Moore highlights underrated newcomers who could contribute early

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Somewhat lost in the hullabaloo that surrounds coaching changes, the CFP and teams getting slotted into their respective bowl games, last week was the early signing period, and Michigan football managed to bring in 27 players.

Though we won't get the same type of early look as we had previously due to NCAA rule changes with early enrollees and practices, there are a lot of young players who should be able to help the Wolverines right away. Head coach Sherrone Moore singled one player out as someone who could be an instant impact-type, and it should come as no surprise to anyone.

"We'll see. There's a lot of them," Moore said. "I think it's a special group of freshmen, incoming guys. Talking about the guys that are early enrolling and all that. We'll see. 

"Obviously, I think the talent of Savion Hiter is special. I think he could do it. Could be one of those receivers on the outside lane. Really excited about those guys. The linemen are all going to compete. It's a great group. The corners as well. Linebackers. It's a complete group. We'll see as we get through spring practice. I can answer that question better as we get to the summer."

Hiter and the wide receiver corps certainly are the names everyone will be looking at given the pedigree they had coming from high school. Edge rusher Carter Meadows could be counted among that group as well.

But what about the players who haven't gotten the accolades? The ones that perhaps didn't have a starring role in the recruiting process? After all, Michigan has done a good job over the years of getting those players who were somewhat under the radar — players like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.

Moore included two players he thinks didn't get the requisite attention compared to their talent level, and he compares one to the aforementioned Graham.

"The guy that I think is really going to be a special guy is Marky Walbridge," Moore said. "He was recruited, but kind of not recruited. Him and Alister are really good. When you watch his (Alister Vallejo's) film, he looks like Mason. You can't say, hey, you're going to be like Mason Graham. Mason Graham was the top 10 pick. That's putting a lot on the kid. His movements, his twitchiness, his ability to get off blocks, that's what it looks like. 

"I'm really excited about the whole class. It's a fun class to do, a great bunch of kids, families, but a lot of good players."

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Sherrone Moore identifies potential early-impact 2026 freshmen

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