ADDED TO THE BOARD
I missed this when it happened, but Michigan offered Miami (FL) Norland ILB Keith Brown awhile ago. Considering that Brown isn't a super elite recruit and he's from Rich Rodriguez's favorite state to recruit, I'm assuming Brown was offered by the Rodriguez regime. Regardless, he's been committed since September of 2010 and Michigan doesn't need any more linebackers.
I also must have been asleep at the wheel when the staff offered South Jordan (UT) Bingham DE Jared Afalava. I've been following Afalava occasionally because he's a national recruit who might be headed to Nebraska, but I hadn't heard until recently that he had been offered. I assume the offer was tendered several months ago, since Michigan is full up with defensive ends.
OFF THE BOARD
Ohio defensive tackle Greg Kuhar committed to Northwestern. Kuhar is a 6'3", 265 lb. championship-caliber wrestler from Lakewood (OH) St. Edward's, the same school as 2012 Michigan commit Kyle Kalis. Kuhar's brother is a wrestler at Northwestern and a couple former high school teammates are at Northwestern, too. There were some rumors several months ago that the offers to Kuhar and teammate Sam Grant were rescinded, and Kuhar never revealed an interest in attending school in Ann Arbor.
New Jersey safety D.J. Singleton committed to Wisconsin. Singleton is a 6'3", 200 lb. kid who could play either safety position or even grow into an outside linebacker for the Badgers.
Georgia cornerback Geno Smith committed to Alabama. Smith is a 5'11", 170 lb. prospect with excellent ball skills and good speed. He's the next in a long line of very good cornerbacks to head to Tuscaloosa. Smith never indicated a desire to come up north.
DEFENSIVE BACK RECRUITING
Michigan has enough defensive backs in the 2012 class to be comfortable, although the lukewarm commitment of Terry Richardson makes this situation fluid. Richardson has seemed a little wishy-washy about his commitment to the program since the day he pledged, so it wouldn't be a big surprise to see him head elsewhere. Therefore, Michigan has kept alive its contact with some other defensive backs. Here's a rundown of the offerees who haven't committed elsewhere yet:
Miami (FL) Columbus CB/S Deon Bush stands 6'1", 185 lbs. and could play either spot at the next level. It seems that Auburn and Miami are his two leaders, although Miami's recently revealed troubles could spell doom for the Hurricanes' chances. Then again, I don't think anyone would be surprised if Auburn climbed into the same sinking ship as Miami soon.
Scottsdale (AZ) Saguaro CB D.J. Foster is a 5'11", 190 lb. prospect who could play several positions in college - cornerback, safety, or wide receiver. He recently named Arizona State as his leader, and I would be surprised if he leaves the Pac-12.
Baltimore (MD) Gilman CB Cyrus Jones is a 5'11", 183 lb. athlete. As one of the more wide open prospects on this list, it's pretty unclear where Jones is headed to play ball. He's considering schools in the ACC, the Big East, etc., but it seems as if he's most interested in playing in the SEC. Recent scuttlebutt suggests Alabama and Auburn as likely destinations, but Geno Smith's commitment to Alabama might make Auburn more likely.
New York (NY) Erasmus Hall CB/S Wayne Morgan was at one time a silent commit to Michigan. He wouldn't pledge to the Wolverines publicly, however, and the coaches moved on to other prospects. Meanwhile, Morgan's rankings have dropped somewhat and some scouts believe he lacks the ability to play cornerback at the next level, which is something I've been saying since March in this very space. He wants to visit Alabama, Miami, and South Carolina this fall, although those aren't necessarily his favorite schools.
Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep CB Yuri Wright is the rare 6'2" prospect with the speed and hips to play cornerback in college. Michigan's coaches have kept consistent contact with Wright, who might be their #1 backup plan if Richardson heads elsewhere. That would likely be a welcome trade in Michigan fans' eyes, since Wright is the superior prospect. Wright recently released a top two of Cal and Rutgers, but Michigan isn't out of the picture for him.
MagnusThunder is the author of Touch the Banner, a Michigan football blog.