2011 recruiting needs: defense

Yesterday I took a look at the team's offensive needs for the 2011 recruiting class. Today, the emphasis will be on defense. And that's the emphasis Coach Rod and his staff should put on this class as well.

Defensive End
Need: 1-2

Michigan got a host of players in the 2010 class that could eventually play Defensive End. That's right, eventually. Right now the only true recruit that I see playing there immediately is Jibreel Black. Michigan needs to recruit a true pass-rushing defensive end, and not a DE/DT or another hybrid/tweener prospect. Luckily, there are a number of quality defensive end prospects that Michigan has already offered, including Ohio (Columbus) DE Chris Rock (Ha-ha) as well as in-state prospect Brennan Beyer, who is actually more of a quick but is listed as a Defensive End.

Defensive Tackle
Needs: 2

The 2010 class brought about two defensive tackle prospects in Terrance Talbott and Richard Ash. Both are solid players who need time to gain weight and work on their technique. But Ash is best playing around 250-260 lbs, and Talbott isn't going to be a huge workhorse either. What Michigan needs, is a true Nose Tackle-type. Jonathan Hankins was a solid prospect for this position, but as well all saw he went elsewhere. 2011 is expected to be another down year for Defensive Tackle prospects, and though Michigan has offered Timmy Jernigan, it will be an uphill battle for his services. Expect the Wolverines to sign another DT/DE prospect and hopefully at least one NT prospect.

Linebacker
Needs: 2-3

The linebacking play has been... well bad for Michigan the past two seasons. This may or may not be indicative of the talent, the coaching, or both. Jay Hopson is gone, so it's time for the staff to accrue more talent with Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mouton both graduating after this season. Trey Depriest, considered one of the best players in Ohio, grew up as a Michigan fan, but is concerned with the lack of victories on the field. Lawrence Thomas is another name, as an in-state product who like Depriest, is receiving many offers from out-of-state powers. If Michigan can return to their winning ways Depriest may be easier to land, but both Thomas and Depriest are elite talents that would be huge gets in the 2011 class. Look for Michigan to take 2, maybe 3 linebackers.

Cornerback
Needs: 2
Commits: 2

With the dearth that was Michigan's secondary last season, the coaches heavily addressed it in the 2010 class, taking 3 cornerbacks in Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, and Terry Talbott. Christian is a top-tier talent (rivals 100) while Avery has been heavily recruited by Florida, and Talbott has garnered nearly 20 offers. The talent is starting to get there, but the staff will still recruit cornerbacks, as they have two commitments from 2011 CB's Greg Brown and Delonte Hollowell. They may or may not take one more depending on the player's caliber, but cornerback recruiting should be set for 2011.

Safety
Needs: 1-2

Like the cornerbacks, Michigan was in a terrible state at safety last year, so bad that a first-year walk on started most of the season. The coaches again addressed the talent and depth, grabbing commitsments from Ray Vinopal, Carvin Johnson, and Marvin Robinson. Robinson is definitely the most talented of the trio, garnering offers from Florida, Ohio State, and others, but Johnson is a hard-hitting player with a nose for the ball, with Vinopal being more of a speed guy. The staff is also in on California Safety Sean Parker and Florida Safety Rashad Knight, so they may end up with another safety or two in the 2010 class. Expect them to pursue Ohio S Ron Tanner, and maybe another safety, but nothing more beyond that.