Michigan Football: Top 5 priorities left in 2022 recruiting class

Following some key misses lately, including five-star Walter Nolen, we look at the top five priorities left for Michigan football in the 2022 recruiting class.

For Michigan football, the 2022 recruiting class certainly hasn’t come together as expected, at least not up to this point.

There have been some major victories such as landing five-star Will Johnson and I still believe we’ll feel pretty good about Tyler Morris when he gets healthy again. Plus, I love Myles Pollard, Mario Eugenio, Colston Loveland, and others that are being underrated by recruiting rankings.

Still, not being included in Walter Nolen’s top three on Monday hurt, even though Michigan football fans can take solace from the fact that it likely won’t be the five-star’s last top three. Here’s what he tweeted Tuesday after making that “cut”.

And here’s a question: If your recruitment is wide open, why trim to a top three? Doesn’t make sense. But if he visits, U-M could still have an outside shot, although that’s about all it is.

At any rate, while Michigan is still going to recruit Nolen, it’s hard to say he’s a priority when the Wolverines didn’t crack his top three.

So who are the five must-get guys left in 2022? Here’s the list.

No. 5: 4-star safety Dillon Tatum

Frankly, I almost didn’t put Dillon Tatum on this list. He will be deciding soon it sounds like, although a decision may not come before September.

The delays continue and while I don’t know that it favors one side or the other, Michigan football or Michigan State, it’s never good to be the long-term favorite, but have the decision constantly delayed.

It starting to feel like a Rocco Spindler or Drew Kendall kind of recruitment to me.

Still, for as much confidence as there is on the Spartan side of things, none of their recruiting experts have put in crystal ball projections. The confidence levels are dropping on the U-M side and for good reason.

That being said, Tatum is still a top priority because he’s the No. 1 safety on the board. Michigan has been recruiting him forever and it would be a tough pill to swallow if he chose MSU.

Tennessee is also in the mix and he could take a visit there in the fall, which might delay things even further. My money is on Michigan or MSU.