by Bryan Kelly
Having followed the 2010 recruiting season closely, I've
noticed how surprise decisions by players like Keenan Allen, Robert
Crisp and Demar Dorsey functioned like off-the-field "upsets" by the
recruiting "underdogs".
As a Michigan fan, I've also seen that sometimes, one recruit can
(briefly) turn a program, and it's embattled coach, around.
With those two ideas in mind, I'd like to present the 10 recruits
whose commitments could save 10 of the programs with the most to lose in
2010.
Granted, these players can't help until 2011, and many of them are
extreme longshots imaginable only in the most absurd universe.
But securing any of these players would, in my mind, give the coaches
at each of these schools a pretty sturdy insurance policy against their
own termination.
OLB Trey Depriest to Michigan
Don't let that helmet fool you. Trey Depriest is rumored to be a Buckeye lean, although he is trying to keep his recruitment open.
The 6'2, 225-lb outside linebacker out of Springfield, Ohio grew up a Michigan fan, but is uneasy with the Wolverines less-than-winning ways of late.
He maintains he would reevaluate Michigan if they have a successful 2010 season, but by then, it may be too late—Ohio State is recruiting him hard after missing out on top in-state linebacker Jordan Hicks in the last recruiting cycle.
His commitment would bolster Michigan's so-so linebacking corps, which has been lacking instinct and aggression since the 2006 corps that sent three starters (LaMarr Woodley, David Harris and Prescott Burgess) to the NFL.
Next year, the Wolverines also two of their starters in Jonas Mouton and Obi Ezeh after this year, so Depriest would be needed immediately.
Stealing one from the Buckeyes always helps, and if Depriest chose Michigan, there's a chance the package deal he formed with top 2011 QB Braxton Miller would split in favor of either Michigan or Alabama.
Plus, wouldn't his commitment also mean 2010 is going better than expected?
More on the Ten recruits that could save 10 embattled college programs
