The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN RECRUITING not have a tailback in the 2015 class, but it's likely that at least one player will join the group. This is also the case with wide receivers. Depending on the 2015 haul, the 2016 number will be adjusted. The first position with a specific need, then, is tight end. Michigan would like one in the class, and preferably a player who can make an impact both as a blocker and a pass-catcher. The Wolverines have extended five offers, and the first player to accept the scholarship will likely be the only tight end in the group. There is already one offensive line- man in the fold, but this could be one of the most-addressed positions in the 2016 class. With only two signees in 2014 and two commits thus far in 2015 (with the possibility to add a third, though there are no obvious candidates), 2016 could see a three- or four-man group up front. Swen- son is a true tackle, so another player at that position and two interior line- men would fill the need nicely. The defensive line could be an- other area of extreme focus for the Michigan coaches in the 2016 class. The 2015 group does not figure to include a true defensive tackle, so one of those will be paramount in the following group. The situation is murkier at defensive end, where the Wolverines have yet to secure a com- mitment from a rising senior. If — as expected — U-M signs two defensive ends in the 2015 class, just a single talented player could fill the need. A tackle/end hybrid could also fill any need left by bringing in one true player at each spot. At linebacker for 2016, one true in- side linebacker and one true outside linebacker will be targeted. After an enormous group in 2014 (four line- backers in the class), Michigan fig- ures to follow a one-inside, one-out- side trend for the next couple classes. The defensive backfield may not be a huge priority after nice groups have been brought in nearly every single year since Brady Hoke became the head coach in Ann Arbor. Expect Michigan to hold out for an elite cor- nerback and an elite safety. Michigan's current number of scholarships available in the 2016 class is 16, one for each of the players who will exhaust their eligibility fol- lowing the 2015 season. That number is certain to fluctuate on the basis of 2015 recruiting, plus attrition to the NFL or other reasons from the cur- rent roster. U-M COMMITMENT AND TARGETS IMPRESS AT RIVALS UNDERCLASSMEN CHALLENGE Trotwood (Ohio) Madison quar- terback Messiah DeWeaver made his commitment to Michigan in June, and the 2016 standout made his first camp appearance since that pledge at the Rivals250 Underclassmen Chal- lenge presented by Under Armour in Jacksonville, Fla. July 12. DeWeaver earned a ranking as the No. 4 quarterback in attendance — out of more than 20 at the position — behind fellow 2016 prospects Shea Patterson of Louisiana and Dwayne