Michigan Big Board: A Deep Dive Into 2023 RB Recruiting

Looking ahead to the 2023 cycle, running back will be a position of interest for Michigan. The Wolverines have yet to land a commit at the position but have offered 11 running backs in the cycle, along with a handful of athletes that could play running back at the next level. Here’s an in-depth look at the big board, and where Michigan could find their next go-to back.

Top Dog 

Lake Stevens (WA.) running back Jayden Limar was offered by Michigan in August and the junior has visited Michigan twice this fall, to see Michigan defeat Washington and returned just last week ahead of the dead period for a weekend visit. The aforementioned Huskies are also heavily involved in his recruitment as is Oregon and Arizona State, among others. As he keys in on official visits, Michigan is expected to receive one, but it could prove difficult to pull him away from the west coast. Limar ranks as the No. 240 prospect in the On3 Consensus and the No. 17 running back nationally, but is currently not ranked by On3.

Other High Priority Targets: 

Fleming Island (FL) running back Samuel Singleton visited Michigan with his teammates for the Wolverines’ win over Indiana in November. Singleton is a two-sport athlete who also shines on the track running the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4×100 relay as well as long jump. He’s one of the fastest players in the state of Florida and has a frame that looks to be able to carry at least 15-20 more pounds if needed. Florida State, Boston College and Wisconsin appear to be the other schools involved. Singleton ranks as the No. 140 prospect and the No. 7 running back in the On3 Consensus. He ranks as the No. 178 prospect and the No. 9 running back per On3.

El Campo (TX.) running back Rueben Owens is the top running back in the country. As a junior, Owens rushed for 2,989 yards and had over 3,000 all-purpose yards, to go with 48 touchdowns. Michigan offered over the summer after he decommitted from Texas. Texas remains a contender in his recruitment as does Texas A&M, USC, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, etc. It would take a lot for Michigan to win this recruitment, but they’re involved. I’d feel better about Michigan’s chances if they’re able to get him on campus. Owens ranks as the No. 25 prospect and No. 1 running back in the On3 Consensus and the No. 46 prospect and No. 2 running back per On3.

Blessed Trinity Catholic (GA.) running back Justice Haynes is high on Michigan’s board and visited over the summer. Haynes has rushed for over 5,800 yards in three seasons and projects to be an every down back at the next level. As it stands, Georgia and Ohio State appear to lead in this recruitment. Michigan remains a factor in his recruitment and can sell Haynes in playing a role like Hassan Haskins in the offense. Haynes ranks as the No. 44 prospect and No. 2 running back in the On3 Consensus and No. 71 prospect and No. 4 running back per On3.

Next in Line: 

Michigan also has an offer out to Raymore-Peculiar (MO.) athlete Jaidyn Doss, who will likely play running back at the next level. Doss has yet to visit Michigan, but there’s mutual interest and Michigan is high on his list of schools he wants to visit. Doss is unranked in the On3 Consensus and On3.

Julius L. Chambers (NC.) running back Daylan Smothers is actually the most recent running back offer made by Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart. Smothers was offered in early September 2021. Florida State, South Carolina and Tennessee appear to lead in his recruitment. He has yet to visit Michigan, but the junior’s recruitment only recently blew up and an offseason visit could be in the cards.

Names to Know

Trinity Christian Academy (FL.) running back Treyaun Webb recently reset his recruitment after decommitting from Oklahoma following Lincoln Riley’s departure. Michigan linebackers coach George Helow has strong ties in Jacksonville and recruited Webb as an eight grader and the longstanding relationship could see Michigan emerge as a major contender in Webb’s recruitment. Webb initially planned on committing early but with all the recent coaching turnover nationwide, he now plans to wait till his senior year to make a decision. Webb is ranked as the No. 127 prospect and No. 5 running back in the On3 Consensus and the No. 19 running back per On3.

Michigan offered Palmer Ridge (FL.) running back Jaden Booker very early but national interest in the junior has died down, as his last offer came in February. Booker did have a productive junior season, rushing for over 1,726 yards and 11 touchdowns, so interest could pick up. However, as it stands, his recruitment is extremely quiet and his Michigan offer does not appear to be committable at this time. Booker is unranked in the On3 Consensus and per On3.

Michigan is monitoring New Caney (TX.) running back Kedrick Reescano and there would be interest if he is offered. However, Michigan State has been a factor in this recruitment for a few months and Reescano can be considered a Michigan State lean at this time.

Michigan has not offered Union Parish (LA.) running back Trey Holly but there is interest from Holly’s party. If Michigan were to offer, this recruitment could move quickly. Holly is undersized, standing at 5-foot-7, but holds 20 offers to date, including notable offers from Arkansas, LSU and Texas A&M. He ranks as the No. 203 prospect and No. 13 running back in the On3 Consensus and No. 204 prospect and No. 13 back per On3.

Former Director of Player Personnel Courtney Morgan offered Granada Hills (CA.) running back Dijon Stanley. With Morgan no longer on Michigan’s staff, it’s unclear whether Stanley’s offer is committable or if Michigan will continue to recruit the junior out of California.