Michigan Football Recruiting: Top Commits, Targets to Watch at the Opening

As things stand, 4-star quarterback Brandon Peters and 4-star offensive lineman Michael Onwenu will be the Michigan Wolverines’ only commits participating in The Opening—a showcase of elite high school prospects—from July 7-10 at the Nike world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

Given recent recruiting success, one could safely assume that coach Jim Harbaugh’s class will grow by at least one or two following the all-star gala at Phil Knight’s place, which will also features high-end targets such as 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary, 5-star linebacker Caleb Kelly and 4-star offensive lineman Terrance Davis. 

They’re some of the most coveted prospects in the country, and they’re also of the highest priority for Harbaugh, who has already drawn pledges from 19 recruits thus far for the 2016 class (20 total)—an impressive haul since taking over Michigan on Dec. 30. Only helping his cause, he also snagged eight kids prior to 2015 national signing day and recently stormed SEC country with satellite camps.

They’re all good to great, so every athlete at The Opening is worthy of some level of attention. But if you're fixated on Harbaugh’s Wolverines, you’ll need to pay serious attention to the following athletes.

Michigan Has Their Word

Two weeks ago, Brandon Peters showed off his powerful arm during Harbaugh’s “A4 Aerial Assault” camp in Ann Arbor. At 6’5” and 205 pounds, Peters, a standout at Avon High School near Indianapolis, has the ideal size and arm strength to suit Harbaugh’s plans of reinstalling a dominant quarterback into Michigan’s offense.

After making 60-yard throws look routine, Peters, the No. 8-ranked pro-style passer of his class, appears to be the one who can make things happen. Of course, he’ll have competition once he arrives on campus, but his stock seems to be on the rise.

A wonderful performance at The Opening would add to his luster, but really, he has nothing to lose—he’s already pledged to Harbaugh and has proved his ability. For Peters, the Nike competition will likely serve as an opportunity to let loose and have fun.

No pressure.

The same scenario could also be true for Detroit Cass Tech’s Michael Onwenu, who could end up being a key piece on the offensive line down the road. That’s the hope for Michigan, anyway.

At 6’3” and 365 pounds, the mountainous senior-to-be is widely recognized as one of the nation’s best O-linemen. That’s why he’s the No. 6-ranked guard of his class. There aren’t many high schoolers who command the interior like Onwenu, who will get to show off his big-man athleticism in Oregon. However, for a truer gauge of his ability, watch his 2014 highlights and track his progress this fall with the Technicians.

Michigan Wants Their Word

Rashan Gary

Is there a more sought-after recruit than 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary? Probably not—at least not in the eyes of the Wolverines, who could have the inside track on the No. 1-ranked player in the nation thanks to new recruiting director Chris Partridge—the former coach of Paramus Catholic, home to one Rashan Gary.

According to Brandon Brown of the Wolverine, Gary enjoyed a recent visit to Ann Arbor. So did his mother, who is involved in her son’s process. They also made a stop in Columbus, home of the Ohio State Buckeye, but Brown writes that Rashan and his mother didn’t particularly enjoy their stay.

While in Oregon, Gary will probably slap around a bunch of tackling dummies, play tug of war with tires and do other things to demonstrate the strength of his monstrous 6’4,” 311-pound frame. However, quarterbacks will be able to breathe easily, as The Opening, like many other camps, doesn’t allow full contact.

Caleb Kelly

Arguably California’s top prospect, Caleb Kelly is a huge blip on the radar of several schools, including Harbaugh’s team. Since taking over, Harbaugh has aggressively recruited the 5-star linebacker out of Clovis West in Fresno; he paid him a visit on April 17.

At 6’3” and 215 pounds, Kelly has the physical prowess to thrive as an outside linebacker at the collegiate level. For good reason, he’s the No. 18-ranked prospect of his class and holds offers from Oklahoma (the perceived favorite), Oregon, Alabama and Notre Dame, among many others.

Terrance Davis

During a recent phone interview, 4-star offensive tackle Erik Swenson may have dropped a hint in regard to the status of 4-star offensive guard Terrance Davis; the Wolverines seem to be “waiting” for the 6’4”, 305-pounder out of DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, to join Drevno’s upcoming O-line megaclass.

Davis is the No. 2-ranked guard of this recruiting cycle and has “warmer” interest in Michigan, per 247Sports. Should he follow suit and commit like other top O-liners, he’d push Drevno’s class over the top, easily making it one of the most talented, on paper, to sign at Michigan.

Naseir Upshur

At 6’2” and 233 pounds, Naseir Upshur of Imhotep Academy in Philadelphia has the athleticism and opportunity to play on both sides of the ball as a tight end and defensive end at Michigan, according to a recent phone interview. 

During the same interview, Upshur, a 4-star prospect who visited on June 24, said that Michigan was high on his list and that he had all but lost interest in Michigan State. The No. 4-ranked tight end of 2016 also has interest from Miami (Fla.), Arizona State, Maryland and Florida State, to name a few. He's being recruited by members of Michigan's 2016 class, so keep a watchful eye on his status throughout the summer and into fall. 

Jeffrey McCulloch

On June 8, Michigan held one of its satellite camps near Dallas, and that’s where defensive line coach Greg Mattison and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin spotted 5-star linebacker Jeffrey McCulloch of Aldine Davis High School in Houston.

Widely considered a Texas lean, per 247Sports’ predictions, the 6’2 ½”, 230-pounder is one of the most athletic run-stoppers in the country. He can also get to the quarterback on a regular basis, which helps. In recent months, The Shark has created quite the buzz en route to becoming the No. 10-ranked outside linebacker of 2016. Along with Caleb Kelly, he is among the Wolverines’ top defensive targets for the next class.

He’ll likely attract more attention at The Opening.

Devin Bush Jr.

When it comes to Michigan-related discussion, Devin Bush Jr. of Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been one of the most frequently mentioned recruits of this cycle. At 6’0” and 220 pounds, he could fill a role as a hybrid linebacker or nickelback. He’s fast, but he doesn’t have a timed 40-yard dash on 247Sports’ database.

With that said, if you pay attention to anything he does in Oregon, pay attention to his shuttles and dashes. Those will say a lot about his athleticism.

Or you could just watch his highlight video, which speaks volumes in itself.

It’s worth noting that his father and coach, Devin Bush Sr., played at Florida State, which seems to be the favorite for Bush Jr. at the moment. However, his father helped out during Harbaugh’s “Summer Swarm” date in Miami—and, according to Eric Rutter of Today’s U, he gave rave reviews of the satellite event.

On top of that, one of his top players at Flanagan, 3-star defensive back Devin Gil, just flipped from Miami (Fla.) to Michigan.

Plenty of signs suggest that Bush Jr. could be on his way to Ann Arbor, but conventional wisdom indicates that his process will incite a lengthy battle between Michigan and Florida State.

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

Recruit rankings and other information courtesy of 247Sports.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability.