Today marks Jim Harbaugh‘s first personal involvement in National Signing Day since 2010, and the new Michigan head coach is batting .500 when it comes to high-profile prospects early on.
First, the good news: three-star running back Karan Higdon announced to the surprise of many that he has decided to sign with Michigan. Higdon, a three-star prospect by Rivals.com but a four-star according to 247Sports.com, had been a verbal commitment to Iowa since October, and was seemingly solid with the Hawkeyes until a late visit to the Wolverines led to the flip.
1st #Sarasota shocker of #SigningDay. #Riverview RB Karan Higdon signs with @umichfootball Michigan. pic.twitter.com/2tcHqrf8Ye
— Adam Shadoff (@AdamShadoff) February 4, 2015
Not as good for Harbaugh & Company was Chris Clark.
The tight end, the No. 1 prospect at his position in the country, announced on ESPNU that he had opted to sign with UCLA over Michigan. Clark, a Connecticut product, had originally committed to UM but reopened his recruitment after Brady Hoke was fired.
The Wolverines made a significant push late to reel Clark back in, but the timing of Harbaugh’s hiring left the program on the outside looking in.
(Photo credit: Rivals.com)