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Michigan Football Recruiting: Reevaluating the Wolverines' 2015 Class, Post-Brian Cole Edition

It's the same as it was, but different and better. It's time to analyze 2015's wealth of talent, plus one elite ATH out of Saginaw Heritage.

By Adam Biggers
Do you think that Brady Hoke was up for high-fives after Brian Cole pledged to Michigan?
Do you think that Brady Hoke was up for high-fives after Brian Cole pledged to Michigan?
Jim Rogash

Just this past week, Michigan secured the commitment of Brian Cole, a 4-star ATH out of Saginaw Heritage. The 6'2", 190-pounder is the No. 1-ranked prospect in The Great Lakes State, per 247Sports, and was once considered as a Michigan State-lean.

Chalk one up for Brady Hoke, who continues to flex his muscle and have his way on the trails that lead to talent.

See Michigan's nine-man 2015 class here, via 247Sports, before diving into the revised breakdown and analysis of the upcoming haul. At the moment, it's the No. 4-ranked class in the Big Ten and No. 26 overall (K Andrew David, LB Darrin Kirkland, OT Jon Runyan Jr, QB Alex Malzone, S Tyree Kinnel, OT Grant Newsome, CB Garrett Taylor, TE Chris Clark).

What Cole Brings to the Table

As mentioned, he's classified as an athlete, meaning that, well--it means that he's athletic enough to play multiple positions. Instead of being pigeonholed as a defensive back, Cole opted for a school that'd allow to him to contribute in multiple ways, specifically on offense.

The Saginaw Kid can also play running back, return kicks and punts, and D-up on receivers. He's a well-rounded piece that should snugly fit into the Wolverines' puzzle of the future.

Ask, Receive...

Due to solid depth supplied by robust recruiting, the Wolverines aren't in serious need of multiple wideouts. However, they'd never turn down a player such as Cole, who could be an upgrade from former commit George Campbell, a 5-star who changed his mind last winter.

The Wolverines went without a set of hands for 2015 until June 19, when Chris Clark, a 6'6", 247-pound tight end, said yes to Hoke. Now with Cole, Michigan has another 4-star pass-catching option to complement and develop alongside quarterback Alex Malzone, who helped "recruit" Cole.

Make a Wish?

In the event that Cole chooses to dance on the other side of the ball, he'd be thrown into a mix that includes Tyree Kinnel, a 4-star safety, and Garrett Taylor, a 4-star corner. Plus the existing backfielders, which will likely be led by Jourdan Lewis, Delano Hill, Channing Stribling, Dymonte Thomas and Jabrill Peppers. Can't forget those guys.

New View of the 2015 Class?

I already liked what I saw in the next group. Cole is an added bonus. Honestly, I thought that he was headed for Mark Dantonio's place, so I never gave a lot of serious thought to Cole committing to Michigan. I thought of it--probably once or twice--but didn't think it'd be a reality.

It is a reality, and it should lessen the sting of losing Campbell, a great athlete who'd be difficult to top if not for gaining Cole's services. Athletically, he's a cut above the Floridian due to versatility. Size-wise, they're nearly identical. It's not as if Michigan lost the next Megatron and picked up Wes Welker.

Cole for Campbell is a fair "trade" if you ask me.

As TheWolverine.com's Tim Sullivan notes, Michigan's class got a bump in the rankings because of its Saginaw connection. When it's all said and done, the group could have as many as 15 or 16, depending on decommits, other issues, etc.

Follow Maize 'n Brew's Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81 (podcast @SITMBigAndKid)

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