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It was a Michigan Christmas

I always ask for Michigan clothes, decor, etc. for Christmas. Some family members and friends respect it. Some – like the Michigan State and Ohio State people I know – are big, fat jerks. But from the loving, intelligent people, I got:

• Endzone by John U. Bacon (LINK)
• two 2016 Michigan Wolverines wall calendars (LINK)
• University of Michigan coasters (LINK)
• 1/4 zip pullover fleece (LINK)

I’ll have to take Endzone back because I already read a copy, but it was a thoughtful gift, anyway.

So what Michigan gear did you get for Christmas? Or what is your most prized Michigan possession?

2016 Recruiting Wish List

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Dontavious Jackson

Michigan has 23 commitments in the 2016 class, which is expected to reach a size of 27. That leaves room for four more prospects (and perhaps more if there are other departures from the commit list). So here on Christmas Day 2015 is my wish list to fill out the four remaining spots. I only included players who seem to still have some interest in coming to Michigan, plus Michigan’s latest offer who has yet to indicate much about his interest level.

1. Rashan Gary – DT – Paramus (NJ) Catholic: Gary is a tackle/end tweener. While the position itself does not seem like a huge need because of all of Michigan’s returning talent on the defensive line, it’s actually a pretty big gap to fill. Michigan did not take any tackles in 2015 and has just one in the 2016 class so far (Jordan Elliott). The Wolverines have a couple weakside end prospects lined up in this class, but Rashad Weaver is the only SDE/DT prospect, and he has been poking around other schools. If Michigan wants to stay strong up front in 2017 and beyond, they need contributors in the 2016 class. Gary is the top target and perhaps some assume that he will end up signing with Michigan, but I think the Wolverines might be scrambling to fill his spot if they get stiffed at the end.
2. David Long, Jr. – CB – Los Angeles (CA) Loyola: Long is a true cornerback prospect who has the skills to be elite, and not just another guy. Long is physical and speedy, and he can do some things with the ball in his hands, too. He could be a guy who plays slot receiver and returns kicks along with his defensive duties. Michigan does not have any super-athletic corners available after Jourdan Lewis leaves, except maybe the unproven, position-switching Keith Washington, who redshirted this past season.
3. Dontavious Jackson – LB – Houston (TX) Alief Elsik: Michigan has a shortage of linebackers available next year, and they got their small-ish, quick space player in the form of Devin Bush, Jr. a week ago. Now it would be nice if the Wolverines could pull in a true, thumping middle linebacker to stuff the run. Jackson could certainly be that guy, and he’s someone who could play as a freshman.
4. Jean Delance – OT – Mesquite (TX) North: You can never have enough athletic left tackle prospects on a roster, and Delance is someone who could fill that role. A top-100 prospect, he has some filling out to do. He probably won’t be needed in 2016, but he could slide right in when Michigan loses several seniors going into 2017.

Other players considered: 

TE Chase Allen, WR Dylan Crawford, OG Terrance Davis, ATH Jordan Fuller, ATH Khaleke Hudson, TE Jacob Mathis, TE Isaac Nauta, DE Levi Onwuzurike, C/DT Boss Tagaloa, DE Joshua Uche (the newest 2016 offer)

Senior Highlights: Kingston Davis

Recruiting Snapshot: Penn State

Pittsburgh (PA) Woodland Hills RB Miles Sanders

2016 Team Ranking: #9. Penn State has ten 4-stars and eight 3-stars committed.

Cream of the 2016 Crop: Reading (PA) Exeter OT Michael Menet (6’5″, 273 lbs.) is a 4-star, the #4 OT, and #32 overall. He spurned offers from powerhouses like Alabama, Auburn, and Ohio State to choose the home-state Nittany Lions. Pittsburgh (PA) Woodland Hills RB Miles Sanders (see below; 4-star, #2 RB, #40 overall) is a 5’11”, 199 lb. speedster with a little bit of power and some big-time offers. Both Menet and Sanders are Under Armour All-Americans. Meanwhile, the 6’4″, 221 lb. Shane Simmons (4-star, #4 WDE, #67 overall) could help Penn State continue their trend of excelling in the pass rush. The Nittany Lions also have the #1 kicker, the #2 punter, and the #3 center committed.

Hit the jump for a look at 2017 recruiting.

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Video: Charles Woodson tribute

Charles Woodson announced that he would be retiring from the NFL at the end of the season. Take a look back at one of the greatest players in Michigan history: