March is expected to be a major recruiting month for the Michigan football program. With the program hosting a bevy of talented prospects, top targets and newly-offered players, the Wolverines have a major opportunity ahead to gain some major traction in not only the 2024 class but 2025 and beyond.
Here are my five thoughts about the month ahead.
1. Is it now or never for Jadyn Davis?
I am starting to come around to the idea that the Wolverines should start to pursue other quarterbacks in the 2024 class IF the program doesn't get a sense that a commitment will come from five-star quarterback Jadyn Davis. I absolutely do think the Wolverines are still in the lead here but you absolutely cannot wait forever for the big fish to nibble. It's a tough situation to be in as you're sitting in a great spot for a talented quarterback but also run the risk of being left at the altar when it comes to backup options in case things go south. I will be curious to see how the coaching staff treats this upcoming Davis visit. I do expect a push for a public commitment from Davis from the staff. Will he be receptive? What if he's not?
I get the sense if no headway has been made coming out of the visit, then you will start to see the staff making a push elsewhere. The next logical guy they would likely go after is Michael Van Buren, who the staff does like.
It'll be a very interesting next few weeks.
2. It feels like the floodgates are waiting to open for the 2024 class
I don't get the sense players are waiting for one player to commit to Michigan in order to follow suit but it sure feels like something could happen in that regard. This is purely based on opinion and not necessarily on fact but it would sure seem like the Wolverines would love to drum up some public buzz about the 2024 class by having a slew of commitments come in at rapid succession. The thing about where things stand now, these aren't guys that are fringe players. The commits would be coming from legitimate stars that programs are vying for. Players like I'Marion Stewart, Aaron Chiles, Ben Roebuck, Jadyn Davis, Jordan Marshall and others could all realistically commit to U-M during their spring game visits. Again, adding even a small portion of those within a week would create a splash. I'm sure I'm leaving even more names out, or even an unexpected name could drop, too.
It's hard not to be optimistic about the landscape of the 2024 class and what it could be.
3. It took a while but it finally feels like the Wolverines are taking advantage of on-field success on the trail
Sure, the Wolverines shot itself in the foot on multiple occasions in consecutive offseasons but it finally feels like the program is taking advantage of its recent on-field success and converting it to the recruiting trail. Say what you will about the 2023 class. You can make the argument that the Wolverines added players it wanted to the class, and it certainly did, but you also can't ignore that it missed on some top targets that the program would normally get. NIL and the mess it has created in recruiting plays a role in that and that is an entirely different situation in itself but things feel different in 2024. The Wolverines are posturing itself up for a monster run with the 2024 and 2025 classes, something it should've been able to do last year.
This isn't a slight on the players in the 2023 class, which I feel will be a very successful class when all is said and done. It's clear to me that the class missed on top-end talent that would've transformed the class from good to great.
Now, the feeling of greatness has a chance to be elite if things go the way we think they will this cycle. Landing a group that consists of Davis, Chiles, Bryce West and other top-tier talent solidifies the immediate future of the program with talent that could realistically play right away.
Here are my five thoughts about the month ahead.
1. Is it now or never for Jadyn Davis?
I am starting to come around to the idea that the Wolverines should start to pursue other quarterbacks in the 2024 class IF the program doesn't get a sense that a commitment will come from five-star quarterback Jadyn Davis. I absolutely do think the Wolverines are still in the lead here but you absolutely cannot wait forever for the big fish to nibble. It's a tough situation to be in as you're sitting in a great spot for a talented quarterback but also run the risk of being left at the altar when it comes to backup options in case things go south. I will be curious to see how the coaching staff treats this upcoming Davis visit. I do expect a push for a public commitment from Davis from the staff. Will he be receptive? What if he's not?
I get the sense if no headway has been made coming out of the visit, then you will start to see the staff making a push elsewhere. The next logical guy they would likely go after is Michael Van Buren, who the staff does like.
It'll be a very interesting next few weeks.
2. It feels like the floodgates are waiting to open for the 2024 class
I don't get the sense players are waiting for one player to commit to Michigan in order to follow suit but it sure feels like something could happen in that regard. This is purely based on opinion and not necessarily on fact but it would sure seem like the Wolverines would love to drum up some public buzz about the 2024 class by having a slew of commitments come in at rapid succession. The thing about where things stand now, these aren't guys that are fringe players. The commits would be coming from legitimate stars that programs are vying for. Players like I'Marion Stewart, Aaron Chiles, Ben Roebuck, Jadyn Davis, Jordan Marshall and others could all realistically commit to U-M during their spring game visits. Again, adding even a small portion of those within a week would create a splash. I'm sure I'm leaving even more names out, or even an unexpected name could drop, too.
It's hard not to be optimistic about the landscape of the 2024 class and what it could be.
3. It took a while but it finally feels like the Wolverines are taking advantage of on-field success on the trail
Sure, the Wolverines shot itself in the foot on multiple occasions in consecutive offseasons but it finally feels like the program is taking advantage of its recent on-field success and converting it to the recruiting trail. Say what you will about the 2023 class. You can make the argument that the Wolverines added players it wanted to the class, and it certainly did, but you also can't ignore that it missed on some top targets that the program would normally get. NIL and the mess it has created in recruiting plays a role in that and that is an entirely different situation in itself but things feel different in 2024. The Wolverines are posturing itself up for a monster run with the 2024 and 2025 classes, something it should've been able to do last year.
This isn't a slight on the players in the 2023 class, which I feel will be a very successful class when all is said and done. It's clear to me that the class missed on top-end talent that would've transformed the class from good to great.
Now, the feeling of greatness has a chance to be elite if things go the way we think they will this cycle. Landing a group that consists of Davis, Chiles, Bryce West and other top-tier talent solidifies the immediate future of the program with talent that could realistically play right away.
