Michigan Thursday: The Numbers Game and Peters Gives Us A Clue

I was about to do a post on this but BHB reader Mike T emailed me a question: 

How in the world are we taking such a big recruiting class in 16?

He also asks about transfers and gray shirts fitting in.

Yes, Michigan might be looking at Gray Shirts in the 2016 class, there also maybe more attrition to the class.   There are academic rumors about Sir Patrick Scott, Kiante Enis hasn't heard a ton from the coaches and could be looking for another school and yesterday Ohio State offered Michigan commit and athlete Chris Evans.   Johnson and Weaver could be candidates for Gray Shirts or entry a year from now. 

The 2016 class is expected to have 27 members in it total.  Michigan will have a minimum of 7 players enrolled in January that they can use scholarships from the 2015 (if available) or 2016 class.    With 16 open spots that leaves current roster attrition at 10-11 spots.  

Who are the candidates? (this is purely my speculation)

NFL

• The only person that could leave early at this point is Big Willie Henry.  He is waiting on NFL feedback on possible draft predictions. 

5th year thank you for your time handshakes:

• CB Terry Richardson
• LB Alan Grant
• OL Blake Bars

50/50 on a 5th year

• OL Ben Braden
• RB Drake Johnson
• DL Tom Strobel
• DL Matt Godin

Drake Johnson finished the year very strong but has had two ACL injuries but I expect he would be welcomed back.   With serious depth issues on the DL line I'm not sure how you would let Godin and Strobel go. 

Peace, I'm Out - I need more touches!

• RB Derrick Green hasn't been with the team since mid-November.  This seems like only a matter of time.  (If your wondering Ty Isaac said he is staying)
• A QB - Morris said he is staying,  Gentry seems to be playing more TE then QB and might want to play QB somewhere else.  I haven't heard any buzz on Malzone.
• A CB or Two:  Freddy Canteen went from being a decent part of the offense to not seeing the field this year.  Another CB Reon Dawson doesn't seem to be getting any snaps.
• Taylor -Douglas has been a CB and RB.  It doesn't look like he is going to break any lineups anytime soon.
• If any of the true seniors graduate early, they could also be looking to transfer and play right away.   An example could be someone like Da'Mario Jones.

Coach, I can't go - I need a medical

• Mike McCray?
• Drake Harris?

If Michigan did take a graduate transfer, lets say at center.   It would not count against the 2016 class limit but would count against the 85 scholarship limit.   I wouldn't be surprised if someone that started on the offensive line this year might want to look at another opportunity:  Magnuson and Kalis are also 5th year guys but are expected back. 

We will probably be surprised by one or two players looking to transfer now or after spring ball as well.  Another place you could look for a scholarship or two, is from specialists like long snappers or kickers.  I know Michigan is still recruiting a kicker in the 2016 class but I don't see anyway they would have space for him.

Maybe one of the BHB inmates can answer this question:  When does Michigan have to be at the 85 scholarship limit?  If its the start of Fall Camp,  Michigan could take until then to get down to 85. 

• The buzz around the program is that Michigan got some good news from recruits.   Did Brandon Peters give us a clue with this quote (bold is mine):  “There is one silent here, but I can’t say his name,” said Peters.  “I might know two silents actually.  I know two silents.”“On the west team.”.    That clue would seem to suggest Crawford and Long who are friends and live in California. 

• 5 star TE Isaac Nauta has made his decision and will announce it on Saturday.   Most still expect Georgia.  Though the safer pick would be Michigan with the new staff in Athens.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2016/01/michigan-thursday-numbers-game-and.html