Michigan Football Recruiting: Predictions for Top Rumored 2015 Prospects

Michigan hasn't made much of a big recruiting splash before national signing day, but that could change in the blink of an eye.

The team's program was on a swift decline with Brady Hoke at the helm, finishing the 2014 season with a 5-7 record and missing out on a bowl appearance for the first time since 2009. The Wolverines were in complete turmoil, but that didn't stop them from making a move that will define the future of the school's football team: the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Not only is Harbaugh a brilliant football mind, but his history of success is well known. Rest assured, that will severely help with the team's recruiting process. With several key targets remaining uncommitted and national signing day just around the corner, let's take a look at a few prospects coveted by Michigan and predict their intentions.

Iman Marshall, CB

Credit: 247Sports

Nabbing Marshall could be the crown jewel of Michigan's recruiting class. The 5-star cornerback is ranked fourth in the 247Sports composite rankings and has been drawing interest from a bevy of schools. Currently, he is deciding between Michigan, Florida State, USC, LSU and Notre Dame.

Marshall is such a coveted prospect because of his great combination of size and athleticism. At 6'1" and 190 pounds, he has the prototypical length for an outside cornerback. He uses his size to his advantage, controlling receivers off the line in press coverage and gaining leverage in jump-ball situations.

As quick and agile as he is strong, Marshall has the speed to cover faster wide receivers, running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and possessing fluid hips and great anticipation, which allows him to flourish in multiple coverage packages.

Michigan was seen as a big underdog for Marshall due to the corner's childhood favorite team being USC, according to Bruce Feldman of FoxSports.com. However, Rivals.com tweeted an interesting turn of events:

With Harbaugh in the fold at Michigan, Marshall came away impressed following his visit to Ann Arbor, and he tweeted this picture soon after:

This is where the addition of the team's new head coach will start paying dividends. Expect to see Marshall in maize and blue in the near future.

Prediction: Michigan

Chris Clark, TE

Credit: 247Sports

Clark had originally committed to Michigan back in 2014; however, upon the firing of Hoke, the tight end decided to jump back on the open market. It's difficult to fault Clark for this, as the future of the Wolverines was in doubt, and he had to look out for his best interests.

Still, this news came as a big hit to Michigan, especially with the school losing Devin Funchess to the NFL draft. Clark was thought to be the next big weapon, as his athleticism, soft hands and 6'6", 247-pound frame makes him a consistent threat up the seam and in red-zone situations.

Well, here's another instance where Harbaugh may strike again. During an interview with Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com, the 4-star tight end expressed the return of his interest in Michigan if the team hired the former San Francisco 49ers head coach.

"I've got to wait and see if it's 100 percent a done deal, but I'd really like to have the opportunity to talk with [Harbaugh] and just take it from there," Clark said. "But, yeah, Michigan would be a school that I'd have a lot of interest in again. Hopefully he'll be the head coach."

As we know, Harbaugh became the coach soon after.

According to a tweet from ESPN's Tom VanHaaren, Clark is currently torn between Michigan and UCLA:

Since that announcement, Clark hasn't shown any signs of leaning one way or the other. Although, the prediction here is the tight end lands with the Wolverines. A coach like Harbaugh and the opportunity to log some playing time right away on a team that is in need of a viable tight end will be too enticing for Clark to pass up.

Prediction: Michigan

Shelton Johnson, DE

Credit: 247Sports

Johnson, a Delray Beach, Florida, native, could be a tough get for Harbaugh and Co. The defensive end is a big target for the Wolverines, but he has yet to decide between Michigan, Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech.

At 6'5" and 220 pounds, Johnson has a lean build and can stand to add some muscle before facing bigger competition at the collegiate level. Still, he's a highly athletic prospect who has the length and agility to act as an edge-rusher or play outside linebacker. His addition will add plenty of versatility to his team's front seven.

Unfortunately for Michigan, you just can't win them all. While Johnson has been quiet about his recruiting process, expect the defensive end to stay closer to home and commit to a Florida-based school. According to a tweet from Warchant.com, that school could be Florida State:

The Seminoles have a well-built program that will provide Johnson with plenty of consistency. While Harbaugh's presence at Michigan certainly alludes to the fact the defensive end will get that same kind of stability in Ann Arbor, location will be the ultimate deciding factor.

Prediction: Florida State