Considering how little time Jim Harbaugh had to make something out of Michigan's 2015 signing class, the fact that he ended up in the top 40 overall is nothing short of miraculous. While it hurts that Michigan missed out on Chris Clark and Iman Marshall, it's important to remember that Harbaugh's first signing class at Stanford was even less highly regarded...but you might recognize a few names from it - like NFL starters Doug Baldwin and Coby Fleener - despite their low initial rankings.
With a full year to get his business done, Harbaugh's 2016 class promises to be even better. While it's no guarantee he'll find an Andrew Luck for the Wolverines, he has his eye on a number of very interesting names...
5. WR Dylan Crawford
The California native is the #5 wide receiver in the Class of 2016, and Harbaugh made a special stop on his West Coast recruiting trip to check in with the 6'1 speed demon and his QB, 2016 4-Star KJ Costello. A dynamic playmaker who could rise even higher in the rankings over the next year, Crawford is definitely one to watch for the future.
4. OT Erik Swenson
The only player on this list already committed to the Wolverines, Swenson is a 6'7 OT out of Downers Grove, Illinois. While he originally committed to Brady Hoke, Jim Harbaugh reached out to the #12 OT in the Class of '16 almost immediately after being hired, and it sounds like he hasn't wavered on his commitment. Has the potential to be Taylor Lewan without the drama.
3. DE Josh King
The #4 strong-side DE in his class, King has been on the radar for some time now. He has room to fill out at 6'6, 250, and Wolverines DC D.J. Durkin is already pushing hard to make him a Wolverine.
2. OT Ben Bredeson
A mammoth 5-Star tackle from Virginia, Bredeson is the #5 OT in the Class of 2016. The Wolverines have made him a high priority, and while they aren't currently the favorites to land his signature - Wisconsin has been chasing him for years already - he's no doubt going to hear a lot more from the Wolverines in coming months.
1. DT Rashan Gary
Locking down the #2 player in the Class of '16 would be a real statement of intent for Harbaugh. Not only is Gary a generational talent who could have an instant impact on Michigan's defense, it would also signal to rivals and other elite recruiting programs that Harbaugh isn't here to play games. Gary is from New Jersey powerhouse Paramus Catholic, and the teams currently leading the race - Penn State, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Alabama - will be his main recruiting competitors in the next 5-10 years. Jay Harbaugh has already reached out to Gary, with DL coach Greg Mattison also pitching in.
MORE:
Michigan Football News: Stanford CB Wayne Lyons Considering Graduate Transfer To UM
Recapping Michigan’s 2015 Recruiting Class
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