“It’s an exceptionally athletic class,” Lemming said. “It’s a class full of athletes at every position. With (quarterback) Devin Gardner and (safety) Marvin Robinson, you’re going to have more athletes at Michigan than in years.

“With these players, it’s just a matter of time before (Rich) Rodriguez turns things around. Give him enough time, and it’s a no-brainer he’s going to turn things around.”

Lemming said this is how Rodriguez built his team at West Virginia, which took some time, and how he will at Michigan.

“He’s getting help at every position, and they’re all guys who can run,” Lemming said. “Even the punter is a great athlete.”

Rich Rod is getting some credit for his ability to close in on recruits as signing day draws near. So far, in RR’s first two years at Michigan for signing day, he’s provided some excitement and signed some quality players. Today, Michigan gets another verbal commitment from Jibreel Black. A 4-star Scout and 3-star Rivals guy that was previously committed to Indiana and then Cincinnati. But there has been an overriding tone among the online community of Michigan fans that RR is easily satisfied with signing three star recruits that don’t have scholarship offers from big time, elite programs.

Yes, the 2010 recruiting class is up to Michigan’s standards. Rivals is ranking this class at about 18th and Scout and other scouting sites have this class near the top ten. The important thing for Michigan is that RR is bringing in guys that fill voids in the current roster. Umm, like defensive backs. Need a few more of those! RR managed to pull the most talented quarterback to fit his system in Devin Gardner.

Supporting facts aren’t need to make the argument, or detail exactly what RR did at West Va. compared to Michigan, but RR knows how to evaluate talent and find guys that are right for his system. Michigan has picked up 15 defensive recruits so far in this class – and are expected to sign another defensive back in either Sean Parker or Rashad Knight.

RR has played one hell of a roster balancing act in his first couple seasons. It’s time his guys begin to shine come 2010. I’m all for RR and I think he is going to be a great coach for Michigan. But, he needs 2010 to be a good one, or he isn’t going to get that opportunity to show how great of a coach he can be.

Info, Scout and Rivals links for all of Michigan’s 2010 recruits.