Michigan Football Recruiting: Incoming Freshmen Set to Make Immediate Impact
Michigan's 2013 recruiting class won't go down as the most impressive in school history, but that certainly doesn't mean the Wolverines didn't land some top-flight stars on national signing day.
Brady Hoke's 2013 class ranks in the top five nationally according to 247Sports.com. The class features 17 4-star prospects and one 5-star recruit who promises to make a name for himself this coming season with the Wolverines.
With over two dozen fresh faces on their way to Ann Arbor, let's take a closer look at some impact freshmen set to overtake campus in 2013.
Taco Charlton, DE
Taco Charlton, a 4-star defensive end with one of the more unique names in football, will surely make an impact right away for Michigan's defense. He made up his mind to attend Michigan before national signing day and enrolled at the university last month according to 247Sports.com.
Listed at 6'6", 255 pounds, Charlton is a fearsome pass-rusher whose talents transition seamlessly to the next level.
Athletic, balanced and always under control, the Pickerington, Ohio native will likely find himself taking part in third-down situations with the Wolverines' defense in 2013 as a freshman. He isn't an every-down player just yet, but his impact will certainly be felt as a situational blitzer.
Jourdan Lewis, CB
Detroit's Jourdan Lewis is a big-play corner who is capable of changing a game in an instant.
A 4-star defensive back recruit, Lewis signed his letter of intent on national signing day, and is headed to Ann Arbor where he will bolster Michigan's secondary.
Yes, at 5'10", 170 pounds, Lewis lacks the size to contend with elite college receivers. But he demonstrates a toughness and a willingness to battle with them despite his obvious disadvantages.
His ball skills and ability to hang onto errant throws make him a valuable piece and immediate impact player at the next level. Like Taco Charlton, Lewis may not see the field on every down in 2013, but he's too talented to go unused all year long.
Derrick Green, RB
A 5-star running back prospect out of Richmond, Virginia, Derrick Green is Michigan's No. 1 recruit in 2013.
Green, a 6'0" 220-pound playmaker, is a beast with the ball, using his power, size and toughness to run through defenders and pick up yards the old fashioned way. Of course, Green isn't going to run through arm tackles quite as easily in the Big Ten as compared to high school, but his power style of running will certainly earn him reps with the offense in 2013.
His bruising style will wear down defenses and open up gaping holes late in games. They don't just hand out 5-star labels. Green is an exceptional talent and huge pickup for the Wolverines this winter.
Some have already likened his style to that of an Arian Foster or Eddie Lacy.
All rankings and star ratings from 247Sports Composite rankings.
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