Michigan Football: Could Leftover Snake Oil Help Last-Minute Recruiting Rush?

Soon after Rich Rodriguez arrived in Ann Arbor he began making inroads in the recruiting battle.

In less than a month, he added nine players to the class that Lloyd Carr assembled.

But Rodriguez was rarely lauded for his achievements.

Former Purdue coach Joe Tiller wasn’t exactly first in line to congratulate Rodriguez on his recruiting bonanza (verbal commitments, as we should all understand, are not binding). Tiller believed there should be an early signing period, so to avoid the last-minute chaos.

“You wouldn't have a team with a guy in a wizard hat selling snake oil grab a guy at the last minute, but that's what happened," Tiller said.

On national signing day (2008), Rodriguez not only “poached” Roy Roundtree from Purdue, he also “pilfered” Michael Shaw and Ricky Barnum.

Rodriguez, of course, is gone so Brady Hoke is facing a similar challenge. 

This year’s signing day is barely two weeks away and it does appear he could use an ample amount of the snake oil.

To make things worse, Tate Forcier will not be back for sure, so it would make sense for Michigan to recruit a quarterback, if possible.  

There is a bright side, however. Hoke has lined up an impressive group of visitors and the new coaching staff has assembled a long list of prospects. 

Before we see a list of the upcoming visitors and prospects, let’s view some video of six key commitments.

1. RB Justice Hayes, 5'10"

Justice Hayes

Hayes could be Michigan's most versatile player. Expect him to challenge for the punt and kick return slots after he gets acclimated.

He originally committed to Notre Dame but switched to Michigan in November. Hayes gained well over 1,000 yards in both his sophomore and junior years, but missed most of his senior season with a wrist injury. 

A good pass receiver out of the backfield, rivals.com considered him the No. 3 all-purpose back in the nation. 

Hayes is listed at 185, but he's expected to play at 200. 

2. DE Brennen Beyer, 6'4"

Brennen Beyer

Another recruit from the State of Michigan, Brennen Beyer already resembles Wolverine defensive end Craig Roh. Beyer's quite an athlete, so it's not inconceivable he could play tight end or even fullback.

With a 3.8 GPA, he should have no trouble learning multiple positions. 

Rated a 4-star prospect by scout.com, he's also the No. 12 defensive end in the country. With 45 tackles and nine sacks, it's understandable that he made All-Metro Detroit. 

3. CB Blake Countess, 5'10"

Blake Countess

Even before Rich Rodriguez lost his coaching job, Michigan DE commitment Blake Countess said he was choosing a school as if he wasn't playing football. So after the coaching change, Countess immediately visited Penn State placing his commitment in jeopardy.

Countess is expecting a visit from Brady Hoke, so things are somewhat optimistic. Another positive is that Countess is from the Baltimore are, and he's quite familiar with new DC Greg Mattison, who spent the last three seasons with the NFL Baltimore Ravens.

Another versatile recruit, Countess returns punts, kickoffs and plays wide receiver. Rated the No. 13 CB by rivals.com. Countess was part of the East squad's 13-10 win in the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. 

4. MLB Kellen Jones, 6'1"

Kellen Jones

MLB Kellen Jones' commitment is wavering slightly but the Wolverines have survived a trip to Colorado. It looks like Jones has one more visit schedule to Miami Jan. 28. If Jones can survive new Miami coach Al Golden's tinkering, he will be a Wolverine on signing day.

Golden has already snatched kicker Matt Goudas and picked up linebacker Antonio Kinard who previously was a Wolverine. 

Assistant coach Fred Jackson was already out to see Jones. When he originally signed in July Rodriguez and Jones reportedly broke out in a chorus of "The Victors." 

Whether he can sing or not, Jones accumulated some spectacular numbers last season. He was credited with 75 tackles, 22 TFL, six sacks and six blocked kicks. 

5. CB Delonte Hollowell, 5'8"

Delonte Hollowell

Hollowell will join former teammates Thomas Gordon, Teric Jones and William Campbell on the Michigan roster.

All played for former Michigan running back Thomas Wilcher at Detroit Cass Tech. Over the years, several Michigan players played at the Downtown Detroit magnet school including Tom Seabron, Curtis Greer, Harlan Huckleby and Clarence Williams.

Despite his tiny stature, Hollowell makes up for it by excellent fundamentals and tenacious tackling. 

Redshirting may help him approach the 185-lb. mark. His only weakness of course, is handling jump ball situations. Even so, rivals.com rated him the No. 21 cornerback in the country. 

6. OT Jake Fisher, 6'7"

Jake Fisher

Another instate player who's found himself among the de-commited. Fisher tossed his hat back in the ring when Rodriguez left. So it looks like Hoke will borrow the "Les Miles Lear Jet" one more time and navigate the prettiest part of the state.

Fisher has already visited East Lansing and has a trip to Florida in sight. Many believe this is just a case of getting to know the new coach. Regardless, Fisher will most likely be in the Michigan camp on signing day.

At 6'7" and 275 pounds, Fisher has superb size. There's no doubt he'll be over 300 midway through the season.  He actually played tight end in high school, but recruiters see him as an offensive tackle. 

The are a few other recruits with verbal commitments: C Jack MIller, MLB Desmond Morgan, DE Chris Rock and CB Greg Brown. OT Tony Posada is listed as a soft verbal.

Visitors this weekend: CB Stefan McClure, OG Aundrey Walker, TE Frank Clark, OT Raymon Taylor, K Matt Wile and OT Tony Posada.

There are several others of interest: DE Ray Drew, OT Josue Matias, QB Cardale Jones, TE Darien Bryant, WR Shawn Conway, CB Floyd Raven, WR Prince Holloway and OLB Marell Evans (former Wolverine).