Michigan Recruiting Wish List: 5 Star Prospects To Get Back on Track

After bringing in a top 10 recruiting class in 2007 and 2008, Michigan dropped to 14th in 2009 and 20th in 2010. 

The decline in recruiting can be directly attributed to the overall decline of the program and the growing sense that head coach Rich Rodriguez isn't going to be able to deliver the success that most fans expected upon his arrival to Ann Arbor three seasons ago. 

Right now, the Wolverines' 2011 recruiting class is following the same trend of the last four years: a steady decline in the wrong direction. 

Michigan has only three four-star prospects committed at this point, and no elite prospects have signed up.

So what can this team do to turn things around on the recruiting front?

Here are some prospects that could be a huge part of the solution in Michigan. 

Michigan's Current 2011 Recruiting Class

Five-Star Commitments: 0
Four-Star Commitments: 3
Three-Star Commitments: 7

The Wolverines had only five commitments prior to June, with Brennen Beyer the only four-star talent of the bunch. Since then, they've added five more names to the docket, but in this case, it really comes down to the two commitments to close July out. 

They are offensive tackle Jake Fisher and linebacker Kellen Jones. 

Both of these four-star prospects committed in the last two weeks of July, and are arguably the top two names in Michigan's recruiting class. Jones is an especially needed, good grab in what was turning out to be a very poor recruiting class. 

But there's potentially some light at the end of the tunnel, with a handful of blue-chip prospects still out there who are seriously considering the Wolverines. 

Tim Jernigan, DT

At 6-foot-2, 275 lbs, Jernigan is an athletic big man who moves extremely well for his size and can get into the backfield in a hurry. He's a disruptive force who recorded 131 tackles, including 27 for a loss as a junior, and commands a constant double-team.

He has all the tools to become an elite college defensive lineman. He's strong, stays low to the ground, drives with his legs, and has a relentless motor. On top of that, he has a solid array of power and finesse moves to shed blocks and penetrate the line of scrimmage.

Jernigan is a monster in pursuit and never gives up on a play, even if it means chasing a ball carrier 20-30 yards downfield.

He grew up a Florida fan, but the door isn't closed yet on one of the top prospects still on the market. He lists his top five as Florida, LSU, Alabama, Michigan, and FSU.

Doran Grant, CB

Grant is the best cornerback prospect in the country, rated No. 1 by Rivals and No. 2 by Scout. Considering his smallish frame, the rankings say a whole lot about the talent this kid brings to the table.

Grant is probably better than advertised and definitely fits the bill at a generous 5-foot-10 and 175 lbs.

He's lighting-fast, tests off the charts athletically, tackles with a lot of power, and has a great nose for the ball.

You can't ask for too much more out of a high school cornerback, and the best part is that Grant hasn't even come to reaching his ceiling yet. 

The Akron, Ohio native recently cut his list of suitors down to 10 possibilities: Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Cincinnati, USC, UCLA, and Penn State. They are all still in the running, and it's anyone's game right now. 

Sammy Watkins, WR

Sammy Watkins is one of the best prospects from the state of Florida and a game-breaker at the receiver position.

He's the complete package in terms of size and speed and a dangerous weapon in the return game as well; he's a threat to take it the distance on any play and has that sixth gear you look for in elite prospects.

The only knock on Watkins is that for someone of his size and catching ability, he hasn't been much of a redzone threat to this point in his career, and that's a bit troubling.

Wakins' top two schools are believed to be Clemson and Miami, though based on his comments, the race appears more open than that. 

"I wouldn't say anyone is the leader right now. I don't have one," Wakins said. "I have high interest in Miami, Florida, Clemson, Michigan, Tennessee, Alabama and a few others."

Ray Drew, DE

Ray Drew is not just a high school football star who's one of the best pure pass rushers in the country—he's also a licensed minister.

That speaks volumes about this young man's character.

Drew isn't the type of player you need to worry about causing problems off the field. He's a hard worker, a vocal player, and a natural leader.

He'll step in from day one and grind it out at 100 percent, from the minute the whistle is blown, until the end of the day.

He's dominant when it comes to getting to the quarterback and has a great skill set of power and finesse moves.

Drew has been one of the most highly-recruited prospects in the country, and earlier this month said that his decision is up in the air between Miami, Michigan, Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Auburn.

Wayne Lyons, S

At 6-foot-1, 190 lbs, Lyons has a natural frame that makes him look more like a linebacker than a safety when he has his pads on. He certainly hits like a linebacker. 

He'll need to work on his backpedal and man-to-man coverage skills, but the tools are there for him to develop into an outstanding playmaker. He's got a great pair of hands and is a very smart football player.

Lyons is a true quarterback of the secondary and will get his troops lined up quickly, calling out adjustments like someone born to play this position. 

He's gone from 50 offers to a narrowed down list of 14 finalists, and the Woverines are right there in the mix. It's too soon to see who's out in front, though he seems to be favoring the SEC.

This is one that could drag out for months, all the way to National Signing Day, so regardless of who Lyons favors now, there's still plenty of time for that to change.