2015 Season Countdown: #71 Tyree Kinnel

Tyree Kinnel

Name: Tyree Kinnel
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 200 lbs.
High school: Huber Heights (OH) Wayne
Position: Safety
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #17
Last year: Kinnel was a senior in high school. He was a 247 Composite 4-star, the #11 safety, and #195 overall.
TTB Rating: 74

Kinnel was an early commit to the 2015 class, pledging in August of 2013 going into his junior year. Despite efforts by other schools to flip him, he stayed true to his word and signed with the Wolverines this past February. His dad said that he was given a University of Michigan football on the day he was born, and he came to a bunch of spring games in Ann Arbor when he was growing up. Kinnel was a part-time running back in high school, but his main position was safety.

Michigan is not in dire need of safeties to be on the field this fall. Between senior Jarrod Wilson, junior Delano Hill, and sophomore Jabrill Peppers, the coaching staff seems to think they have three starting-caliber players on the back end. Meanwhile, redshirt junior Jeremy Clark and junior Dymonte Thomas both have a significant amount of playing time. I rank Kinnel here based largely on the fact that he could potentially play cornerback, and the depth chart at cornerback gets questionable after the top three. Ideally, Kinnel would redshirt and give a little more space between himself and the guys ahead of him, but injuries or underperformance could put him on the field at some point.

Prediction: Redshirt if possible

2015 Freshman Jersey Numbers

Grant Newsome is going to have to settle for . . . a better number. He'll wear #77 in college. Redshirt
sophomore Logan Tuley-Tillman wears #72 currently.

The incoming freshmen have jersey numbers. And, boy oh boy, this is an exciting time and we're all nerds.

Reuben Jones: #4
Last worn on defense by: Linebacker Cameron Gordon from 2010-2013.
Currently worn by: Running back De'Veon Smith.

Keith Washington: #6
Last worn on defense by: Cornerback Raymon Taylor from 2011-2014.
Currently worn by: Quarterback Brian Cleary.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr.: #8
Last worn on offense by: Quarterback Russell Bellomy from 2012-2014.
Currently worn by: Quarterback Joey Hewlett and cornerback Channing Stribling.

Grant Perry: #9
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Martavious Odoms from 2008-2011.
Currently worn by: Linebacker Mike McCray II.

Zach Gentry: #10
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Da'Mario Jones. Jones wore #11 in high school, which is the Wistert brothers' retired number.
Currently worn by: Da'Mario Jones?

Alex Malzone: #12
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Roy Roundtree from 2009-2011.
Currently worn by: Linebacker Allen Gant.

Andrew David: #16
Last worn on special teams by: Kicker Peter Elezovic in 1992.
Currently worn by: Wide receiver Jack Wangler.

Tyree Kinnel: #17
Last worn on defense by: Cornerback Tony Anderson from 2008-2011.
Currently worn by: Wide receiver Freddy Canteen.

Karan Higdon: #22
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Darryl Stonum from 2008-2011.
Currently worn by: Safety Jarrod Wilson.

Jon Runyan, Jr.: #75
Last worn on offense by: Offensive tackle Michael Schofield from 2009-2013. Runyan's father, who played for Michigan in the 1990's, wore #69.
Currently worn by: Runyan only.

Grant Newsome: #77
Last worn on offense by: Offensive tackle Taylor Lewan from 2009-2013.
Currently worn by: Newsome only.

Brian Cole: #81
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Csont'e York in 2013.
Currently worn by: Only Cole.

The following players' jersey numbers have not been released yet (previous number in parentheses):

Shelton Johnson (#7)
Wayne Lyons (#2)
John O'Korn (#5)
Blake O'Neill (#39)
Jake Rudock (#15)
Nolan Ulizio (#70)

2015 Recruiting Grades: Defense, Special Teams

Tyree Kinnel

I posted the recruiting grades for the offensive side of the ball (LINK), so here are the grades for the defense. Rankings used are from the 247 Composite.

DEFENSIVE END
Lost from 2014: Brennen Beyer (graduation), Frank Clark (suspension/graduation)
Commits: Shelton Johnson, Reuben Jones
Grade: B+
Comments: Michigan didn't land the highest value targets, and the two guys they brought in were last-minute fixes who don't provide a huge speed rush that Michigan has been lacking in recent years. But Michigan does need numbers at the position, where the graduations of Beyer and Clark left the team with few viable replacements and a couple guys who perhaps should be playing defensive tackle instead of on the edge. Johnson (3-star, #20 SDE) has some high upside and Jones (3-star, #44 DE) has potential, too, so at least one of these guys should pay dividends sooner or later.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Lost from 2014: None
Commits: None
Grade: C
Comments: Neither coaching staff deemed defensive tackle as a priority. Hoke only offered a handful of guys and actually backed off several targets last summer, and Harbaugh hardly made an attempt aside from offering defensive tackle Kendrick Norton, who never visited. Michigan is in a situation where they have a lot of guys in their middle years of football, but they will need to renew their efforts in 2016 to avoid a huge age gap.

LINEBACKER
Lost from 2014: Michael Ferns III (transfer), Jake Ryan (graduation)
Commits: None
Grade: D
Comments: Jake Ryan was a Butkus Award finalist and a stud at middle linebacker for Michigan last season, but the Wolverines should not miss him too awfully much with four senior linebackers scheduled to be on the roster in 2015 (Joe Bolden, Royce Jenkins-Stone, Desmond Morgan, James Ross). However, the only non-senior to have played much so far is junior Ben Gedeon, which means Michigan will be searching for answers in 2016. It would have been a good idea to land at least one guy to redshirt and adjust to the college game, because that guy could have been deployed in 2016. Assuming the five aforementioned guys suck up most of the playing time in 2015, the Wolverines will be very green in 2016.

CORNERBACK
Lost from 2014: Delonte Hollowell (graduation), Raymon Taylor (graduation)
Commits: Keith Washington
Grade: C-
Comments: Much like the running back position, Michigan had two highly touted guys committed at different junctures - Shaun Crawford (Notre Dame) and Garrett Taylor (Penn State) - and both of them slipped out of their grasp. Cornerback is a spot where guys can contribute early, but with Jabrill Peppers moving to safety, the Wolverines are very thin at the position. Washington (3-star, #77 ATH) was a high school quarterback who did not play a ton of defense, so he's a project. If anyone higher in the pecking order gets hurt, the Wolverines could be in serious trouble, although Peppers has the ability to move back to corner if necessary.

SAFETY
Lost from 2014: None
Commits: Tyree Kinnel
Grade: A-
Comments: I don't see Kinnel (4-star, #11 S)as a huge playmaker in college, but he's a good field general with some respectable athletic skills. The only safety scheduled to depart after 2015 is starter Jarrod Wilson, and most of the other safeties on the roster are good athletes without a great understanding for the game. So if new safeties coach Greg Jackson can coach those guys up, Michigan should be in very good shape here.

KICKER/PUNTER
Lost from 2014: Will Hagerup (graduation), Matt Wile (graduation)
Commits: Andrew David
Grade: A
Comments: Punter is a position that can often be filled by walk-ons, which is likely what will happen in 2015 with Kenny Allen expected to take over the punting job. With no walk-on kickers daring to take the job, Michigan offered one guy and one guy only to be their placekicker, and they got him. David (3-star, #9 K) will be in a situation where he has a special teams coach in John Baxter, which should speed his development at least a little bit. Michigan got exactly whom they wanted.

Rivals 250 for 2015 finalized

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole (image via 247Sports.com)

Rivals released their top 250 prospects at noon on Tuesday (LINK). The top 100 was revealed yesterday (LINK). Here's what the top 250 looked like back in December (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Brian Cole fell from #91 to #101
- Grant Newsome jumped from #220 to #191
- Tyree Kinnel fell from #211 to #225

Here are the rest of the guys Michigan has offered:

101. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
108. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Penn State)
120. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida
123. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
135. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
152. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
155. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OG - Virginia (Ohio State)
156. Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois (Notre Dame)
158. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
162. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
167. Jaason Lewis - RB - Virginia (Arizona State)
168. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Tennessee)
170. Dre'Mont Jones - DE - Ohio (Ohio State)
174. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia (Virginia Tech)
180. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
191. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
193. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
194. Auden Tate - WR - Florida (Florida State)
198. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
202. Keaton Sutherland - OT - Texas (Texas A&M)
206. Zach Robertson - OG - California (Arizona State)
215. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
221. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida (Arkansas)
223. Connor Williams - C - Texas (Texas)
225. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
243. Darrell Taylor - DE - Virginia (Tennessee)
246. Asmar Bilal - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
247. Arden Key - DE - Georgia
249. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee (Alabama)

Official Visitors are on Campus

Michigan prospects on their official visits to Ann Arbor (from left to right): Ohio K Andrew David,
Georgia LB Roquan Smith, Florida DE Shelton Johnson, Massachusetts TE Chris Clark, Florida CB Damon Arnette,
and Ohio S Tyree Kinnel.

It looks like it's a fun official visit weekend in Ann Arbor.

Official Visitors: January 16-21, 2015

Long Beach (CA) Poly cornerback Iman Marshall

Damon Arnette - CB - Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas: Arnette is a 6'2", 185 lb. prospect who's committed to South Carolina. He's a soft commit with a visit scheduled to Ohio State later this month, too. The 247 Composite rankings show him as a 3-star, the #60 cornerback, and #649 overall. D.J. Durkin called him up when he was hired, and Arnette immediately responded that he wanted to visit. Arnette is a good sized corner who would be good against the run.

Chris Clark - TE - Avon (CT) Old Farms: Clark is a 6'6", 247 lb. prospect who has been committed to both North Carolina and Michigan in the past. Now he says it's down to Michigan and UCLA with the Bruins having the lead. Even so, he was enthused about Michigan hiring Jim Harbaugh, and some people think the Wolverines will win out. Clark is also close to quarterback Alex Malzone, who enrolled early this semester and will be on campus. Clark is a 247 Composite 4-star, the #2 tight end, and #79 overall in the 2015 class.

Andrew David - K - Massillon (OH) Washington: David is a 5'9", 165 lb. prospect who committed to Michigan in June of 2013. He's a 247 Composite 2-star, the #7 kicker, and #2031 overall. Michigan's starting punter and placekicker both graduated after the 2014 season, so he will have a chance to compete for a starting gig right off the bat.

Shelton Johnson - DE - Delray Beach (FL) Atlantic: Johnson is a 6'5", 220 lb. prospect with offers from Florida State, Miami, and Virginia Tech, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #16 strongside end, and #351 overall. He visited Virginia Tech in December and has visits remaining to the other schools, with Florida State holding the final shot; right now the Crystal Ball is 100% for the Seminoles (based on 10 votes).

Tyree Kinnel - S - Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel committed to Michigan in August of 2013 (LINK). He is currently a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 safety, and #181 overall. Once Michigan's coaching situation got rocky, Alabama and Notre Dame both came forward with offers, but Kinnel has remained committed throughout.

Iman Marshall - CB - Long Beach (CA) Poly: Marshall is a 6'1", 190 lb. prospect with a top group that includes Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA, and USC. He is using January officials for the out-of-state schools, and the visit to Ann Arbor will be right on the heels of one to FSU this weekend. So while the rest of these players will be in town over the weekend, Marshall will be there from Monday through Wednesday. Marshall is considered a USC lean (the Trojans are at 98% on the 247 Sports Crystal Ball), but he has expressed interest in playing college ball with his summer workout partner, Michigan sophomore wide receiver Freddy Canteen. Marshall is a 247 Composite 5-star, the #1 cornerback, and #4 overall in the class.



Roquan Smith - LB - Montezuma (GA) Macon: Smith is a 6'1", 205 lb. prospect who's considered to be a heavy lean toward the Georgia Bulldogs, but he's another guy who's visiting because of D.J. Durkin. Smith is a 247 Composite 4-star, the #5 outside linebacker, and #49 overall. He had 173 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions as a senior in 2014. He has visited Georgia and USC, and he has visits scheduled for Ole Miss and UCLA.

Final ESPN 300 for 2015 released

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole is Michigan's top ranked commit.

Here's a look at the final ESPN 300 for the 2015 class (LINK), which I have been tracking over the last couple years. Here's what it looked like back in July (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits is here:

- Brian Cole fell from #139 to #148
- Tyree Kinnel fell from #192 to #196
- Grant Newsome fell from #242 to #253

5-stars:
2. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DT - Illinois
4. Iman Marshall - CB - California
7. George Campbell - WR - Florida (Florida State)
9. CeCe Jefferson - DE - Florida
10. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
11. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia (Florida State)
12. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas (Alabama)
14. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
17. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
18. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
19. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia (Virginia Tech)

4-stars:
22. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California (UCLA)
24. Arden Key - DE - South Carolina
27. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
28. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
29. Roquan Smith - LB - Georgia
30. Tyron Johnson - WR - Florida (LSU)
31. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas (Texas)
33. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
34. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (USC)
35. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona (Texas A&M)
36. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky (Alabama)
37. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Baylor)
38. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
39. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina (Tennessee)
41. Rasheem Green - DT - California
42. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida (Florida State)
46. Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
49. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida (Florida State)
50. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
54. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia (Alabama)
55. Abdul Bello - OT - Florida (Florida State)
57. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas
58. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee (Ole Miss)
64. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina)
66. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas (Texas)
67. Jerome Baker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
75. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia (Georgia)
77. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
78. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida
80. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
89. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
91. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
94. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OG - Virginia (Ohio State)
98. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida (Arkansas)
109. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
111. Chris Clark - TE - Massachusetts
112. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida (Texas)
125. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
129. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
136. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
138. Christian Pellage - OT - Florida (South Carolina)
139. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Penn State)
140. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan (Ohio State)
142. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania (Pitt)
145. Ty'Son Williams - RB - South Carolina (North Carolina)
146. Kirk Merritt - ATH - Louisiana
148. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
157. Ray-Ray McCloud III - RB - Florida (Clemson)
158. Tyler Jordan - C - Florida (Florida)
159. Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington, DC
161. Dre'Mont Jones - DE - Ohio (Ohio State)
168. Kendrick Norton - DT - Florida
169. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
171. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee (Alabama)
173. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
184. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina State)
195. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
196. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
210. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
213. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
223. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
242. Ryan Davis - WR - Florida
247. Rashard Causey, Jr. - CB - Florida (Florida International)
253. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
255. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas (Texas)
273. Cameron Ordway - CB - Tennessee (Ole Miss)
276. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Tennessee)
278. Zach Robertson - OG - California (Arizona State)
298. Joe Burrow - QB - Ohio (Ohio State)

Rivals 250 updated for 2015

Huber Heights (OH) Wayne safety Tyree Kinnel (image via 247Sports.com)

Rivals released its updated top 250 prospects for 2015 (LINK). The top 100 was updated yesterday (LINK). Here's what the Rivals 250 looked like back in August (LINK).

Movement for Michigan commits:

- Tyree Kinnel dropped from #195 to #211
- Grant Newsome dropped from #199 to #215

Here are the rest of the Michigan offerees on the list:

111. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
112. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
114. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida (Miami)
128. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
134. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
149. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
151. Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois (Notre Dame)
152. Jaason Lewis - RB - Virginia (Tennessee)
158. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
163. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
168. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
170. Auden Tate - WR - Florida (Florida State)
174. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana
178. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland (Georgia)
180. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
182. Keaton Sutherland - OT - Texas (Texas A&M)
203. Josh Robertson - OG - California
206. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
208. Connor Williams - OT - Texas (Texas)
209. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
211. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
215. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
228. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
238. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
240. Henry Robertson - OT - Washington (Washington)
242. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
243. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee (Alabama)
244. Kirk Merritt - WR - Louisiana

Visitors: Michigan vs. Miami-OH

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech cornerback Lavert Hill

2015
Brian Cole - WR - Saginaw (MI) Heritage*

Jack Dunaway - DE - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice

Tyree Kinnel - S - Huber Heights (OH) Wayne*

Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indianapolis (IN) Warren Central*

Alex Malzone - QB - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice*

Grant Perry - WR - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice

Michael Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech*

2016
Lavert Hill - CB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech#

Joshua Jackson - QB - Saline (MI) Saline

Michael Onwenu - DT - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech#

Justin Rigg - TE - Springboro (OH) Springboro

Eric Rogers - LB  - Warren (MI) De La Salle

Dylan Stackhouse - LB - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park

2017
Johnathan Berghorst - DE - Zeeland (MI) East

Carter Dunaway - TE - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice

Rodney Hall - QB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech

Donovan Peoples-Jones - WR - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech

Joshua Ross - LB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's#

*Committed to Michigan
#Offered by Michigan

Recruit Tracker: Tyree Kinnel

Huber Heights (OH) Wayne safety Tyree Kinnel

September 12, 2014: Wayne beat West Chester (OH) Lakota West by a score of 34-29. Kinnel made 7 tackles, scored 2 rushing touchdowns, and had a 60-yard kickoff return in the victory. Wayne is now 3-0.

September 5, 2014: Wayne beat Oakridge from Ontario by a score of 69-0. Wayne is now 2-0.

August 29, 2014: Kinnel had 6 tackles and 1 punt return for 30 yards in Huber Heights (OH) Wayne's 40-0 win over Lincoln (OH) Lincoln. Wayne is 1-0.

Visitors: Michigan vs. Appalachian State

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech cornerback Lavert Hill

2015
Brian Cole - WR - Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole committed to Michigan in late July (LINK).

Wesley French - OG - St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph: French is a 6'5", 300 lb. prospect with offers from a handful of MAC schools.

Tyree Jackson - QB - Muskegon (MI) Mona Shores: Jackson is committed to Buffalo (Recruiting Season).

Joeviair Kennedy - WR - Muskegon (MI) Muskegon: Kennedy is a 6'3", 195 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Tyree Kinnel - S - Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel committed to Michigan a year ago (LINK).

Mike Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber committed to Michigan earlier this month (LINK).

Hit the jump for 2016 and 2017 prospects.

Rivals 250 updated for 2015

Mike Weber is the #104 player in the country

Rivals updated its top 250 players for 2015 on Tuesday (LINK). The Rivals 100 was updated yesterday (LINK).

101. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
102. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
104. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan (Michigan)
114. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
140. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
147. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
148. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
151. Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois (Notre Dame)
160. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
164. Auden Tate - WR - Florida (Florida State)
165. Kirk Merritt - WR - Louisiana
167. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Michigan)
169. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
170. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland (Georgia)
175. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
192. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida (Arkansas)
195. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
199. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
209. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
224. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
227. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
228. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
236. William Sweet - OT - North Carolina (North Carolina)
237. Keaton Sutherland - OT - Texas (Texas A&M)
243. Jaylon Lane - CB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
244. Juval Mollette - WR - New Jersey (North Carolina)
246. Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - DE - New York
247. Mook Reynolds - CB - North Carolina (Virginia Tech)
248. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania

ESPN 300 for 2015 updated

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole is the #139 player in the country.

ESPN released their updated top 300 players for 2015. Here's what it looked like back in June (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Chris Clark drops from #108 to #109
- Garrett Taylor drops from #110 to #111
- Brian Cole drops from #137 to #139
- Tyree Kinnel drops from #188 to #192
- Grant Newsome drops from #240 to #242
- Darrin Kirkland, Jr. drops from #263 to #266

5-stars:
1. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
4. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DE - Illinois
5. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
7. CeCe Jefferson - DE - Florida
8. Iman Marshall - CB - California
9. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
10. George Campbell - ATH - Florida
11. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
15. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
16. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
17. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
18. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)

4-stars:
19. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
22. Rasheem Greene - DT - California
27. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
28. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California
30. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
31. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
32. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
33. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
36. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
38. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
39. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas
41. Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
45. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
46. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
54. Arden Key - DE - Georgia
55. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida
58. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
61. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
63. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia
64. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
69. Abdul Bello - OT - Florida (Florida State)
70. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas (Texas A&M)
72. Jerome Baker - ATH - Ohio (Florida)
73. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
75. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
79. Jaylon Lane - CB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
80. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia
82. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
84. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida (Miami)
86. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina
90. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina
95. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
98. Christian Pellage - OT - Florida
99. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida
103. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
105. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
106. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
108. Tyler Jordan - OG - Florida (Florida)
109. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut (Michigan)
111. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Michigan)
124. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
135. Ty'Son Williams - RB - South Carolina
136. Kirk Merritt - ATH - Louisiana
138. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
139. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
141. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
150. Ray-Ray McCloud III - ATH - Florida (Clemson)
152. Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington, D.C.
161. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
163. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
165. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina
168. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
169. Michael Weber - RB - Michigan
191. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
192. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
227. Rashard Causey, Jr. - CB - Florida (Florida Atlantic)
236. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
238. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
242. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
256. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas
259. Cameron Ordway - CB - Tennessee
266. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Michigan)

ESPN 300 for 2015 updated

Avon (CT) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark is
Michigan's highest rated commit (image via 247 Sports)

ESPN released an updated list of top 300 prospects for 2015. Here's what it looked like back in April (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Chris Clark fell from #104 to #108
- Garrett Taylor fell from #106 to #110
- Tyree Kinnel fell from #182 to #188
- Grant Newsome fell from #235 to #240
- Darrin Kirkland, Jr. jumped from #265 to #263

Here are the rest of Michigan's offerees:

5-stars:
3. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
4. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
6. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DE - Illinois
7. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
9. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
10. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
11. George Campbell - ATH - Florida
13. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio
16. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota

4-stars:
17. Rasheem Green - DT - California
18. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California
19. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
20. Iman Marshall - CB - California
22. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
24. Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
27. Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana
28. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
29. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
32. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
38. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
39. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas
43. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
47. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
49. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida
50. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
52. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
56. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
57. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia
58. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
59. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
63. Abdul Bello - OT - Florida
65. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas (Texas A&M)
68. Jerome Baker - LB - Ohio
70. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
71. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
74. Jaylon Lane - CB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
75. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia
77. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
79. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida (Miami)
81. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina
86. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
90. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina
94. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
97. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
98. Christian Pellage - OT - Florida
99. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
104. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
105. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
107. Tyler Jordan - OG - Florida (Florida)
108. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut (Michigan)
110. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Michigan)
122. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
135. Ty'Son Williams - RB - South Carolina
136. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
137. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan
139. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
150. Marcus Lewis - S - Washington, D.C. (Florida)
153. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan
155. Ray-Ray McCloud III - RB - Florida
157. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
159. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
161. Darian Roseboro - DT - North Carolina
164. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
187. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
188. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
223. Rashard Causey, Jr. - CB - Florida (Florida Atlantic)
233. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
235. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
240. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
255. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas
258. Cameron Ordway - CB - Tennessee
263. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Michigan)

2014 Rivals 100 Five-Star Challenge Rosters

Tyree Kinnel

The Rivals 100 Five-Star Challenge is taking place this weekend, and it's roughly similar to The Opening, which will take place in July. Parts of this weekend's activities will be streamed on Rivals, but it won't be broadcast on ESPN like The Opening, so it doesn't get quite as much hype.

Here's a look at the players Michigan has offered on each of the teams so you have a good idea of who to watch for:

TEAM BLUR
Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
Jerome Baker - LB - Ohio
Cameron Chambers - WR - New Jersey*
Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut
Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
Ray-Ray McCloud III - RB - Florida
Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
Calvin Ridley - OT - Florida**
Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia
Equanimeous St. Brown - WR - California
Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)

TEAM CLUTCH
Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois
Rashan Gary - DT - New Jersey
Rasheem Green - DT - California
Malik Henry - QB - California*
Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas

TEAM HIGHLIGHT
Blake Barnett - QB - California
Ben Cleveland - OT - Georgia*
Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota
Jacob Eason - QB - Washington*
Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
Osa Masina - LB - Utah
Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)

TEAM RENEGADE
Sam Bruce - WR - Florida*
Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
Deondre Francois - QB - Florida
Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana
Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington, D.C. (Florida)
Gregory Little - OT - Texas*
Iman Marshall - CB - California
Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida

*2016 prospect
**2017 prospect

Rivals 250 updated for 2015

New Michigan commit Darrin Kirkland, Jr. is the #167 player in the country

Rivals updated its top 250 prospects on Tuesday. Here's what it looked like back in February. Movement for Michigan commits since then:

- Shaun Crawford drops from #106 to #111
- Tyree Kinnel drops from #188 to #193

101. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
103. Michael Weber - RB - Michigan
106. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan
111. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Michigan)
116. Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois
139. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
146. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut
147. Matthew Burrell, Jr. - OG - Virginia
154. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
164. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri
167. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Michigan)
169. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
170. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida
191. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
193. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
196. Auden Tate - WR - Florida
199. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey
206. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Penn State)
213. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
216. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
222. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
223. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
235. Juval Mollette - WR - North Carolina
239. Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - TE - New York
241. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
250. Prentice McKinney - S - Texas (Notre Dame)

ESPN 300 for 2015 updated

Richmond (VA) St. Christopher's cornerback Garrett Taylor
is Michigan's top-rated commit

ESPN released its updated top 300 players for the class of 2015. Here's what it looked like back in November.

Movement for Michigan commits:
- Garrett Taylor appears at #106. He did not have an offer in November, so I'm not sure where he was ranked.
- Shaun Crawford fell from #73 to #154
- Tyree Kinnel jumps into the top 300 at #182 overall

3. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
4. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
6. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DE - Illinois
7. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
10. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
11. George Campbell - WR - Florida
12. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
13. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio
16. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota
17. Rasheem Green - DT - California
18. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California
19. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
20. Iman Marshall - CB - California
22. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
24. Jeff Holland - LB - Florida
26. Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana
27. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
31. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey
37. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
38. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas
45. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
48. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
50. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
54. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Notre Dame)
55. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia
56. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri
58. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
63. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas
65. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania
66. Jerome Baker, Jr. - LB - Ohio
69. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
70. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
76. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
80. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina
81. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
83. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
90. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina
93. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona
95. Christian Pellage - OT - Florida
100. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
101. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia
104. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut
106. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Michigan)
116. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
122. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
135. Ty'Son Williams - RB - South Carolina
136. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
137. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan
152. Michael Weber - RB - Michigan
154. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Michigan)
158. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
159. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina
162. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
181. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
182. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
219. Rashard Causey, Jr. - CB - Florida
235. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey
250. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas
265. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana
283. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Penn State)
300. Asmar Bilal - LB - Indiana

Initial TTB Ratings for 2015

Richmond (VA) St. Christopher's CB Garrett Taylor

Here are the initial TTB Ratings for the class of 2015 (ratings explanation).

CB Garrett Taylor - Richmond (VA) St. Christopher's: 85
Taylor has the makings of being a very good player. He has size, speed, leaping ability, physicality, and is reportedly a quality kid. I'm not sure if I see the coverage instincts to pop him up into the 90's, but he should be a very good cornerback or perhaps safety in a few years. (Commitment post.)

CB Shaun Crawford - Lakewood (OH) St. Edward: 79
I like Crawford as a prospect. He has great speed, and he is also very physical for someone his size. I do have some questions about whether he can play man coverage, because he doesn't have a ton of experience doing that in high school. I think a 79 here is a baseline, but if he attends an event like The Opening or the Rivals 5-star Challenge, he could show some of those man coverage skills to sway me upward. (Commitment post.)

S Tyree Kinnel - Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: 74
When I look at Kinnel, I see a high school version of Thomas Gordon. He doesn't wow me with his athletic skills, but he comes up with some solid tackles and seems to be in the right place at the right time. He looks like a solid safety prospect but does not appear to be a star. (Commitment post.)

OG Jon Runyan, Jr. - Natrona Heights (PA) St. Joseph's: 73
Runyan is a decent athlete, but for being the son of a former NFL player, I think he's lacking somewhat in football instincts. He comes out of his stance a little high, doesn't seem to have a great deal of power, and gets overextended at times. As a legacy player, he seems like someone who would stick around, so he would have a while to develop. He's not a player who leaps off the screen, though. (Commitment post.)

K Andrew David - Massillon (OH) Washington: N/A
I don't really know enough about kickers to evaluate them. (Commitment post.)

Rivals 250 updated for 2015

Lakewood (OH) St. Edward cornerback Shaun Crawford

Rivals released their updated top 250 prospects today at noon. Here's what it looked like back in December. I sorted out the Rivals 100 yesterday. Movement for Michigan commits:

- Shaun Crawford fell from #96 to #106
- Tyree Kinnel fell from #174 to #188

Here are the rest of the Michigan offerees.

106. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Michigan)
119. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
123. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan
130. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey
139. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
150. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri
152. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona
153. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
171. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
176. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut
188. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
190. Juval Mollette - WR - North Carolina
191. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana
200. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
210. Jaason Lewis - ATH - Virginia (UCLA)
219. Tyrone Wheatley - DE - New York
222. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
225. Adonis Thomas - ATH - Georgia
235. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas
240. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas

Scout 300 updated for 2015

Huber Heights (OH) Wayne defensive back Tyree Kinnel is rated #220

Scout released its updated top 300 prospects for the class of 2015. Here's what it looked like back in August 2013.

Movement for Michigan commits:

- Tyree Kinnel remains at #220
- Jon Runyan, Jr. moves onto the list at #294

5-stars:
2. Malik Jefferson - OLB - Texas
3. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia
4. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
6. Iman Marshall - CB - California
7. Kevin Toliver - CB - Florida (LSU)
11. Josh Rosen - QB - California
13. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
14. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
16. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas
18. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California
23. George Campbell - WR - Florida

4-stars:
27. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas
29. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
31. Sotonye Jamabo - RB - Texas
32. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
34. Jeffrey Holland - OLB - Florida
35. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
40. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota
44. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio
46. Brian Cole - WR - Michigan
52. Jerome Baker - OLB - Ohio
57. Osa Masina - OLB - Utah
59. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania
63. Kamonte Carter - DE - Maryland
65. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Michigan)
70. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey
73. Terry Beckner - DE - Illinois
84. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
90. Tyrone Wheatley - DE - New York
91. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida
94. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona
95. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan
99. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
102. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
103. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut
109. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
121. Ronald Jones - RB - Texas
128. Anthony Wheeler - MLB - Texas
135. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
136. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri
139. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
146. Blake Barnett - QB - Texas (Notre Dame)
153. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina
155. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
165. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina
178. Jaason Lewis - WR - Virginia
194. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey
203. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey
205. Cameron Townsend - OLB - Texas
220. Tyree Kinnel - CB - Ohio (Michigan)
232. Du'Vonta Lampkin - DT - Texas (Oklahoma)
244. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina
255. Joshua McMillon - OLB - Tennessee
266. Adonis Thomas - OLB - Georgia
267. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania
294. Jon Runyan - OG - Pennsylvania (Michigan)