Michigan Football Recruiting: 2016 National Signing Day Predictions
By Erik Schlitt
Who’s Verbally Committed?
Chris Evans, athlete (all-purpose back/slot receiver), Ben Davis (Indianapolis, IN)
An electric quick twitch athlete that is dynamic with the ball in his hands, he’ll contribute from multiple spots all over the field. Think Golden Tate.
Dylan Crawford, wide receiver, Santa Margarita Catholic (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA)
A sure handed pure wide receiver who will compete for snaps in the slot early before likely moving back outside later in his career. Think Mario Manningham.
Eddie McDoom, wide receiver, West Orange (Winter Garden, FL)
McDoom is a field stretcher who brings elite speed to a wide receiver core that is in definite need for it. His speed, quickness, and sure hands will get him a shot in the return game. Think Steve Breaston.
Brad Hawkins, wide receiver/defensive back, Camedon (Camedon, NJ)
Versatility is key to Hawkins game as he can line up inside and out on both offense and defense. Something to watch for on signing day: grades are rumored to be a possible hurdle.
Nate Johnson, wide receiver, Independence (Thompson’s Station, TN)
Johnson is considered a “soft commit” because he continued to take visits after pledging to Michigan. He’ll announce his final intentions at 7:10 am today and I expect him to confirm his commitment to Michigan. He’s an late rising underrated wide receiver with massive upside.
Nick Eubanks, tight end, American Heritage (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
A fast tight end that needs to improve his blocking. Think Devin Funchess.
Ben Bredeson, offensive lineman, Arrowhead (Hartland, WI)
currently the highest rated player on Michigan’s board, he has the versatility to play at all five spots along the offensive line. His game screams that he’s the next Mason Cole.
Michael Onwenu, guard, Cass Tech (Detroit, MI)
The top rated recruit in the state of Michigan, Onwenu is a massive human being at 6’3″ 365. His combination of freakishly quick feet and strength allow him to be a rare people mover.
Stephen Spanellis, guard, Gillman (Baltimore, MD)
At 6’5″ 335, he is another massive body on the interior line that’s perfect for Harbaugh’s power run scheme.
Michael Dwumfour, nose tackle, De Paul Catholic (Wayne, NJ)
A former Penn State commit who recently flipped to Michigan looks to be a nose tackle with upside. He is Rashan Gary’s best friend and wants to play next to him for the next several years.
Ron Johnson, buck linebacker/defensive end, Camedon (Camedon, NJ)
He is light for a defensive end and will likely redshirt to gain muscle and find the rotation in 2017.
Josh Uche, pass rushing linebacker, Columbus (Miami, FL)
He is making the switch from defensive end to a pass rushing outside linebacker role where his elite speed can be used as a weapon. His speed and tackling ability should help him find the field early on special teams and his pass rushing skills will help him carve out a role on defense.
Devin Gil, outside linebacker, Flanagan (Hollywood, FL)
Making the switch from strong safety to outside linebacker, he will be asked to be a situational cover linebacker and contribute on special teams early.
Elysee Mbem-Bosse, inside linebacker, Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, GA)
While Don Brown loves defensive speed, he also requires a thumping inside linebacker and Mbem-Bosse fits this role to a tee. His game is still a bit raw but lack of depth at linebacker may force him on the field earlier than expected.
Dytarious Johnson, inside linebacker, Prattville (Prattville, AL)
Because of scholarships are at a premium in this class, there has been rumors of a player who has been told all along that he will greyshirt (delay enrollment). Indications are Johnson is that player. If Michigan misses on some of the prospects below a greyshirt may not be needed as linebacker depth is a need.
Khaleke Hudson, athlete (strong safety/nickel back/linebacker/running back), McKeesport (McKeesport, PA)
Does his positional skill set remind you of anyone? Hudson will be the guy who takes over the hybrid role when Jabrill Peppers leaves for the NFL. He’s so good on special teams, he is destined to find the field early and his running back skills will give Harbaugh another option on offense.
David Long, cornerback, Loyola (Los Angeles, CA)
Long is one of the true elite players in this class. A shutdown corner who will see the field in 2016 in anticipation of challenging to be a starter in 2017.
Josh Metellus, safety, Flanagan (Hollywood, FL)
A safety with coverage skills, he adds depth to a position that will needs two new starters in 2017.
Next: Who's still on the radar today?