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National Signing Day 2016: 5 signees likely to start immediately

By John Buhler

Feb 3, 2016; Buford, GA, USA; Lanier High School defensive tackle Derrick Brown commits to the Auburn Tigers at Auburn University during national signing day at Lanier High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Buford, GA, USA; Lanier High School defensive tackle Derrick Brown commits to the Auburn Tigers at Auburn University during national signing day at Lanier High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh gets set to take the field prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh gets set to take the field prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jim Harbaugh was able to land the No. 1 player in the country in defensive tackle Rashan Gary out of Paramus, New Jersey. Gary is this best recruit in Harbaugh’s first recruiting class in Ann Arbor and he’ll have no issue with starting Gary over somebody that isn’t as talented and committed to Michigan under then head coach Brady Hoke.

Michigan plays in a very tough Big Ten East division with the Michigan State Spartans, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Penn State Nittany Lions all building elite programs for their respective coaches. Gary stands as possibly a transcendent talent on defense for the Wolverines, a necessity for an offensive-minded head coach like Harbaugh.

To win at the highest level in the physical Big Ten, it is crucial to win the line of scrimmage, particularly in the ground game. Gary could stand as great run stuffer on the interior for the Wolverines, as well as being effective in pass rushing from the inside.

College football loves dynamic defensive linemen, as their importance to the college game has transformed the sport in the last decade or so. The team with best defensive line/front seven can usually dictate the tempo of the game, setting up the offense to milk the clock with a complimentary running game.

Not starting the No. 1 player in the country in Gary is too crazy for Harbaugh to not consider in 2016. He may only spend three years in Ann Arbor anyway, so Harbaugh and his staff should make the most of the time Gary is playing for the Maize and Blue.

Next: 3. Jacob Eason, Georgia Bulldogs

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