The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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FOOTBALL RECRUITING 188-pounder has the length to play press-man coverage. Michigan's need was filled at this position when Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward four-star Shaun Crawford was in the fold, but his flip to Notre Dame is looking for a second corner in this class. A long, rangy player much like Taylor should help play the style of defense Michigan hopes to employ going forward. JAVARIUS DAVIS Jacksonville (Fla.) Ed White 5-10, 173 pounds • North Carolina commit No. 30 cornerback nationally Although he's committed to North Carolina, Davis has maintained inter- Early Look At 2016 Needs Already, Michigan's two 2016 commitments fill positions that appear to be needs for that group. Trotwood (Ohio) Madison quarterback Messiah DeWeaver is the No. 9 pro-style passer and No. 210 overall prospect nationally in the class. Downers Grove (Ill.) South offensive lineman Erik Swenson is the No. 9 offensive tackle and No. 70 overall player in the country. While needs in the 2016 class will ultimately depend upon the final composi- tion of the 2015 crop, there are a few spots that Michigan will be looking for strong help, no matter what. At running back, landing just one 2015 player after passing completely in 2014 means that a strong tailback will be needed in the 2016 class. In fact, if U-M can land the right two players, a multi-back group is not only possible but likely. Wide receiver could be a need, depending on whether Michigan finds a complement to Cole in 2015. A true pro-style wideout would be a nice boost to that group. Michigan would like to land one tight end per year (after build- ing up depth with two in each of the 2012 and 2013 classes), and 2016 is no exception. The largest need on offense is the line, where as many as four or five prospects could join Swenson up front. U-M has already offered 13 players at the position, recognizing it as a big need. On defense, beef up front will be just as important as the other side of the ball. Passing on 2015 defensive tackles means an elite player or two at the position would round out the depth nicely going forward. With defensive ends among the rising senior class still yet to be settled, the needs in 2016 can't be deter- mined. Look for a least one player at the remaining three defensive positions: linebacker, safety and cornerback. Even though Michigan has built quality depth in recent years, adding top-end talent there is always a priority. Michigan is off to a good start in 2016 with two four-star commitments. Add- ing even more star power to DeWeaver and Swenson's talents could rely upon a strong showing on the field in 2014 and in 2015 recruiting. — Tim Sullivan