Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh swung and missed on 4-star tight end Chris Clark and 4-star running back Mike Weber, but he didn’t strike out on national signing day.
In fact, with less than a month to recruit, Harbaugh put together a more-than-respectable 14-man class that should greatly complement the existing talent on the Wolverines roster.
Also important to keep in mind is the fact that Harbaugh signed with Michigan on Dec. 28 and had roughly three weeks to land more than a handful of prospects. He had six commits on Dec. 30, the day he was introduced as the new coach.
On Wednesday, he held a press conference at 2 p.m. to introduce his then-12-man class. Shortly thereafter, Michigan landed 4-star tight end Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and 3-star defensive end Shelton Johnson.
Considering timing and other circumstances, Harbaugh did well his first time around.
Links: Michigan’s 2015 class (247Sports, table below), Harbaugh presser (MGoBlueTV)
Chin Up
So Harbaugh didn’t get Clark—not the end of the world. However, the 6’6”, 247-pounder would have been a tremendous fit in the Wolverines offense. Earlier in the week, Clark-to-Michigan was a thing. But on Tuesday, Clark-to-UCLA began to seem more likely.
As for Weber, well, don’t torture yourself too badly. You knew he was staying put with Ohio State, but the fact that he once committed to Michigan and visited this past week with Harbaugh was enough to rekindle dreams of grandeur.
Didn’t happen, and he’ll probably stand behind Zeke Elliott for at least a year.
With that said, the 5’9”, 220-pound 4-star battle tank would have been right at home in offensive coordinator Tim Drevno’s backfield. Again, such is recruiting. Even Harbaugh’s Michigan can’t win them all.
Surprise, Surprise?!
Next to Harbaugh, Keith Washington was the man of the hour Wednesday. The 3-star athlete is one of Harbaugh’s “very, very favorite players of this class” and was committed to Cal before choosing the Wolverines.
Harbaugh said he gets a good feel while watching tape of players, and Washington’s highlights were of the impressive variety. His position wasn’t specified, but Washington could end up as a slot receiver or kick returner.
Or maybe even a corner? Who knows? He’s athletic and Harbaugh constantly showered him with praise.
Offense Scores Big
Alex Malzone and Zach Gentry are the new arms in town.
The 4-stars are both pro-style quarterbacks, but that’s about where the comparison ends. At 6’7” and 230 pounds, Gentry, oddly enough, seems to be a bit more mobile than Malzone, a 6’1.5”, 200-pounder with a cannon arm and three MHSAA state titles to his credit.
But they both fit well, said Harbaugh, who also secured 3-star wide receiver Grant Perry, a teammate of Malzone’s at Brother Rice. Perry certainly fits the mold—and it didn’t hurt that he grew up a devout Michigan fan, either, said Harbaugh.
Prior to national signing day, it appeared that Michigan would either get Weber to flip or go without a running back for 2015. As mentioned, Weber stuck with the Buckeyes, but the Wolverines didn’t go without—they landed Karan Higdon instead.
While not as highly touted as Weber, Higdon—a 5’9”, 190-pounder out of Florida—brings a certain quality of toughness to the fold, said Harbaugh, who frequently used “tough/toughness” while describing the rest of the 2015 class.
Covering the basics, Harbaugh discussed Higdon’s hard-running style and instincts. But he was also impressed that Higdon made sure he made his visit—according to Harbaugh, Higdon had difficulty along the way while trying to clear airport security on the night of Saturday, Jan. 31, the date of the offer.
Despite issues, Higdon made it that Sunday morning before flying out later in the evening. The fact that he had gone through the gauntlet just to stop in for a few hours blew away Harbaugh.
An obvious win-win, Wheatley brings blocking and hands to the group of tight ends. At 6’6” and 260 pounds, he’s big enough to play the role of a husky pass-catcher or a super-athletic defensive tackle/end.
Wheatley’s father, Tyrone Sr., is one of the greatest running backs in Wolverines history—and he’s also coaching them. The family connection/legacy thing is in full effect with this one.
Grant Newsome, a 4-star tackle, is the latest piece to the revolving Wolverines offensive line. The 6’6”, 290-pound Jersey kid is also, well, you know—“tough." He was also the No. 22-ranked OT of his class, which suggests that he could evolve into a high-caliber college player.
Just a hunch.
Michigan also signed 3-star linemen John Runyan Jr. and Nolan Ulizio.
Defend the Class
Flipping from Nebraska, 3-star defensive end Reuben Jones helped solidify Michigan’s 2015 crop of defensive recruits. Quick and long, the 6’3”, 233-pounder could end up filling an outside linebacker position on occasion.
Notre Dame tried to pry away Tyree Kinnel, but instead of jumping ship, the 6’0”, 205-pound safety stuck with Michigan. The 4-star recruit joins an already stocked group consisting of Jourdan Lewis, Blake Countess and, among others, the yet-to-be-unleashed Jabrill Peppers.
Shelton Johnson, a 3-star defensive end, committed to Michigan after Harbaugh’s afternoon presser. At 6’5” and 220 pounds, the Floridian could slide into other roles—maybe that of a tight end?! Johnson finished high school as the No. 20-ranked player at his position.
The Kicker
Not only was he a great kicker in high school, but it turns out that Andrew—“John Paul,” according to Harbaugh—David was also a pretty good shortstop.
As expected, Harbaugh complimented the 5’9”, 165-pounder for being “tough.”
And for being a Michigan fan.
Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability.
All recruit info comes courtesy of 247Sports.com.
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