Michigan Football: Players to Watch in High School All-American Game

Thanks to continuous slides in the wrong direction, Michigan ended up losing eight high-end pieces to its 2015 class. Evidently, Brady Hoke’s final two seasons—5-7 in 2014 and 7-6 in 2013—gave more than enough reason for several 4- and 5-star talents to look elsewhere. 

At one point, the 2015 class appeared to be on track for something special. It could have been one of Michigan's finest hauls, certainly that for Hoke. Today, it's in desperate need of repair. 

The Wolverines seem to be ready for the future, reportedly telling recruits that they’ll have a new head coach this week—likely San Francisco’s Jim Harbaugh, per Adam Schefter of ESPN (h/t ESPN.com news services).

Those who jumped ship may reconsider their decision to cut ties, while some others may view Ann Arbor as a better option than their current situation—and a lot of those prospects are playing in the upcoming 2015 Under Armour and Army High School All-Star Games.

It’s time to take a look at what could be an open market for Harbaugh, who is, according to several local reports, certainly on the way to save Michigan football; its upcoming class, which has six members, could receive a much-needed boost (Harbaugh-kick in the backside) just in time for national signing day, Feb. 4, 2015.

Recruit information via 247Sports. 

"

I just got off the phone with more sources tonight. It's done. Jim Harbaugh is coming to Michigan - and his friends are flying in Monday.

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) December 28, 2014"

Chris Clark: 6'6", 247-Pound 4-Star TE

Once committed to Michigan, Chris Clark had a change of heart after watching the Wolverines collapse during their 42-28 season-ending loss to Ohio State. He followed by reversing his pledge. 

"

Man michigan has officially hit rock bottom

— Chris Clark (@Clark8Chris) November 23, 2014"

Ouch.

That one definitely hurt. 

Now that a new coach is on the way, Clark, who plays in the Under Armour game Jan. 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, could decide to take another look at Michigan. 

With great size, hands and athleticism, Clark embodies the type of tight end that could re-energize an ailing Wolverines offense, one that's been absent of a true star for one reason or another at the position for years. 

Iman Marshall: 6'1", 190-Pound 5-Star Cornerback

Iman Marshall has been a topic of conversation during recent weeks. Needless to say, Michigan's already deep secondary could use his services next fall. 

So could the punt return unit. 

Throw in a Harbaugh hire, and things could be great with Marshall in Ann Arbor. 

"

Best reaction ever. RT @TremendousUM: 2015 5* CB Iman Marshall says #Harbaugh hire would be "real dope" (VIP): http://t.co/BSM0dV7gYQ

— WolverineSportsRadio (@GoBlueRadio) December 28, 2014"

"

#ESPN300 Iman Marshall said Harbaugh to Michigan definitely makes him more interested. Will visit Michigan if hired. #UAALLAMERICA

— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) December 28, 2014"

The Cal Poly (Long Beach) star is the No. 1-ranked corner of the next class, runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and was offered May 29, 2013 by Michigan.  The following October, 247Sports upgraded his rating from 95 to 98. He's since reached 99 status.

That means he's getting better and should be pretty good in college. 

According to 247Sports, Marshall has "warmer" interest in the Wolverines. The 6'1", 190-pound prep senior plays Jan. 2 in the Under Armour game. 

Josh Rosen: 6'4", 205-Pound 5-Star PSQB

Josh Rosen committed to UCLA in March, but the 5-star quarterback visited Michigan six days prior to reaching that decision. 

Now that Harbaugh is supposedly coming to town, the California Kid could rethink his strategy and look to Harbaugh, although it doesn't seem too likely, according to The Wolverine.com's Brandon Brown. 

"

@AdamBiggers81 based on what he said to me I'd say no, but it is recruiting.

— Brandon Brown (@BSB_Wolverine) December 28, 2014"

As Brown stated, "it is recruiting," so the rumors are going to fly, fly, fly...

"

Rumor: 2015 Rivals No. 1 QB Josh Rosen rethinking his commitment to UCLA. May follow Jim Harbaugh to Michigan.

— Mark Cavitt (@DeportesAddict) December 28, 2014"

The 6'4", 205-pounder finished his high school career as the No. 1-ranked pro-styler of his class. He has a rocket arm and makes big-time throws appear routine, prompting offers from powers such as USC, Texas and Florida State. 

The Wolverines already have Alex Malzone entering the mix in 2015. Shane Morris joined in 2012, and Wilton Speight was part of the 2014 haul. Each one has great potential. 

Rosen plays Jan. 2 in the Under Armour game. 

Marcus Lewis: 6'1", 187-Pound Athlete/WR/CB

Marcus Lewis is the No. 10-ranked athlete of 2015, per 247Sports. 

The D.C.-area 4-star prospect unofficially visited Michigan on July 27 and reportedly has "cool" interest in the school. However, 247Sports' all-knowing Crystal Ball has the Wolverines as a 50 percent favorite for Lewis followed by Miami (Florida), one of the current assumed leaders for his services. 

The benefits of a player such as Lewis are self-explanatory. He can play nearly any position, and he can play it well. Whether as a ball-hawking defensive back or a playmaking receiver, Lewis' goods would be a perfect match for the Wolverines. 

He plays Jan. 2 at the Under Armour game. 

Jeffery Holland: 6'2", 230-Pound 4-Star OLB

Jeffery Holland probably won't go outside the SEC, but the Floridian 4-star linebacker is most certainly worthy of Michigan's time.

He was offered by the Hoke staff on May 22, 2013; but that's not to say the next staff will feel the same. 

But it gives fair amount of reason to suggest that the new regime could take a glance. Holland could do the same. With the potential of Harbaugh coaching the Wolverines, prospects far and wide could turn their heads to Ann Arbor. 

Michigan football is trying to right itself. Harbaugh would expedite the process. The best of the best high schoolers will probably see that. Their curiosity could take care of the rest. 

Holland's been at least somewhat intrigued for some time.

"

RT "@holland_jeffery: Yeah im interested in Michigan #wolverinenation" @TomVH

— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) February 23, 2014"

DaMarkus Lodge: 6'2.5", 190-Pound 4-Star WR

DaMarkus Lodge hasn't committed to anyone, so he's fair game. 

The 4-star Texan wideout isn't the tallest target, but his sure hands and ability to get to the ball more than make up for his lack of height. Evidenced by the above highlight reel, he's athletic and versatile enough to serve as a downfield option or as a slot. 

The Wolverines have lacked an intimidating passing game for the better part of a decade. Lodge would be an exemplary addition to Michigan's existing stable of receivers, one which will be without Devin Funchess in 2015; the junior recently declared for the 2015 NFL draft. 

Lodge plays in the Under Armour game Jan. 2. Michigan has long been interested. 

"

Camp of Conquerors top performers: Fresh off his impressive Five-Star Challenge performance, DaMarkus Lodge st... http://t.co/aRrWNyF93P

— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineMag) June 16, 2013"

Keisean Lucier-South: 6'5", 225-Pound 5-Star WDE

Like Rosen, Keisean Lucier-South is committed to UCLA. 

But the sea is parting in Ann Arbor, so the nation's No. 2-ranked weak-side defensive end may be interested in seeing what's going on at a school he once really liked. 

Back in November, the 6'5", 225-pound California prep star told Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue that UCLA ultimately felt like the best fit. He also liked the idea siding with a former foe. 

"I hated playing Josh [Rosen] these past few years," he said, per Donohue. "He's the best quarterback I've ever faced, and I've gone up against some good ones. I'm glad he's on my side now."

So, should Rosen choose to go to Michigan could Lucier-South follow?

It's all wild speculation at this point, but the defensive end has been and will likely be on the Wolverines' radar until the very end. Same goes for Rosen, who'd benefit by having a quarterback-molding coach such as Harbaugh. 

Lucier-South plays in the Army game Jan. 3 in San Antonio, Texas. 

Brian Cole: 6'2", 190-Pound 4-Star Athlete

The top recruit in the state of Michigan, Brian Cole was always of high priority for the Wolverines.

After all, part of winning the recruiting wars is winning the backyard. Hoke did well in that regard, although Michigan State came away with a few victories on the in-state trail. 

The Spartans were in the race for the Saginaw Heritage phenom but were forced to make way for Hoke and Co. on July 26, 2014—the date of Cole's commitment. 

That said, Cole, who would also work as a running back, is the only Michigan commit who's scheduled to play in a national All-Star game, which is hard to believe.

Had the 2015 class stayed intact, there would have been as many five or six set to take the field during the Under Armour and Army events. 

Cole plays Jan. 2 in the Under Armour game. At the moment, he's widely considered as the Wolverines' top commit. 

There are others who had offers and prior interest. Terry Beckner, a onetime prime target, could be an option for the new Michigan staff. The East Saint Louis (Illinois) standout never visited Ann Arbor, but he could easily find a home within the Wolverines defense starting next fall. 

There are no guarantees that anyone will flip-flop or flounder. Most of the time, commitments are pretty solid, especially this late in the game. 

But not every school has the potential of being coached by Jim Harbaugh. 

That could change some things for the Wolverines leading up to Feb. 4, 2015. 

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

What players do you feel Michigan's new coach would want most? Which ones do you feel are most likely to reconsider their commitments and look toward Ann Arbor? Feel free to comment.