The Michigan basketball program has the fifth member of its 2012 class in hand.

Pickerington (Ohio) Central High School wing Caris LeVert officially offered his commitment to coach John Beilein and staff on Friday, Pickerington coach Jerry Francis told AnnArbor.com.

"He's committed to Michigan," Francis said. "And he's just so excited about that opportunity."

Pickerington (Ohio) Central shooting guard Caris Levert became the fifth member of Michigan's 2012 class Friday.

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A 6-foot-4, 185-pound wing, LeVert will likely be asked to play mainly at the two-guard spot next season, Francis said.

He is a three-star prospect according to Rivals and Scout and rated a two-star prospect by ESPN.

Last month, Francis compared LeVert to former Michigan guard Manny Harris because of his ability to play three positions and score in several different ways.

"He's an exciting player, can really score the basketball and score off the catch and in transition," Francis told AnnArbor.com. "He also has the ability to get offensive rebounds and post up with his size, depending on matchups."

LeVert becomes the fifth member of the Wolverines' 2012 recruiting class, which includes five-star forward Glenn Robinson III, four-star power forward Mitch McGary, four-star shooting guard Nik Stauskas and three-star point guard Spike Albrecht.

LeVert was originally an Ohio U. signee but was given his release from the Bobcat program after coach John Groce left for Illinois.

"During my playing days, (Michigan) won a national championship," said Francis, who played at Ohio State from 1985-89. "We're honored and thankful he'll be with such a great coach with coach Beilein, and an outstanding staff.

"Coach Bacari Alexander is great. They're going to put Caris in a position to be successful academically as well as on the court, and now he has a chance to take advantage of it."

Since LeVert already signed a national letter of intent once, Michigan will have to wait until he goes through the proper admission channels before it can make an official statement on the matter.

Also, since LeVert can't technically sign another letter of intent, he'll instead sign a financial aid agreement -- which also counts as an athletic scholarship.

Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.

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