[jwplayer 6z0Qmwig-XNcErKyb]
Jim Harbaugh & Co. have done a masterful job of putting together the 2021 recruiting class.
Though Michigan football had just two commitments for nearly a year, now the class is ranked No. 10 with 21 pledges, highlighted by five-star quarterback J.J. McCarthy as well as a cadre of top-notch wide receivers.
And though the Wolverines aren’t done yet — as prospects such as West Bloomfield (MI) four-star Donovan Edwards are still deciding — the maize and blue find themselves not only with some of the top players in the country according to the recruiting services, but also with many making a coveted list.
Sports Illustrated put out the SI99, as in the 99 best high school seniors heading into the 2020 season. While many won’t get the opportunity to actually suit up due to different states not having high school football this fall, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t among the elite in the country.
That said, Michigan had four commits make the list, unsurprisingly headlined by its five-star signal caller.
- No. 24 – Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy QB J.J. McCarthy
- No. 58 – Scottsdale (AZ) Saguaro DE Quintin Somerville
- No. 67 – Fresno (CA) Central West WR Xavier Worthy
- No. 99 – Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei WR Cristian Dixon
[lawrence-related id=27531,27513,27510,27502]
McCarthy at 24 is expected, but given that Somerville, Dixon and Worthy are all outside of the Top 100 in the 247Sports Composite, it shows how other analysts anticipate big things out of the various Michigan commitments. Worthy and Dixon are particularly tantalizing, as they’ll add a lot of speed to Josh Gattis’ offense, and could become unparalleled breakout players wearing the maize and blue.
While it’s a nice haul, rival Ohio State — which currently has the top-rated class in the country — has 10 commits who made the SI99 rankings.
[vertical-gallery id=27515]