This story remains the same nearly every year.

When it comes to recruiting new players and getting the job done on signing night, Michigan always excels.

This year was not different. Along with Iowa, Michigan dominated in the Big Ten. Several of the national recruiting services had them in the top five.

"They have a great class that's probably No. 1 in the Big Ten and top five in the country," said Bill Kurleic of Rivals.com.

"It's one of their best classes in a long time. Not one 'reach' player," said Tom Lemming of Prep Football Report. "They are all potential All-Americans."

One thing that the Wolverines can always be counted on to do is find big, powerful offensive linemen. Head coach Lloyd Carr picked up two Illinois All-State offensive linemen in Tim McAvoy and Dave Moosman.

They also picked up one of the most uniquely named stars in the country. While RB Mike Hart had a sensational freshman season, the Wolverines brought Mister Simpson of Cincinnati aboard. At 5-10 and 205 pounds, Simpson brings good size, speed, balance and terrific drive to the Wolverines. This season he rushed for 1,200 yards and 23 TDs in leading his team to the state championship game.

Head coach Lloyd Carr was thrilled with the way the school's recruiting went this year. "I think if there's one area I'm really excited about, because of the area we need some freshmen to come in and help us, is the defensive line," Carr said. "I think we have three guys that can do that."

Those three are James McKinney of Louisville, Ky., Terrance Taylor of Muskegon, Mich. and Marques Slocum, a standout from Philadelphia. McKinney may be the best of the group. He totaled 70 tackles and 9 QB sacks, and he was also credited with 22 QB hurries. He did this while regularly getting double-teamed throughout his high school career.

Michigan fans are happy -- but they should not be surprised. Their team has been getting things done in the recruiting wars for decades. There's no sign of any turnaround, either.

RB Mister Simpson, Cincinnati -- He is a first-rate talent, but it may be hard for him to get significant playing time behind Mike Hart, who had a 1,455-yard season in 2004. Simpson ran for 1,200 yards and had 23 TDs as he led his team to the championship game.

OL David Moosman, Libertyville, Ill. -- This All-State performer may be one of the keys to the Wolverine offense in the foreseeable future. A powerful offensive line has always been one of Michigan's benchmarks and Moosman is smart, tough and athletic. He's the kind of blocker who can protect QB Chad Henne or open holes for Hart.

DL James McKinney, Louisville -- He has enough size at 6-3 and 265 to bull rush, but he also has a world of quickness and speed. McKinney had 70 tackles and nine sacks in 2004 and head coach Lloyd Carr believes he has upgraded the defensive line.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's always good to have signing day come and go, and especially so when you think you recruited well. And I think we've done that." -- Lloyd Carr's assessment of Michigan's haul on signing day.

GLANCE AT 2005: Most years, Michigan will always be on the list of contenders for the Big Ten championship. This year should not be any different. After losing in the final seconds of the Rose Bowl to Texas, the team should be motivated for a tremendous run. They have two great young players in Chad Henne and Mike Hart along with a slew of wideouts and Michigan should once again be an offensive powerhouse.

PRO POTENTIAL: WR Braylon Edwards -- Just a sensational season for the Wolverines leaves Edwards as one of the top two WR candidates in this year's draft. Edwards is a talented receiver with the size, speed & physical package you look for in a go-to receiver. He has great speed on vertical routes & can get deep and separate. He can be a good route runner, but at times, will round his cuts and is more of a soft angle type.

SS Ernest Shazor -- He decided to forego his senior season and enter the draft. Shazor is smart, tough and aware and projects to be a third- or fourth-round draft choice. He's a big hitter who needs to get more consistent in his coverage.

ROSTER REPORT: Michigan senior linebacker Lawrence Reid has left the team on the advice of his doctors because of a medical problem. Reid said that he has had structural problems with his spine since he was born and it worsened the more he played. "I just realized I wanted to be able to walk away from football," he said, "instead of being carried away from it. I didn't want to paralyze myself or hurt my neck. It's really disappointing. I just realize I got to move on. I can't really dwell on it." ... Jeremy Van Alstyne (foot), Tim Jamison (knee), Adam Kraus (shoulder), Pat Sharrow (foot) and Matt Gutierrez (shoulder) will not be cleared for spring practices.