The Michigan Wolverines are already 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 lead for Peoples-Jones
Donovan Peoples-Jones (Detroit, MI) is the top-ranked wide receiver in the country, and given the increased emphasis Michigan has placed on signing receivers in this recruiting class, he is one of their top two or three targets. Luckily, the Wolverines appear to be the heavy favorite to land him, according to Steve Lorenz of 247sports:
Michigan holds 80% of the predictions for Peoples-Jones, who is still considering Ohio State, Florida, Florida State and Michigan State among others. He has one open slot remaining for an official visit; look for Michigan to try to push to get it despite sitting in a strong position for him currently.
The 6'2", 192-pounder is ranked as the No. 12 overall prospect in the 2017 class.
4-star DT to visit
Jay Tufele, a four-star defensive tackle from South Jordan, UT, has Michigan among his final five schools, but has given no indication as to a favorite among that group (Ohio State, USC, Utah and Washington are the others). He plans to make official visits to all five schools, and his first will be to Michigan this weekend.
“I watched their game two weeks ago, it was amazing,” Tufele said when discussing Michigan's big win over Rutgers. “I’m really looking forward to this weekend. Coach (Greg) Mattison came down to our game last week. He’s pumped. I’m so excited to be down there and see life in Ann Arbor and everything, and get to know all the players and get to know the coaches as well and see what happens from there.
“They’re up there in my top. I’ve been talking to them a lot, been talking to Coach (Tony) Tuioti a lot. I’ve been DMing some of the players. I say they’re an awesome program, they’re doing so well this year. They have a bright future.”
The 6'3", 297-pounder is ranked as the No. 3 defensive tackle and No. 57 overall prospect in the country.
Michigan ramping up pursuit of 2018 DE
Four-star defensive end Nik Bonitto (Fort Lauderdale, FL) already has offers from virtually every major conference school, but told 247sports that Michigan is one of the schools recruiting him the hardest.
"Michigan is just playing on another level right now," he said. "I can’t wait to see how the rest of their season goes. They play with a lot of intensity and energy. I like the defense."
Bonitto said Miami and Tennessee are making a push for him as well.
The 6'4", 210-pounder is ranked as the No. 3 weak-side defensive end and No. 78 overall prospect in the 2018 class.
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