Michigan Football Recruiting: 3 Recruits That Can Challenge for a Starting Spot

Rarely will you ever see a freshman player start at a place like Michigan, but given the number of highly rated recruits that Brady Hoke managed to reel in 2012, especially ones that could fill key needs for next season, the possibility is open that a few of this year's top recruits could end up challenging for starting spots for next season.

So which ones could we see in the starting lineup in 2012?

Well, here's a look at three top recruits who could make an instant impact at Michigan.

OT Kyle Kalis

Now that last year's starter, Mark Huyge, is gone, the right tackle job is going to be up for grabs, and one player that could step in and take over at the position is 5-star offensive tackle prospect Kyle Kalis, the gem of Michigan's 2012 recruiting class.

Kalis was rated as one of the top offensive tackle recruits in the country, and with his type of skill-set, he's perfectly built to thrive in Michigan's run-blocking scheme.

The 6'5'', 300-pound freshman already has the size and the strength to handle Big Ten defensive linemen, he just has to work on his technique and learn all the nuances of the position.

Kalis could receive some competition from Mike Shofield, but Shofield could also start at left guard, which could open up room for the young freshman to step in and make a name for himself in 2012.

CB Terry Richardson

J.T. Floyd and Blake Countess are going to be penciled in as the starters going into fall camp, and while Floyd is all but assured a starting spot, don't be surprised if Terry Richardson gives Countess a run for his money.

Richardson is one of the most athletic defensive backs in the entire 2012 recruiting class, and the Michigan native looks like he has the type of talent to be an immediate contributor in the secondary.

The 5'9'', 160-pound incoming freshman is going to have to bulk up if he wants to see some serious snaps in 2012, but if he can add some muscle to his frame over the summer, he could make an instant impact in Ann Arbor, given the type of speed and playmaking ability he possesses.

DT Ondre Pipkins

William Campbell is the favorite to take over for Mike Martin at nose tackle next season, but watch out for incoming freshman Ondre Pipkins, who perfectly fits the mold of what a big run-stuffer should be.

The 6'3'', 325-pound Pipkins is big, strong, powerful and surprisingly quick for his size, and he's the type of tackle that can absolutely feast on double teams all game long.

The job will be Campbell's to lose, but if Pipkins shows up in great shape, the 4-star recruit could really wow coaches in fall camp.