Remaining 2023 goals for Michigan after the early signing period

Early signing day has come and gone. Aside from their long-term commitments, the Michigan Wolverines have added quarterback Jyaire Hill and four-star wide receiver Karmello English to the fold. These additions moved the Wolverines up to 17th in ranking according to aggregator 247Sports.

With a total of 23 locations at this point, a few high school prospects coaches Jim Harbaugh and company are still courting.

ATH Nichols Five Star Port

A native of Washington, D.C., Harbor would be Michigan’s highest-ranked recruit if he decided to sign with the Wolverines. Harbor is expected to announce its decision on February 1, with Michigan, South Carolina and Maryland among the top schools selected.

Harbor is an athletic model with a height of 6 ft 5 and 225 lbs. Despite the size, Harbor was clocked at 10.28 in the 100-meter dash. He hopes to use this track speed at the Olympic level. Furthermore, Harbor has medical school on his target list. With a great track program and medical school, Michigan suits the kind outdoorsmen he’s looking for.

While he could play on either side of the football, Harbor has aspirations of playing on offense at the next level. Officially visiting Michigan on Sept. 23, he is the top-ranked athlete by 247Sports and has been watched by wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy this month.

His recruiting isn’t over yet, and I expect Michigan to go all-in on bringing Harbor back to Ann Arbor for another visit. 247Sports’ Sam Webb loves Michigan’s prospects, but also said the family ties between Harbor and Maryland will be a battle. Furthermore, Webb explained on The Michigan Insider Podcast that Harbor is very close to the South Carolina hiring chapter.

There’s still a long way to go until February, but Harbor recruiting is a must.

Three stars DT Jamel Howard

A longtime commitment to Wisconsin, Howard opened things up in November due to uncertainty in the Badgers coaching. Since then, the three-star defensive tackle has officially visited Wisconsin and Michigan. He has also received offers from LSU and Ole Miss. The Fighting Illini’s hometown of Illinois will also be a factor here.

Howard owns 247 Sports’ Crystal Balls to Michigan from Allen Trieu and Steve Wiltfong. The opinions of these two experts go a long way, as they usually don’t miss out on predictions. Howard, a 6-foot-3, 320-pounder, would fill a much-needed linebacker on the inside line.

It will be interesting to see if Howard makes any more official visits before signing day in February. He has a relationship with current Michigan commits Jyaire Hill and Trey Pierce. I expect coordinator and defensive line coach Mike Elston to see Howard one more time before he makes a final decision.

Three stars DL Cameron Brandt

Like Howard, Brandt plays on the defensive line at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. He has committed to Stanford since July but chose not to sign during his early signing period. Instead, he will announce his decision in February.

This bodes well for the Wolverines, since they haven’t quite got it on campus yet. Brandt told 247Sports’ Greg Biggins he wants to visit Michigan, but doesn’t have a set date. This date is expected to be determined in the near future.

He’s still being recruited by Cal, UCLA, Washington, and Texas, but most experts in the recruiting world see this as the Michigan/Stanford battle. The nation’s 40th best defensive lineman has already visited Stanford after being hired by head coach Troy Taylor. However, it was not enough to solidify his position with the Cardinals.

If Michigan can get him on campus and continue to recruit him aggressively, I would expect the Wolverines to seal the deal sometime in the new year.