The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/653976
FOOTBALL RECRUITING BY TIM SULLIVAN M ichigan's coaching staff has put a bow on the 2016 recruiting class, a group that included the nation's top overall prospect in defensive tackle Rashan Gary and finished No. 4 nationally. The process never ends though, and the staff is on to 2017. The Wolverines already boast five pledges in the class, headlined by four- star quarterback Dylan McCaffrey. In addition, U-M has secured pledges from a quartet of three-stars — tight end Carter Dunaway, offensive lineman Ja'Raymond Hall, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste and running back Kurt Taylor. In order to follow up 2016 with another outstanding group of players, the coaches have their eyes set on some of the nation's best. Here are the top 16 contenders, in rough order of the U-M need, player talent and the chance the coaching staff has to eventually land them. Isaiah Wilson • Offensive Tackle 6‑6, 330 • Poly Prep • Brooklyn, N.Y. No. 1 player in New York, and No. 1 OT and No. 5 overall prospect nationally Wilson is a massive offensive lineman with natural talent — and plenty of skill to go along with it. He has the broad build to play guard, but the length and athleticism to be a shutdown left tackle. He's one of the country's top overall prospects, and for good reason. He took an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor in February, but he's backed off his previous stance that the Maize and Blue were atop his list. Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Ohio State are the other contenders in his top five. U‑M will fight to remain in the hunt until the very end. Donovan Peoples-Jones • Wide Receiver 6‑1, 188 • Cass Technical • Detroit No. 1 prospect in Michigan, and No. 2 WR and No. 13 overall talent nationally Peoples‑Jones was the Nike Football Rating (a measure of overall athleticism) na‑ tional champion at The Opening elite camp last summer, despite being one of the youngest players in attendance. He is also a smooth natural receiver and a productive playmaker. Though he's right in Michigan's backyard — and at a program that is a traditional feeder to Ann Arbor — Peoples‑Jones grew up a fan of warm‑weather schools Florida and USC. Another strong season on the field for the Wolverines could give him the desire to play closer to home. FOOTBALL RECRUITING Top Talent: Michigan's Prime 2017 Targets