Michigan Football Recruiting 2022: Top Commitments Landed, Recruit Predictions

The Michigan Wolverines are set for a second straight appearance in the College Football Playoff and will next face TCU in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.

This week, though, the Wolverines will be more focused on building their roster for 2023. The early three-day national signing period for Division I football is set to kick off Wednesday.

As one might expect, Michigan's recent success and the presence of respected head coach Jim Harbaugh have helped on the recruiting trail. The Wolverines are entering the signing period with 21 commits and the nation's No. 19 class. Presumably, Michigan will add a few more top recruits in the coming days.

Here, we'll dive into the latest buzz surrounding those prospects who are prepared to make their college decisions. We'll also highlight some of Michigan's top commits and make a few predictions about how things may unfold.

The biggest thing keeping Michigan low in the rankings—for a national title-contending team, anyway—is the fact that the Wolverines have yet to land a 5-star recruit.

However, this doesn't mean that U-M doesn't have some impressive talent incoming. Dexter, Michigan, running back Cole Cabana leads a strong group of offensive players who should take the stage in the not-too-distant future.

Cabana, a speedy and athletic 6'0", 180-pound ball-carrier, is versatile and can be utilized in multiple ways offensively. Joining him at Michigan will soon be offensive linemen Evan Link, Nathan Efobi and Amir Herring as well as tight end Deakon Tonielli.

Michigan's top recruit is defensive lineman Enow Etta, considered the 116th-best recruit by 247Sports' composite rankings. The 6'4½", 260-pound defender from Texas projects as an early impact defender and a future NFL Day 2 draft selection.

While the Wolverines have traditionally looked to win with defense and a strong running game under Harbaugh, this year's emergence of quarterback J.J. McCarthy may change the formula just a bit.

McCarthy, who has thrown for 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions, gives the Wolverines a little potency in the passing game. This could grab the attention of coveted recruits like 4-star wide receiver Karmello English.

English, a gifted if undersized 5'11", 175-pound pass-catcher, could be a long-time contributor if Michigan is able to land him.

"Plays bigger than his size dictates, has some edge to his play style. Has the ability to add value on multiple special teams units at the next level. Projects to a multiyear starter at a Power Five program," Cooper Petagna of 247Sports wrote.

English has taken visits with the Wolverines and the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Wolverines could also be closing in on 3-star offensive lineman Ben Roebuck from St. Edward (Ohio). Michigan already has a promising group of incoming linemen, but this is a program that loves to build in the trenches. There is undoubtedly room for Roebuck on the depth chart.

It's important to remember that landing a glut of 5-star recruits doesn't guarantee success. A team of 3- and 4-star recruits can be great if they play as a unit and are well coached. USC, for example, had last year's No. 70 class and nearly made the College Football Playoff—though it was significantly boosted by its transfers.

Landing a receiver like English would be a big win for the Wolverines, and the prediction here is that's what happens. Kentucky is set to lose standout quarterback Will Levis to the NFL, while Michigan should remain a title contender in 2023.

We'll also predict that Roebuck joins the Wolverines, especially after Michigan won a second consecutive Joe Moore Award—given to college football's best offensive line.

"Michigan is putting a lot into having the best offensive line they can have," Roebuck said, per Jonathan Simmons of SBNation.

Michigan's emphasis on having a strong O-line is great for its style of football. It's also a great recruiting tool when trying to secure future blockers for the Maize and Blue.

Expect to see Roebuck alongside Efobi, Link and Herring on Saturdays in the coming years.

Recruiting information via 247Sports