The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/116680
players — possible, but perhaps not likely — they will eclipse the previous high of seven top-100 signees in the 2005 and 2006 classes. Here are the nine most likely to join Ferns in U-M's recruiting class. If seven of them pick the Wolverines, Hoke can reach the new high-water mark. No. 1 — DE Da'Shawn Hand Hand, the top player in the country, visited Michigan March 15-17. The 6-4, 245-pound defensive end from Woodbridge, Va., has the size to be a weakside or strongside defensive end, and the burst off the edge (and exceptional technique) to be a true pass-rushing threat along the line — something Michigan has lacked thus far under Hoke. Should he choose Michigan, it would be the first time the Wolverines landed the country's top player. No. 2 — CB Jabrill Peppers Peppers is a cornerback out of Paramus, N.J., and grew up a big Michigan fan. However, practically every school in the country is pursuing the 6-1, 210-pounder, and U-M will have plenty of competition for his signature. Michigan is playing from slightly behind, but he has a spring visit to Ann Arbor set for April 4 during which the coaching staff can make up some ground. No. 8 — CB Adoree' Jackson Jackson isn't the biggest cornerback, standing just 5-10, 172 pounds, but his athleticism (he has been timed at 21.69 seconds in the 200-meter dash) and natural knack for making plays have earned him distinction as a five-star prospect. Though he lives in the Los Angeles area now, he is a native of Belleville, Ill., and grew up a Michigan fan. He plans a summer visit to Ann Arbor. No. 21 — DL Malik McDowell McDowell is the state of Michigan's top prospect, thanks to his athleticism and burst off the edge, in combination with his massive 6-6, 292-pound frame. He has the mass to play defensive tackle, but the athleticism to play on the edge. Michigan has long been among his favorites — and he took three winter visits to Ann Arbor in addition to witnessing the opening of spring ball March 16 — and U-M could seal the deal in the summer after he gets a chance to see some out-of-region schools. No. 47 — S Montae Nicholson Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway has long been a school at which Michigan pursues recruits, and Nicholson, a 6-2, 200-pound safety, is the program's top prospect in the 2014 class. Although he grew up an Ohio State fan, the four-star has also visited Michigan on multiple occasions, and the Wolverines offered prior to the Buckeyes. Though he also has an eye on some national programs, he had Michigan near the top of his list. No. 55 — OL Alex Bars Michigan landed Blake Bars in the 2012 class, but younger brother Alex might end up as the superior offensive lineman (oldest brother Brad, who plays at Penn State, plies his trade on the defensive side of the line). The 6-6, 285-pound Alex has visited Michigan on multiple occasions, including for Blake's unofficial visit to the Ohio State game in fall 2011, and for Thanksgiv-