Michigan Thursday: 2011 Recruiting Class Size

In 2010 Michigan signed 27 players to scholarship LOI. Michigan hopes all 27 make it to campus this summer or fall. The rumor mill says two players are borderline, so we will see.

In the class of 2011 Michigan is expecting to sign a much smaller class. The numbers are expected to be in the neighborhood of 15 to 17 kids. Michigan has four verbal commitments so far for the 2011 class: two DBs, one DE, and one WR.

We know the focus on a majority of the spots will be to increase the depth numbers on defense.

Here is what I expect the, let's say, 12 remaining spots are going to focus on.

One QB

Many might question this strategy. Why take another QB when you have two freshmen (both may redshirt) and two sophomores on the roster? QB is one spot that you probably need to take every year. Michigan probably doesn't need a five-star guy, but a solid four-star QB would be a welcome addition to this class.

One TE

Rich Rodriguez never really used TEs at WVU but has really found a nice place in his offense for them. This isn't a huge need, but Michigan is looking to get a talented TE in this class.

Three OL

Michigan took one offensive lineman in the 2010 class with a pretty strong offensive line class in 2009. Michigan has three redshirt seniors on the offensive line in 2010. Michigan looks to have built some nice depth on the line in 2010 but needs to continue that process moving forward.

Three WR

RR likes his WRs, and even though he took four in 2010, he continues to recruit that position hard in 2011. He has one verbal and a number of offers out. Some of the leaders to fill those remaining spots are A.J. Jordan, DeAnthony Arnett, and Sammy Watkins. 

Three CBs

Michigan has two in the fold already with four coming in (one remains borderline academically) this summer. CB currently has serious depth issues with the loss of Donovan Warren to the NFL, so expect a young guy to play often this year (most likely Cullen Christian and/or Demar Dorsey).

One Safety

This is one of those positions where you can take CBs that don't have the speed or have added weight with Mike Barwis into a safety spot. Getting one or two true safeties would be good in this class.

One DE

Michigan has four DEs that are either true or redshirt freshmen, so this spot may be full for 2011. I could see Michigan maybe taking another. (This is another spot where you can take a LB and ask him to play with his hand down.)

Two LBs

This position continues to need depth, and IMO Michigan needs a true middle linebacker.

Two DTs

Michigan needs big run-stoppers on the defensive line. They lose two seniors, and Mike Martin is a junior. They have two coming in as freshmen.

One RB

Demetrius Hart, this spot is yours! There are three guys on the roster that are true or redshirt freshmen and two sophomores.  

Hey BHB, I'm not a math whiz, but you said there were 12 to 13 spots left, and your numbers add up to 18! What gives?

So now you can see the problems with this class. Michigan might have a few more spots open up due to guys not making it in from the 2010 class, guys not getting a fifth year, transfers, etc.

Michigan, I'm sure, would like to take two RBs in this class; they might also only be able to take two WRs (next one in might lock down the class for that spot). They need the big guys on both lines, and linebacker continues to be a weakness until some guys step up at that position.

Another big question mark remains the depth at DB. If you're looking to cut some numbers, DB and OL are your two spots. OL is the bigger need. They could also take a walk-on TE if they don't get one of their targeted guys.

What's interesting is Michigan has a small class with only four spots filled. OSU has a bigger ceiling this year and has 11 spots already filled. If players want to be Blue, they better consider committing early, because if they wait they might lose their spot.