Michigan Football: 2013 Recruits with Biggest Star Potential

The Michigan Wolverines haven't had the amount of success they've had over the years without great players.

With names such as Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard and recently Denard Robinson, this program has seen its fair share of star players, and the fans have been spoiled with terrific talent blossoming before their eyes.

But those names are long gone, and it is time to look towards the future—starting with the 2013 recruiting class.

According to 247Sports, the Wolverines have put together a group that ranks No. 4 on the list of top recruiting classes in 2013 as we head into national signing day.

There are many players who will soon look to make a name for themselves like others in the past, continuing the long history of elite talent to come out of Ann Arbor.

Looking at the recruiting class so far for the Michigan Wolverines, here are a few names who have the biggest potential to become their next superstar player.

5. Michael McCray, 4-Star LB/ATH

Michael McCray is a versatile player with the ability to play either the linebacker or tight end position. In Ann Arbor, he will likely play in his more comfortable position on the defensive side of the ball.

McCray has impressive size at 6'4" and 230 pounds. He also has great ball skills, which is why there will be an open window for him to play on offense, especially once he continues to grow into his frame.

As a linebacker, he sheds blocks nicely and has shown enough lateral quickness to be able to cover a lot of ground and chase down ball-carriers. He does a good job of reading the quarterback, and his instincts when dropping back in coverage are above-average.

Overall, McCray has a lot to offer and will soon develop into that next great Wolverines linebacker.

He may not be the biggest name of the 2013 recruits, but he is without a doubt a solid pickup for this program.

4. Jourdan Lewis, 4-Star CB

Jourdan Lewis is an exciting player to watch and really the only downfall to his game is that he is only 5'10", 170 pounds. 

The lack of size will make it difficult for him to cover bigger and more aggressive wide receivers, but Lewis should be able to hold his own on the football field.

The thing that stands out the most when it comes to Lewis is his instincts. He has a very good feel for the game and reads and reacts to the football nicely. He also has fabulous ball skills that will make him a ball-hawking corner or create the possibility to play on the offensive side of the ball.

Lewis does a nice job of changing direction, and his quick reaction time allows him to jump routes and make a play on the ball quite often.

If Lewis is going to see the field early, he must bulk up and add a little bit of meat to his lean body.

Still, this is a star in the making, whenever he is able to hit the field.

3. Dymonte Thomas, 4-Star S/ATH

Dymonte Thomas is somebody who can contribute on either side of the ball and play multiple positions on defense.

However, he will likely settle in at safety and will probably see playing time as a true freshman, especially with him enrolling early at Michigan.

He is just an overall aggressive player. Whether he is playing the running back position or in defense, Thomas is looking for contact and wants to show everybody he is the alpha male on the field. He plays the game with a really high motor and is very aware of what is going on on the field around him.

Due to the versatility that Thomas provided his high school, he has great ball skills and can make plays just as well as be that force on defense.

Overall, Thomas is somebody who catches your eye when watching him on tape, and he should impress Wolverine fans, as well.

2. Shane Morris, 4-Star QB

When you think of star players, the quarterback position should be the first that comes to mind.

Shane Morris will have a chance to become the starter as early as the 2014 season, and when you quarterback the Michigan Wolverines, you become a pretty big deal to the rest of the country.

Morris is easily one of the best quarterbacks of the 2013 class and will finally give head coach Brady Hoke that true passing threat he has lacked in his first couple of seasons with the team.

He has the arm strength and delivery, and he is as confident a quarterback as you will find. He isn't a dual threat, but he shows great awareness in the pocket and can buy himself extra time when needed.

Michigan fans have known about Morris for a while, but soon the entire college football world will know his name.

And once he becomes the starter, the stardom and the expectations will instantly rise for both the Wolverines and Morris.

1. Derrick Green, 5-Star RB

It is easy to fall in love with running back Derrick Green, and while many would prefer names such as Alex Collins or Derrick Henry, you could make a strong case for Green being the best back of the 2013 recruiting class.

Green just looks like a guy who is ahead of his time at the high school level. When watching him, you can’t help but think he could have contributed for the Wolverines last season, if he was eligible to leave high school a year early.

His 6'0", 220-pound frame is college ready and the balance he runs with is incredible. He rarely lets arm-tackles bring him down, and his aggressive running style shows that he has the ability to be the workhorse runner the Wolverines so desperately need.

This elite prospect doesn't waste much time dancing around in the backfield; he sees the hole and hits it. And while he doesn't have that elite speed to break off those highlight-reel plays, his skill set is just fine without it.

Green will be a highly productive running back, and he will become a star in no time.

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