Michigan picked up an important piece of their 2016 class on Friday as Camden (NJ) four-star wide receiver Brad Hawkins pledged to Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines.

The Wolverines are in dire need of a strong pull at the wide receiver spot in 2016 (particularly on the outside) and Hawkins will give them a player with all-around ability at the position. Beating out South Carolina for his services, the elite receiver held offers from Florida, Auburn, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee and a host of others as well.

Hawkins first visited Ann Arbor back in April and the Wolverines reportedly took the lead then and never relented, despite a strong push from the aforementioned Gamecocks. His affinity for Michigan's coaching staff was a major draw for him and his primary recruiter was fellow New Jersey native and wide receivers coach Jedd Fisch.

“Michigan’s staff is great,” Hawkins said about the Wolverines in April after visiting. “Harbaugh, coach (Jedd) Fisch, I built a great relationship with those guys when I was in Ann Arbor. It’s a great place. I can't wait to get back."

The second visit, which was originally scheduled for last week, is now taking place on July 19th. Hawkins will be accompanied by high school teammate and fellow four-star Michigan commitment Ron Johnson and 2017 center Cesar Ruiz, who also has the Wolverines in a good early position.

Hawkins is the first true wide receiver commitment in Michigan's class, although Indianapolis (IN) Ben Davis four-star Chris Evans may also be a slot receiver for the team eventually. With one four-star on board, Michigan will push for a commitment from another Garden State prospect in Top100 wideout Ahmir Mitchell, who is also believed to be favoring the Wolverines. Paramus (NJ) Catholic three-star Donald Stewart is also still high on Michigan's board as well.

Hawkins is currently ranked 198th overall in the 2016 247Sports recruiting rankings. His 247Sports Crystal Ball was heavily in favor of the Wolverines following his original visit in April.