In the world of college football recruiting, it's the big-name, high-profile players that often steal the spotlight. But sometimes, it's the seemingly overlooked prospects that can leave fans wondering, 'What if?' Here, we delve into five of Michigan's most notable recent recruiting misses, each of which has left a lasting impression on the program and its fans.
Xavier Worthy (2021)
Worthy, a top-7 wide receiver and the No. 3 player in California, was a near-miss for Michigan. The Wolverines actually landed him, but his plans changed, and he ultimately signed with Texas. Worthy's impact at Texas was immediate, becoming an All-American and first-round NFL Draft pick. It's hard not to wonder how different Michigan's passing attack might have looked with Worthy in the lineup. The Wolverines won without him, but this remains a fascinating 'what-if' scenario.
Najee Harris (2017)
Michigan went all-in on Harris, a No. 2 overall player and the No. 1 running back. The pursuit was intense, with Harbaugh visiting Harris' high school multiple times and holding a satellite camp there. For a while, fans believed Michigan had a shot. Instead, Harris committed to Alabama, where he won two national titles and was a first-round NFL Draft pick. This miss is a reminder of the challenges of competing against top-tier programs.
Isaiah Wilson (2017)
Michigan looked like the favorite for Wilson, a top-11 overall player and the No. 3 offensive tackle. The Wolverines were heavily linked to him, but a late twist saw Georgia surge ahead. Wilson signed with the Bulldogs and became a first-round pick. This miss is particularly intriguing given Michigan's offensive line questions during the Harbaugh era. It's easy to speculate on how things might have played out differently.
Zach Harrison (2019)
Harrison, a top-7 overall player and the No. 2 edge rusher, was a key target for Michigan. The Wolverines built momentum and appeared to have a shot at flipping one of Ohio's top prospects. In the end, the Buckeyes kept him home. While the miss wasn't devastating in hindsight, as Michigan developed stars at the position, it would have been a symbolic victory. The Buckeyes' ability to keep elite players in-state is a recurring theme in Michigan's recruiting.
Leonard Fournette (2014)
Fournette, a national celebrity and the No. 1 running back, was a real swing for Michigan. The Wolverines managed to get involved despite competition from SEC powers. Fournette ultimately stayed closer to home and signed with LSU, where he had a stellar career. This miss is painful because it's hard to imagine what could have been, especially given the high-profile nature of the recruitment.
These misses serve as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of the recruiting process. While some were near-misses, others were long shots that briefly felt real. Each of these players has gone on to have notable careers, leaving fans to wonder about the impact they might have had in Ann Arbor. It's a fascinating aspect of college football that adds to the drama and excitement of the sport.
