The Michigan Wolverines are nearly halfway through the regular season, but that doesn't mean they've slowed down on the recruiting trail. In fact, the Wolverines' 2017 class already ranks in the top 10 nationally with 16 commitments. Here are all the latest Michigan football recruiting news:
Wolverines still in the mix for nation's top prospect
Five-star running back Najee Harris (Antioch, CA), the No. 1 player in the 2017 class, has been committed to Alabama since April 2015, but he told USA Today that he isn't exactly solid on that commitment.
“Let’s say this: My mind isn’t set on Alabama," Harris said. "I’m not 100 percent set on Alabama. I’m trying to see what else is out there for me. I’m using my visits to see. As much attention as I’ve gotten, I feel like I have helped my teammates get some offers, too.”
Michigan has continued to pursue Harris as hard as anyone, and while he has not scheduled an official visit to Ann Arbor yet, he is expected to make one before signing. Along with the Wolverines, it is believed that USC and Cal are legitimately in the mix.
Michigan to flip Penn State commit?
Three-star outside linebacker Brelin Faison-Walden (Greensboro, NC) committed to Penn State in July, but there is a growing belief that he will change his commitment to the Wolverines on Signing Day, according to 247sports' Steve Lorenz.
Michigan continued their aggressive pursuit of 2017 three-star Penn State commitment Brelin Faison-Walden on Wednesday, as linebackers coach Chris Partridge stopped into Greensboro (NC) Grimsley to check in on the safety/linebacker.
Faison-Walden described the visit as going "well" between Partridge and his high school coaches. There's no doubt in my mind that he's warming up to the idea of potentially playing for the Wolverines, and I'd describe his current level of commitment to the Nittany Lions as at least relatively soft.
In fact, there's a growing sentiment that there are two other schools besides Michigan that have a better chance in signing him than Penn State does in Georgia and Virginia Tech. We will see how it plays out, but my Crystal Ball is definitely on the Wolverines as of now.
The 6'1", 200-pounder is ranked as the No. 26 OLB and No. 440 overall prospect in the country.
3-star FB/LB decommits
Chase Lasater (Jacksonville, FL) originally committed to Michigan in March, but posted a message on Twitter saying he has decommitted from the program.
"After much time, consideration and thought I would like to announce my decommitment from the University of Michigan," he said. "Even though this was an incredibly tough and heartbreaking decision, my family and I feel it is best to reopen my recruitment. I'd like to thank all of the coaches including Coach Harbaugh for recruiting me and especially Coach Bam (Richards) for making me feel like family to the team. Michigan remains a top school on my list, and I wish them the best of luck throughout this football season. Finally, thanks to the fans for showing as much love as they did."
Lasater was recruited to play fullback, but the coaching staff has also promised to give him a shot a playing linebacker. He is ranked as the No. 2 fullback in the country.
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