The Wolverine

Michigan last year by Rivals.com, Cole showed his stuff in limited action at Heritage High in Saginaw during his final year. He missed several games as a senior due to injury, winding up with three receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 48 carries for 352 yards and five touchdowns, and recorded two interceptions, running one back for a touchdown. The in-state talent is now healthy and expected to continue improving. 2. Zach Gentry, QB — Michigan swung the 6-6, 240-pound signal-caller from New Mexico away from the University of Texas following Jim Harbaugh's arrival, and the Wolverines might not require much time in taking advantage of that coup. There is already some buzz about U-M putting together a 2015 package for Gentry that allows him to use some of his mobility and running prowess. Gentry passed for 55 touchdowns and ran for 47 more at Eldorado High School. He's undergoing a huge step up in competition but possesses the physical make-up to take on the challenge. Now it's a matter of learning what Harbaugh and quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch have in store for him. 3. Tyrone Wheatley Jr., TE — Tight end is another obvious position of need in a spot employed extensively by Harbaugh teams. While U-M features a good pass-catching tight end in Jake Butt, there's certainly room for someone else to come along and carve out a role. At 6-6 and 245 pounds, the son of former Michigan great (and now run- ning backs coach) Tyrone Wheatley certainly has the size to fit right into his position. Now it's a question of learning blocking schemes, continuing to condition and proving himself as a pass catcher at the collegiate level. He was ranked by Rivals as the No. 13 prep tight end in the nation while at Canisius High in Buffalo. 4. Tyree Kinnel, DB — Kinnel, the Rivals' four-star out of Huber Heights, Ohio, figures to challenge in a veteran Michigan secondary that might not require an immediate impact. Kinnel is 5-11 and 197 pounds, and drew scholarship offers from Alabama, Notre Dame and Michigan State, among a host of others. Kinnell committed to the Wolverines way back in August 2013 and remained steadfast despite Michigan's coaching change. He posted 73 tackles, four interceptions and three kick returns for touchdowns in his senior season at Wayne High School in Dayton. 5. Karan Higdon, RB — It was better late than never for Higdon, another of Harbaugh's flips of a performer who had been committed to another school — in this case, Iowa. The product of Sarasota (Fla.) Riverview noted Harbaugh's hire drew his attention immediately. Whether he can break through amid Michigan's running backs ranks this fall remains to be seen. He does feature an explosiveness in a compact (5-10, 190) frame that could provide a change-up from the Wolverines' bigger backs. — John Borton

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