Say what you want about Jim Harbaugh and the job he has done at Michigan thus far, but one thing you can’t criticize him for is his ability to recruit.
Harbaugh has brought in his fair share of talent since taking the helm in 2015 and the 2021 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of his best along with the 2017 class (finished as #5 overall class).
The Wolverines are currently ranked 7th overall but that could easily change for the better as the recruiting cycle goes on.
The 2021 class boasts 19 commits, one 5-star, nine 4-star, and nine 3-star players. The crown jewel of this class is without question QB J.J. McCarthy who is ranked as the 14th overall player in the country as of right now.
Harbaugh has been very active in recruiting players to come to Michigan which has been really nice to see the confidence he has in himself and the program.
McCarthy was originally rumored to be going to Ohio State but his commitment was reportedly turned down by head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes instead grabbed 5-star (then 4-star) QB Kyle McCord which prompted McCarthy to choose Michigan.
Michigan added yet another 4-star player on June 20th, Quintin Somerville, who comes in as the 150th overall player and the 14th best at his position (SDE).
This was another really good pickup for the Wolverines as Somerville gives them an instinctual pass rusher who already utilizes quite a few pass-rushing moves in his game already.
He isn’t as tall as some other D-lineman standing at 6’1″ but he uses his motor and quickness off the edge to make up for it. He should fit into Don Brown’s “all-out attack” defensive scheme when he’s ready to step into a bigger role.
But the Wolverines didn’t stop there, only five days after landing Somerville the Maize and Blue also landed 4-star WR Cristian Dixon.
His commitment vaulted Michigan into the 6th ranked class for about a day before Oregon landed another commit and bumped Michigan back down to 7th.
Standing at 6’2″ Dixon is able to use his size and speed to overpower defenders as well as use his toughness and ability to take a hit while still making the catch. Dixon had received multiple crystal balls to Michigan for the past few weeks and was widely considered a guarantee.
The Wolverines are still pursuing many top prospects such as Donovan Edwards, Rocco Spindler, Drew Kendall, Xavier Worthy, and Rayshaun Benny. More on those prospects in upcoming recruiting articles.
Photo Credit: J.J. McCarthy
