Kaleb Ringer
Kaleb Ringer is one of four linebackers that Michigan signed in the class of 2012. Ringer is from Clayton (OH) Northmont HS and is listed at about 6'1" and 225 lbs. Ringer was the least highly rated linebacker recruit, but I don't think he is someone to sleep on. He has decent size already and would at least provide some depth at linebacker. He early enrolled for this semester at Michigan, so he will be able to participate in the spring practices / game. Because of this, he will be ahead of some of the other linebacker recruits, but I am not so sure he plays this year much, unless he just absolutely wows the coaches. He will probably play the WILL linebacker position but I am not all that sure (again, as my 4-3 under defensive knowledge is not great).
The following are Kaleb Ringer's recruiting rankings:
Scout: 3*, #35 MLB
Rivals: 3*, #17 ILB
ESPN: 3*, 78 - Scouts Grade, #23 ILB
247: 3*, 88 - 247 Rating, #20 ILB
Royce Jenkins-Stone
Royce Jenkins-Stone is a middle linebacker out of Detroit (MI) Cass Technical HS and is listed at about 6'2" and 215 lbs. RJS (easier to type) is slated for either middle linebacker or SAM linebacker. He needs to put on some weight in order to take on blocks effectively. I really think that he redshirts this year in order to put on that weight and figure out which linebacker spot he plays. He should be a contributor his RS freshman or RS sophomore year.
The following are Royce Jenkins-Stone's recruiting rankings:
Scout: 4*, #2 MLB, #111 Overall
Rivals: 4*, #9 OLB, #184 Overall
ESPN: 4*, 80 - Scouts Grade, #9 OLB, #113 Overall
247: 4*, 93 - 247 Rating, #25 OLB, #209 Overall
Joe Bolden
Joe Bolden is a linebacker from Cincinnati (OH) Colerain HS. He is listed at about 6'2" and 225 lbs. and is also an early enrollee currently at Michigan. Bolden is another player that I am really excited about. He tore up the Under Armour All America game in January as he was flying all around the field and making plays. Bolden has a good chance of rotating in at middle linebacker this season in order to give Kenny Demens a play off here and there.
The following are Joe Bolden's recruiting rankings:
Scout: 4*, #4 OLB, #69 Overall
Rivals: 4*, #7 OLB, #111 Overall
ESPN: 4*, 80 - Scouts Grade, #5 ILB, #142 Overall
247: 4*, 96 - 247 Rating, #3 ILB, #59 Overall
James Ross
James Ross is the fourth linebacker that Michigan signed. He is from Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's HS and is listed at about 6'0" and 209 lbs. While Ross may be a little small for linebacker (currently) he has been praised as being the most college ready out of the group. Ross has a great chance at significant playing time at WILL linebacker, if not starting, because of his instincts and tackling ability. He could really use a few 15-20 lbs. but that is not to say that he isn't already higher than that listed weight. Ross and Bolden have the highest chance of playing this year, but I am really excited about the linebacker class Michigan picked up.
The following are James Ross' recruiting rankings:
Scout: 4*, #7 OLB, #83 Overall
Rivals: 4*, #14 OLB, #172 Overall
ESPN: 4*, 80 - Scouts Grade, #8 ILB
247: 4*, 95 - 247 Rating, #6 ILB, #116 Overall
Terry Richardson
Terry Richardson is the only cornerback that Michigan signed this class. While the Wolverines were clearly trying to get another one, they missed out on several prospects and ended up with just Richardson. He is listed at about 5'9" and 165 lbs. and is from Detroit (MI) Cass Technical HS. While Richardson is a little on the short side (just like the past Cass Tech corners that have played for Michigan), he does seem to have good coverage skills and speed. Richardson will benefit from some depth in front of him to hopefully redshirt and put on some weight and strength, as he will need it for the B1G wide receivers.
The following are Terry Richardson's recruiting rankings:
Scout: 4*, #14 CB, #183 Overall
Rivals: 4*, #18 CB, #224 Overall
ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scouts Grade, #5 CB, #68 Overall
247: 4*, 95 - 247 Rating, #12 CB, #142 Overall
Allen Gant
Allen Gant is a strong safety out of Sylvania (OH) Southview HS. He is listed at about 6'2" and 210 lbs. Gant is not highly rated but he could be a decent backup for Jordan Kovacs. Depending on who exactly is in front of Gant (Kovacs, Marvin Robinson, and possibly Josh Furman), he will most likely redshirt. Some scouts have said he may even grow into a linebacker position and with me not seeing any film on him, I do not know for sure. Only time will tell with Gant.
The following are Allen Gant's recruiting rankings:
Scout: 3*, #30 S
Rivals: 3*, #45 S
ESPN: 3*, 75 - Scouts Grade, #150 WR
247: 3*, 85 - 247 Rating, #66 Athlete
Jeremy Clark
Jeremy Clark is a safety from Madisonville (KY) Madisonville North Hopkins HS and is listed at about 6'4" and 205 lbs. Clark was originally offered a gray shirt (he would be on the team but would have to pay his first semester of school and be included on scholarship for the class of 2013). However, later in the fall, Coach Hoke offered Clark a scholarship for the class of 2012. I think this was because Clark was about to blow up recruiting wise after his film came out. He seems like a rangy safety that would be a ball hawk. He has good size and speed and it will be interesting to see the competition between Clark and fellow 2012 signee Jarrod Wilson. Then again, he may be one that could possibly switch positions, as his size would be good for a wide receiver as well.
The following are Jeremy Clark's recruiting rankings:
Scout: 3*, #71 S
Rivals: 3*, #37 S
ESPN: 3*, 76 - Scouts Grade, #52 S
247: 3*, 85 - 247 Rating, #47 S
Jarrod Wilson
Jarrod Wilson is a free safety from Akron (OH) Buchtel HS. He is definitely a ball hawk that is listed at about 6'2" and 190 lbs. Wilson is the third early enrollee that Michigan had this year and with that extra time practicing and working out at Michigan, he could push for some playing and even starting time. He has center field skills that we haven't seen at Michigan in a long time. I am hoping that Wilson can come in and at least share snaps with Thomas Gordon at free safety.
The following are Jarrod Wilson's recruiting rankings:
Scout: 4*, #19 S, #245 Overall
Rivals: 4*, #12 S
ESPN: 4*, 80 - Scouts Grade, #13 S
247: 4*, 91 - 247 Rating, #15 S
That wraps up the Class of 2012 Breakdown. This recruiting class turned out pretty well (so far of course). Hopefully each one of these players will be part of consecutive B1G championships and a national championship or two... or three or four. The class of 2013 recruiting is now in full swing. Look for a breakdown of the needs that Michigan has for the upcoming class and beyond.
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