Jim Harbaugh's Impressive Recruiting Haul Just Getting Started at Michigan

Jim Harbaugh remains nearly three months shy of his debut as Michigan head coach, but he's already helped to send a frustrating 2014 Wolverines season into the rear-view mirror.

College football programs that finish the fall at 5-7 aren't supposed to thrive on the recruiting trail. That sentiment held true for nearly the first four months of Harbaugh's tenure in Ann Arbor. The former Michigan quarterback and his coaching staff didn't land a single 2016 prospect until April.

Then, in head-turning fashion, the Wolverines caught fire.

Despite starting his tenure with a 14-week commitment drought in the cycle, Harbaugh has since served notice to the college football universe. The Wolverines, now up to 10 pledges in June alone, are surging and currently sit at ninth in 247Sports' national composite rankings.

Embrace the craziness folks—Harbaugh is already making a major impact in his return to college football. 

The 51-year-old, called "the LeBron James of coaching" by a blue-chip recruit within a week of his hiring, is ruffling feathers on the recruiting trail and getting the job done. When his satellite camps—held in seven different states—were called into question by SEC coaches, Harbaugh didn't blink.

"In my America, you're allowed to cross state borders," he told George Schroeder of USA Today. "That's the America I know."

He crossed a state border on Wednesday, securing a commitment from coveted Wisconsin offensive lineman Ben Bredeson. The 6'5", 293-pound blocker, rated fourth nationally among players at the position, chose Michigan over the in-state Badgers and Notre Dame:

Bredeson becomes the highest-rated 2016 Wolverines pledge and the ninth pickup this month. Following its initial 14-week lull, Michigan's new regime has reeled in 13 rising high school seniors since April.

The haul features another pair of high-profile offensive linemen in Detroit's Michael Onwenu and Illinois tackle Erik Swenson.

Bredeson was joined a few hours later by Florida defensive back Josh Metellus, who also announced his decision on Twitter:

"

I would like to proudly announce that I am committed to The University of Michigan. #GoBlue #Fab25 〽 pic.twitter.com/dxJ1DVryo0

— Josh Metellus ✊ (@NoExcuses_23) June 17, 2015"

Michigan received a significant boost in early April, when 4-star Indiana quarterback Brandon Peters joined the class.

"I'll definitely be putting in a good word for Michigan with the other recruits and just work to sell the program," Peters told Bleacher Report at the time.

The 6'5", 205-pound passer gained a potential backfield partner five days later when local 4-star running back Matthew Falcon announced his intentions. The dynamic in-state rusher believes Michigan will make significant strides in a hurry under Harbaugh.

"They’re doing big things. They’re on the rebuilding path to get Michigan back to where it once was," he told Bleacher Report.

A bevy of commitments have followed, further highlighted by Indianapolis running back/wide receiver Chris Evans and Florida cornerback Antwaine Richardson.

Michigan, which now boasts the third-ranked class in the Big Ten Conference, may just be getting started.

Future recruiting endeavors center on several top-tier players, including No. 1 overall 2016 prospect Rashan Gary. It may come down to Michigan versus several SEC powerhouses for his pledge, and the Wolverines employ his former high school coach in Gary Partridge.

"Michigan is going to do great things in a couple years," he told Bleacher Report. "You may not see it this season, but Michigan will be an up-and-rising program soon."

Gary, a New Jersey native, is among a group of mid-Atlantic standouts seriously considering a collegiate career in Ann Arbor. Maryland offensive lineman Terrance Davis, Pennsylvania tight end Naseir Upshur and New Jersey wide receiver/defensive back Ahmir Mitchell are each considered strong candidates to land with the Wolverines on national signing day.

“(Harbaugh is) a great recruiter," Mitchell told Bleacher Report. "He’s very hands-on and doesn’t like other people doing things for him. He was with us the entire visit. It was a lot of fun checking out campus, talking and spending so much time with a coach who has such a high reputation.”

Other primary possibilities include 5-star California linebacker Caleb Kelly, 4-star Kansas defensive end Xavier Kelly and dynamic New Jersey wide receiver Brad Hawkins.

The floodgates have finally opened for Harbaugh on the recruiting trail, but this party is just getting started. Michigan is primed for a scintillating summer, and a strong start to the season should set up the Wolverines to challenge for a top-five class in this cycle.

If you thought folks at Michigan were excited when the former San Francisco 49ers head coach returned to his alma mater, stay tuned for what lies ahead.

A foundation for a new and promising future is being laid piece by piece, commitment by commitment.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

Recruit information courtesy of 247Sports.