The ESPN class rankings are out, and the Wolverines are at the top of the list. With the No. 1 ranked class in the country, Michigan fans have plenty to cheer about.
The initial rankings have Michigan ahead of Florida, Alabama, Texas and Georgia to round out the top five. With 21 commitments -- 11 of whom are in the ESPN 150 -- 15 in the top 300, six invitees to The Opening in Oregon and seven committed to play in the Under Armour All-American game, it's easy to see why the Wolverines came out on top.
The 2013 class has been nothing short of remarkable for the Michigan coaching staff, and this is coming on the heels of an 11-win season. Excitement is alive and well in Ann Arbor and rightfully so.
Coach Brady Hoke did very well with the 2012 class, which was ranked No. 7 overall, but this class could be one of Michigan's best ever. From top to bottom this class fills needs, helps build competition and will be adding talent to the Big House.
This is undoubtedly the best class Michigan has had in recent years, considering 2012 was the first year since 2006 that Michigan had a class ranked higher than No. 10. The Wolverines' 2011 class wasn't even among the top 25, which makes this feat that much more impressive.
Michigan is one of four Big Ten programs within the top 25 classes for 2013 with Ohio State (No. 7), Penn State (14) and Michigan State (22) all making the list. If you look deeper into those numbers, though, Michigan is far and away the leader in the Big Ten as rankings go.
The flurry of commitments in February certainly helped Michigan get to this point, and the steady trickle since has put them over the top in terms of talent committed. If it seems like quarterback Shane Morris (Warren, Mich./DeLaSalle) has been committed for years it's because he almost has been.
The No. 32 prospect nationally committed to Michigan in May 2011 and has led this class the entire way. Morris has been an integral part of this class and continues to try to make it better daily.
In order to keep that top spot Michigan and Morris are going to have to land some of the top prospects remaining on their board.
Their best shot at holding on are with wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (Crete, Ill./Crete-Monee) at No. 38, running back Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage) (58), and/or with defensive back Kendall Fuller (Olney, Md./Good Counsel), ranked No. 28 overall, or Leon McQuay III (Seffner, Fla./Armwood), who's No. 39.
Some of the top prospects in the country have yet to make their commitments, so Michigan won't be able to stay put and hang on to the No. 1 class. Luckily for the Wolverines, it's only June, and the coaching staff has plenty of time to reel in the top remaining prospects.
And it needs to hang onto what it has. With the quality of commitments Michigan has on board, it's safe to say the competition hasn't given up on many of them.