The Michigan Wolverines will look very different this fall than they did last season, not only with a first-year full-time head coach but also new starting quarterback, running back, wide receiver and other key positions.
But the coaching staff has been working hard this offseason to acquire star players through the transfer portal and the high school rankings to ensure success following the 2023 national championship.
Today we will be discussing Michigan’s five most important recruits for the 2024 season.
5. Jordan Marshall – RB
If there's a true freshman who can make an impact in 2024, it could be Marshall. He's ranked as the fourth-best running back and 79th-best overall player in his class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings, and he's a high-caliber prospect thanks to his vision, ability to run between the tackles and quality speed.
Donovan Edwards and Karel Mullings will fill that role this fall, but the RB3 spot seems pretty vacant at the moment. Benjamin Hall might fill that role for now, but I wouldn't be surprised if Marshall gets a real opportunity.
4. Dominik Zvada – K
With James Turner going pro, the Wolverines turned to the portal again at the kicker position, acquiring Zvada from Arkansas State.
Zvada made 17 of 18 field goal attempts as a freshman in 2022 and 17 of 22 last year. He has made two of three kicks of 50 yards or more and missed just one extra point in 72 attempts.
Of course, he still has to win the starting spot over freshman Adam Samaha, but the Wolverines acquired Zuvada after Samaha struggled in the spring, and given the circumstances, Zuvada seems like the front-runner to be Michigan's starting kicker.
3. Amir Hall – CB
Will Johnson is undoubtedly Ann Arbor's CB1, but for the second straight year, it's unclear who will start on the other side, and one of the candidates is Hall, who played at an elite level in Albany last season.
Hall recorded 63 total tackles, five interceptions, 15 pass breakups and one forced fumble en route to his FCS All-American status. At 6'1″ and 200 pounds, he has the size and strength to compete as a boundary corner in the Big Ten. He's not fast, but his speed is more than adequate. Ultimately, I think Hall will emerge as a CB2 this fall.
2. Josh Priebe – Office Lady
Michigan has had a great offensive line for many years, and fans are hoping that will continue, even though six offensive linemen have left for the NFL. To replace players like Zach Ginter and Trevor Keegan, Michigan acquired Priebe, a former captain at Northwestern.
Priebe, a veteran guard, appeared in 36 games (29 starts) for the Wildcats during his four seasons in Evanston. He started every game last fall and was named to the All-Big Ten third team (coaches and media). He will likely be Michigan's starter at left guard.
1. Jayshawn Barham – LB
Replacing players like Junior Colson and Michael Barrett will be tough, but Barham transferring from Maryland should make life easier for Brian Jean Mary and company.
Barham was named a Freshman All-American by College Football News in 2022 and was also a finalist for the Shawn Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, given to the best freshman in college football that same year. That season, he recorded 59 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Last year, he appeared in 11 games and recorded 37 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, one pass breakup and three quarterback hurries. Not only does Barham fill a position of need, he is also a high-level linebacker who can play all over the field.
Honorable Mention: Wesley Walker, S (Tennessee), Cole Sullivan, LB (freshman), Jaeden Mangum, S (Michigan State), CJ Charleston, WR (Youngstown State)
