What the hell happened on Costas Now last night?

Last night on Costas Live there was an hour and half round table on a number of subjects including race in sports, talk radio, and the Internet/Blogs.

On the Internet panel was Will Leitch Deadspin Editor, former Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards, and Pulitzer Prize-winning and Friday Nights author Buzz Bissinger. In a previous Sports Talk Radio panel Mitch Albom participated.

I would first like to congratulate Mitch on being one of the most talented writers I've ever seen. His take was that everyone on radio and the Internet now has an opinion and it's affecting how regular journalist write their columns. For example his point is, what training or background does BigHouse Bob have to publish a Blog everyday? Journalist write to a higher standard and have to follow specific ethics . Blogs or Sports Radio can say anything they want and most of them are "negative".

Bissinger followed on the Internet/Blogs panel and came off as an angry and tormented writer. He went quickly on the attack on Blogs and the Internet in general. He continued to tell Will that he sucked, used a number of F Bombs and even pulled out some reader comments from Deadspin from "Big Balls". His overall point was that Blogs and the internet "are dumbing down all of us". That he has perfected the art of Journalism over 40 years and now he is competing with the internet or blogs with people with little to no training.

Both Mitch and Bissinger had similar points, to Mitch's credit he came off with much more class then the "looked to be drunk" Bissinger. To boil down their points: Nobody under the age of 55 is reading newspapers any longer, they are feeling pressure and losing readership, Blogs are new media and it's scary to them.

My Take: How are Blogs unlike any other media? Some TV shows suck, others are great. Some sports writers couldn't find a story if Barry Bonds ran over them on his way into BALCO. How come all Blogs are negative and terrible? Of course some Blogs will run the picture of Matt Leinart drinking from a beer bong with 3 blonds in a hot tub. While other blogs will question who should be the QB of ND next year. Not all Blogs are negative and not all Blogs suck. Another point is, you don't take the content from the comments field from a Blog Post and say that's part of the overall quality of the post. If Buzz wasn't Buzzed all the time he might have wanted to log on to his local newspaper to see even qualified journalists articles has comments fields under them.

Sure anyone can start a blog in 10 minutes and start writing about their cat or Paris Hilton's underwear. What's important to remember is that people are now getting their information "now" from the Internet and not reading the paper. People want more information then ARod went 2-4 with a double. Times are changing and more people are in the game. Mr. Bissinger needs to calm down and understand where this medium is going so that he can either be a part of it or remove himself from it completely.

BTW: Braylon looked like a deer in headlights as Will and Buzz went after each other.

Last point, yes Mitch now everyone does have an opinion on sports or on "coach x doing a good job or that coach Y should be fired." I'm sorry, but that is a good thing, because most of us have a brain and can have an opinion. We now have a way to express it. Shouldn't we have the right to?

Enjoy the show.

Cell Block Wednesday: RR and Sabin Tee it up & More info on The Beaver

What happens when former MSU, LSU, Dolphins and current head coach for Alabama plays golf with former WVU and current head coach of Michigan (who also turned down the Alabama job)?

Evidently, lots of laughs and talk about Michigan. Nick Sabin and Rich Rodriguez played together at the Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater golf outing at Reynolds Plantation. Nick's partner was Kenny Stabler and RR's partner was Brian Griese. So how did they do? Team S2 per Sabin:

"We came in last after nine holes," he said. "We were X-ed out before it even got started. But Kenny Stabler did an outstanding job of representing the university, and neither one of us are very good. No one would accuse either of us of spending too much time golfing."

Team Michigan game in third: Per Sabin:

"Brian Griese was his horse, and he can hit it. He did a great job it was fun playing with him."

Per Coach Sabin on some of the tee talk:

"After spending 10 years at Michigan State for me..." Saban said. "You know, when you're in Michigan, it's a lot like being here. It's hard not to develop relationships with the people on the other side. So we had a lot of good friends from the University of Michigan, now he has the opportunity to meet some of them."

• Here's a free article on The Beaver's commit to Michigan. Some good info from the article:

Beaver, the reigning Red River 22 MVP, has proven to be a dual threat quarterback in a spread offense at Rider. In his two seasons as the starting quarter, the Raiders have advanced to the Region I-4A finals both times. Beaver passed for 2,602 yards and 31 touchdowns and rushed for 454 yards and five scores as a junior. “I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and it’s a big opportunity for me,” Beaver said of his decision. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”

• Adam Kraus signs a free agent contract to work for a graduate of Pioneer High School in the NFL. This isn't a trivia question, John Harbaugh the new head coach of the Ravens is a Pioneer High School Graduate. Adam will also be reunited with his former position coach Andy Moeller. On a side note, Andy Moeller has no business being an offensive line coach in the NFL. Take away Jake Long and he did very little to develop offensive lineman at Michigan.
• Chris Graham will participate in the Bengals mini-camp (They need LB's and with a good showing he could get signed). Brandent Englemon will do the same in Green Bay. Both are hoping for a free agent offer.

Hey Beav: How many QB's is too many?

The rumor mill has been saying that Michigan was close to taking another top rated dual threat QB in the class of 2009. The Internet message boards were humming that it was first commit wins between Tate Forcier and Shavodrick Beaver. Well, Shavodrick Beaver blinked first and gave his verbal commitment to the Wolverines today.

That means Michigan has two highly ranked athletic QB's coming in next year and maybe a third, with an offer still out there for Forcier. My guess is, Michigan wants either Beaver or Forcier but not both. With less then 20 scholarships (expected) available next year taking 3 QB's is overkill but two seems perfect. Message to Threet and Feagins: Practice hard and watch a lot of film this summer. There are two top guys coming in 2009 for your jobs.

Here are the vitals on Shavodrick Beaver from Varsity Blue:

Wichita Falls (Tex.) Rider quarterback Shavodrick Beaver (6-4, 200, 4.5)

Player Notes:

Beaver is a run-pass quarterback, with a very good TD-Int ratio for a player with that distinction, especially at the high school level. As the second quarterback in this class, it will not be a surprise if he redshirts in 2009. Beaver is rated in Rivals top 250 as a 4 Star prospect.

Recruiting Notes Beaver was off the recruiting radar for Michigan fans for quite some time, despite his status as a highly rated dual-threat QB. Beaver wasn't thinking much about Michigan either, as he was prepared to commit to TCU when his Michigan offer came. He quickly reconsidered, and Michigan moved among his top choices, sending TCU fans into a tizzy. After indications that a quarterback could commit this week, many Michigan fans were thinking it would be Tate Forcier yesterday. However, Beaver committed today instead.

To Stay or To Go? Many Jr.'s make the wrong decision

High School players used to get drafted right into the NBA, why not? It happens in Baseball and Hockey all the time. Now there is a new rule that you have to be one year past HS graduation to play in the NBA. So the elite players light it up in the NCAA for one year and then head for the big money in the NBA. This hasn't helped college basketball at all and many will argue it's worse.

In college football, you have to be 3 years past HS graduation to get drafted by the NFL. So when you get a HS recruit, you know you have at least 3 years with him on your football team (unless he transfers of course). This is a good rule because, football is a physical demanding sport and there isn't a HS senior on earth that is ready for the NFL. As an FYI, the red shirt year counts, so even if your player has only played two years with one red shirt year he can still go to the NFL.

There were many college JR.'s that left at least one year of eligibility on the table to go to the NFL and most of them were the wrong decisions. If your not a 1st or 2nd round guy you have NO business heading to the NFL. Stay in school, get your degree, get stronger, faster, smarter, become your own agent, there are a thousands of reasons to stay in school and only one to go pro. We all know they do it for the money, but if they stay in school the money and the draft position could be much higher. Ask Jake Long if you need proof.

We all know Adrian Arrington made a mistake by leaving early and you can now make a case that Mario should have stayed as well. Here is a list of players that left their schools early.
I can make a case that only a few made the right decision (Darren McFadden, Jarrod Mayo, Rashard Mendenhall, etc)

Here is the code: Blue is "congrats!" you made the right decision, Orange is you should have stayed in school , and Red is what the Hell where you thinking!

Branden Albert, g, Virginia, Kansas City-first (15)
L.J. Anderson, g, Central Florida, not selected
Adrian Arrington, wr, Michigan, New Orleans-seventh (237)
Earl Bennett, wr, Vanderbilt, Chicago-third (70)
Martellus Bennett, te, Texas A&M, Dallas-second (61)
Davone Bess, wr, Hawaii, not selected
Demario Bobo, db, Mississippi State, not selected
Calais Campbell, de, Miami, Arizona-second (50)
Jamaal Charles, rb, Texas, Kansas City-third (73)
Ryan Clady, ot, Boise State, Denver-first (12)
Anthony Collins, ot, Kansas, Kansas City-fourth (112)
Johnny Dingle, de, West Virginia, not selected (The NFL would only consider him with team-mate Berry)
Franklin Dunbar, ot, Middle Tennessee, not selected
Jermichael Finley, te, Texas, Green Bay-third (91)
Brandon Flowers, db, Virginia Tech, Kansas City-second (35)
Jeremy Geathers, de, UNLV, not selected
Vernon Gholston, de, Ohio State, N.Y. Jets-first (6)
Ryan Grice-Mullen, wr, Hawaii, not selected
Letroy Guion, dt, Florida State, Minnesota-fifth (152)
James Hardy, wr, Indiana, Buffalo-second (41)
Derrick Harvey, de, Florida, Jacksonville-first (8)
Geno Hayes, lb, Florida State, Tampa Bay-sixth (175)
Erin Henderson, lb, Maryland, not selected
Jack Ikegwuonu, cb, Wisconsin, Philadelphia-fourth (131)
DeSean Jackson, wr, California, Philadelphia-second (49)
Josh Johnson, lb, Marshall, not selected
Felix Jones, rb, Arkansas, Dallas-first (22)
Malcolm Kelly, wr, Oklahoma, Washington-second (51)
Justin King, cb, Penn State, St. Louis-fourth (101)
Xavier Lee, qb, Florida State, not selected (He was rated #1 QB prospect out of HS - FYI TP)
Curtis Lofton, lb, Oklahoma, Atlanta-second (37)
Selwyn Lymon, wr, Purdue, not selected
Mario Manningham, wr, Michigan, New York Giants-third (95)
Jerod Mayo, lb, Tennessee, New England-first (10)
Darren McFadden, rb, Arkansas, Oakland-first (4)
Rashard Mendenhall, rb, Illinois, Pittsburgh-first (23)
Phillip Merling, de, Clemson, Miami-second (32)
DaJuan Morgan, db, North Carolina State, Kansas City-third (82)
Lamar Myles, lb, Louisville, not selected
Sean Penix, wr, Arkansas, not selected
Kenny Phillips, db, Miami, New York Giants-first (31)
Chilo Rachal, g, Southern California, San Francisco-second (39)
Darius Reynaud, wr, West Virginia, not selected
Ray Rice, rb, Rutgers, Baltimore-second (55)
Orlando Scandrick, db, Boise State, Dallas-fifth (143)
Pat Sims, dt, Auburn, Cincinnati-third (77)
Steve Slaton, rb, West Virginia, Houston-third (89)
Kevin Smith, rb, Central Florida, Detroit-third (64)
Reggie Smith, cb, Oklahoma, San Francisco-third (75)
Jonathan Stewart, rb, Oregon, Carolina-first (13)
Aqib Talib, cb, Kansas, Tampa Bay-first (20)
Devin Thomas, wr, Michigan State, Washington-second (34)
Mario Urrutia, wr, Louisville, Cincinnati-seventh (246)

Totals: 23 Blue, 14 Orange, 17 Red's. 31 guys should have stayed in school and only 10 out of the Blue's were in the first round. You can make a case that 13 other Blue's could have stayed in school and earned first round money next year.

Drafted Wolverines - Who Went Where?

1. Jake Long - Miami - Round 1 Pick 1: We all knew for all most a week that Jake Long was the first player taken. Jake is a special talent and if he stays healthy will have a 10+ year career in the NFL. Jake was the first Wolverine taken #1 in the draft since Tom Harmon 40 years ago.


2. Chad Henne - Miami - Round 2: Pick 57: I'm sure Chad wanted to go much earlier but the run on offensive linemen in round one then the run on WR's in Round 2 didn't allow Chad to get picked until 26. With that said, Chad is in a great position to compete for a starting spot next year or even a get some late in the year playing time. Having Jake and Chad in Miami along with a former U of M grad owning 50% of the team, Miami Beach has become Ann Arbor South! We will forgive the whole Cam Cameron thing.


3. Shawn Crable: - New England - Round 3 Pick 78: In a surprise move, Shawn Crable goes before Mario Manningham in round 3. Shawn was considered a "tweener" by most NFL scouts but Bill Belichick must have seen something special in the athletic Crable. We all know that New England had the oldest Linebacker unit in the NFL last year, so Crable's youth and athleticism will be welcomed by one of the best teams in the NFL. New England also has a pretty good QB. His name escapes me at the moment.


4. Mario Manningham - NY Giants - Round 3 Pick 95: Mario was the first Wolverine JR. picked and with his slow 40 time at the combine coupled with his failed drug tests at Michigan, Mario dropped to the 3rd round. Mario left school early and was advised by the NFL that he was considered a late round one guy. His slow time and admitted failed drugs tests cost him two rounds and millions of dollars. With all that drama, he ends up in a great situation with the NFL's best team. I'm concerned about his ability to stay out of trouble in the media crazy NYC. Mario make sure you lock on to Amani and do everything he says.
5. Ryan Mundy - Pittsburgh - Round 6 Pick 194 - Ok Ryan wasn't officially a Michigan Wolverine last year but he was for three years before Michigan said "no thanks" to his fourth year and he transferred without penalty (NCAA Loophole) to WVU and became a drafted player. Ryan Mundy was clearly a very poor Safety/DB at Michigan and ends up being drafted after a year with RR and Barwis at WVU. I believe it was "Herbie" who said, "I"m not sure how Michigan makes 4 and 5 star recruits run slow" Not anymore!


6. Mike Hart - Indianapolis - Round 6 Pick 202- Mike is a football player that does a lot of good things on the football field: he runs hard, doesn't go down easy, and does a great job with blitz pick ups. What he lacks is NFL speed and that is the reason he is a round 6 selection instead of a round 2 pick. His 4.7 in the 40 at the combine meant Mike was going to be passed up by less known, less skilled, but faster running backs in the draft. Mike goes into another great situation and gets to play with Payton in one of the NFL's best offenses who were Super Bowl Champs just a year ago.


7. Adrian Arrington - New Orleans - Round 7 Pick 237 - Adrian was another Jr. that left early and I really don't understand what he was thinking. Adrian was never rated high by the NFL and all most became a free agent. This was a big mistake by Adrian, he should have stayed in school and increased his speed with Barwis. With a solid year he could have been a 3rd or 4th round pick next year. For an example see Ryan Mundy above. Now he goes very late in a draft to a team that is known to find "diamonds in the rough" when it comes to late round WR's. Good luck Adrian I hope you make the team.

Overall: The Wolverines had a good showing this weekend with 6 players taken with 3 players going to the NFL tops teams in New England, New York, and Indy. Jake and Chad will get to play together in Miami where "The Big Tuna" will have that place turned around in a year or two. I think Mario was a steal at pick 95 and Mike will play hard to prove everyone wrong at pick 202. I feel confidant that Belichick will use Crable to rush the QB in New England.

The following Wolverines didn't get drafted:

- Jamar Adams, S (update 12:00 Jamar signed with the Seahawks)

- Chris Graham, LB

- Adam Kraus, OG

-Brandent Englemon, S

Look for many of these guys to sign Free Agent contracts this week. Adams for sure.

A Big Blue Week

So things have been pretty good for the teams around the State of Michigan this week:

• The Tigers after a terrible start just swept the Rangers.
• The Red Wings just won game 1 in round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
• The Pistons "woke up" and blew out Philly.
• Jake Long was the first Wolverine in over 40 years to go #1 in the NFL Draft.
• Michigan got a verbal commitment from a "Blue Chip" QB from Wash DC, Kevin Newsome.
• Chad Henne will be 2nd or 3rd QB taken on Saturday
• RR has received 3 verbal commitments from 3 top 50 players for the class of 2009
• Michigan hung 27 runs on State last weekend
• As many as 10 Wolverines could go in the draft this weekend.
• The Lions have their "super bowl" on Saturday, when all their hopes and dreams will ride on a WR they select in Round One.

Not bad for a state with the worst economy in the nation.

Side Note: The Pistons upset, the Boren Ultimatum, and the "luckeyes" getting more 4 and 5 star recruits this week was left out of the above post purely due to a lack of focus of said blogger. (and I didn't want to bring anyone down since Michigan does have the worst economy in the US - if you need more proof, look for all the empty seats at Red Wings Playoffs games)

The Answer is Yes - He is all Blue!

Michigan fans have been waiting for the day when Michigan would get another top talent at QB. Today is the day Michigan landed the verbal commitment from Kevin Newsome a QB from Chesapeake (Va.). Kevin is a 4 Star QB prospect and ranked number 39 for all players in the class of 2009.

"I really loved the coaching staff with Coach [Rich] Rodriguez and Coach [Fred] Jackson," he said. "I love the winning tradition of Michigan. I really believe Michigan is the Godfather of college football and that's what makes the Michigan-Ohio State game so notorious. "Campus-wise, everything was big. It's the Big House. I can't even describe the different buildings, the practice field, the weight room – all those things were top of the line.

Kevin is the 6th prospect to verbally commit to the Wolverines for next year and the 3rd player from the Rivals top 50.

Look for Kevin to possibly enroll early. It would be great for him to get the Bowl Experience and the Spring Reps. Kevin is also a good student and participates in National Honors Society.

Newsome vs Pryor for 3 years sounds like a pretty good match up.

He is Blue but is he Blue?

As you know from my posts this week Kevin Newsome, the highly rated Dual Threat QB out of DC has been giving hints on his MySpace page. He is wearing a Michigan Sweatshirt and the song he is playing on his site is I'm Blue.

Now comes a rumor from a Buckeye Planet insider saying he committed to Michigan on Monday. That would be great if we could confirm it, but neither Rivals or Scouts is running with the story, so I believe it's just a rumor. We will keep our fingers crossed that it's true or will be true at some point.

From Super Prep: Another coach that has piqued Newsome's interest is new Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez.

"He's a great coach," he said. "I love the tradition at Michigan. It's Michigan! I think he'll be very successful there. Just look at what he was able to do at West Virginia. That's really impressive." Newsome says that the Wolverines are currently recruiting him the hardest. "Everywhere I look around my house I see a big "M", he said. "They definitely send me the most mail".

There is also an email from Tate Forcier on Kevin's site talking about both of them going to Michigan and doing the Tebow - Leak thing. Bring it on, but I bet if Kevin comes to Michigan, Tate would look somewhere else for playing time.

Aye bro! How sick would it be if we both went to Michigan? We could do like the florida thing with tebow an Chris Leak... Cuz dude if we both go there we could do some serious damage.

• Mike Hart told a radio host that he believes he will go in the Third Round on Saturday:

"Obviously the big question with me coming out is my size and my speed," said Hart, who finished as Michigan's all-time leading rusher. "I'll probably go in the third round (of the NFL draft). I don't think I'll get into the second.

• Reports are that Rich Rodriguez contacted Michigan first. I really don't care who called who, just happy that he is in Ann Arbor.
• A couple of Ohio HS recuits pick WVU:

  Choosing the Mountaineers over Ohio State is Steubenville High School standout Branko Busick (6-2, 228). Following a 25-minute meeting with Stewart, Busick gave his word to play for the Mountaineers. Also giving their commitments following the Gold’s 59-15 victory were middle linebacker Chris Snook from Highland High School in Medina, Ohio, and receiver Deon Long from Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C.

Your No Jake Long

In a day where Michigan's top Offensive Lineman in the history of the program goes #1 in the NFL draft. This happens: Justin Boren enrolls at Ohio State. I could take this opportunity to reset my takes on Justin liking donuts better then running or how he is weak and didn't want to improve or him just being a "red coat" traitor. But I won't go there. Poor Justin has taken enough criticism and now his family will have to pay his way at Ohio State for the next three years, since Big Ten rules state you can't transfer in conference and get a scholarship. See Justin, you should have learned something from Jake (like working hard and not quiting), but it's pretty clear you didn't. This decision will now cost your family 10's of thousands of dollars. Good Luck and enjoy the next three years of your life in Columbus. BTW: I'm pretty sure Coach Tressel won't let you have your teddy bear on the practice field like Coach Carr did. Also, If you don't make it to the NFL and need to pay off those college loans, don't call Jake.

• Does Kevin Newsome give us another hint on his my space page? Check out his sweatshirt that he is wearing. Let's hope these are good signs that this star dual threat QB is coming to A2.

• Did anyone notice that U of M Baseball hung 27 runs on State this past weekend in one game?
• Former Saginaw guard and St. John transfer might be considering the Michigan Basketball program. Michigan does have a spot available for next year.
• Update on some more Buckeye recruiting targets
• ND dropping the "tin soldiers" approach to football. Good move Charlie! It also might be a good idea to "develop" these high school kids into premier college athletes. Just a thought, I'm not a football genius or anything.
• Do you think Michigan is recruiting speed? Fred Jackson just attended a Track Meet to watch recruit Jheranie Boyd run. NC State and ND (Cornflakes) coaches were also in attendance.
  

Breaking News: Jake Long goes #1 in the Draft

Jake Long and the Miami Dolphins have agreed to a contract and will announce his signing today at 3:00 press conference. The Rams are now on the clock.

Jake is the first Wolverine to go #1 in the NFL draft since Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon in 1941. Congratulations to a guy who stayed in school and that commitment paid off. Jake you have done the Wolverines proud!

• Peter King thinks that Chad Henne could be the first QB taken.

The hot name as we enter the final five pre draft days? Michigan quarterback Chad Henne. Two scouts I trust told me over the weekend they like him better than they like Ryan. There's a team somewhere between 8 and 17 -- and I can't figure out which one -- interested in trading down a few slots and drafting Henne with a first-round pick.

Buckeyes add more nuts and Jamar likes to tee it up!

• Buckeyes add more 5 & 4 Star Nuts: The Vest is putting together another top top 10 recruitng class and like last year he is getting it done early and often. Yesterday, The Vest got verbal confirmation from 5 Star LB from PA Dorian Bell and 4 Star RB from Terrell Pryor High, Jordan Hall. These gentlemen join 4 Star verbals: DB CJ Barrett, WR Chris Fields, DB Darell Givens, ATH Strom Klein, DT John Simon, LB Jordan Whiting, and DB Jordan Wood. They also have two guys who are not rated as of yet. For those of you keeping score at home that is 11 verbal commits for the class of 2009. Whatever the vest is selling the top talent in the Midwest is buying!


• Marvin Robinson a DB from Florida (class of 2010) and considered a Michigan lean attended the OSU Spring Game last Saturday.


• Jamar rather get in 18 holes then watch his NFL future unfold: Jamar Adams can't stand watching the 2 days of draft coverage on ESPN or the NFL network. He rather play golf while his family takes in the Draft. I assume Jamar will have his cell with him.


• A hint at where Kevin Newsome might play is college ball? As we know, Kevin is Michigan's top 4 Star Dual Threat QB from Wash. DC. who visited during the Spring Game. On his my space page, he has a song playing called I'm Blue. It's either a hint or the guy enjoys a techno beat. 2 Michigan coaches were at Kevin's High School yesterday. Yes, this is the guy they want.


• Can anyone tell me why Adrian Arrington left school? Was being the number 1 receiver on the team a bad thing? Who is giving this guy advice? He is being projected as a 5th or 6th round guy and maybe even a Free Agent. Bad decision my man.


• Mario right now is being projected anywhere from 1st round to day two. Mario please don't let the ESPN cameras into your home. Better yet go play golf with Jamar and stay off "the chronic" for a couple of hours.

Soon to be Freshman Michael Shaw is Fassssssssssst

Per Mgoblog and Tennessee Runner:

Event 2 Boys 100 Meter Dash Durham

Meet: m 10.20 1978 Eric Brown, Hampton VA Nike Qualify: N 10.73

Final

Name Year School Finals Wind Points

1 Shaw, Michael Trotwood Mad 10.39 4.9 10

2 Benton, Travis Redan HS 10.54 4.9 8

3 Spreads, Dantwan Dutchtown HS 10.67 4.9 6

4 Marshall, Brian Ooltewah 10.73 4.9 5

5 Cobb, Randall Alcoa HS 10.75 4.9 4

6 Aiken, Michael Oak Ridge HS 10.92 4.9 3

7 Pearson, Kevin Orange Count 11.08 4.9 2

Event 6 Boys 200 Meter Dash

Meet: m 20.90 1988 Kerry Wooden, Newport VA Nike Qualify: N 21.69

Final

Name Year School Finals Wind Points

1 Shaw, Michael Trotwood Mad 21.30 2.2 10

2 Myricks, Johnny Ooltewah 21.94 2.2 8

3 Seamster, Sammy Ooltewah 21.97 2.2 6

4 Boyce, Derek Webb School 22.24 2.2 5

5 Aiken, Michael Oak Ridge HS 22.29 2.2 4

6 Pearson, Kevin Orange Count 23.14 2.2 3

7 Emerson, Justin Christian Ac 23.17 2.2 2

Could he someday have a trophy with this pose on it? Too early to tell, but I think we will all enjoy the Wolverines with more speed next year.

Michigan's Recruiting Class 2009 First Takes

The Slot:

Coach Rod seems to like the slot position or feels Michigan is lacking in that area. First, let's take a look at who is on the team currently who can play in the slot: Tony Clemons (pretty short list). Don't worry help is on it's way and should arrive in Ann Arbor this August. These freshmen are almost guaranteed playing time at the slot position: Michael Shaw, Terrence Robinson and Martavious Odoms.

So with 3 guys in the 2008 class, do you think Michigan needs more slot guys? RR does. Two of Michigan's 5 current 2009 verbal commits are slot guys who run like the wind: Teric Jones and Fitzgerald Toussaint. Expect more along with some traditional 6"4 WR's as well.

QB's:

That's the question that is on every Michigan's fan mind. What is Michigan going to do at QB? I think Steve Threet is a smart QB that will struggle at times, but will also make some smart decisions and have a Henne type of freshmen year. With that said, Michigan has to bring in a top 4 Star Dual Threat QB in next years class. The leading candidate is Spring Game visitor Kevin Newsome, but everybody and his brother is saying he is heading to Virgina Tech. So what's next? Tate Forcier is a possibility, but his brother recently left Michigan because he didn't get along with ex-QB coach Scot Loeffler. I think Tate coming to Ann Arbor is low on the commit scale as well. Tate is a west coast kid and his brother didn't have a good run at Michigan. So now what?

Let me introduce you to Shavodrick Beaver a 6"4 200 lb QB from Texas. Besides needing a great nickname Shavodrick is a great athlete and a U of M lean. It would be good to lock up Mr. Beaver early and then add another QB as well. Let's not forget, Justin Feagin will be here in the fall and may see some time on 3rd and 3.

With Michigan's need and ability to start a guy right away, why aren't dual threat QB's running to play at Michigan? The answer is that every program is now recruiting these guys and they are getting a ton of attention . That is a big change over the Clausen - Mallet class a few years ago. Pro Style vs Dual Threat, times they are a changing. Michigan needs to focus on a top level dual threat that can enroll early. Getting the Spring and Summer experience is important for any QB wanting to play in the Fall. Kevin Newsome says he is considering early enrollment and would be a "home run" recruit.

The two other areas that need some ground work done on the recruiting trail is DE and Offensive Line. We currently have one of the best DE's in the country verbally committed, 5 Star William Campbell, but Will is still taking trips to USC and Miami. Maybe he is looking for free trips, but I don't trust any 5 star kid with Pete Carroll. No Commits on the Offensive Line at this point, maybe it's too early but with less then 20 slots open for next year and kids committing early, the Michigan coaches need to hit the DE and OL positions hard this summer.

Breaking News: Michigan gets another commit

Ohio running back 5-10, 185lb Fitzgerald Toussaint, teammate of safety commit Isaiah Bell has committed to Michigan for the 2009 recruiting class. Toussaint isn't ranked yet; but has offers from Pitt, Illinois, and WVU.

Liberty junior Fitzgerald Toussaint tore up the league as a sophomore in 2006, averaging 12 yards per carry, rushing for 1,100 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns.

Toussaint will be a slot/scatback hybrid, just like seemingly every player Michigan is pursuing. Toussaint is the second of three major recruits from Liberty to commit to Michigan, leaving only LB Julius Ferrell - who may still end up a member of this class. He becomes Michigan's 5th commitment for the 2008 class.

Info on Toussanint came from both Mgoblog and Varsity Blue.

Trouble in the air in Columbus? Maybe that's not trouble you smell

This is all coming together for me now. For many months now, I've wondered how sure handed Mario Manningham dropped all those balls against Ohio State last year. Then the reports came out last week, Mario failed two drug test while at Michigan and both times tested positive for "the Chronic. Then the "rumor" comes out that OSU may have a similar problem with some of their defensive backs.

So Mario who is from Ohio and his boys from OSU (Eugene Clifford, Donald Washington, and Jamario O’Neal) all got together hours before the Michigan - OSU battle in Ann Arbor last year, put on Bob Marley CD and shared the peace pipe. Then Mario in a daze and with the munchies slept walked through his last Ohio State game.

Ok, maybe the above scenario is a reach, but the rumor mill is saying that Eugene has most likely been kicked off the squad, Donald maybe next, and Jamario has one strike but better not get another. They all are rumored to be currently under some type of suspension.

Maybe all 4 of them can get a place together and watch a "weeds" marathon on ShowTime.

Cell Block News and Notes: Thursday

• The Michigan Basketball team signed their final committed recruit on Wednesday, the first day of the late signing period. Zack Novak a 6"5 shooting guard who averaged 26 points a game will be joining Guard Stu Douglass from the state of Indiana as new Wolverines next year. Ben Cronin, a center from New York rounds out next years incoming Freshmen. Also joining the team next year is Laval Lucas-Perry an Arizona transfer and Flint standout who will be eligible to play in December. Depending on rumored transfers Michigan has one spot left but could possibly have two in a few weeks.


• Is this the year for MSU to beat Michigan? This guy thinks it might.
  

  If you assume that Rich Rodriguez will assemble more terrific recruiting classes down the road, then as I say, maybe this fall is the time the Spartans can earn some hope for the future with a win in the Big House. Such a victory would sure help recruiting and the image of the programs and perhaps create a bit of doubt about Michigan's future.

  Ok, Michigan may have a rebuilding year next year and I wouldn't be surprised if State got a W. But RR just completed a top 10 recruiting class and I think State's ranked some where around 75 maybe? Also, if State wins that doesn't even come close to causing any doubt about Michigan's future.


• The Columbus Dispatch writes a pretty good article about "The Gentleman's Agreement" and how even "The Vest" recruits players right up until they sign (unless they have zero interest in the Buckeyes). So let's make this clear, there isn't a "Big Ten Gentleman's Agreement" all programs recruit all players until the end and Joe Tiller has spent way too much time sniffing glue. Last point, the story mentions how RR stole two of Tillers recruits on signing day, actually Shaw was a PSU commit. Good article with one bad fact.


• Article on Chris Davenport one of the top HS Tackles in the country and a Michigan target.


• Here is a list of Michigan's targeted recruits in the state of Florida. Looks like Michigan is back in the game for Florida recruits with the new coaching staff.


• Former Wolverine Coach and Player Andy Moeller gets a year probation for his DUI car crash.

ESPN/ABC BIG Ten Schedule

The first edition of the Prime time Big Ten TV games are out. Of course there is more in-fighting to do between ABC and the BTN for the rest of the games but here's an early look. Note, Michigan doesn't have any 8:00 kicks. The OSU-USC has to be a lock for an 8:00 kick on ABC as well (but that hasn't been announced yet).

2008 BIG TEN PRIME-TIME FOOTBALL GAMES ON ABC/ESPN/ESPN2

Sept. 27 - ILLINOIS at PENN STATE, 8 p.m. ET, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 4 - OHIO STATE at WISCONSIN, 7 p.m. CT, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 11 - PENN STATE at WISCONSIN, 7 p.m. CT, ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 18 - MICHIGAN at PENN STATE, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 25 - PENN STATE at OHIO STATE, 8 p.m. ET,

Mallett hurt - Gabe and Treadmills don't get along

Ryan Mallet hurt his thumb in Spring Practice for Arkansas. There wasn't any comment on the number of fumbled snaps his thumb has caused.

Ryan Mallett showed up to Tuesday's practice in a bright yellow jersey to go along with the prominent cast covering his injured right thumb.Petrino confirmed earlier in the afternoon what has been known for several days: Mallett will miss the remaining two weeks of spring practice because of a thumb injury suffered midway through last Friday's scrimmage."He was making some improvement and feeling more comfortable, and (I) actually thought (he) was throwing the ball better," Petrino said during a 20-minute interview with The Morning News on Tuesday. "And then all of a sudden he's done for the spring."

• Michigan offers Wash. DC athlete Tavon Austin who is 5'9 160. He must run like the wind.


• Are you interested getting really inside the recruiting process? SI.com and QB Tate Forcier talk about their offer letters. Tate in fact has posted all his offer letters on the Internet including Michigan's, Penn State's, and many others.


• Alan Branch is fat and Gabe Watson doesn't like treadmills.
  
  

  Cardinals starting nose tackle Gabe Watson suffered a fractured kneecap last week in a treadmill mishap and won't be able to participate in off-season practices, coach Ken Whisenhunt confirmed Tuesday.Watson underwent surgery to repair the fracture, and the Cardinals are optimistic he'll be ready for the start of the season. He will be limited, however, when training camp opens in July, Whisenhunt said. Watson suffered the injury Thursday evening at a local health club. He already had worked out at the team's facility earlier in the day. He slipped and fell on the treadmill, causing the fracture. Branch has been attending workouts at the team's facility but doesn't appear to be in prime shape."Alan is going through typical first-year player things in the off-season," Whisenhunt said.

• Could Chad Henne join Brian Griese in Tampa? He might rabbit, he might.

Ranking the BCS Coaches

TSN's Tom Dienhart ranks the BCS Coaches by division below. I argue a few of his selections and will give you the BigHouse Blog takes:

ACC:

1. Jim Grobe, Wake Forest.
2. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech
3. Bobby Bowden, Florida State
4. Tom O'Brien, N.C. State
5. Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech
6. Al Groh, Virginia
7. Tommy Bowden, Clemson
8. Butch Davis, North Carolina
9. David Cutcliffe, Duke
10. Ralph Friedgen, Maryland
11. Jeff Jagodzinski, Boston College
12. Randy Shannon, Miami FL

BHB Notes: I agree with the top two, but Bobby Bowden has become a figure head and no longer can be considered a good coach. Butch Davis needs to be ranked over a first year coach. Here's my Ranking: 1) Grobe 2) Beamer 3) O'Brien 4) Groh 5) Johnson 6) Davis 7) T.Bowden 8) Fridgen 9) B. Bowden 10)Jagodzinski 11) Cutcliffe 12) Shannon

SEC:

1. Mark Richt, Georgia
2. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina
3. Urban Meyer, Florida
4. Nick Saban, Alabama
5. Les Miles, LSU
6. Tommy Tuberville, Auburn
7. Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee
8. Houston Nutt, Ole Miss
9. Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt
10. Bobby Petrino, Arkansas
11. Rich Brooks, Kentucky
12. Sylvester Croom, Mississippi State

BHB Notes: Mark Richt is a good coach but he has no business being ahead of the other guys on this list. 2 guys below him are considered coaching "geniuses" and another just won the National Championship. Here is my list: 1) Myer 2) Spurrier 3) Miles 4) Saban 5) Richt 6) Tuberville 7) Fulmer 8) Nutt 9) Petrino 10) Johnson 11) Brooks 12) Croom.

Big Ten:

1. Jim Tressel, Ohio State.
2. Rich Rodriguez, Michigan
3. Joe Tiller, Purdue
4. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
5. Bret Bielema, Wisconsin
6. Ron Zook, Illinois
7. Mark Dantonio, Michigan State
8. Joe Paterno, Penn State
9. Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
10. Tim Brewster, Minnesota
11. Bill Lynch, Indiana

BHB Notes: Can't argue with this list too much but there is no way Joe Tiller should be ahead of Kirk Ferentz who is considered NFL quality while Joe is heading to Florida for retirement. My list: 1) Vest 2) Snake Oil Salesmen 3) Ferentz 4) Bielema 5) Zook 6) Tiller 7) Little Brother 8) JoPa 9) Fitz 10) Brewster 11) Lynch

PAC 10

1. Pete Carroll, USC.
2. Dennis Erickson, Arizona State
3. Mike Bellotti, Oregon
4. Mike Riley, Oregon State
5. Jeff Tedford, Cal
6. Rick Neuheisel, UCLA
7. Jim Harbaugh, Stanford.
8. Tyrone Willingham, Washington
9. Paul Wulff, Washington State
10. Mike Stoops, Arizona

BHB Notes: This ranking seems pretty accurate. You can pretty much take 2 -6 and throw them up and see where they fall. Pete would be the #1 seed in the BCS coaching tournament.

Big East:

1. Randy Edsall, UConn.
2. Greg Schiano, Rutgers
3. Brian Kelly, Cincinnati
4. Steve Kragthorpe, Louisville
5. Jim Leavitt, South Florida
6. Dave Wannstedt, Pitt
7. Greg Robinson, Syracuse
8. Bill Stewart, West Virginia

BHB Notes: This one is pretty accurate as well. Greg Schiano is considered a better coach then Edsall but you can't argue what Edsall has done with poor talent. Kelly is also on the rise and it was a big surprise that a major program didn't pull him out of Cincinnati last year. Here is my List: 1) Schiano 2) Edsall 2A) Kelly 4) Wannstedt 5) Leavitt 6) Kragthorpe 7) Robinson 8) Stewart

Big 12:

1. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma.
2. Mack Brown, Texas
3. Mark Mangino, Kansas
4. Mike Leach, Texas Tech
5. Dan Hawkins, Colorado
6. Gary Pinkel, Missouri
7. Art Briles, Baylor
8. Mike Sherman, Texas A&M
9. Bo Pelini, Nebraska
10. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State
11. Gene Chizik, Iowa State
12. Ron Prince, Kansas State

BHB Notes: This list is pretty accurate as well, how can you argue the top 2? Maybe Mike Sherman with his NFL experience and Bo should be higher but we will wait and see how they do in year 1.

Michigan's Spring Game Random Thougths

I didn't see the game and instead of sneaking into Saline HS stadium I attended the Masters in 80 degree weather. So I'm pretty sure I picked the right event.

With that said, I've read a number of articles on the scrimmage and it sounds like there were some positives and some negatives but all in all the first teams looked solid. Here's my takes:

• Steven Threet is by far the best out of the 3 QB's. He will no doubt be the signal caller against Utah. His unit scored 20 points.


• Michigan ran a very vanilla 100 play scrimmage. Not sure if the team is ready to run everything and of course you don't want to tip off your opponents next year.


• We are loaded with talented RB's. Kevin Grady is back, Brandon Minor is in great shape and ready for a big year, Avery Horn was tapped by some as the most explosive player on the field, and we haven't even mentioned the new freshman due this summer (McGuffie and crew) or the injured Carlos Brown.


• The defense was much faster and look for them to blitz often.


• Graham pancaked Grady on a blitz for the "hit of the day"


• CB and son of former Wolverine, Troy Woolfolk looked good and had a pick 6.


• Starting linebackers were Jonas Mouton, Austin Panter and Obi Ezeh.


• Ortmann, McAvoy, Moosman, Zirbel Schilling were the starters on the Offensive Line.
• Scout's No. 5 ranked quarterback Kevin Newsome of Virginia attended the Spring Practice. Kevin the weather is much better in the Summer and Fall. Come on over!


• The WR's dropped some balls but Mathews is by far the best WR.

The American Dragon: #1 in the NFL Draft?

Sources are saying that the Dolphins and Jake Long are in negotiations to become the number one draft pick in the NFL Draft. Usually the top spot in the draft is associated with a QB, RB, WR, or a once in a lifetime Defensive Player, not an All American tackle.

Is this a good pick for the Dolphins? They need play makers on offense to support a pretty good defense. Parcells is no dummy and he knows that Jake might be anchoring his line for the next 10 years. Bill also knows that Jake is considered the highest probability lock to be a solid NFL'er in the entire draft. We all know there are many first round "play makers" that have been huge NFL busts. See the Detroit lions for any references needed.

So yes, I think it's a good pick, it's also a safe pick. When your sending millions of dollars, I think safe makes allot of sense.

Quick trivia question. Can you name the last Chicago Bear "drafted" offensive player that made the pro bowl? The answer is in the post description.

Inside the Big Ten TV Negotiations between Fox and ABC

I was privy to some information regarding the negotiations between The Big Ten, Fox Sports, and ABC a couple of years ago when ABC came out with it's Saturday Night Football idea.


As many of you know, Fox Sports owns 49% of The Big Ten Network and felt they had the inside track on getting the entire Big Ten Football contract as well. Both Fox Sports and ABC/ESPN had appointments to present their packages to the Big Ten executives. Fox Sports was first to present to Commissioner Jim Delany and offered up a Special "Big Ten" Saturday Night Football Deal that would showcase a Big Ten match-up every Saturday Night in Prime Time. Delany and the Big Ten executives ate it up and were very excited to move forward with Fox Sports proposal.


ABC/ESPN game in the next day and offered up their "Saturday Night Football" concept. As we know now, The Big Ten elected to go with the ABC/ESPN package. On one hand, I can see the reasons behind having your brand on the Network that covers the most college football, on the other ABC/ESPN does not show a Big Ten game every week in Prime time.


Did the Big Ten miss an opportunity to showcase more games nationally? Would Fox had too many Big Ten games? Did the Fox proposal leak to ABC/ESPN? Those are all questions that we probably won't ever get answers to. Either way The Big Ten needs to work on it's perception problem with the level of competition in the Big Ten and the mess that the BTN network has caused. Having more Big Ten games in national prime time slot might have gone along way in solving those issues.

Mario Marijuana Manningham or M3

Well, this explains a lot. The very talented Mario Manningham could have been the best WR in the country or at very least The Big Ten, but he never lived up to his potential. He showed greatness in short flashes during his career. We all remember the Notre Dame game where he couldn't be stopped, the catch in the back of the end zone to beat the undefeated Penn State, or finally the leaping catch to beat State in East Lansing this past year. We also remember him disappearing for long stretches during games, The App. State game comes to mind as one of his worst performances. He always seemed to be in Lloyd's dog house even when he played well.

Now he enters the draft early, runs with a piano on his back at the combine, then preforms better at Michigan's pro day a couple of weeks ago. Pro Football Weekly is now reporting that Mario has sent a letter to all the NFL teams stating that he tested positive twice for Marijuana while at Michigan. Are you kidding me? Lloyd what kind of dog house did you have? I guess you can smoke weed and miss the EMU game.

As you think back on Mario and his attitude, being on the "chronic" isn't a big surprise. At times when he disappeared from games, he sort of looked like a guy that was more interested in a bag of Doritos then beating a Division 1A team.

Mario, I understand your a young man and that most of us tried different things in college, but you have talent and abilities that most men don't. Please be smarter then hanging out and smoking pot with the fellas. That "high" you felt is now going to cost you millions in draft spots. I guess it wasn't worth it.

Last but not least, you need to apologize to Jake Long, Mike Hart, and Chad Henne. Mostly Jake Long. Jake stayed in school to try to win a championship and was committed everyday on trying to win that. You my friend weren't and you owe Jake Long a huge apology.

Boren gets an offer from Ohio State

• Justin Boren's brother Zach gets an offer from the "Vest" to play football at Ohio State next year. Zach is currently a JR. at Pickerington Central in Ohio. Zach and Justin's father Mike, who played for Bo gives this statement:

  "I would say Zach's definitely not thinking Michigan at this point," Mike said.

  Really? Why not? Nice understatement!

• Another Wolverine is playing for the Patroits: Victor Hobson, LB and former Jet joins New England.
• PSU WR Chris Bell thrown off the team after threatening a student.

  "Chris Bell, who had been previously suspended from the team, is permanently removed from the team and will not be considered to be part of the team in the future," a Penn State spokesman said.

Ryan Practices and Coach Rod on the Radio

• Ryan Mallett continues to practice as his waiver from the NCAA is still under consideration. Here is how Ryan did at his first scrimmage as a "Hog":

  Ryan Mallett, the former Texas High quarterback from Texarkana and transfer from the University of Michigan, completed 7 of 13 for 60 yards, quarterbacking the second offense versus the second defense.

  What no fumbled snaps? The 7 of 13 sounds about right.

• Is it me or is Rich Rodriguez everywhere? Radio interviews, TV interviews, Newspaper interviews, Hey Rich why not give Bighouse blog an interview? I can ask you the same questions you've heard a 100 times already. Here is some takes from his recent visit to WTKA-AM. He talks about the O-line learning but still has work to do. That right now they are not considering moving any D-lineman to the O-line. (you think? The D-line has worst dept then then the O-line when you include the incoming Freshman). That the Defense is ahead of the Offense. Now to the quotes on specific players: John Thompson:

  We’ve pushed him pretty hard and he’s responded well. I’ve been really pleased with the way he’s practiced, he’s flew around and made some plays and he’s got an opportunity to prove himself to a new staff and he’s been doing that. I’ve been really pleased with him, and I think our guys are slowly understanding the tempo of our practices and getting more familiar with how we want to do things.”

  On Marques Slocum:

  He had a lower leg infection that really put him off about a week and a half and that hindered his progress. He’s got a long way to go until he gets in shape. We think once he gets in shape—and that’s probably not going to be until the end of summer—he’s going to be able to help us because he’s a big guy that loves to play. He’s got some ability but he and a couple other guys up front really have a ways to go to get in condition with the way we want them to play.”

  On Darryl Stonum:

  “Darryl’s done well for really a guy that’s supposed to be in high school right now. He graduated early and got here and it’s a good thing because he’s getting a lot of reps and learning the system and he’s going to have an opportunity to play quite a bit this year. We’re just low on the numbers here. Obviously changing systems and then having the two guys leave early for the draft, he caught us in a numbers crunch and it’s going to take us a couple of years to get caught up in that. Going to a spread offense, you need a bunch of guys on the perimeter that you hope to have with experience. We’ve got a handful and they’ve done a great job this spring, but we’ve got a long way to go. We’re going to have to really rely on young kids, not only this year but probably next year, especially to get that two-deep at the wide receiver position.”

Michigan Spring Practice Injury Report

As the Wolverines continue to transform the offense and defense during this years Spring Practice we are facing a good number of injuries. Enclosed is the list of players who have been injured and missing practice:

- Kevin Grady back from a knee injury last year has been hobbled by a hamstring. With that said, he hasn't missed many snaps this spring.

-Stephen Threet - has missed some days to the flu, but is back to full strength.

- Greg Matthew missed Thursday practice due to the flu.

- Junior Hemingway suffered a sever high ankle sprain and will miss the rest of the Spring but will be back for summer conditioning.

- Carlos Brown broke his finger lifting weights and will miss miss the entire spring.

- Brandon Minor has been practicing with a "soft cast" on his wrist after spraining it.

-Steve Watson, TE is out of the entire Spring

-Zion Babb, Hamstring - restricted action this spring

- Will Johnson, is recovering from a hamstring
- Avery Horn, restricted due to a hamstring

-Massey is still out with his knee injury.

As you can see most of these injuries are on the offensive side of the ball. Which must make it very difficult to implement new changes.

______________________________

• With the weather and the current construction, Michigan hasn't practiced outside yet. Until tomorrow, when the Michigan Wolverines will practice at the "World Famous" Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. This High School as you may know is one of the top HS institutions in all of America and speaking as an Alumni, I look forward to them practicing on a field that has brought so many State Titles to Ann Arbor. :)


• The spring game, not open to the public but will be on the BTN is scheduled for April 12th at Saline HS. If you have the BTN do you watch this or the Masters? Better use picture and picture.


• SI.com's Stewart Mandel gets access to a Michigan practice and can't believe it. Good article with some interesting takes.

  On Michigan fast paced practices: It was similar to practices I've attended at USC, Florida State and numerous other football powers. Yet according to offensive lineman Steven Schilling, "The first couple weeks were a shock to the system. It's a different culture. It's a lot higher paced, it stresses sprinting everywhere. I can't really say which is better."
  

  All of which makes you wonder: If this new approach is really as shocking as Boren, Schilling and others have expressed, what kind of country club was Carr running all those years? On next years QB: At first glance, the more mobile, 6 foot-1 Sheridan seems the better fit for Rodriguez's offense due to his relatively strong arm and ability to throw on the run, but in "live" action, his accuracy was spotty. On Michigan's Defense: Led up front by veterans Tim Jamison, Terrance Taylor, Will Johnson and Brandon Graham, and with both Trent and freshman All-America Donovan Warren (by far the most impressive player in practice) at cornerback, a dominant defense will likely be Michigan's best hope for a respectable transition season.



• Does the below picture look familiar to you? At least he isn't fumbling a snap, yet.

• Georgia Tech and Michigan feeling similar pain. WR's are leaving The Jackets due to the new offense being put in. Tech WR James Johnson gives up football altogether.

  Johnson's decision comes after receivers Colin Peek and D.J. Donley announced plans to transfer.

Cell Block News and Notes: Thursday Edition

• Former fired coaches weigh in on Coach Rod's new approach and the attrition of players. They basically back Coach Rod and that players leave when a new coach comes in. Bob Davie former ND coach and now ESPN analyst says:

  "Every time there is a change, everyone is out of their comfort zone. In other parts of the country, it's really common. But it's different at Michigan because of the uniqueness of the situation with those three coaches. Michigan is a unique place, but I promise you this, the number of players who leave the program now will be of no consequence in the fall. The only number that will matter is the number on the scoreboard."

  Brandy the U of M radio announcer said about Coach Rod and Bo.

  "I will say this -- I was at Bo's first spring, and this is eerily similar," said Brandstatter, radio analyst for the Wolverines.

  In Schembechler's last book, "Bo's Lasting Lessons," written with John U. Bacon, the legendary coach detailed his first spring at Michigan. He found many of the players "soft" and was determined to bring a toughness he believed had been lacking.
  

  "Things got so hard that I had to put up that famous sign, 'Those who stay will be champions.' If you toughed it out, you'd be rewarded. I gave my word," Schembechler said in the book. "Well, not everyone stayed, of course. We probably lost 20 or 30 guys. Some of them came to my office to quit face-to face, and some just disappeared, never to be seen again. One guy wrote on the sign, 'And those who leave will be doctors, lawyers and captains of industry.' I had to chuckle at that -- though it didn't seem so funny when I had to shell out $150 to replace the sign. I was prepared for some attrition. I can honestly say we did not lose a guy who really could have helped us. I didn't lose any sleep over anyone who quit that spring."

• Could a walk on be the next Michigan Starting QB? Nick Sheridan from Saline believes he could and he is running neck and neck with Stephen Threet for the job!
• Other programs lose players as well. Iowa loses their starting running back, Jevon Pugh . He was home sick and wanted to stay in Florida.
• CollegeFootball News and Fox Sports Peter Fiutak answers a question if TP can live up to the hype?:

  I'd like to get all caught up in the mania, I really would, but I've heard this story before. Ronald Curry was a can't-miss superstar who was going to become a college football legend and perhaps win multiple Heisman's. Just like Ryan Perrilloux. Just like Lorenzo Booker. Just like Ron Powlus. Just like Carlos Snow. Just like Ben Olson. Just like Derrick Williams. Just like a bazillion other high school superstars you could name.

• Beno Cook predicts that the Wolverines will go 6-6 next year. 6-6 is a possibility, but I think Beno should be more concerned on where he put his glasses or the TV remote. On a side note, Beno still thinks JoPa is 45 and that Casey Clausen will win 4 Heismans.

Billboard Material?

I know it's early April but the Utes are sounding pretty confident about coming into the Big House and beating the "new" Wolverines. A Utah linebacker has this to say:

Wright can hardly wait for Utah's Aug. 30 season opener.

"We're getting ready to beat Michigan. We've got 150 days or whatever and we're ready to go," he said. "We're getting ready to go into the Big House."
__________

Demetrius Jones is fitting right in with Ohio State's new in-state rival The University of Cincinnati. If you remember DJ left ND before the Michigan game last year in Ann Arbor.

____________

Update: 2:30


Matt Hayes from Yahoo Sports and the Sporting News agrees with me about Justin Boren.

Kurt Anderson a former Grad Assistant at U of M now part of the Eastern Michigan coaching staff.

Did you know that Damon Dowdell from MSU is in the CIFL? Me either. Do you know what the CIFL is? Me either.


Per Mgoblog here's a funny ND Frozen Four shirt. I'm not much of a hockey fan but I pretty sure those aren't the Frozen 4 teams.

Terelle Pryor considers a transfer and RR re-thinks leaving WVU

4/1/2008: Many media outlets are reporting that Terelle Pryor is re-considering his choice in colleges. He said in a recent visit to University of Ohio State that he didn't know there was an "outlet" mall located so close to Columbus and that Florida University was much warmer. "My talents are more suited for a warmer climate"

More to come on this story, but insiders have said TP and Justin Boren have become close and considering a package deal to a new school.
______

With the recent success of WVU Basketball team, some high profile recruits committing to WVU football team for 2009, and the $4 Million law suit pending; Coach Rod is secretly telling friends that leaving West Virgina was a mistake. With all these things in play Coach Rod's time in Ann Arbor could come to end very soon. Look for an announcement in the next 2 weeks as he tries to get out of his Michigan commitments while re-negotiating a new contract with the Mountaineers.

Bill Martin was unavailable for comment. His staff said he was in the Bahamas on a much needed vacation.