Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh says recruiting ‘doesn’t feel like work’

After only working on his 2015 class for about a month, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is looking to add the final pieces to the puzzle in his second full class.

On Wednesday morning, Harbaugh spoke with ESPNU about 2017 National Signing Day.

"I like people, I think that's a real plus. It doesn't feel like work, I can tell you that," Harbaugh said, regarding the recruiting process. "Trusted agents, known friends. I look at these as relationships. It's long, trusting friendships."

Harbaugh said that his favorite part of National Signing Day is talking back and forth with the young athletes and their families.

"There will be new, initial relationships for 29 or 30 guys,” Harbaugh said. “That goes beyond the 100,000 people in the stadium. You know Michigan is getting better in the classroom and on the field and you have a great sense of pride in that."

The 53-year-old coach believes that members of the 2017 class will be able to fill in for many Michigan starters from the 2016 season that have left for the NFL Draft.

"I don't like to use the word lost. Graduated. Matriculated. Wonderful guys, wonderful people," Harbaugh said. "There's a lot of great youngsters in the program working hard to prove themselves. Just like these (recruits) will."