The transfer market has already been kind to the Michigan football team.
In one of the most high-profile singings of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, former Ole Miss quarterback Shea Patterson committed to the Wolverines last December. Sunday, Michigan tapped that market once again.
Utah graduate transfer cornerback Casey Hughes will finish his career in Ann Arbor, he announced on Twitter.
“It’s a blessing to say that I’ll be finishing my last collegiate season at the University of Michigan,” Hughes wrote. “I want to thank the entire Michigan coaching staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join their program.”
During his first year playing a major role, Hughes made 35 tackles and had one pass breakup in 11 starts. Last September, he forced two fumbles in a win against Arizona.
A native of Las Vegas, Nev., Hughes is a former three-star recruit, according to 247 Sports. After redshirting the 2014 season, Hughes served predominately on special teams as a sophomore and junior.
Though connected by the timing of their commitments, Hughes and Patterson have highly contrasting outlooks for 2018.
Though his eligibility is still undecided, Patterson is expected to battle sophomores Brandon Peters and Dylan McCaffery for the starting job under center next fall. Hughes, meanwhile, will likely serve as a depth piece in the secondary.
Hughes joins a strong and deep position group that figures to return five corners, including incumbent starters Lavert Hill and David Long. Three-star recruits Gemon Green and Sammy Faustin have already signed into the Wolverines’ class of 2021, while Rochester Hills native Vincent Gray also announced his Michigan intentions Sunday.
Michigan is also pursuing offensive tackle Calvin Anderson — a Rice graduate transfer also receiving interest from Auburn, Texas, TCU, Oklahoma and Pittsburgh. With the loss of four-year starter Mason Cole, Anderson figures to be the biggest target on the Wolverines’ remaining radar. Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Tim Drevno and assistant Sherrone Moore met with Anderson last Monday in Houston.
But only time will tell if Anderson follows Patterson and Hughes’ footsteps to Michigan.