DETROIT – Signing Day has come and gone and Michigan's haul was one of the best in the country. Â
According to Rivals, their class ranks 4th in the country. There have been a lot of ups and downs with the program since the turn of the century, as evident by their recruiting record. Â
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Here's a look at Michigan's class rankings since 2002 (Rivals first year of record):Â
Obviously, Harbaugh's number isn't indicative of what he's done in the recruiting game. He was on the job for about a month before singing day in 2015. This season's number gives us a little better idea of what to expect when he has a full year to reach out and communicate with the players.
Jim Harbaugh has turned this ship around. And he has done it quickly. Now, I'm not saying they've surpassed Michigan State, Iowa or Ohio State in the Big Ten or that they are on the verge of a National Championship. I am saying that the program has made undeniable strides.
Personnel alone has this team on a different level. That doesn't mean they'll run the table next season or that they will win the Big Ten, but it does mean that they have the horses to compete for the conference championship in the coming years. Â
Many have questioned Harbaugh's methods, ideas and behavior. Many have slammed him for bringing a recruit onboard then quickly turning them away if a better prospect comes along. Â I understand that his style isn't for everyone, but he is doing his job. He is building the best football program that he can with the tools and parameters set before him. Â
After the "Signing with the Stars" event that was held Tuesday at Hill Auditorium in Ann arbor, former Notre Dame Head Coach Lou Holtz said, "I think people will do something similar or they'll criticize it." Â
Agreed.
The main takeaway from this event was, just because things have always been done the same way, doesn't mean that they can't change. Here's how the event and Jim Harbaugh's creativity were perceived: Watch "'Thoughts on Harbaugh."
Love him or hate him, I think you have to respect the results Harbaugh has gotten. The best player in the country, Rashan Gary, bought in. So did 28 others in the year's class. Â