Michigan Football: Holiday Wish List for the Wolverines

During the Christmas season, everyone makes a wish list. Yes, even the Michigan football program has a collection of goals and hopes as the conclusion of the 2015 campaign draws closer.

From a strong finish to recruiting success to retaining key players for 2016, each of the following aspirations are realistic for the Wolverines to accomplish.

Santa Claus might not bring these presents down the chimney, but head coach Jim Harbaugh and Co. can receive these gifts in the near future.

A Couple of 5-Star Commitments

Credit: 247Sports

Isaac Nauta

Michigan has a terrific group of verbal pledges for 2016, but Rashan Gary and Isaac Nauta would highlight a potential No. 1 overall class.

Gary is the top-rated player in the 247Sports composite rankings. Seventy percent of the crystal ball predictions show the 6'5", 293-pound defensive tackle heading to Ann Arbor.

Nauta, a 6,4", 237-pound tight end from IMG Academy, recently placed Michigan in his top three. Kipp Adams of 247Sports notes Nauta will announce his college decision at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 9.

While missing out on either player—or both—certainly wouldn't ruin the class, signing a pair of top prospects at positions of need is always a welcome development.

Fifth Season of Eligibility for Mario Ojemudia

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Michigan's pass rush lost a key contributor when an Achilles injury ended Mario Ojemudia's season against Maryland.

Lisa Byington of Big Ten Network reported Harbaugh was interested in gathering information about appealing for another season of eligibility. In early November, Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com wrote Harbaugh said the process is ongoing.

However, the problem is Ojemudia appeared in five contests, approximately 38 percent of the 13-game 2015 season. The NCAA rule book stipulates a potential medical redshirt candidate cannot participate in more than 30 percent of the team's competitions, though an exception can be granted.

Ojemudia donning the maize and blue for one more season is truly a wish. Michigan doesn't control the outcome here.

Fill Needs with Graduate Transfers

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Where would Michigan have been without Jake Rudock, who transferred from Iowa? Though Blake O'Neill will forever be remembered for his dropped snap against Michigan State, the former Weber State punter had a great season, too.

Harbaugh has the Wolverines trending upward, but there are still holes on the roster—particularly at quarterback and linebacker.

If that was't the case, Harbaugh wouldn't have been looking elsewhere. ESPN.com's Chantel Jennings reported Michigan showed interest in Montana State quarterback Dakota Prukop, though he ultimately chose Oregon.

The team's three most experienced linebackers will each run out of eligibility after the Citrus Bowl, so the Wolverines need reinforcements at the second level. Immediate-impact freshmen are tough to find, but a graduate transfer would provide a stopgap for the young players.

No Underclassmen Declare for NFL Draft

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Jehu Chesson could be an intriguing prospect in a thin draft at wide receiver. Jourdan Lewis is ready for the professional level. Amara Darboh might consider bolting early. Jake Butt has little left to prove in college.

The appeal of a paycheck is real, and who could blame any of those talents if they declared for the 2016 NFL draft?

Although nothing is official, Lewis and Butt have both asserted they will return. Wolverines fans and NFL draft analysts alike are waiting to hear from Chesson and Darboh.

Watching a player realize his NFL dream is neat, but Michigan's business is to win games. Those four players were keys to winning this year, and would be next season, too.

Win in the Citrus Bowl

Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

It's safe to assume Harbaugh's biggest priority right now is preparing his team for the Citrus Bowl against Florida.

And you know he wants a victory.

The program hasn't won a bowl game since taking the Sugar Bowl to end the 2011 season, and Michigan only has two postseason triumphs since 2002. A win would also give the Wolverines their second 10-win campaign of the last decade.

"Momentum for next season" isn't particularly useful (or real), but a victory over Florida will reinforce the bright future under Harbaugh.

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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.