Michigan Football: The 5 Most Important Recruits for the Wolverines' 2016 Season

Head coach Jim Harbaugh is working with more than an empty cupboard at Michigan this season, but the 2016 recruiting class holds key players for the Wolverines' future.

Some top prospects are already committed to play in Ann Arbor, while the coaching staff is still trying to gain a verbal pledge from others. Either way, nothing is official until pen meets paper on national signing day.

The key elements in deciding which recruits are the most important include the prospect's ranking and position combined with the need on Michigan's roster.

Brandon Peters, Quarterback

What the Wolverines have accomplished with Jake Rudock under center is impressive, but Wolverines fans must be excited about Harbaugh's new quarterback coming to town.

According to Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue, Harbaugh has told Brandon Peters he's reminiscent of Andrew Luck, who played under Harbaugh at Stanford and now leads the Indianapolis Colts.

If a prospect reminds a former NFL quarterback of one of the league's best current quarterbacks, the nation ought to pay attention.

Peters committed to Michigan in April 2015 and is expected to enroll in January. Pending transfers, the 4-star prospect will compete with Wilton Speight, Shane Morris, John O'Korn, Zach Gentry and Alex Malzone for the starting job.

Kareem Walker, Running Back

Before the 2015 season, Michigan looked like it boasted one of the best and deepest running back units in the nation. Three months later, the Wolverines are searching for a clear-cut No. 1 runner.

Whether or not the coaches find it between the white lines for 2015, however, they're bearing down on the position's No. 1 prospect.

A 6'1", 210-pound running back from Wayne, New Jersey, Kareem Walker decommitted from Ohio State in early November. He's now considered a Michigan lean, per the 247Sports' Crystal Ball.

Walker took a trip to Ann Arbor during the Wolverines' 31-0 win over Northwestern, visited Alabama on Nov. 7 and is scheduled to check out Ole Miss and Auburn.

If Michigan secures a pledge from Walker, he'd have an excellent chance to enter the rotation immediately—especially if any of the current backs transfer.

Ben Bredeson, Offensive Tackle

The strongest unit of a Harbaugh offense is typically the offensive line. While the Wolverines have made significant strides up front in 2015, they still have a long way to go before improving to 2009 Stanford levels.

Four starters are expected to return next season, but that's an ideal situation for Michigan anyway. Plug-and-play offensive line prospects are a rare breed.

That gives 4-star Ben Bredeson a year to develop while refining his technique and adapting to the increased physicality of the college game.

Bredeson, a two-time first-team All-State honoree in Wisconsin, could be a three-year starter for the Wolverines, playing opposite Mason Cole for one season and perhaps taking over for him at left tackle in 2018.

Rashan Gary, Defensive Tackle

How could the No. 1 player in the nation not be an important target?

Defensive tackle Rashan Gary has already made his official visit to Michigan, watching the team obliterate BYU 31-0. Plus, Steve Lorenz of 247Sports notes Gary's mother said the family plans to take an unofficial visit in January.

Most importantly for the Wolverines, though, Gary fits a position of need. Ryan Glasgow's absence against Indiana showed how much of an issue depth at defensive tackle is.

Glasgow has one year of eligibility remaining, which would provide Gary an opportunity to work into the defense as a rotational piece as a freshman before replacing Glasgow in 2017.

Caleb Kelly, Linebacker

The Wolverines have a couple of pledges at linebacker in David Reese and Dytarious Johnson, while Devin Gil could play either safety or linebacker.

However, Michigan needs an immediate-impact player because Joe Bolden, Desmond Morgan and James Ross III are all in their final year of eligibility. Ben Gedeon is the only one with notable experience set to return.

Caleb Kelly, a 5-star linebacker and the nation's No. 23 player overall, would fit the mold. The 6'3", 215-pounder took an official visit in mid-September when the Wolverines earned a 28-7 victory over UNLV.

Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame are also targeting Kelly, but Oklahoma looks like the team to beat. Considering Michigan's defensive success and a glaring need for 2016, though, Kelly should remain a top target.

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All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.