The Michigan Football Team’s Most Underrated Signings Since 2015

Michigan’s football team has produced some elite talent in the halls of Schembechler over the past few years. But the main reason the Wolverines have been so successful over the past few seasons isn’t because they’ve gotten a ton of five-star recruits. It’s because the Wolverines have done a great job of developing their players and finding the diamonds in the rough when recruiting.

In this article, we go back to 2015 – when Jim Harbaugh became head coach – and look at the most underrated players Michigan has signed.

OT Jon Runyan Jr.

Graduation year: 2015

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 1132

Analysis: Runyan Jr. was a two-time All-Big Ten selection for the Wolverines. He started 26 times and was one of Michigan’s lowest-rated players of the 2015 class. He was selected by the Packers in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He just signed a new contract with the New York Giants.

RB Karan Higdon

Graduation year: 2015

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 479

Analysis: When Higdon arrived in Ann Arbor in 2015, he was the seventh-worst Wolverine in the class. But he developed into a very good running back for Michigan. In 2018, he surpassed 1,000 yards, becoming the first Wolverine RB to do so since 2011. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and a semifinalist for the Doak Walker draft. He played some time with the Houston Texans in the NFL.

S Josh Metellus

Graduation year: 2016

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 719

Analysis: The sixth-lowest-rated Wolverine in the 2016 class, Metellus exceeded expectations. Now captain of the Minnesota Vikings, Metellus was a three-time All-Big Ten selection. He played in 47 games for Michigan, starting 38 of them. He was selected by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Rand Josh Uche

Graduation year: 2016

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 701

Analysis: Josh Uche only made nine starts for Michigan, but was a key part of the Wolverines’ defense. He led Michigan’s defense in 2019 with 11.5 TFLs and 8.5 sacks. Uche was selected in the second round by the New England Patriots in the 2020 NFL Draft. He is still with the Patriots.

Edge Kwity Paye

Graduation year: 2017

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 481

Analysis: Paye came to Michigan as an inexperienced defensive end, but he really took off in his junior season. In 2019, Paye made 50 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. He started 20 games for Michigan and was selected by the Colts in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

WR Ronnie Bell

Graduation year: 2018

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 1473

Analysis: Not many people or teams gave Ronnie Bell a chance out of high school. Michigan was Bell’s only D-1 offer and Jim Harbaugh saw something in the Missouri native. Bell made an impact in his freshman season and became a fan favorite by the end of his career in 2022. Bell started 31 games for Michigan and caught for 2,269 yards and nine TDs. He now plays for the San Francisco 49ers.

RB Hassan Haskins

Graduation year: 2018

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 975

Analysis: Hassan Haskins became a key contributor for Michigan as a sophomore in the 2019 season, carrying the ball 121 times. But most people will remember Haskins from his senior year in Ann Arbor. The All-American ran for 1,327 yards and 20 TDs in 2021. Haskins crushed Ohio State on the ground, rushing for 169 yards and five TDs on the way to a win against the Buckeyes. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans.

TE Luke Schoonmaker

Graduation year: 2018

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 796

Analysis: Luke Schoonmaker may not have had great stats at Michigan, but he was as solid as they come. He was a two-way tight end who could catch the ball – 418 yards his senior year – and a reliable blocker. The two-time All-Big Ten winner was selected in the second round by the Cowboys.

LB Michael Barrett

Graduation year: 2018

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 751

Analysis: The winningest player in program history had a long road. He came to Michigan as a quarterback, moved to VIPER under Don Bown in 2020 and lost his starting spot in 2021. But the rest is history. Barrett will go down in history as one of the best defensive players under Jim Harbaugh. He appeared in 64 games with 35 starts and was the player with the biggest improvement in 2022. He finished his career at Michigan with 208 tackles. He is now with the Carolina Panthers.

WR/CB Mike Sainristil

Graduation year: 2019

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 589

Analysis: Sainristil began his career as a solid receiver for Michigan, but fans will always remember him for his defensive play. Michigan moved Sainristil to the CB position in 2022 and he made the most of it. Sainristil became a two-time All-Big Ten honoree and All-American (2023). He intercepted six balls in 2023 and returned two for a touchdown. Sainristil was selected by the Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft.

CB DJ Turner

Graduation year: 2019

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 455

Analysis: DJ Turner became a known quantity in his junior season (2021) and a full-time starter in 2022. Known for his speed, Turner rose up the draft boards in the 2023 NFL Draft – where the Bengals selected him – and was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree.

DT Kris Jenkins

Graduation year: 2020

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 502

Analysis: Kris Jenkins was a little below average when he came to Michigan, which affected his ranking. But by his sophomore year, people knew who Jenkins was. The 2023 All-American was a force in the middle for Michigan at 305 pounds. He led all defensive linemen with 54 tackles in 2022. Jenkins developed into an excellent run stuffer, and the Bengals picked him up in the 2024 NFL Draft.

S Rod Moore

Graduation year: 2021

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 506

Analysis: Moore is one of two players I have on this list who are still playing. Moore was one of the lowest-rated players in Michigan’s 2021 class and he never received an offer from Ohio State. Moore has started 27 games so far, and even though he’s currently injured, Moore is considered one of the best safeties in the game.

DT Kenneth Grant

Graduation year: 2022

Composite star/rank: three stars, No. 444

Analysis: Grant had a few big offers, but the composite rankings were not good for Grant. We all know how good the DT is for the Wolverines, and entering his junior season, Michigan has the best interior defensive duo anywhere in Grant and Mason Graham. Grant had 29 tackles, five TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and one INT in his sophomore year.