The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/558143
W hile Michigan patiently waits on two five-star recruits to make their col- legiate decisions — Paramus, N.J., de- fensive tackle Rashan Gary and Fresno, Calif., linebacker Caleb Kelly — its 22 current com- mits are set to begin their senior seasons. Four could play their way into a brighter spotlight, according to famed recruiting guru Tom Lemming. Offensive lineman Ben Bredeson already draws that attention ac- cording to Lemming's Prep Football Report, which ranks him as a prestigious five-star talent. However, Ri- vals.com lists him as a four-star prospect and the No. 49 player in the country, and Bredeson would need to move up 24 places in the next iteration of the Ri- vals100 to earn another star. The 6-4, 280-pound lineman out of Hartland, Wis., ranked as the No. 4 offensive tackle nationally by Rivals, had his share of suitors, including Alabama, Auburn, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Wisconsin, but pledged to the Wolverines June 17. "I gave him five stars in our maga- zine, and the reason why is because this guy is a brute," Lemming said. "He's an exceptionally aggressive, athletic big guy. "I know the Wis- consin [Badgers] staff thinks he might be the best offensive line- man to come out of that state since Josh Oglesby [the No. 10 player nationally in 2007] and Joe Thomas [a four-star in the class of 2003 that has en- joyed an All-Pro NFL career]. "Everyone thinks he has NFL future written all over him." Southfield, Mich., tailback Matt Falcon pledged to the Maize and Blue April 8, grab- bing one of the two running back slots Michigan sought to fill in the class of 2016. The 6-1, 210-pounder — who is rated as a four-star recruit, the No. 11 running back nationally and the No. 7 senior in Michigan — entertained of- fers from Ohio State and Tennessee, but ultimately went with his desire to wear the winged helmet. Banged up a year ago, playing in MAIZE N' VIEW MICHAEL SPATH Recruits On The Rise Longtime recruiting guru Tom Lemming believes that U-M run- ning back pledge Matt Falcon — currently rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 11 running back nationally by Rivals.com — possesses five-star ability. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL