The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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44 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2019 A MIXED BAG The 2017 Class Has Produced Several Contributors And Boasts Potential For More BY CHRIS BALAS M ichigan's 2017 class was the second consecutive No. 4-ranked group of signees nationally according to Ri- vals.com. Despite a handful of trans- fers, this group has already delivered a number of key players and has the potential to generate a few more. Below is a look at how the 2017 group has fared to date: Name Pos. Rec. Stars Jordan Anthony LB 5 Redshirted in 2017 and notched three tackles in seven games last year. Made a move in the spring and is ex- pected to see more action in 2019. Tarik Black WR 4 Was on his way to being U-M's best receiver with 11 grabs for 149 yards and a score in three games as a fresh- man, but back-to-back foot injuries sidelined him for most of the last two years. He is healthy and ready to con- tribute this fall. Nico Collins WR 4 Became arguably Michigan's top re- ceiver last year after playing sparingly as a freshman, catching 38 passes for 632 yards and six scores. He earned Most Improved Player (offense) hon- ors from U-M in 2018 and seems primed for a big year in the new attack. Chuck Filiaga OL 4 Redshirted as a freshman and played sparingly last year, but hopes to be in the two-deep this season at guard. Should have a legitimate op- portunity to start in 2020. Ja'Raymond Hall OL 3 Enrolled early and went through a spring and one season before announc- ing his transfer to Central Michigan. Sat out last year due to NCAA rules. Brad Hawkins S 4 Brought in as a wide receiver but switched to safety and played in 12 games as a freshman, primarily on spe- cial teams. He appeared in all 13 games last year on special teams and played in eight at safety, notching 36 tackles. He should be the starting nickel this year and could also see time at safety. Joel Honigford OL 3 Redshirted his first season and saw action in two games a year ago. Now 284 pounds (down from 295), he is ex- pected to be a backup guard this fall and vie for starting duties next season. James Hudson OL 4 Moved from the defensive line his first year and was battling at tackle in 2018 before deciding to transfer to Cin- cinnati. Will sit out this season. Deron Irving-Bey DL 3 Redshirted and then transferred to Central Michigan in his second season. Was dismissed from the team in Febru- ary, but is expected to return this fall. Donovan Jeter DT 4 Redshirted at defensive end his first season after suffering an injury, moved inside last year and notched three tack- les in seven games played. Had an im- pressive spring and is expected to be a key contributor on the interior. Jaylen Kelly-Powell S 3 Played in 10 games as a true fresh- man and notched two tackles. How- ever, he was hurt much of last season and recorded five tackles in seven ap- pearances, primarily on special teams. Corey Malone-Hatcher DE 4 Enrolled in January 2017, but was forced to retire from football and take a medical scholarship in July 2017. Oliver Martin WR 4 Redshirted his first year, caught 11 passes for 125 yards and a score in 2018, then transferred to Iowa in the offseason. Will sit out this season. Ben Mason DT 3 Saw action on special teams and at fullback his first two seasons, and made the move to defensive tackle in the spring, though he could still see spot duty on offense. He has played in every game of his career so far, rushing for two touchdowns as a freshman. Last year, he registered 33 carries for 2 017 REVIEW CLASS OF Junior Donovan Peoples-Jones has totaled 94 yards rushing, 889 yards and eight touchdowns receiving, and 570 yards and two touchdowns on punt returns in his career. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Report Card — B- Players In Class: 30 Rivals.com Team Ranking: No. 4 Players Still At Michigan: 20 This group lost a handful of players to transfers last season, but there are still plenty of difference makers in the class. A few are still coming into their own as well.