Michigan National Signing Day 2016: 5 Takeaways from Wolverines' Class

Documents, signatures and fax machines have helped turn committed prospects into official members of the Michigan football program.

We've gleaned a few takeaways from the Wolverines' 2016 class, which 247Sports currently ranks No. 5 nationally. While that standing could change later to reflect surprise additions at Michigan or elsewhere, it's certainly deserving of some praise.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff assembled a well-rounded unit that builds depth on the roster, addresses an immediate need and solidifies already-strong positions.

Let's Chat About Ethics

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Jim Harbaugh has taken criticism for the fallout from the recruitment of Erik Swenson and other former Wolverines commits.

ESPN's Tom VanHaaren notes Michigan linebackers coach Chris Partridge said recruiting is a two-way street, since the program expects prospects to keep improving.

"You have to continue to work," Partridge said. "You can't just shut things down when you get a scholarship offer. You still have to hold up your end of the bargain academically and athletically."

Perhaps Harbaugh and Co. felt the 4-star lineman and longtime commit coasted through his final year in high school.

Then there's Rashad Weaver, who backed out of his pledge because he didn't want to be a Plan B player. That's a perfectly sensible reason. Why would Michigan effectively push out a commit, though? Shouldn't coaches be ethical and only distribute an offer that will be honored, period?

Not so much.

In today's era of recruiting, coaching staffs cannot afford to not extend scholarships to what becomes more than 100 players. Otherwise, that school will likely be discarded quickly because attention came too late.

Athletes need to keep working, but that doesn't always happen. They must be aware of whether or not the offer is "committable." Coaches should be transparent with the answer, but that doesn't always happen, either.

Wolverines Addressed the 2016 Need

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Considering both the number and skill of returning starters, Michigan had a single immediate need. However, that weakness at linebacker presented a rather significant hole.

Joe Bolden, Desmond Morgan and James Ross III ran out of eligibility. The Wolverines return Ben Gedeon and a collection of deep reserves but brought in a couple of new faces.

Devin Bush Jr. was the highest-rated prospect and enrolled early, so the expectation is he'll register consistent snaps—or even be a starter. Elysee Mbem-Bosse signed, and Dytarious Johnson is expected to soon (h/t Montgomery Advertiser), though the latter would benefit physically from a redshirt season.

Linebacker will remain the defense's weakness, but the unit is better prepared to assemble a decent 2016 campaign and make the position a strength for the future.

U-M Loaded Up on Receivers

Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh will return for one final season, so the backup receivers have another year to develop. That also gives freshmen a chance to progress while preparing for the duo to graduate.

Ahmir Mitchell is already on campus, and the Wolverines added four prospects on NSD. Dylan Crawford, Brad Hawkins, Eddie McDoom and Nate Johnson each sent in their respective letters of intent.

Michigan will attempt to get them ready for 2017 when Chesson and Darboh cede the reins to Grant Perry, Drake Harris and Maurice Ways.

Thanks to the 2016 class, the Wolverines will have plenty of options to hold a healthy competition during that transition period.

Depth, Depth Everywhere

Credit: 247Sports

David Long

In addition to targeting linebackers for next season and supplying the receiving corps for 2017, the Wolverines prepared for the reload everywhere else, too.

Notable losses post-2016 will include De'Veon Smith, Chesson, Darboh, Jake Butt, Chris Wormley, Ryan Glasgow, Jourdan Lewis and Kenny Allen. Versatile phenom Jabrill Peppers could declare for the NFL draft.

Michigan picked up Kareem Walker, Crawford, Nick Eubanks, Ben Bredeson, Michael Onwenu, Michael Dwumfour, David Long and others to build an array of depth.

Dynasties are not established by relying on true freshmen. Some first-year talents demand a place in the lineup, but most need a year or two to develop. The Wolverines are fortunate to have that time available for most signees.

Successful Signing Day

Most classes are basically locked up heading into Wednesday, but some of the nation's top recruits wait to make their announcement on the big stage.

The Wolverines received tremendous news, quite literally, from coast to coast.

First, 4-star cornerback Lavert Hill chose Michigan over in-state rival Michigan State and Big Ten foe Penn State. Hill joins Long as a likely starter in 2017, especially if Peppers bolts for the NFL.

Quinn Nordin, the nation's top-rated kicker, selected the Maize and Blue. Connor Murphy and Boss Tagaloa chose Pac-12 powers over the Wolverines, but they didn't miss out on the No. 1 overall prospect or a top-rated tight end.

Rashan Gary, a 5-star from New Jersey, and Devin Asiasi, a 4-star from California, both elected to pull out a Michigan hat. National signing day 2016 was kind to Harbaugh and Co.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.