2011 recruiting needs: offense

With National Signing Day less than a week away, Michigan has already been sending out a number of offers (and gaining commitments from) class of 2011 recruits. With a much smaller senior class graduating after the 2010 season, Michigan will have to be very selective in their next recruiting class. I'll highlight positions that still need players, and list players that are high on Michigan's board at this time.

Quarterback
Need: 1

Tate Forcier will only be a true sophomore in the fall, and Michigan secured it's QB of the future in Devin Gardner, while also getting a very good athlete in Conelius Jones. But if Denard Robinson moves elsewhere and Jones follows him, that will leave Michigan relatively thin at the QB position. Taking a low-flying player here won't hurt Michigan in the long run. An elite QB is not necessarily needed, though getting one would certainly build strong depth and competition. What's most important is getting a quarterback that can redshirt, learn the system, and provide depth and competition for when Tate graduates.

Running Back
Need: 1-2

Michigan graduated Brandon Minor, Carlos Brown, and Kevin Grady this season, and added two running backs in Austin White and Stephen Hopkins. Still, Michigan needs a back with game-breaking potential, a-la 2011 recruit Demetrius Hart. At this point in time it appears Hart will be more of a battle than anticipated, and with Michigan's lack of drawing in a top-flight RB, it is imperative that they get a real speedy, game-breaking back.
Wide Receiver
Need: 1

With the graduation of Greg Mathews and LaTerryal Savoy, Michigan secured the commitments of 3 outside wide receiver in the 2010 class. Ricardo Miller, Jeremy Jackson, and Jerald Robinson are all solid receivers, but none possess the real speed required to stretch the field vertically. And that's what Michigan needs to get in the 2011 class. DeAnthony Arnett would be a perfect fit here, as he is similar to current freshman Je'Ron Stokes in stature and speed. Michigan does not need another big, tall wide receiver like Miller or Jackson, just more of a quick, vertical threat.

Slot Receiver
Need: 1

Michigan took two slots in the 2010 class in Drew Dileo and DJ Williamson, though there is plenty of depth ahead of them. Roy Roundtree, Martavious Odoms, Terrance Robinson, and Jeremy Gallon will all compete for playing time in 2010, with Odoms and Roundtree being the obvious starters. Still, the 2011 class has a number of talented slot receivers, including in-state prospects Jermal Hosley and Raymon Taylor. Michigan could probably take both, but only one is really necessary with all the aquired depth Michigan has at the slot position.

Tight End
Needs: 1 or 2

Contrary to most outsiders opinions, Michigan did start to use the Tight End heavily last year. Sophomore Kevin Koger showed flashes of brilliance at times, then suffered and injury and was inconsistent the rest of the year. Koger is now a junior, Martell Webb is a senior, and Brandon Moore is a redshirt-sophomore. Michigan only pursued a few Tight Ends in last year's class, but if they continue to use them expect for the staff to offer a few more prospects.

Offensive Line
Needs: 3-4

This past recruiting season was one of the best for Midwest linemen.. and the staff did not capitalize on it, recruiting only Christian Pace. With that being said, there are a number of talented lineman already on Michigan's radar, with the in-state talent this year being much better than last year's. Michigan is starting to become thin on the offensive line, so it is imperative that they get at least 3-4 players in the 2011 class, as offensive line is one of the hardest positions to project for scouts.

That wraps it up for offensive recruiting. Defensive recruiting will be coming soon!