What We Know: Not Much

Well, unless there is a crystal ball out there that I'm not aware of, there is no way to tell how this recruiting season is going to end up. Things have been up and down for Michigan since the end of the season.

First was all of the attrition from the current squad. Sam McGuffie, Zion Babb, Avery Horn and Carson Butler highlight the list of players who will seek greener pastures next season. And now it's the prospect of having a few key recruits pass on their verbals to Michigan.

The latest was 3-star LB prospect Jordan Barnes. But a disturbing rumor is that Michigan verbals QB Shavodrick Beaver and DT Pearlie Graves are now on the fence. Add in the de-commits the likes of QB Kevin Newsome and DT William Campbell, both 5-star studs from earlier in the season...and it really makes you stop to wonder.

Now, aside from all of the shake up lately, Michigan has been able to put together a 21 member class that ranks #7 overall on the Rivals team rankings. No doubt that is a huge step in the right direction for this young coaching staff/program.

I fully expect (hope) that William Campbell will re-commit to the Wolverines by signing day. AND...there is still an outside (none) shot that Michigan could re-land Kevin Newsome when he makes his decision public tomorrow at a press conference. Word is (according to pops Newsome), he has widdled his selection down to three schools. According to Rivals, Penn State and Virginia Tech are the only schools worth mentioning. Boston College has a remote shot...but Penn State is likely where he'll end up.

Campbell visited Florida late last week. Odds are it was much warmer than his visit to Ann Arbor on the 5th. But it sounds as if his parents are much higher on Rodriguez and Michigan than any other school on his list. Add him to the commitment list and suddenly Michigan has a top 5 class.

A bit of really great news was today's commitment of Arizona OL Taylor Lewan. Not only does Michigan land a great offensive tackle, but they did so among a very long list of potential schools, including many from the west.

And finally, RB Vincent Smith and LB Brandin Hawthorne, both solid Michigan verbals and teammates from Pahokee, FL led their high school to the state championship this past weekend. They will hopefully bring much of that winning attitude to next year's squad.