coaching three years with the NFL San Francisco 49ers and four years at Stanford.

Durkin arrived at Michigan after five seasons with the Florida Gators, the last two as defensive coordinator.

Harbaugh and his staff have picked up three commits thus far.

First, they flipped 4-star Albuquerque (NM) QB Zach Gentry from the Texas Longhorns.

The 6-6, 232-pounder is the nation’s No. 19 rated pro-style QB, making it quite a coup for the Wolverines.

Second,  Harbaugh received a verbal commitment from 3-star 6-3, 223-lb SDE Reuben Jones, and third, he snagged 3-star 6-6, 280 lb SDE Nolan Ulizio from West Chester, Ohio.

Even if the Wolverines come a few recruits short, Michigan is practically guaranteed a solid roster through 2016. That’s due to the top-five classes of 2012 and 2013.

The 2012 class which totaled 25 prospects, featured one 5-star and 14 4-star recruits. Scout.com rated it the No. 4 class in the nation. The 27-member 2013 class was rated No. 2 and boasted four 5-star and 15 4-star prospects.

Sure, Hoke excelled at bringing in four and five-star recruits, but there was something missing when many of them took the field.  That was especially apparent when the Wolverines stumbled against Ohio State, Michigan State and even lesser foes.

After Harbaugh’s first winter conditioning sessions, spring training will be next with competition at just about every position. There will be no incumbents and star ratings will be tossed out the window. Harbaugh is all about player development, and that’s where Hoke didn’t get the job done.

Fortunately a few prize recruits are still on the table, and Harbaugh has already shown he can pilfer another school’s commit.

As the 2014 season crumbled around the probability Hoke would be fired,  TE Chris Clark was one of several Wolverines who decommitted during the season.

Still undecided, Clark will make the choice between Michigan and UCLA. Harbaugh might have a slight advantage because tight ends are an integral part of his offense.

Another decommit, Detroit Cass Tech’s running back Michael Weber, left Michigan’s web before finding himself with Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Both Michigan and Ohio State are blessed with several outstanding backs, but the deciding factor might be that Cass Tech’s coach Thomas Wilcher played running back for Michigan in the mid 1980s.

On Michigan’s radar since the beginning of the 2015 recruiting cycle, Long Beach, CA’s Iman Marshall is the No. 1 rated cornerback in the country. He would undoubtedly enjoy playing alongside Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers, last season’s No. 1.

Marshall met with Harbaugh Monday (Jan. 26) and spoke about Florida State, Michigan and LSU.

“At Florida State, the football atmosphere and the coaching staff is great,” he told ESPN ($). “At Michigan, the networking and the new coaching hire. And LSU, that’s DB U.”

Marshall (6-2, 195) plans on announcing his college choice on ESPNU on National Signing Day.

“Whatever happens, happens,” he said. “I’m aware it’s going to be a tough decision, but at the end of the day I have to do what’s best for me. I hope all the coaches understand and respect my decision.”

Southern Cal is a slight favorite.

Finally, the Wolverines should reel in Tyrone Wheatley, Jr., especially since his dad is now Michigan’s running back coach.

At 6-6, 260, Wheatley would play either tight end or strongside defensive end.

The first chart lists Michigan’s chance to flip one…

[table id=40/]

And the second chart lists the prime recruits Michigan might sign:

[table id=41 /]

To voice your opinion, please scroll down to the comment area.

All ratings via scout.com and 247sports.com