Jim Harbaugh came to Michigan in the nick of time, but he doesn't have much to get the Wolverines' 2015 class into working order.
At one time, roughly a year ago, Michigan was on the brink of assembling one of the finest hauls in program history (yes, program history). Back then, former coach Brady Hoke had all of his ducks in a row, and those ducks were 4- and 5-star fledglings that would have likely gone on to have great success in Ann Arbor.
Damien Harris, a 5-star running back, would have been a nice addition to the backfield. George Campbell, a 5-star receiver, would have been a handy target for quarterbacks Shane Morris, Wilton Speight and Alex Malzone.
About a year ago, Harris and Campbell started a trend that prompted six more recruits to explore other options. But there's a slight chance that Harbaugh can reel in some members of the once-interested crowd. He certainly seems to have rekindled a fire within Chris Clark, a 4-star tight end who decommitted after watching Michigan lose its season finale to Ohio State, 42-28.
He'd be valuable in a power-heavy, traditional Michigan offense—quite valuable, actually.
The Wolverines' 2015 class has six members, so it's not like Harbaugh can be overly picky these days. He has to get what he can, when he can get it.
That said, snagging the following trio would be ideal.
Come on, Chris
Not a difficult selection here by any means—Clark epitomizes the powerful tight end that'd make Michigan cruise on Saturdays. Face it, the offense is need of another big-bodied option. That's not to say that Jake Butt, a 6'6", 250-pound junior-to-be, isn't enough, but he's already gone through an ACL injury.
Unfortunately, he could be one more bump, tear or pop away from disaster. That's a part of the game, just like preparing for the worst-case scenario and/or adding depth. At 6'6" and 247 pounds, Clark, a Connecticut super prep, wouldn't only serve as the "Plan B" depth guy, but he'd be the next "Plan A."
He's the No. 2-ranked player at his position and has already changed his mind more than once. First, he committed to North Carolina, then he chose Michigan, then he didn't—either way, Harbaugh needs to pounce while the interest remains "warmer" than previous feelings, per 247Sports.
Marshall is the (I)Man
Touted by many as a potential strength of Team 135 (especially by this writer), the Wolverines secondary was supposed to further develop from its 15-interception season in 2013 (17 total, 15 by defensive backs) and shut down wideouts in 2014.
But it didn't.
In fact, it was burnt to a crisp by the likes of Gary Nova, who torched Michigan for 404 yards during Rutgers' dramatic 26-24 win on Oct. 4 in New Jersey. Excluding a 347-yard barrage during a 41-38 regular-season-ending victory over Maryland, Nova never got close to the mark he set versus the Wolverines.
Nova wasn't the only one to get the best of Team 135's defensive backfield, but he emphasized and exploited the weaknesses of corners and safeties who scraped together two picks—both by Jourdan Lewis—all season, ranking dead last in the Big Ten.
What's the solution? Recruit a kid such as Iman Marshall, who is more than a blip on Harbaugh's radar—he's a must-get if there ever was one. At 6'1" and 190 pounds, the Long Beach (California) Poly star easily covers the physical requirements.
Regardless of which big-time program he chooses, he'll have to face strong receivers who must be countered with DBs with size. Easy choice here—Marshall isn't the No. 1-ranked player at his position or the No. 3-ranked prospect of his class by dumb luck. He has a great back-pedal, side-to-side movement, ball awareness and burst of speed necessary to hawk anyone.
He's a keeper, obviously. There is a slight hitch, though—247Sports Crystal Ball says there's a 98-percent chance that he stays in SoCal and chooses—you guessed it—USC.
But fear not, Michigan supporter. Allen Trieu has good news for you, via his latest special for The Detroit News. The Scout recruitnik recently relayed information obtained by another recruitnik who spoke to Marshall regarding Harbaugh and Michigan.
'I'm tripping to LSU and Florida State in January, but I've also decided I'm going to Oregon and Michigan,' Marshall told Scout's Doug Kimmel at last week's Under Armour All-American Game. 'My dad talked to Coach Harbaugh (last Tuesday) and I'm definitely interested in seeing what he is all about.'
With visits left to take and places left to be seen, Marshall is planning on using all of the time he needs to make a commitment.
'I'm going to take these visits and then I'll make a decision and announce on Signing Day,' he said.
Once again, national signing day will be a wait-and-see event for the Wolverines, who have recently hit and missed on a few deadliners.
Father and Son Package?
Well, Tyrone Wheatley Jr.'s dad is the school's No. 5–ranked career rusher with 4,178 yards, and he visits Michigan on Tuesday to inquire about a coaching position, per Scout's Sam Webb. The elder Wheatley is currently serving as the running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills but could take the same post in Ann Arbor.
So yeah, the son of a school legend would fit a couple of needs at Michigan, with filling the role of a prototypical blocking tight end as the primary function. However, Junior can also play defensive end. That's how it goes for the 6'6", 260-pounders of the world. They have the ability to get physical on both sides of the ball.
Following the dismissal of Frank Clark, Michigan found itself scrambling for a reliable pass-rusher. Taco Charlton and Matt Godin will be useful in 2015, but it makes much more sense for Harbaugh to focus on getting the player of tomorrow today.
And who knows? Dad was a great back, so maybe his son can use some of those ball-carrying genes to rumble for the short yards and inches that have eluded the Wolverines for the past handful of years.
A multitasking Wheatley would look good in maize and blue (and Harbaugh khaki). The first Wheatley would be a perfect fit for the coaching staff.
Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81
Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information comes via 247Sports.
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