Who else could Michigan add to its 2019 recruiting class by February?

Michigan signed one of the largest classes in the country on the first day of the Early Signing Period. Twenty-six players sent in their letters of intent, with Amauri Pesek-Hickson the only one waiting until February.

This doesn’t mean the staff is done recruiting, though. There are still a couple areas they’d like to shore up before February when National Signing Day rolls around. Don’t be surprised if Michigan adds a few more players to its already outstanding 2019 class.

In fact, Michigan Director of Recruiting Matt Dudek hinted as much in a tweet Wednesday.

Running back

After Eric Gray de-committed, it became clear the staff wants to add another running back in their class to pair with the No. 3 player at the position, Zach Charbonnet.

Who the staff decides to target is unclear as of now. Two backs they were interested in, DJ Williams and Kay’Ron Adams, signed with Auburn and Rutgers, respectively.

Looking at the list of players they offered at the position, there isn’t anyone who hasn’t signed already or is a realistic target anymore. Whoever the staff pursues will be an under the radar guy they discover after sifting through the unsigned players.

One athlete that would make sense but isn’t likely is Ohio 3-star John Branham, older brother of 2020 wide receiver commit Kalil Branham. It’s been reported the staff isn’t enamored with Branham’s film and skill set.

It’s also a matter of timing. If the staff was going to offer Branham, they would have done it by now. He’d almost assuredly commit on the spot, but it’s clear the staff doesn’t like him enough.

Defensive tackle

This position is a lot clearer. The staff was looking around for defensive tackle options before Aubrey Solomon decided to transfer, possibly because they knew it was coming.

They handed out offers to two tackles Dec. 4 — 4-star D’Von Ellies and 3-star Jared Harrison-Hunte. Both are signing in February, which gives Michigan more time to work on them after getting in late.

These races look to be centered around the Big Ten, with Penn State leading both. Ohio State has also been a presence for the duo.

Getting them on campus for an official visit is the first and most important step if Michigan wants to be in it with either of them.

After a story came out that there was a miscommunication between Michigan and Tyrece Woods over if he had a full athletic scholarship or not, there’s no chance he’ll end up back in the class.

Even if another defensive tackle doesn’t join the class, Michigan still has a stud duo of Chris Hinton and Mazi Smith. Mike Morris is also a possibility to bulk up and move inside. The team will be fine, but having depth along the defensive line is always advantageous.

So you’re saying there’s a chance?

One final possibility that would certainly be pleasing for Michigan fans is landing Quavaris Crouch. The 4-star athlete has gone from being a Clemson lock to having Tennessee as the favorite. The Wolverines are still sticking around, like they have during the entirety of this recruitment.

Crouch’s plan is to give the school he chooses word he’ll be committing to them sometime soon, and then announce his decision publicly at the All-American Bowl Jan. 5. But as of now, Michigan hasn’t given up contact and Crouch is reciprocating.

This is still a long shot, but it’s recruiting and stranger things have happened.