Michigan Football Recruiting: Meet Wolverines' Class of 2013

Brady Hoke and the Michigan Wolverines football program have done some incredible work on the recruiting trail during the 2013 cycle.

Michigan is a big-time draw, and Hoke's 2013 recruiting class is expected to produce some big-time results on the field.

These recruits are going to be a huge part in Michigan's transition to the pro-style offense, and the talent that Hoke and his staff have assembled here will allow the Wolverines to remain competitive through the next few years.

Some of these players will be stars, while others will be role players, but all of them are "Michigan Men."

Note: Information via 247Sports.com, ESPN.com or Scout.com unless otherwise noted. Star rankings according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Dymonte Thomas

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 190 lbs. 

Position: S

Stars: 4-star

High School: Marlington High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: 70 TCK, 1 INT

Other Finalists: Michigan State, Ohio State

Commit Date: September 10, 2011, Enrolled: January 7, 2013

Analysis:

Dymonte Thomas can play running back, but he'll end up as a safety for Michigan. He's the No. 9-ranked safety in the 2013 class, according to the 247Sports Composite, and he'll come in right away and compete for Jordan Kovacs' vacant safety spot. I believe that's a job that Thomas can win as a freshman.

Taco Charlton

Height: 6'6''

Weight: 255 lbs.

Position: WDE

Stars: 4-star

High School: Pickerington Central High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Notre Dame

Commit Date: February 18, 2012, Enrolled: January 7, 2013

Analysis:

Taco Charlton has star potential, and he'll benefit from the fact that he was able to enroll early. He has tremendous size at 6'6'', 255 pounds, but he also runs a 4.80 40, according to 247Sports. He'll be able to play strong against the run, but he'll also be a good pass-rusher because of his speed. Charlton will compete to be a big part of the defensive-line rotation as a freshman.

Kyle Bosch

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 305 lbs. 

Position: OG/OT

Stars: 4-star

High School: Saint Francis High School (Ill.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Alabama, Michigan State, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame

Commit Date: February 18, 2012, Enrolled: January 7, 2013

Analysis:

Kyle Bosch is a very talented and versatile offensive lineman. This 2013 class is filled with many other talented linemen, though, so the fact that he enrolled early should give him a head start.

He can play either guard or tackle, and he is the No. 3-ranked guard in the 2013 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He'll compete with David Dawson and Chris Fox to be the starting guard of the future, but it could take a while, considering how deep the offensive line depth chart is. 

Logan Tuley-Tillman

Height: 6'7''

Weight: 300 lbs. 

Position: OT

Stars: 4-star

High School: Manual High School (Ill.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Alabama, Illinois, Notre Dame

Commit Date: February 19, 2012, Enrolled: January 7, 2013

Analysis:

Logan Tuley-Tillman has star potential as a left tackle at 6'7'', 300 pounds. He has the size to be dominant as an offensive tackle, and he'll have a year to learn behind Taylor Lewan. When Lewan does end up making the jump to the NFL, look for Tuley-Tillman to be one of the main candidates to replace him at left tackle.

Ross Douglas

Height: 5'10''

Weight: 180 lbs.

Position: CB

Stars: 3-star

High School: Avon High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Penn State, Nebraska

Commit Date: July 24, 2012, Enrolled: January 7, 2013

Analysis:

Ross Douglas is a good corner who can compete to get into the rotation as a nickel package player in his first year or two. He won't be the most talented corner from this class, but as an early enrollee, he could gain a slight advantage over the rest of the corners that will be arriving.

He does have good speed as well, running a 4.50 40, according to 247Sports.

Jake Butt

Height: 6'6''

Weight: 230 lbs.

Position: TE

Stars: 4-star

High School: Pickerington High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Tennessee, Northwestern

Commit Date: February 19, 2012, Enrolled: January 7, 2013

Analysis:

Jake Butt will be in a competition with A.J. Williams and, most likely, Khalid Hill for the No. 2 tight end spot. Frankly, that's a competition that Butt should be able to win. He has terrific size at 6'6'', 230 pounds, and he's the No. 6-ranked tight end in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite.

He should see the field in two-tight end packages, and he could end up being an important blocking tight end for Michigan as a freshman.

Shane Morris

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 201 lbs.

Position: QB

Stars: 5-star

High School: De La Salle Collegiate High School

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: N/A

Commit Date: May 10, 2011

Analysis:

Shane Morris is the future of Michigan's program at quarterback. He has an extremely strong arm, he can move around the pocket and extend plays, and, overall, he has superstar potential. In time, Morris will be the perfect quarterback for the pro-style offense.

With Devin Gardner at starter for now, it could be smart for Michigan to give Morris a redshirt.

Derrick Green

Height: 6'0''

Weight: 220 lbs.

Position: RB

Stars: 5-star

High School: Hermitage High School (Va.)

Senior Stats: 1,285 YD, 20 TD

Other Finalists: Auburn, Tennessee

Commit Date: January 26, 2013

Analysis:

Derrick Green will be the star running back for Michigan in time. He's a big running back with good speed (4.58 40 according to 247Sports), and he's the perfect recruit for the pro-style system. He'll be able to run it in between the tackles as a power runner, but he's also deceivingly shifty and quick.

If Fitz Toussaint hasn't recovered from his injury by the time the season starts, Green could get the starter's job. If Toussaint is ready to go, though, Green will be the hands-down No. 2, and eventually he'll become the featured back.

David Dawson

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 280 lbs.

Position: OG

Stars: 4-star

High School: Cass Technical High School (Mich.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Ohio State, Michigan State, Florida

Commit Date: December 15, 2012

Analysis:

David Dawson is the No. 2 guard recruit in the nation, according to ESPN Recruiting Nation, so he's obviously a huge commitment for Michigan. He has great size and complements that with good speed and technique. He's also very strong.

The depth chart in front of him is full of talent on the offensive line, so in the end, Dawson may be a good redshirt candidate, as well. Remember, Michigan's 2012 recruiting class was also very strong on the line. Overall, it's a good problem for Michigan to have.

Patrick Kugler

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 270 lbs.

Position: C

Stars: 4-star

High School: North Allegheny Sr. High School (Pa.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Michigan State

Commit Date: February 25, 2012

Analysis:

Patrick Kugler is the No. 1-ranked center in the 2013 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He has great size, and he's obviously very talented.

Expect him to come in right away and compete with Jack Miller for the starting job. Frankly, he's talented enough to win the job as a freshman.

Chris Fox

Height: 6'6''

Weight: 300 lbs.

Position: OG

Stars: 4-star

High School: Ponderosa High School (Colo.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Wisconsin 

Commit Date: February 18, 2012

Analysis:

Chris Fox is another big offensive lineman commitment for Michigan. Needless to say, the future of this unit is incredibly bright. In time, you'll see Fox lined up at the other guard spot opposite David Dawson or Kyle Bosch.

For now, though, he'll have to wait his turn on the depth chart, and he's another good redshirt candidate.

Henry Poggi

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 270 lbs.

Position: DT

Stars: 4-star

High School: Gilman School (Md.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Alabama

Commit Date: June 4, 2012

Analysis:

At 6'4', 270 pounds, Henry Poggi can come in and compete right away to be in the rotation at defensive tackle. He may want to bulk up just a bit, but at the same time, he won't want to lose his quickness. He runs a 4.70 40, according to 247Sports.

I expect he'll be the main backup to Quinton Washington, and he could be very effective as a pass-rusher in obvious passing situations because of his quickness.

Maurice Hurst Jr.

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 290 lbs. 

Position: DT

Stars: 4-stars

High School: Xaverian Brothers High School

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Michigan State, Ohio State, North Carolina

Commit Date: June 2, 2012

Analysis:

Maurice Hurst Jr. is another very talented defensive tackle commitment. He'll probably fit the best as a 1-technique/nose in the 4-3 defense because of his size, but he also runs a 4.88 40 (247Sports). He'll be a player who can maintain gap responsibility against the run, but he'll also be quick enough to chase the ball-carrier down in the backfield.

I expect he'll be in the defensive line rotation right away, and he could even challenge Ondre Pipkins for starters' minutes.

Michael McCray

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 230 lbs.

Position: ATH/ILB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Trotwood-Madison High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Tennessee

Commit Date: March 6, 2012

Analysis:

Jake Ryan and Desmond Morgan will hold down two of the three starter spots at linebacker in 2013, and most likely Mike Jones and Joe Bolden will compete for time at the "Mike."

McCray projects to be a very talented inside linebacker, though, and he's actually ranked as an athlete (No. 4 in the 2013 class, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings), so he could work his way into that competition. At the very least, he'll be an important sub and will be a big-impact special teams guy in his freshman season.

Ben Gedeon

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 220 lbs.

Position: ILB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Hudson High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Penn State

Commit Date: April 10, 2012

Analysis:

Ben Gedeon is ranked as the No. 11 overall inside linebacker by the 247Sports Composite. With McCray, Jones and Bolden all competing for the "Mike" position in 2013, Gedeon may want to take a redshirt so that he can gain some extra eligibility and room on the depth chart. He'll be a good linebacker in time, but he may need to be patient.

DeVeon Smith

Height: 5'11''

Weight: 210 lbs. 

Position: RB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Howland High School (Mich.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Ohio State, West Virginia, Indiana, Purdue

Commit Date: March 17, 2012

Analysis:

Depending on his health, Fitz Toussaint should be the starting running back for Michigan. Derrick Green, rated a 5-star running back, is talented enough to be the No. 2 in his freshman year, and he may even be able to push Toussaint for starters' minutes.

That said, Smith is a big running back who could be very valuable in the pro-set. If Toussaint is healthy, Smith may want to redshirt. If Toussaint takes a redshirt season, though, Smith will be an immediate red-zone option for Michigan. In time, he'll be the No. 2 to Green.

Delano Hill

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 200 lbs.

Position: S

Stars: 4-star

High School: Cass Technical High School (Mich.)

Senior Stats: 60 TCK, 2 INT, 1 INT TD

Other Finalists: Notre Dame, Iowa

Commit Date: December 15, 2012

Analysis:

Delano Hill is really the No. 2 safety in this class behind Dymonte Thomas (who could start in year one), so he'll have to display some patience. He has good size, though, and he is a very important "pipeline player" from Cass Tech, in Detroit.

Hill could put himself in position to compete for the free safety spot once Thomas Gordon moves on.

Wyatt Shallman

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 245 lbs.

Position: FB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Detroit Catholic Central High School

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Michigan State, Ohio State

Commit Date: February 18, 2012

Analysis:

Wyatt Shallman is a big-time recruiting pickup for Michigan, especially since the Wolverines are looking to transition to the pro-style offense—which fill feature more fullback sets. He's the No. 1-ranked fullback in the 2013 class, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, and he should be a big part of Michigan's offense right away.

Jourdan Lewis

Height: 5'10''

Weight: 170 lbs.

Position: CB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Cass Technical High School

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: N/A

Commit Date: February 18, 2012

Analysis:

Jourdan Lewis is a very important commitment for Michigan. First, he's a Cass Tech player, and that school has become a huge Michigan pipeline. Most importantly, though, he's an extremely talented cornerback. He's the No. 10-ranked corner recruit, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Michigan has a good group of corners in front of him, including Blake Countess, Ramon Taylor, Courtney Avery and Delonte Hollowell. Lewis is talented enough to compete for the nickelback role in year one, though.

Dan Samuelson

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 290 lbs.

Position: OG

Stars: 3-star

High School: Plymouth High School (Ind.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Nebraska

Commit Date: January 12, 2013

Analysis:

Dan Samuelson is a big guard commitment, but he'll probably want to consider a redshirt in year one. With the amount of talent that Hoke brought in on the offensive line last season, combined with this class—it may be best for Samuelson to take that extra year of eligibility.

Csont'e York

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 190 lbs.

Position: WR

Stars: 3-star

High School: Chandler Park High School (Mich.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Syracuse, Cincinnati

Commit Date: May 9, 2012

Analysis:

Csont'e York represents an important in-state commitment for Brady Hoke and the Wolverines. He's the No. 11 recruit from the state of Michigan, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He'll add some important depth at the receiver position as a backup to players like Drew Dileo, Jeremy Gallon, Jeremy Jackson and a few other receivers from this 2013 class.

Jaron Dukes

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 197 lbs.

Position: WR

Stars: 3-star

High School: Marion-Franklin High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: 36 REC, 519 YD, 9 TD (via maxpreps.com)

Other Finalists: Illinois

Commit Date: February 22, 2012

Analysis:

Jaron Dukes is a receiver who can come in and compete for playing time in year one. He's only a 3-star receiver, but he has the potential to play well above that ranking. At 6'5'', 197 pounds, he can be a great option in goal-line packages for Michigan, and he could end up being a great jump-ball receiver. Look for him to make an impact as a freshman.

Channing Stribling

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 165 lbs.

Position: ATH/WR

Stars: 3-star

High School: Butler High School (N.C.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: N.C. State

Commit Date: June 21,12

Analysis:

What's really great about Channing Stribling is that he can play both ways for Michigan, so the Wolverines can pick and choose where to play him depending on their needs. He's listed as an athlete, and he can play wide receiver or corner. He could be an interesting slot receiver, and he has the speed and size to be a very effective cornerback. Stribling runs a 4.60 40, according to 247Sports.

It may take a year or two for him to find his role, but when he does, he could be very good.

Khalid Hill

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 235 lbs.

Position: TE

Stars: 3-star

High School: East English Village Prep High School (Mich.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: N/A

Commit Date: February 6, 2012

Analysis:

Khalid Hill is another big in-state talent for Michigan. Devin Funchess will be the go-to starter at tight end for the Wolverines, and he can be star.

Hill could very well compete with A.J. Williams and Jake Butt for the No. 2 spot, though. He would also be a good redshirt candidate if Michigan wants to create some room for him on the depth chart.

Da'Mario Jones

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 195 lbs.

Position: WR

Stars: 3-star

High School: John Glenn High School (Mich.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Central Michigan

Commit Date: October 31, 2012

Analysis:

At 6'2'', 195 pounds Da'Mario Jones has a lot of potential. He'll be looking up on the depth chart for a year or two, but once things clear out, I would expect Jones to compete for playing time with Dukes and York. He'll be a very valuable depth player for Michigan.

Reon Dawson

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 175 lbs.

Position: CB

Stars: 3-star

High School: Trotwood-Madison High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Illinois

Commit Date: January 14, 2013

Analysis:

Reon Dawson could end up being a surprise star player from this class, considering that he's only a 3-star recruit. He has great size for a corner at 6'2'', but where he'll really stand out is his speed. He runs a 4.39 40, according to 247Sports. He has all the intangibles that you look for in a star corner, and he could end up playing well above his ranking with the proper coaching.

Scott Sypniewski

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 230 lbs.

Position: LS

Stars: 2-star

High School: Marquette High School (Ill.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: N/A

Commit Date:  June 6, 2012

Analysis:

Long snapper is an extremely important position on the football field, but you won't hear much about it if things go right. Scott Sypniewski is the No. 5 long snapper recruit, according to the 247Sports Composite.

He projects to be good at his job, and he'll be one of the more important special teams players for Michigan during his time with the program.