Michigan Football: Top 5 Impact Freshmen for 2011

When Brady Hoke was named head coach January 11, his work was already cut out for him. Rich Rodriguez had been able to secure just seven verbal commits for the 2010 recruiting class.

By the time the dust had cleared, Hoke signed a total of 20 players to national letters of intent, good enough for the 24th rated class in the nation.  

A few of those players will be on stage when the Wolverines open the season September 3 against Western Michigan.

Matt Wile, who planned on doing the kicking for San Diego State this fall, followed Hoke instead to Michigan where the field goal fortunes turned sour in 2010.

It looks like Wile will definitely be the starting field goal kicker. The first few weeks of all camp will determine which of the other freshmen might crack the starting lineup.

Let's take a look at which freshmen might make an immediate impact. 

Matt Wile, Freshman Placekicker

The numbers speak for themselves. Michigan's kickers were able to connect on four of 14 field goal attempts, the longest being 37 yards.

Wile, who saw an opportunity to play right away, also considered the Wolverines because his dad attended medical school here.

Wile will arrive in Ann Arbor as the fourth-rated kicker in the nation. He couldn't get here fast enough.  

Jake Ryan, RS Freshman Linebacker

Michigan was Jake Ryan's only Big 10 offer so it was a no-brainer for the Cleveland St. Ignatius standout to choose the Wolverines. 

Ryan was a 2010 redshirt, before being a pleasant surprise during recent during practice. Not only did Ryan impress the coaches with excellent coverage in the backfield, he was also quick off the ball, creating havoc for the quarterback.  

Spectators at the spring game got a chance to see the surprising Ryan in action. The linebacker intercepted a Devin Gardner pass for a touchdown and was also credited with a sack.

As of today, it looks like Cam Gordon will be the starting SAM linebacker, but with a good fall camp, Ryan could be the starter on opening day.   

Greg Brown, Freshman Cornerback

It may be a coincidence, but Greg Brown played at the same school as Heisman Trophy cornerback Charles Woodson: Fremont Ross in Ohio.

Brown graduated early so he could be part of this year's spring practice. The only true freshman on campus. Ross was very impressive throughout the spring.

While Brown may be down a couple rungs on the depth chart he still could earn considerable playing time due to the uncertainty of the injuries to Troy Woolfolk and J.T. Floyd.

"Sometimes when there's an opportunity and a guy comes in there and competes, he might just win it," Hoke told annarbor.com.

Thomas Rawls, Freshman Tailback

There were no less than six candidates competing for the tailback slot during spring practice: Stephen Hopkins, Michael Cox, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michael Shaw, Teric Jones and Vincent Smith.

Statistics show there's not a great deal to choose from. Hoke is looking for a downhill, between the tackles, north-south runner. While Cox and Toussaint have impressed on occasion, Hopkins is the only pure, power runner.

So the opening is there for Thomas Rawls, a 5'10", 215-pounder from Flint Northern, to at least accumulate some quality minutes.

Rawls played for Coach Fred Jackson, who's the son of the Michigan assistant by the same name.

Also knocking down the door is Rawls' competitor from the Flint area, Justice Hayes.

From Grand Blanc, Hayes is more of a slashing runner at 5'10", 180. If you recall, Hayes previously committed to Notre Dame, but then changed his mind. Jackson may have had something to do with that.

Josh Furman, Freshman Safety

At 6'3", 202-pounds, Josh Furman is the perfect specimen for a safety. Add his 4.36, 40 time, his linebacking and running back skills, you'd see why he's near a starting job as a redshirt frosh..

Other than Jordan Kovacs starting at strong safety, it seems like Furman will compete for the free safety job with Carvin Johnson and Marvin Robinson.  Furman will also battle with Thomas Gordon for Kovacs' position.

From the Baltimore area, Furman was star running back in high school. On his way to a state championship, Furman led his Old Mill team with over 2,200 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior. His single game best was 414 yards.

With the numbers Michigan's defense allowed a season ago, it seems like there just might be a spot available.