Michigan Football: Predicting the final 8 commitments of 2021 class

4-star OL Rocco Spindler

When it comes down to it, Rocco Spindler might be the toughest recruiting battle for Michigan football to win this cycle, with Notre Dame looking like a very real threat.

If you look at the predictions for Spindler on 247 sports, it’s essentially 50/50 between the Wolverines and the Irish. At Rivals, there are four picks for ND and two for Michigan football, but one is from EJ Holland and that carries weight for U-M fans. At least it should.

At one time or another, both have felt like the leader. Rocco also says he is taking all five of his visits before he decides, so keep an eye on others like LSU. Ultimately though, I have a gut feeling it plays out the way Braiden McGregor’s recruitment did. It was close, but he chose Michigan in the end. Rocco will too.

4-star RB Donovan Edwards

Last but certainly not least is Donovan Edwards, the running back who is likely the top player on Michigan’s board right now. Of the eight guys on this list, he’s far and away the most important.

If Michigan misses on Spindler, it will hurt, but it will likely have four other four-star commitments along the offensive line, so it won’t be a terrible blow. But after Edwards, Dunlap could be the next best option at running back and after adding just one a year ago, it’s not ideal.

Edwards is also a player with true game-changing ability. Alongside McCarthy, Edwards would give the Wolverines the kind of firepower they simply haven’t had under Jim Harbaugh. He’s that first-round caliber running back the program hasn’t had since Chris Perry.

Holland wrote this week ($) that Edwards seems weary of the process, hinting that the running back could commit sooner rather than later.

More importantly, Holland reiterated that Michigan is in the lead and when it’s all said and done, in my opinion, the Wolverines will win this recruitment, one way or another.