Michigan Football: Can Wolverines Land 5-Star Iman Marshall?

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has made inroads with several premier prospects since his arrival, but none carry more clout than California cornerback Iman Marshall.

The 5-star recruit remains uncommitted two weeks shy of national signing day and reciprocated interest from the new Wolverines regime by traveling to Ann Arbor on Sunday for an official visit. Marshall followed up a two-day stay at Florida State with the journey north, where he was immediately greeted by the man who lured him to campus.

"Coach Harbaugh actually picked me up from the airport," he told Greg Biggins of Scout.com.

Marshall, the top-rated defensive back in 247Sports' composite rankings, is racking up frequent-flier mileage this month. Aside from trips to Michigan and Florida State, the Long Beach Poly High School standout is also set to visit LSU (Jan. 23) and Oregon (Jan. 30).

Despite not being a destination on his official visit itinerary, USC remains the perceived favorite to sign Marshall. He is projected to pick the Trojans by 98 percent of expert predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.

Steve Sarkisian and company have welcomed him to the university frequently during this recruiting cycle, including multiple game-day visits last fall. USC views Marshall as an integral part of a final push that could also include commitments from fellow 5-star targets Rasheem Green (defensive tackle) and Osa Masina (linebacker).

However, he told Ryan Bartow of 247Sports he's still considering "everyone" in the aftermath of his time in Ann Arbor.

Although he appeared to lose interest in Michigan as things deteriorated in 2014, the Harbaugh hiring immediately piqued his interest.

"Coach Harbaugh going to Michigan is a game-changer," he told Allen Trieu of The Detroit News. "Obviously, he knows what it takes to get to the highest level. He has changed Stanford and the 49ers around."

Even before Harbaugh entered the mix, Marshall respected the program.

"The legacy of that team is known, and a degree from Michigan can take you places," he told me last summer.

He paid homage to that legacy Monday, posing in front of a photo that features legendary Wolverines defensive back Charles Woodson. Marshall donned the same Michigan jersey—No. 2—that the Heisman Trophy winner wore during his college career:

He also gained insight into the future of Michigan's defensive backs. Marshall discussed a possible pairing with top-ranked 2014 cornerback Jabrill Peppers, according to Biggins.

"

He was telling me what a great secondary we could have if I went there. He said he's actually moving to safety this year and the opportunity to come compete for a starting spot is wide open. I know nothing is ever given to you, especially at a place like Michigan but just knowing there's an opportunity there is all I'm asking for.

"

The opportunity is certainly there for the taking at Michigan.

Harbaugh understands he needs to boost a class that currently includes just six commitments and rates 95th nationally in 247Sports' composite rankings. A pledge from a player of Marshall's caliber would serve strong notice that things are on the upswing for the Wolverines.

Based on his admiration for Harbaugh and his willingness to spend time on campus halfway across the country from home, Michigan is suddenly a legitimate contender to swipe Marshall away from the West Coast.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.