Michigan Football: Meet the Wolverines' 2017 Class
Following a pair of 10-3 seasons, Jim Harbaugh is building major momentum at Michigan. That showed Wednesday when the Wolverines signed an excellent 2017 recruiting class that should further enhance the program's ability to compete on a national level.
The 29-member class is ranked No. 3 nationally by Scout.com and closed over the final three days with a commitment from a 5-star defender and a pair of 4-star receivers.
"We look at the whole country and mine for gold," Harbaugh told reporters, including Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. "We're looking for gold nuggets."
How do those "nuggets" shake out and fit into Michigan's plans for 2017 and beyond? Here's a look at the 29 announced signees.
Aubrey Solomon
1 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'3", 304 lbs
Position/Ranking: 5-star DT, No. 11 overall
High School: Lee County HS, Leesburg, Ga.
Senior-Year Stats: 77 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 12 sacks
Other Finalists: Alabama, Georgia, Southern California
Commit Date: Feb. 1, 2017
Analysis
Michigan had to wait, but its patience paid off with Aubrey Solomon's signing-day choice of the Wolverines. Solomon is the nation's top defensive tackle prospect and came back to Michigan after backing off his original commitment. He is a quick, athletic player who should fit nicely next to 2016 top recruit Rashan Gary on the defensive line.
Solomon is an intelligent prospect who has great size and speed and, like Gary, will be a force for the next few years in the Big Ten trenches. He's the crown jewel of the class of 2017.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
2 of 29Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 190 lbs
Position/Ranking: 5-star WR, No. 22 overall
High School: Cass Technical HS, Detroit
Senior-Year Stats: 60 catches, 1,071 yards, 17 touchdowns
Other Finalists: Florida, Florida State
Commit Date: Dec. 15, 2016 (early enrollee)
Analysis
Michigan didn't have to go far to snag the top wide receiver of 2017. Donovan Peoples-Jones brings tremendous athleticism and excellent across-the-board skills to Michigan's offense. He is an explosive player who has great leaping ability and instincts.
Peoples-Jones has excellent ball skills and is capable of making the big play and winning one-on-one battles for balls in the air. It would be no surprise if he emerged through an unsettled wide receiver group and started as a freshman.
Ambry Thomas
3 of 29
Height/Weight: 5'11 ½", 170 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star CB, No. 56 overall
High School: King HS, Detroit
Senior-Year Stats: 44 tackles, 14 pass breakups, three interceptions
Other Finalists: Arizona, Michigan State, Penn State
Commit Date: Dec. 7, 2016 (early enrollee)
Analysis
Michigan is replacing its entire secondary this fall, and that leaves big shoes to fill and big opportunities for players like Ambry Thomas. A two-way player in high school, Thomas will leave receiver behind to focus on cornerback at Michigan, although he could fit in as a kick returner.
He is a very competitive, aggressive playmaker who should find a home in the Wolverines secondary, especially once he is able to focus on defense exclusively.
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Tarik Black
4 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 206 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star WR, No. 90 overall
High School: Cheshire Academy, Cheshire, Conn.
Senior-Year Stats: 40 catches, 703 yards, 11 touchdowns
Other Finalists: Alabama, Auburn
Commit Date: Dec. 14, 2016 (early enrollee)
Analysis
If you're looking for size and speed in Michigan's 2017 recruiting class, Tarik Black can provide it. He has a big frame and is capable of going up and making crucial catches over the middle and down the field. Black uses his big hands to secure catches and uses his quickness and power to separate from cornerbacks.
Given Michigan's uncertain receiver situation, Black, an early enrollee, is capable of emerging for significant playing time this fall in Ann Arbor.
Drew Singleton
5 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'2", 214 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star OLB, No. 93 overall
High School: Paramus Catholic High School, Paramus, N.J.
Other Finalists: Michigan State, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia
Commit Date: Dec. 23, 2016 (early enrollee)
Analysis
Michigan had one of the nation's best defenses in 2016, but the Wolverines need to replace 10 starters and replenish their talent. That makes Drew Singleton's commitment important. Singleton is a versatile outside linebacker who is strong against the run and a good tackler. He can fit in in the middle or on the outside and makes plays from sideline to sideline.
He follows former Paramus Catholic stars Jabrill Peppers and Rashan Gary to Michigan. An ACL injury ended his senior season prematurely, but if he recovers quickly enough, Singleton could certainly see the field as a freshman.
Cesar Ruiz
6 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'3", 321 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star C, No. 98 overall
High School: IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
Other Finalists: Alabama, Georgia, LSU
Commit Date: Dec. 19, 2016 (early enrollee)
Analysis
Centers are viewed as the quarterbacks of the offensive line who give excellent leadership. In Cesar Ruiz, Michigan appears to have signed a future leader. Ruiz is a diligent worker and a good teammate and, just as importantly, a talented center.
He is a good drive-blocker and capable of opening holes in the run and pass game. He is the rare offensive lineman who could be ready to contribute in his first season on campus for the Wolverines.
Luiji Vilain
7 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'4", 238 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star DE, No. 102 overall
High School: Episcopal HS, Alexandria, Va.
Junior-Year Stats: 60 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks
Other Finalists: North Carolina, Virginia Tech
Commit Date: June 12, 2016
Analysis
The Canadian defensive end chose to play his senior season of high school football in Virginia, and it paid off for him with a Michigan scholarship. Luiji Vilain is one of the nation's top defensive end prospects and has excellent athleticism and strength, capable of stopping the pass and the run.
He plays with great energy and is a terror off of the edge, with plenty of room for growth. With a little work, Vilain will be an impact player for the Wolverines.
Dylan McCaffrey
8 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'4 ½", 195 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star QB, No. 134 overall
High School: Valor Christian HS, Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Senior-Year Stats: 2,736 passing yards and 31 touchdowns; 579 rushing yards and 13 scores
Other Finalists: Stanford, Duke
Commit Date: Feb. 15, 2016
Analysis
Jim Harbaugh never got to coach Christian McCaffrey as Stanford's head coach, but he'll get an opportunity to mold another member of the family after Dylan McCaffrey signed as a Michigan quarterback. The younger brother of Christian and former Duke player Max, and son of former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, Dylan has an excellent football pedigree.
He is an intelligent player with a quick release and good accuracy, and has football smarts as well as mobility. Expect him to redshirt this season but become a factor in Michigan's offense sooner rather than later.
Chuck Filiaga
9 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'6", 335 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star OT, No. 139 overall
High School: Aledo HS, Aledo, Texas
Other Finalists: Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon
Commit Date: Jan. 07, 2017
Analysis
As anyone who watched Michigan's running game knows, offensive linemen are a crucial need for 2017. Offensive tackle Chuck Filiaga certainly fits the bill. Filiaga has a game-ready frame who is an excellent run-blocker more than capable of consistently pancaking opponents with a strong, physical touch.
He can improve his pass blocking but could be a candidate to contribute immediately on the offensive line, even as a guard.
Jordan Anthony
10 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'1", 226 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star OLB, No. 153 overall
High School: IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
Other Finalists: Auburn, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State
Commit Date: Dec. 22, 2016 (early enrollee)
Analysis
Jordan Anthony is a versatile, athletic linebacker who can change direction extremely well. He is a very good tackler who does an excellent job of tracking down running backs and plays the run with ferocity. He can also blitz the quarterback and play off the edge, and is an instinctive player. Anthony has the ability to fit in immediately on Michigan's defense.
Nico Collins
11 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'5", 195 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star WR, No. 178 overall
High School: Clay-Chalkville HS, Pinson, Ala.
Senior-Year Stats: 43 receptions, 865 yards, nine touchdowns
Other Finalists: Alabama, Georgia, LSU
Commit Date: Feb. 1, 2017
Analysis
It isn't easy to pull talented players out of Alabama when the Crimson Tide are interested, which says something about the job Michigan did with Nico Collins. Collins adds size, speed and explosion to the Wolverines offense and should be another excellent weapon for the passing game.
Along with Donovan Peoples-Jones and Oliver Martin, he gives the offense a major talent infusion. While there are no guarantees, he figures to have an excellent shot at playing time as a freshman.
Josh Ross
12 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'2", 225 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star ILB, No. 196 overall
High School: St. Mary Preparatory School, Orchard Lake, Mich.
Senior-Year Stats: 136 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks
Other Finalists: LSU, Tennessee, Michigan State
Commit Date: March 22, 2016
Analysis
It was no surprise that Josh Ross decided to continue his football career with Michigan. His older brother James was also a Wolverine, and Josh should follow nicely in his brother's footsteps. He is a physical player with a hard-nosed edge who'll fit in as a middle linebacker for defensive coordinator Don Brown.
He can play either inside linebacker position with excellent fundamentals and tackling and is an aggressive player. He should be a tremendous fit in Michigan's linebacker corps.
Oliver Martin
13 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'1", 185 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star WR, No. 216 overall
High School: Iowa City West HS, Iowa City, Iowa
Senior-Year Stats: 85 receptions, 1,272 yards, 16 touchdowns
Other Finalists: Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa, Notre Dame
Commit Date: Jan. 30, 2017
Analysis
This recruiting cycle brought a major need for wide receivers, and Michigan capitalized by signing multiple talented pass-catchers. Oliver Martin was an impressive addition to the group. Martin, who grew up just minutes from Iowa's Kinnick Stadium, has good hands, speed and agility and was one of the hottest receivers this winter.
He is a consistent, conditioned performer who runs good routes and should be able to pick up the offense quickly. He's a standout swimmer, and expect him to take to Michigan's offense like a duck to water.
Andrew Stueber
14 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'6 ½", 290 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star OT, No. 248 overall
High School: Darien HS, Darien, Conn.
Other Finalists: Notre Dame, Virginia, Tennessee
Commit Date: June 25, 2016
Analysis
With an offensive line that is once again in flux entering 2017, building depth was a priority of this recruiting class. Andrew Stueber is an excellent pickup for the Wolverines. He has a college-ready frame and is a powerful run-blocker who explodes off the line with an aggressive, nasty nature.
He is a strong player, and while he can improve his pass protection, he has a very solid base to work from. He's one of four offensive tackles in Michigan's class but has some definite upside.
Deron Irving-Bey
15 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'5", 272 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star DE, No. 269 overall
High School: Flint Southwestern Academy, Flint, Mich.
Senior-Year Stats: 79 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 15 sacks
Other Finalists: Michigan State, Maryland, Tennessee
Commit Date: Dec. 19, 016
Analysis
Good teams can always use athleticism and drive on their defensive line, and Michigan found both with defensive end Deron Irving-Bey. The in-state product has major potential and was very active on the field with 79 tackles and 15 sacks as a senior.
He plays with great, consistent intensity and has a high ceiling along with a great frame, which the Wolverines should be able to develop nicely over the next couple of years. He needs some polish but could turn into an impressive product.
James Hudson
16 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'5", 280 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star DT, No. 273 overall
High School: Central Catholic HS, Toledo, Ohio
Senior-Year Stats: 80 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, eight sacks
Other Finalists: Michigan State
Commit Date: Aug. 8, 2016
Analysis
In the collegiate game, versatile defensive linemen are valuable, and that makes James Hudson an interesting prospect. Hudson plays defensive tackle but is perfectly capable of moving outside and playing defensive end while rushing quarterbacks.
He has good footwork and is a powerful player. While he'll start at defensive tackle, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Hawkins move to the edge in certain situations, which will only enhance his chances at playing time.
Jaylen Kelly-Powell
17 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star S, No. 278 overall
High School: Cass Technical HS, Detroit
Senior-Year Stats: 62 tackles, 26 pass breakups, two interceptions
Other Finalists: Virginia Tech, Wisconsin
Commit Date: Nov. 15, 2016 (early enrollee)
Analysis
The Wolverines need athletes in their secondary, and Jaylen Kelly-Powell fits the bill. He is a polished player with good technique and capable of handling receivers in single coverage while also coming in and wreaking havoc on safety blitzes.
He has good work ethic and size, and has the potential to step in and play immediately with a safety group that is replacing both starters from 2016.
Corey Malone-Hatcher
18 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'3", 248 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star DE, No. 297 overall
High School: St. Joseph HS, St. Joseph, Mich.
Senior-Year Stats: 60 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks
Other Finalists: Michigan State, Wisconsin
Commit Date: June 2, 2016
Analysis
Michigan focused on in-state product Corey Malone-Hatcher early, and that was probably a smart move. He had an excellent and productive senior season and looks like he could contribute early as a pass-rusher for the Wolverines defense.
He is best going after quarterbacks but can also drop back in coverage and has good agility. Durability is a concern, but Malone-Hatcher can provide depth to a defensive line that really needs it.
O'Maury Samuels
19 of 29
Height/Weight: 5'10", 188 lbs
Position/Ranking: 3-star RB, No. 21 RB overall
High School: Los Lunas HS, Los Lunas, N.M.
Senior-Year Stats: 1,376 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns
Other Finalists: Arizona, New Mexico, TCU
Commit Date: April 3, 2016
Analysis
Michigan took a pair of tailbacks in this class, and the top player in the state of New Mexico is an excellent addition. O'Maury Samuels is a do-it-all back who has good burst and can stop on a dime. He is a versatile player who can make different types of runs all over the field and can also catch passes.
The Wolverines don't have an established lead back, which means he could potentially find his way into the backfield mix as a true freshman.
J'Marick Woods
20 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'4", 196 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star S, No. 31 S overall
High School: Florence HS, Florence, Ala.
Senior-Year Stats: 70 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions
Other Finalists: Arkansas, LSU, Mississippi State
Commit Date: March 28, 2016 (early enrollee)
Analysis
Michigan dipped into Alabama for a defensive back who could fit in a number of ways in J'Marick Woods. Woods is projected as a safety, but with his frame, he could be a matchup problem at cornerback as well.
He has great length and excellent hands, and is a real playmaker. In a secondary without many established players, Woods is a guy to watch this fall.
Donovan Jeter
21 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'6", 261 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star DE, No. 34 DE overall
High School: Beaver Falls Area SHS, Beaver Falls, Pa.
Senior-Year Stats: 76 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks
Other Finalists: Notre Dame, Pitt, Georgia, Oklahoma
Commit Date: Oct. 23, 2016
Analysis
The brother of Pitt basketball forward Sheldon Jeter, defensive lineman Donovan Jeter has intriguing potential. His frame has room for growth and improvement, but Jeter can move well and get down the field quickly.
He can make plays in the backfield and play with physicality and strength. He is an explosive player who could really develop in a college environment.
JaRaymond Hall
22 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'5", 272 lbs
Position/Ranking: 4-star OT, No. 35 OT overall
High School: Oak Park HS, Oak Park, Mich.
Other Finalists: Michigan State, Arizona, Miami, Ole Miss
Commit Date: Dec. 5, 2015 (early enrollee)
Analysis
Michigan knew it needed to take offensive linemen in this class, and JaRaymond Hall was a natural fit as an in-state product. He was one of the earliest members of the class, and has excellent work ethic and a competitive nature.
He has a long frame but can continue to build on it as he is already on campus. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him redshirt this fall, but Hall is a smart player who'll be heard from eventually.
Phil Paea
23 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'4", 270 lbs
Position/Ranking: 3-star DT, No. 29 DT overall
High School: Berrien Springs HS, Berrien Springs, Mich.
Senior-Year Stats: 53 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks
Other Finalists: Oregon, Notre Dame
Commit Date: April 2, 2016
Analysis
Phil Paea is another versatile athlete who will fit in well on Michigan's defensive line. Paea grew out of the linebacker position but played both offensive and defensive line in high school, showing his overall flexibility.
He is a strong player who plays fast and can pursue and tackle well. He'll be an interesting prospect to watch and see how Wolverines coaches use him best.
Benjamin St. Juste
24 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'3", 188 lbs
Position/Ranking: 3-star CB, No. 39 CB overall
High School: Cegep du Vieux Montreal, Montreal
Senior Year Stats: 30 tackles, 18 pass breakups, two interceptions
Other Finalists: Virginia Tech
Commit Date: June 23, 2015 (early enrollee)
Analysis
Jim Harbaugh went north of the border to get the first commitment in Michigan's class of 2017 in Montreal native Benjamin St. Juste. St. Juste is one of the top prospects in Canada and brings some very good intangibles to the Michigan secondary.
He has size and is more than comfortable playing man-to-man and press-man coverage. He is an aggressive corner with good feet and, as an early enrollee, should get a jump on playing time in the Wolverines secondary in 2017.
Joel Honigford
25 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'6", 272 lbs
Position/Ranking: 3-star OT, No. 54 OT overall
High School: Garaway HS, Sugarcreek, Ohio
Other Finalists: Michigan State, Oregon
Commit Date: June 29, 2016
Analysis
Michigan loaded up on offensive tackles, taking four in this class, and Joel Honigford certainly has a good outlook to become a legit future contributor. He has a very projectable frame, although there is room for improvement in technique.
He looks like a redshirt candidate as a freshman but has the coordination to make a real impact on the line in the years to come with some added strength and skills.
Ben Mason
26 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'3", 240 lbs
Position/Ranking: 3-star DE, No. 71 DE overall
High School: Newtown HS, Sandy Hook, Conn.
Senior-Year Stats: 63 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions
Other Finalists: Boston College, Wisconsin
Commit Date: May 3, 2016
Analysis
Versatile prospect Ben Mason is listed as a defensive end but could fit a number of spots at Michigan. The Wolverines announced him as a linebacker, although he could play a hybrid edge-rusher role or simply become leaner and move to the linebacker corps full-time.
Mason has good strength and does a great job stopping the run and reading offenses well, and can also blitz passers and drop into coverage with ease. He's ready for whatever role lies ahead.
Kwity Paye
27 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'3", 220 lbs
Position/Ranking: 3-star DE, No. 74 DE overall
High School: Bishop Hendricken HS, Warwick, R.I.
Senior-Year Stats: 65 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks
Other Finalists: Boston College, Rutgers, Syracuse
Commit Date: Oct. 24, 2016
Analysis
Second-year defensive coordinator Don Brown has ties to the Northeast, particularly Boston College, his last stop before coming to Michigan. The Wolverines flipped a former BC commit in Rhode Island defensive end Kwity Paye.
Paye is an excellent athlete who also played as a tailback in high school, and has great pass-rush skills. He has the size to be a hybrid linebacker/end but should give offensive tackles plenty of issues rushing off the edge.
Kurt Taylor
28 of 29
Height/Weight: 5'8", 197 lbs
Position/Ranking: 3-star RB, No. 65 RB overall
High School: Grayson HS, Loganville, Ga.
Senior Year Stats: 930 yards, 14 touchdowns
Other Finalists: Mississippi State, Florida State, Miami (Ohio)
Commit Date: Oct. 16, 2015
Analysis
Kurt Taylor is an all-around back who is not huge but has good power and can run between the tackles or on the perimeter. He is also a solid pass-blocker with good vision and is capable of making yards after contact and using his frame to get the extra yard.
Brad Hawkins
29 of 29
Height/Weight: 6'2", 210 lbs
Position/Ranking: 3-star WR, unranked
High School: Camden HS, Camden, N.J.
Senior-Year Stats: 41 catches, 544 yards, 7 touchdowns
Commit Date: Oct. 18, 2016
Analysis
In Michigan's decorated wide receiver recruit group, Brad Hawkins flies a little under the radar but gets off the line of scrimmage fast and is capable of outjumping cornerbacks to catch passes downfield and over the middle.
He picks up big yardage after the catch and is a physical receiver. While he isn't the fastest receiver, his skills give Hawkins plenty of potential for a solid college career.
All recruiting rankings and info are courtesy of Scout.com.
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