Recruiting Outlook: 2013

With the Class of 2013 recruiting in full swing, let's take a look at the needs Michigan has at each position and get an idea of how many kids they may take at each spot.  These are my projections based off of the guys that are exhausting their eligibility after this season combined with possible attrition and how the coaches have indicated they want the roster composed.

First off, let's start with guys losing their eligibility after this season.  There are, by my count, 16 seniors for this coming season.  There are also 2 open scholarships under the 85 limit.  This could change with the decision of 2012 OL Alex Kozan, but no one (including him it seems) has a clue what's going to happen there, so let's just count him out for the purposes of this article.  That gives us a starting point of 18 scholarships for the class of 2013.  You figure there are a couple of guys that may not be asked back for 5th years (I will never speculate on who these guys might be.  I think each of us probably has an idea, but I find it in poor taste to say a kid is undeserving of a 5th year and I will not engage in doing so) as well as a guys that may transfer, have a career ending injury, academic casualties, etc.  I am going to operate on the assumption that we are looking at a class of around 22.

The following is how I see each position in terms of how many kids I expect Michigan to take/need, along with any departing players from Team 133.  I will speculate on a very early guess list as to how those spots will be filled in another post I hope to have up either tonight or tomorrow.

OFFENSE

Quarterback:
2013 - 1
Departing - Denard Robinson :(

There is some speculation that the staff would like to take another lower rated QB for depth in this class (in addition to verbal commit Shane Morris) after not taking a QB in the class of 2012.  I am of the "You Take a QB in Every Class" school but I don't think you need to try to make up for missing last year.  There are greater needs elsewhere in a somewhat smaller class that I think you take your super QB and call it a day.  Should this class grow to be 25+, then I can see maybe bringing in another QB, but I wouldn't expect that to even be entertained until much later in this cycle.

Running Back:
2013 - 2
Departing - Mike Cox, Vincent Smith

I am going to do a little combining here.  I think the staff would like a true super Tailback in this class and would also like another Fullback or at least big back to go with him.  I will combine these both into the RB category and say they will take two, but expect them to be different types of backs.  

Wide Receiver:
2013 - 3
Departing - Roy Roundtree, Terrence Robinson

Again, I am not going to differentiate between outside receivers and slot guys just yet.  I do expect the three guys in this class to be made up of two taller outside guys and one smaller slot type though.  I think that the staff would take three outside guys if a slot doesn't look like it's going to happen.  I could also see them just take two again and use the third scholarship elsewhere.

Tight End:
2013 - 2
Departing - Brandon Moore

The Wolverines already have one commit at this position and I think they will look to add at least one more.  I can see them taking three here if they can get two more big time guys.  So far, Khalid Hill has spoken for one of these spots and he fills a need at the Wing/H-back spot.  Look for the other guy(s) to be more of the true balanced TE that can block and stretch the field.

Offensive Line:
2013 - 4
Departing - Patrick Omameh, Ricky Barnum, Elliott Mealer, Rocko Khoury

I am not going to get into splitting these guys up by position yet, mostly because it is still very much in flux.  One thing is for sure though, there has got a be a Center prospect in here somewhere.  Khoury's departure after next year leaves only Jack Miller at the position.  Kozan could solve that problem should he choose to join the class of 2012, but again, no one knows what's going through that young man's head.  If he doesn't come on board, there must be a Center prospect in this class.  The other part that's uncertain is where the 2012 guys will end up.  Take Kalis for example.  He's said Hoke has told him he can come in a try both Tackle and Guard and see where he's most comfortable/effective.  Once these guys get more or less settled at a position, and Kozan makes a decision, we will have a much better idea of what the breakdown by position will look like.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line:
2013 - 4
Departing - Will Campbell, Craig Roh

Same clause applies here as it did for the OL.  Are guys like Wormley and Godin going to play SDE or are they going to slide down to the 3-tech?  Is Ojemudia play WDE or OLB?  Once these guys get settled, the picture will clear up.  I will offer an early guess that they are looking for two DTs and two DEs

Linebacker:
2013 - 2
Departing - Kenny Demens, Brandin Hawthorne

The class of 2012 is expected to be a great corps of LBs, not only production wise, but also at upgrading the talent and depth across the board.  With that group in the fold, the Wolverines can be a little more selective with these spots and take a smaller number as well.

Cornerback:
2013 - 2
Departing - J.T. Floyd

I still expect two corners in this class even though only one player is scheduled to leave the team.  The staff showed they were willing to take more than they ended up with in the last class and I think they are in good position for several top players at the CB spot in this class.

Safety:
2013 - 2
Departing - Jordan Kovacs

Dymonte Thomas has already pledged to take one of these spots and I think he will have some company on the back end before this class is done.  While there are already seven other Safeties on the roster in 2013 other than Thomas, I wouldn't be surprised to see Michigan take two here.  Safety is a notoriously difficult position to recruit and project and there is always the possibility that one or more of these guys could grow into a LB (including Thomas).

So there we have it.  12 on Offense and 10 on Defense.  Obviously, a lot can and will change before next February and I am in no way privy to any information on how many guys the coaches actually want at these spots.  These are just my thoughts.  As I said, I will have out a way too early look at who may take these 22 spots coming soon.  Let me know your thoughts and any mistakes I may have made, and as always, Go Blue!