The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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2015 RECRUITING ISSUE lege. As with Cole, Michigan's need for playmaking wide receivers could see Bloomfield Hills (Mich.) Brother Rice three-star prospect Grant Perry make his way onto the field as a true freshman. The 6-0, 185-pounder was just the No. 80 wideout nationally, but early in his career his polish and readiness to contribute immediately will outshine the limits that his size places on him long term. Michigan's pass rush could use an immediate boost — the Wolverines were seventh in the Big Ten in sacks (29) last season — and Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson defensive end Reuben Jones is the most likely candidate in this class to help out right away. On the smaller side at 6-4, 225 pounds, he's rated as the No. 27 strongside defensive end in the nation accord- ing to Rivals. Jones will develop over the course of his career, but is already capable of making contributions. Prattville (Ala.) High athlete Keith Washington will have to take some time to adjust to defensive back af- ter primarily playing quarterback in recent seasons. However, his 6-2, 175-pound size and natural athleti- cism should allow him to get onto the field, even if it's just for special teams duty. He's more likely to redshirt in order to start the transition to a new position, but Rivals' No. 26 athlete in the nation could see the field thanks to that distinction. LIKELY TO REDSHIRT Thankfully, four years of solid re- cruiting under Brady Hoke alleviated depth issues at several positions, and Michigan should be able to bring players along slowly, as has also been the case in recent years. The vast majority of offensive line- men redshirt in their first year on campus, and a two-year trend of the Wolverines' top signee not doing that (Kyle Bosch played as a true fresh- man in 2013 and Mason Cole in 2014) should end this season. Lawrencev- ille (N.J.) Prep four-star Grant New- some is physically game ready, but will have the opportunity to redshirt and learn the intricacies of the col- lege game. The 6-7, 280-pounder is the No. 191 overall player and No. 12 offensive tackle in the nation ac- cording to Rivals, and a year to build his physique and knowledge will be available thanks to U-M finally hav- ing strong depth up front. Albuquerque (N.M.) Eldorado four-star quarterback Zach Gentry has intriguing potential for Michigan. It's not often that a 6-7, 230-pound passer has the mobility that he does. However, Rivals' No. 105 overall player and No. 4 pro-style quarter- back in the nation faced weak com- petition in New Mexico and will have to adjust to seeing elite defenders on an everyday basis. With classmate Alex Malzone enrolling early, Gentry should be afforded a redshirt to pre- pare him mentally for a higher level of competition. He has the bloodlines to be highly successful during his college days, but Jon Runyan Jr. isn't quite the physical specimen of his All-Big Ten Wolverine father. The 6-4, 275-pounder was one