Recruiting misses are a fascinating aspect of college football, and Michigan fans have had their fair share of heartbreakers over the years. While some of these misses are understandable, others leave a lingering feeling of what could have been. Here's a deep dive into five of Michigan's most notable recent recruiting misses, each of which raises intriguing questions about the program's past and future.
Xavier Worthy: The Early Miss
In 2021, Michigan actually landed Xavier Worthy, a top-10 wide receiver, but it was a close call. Worthy committed to the Wolverines and was set to enroll early, but those plans were disrupted. Instead, he signed with Texas, where he became an explosive playmaker, an All-American, and a first-round NFL Draft pick. It's easy to imagine 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, especially considering the team's offensive struggles in recent years.
Najee Harris: The All-In Pursuit
In 2017, Michigan went all-in on Najee Harris, a highly touted running back. The coaching staff made him a top priority, with Harbaugh visiting Harris' high school multiple times and hosting a satellite camp. The pursuit reached a fever pitch, with Harbaugh even announcing the homecoming queen at halftime of an Antioch football game. Fans genuinely believed the Wolverines had a shot, but Harris committed to Alabama instead. He went on to win two national titles and become a first-round NFL Draft pick. This miss highlights the challenges of competing against SEC powers and the impact a single recruit can have on a program's trajectory.
Isaiah Wilson: The Cleat Moment
In 2017, Michigan was close to landing Isaiah Wilson, a highly regarded offensive tackle. For a while, they looked like the favorite, but things changed when Harbaugh wore cleats inside his house. Wilson ultimately signed with Georgia and became a first-round pick. Considering Michigan's struggles with offensive line depth during the Harbaugh era, it's easy to wonder how things might have played out differently had Wilson been in Ann Arbor. This miss underscores the importance of maintaining a consistent recruitment strategy and the impact a single moment can have on a player's decision.
Zach Harrison: The Ohio Battle
In 2019, Michigan built momentum with Zach Harrison, an elite edge rusher from Ohio. They appeared to have a real shot at flipping one of the state's top prospects, but the Buckeyes kept him home. While Michigan eventually developed stars at the position, landing Harrison would have been a symbolic victory. This miss highlights the challenges of competing against in-state rivals and the impact a single recruit can have on a program's reputation and success.
Leonard Fournette: The SEC Powerhouse
In 2014, Michigan took a real swing at Leonard Fournette, a national celebrity and one of the most famous recruits of the modern era. They managed to get involved despite competing against SEC powers. Fournette ultimately stayed closer to home and signed with LSU, where he rushed for over 3,800 yards and became a first-round NFL Draft pick. This miss is painful because it's hard to imagine what could have been, especially considering the team's struggles against SEC opponents.
These misses serve as valuable lessons for Michigan's recruitment strategy and highlight the impact a single recruit can have on a program's success. While some misses are understandable, others leave a lingering feeling of what could have been, and they provide an opportunity for the program to learn and improve.
