Michigan Football Recruiting: Wolverines Must Change Stance on 4-Star John Ross

The Michigan Wolverines and Brady Hoke need to make a push for highly sought out 4-star recruit John Ross, but the only way that will be possible is if they experience a change of heart in regards to his position.

At the moment, Ross is considered to be one of the most pursued players in the country. He's received offers from 12 schools as of right now—Colorado, Colorado State, Miami (FL), Oregon, Oregon State, Purdue, San Diego State, UCLA, Utah State, Washington, Cincinnati and yes, Michigan.

The natural reaction towards looking at that list would be to think that Michigan would have an edge based on prestige alone. Even though Ross is from Long Beach, California, the prospect of leaving Pac-12 country to join an up-and coming Michigan program with national title standards has to be a huge draw, right? Aside from Oregon, is there another team on that list that could realistically talk about a championship in the next four or five years?

There is one hitch in that thought process though, and for the Wolverines it could be the one that draws Ross away. According to Justin Hopkins of 247sports.com, Michigan wants Ross to play corner instead of receiver:

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One interesting offer of note, was Michigan. The Wolverines offered Ross as a corner, versus a receiver.

"Michigan offered as a corner which I'm open to, but I prefer receiver I think."

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Let's be frank about this. It's not an issue of immediate need for the Wolverines.

Hoke has done a tremendous job with this recruiting class, and that is an understatement. Michigan currently has 22 commits in their 2013 class, and 14 of those are 4-star players. For a program that looked to be spinning wildly out of control when Hoke took the reigns away from Rich Rodriguez—I dare say this is quite a big accomplishment.

That said, getting another 4-star commitment certainly wouldn't hurt the Wolverines, and having a guy like Ross on the team can be very handy in the future. Having a young group of wide receivers stockpiled and ready to go is never a bad idea when you're dreaming of a championship.

He is only 5'9'', 165 pounds, which doesn't scream Big Ten wideout, so that's probably why Michigan feels secondary would be the better fit, but why not offer him time at wideout knowing that he can also play corner if needed? Having a dangerous slot option can be incredibly valuable in the Big Ten, and Ross certainly fits that description. His smaller size and speed would cause havoc for the bigger, plodding linebackers of the conference.

He can be a dangerous wideout, and he'd probably be more effective there due to his comfort level.

The problem is, if the Wolverines really want to get him, they must change their stance and offer him a wide receiver position.

Like I said, this is not a dire need for Hoke and the Wolverines, but it would make a huge statement.

Bringing on another 4-star commit, especially one so sought-after right now, would really let the world know that this class is not a fluke.

Hoke would essentially be telling the college football world that Michigan is committed to getting big-time players, and that they aren't afraid to take a risk or two.

Don't underestimate how valuable that message can be when it comes to attracting future stars to the program.

Michigan needs to change their stance on Ross and make an offer to him at wide receiver.