BTN.com staff, February 1, 2012

Brady Hoke and the Wolverines enjoyed a very strong recruiting year, finishing with one of the nation?s top classes. One of their biggest coups was flipping five-star offensive tackle Kyle Kalis from Ohio State. The offensive line haul in addition to Kalis was particularly strong, with Erik Magnuson and Ben Braden as two of the other big men to watch for.

The Wolverines signed four linebackers, all with impressive abilities and credentials. Cincinnati Colerain?s Joe Bolden is fast, physical and already enrolled. Royce Jenkins-Stone and James Ross both come from within the state lines and both lead their teams to state titles as seniors. The Wolverines did very well at home.

Athletic tight end Devin Funchess, speed rusher Mario Ojemudia and quick footed corner Terry Richardson are three other home grown talents Michigan kept in-state. They also continued to raid Ohio, landing highly coveted defensive linemen Chris Wormley and Tom Strobel. The most likely signee to play next year, however, is defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins, a 6?3, 320-lb bull who is likely to see the field as a true freshman. The Signing Day surprise was flipping Cincinnati commitment Dennis Norfleet, a smaller (5-7, 175) but explosive player who can play running back, receiver and return kicks.

Allen Trieu, a National Recruiting Analyst for Scout.com, delivers a summary of Wednesday's signing class. Get more recruiting information at Go Blue Wolverine.