Michigan Football: Impressive Weekend Haul Gives Michigan 2013 Recruiting Edge

The 2012 recruiting process may quickly be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean teams can't get a jump start on next year's class. Still a year away from the next National Signing Day, head coach Brady Hoke and company are already making their impact felt on the 2013 class. 

The Michigan Wolverines have already received commitments from 11 players, including eight players last weekend alone. While these early commitments have a long way to go before becoming official, they do show that Hoke is really putting this Michigan program back on the map.

In his first year, he finished 11-2 and won a BCS bowl game. During the offseason, he put together one of the top classes for 2012 and now has the top recruiting class for 2013. Tings will change undoubtedly change as time goes on, but if this is a sign of things to come then Michigan is in great hands.

Among the players that have given their early commitment is quarterback Shane Morris. He's a kid with a great arm and underrated athletic ability. This is a huge pickup, as Heisman hopeful Denard Robinson is entering his last season of eligibility.

Other 4-star players include safety Dymonte Thomas, offensive guard Christopher Fox and defensive end Wyatt Shallman. If Shallman ends up switching to running back, which is entirely possible with his 6'3", 245-pound frame, he will completely wear down opposing defenses. 

The Wolverines also landed Jake Butt, a tight end prospect out of Ohio. Butt has ridiculous size at 6'6", 220 pounds, and also has the versatility enough to play on the defensive side of the ball. 

When Urban Meyer took over Ohio State, a lot of the players were lined up outside his door to become a Buckeye. It's now beginning to look like there is another sheriff in the Big Ten. If Hoke can continue on this path, things will get really interesting as we get deeper into the 2013 recruiting process.

With a record weekend in the books, it's great to be a Wolverine fan right now.

Randy Chambers is a B/R featured columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].