Michigan football was seen as being dead in the water entering the month of June with just five commitments and ranking around No. 50 nationally. Seven pledges later, suddenly, the Wolverines are cooking with gas.
The maize and blue secured four four-stars and three three-stars in the month of June. The four-stars were safety Kainoa Winston, defensive lineman Jaylen Williams, running back Donovan Johnson and wide receiver Jacob Washington. The three-stars were RB Jasper Parker, center Kaden Strayhorn and linebacker Chase Taylor. The Wolverines moved up in the 247Sports team rankings, but ESPN doesn’t keep a running list like the recruiting services do.
So where does Michigan football rank in the eyes of ESPN now? It’s in a good place with room to go higher.
ESPN 300: 5
Top offensive prospect: QB Carter Smith
Top defensive prospect: S Kainoa Winston
Previous ranking: Unranked
The defending national champions start a new era with Sherrone Moore at the helm. Quarterback Carter Smith is a poised passer with good arm strength. He threw for over 2,000 yards, rushed for over 700 and was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida as a junior. WR Jacob Washington is a good, underrated pickup out of Louisiana. He tested very well this offseason on the camp circuit and offers a big target at nearly 6-foot-3 with close to an 80-inch wingspan.
Moore is a former offensive lineman and offensive line coach. So it isn’t surprising he added more talent to that unit with a pair of four-star big men in Avery Gach and Kaden Strayhorn. On defense, Kainoa Winston can be a well-rounded defender in the secondary with good speed. He makes plays in coverage and has the physicality to also come up and support the run.
There are several big names still out there for the taking. Michigan is in it for four-star running back Jordon Davison, who decides soon. Four-star linebackers Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Kamar Archie appear to be leaning toward the maize and blue, as does five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, four-star tight end Andrew Olesh, four-star interior offensive lineman Hardy Watts, four-star wide receiver Andrew Marsh and three-star wide receiver Phillip Wright. They’re in it to flip Notre Dame commitment safety Ivan Taylor and South Carolina cornerback commit Shamari Earls.
Should the Wolverines get the bulk of those, they’ll certainly be pushing for a top 10 class, if not top five.