Friday Michigan Recruiting Roundup: Independence Day Edition

Jalen Bates to Visit Michigan in July

When talking about weak side defensive ends in the 2015 recruiting cycle for the Wolverines, discussion usually revolves around five-star pass rushing stud Keisean Lucier-South (Orange, CA), and while that would be the ideal addition for the Wolverines, there are still other guys on their board they are taking a hard look at as a contingency plan.

One of those players is three-star defensive end Jalen Bates (Kaplan, LA), who will be visiting Michigan sometime in July, according to Wolverine247. ($)

Bates has ties to Michigan in the form of his cousin, former Michigan linebacker Jonas Mouton, so that alone appears to have made a significant impact on his status with the Wolverines.

It's looking like the Wolverines want to take two defensive ends during the 2015 cycle, so even if they do land KLS, Bates could still be an option. He looks to be a solid prospect and his rankings may be a product of the region he plays in, which for better or worse is a college football factory of stud prospects.

Regardless of stars and rankings, Bates has the look of a player who can outperform those and has a skill set that would transfer nicely to Ann Arbor.

Bredeson May Visit During BBQ

Every recruiting cycle has its share of needs and players they want to build their class around, and for 2016, offensive line is arguably the biggest need.

Michigan looks to be in good shape with a lot of their top targets early on, and that applies to five-star offensive lineman Ben Bredeson (Hartland, WI), who wants to visit Michigan during their annual BBQ at the Big House, per 247's Steve Lorenz. (FREE)

"I've talked about the event with them and they want me to come," he said. "I might be able to make it but I'm not sure if I will be available or not during that weekend."

The 247 Crystal Ball has 11 predictions made on Bredeson, all of which are in favor of the Wisconsin Badgers, but it looks like his top group early includes Michigan and Ohio State, as well.

Another day, another classic Big Ten recruiting battle.

Does Michigan Have A Shot at Jacques Patrick?

All the talk during the 2015 recruiting cycle at running back has revolved around five-star Damien Harris (Berea, KY) and four-star Mike Weber (Detroit, MI).

Harris was once committed then restarted the process and Weber looks to be Michigan's top target at the position right now, but as we've stated before in this roundup: four-star Jacques Patrick (Orlando, FL) looks to be a dark horse candidate.

I'm not saying he could be a guy that comes out of nowhere and grabs a spot. I'm just saying that he is a guy that has started to get recruited harder by the program in the wake of a visit in early June.

It's been an interesting journey for Patrick and the Wolverines since he received a scholarship offer from them, and Maize N Brew's very own Adam Biggers takes a closer look at what that has looked like here. (FREE)

If I'm being asked to be bold, I'd say that while both are long shots at this point, I believe you're more likely to see Patrick be the guy in this class than Harris recommitting to the Wolverines. Just a hunch.

Predicting the 2015 Class (Again)

Speaking of hunches, I again took a stab at guessing Michigan's 2015 football recruiting class after they received commitments from Chris Clark and Grant Newsome.

There are a few slight changes, but they are in line with what I've read and seen reported in other places. You can check out who I believe will fill out this 2015 class over at The Big House Report. (FREE)

That's it for this Fourth of July edition of the Michigan recruiting roundup. Put down your computers/smartphones and get out there, grill up some food, and enjoy your day off.  We'll be back Monday with the latest in Michigan football recruiting.

Be sure to follow Maize N Brew's Anthony Broome on Twitter, @anthonytbroome.