The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/230001
michigan recruiting season allowed the 6-2, 215-pounder to move up to mid-range three-star status, an appreciable jump for him. Naples (Fla.) Barron Collier defensive tackle Brady Pallante improved from a low-level two-star to the middle range of that ranking. Among remaining U-M prospects, Southfield (Mich.) defensive tackle Malik McDowell, who will make his college commitment on National Signing Day between the Wolverines, Michigan State and a handful of Southeastern programs, made a small climb from No. 40 nationally to No. 33 and is now five spots away from five-star status. Overall, the changes didn't have a significant effect on the Michigan class' national ranking. Prior to the update, U-M had 1,689 team rankings points ant the No. 19 class in the country according to the Rivals.com formula. Afterwards, U-M had a net loss of five points to end at 1,684 but held on to the No. 19 ranking. The class had moved up to No. 18 as of Dec. 17. Initial 2015 Rankings The release of the initial 2015 Rivals250 Presented by Under Armour was unquestionably good news for fans of the Maize and Blue. Four of Michigan's six commitments were listed among the top 200 players in the country. Berea (Ky.) Madison Southern running back Damien Harris leads the way, earning a five-star rating and a ranking as the No. 5 overall player in the country. The 5-11, 205-pounder was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Kentucky after rushing for 2,621 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior. Not far behind Harris at No. 7 is wide receiver George Campbell. The Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake standout stands 6-4, 200 pounds, and caught 30 passes for 704 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. His combination of production and potential — he was the fastest participant at Nike's The Opening this summer, clocking a laser-timed 4.37-second 40yard dash — saw him earn five-star status as well. U-M has already landed one more player in the nation's top 100 — Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward defensive back Shaun Crawford. The 5-9, 165-pounder is a four-star recruit and the No. 96 overall player in the country. Although he lacks size, Crawford has athleticism in spades and is willing to make big hits over the middle. He played safety for St. Edward as a junior, but projects to cornerback at the next level. Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne safety Tyree Kinnel is the final member of Michigan's class in the Rivals250. Standing 6-0, 190 pounds, Kinnel has earned distinction as a four-star prospect and the No. 174 junior in the country. Michigan's final two commitments aren't members of the Rivals250, but should earn acclaim later in the process when full rankings are released. Philadelphia St. Joseph's Prep offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr. is the son of a U-M legend, and although he was quiet on the camp scene over the