Michigan Football Recruiting: Freshman Year Predictions for Top 2012 Recruits

It's about that time to begin focusing on recruiting as the college football season is coming to a close.

The Michigan Wolverines had a very successful season as they won 10 games and made a return trip to a BCS bowl for the first time since 2006. They are also putting together one of the best recruiting classes this season as well, with 23 commitments so far.

But just how much will some of these talented freshman play this season?

Here are a couple of predictions.

CB Terry Richardson

At 5'9", 165 pounds, Richardson may lack size but makes up for it with his speed and above-average ball skills. He will make a quarterback pay for a bad throw and does a fantastic job of reaching the ball at its highest point.

Junior cornerback J.T. Floyd will remain the starter, but Richardson will earn some playing time as well.

Prediction: 21 tackles, one fumble recovery and two interceptions

TE Devin Funchess

Funchess is one of the top tight ends in this years recruiting class.

He is a fantastic athlete that runs great routes and has great hands. At 6'4'', 205 pounds, he has solid speed and is great at racking up yards after the catch. He still needs to bulk up a bit as he's lacking a true tight end body.

The tight end position is really deep for the Wolverines right now. He's going to be competing with Ricardo Miller, Brandon Moore, Mike Kwiatkowski and A.J. Williams for playing time. I do expect to see him on the field this season, but the numbers won't be extremely impressive for this freshman.

Prediction: Five catches for 34 yards

DE Tommy Strobel

Strobel is one of the top defensive ends in this year's class and should get some solid playing time next season. Especially with the loss of Ryan Van Bergen, who has 14 career sacks. 

Strobel is probably the biggest defensive end on this roster at 6'6", 265 pounds. He is a tough kid that plays until the whistle blows and is a great tackler.

With this roster being full of young defensive ends, expect Strobel to see quality playing time.

Prediction: 23 tackles, one forced fumble and 4.0 sacks

OL Kyle Kalis

Kalis is one of the top offensive tackles in this year's recruiting class.

At 6'5", 305 pounds, he already has the body to become a starter for this team. He is great in pass and run block protection, plays the game hard and has a great combination of strength and power.

Junior Mike Schofield will likely be penciled in as the starter, but don't be surprised if the freshman takes that spot sooner than later. 

Prediction: Nine starts and two fumble recoveries

LB James Ross

Kenny Demens will remain the starter at the middle linebacker position, but Ross will see some action this year as well.

He is solid in coverage and makes sure the opponents know they were just hit. He is very physical and has great instincts. He is a tough kid that may lack size at 6'1", 215 pounds, but he should be a solid contributor like he was in high school. 

Prediction: 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception

 

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]