Reeves And The Rest Of The Class

Armani Reeves

4-star CB (and 2-time Michigan flirt) Armani Reeves committed to Penn State today, which was expected since he announced his final 3--Michigan, ND, PSU--without another visit or much interaction from Michigan's staff. This comes just days after why-doesn't-anybody-want-me-I'm-sweet 4-star DT Tommy Schutt committed to PSU too, so it's been a good recruiting week for the Lions. It's somewhat strange rooting for PSU in these recruiting battles because of the new divisions; it changes the dynamic of where we want to see players land, even within the B1G.

With fall practice in full swing, recruiting has fallen off the radar a bit since nobody can stop watching Greg Mattison interviews, myself included. At 22 verbals and Hoke stating he'd like to finish his 26-member class by the end of November (!), the last 4 spots have been up for a somewhat petty debate. Outside of WR, Michigan's 2012 class has addressed every glaring depth or position need. That's not to say we could always use another OL or DT or whichever position. But a Jordan Diamond would be our 6th OL, Danny O'Brien 3rd DT. Not the end of the world.

So what positions are priority? Everybody has their own order but what matters most is how the coaches see it and it probably goes something like this: WR, RB, DB, WR/OL (tie), DT.

The fact that FB Sioma Houma remains the only offensive "skill" position--no QB, RB, WR, or slot-- exemplifies the lopsided depth chart Rodriguez left behind and what Hoke rather emphasize. Only 8 of the 22 verbals are offensive players and 7 of those 8 are TEs or OL. Look for Hoke to regain a little bit more balance. It would be reasonable if Michigan had say at least 10 offensive players in a 26-member class; it would make sense that 2, most likely 3, of the last 4 spots will be devoted to that side of the ball.

Your pick at WR is probably as good as anybody else: a mix of wide-open but noteworthy names include Jehu Chesson, Dwayne Stanford, Jordan Payton, Stefon Diggs and Amara Darboh. Chesson and Stanford have the longest recruiting histories with the staff, Payton pops up on the radar with an interesting quote every 2 weeks, Diggs is an incredible talent but academic issues hamper Michigan's returned interest and Darboh is a wildcard with no real leader. Even with Stonum red-shirting, I don't really think it changes the staff's approach to the class numbers or how they feel at the WR position. I personally think Hoke will take 2, if he can get them.

Yuri Wright

At RB and DB, only Bri'onte Dunn and Yuri Reeves are left on the radar respectively. I don't think we'll hear a word out of Dunn until the NCAA rules specifically on what sanctions will be levied on OSU, which could take us into November. Today's meeting with the NCAA went quickly but a 2nd letter of allegations could keep the investigation open for some time. Does he want to continue waiting with so much uncertainty? Yuri Reeves ironically is no "backup" option to Reeves; he'd actually be one of the highest rated prospect of the class should he commit. The Don Bosco prep (same high school as Brian Cushing) 4-star CB is ranked 3rd nationally at CB and 41st overall by Rivals. I know CB has been sufficiently addressed but we want him. TomVH's interview with Wright has Michigan in his top 2.

I'm not really sure what to make of OL Jordan Diamond and DT Danny O'Brien. I feel Diamond should all but be in this class already but so much time has passed that it makes you wonder if either side has cooled a bit. O'Brien is set on taking his visits so we'll have to see if that changes things in the fall. He's a Michigan native though and has relayed that the staff will make room for him if he decides to go Blue. I personally would like to see O'Brien in this class, even as a 3rd DT, over a 2nd WR or 6th OL.

How do I see this playing out? For now, my guess would be Diamond (right before ND weekend), Chesson (mid-season), Dunn (Ohio State weekend! LULZ. No but really...), and Wright (Army AA game).