Coming out of Spring 'Bama Ranked 10th

Key returnees: RB Mark Ingram, WR Julio Jones, NT Terrence Cody, LB Rolando McClain, CB Javier Arenas.

Spring star: QB Greg McElroy. Chase Daniel's former understudy at Carroll (Southlake, Texas) High won the starting job handily this spring.

Spring recap: With Cody, McClain and Arenas leading a stacked defense, the Crimson Tide probably won't have to score many points. That should allow McElroy, who will play behind an inexperienced line, some room for error. But should McElroy have trouble, he need only remember one thing: Throw it to Jones.

INSIDE COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Michigan Basketball adds another Walk On Recruit

One of the "knocks" on John Beilein when he took the Michigan job was, "can he recruit?". Sure it's hard to recruit to West Virgina but he really hasn't landed any big named players. Of course, you can debate if getting 5 star players that stay a year and the head to the NBA is being a good recruiter or not. I tend to lean that Michigan doesn't need those type of players, what Michigan needs is guys that will stay 3+ years and make Michigan an NCAA tournament team every year.

One of the reasons, I know John can recruit is because he gets guys to come to Michigan and pay their own way when they could have gotten scholarships at other schools. Case in point is John's latest addition to the Wolverines, Josh Bartelstein.

Bartelstein, who was personally recruited by Michigan head coach John Beilein, visited the campus in Ann Arbor this past weekend, and knew that is where he wanted to be. Beilein spent the entire day with Bartelstein, and personally escorted him around campus. Beilein is known for having great success with recruited walk-on’s as many have played prominent roles both at West Virginia and Michigan.

Bartelstein selected Michigan over a host of Division I offers including Wagner, San Diego, Elon, UIC, Detroit and Valparaiso.

Personally, to get a guy to come join the Basketball Team and pay his own way is doing some strong recruiting in my book. BTW, Bartelstein isn't the only walk on joining Michigan next year. Johnny B has gotten Ann Arbor's Gabriel Richard's Eso Akunne a 6-foot-3-inch guard who averaged 21.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists during his senior season to walk on as well. Eso was named Ann Arbor's player of the year by the Ann Arbor News and was a finalist for Michigan's Mr. Basketball.

So for now, Michigan will leave the Blake Griffin's and OJ Mayo's to other programs. John Beilein is looking to build a strong foundation in Ann Arbor for years to come.

BTW, If you hadn't noticed. ESPN Andy Katz has the Wolverines ranked #9 in his pre-season poll. Get those Band Wagons ready!

Michigan Football Recruiting Round Up

With Spring Ball over and the "summer" freshmen not yet on campus, the Wolverines are knee deep in the Barwis Summer Work out program. The coaches on the other hand are all over the US talking to kids about Michigan's program.

Recruiting always heats up over the summer months with camps and official visits. As you have seen over the past five years, recruiting starts earlier and earlier. Michigan has about 50% of it's 2010 class filled already but still has some outstanding needs at defensive back, a second QB, linebacker, and at defensive tackle. The latest report has Michigan having 150 offers on the street.

Here is an update on where Michigan stands with some of it's prospective players for 2010:

• Michigan QB Prospect preforms well at an Elite 11 Camp: Per ESPN: Munchie Legaux (New Orleans/Edna Carr) has excellent size (6-foot-4, 187 pounds) and can throw the football well. He had 15 rushing touchdowns last season, so he can also run. Legaux claims an offer from Michigan -- and others from Tulane, Louisiana Tech and Florida International. Baylor, Oregon and Virginia are also showing him attention.Legaux is likely going to benefit from his performance and see his stock rise. He was impressive.

• FL RB Cassius McDowell has Michigan listed as his leader. He is team mates with future 2009 Wolverines Denard Robinson and Adrian Witty.

• Rashad Knight a CB from Florida has offers from BYU, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Rutgers and Maryland but Michigan just offered on Tuesday and Rashad seems very interested in the Wolverines.

• Do you think RR and Staff are recruiting speed? Check this out: Liberty senior Fitzgerald Toussaint ran a blistering 10.86 to cruise in the 100. Also this: Toussaint, who won a state indoor title in the 60 in March, also anchored the third-place 4x100 relay, which included fellow University of Michigan football recruit Isaiah Bell. A third Michigan recruit, junior Antonio Kinard, joined Bell on the sixth-place 4x200 relay. Bell is a 2009 safety recruit for the Wolverines and Antonio is a 2010 committed linebacker recruit, yes a linebacker.

• FL OL Torrian Wilson still has Michigan in his top group with Tennessee, Stanford, and Miami.

• Michigan has offered Cincinnati Tight End Alex Welch. Alex should feel honored because Michigan doesn't offer too many tight ends anymore. What's next a full back?

• Michigan offered Baltimore (Md.) City College wide receiver Adrian Coxson. Adrian is 6-4, 185-pound and the # 158 prospect in the country by Rivals.

• Michigan went into Hyattsville,Maryland DeMatha and offered just about the entire team including: safeties Jeff Knox, Lorenzo Waters and Michael Coley and offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio.

• Decatur (Ga.) Southwest DeKalb cornerback Jonathan Mincy has been offered by the Wolverines and so has his teammate defensive end T.J. Stripling (6-6, 215 pounds).

• Running back Andre Givens from Ohio who rushed for 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns last season is also sporting a new Michigan offer.

• Larry Foote heading by foot or plane to the Detroit Lions? Seems the Pittsburgh Steelers were prepared to release Larry Foote yesterday but Larry started to get immediate interest from the Detroit Lions and now the Steelers are trying to work a trade for the former Wolverine linebacker. If a trade can't be worked out, look for Larry to be released by this weekend.

• Drew is Done: Drew Henson was released by the Lions yesterday, most likely ending his professional football career. So much promise and so little results.

UMass will not be Michigan's First Game in the "New" Big House

I'm sure many of your were thinking; "UMass, is going to open the 2010 season when the new Michigan Stadium renovations are finished? WTF?"

The Michigan Athletic department did a Lee Corso today, "Not so fast my friends".

"That's not true -- not even close," Draper said. "We're talking to them, (but) not for that date."

Michigan, he said, intends to make the season opener the "dedication" game for the stadium, which is currently under construction, adding suites and a new press box.

"We're trying to do something special," said Draper, who indicated Michigan is talking to a "couple teams" for that day.

So who would be special? Miami (of Ohio)? Central Michigan: the mentor vs the mentee?

Michigan has 4 non-conference games in 2010 with ND on the road and looks like UMass for one of the home games.

How about West Virgina? I bet that would get some press.

WVU at the Big House = an RR/Beilein buy out payment?

Pat White Going in Round 2 Helps Michigan QB Recruiting

One of the knocks on Rich Rod's spread offense is, "it doesn't make NFL Quarterbacks" like Lloyd Carr's pro style offense did. Michigan has a long list of QB's that have competed for spots on NFL rosters. Rich Rodriguez really has had only one NFL QB you can really point to, Shaun King who was under RR's tutelage when he was the offensive coordinator at Tulane under Tommy Bowden.

Now, in somewhat of an ironic twist Michigan's last pro style QB will compete for a job against Rich Rod's top QB prospect of all time Pat White. I give Chad Henne the edge since he has been in the Dolphins system for a year, but look for Pat to get about 5-10 snaps a game this Fall.

With Pat White going in the second round, now Rich Rod and staff can use that on the recruiting trail and tell prospective Wolverine QB that his system can produce NFL QB's and someday maybe even a first round pick!

• Speaking of former Michigan Pro Style QB's: Stephen Threet transfers to Arizona State. "I like the pro style offense and the coaching staff at Arizona State," Threet said on Monday. "My career has been filled with ups and downs and coaching changes aren't easy. I was at Georgia Tech for two weeks when they changed coaches. Michigan had the same coaches for like 30 years and then they change. "When Coach [Lloyd] Carr retired I wanted to transfer," Threet said. "But I took Coach [Rich] Rodriguez at his word about the offense. I tried to stick it out. I tried to help Michigan win. But in the end the offense didn't fit me. They have a run first offense at every position. What they want is Pat White and that's not me." For the record, Dennis Erickson hasn't had too many head coaching jobs, so nothing to worry about at ASU Steve!

• 7 Wolverines Sign as NFL Free Agents: Carson Butler with Green Bay, Doug Dutch with the Washington Redskins, Sean Griffin with the Seattle Seahawks, Brandon Harrison with the Indianapolis Colts, Will Johnson with the Baltimore Ravens, Tim Jameson with the Houston Texans, and Mike Massey with the Cleveland Browns. I have to say the Doug Dutch and Mike Massey signings are somewhat surprising. I know Mike is from Cleveland so that is good news for him. I wish all the free agent Wolverines well and enjoy that NFL pay check while it lasts.

• In sad news, the Cincinnati Bengals released Chris Perry. Chris was injured most of his NFL career with the Bengals and when he got the starting job last year had a big fumbling problem. Chris is a good 3rd down back that can catch the ball and get you a first down and hopefully another NFL team will pick him up. I don't believe Chris will ever be an every down back in the NFL.

• ESPN is reporting that former Miami quarterback Robert Marve has completed the rounds and narrowed his transfer choices to Purdue, Arizona State, South Florida and Nebraska, with Purdue in the lead for his services. One quick side note. I'm wondering who Dennis Erickson wanted more, Stephen Threet or Robert Marve? I'm guessing ASU is now off the board for Robert.

• Michigan State did a surprising thing yesterday and scheduled games with West Virgina and Alabama. The school has signed contracts for a home-and-home series with West Virginia in 2014 and 2015, and a home-and-home series with Alabama in 2016 and 2017. Good for MSU, I love that Nick Sabin will be back in East Lansing.
  

Recruiting News .....

Cornerback Phelon Jones has decided to transfer from LSU to Alabama.

Kicker Cade Foster. He decided today that he'll sign with Nick Saban's team in 2010.

Alabama and Michigan State University to Play in 2016 & 2017

The University of Alabama and Michigan State University have signed a contract for a home-and-home football series in 2016 and 2017.

The two schools have never met in football, and the first matchup is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2016, in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama will visit Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 2, 2017.

Alabama, Michigan State to play home-and-away football series

Did Michigan get its 10th Commitment for 2010 over the weekend?

Well, the answer is yes and no. Like I mentioned last week, Michigan has some 100 scholarship offers out all over the country for roughly 11 or less spots next year. So sometimes when you go fishing with a big net you get fish that you "might" want to throw back.

Travis Williams a corner back from Cooper City, FL ( 5"10, 170 lbs) committed to the Wolverines this past weekend but the Wolverine coaches told him to wait a couple weeks. Travis mostly returned kicks, played WR, and CB his junior year. He had 5 picks at corner and had 6 touchdowns for 425 total yards at WR.

Here is part of an interview with Travis from TomVh at Mgoblog:

TOM: So are you officially committed, or just high on Michigan?
TRAVIS: I'm committed. I talked to Coach Rodriguez today, and told him the news. They just told me to call him back after the Spring. He wants me to make sure that I made the right decision, and not make a bad move.
TOM: So what was the final aspect that made you make your choice?
TRAVIS: Just everything really. It was just incredible. The Big House, the locker room, and the practice facility. It was just amazing. Once I saw all that, it just put me over the edge.


There has also been some question on his speed. Here is how he responded to that:

TOM: Where did they say they see you playing? I recently saw on Scout that you run a 4.9 40, is that accurate?
TRAVIS: They want to use me as a cornerback. They like my stride, and my overall speed. I need to talk to those guys, because that is definitely not right. I ran a 4.49, a 4.56, and a 4.7 at all the combines. The 4.7 was when I was injured too. So, that's definitely not right.

So to net it out for you: Travis is holding offers from Miami of Ohio and Kansas State at the moment. I think Michigan wants him to hold the phone for a couple months to see how the recruiting process goes for the Wolverines and Travis.

• Hello UMass? Michigan is in negotiations with UMass to open the 2010 season at the Big House. Sounds like UMass is interested: “We’d like to, we want to, and we’re looking into it,” said UMass spokesman Jason Yellin. It seems the only thing holding up the contract is the buyout if Michigan decides to cancel the game. They should work something out for the basketball teams as well.

• If you missed it on Sunday: Terrance Taylor went to the Indianapolis Cots in the 4th Round and Morgan Trent went to the Cincinnati Bengals in the 6th round. TT will join Mike Hart and Marlin Jackson on the Colts and Morgan Trent will join fellow CB Leon Hall, Chris Perry and Dhani Jones on the Bengals.

'Bama Players that are now NFL Rookies!!!

-- Safety Rashad Johnson (Cardinals)
-- OL Andre Smith (Bengals)
-- RB Glen Coffee (49ers)
-- Center Antoine Caldwell (Texans)

** Free Agents **

-- Quarterback John Parker Wilson (Atlanta Falcons)
-- Tight end Travis McCall (Buffalo Bills)
-- Defensive end Bobby Greenwood (Kansas City Chiefs)
-- Guard Marlon Davis (Cleveland Browns)
-- Tight end Nick Walker (Minnesota Vikings)

Alabama's Andre Smith goes No. 6 to the Cincinnati Bengals

The ESPN telecast cut to a smiling Smith watching from Birmingham just before the Bengals' pick, and the Bengals selected Smith with the sixth pick in the draft shortly thereafter.

Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith is going to Cincinnati

1st in the Class 2A state Weightlifting Competition

Trent Richardson the five-star running back prospect, won first-place the Class 2A state weightlifting competition.

Richardson benched 380, clean and jerked 325 for a total of 705.

Second-place was a guy named Brooke Peters from Sarasota High, who benched 355 and cleaned and jerked 330 for a total of 685.

Trent Richardson wins Florida state weightlifting title...

The Detroit Dynamic Duo are Staying: Sims and Harris Staying at Michigan

(Look at Greg Paulus in the background dreaming about playing QB!)

Per the announcement today:

"In order to address the speculation around DeShawn and Manny's future we are announcing that both these young men have decided to continue their respective educational paths here at the University of Michigan," said Beilein in a statement. "Since the completion of our season we have gathered enough information for everyone to feel good about this decision. I am anxious to see their continued growth and I am excited to coach these two, as well as the rest of the team next season."

"I have decided to stay at the University of Michigan to not only work towards finishing my degree, but to continue working on my game," said Sims. "I am on schedule to graduate next May and that is going to be a very special moment for me. With Coach Beilein here I can see myself growing even more mentally, physically and athletically. There is a lot of excitement surrounding next season and we really want to take the next step in restoring the proud tradition of Michigan basketball on the national level."

"I have decided to stay in school and continue to work on my University of Michigan degree," added Harris. "This decision will also allow me to work hard at becoming an even more complete basketball player. We had a good season and I really enjoyed making the NCAA Tournament with my teammates. We really want to build a great program here at Michigan and we are on that path. The turnaround from my freshman year to my sophomore was big and I feel we will continue to do even more."

As we know this is great news for the 2010 Wolverines Basketball Team. This news was also expected as they both have said they had planned to stay in school since the loss to Oklahoma in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

• Terrance Taylor and Morgan Trent are the only two Wolverines expected to be drafted in this weekend's NFL Draft. Look for TT to go in the middle rounds (maybe late on day 1) and Morgan to go late on Sunday maybe the 6th round.

What is 'Bama's Team Identity After Spring Practice?

There were signs this spring of a potentially dominant defense, one that with nine returning starters could eclipse last year's feats. But Alabama's hard-nosed, physical offensive approach that won so many games last year was lacking with a rebuilt offensive line and relatively inexperienced backfield.

If Alabama can't run like it wants, McElroy will be forced to try to win games with his arm, something that John Parker Wilson wasn't asked to do last year until the Florida and Utah games — the season's lone defeats.

But with depth and talent level improving for the third consecutive year under Saban, the Crimson Tide has time to find itself before September.

Tide's mission accomplished? Alabama has frontrunner at QB, but other questions still remain after spring

Thoughts to Ponder

5 Thoughts to Ponder at the completion of 'Bama's Spring Football Practices:

1. Is Saban a year ahead of himself? - Recent Alabama football history dictates that a head coach’s third season at the Capstone will be his breakthrough year.

2. The 10-game jinx - In the same vein as the year three/year four coaching paradox, Alabama hasn’t pulled off back-to-back 10+ win seasons since 1991-1992. Here are the numbers:

•1992: 13-0 / 1993: 9-3-1
•1994: 12-1 / 1995: 8-3
•1996: 10-3 / 1997: 4-7
•1999: 10-3 / 2000: 3-8
•2005: 10-2 / 2006: 6-7
•2008: 12-2 / 2009: ???

3. Life after Andre Smith? - In the two games that celebrated left tackle Andre Smith missed last season, Alabama struggled mightily.

4. The rise of the SEC West - This season figures to see each of Alabama’s five SEC West counterparts in better shape than last season. The question is, has Alabama improved enough to meet their challenge?

5. An inexperienced quarterback - Can Alabama adjust to the loss of John Parker Wilson in time for it’s high-profile opener with Virginia Tech in 136 days? The odds are against it.

I think if 'Bama's Defense can rise to the challenge and keep us in the first 2 or 3 games - Look Out! Roll Tide Roll !!

2009 Alabama Spring Football Preview: Five Bad Things

Spring Practice Summed up by One Simple Phrase....

Saban: ‘We have things to work on’


“I think that, offensively, we don’t have enough depth and we don’t have enough playmakers right now,” Saban said. “I don’t think we have enough depth in the offensive line. The second offensive line, their quarterbacks (Star Jackson and Thomas Darrah) didn’t have a chance to operate. And we need to continue to develop a backup quarterback that can be an effective player with consistency.”

There’s the wish list. Saban said that another touted freshman class, which arrives on campus in June, includes players who will have opportunities to win jobs.

“There’s going to be some opportunities for young people on our team right now as well as guys that are coming in,” Saban said.

“We have issues. We have things to work on,” Saban said, calling those challenges to be embraced.

He told his team in the locker room that he wasn’t as concerned with the talent as he was the leadership and passion on this team.

‘We have things to work on’

Paulus Continuing to use the Michigan Brand Name

So much that Bill Martin should send him a bill for brand infringement.

It was clear from the Michigan camp last weekend that Michigan was no longer interested in Greg Paulus joining the Wolverines. End of story right? Nope! Now ESPN, is reporting that Greg is picking Syracuse over Michigan. Wait a minute? How could Greg be picking Syracuse over Michigan when Michigan is no longer an option for him?

The key is the media is in "love" with Greg Paulus and he is eating up all of his 15 minutes, which is more like 2 weeks now. To even further muddy the waters, Greg is saying that he has not decided on Syracuse yet and is still taking other visits. I guess he must really love all this media coverage. BTW: It's sad that even the local Detroit media don't know that Michigan has stopped their recruitment of him.

I guess with very little college football news to report, The Greg Paulus Drama is the best thing going. Can't someone check in with Tim Tebow and his new NFL ready throwing motion?

• Sparty has it's Spring Game on Saturday and many State of Michigan recruits will be there taking in the scrimmage. Including some Wolverine prospects like: Detroit Renaissance defensive back Mylan Hicks, Livonia Stevenson running back Austin White, and "out of state" Cincinnati Wyoming defensive end Jibreel Black. U of M is actively recruiting all of these players.
  


• Big Ten - ACC Shoot Out: Will have Michigan playing BC in Crisler Arena next year. Should be a good game.

• OL Brent Benedict (6-6 290) of Jacksonville, FL is one of the top offensive lineman prospects in the country. Tax day was the first day coaches could call recruits and he had calls as early at 6:30 from familiar names like David Cutcliffe, Lane Kiffen, Pete Carroll, Mark Richt and Urban Meyer. With that said, Brent plans to visit Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State this summer.
  


• SI ranks RR #11 for all colleges coaches: Not only has he won big, RichRod has helped change the sport with his offense. Many people are starting to believe that "The Vest" is getting to much like Lloyd Carr and respectable services are starting to rank him lower and lower. A guy with a national championship should not be ranked #13 behind guys like Brian Kelly, Jim Grobe, and Kirk Ferentz.

The Big House Blog Hugs a Tree on Earth Day

Michigan is expected to have less then 20 spots available for their 2010 recruiting class. They already have 9 committed players which leaves 11 spots left. So how many scholarship offers to you think Michigan has out right now? 20, 30 maybe 40 for the 11 spots? Nope, Michigan has over 100 scholarship offers on the street right now. That seems like a lot for 11 spots but I'm sure RR and staff know what they are doing.

• Maryland Middle LB Troy Gloster is high on Michigan: “Michigan has a great tradition. They've got the Big House. (and Blog!) They produce a lot of great athletes. I called that my biggest offer.
  


• With the Draft this weekend, I thought I would share some interesting numbers on how the Wolverines have done in the draft over time: Michigan has had a total of 48 players drafted since 1999 with 8 being 1st rounders. Michigan ranks #6 "all time" first round draft picks with 419 behind 1. USC 662 2. Notre Dame 613 3. Ohio State 594 4. Miami 555 and 5. Florida 426. The Buffalo Bills have drafted 15 Wolverines in their history that only ranks behind ND, PSU, and Ohio State. I can't really think of any Michigan players making a difference for the Bills. Maybe John Kolesar?
  


• Is Michigan looking at a kicker for 2010? Maybe and one of the candidates they are keeping their eye on is: Will Hagerup from Wisconsin. Will is sporting offers from places like Florida, Wisconsin, Tennesse, Indiana, Alabama, and Arkansas. That is a ton of offers for a kicker in April.

• A.J. Derby a 6"5 dual threat QB from Iowa is the latest to get a Michigan offer. This 4 Star QB already has offers from a host of schools including Florida, Alabama, Miami, Florida State, and others. AJ rushed for 13 touchdowns last year and threw for 11.
  

BHB Tuesday Recruiting Tidbits

• RB Darion Hall (6-0, 200) of Naples, Fla is sporting a Michigan offer for 2010. In 2009, Darion rushed for 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns.

• Phil Kornbult had this to say about Michigan QB recruit Cornelius Jones (6-2, 185) of Spartanburg: favors Michigan at this point. He has offers from the Wolverines, Duke, Wake Forest and Stanford. He's also hearing from North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Virginia. Jones went to junior day at USC and Clemson but hasn't heard from them since. Jones would be Michigan's second and final QB recruit of 2010.

• Ever wonder if the lower tier bowl games are a good thing financially for your school? Of course, these numbers don't include the exposure you get for your program being on nationally TV and what it does for recruiting purposes; but here are Central Michigan's 2008 Motor City Bowl budget:
  
  Expenses: $362,632
  
  Revenues: $295,405
  
  That makes a total bowl deficit of $67,227. Those numbers are not so great for a program the size of CMU. Let's hope these Bowls can find a way to make it a win-win for a program the size of CMU to attend. I'm betting Augusta J (regular BHB reader) will pick up the difference for his proud "CHIPS" program.

• For those that are keeping score at home for 2010: Michigan has 9 verbal commits, Minnesota 5, OSU 4, PSU 2, Illinois 2, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan State all have just 1 commit for 2010. Purdue, IU, and Northwestern are getting shut out at this point. You could easily say that Michigan is out to a fast start in the recruiting race.

• ESPN Cover Boy Greg Paulus is planning a Syracuse Visit. Good luck with that! The bright side is, you could get to practice against Scott Shafer's defense. Nebraska maybe interested as well.

• Steve Threet maybe considering Arizona State. ACC, Big Ten, and now PAC 10? Throw in the SEC in there and he could play for teams in all the major conferences.

• Corey Nelson, from Dallas: Rivals 5th LB in the nation and #24 player overall has long been considered an OU or Texas lock, now considers Michigan his top school. Cory also happens to be the current teammate of Michigan verbal for 2010 Tony Drake. We all know that RR likes to offer teammates from high school. Texas is rumored to be Jordan Hicks (#3 LB in the nation from West Chester, Ohio) top school but "the Vest" is rumored to be making a hard push for Jordan's services.
  

Michigan Manic Monday: Wonders if it's the Shoes?

• Ryan being Ryan in Arkansas Spring Game: However, in the Red-White game Saturday night, Mallett made a couple of shaky decisions he will need to avoid in SEC play. No word on any fumbled snaps.

• Toney Clemons visited Colorado this past weekend and had this strange quote: “It’s a gorgeous campus, even with the snow,” Clemons said. “I got to see the Rocky Mountains. I went to an elementary school reading about the Rocky Mountains and actually seeing them was a great experience. There is nothing like it. It was breathtaking.” Ok, I guess. Toney also plans on visiting Brian Kelly's Cincinnati before making a decision on his next school. “I do intend to visit Cincinnati and view the situation and see what they’re offering from their side of the spectrum as far as playing time and everything like that,” Clemons said. “I’m not sure when, but probably the first week in May or something like that.”

• Is Lo Wood still afloat for Michigan? Lo Wood a CB from Apopka, Florida has maintained Michigan at the top of his list of potential schools to attend in 2010, until this past weekend when he visited ND and spent a lot of time with former Wolverine Corwin "Cornflakes" Brown. Many are saying that Michigan and ND are now neck and neck for Lo services and that maybe ND took a slight lead after his visit.

• Caleb Lavey a 2010 LB recruit from Texas whose father was an equipment manager under Bo, deiced to commit to Oklahoma State over the weekend. This was a surprise commitment to recruiting insiders.

• In a strange development, Rick Neuheisel blames Adidas for his injury problem at UCLA: "I had a similar circumstance at Washington," Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel said. "I had Jerramy Stevens there, a tight end, who broke his fifth metatarsal, and the complaint was the shoes that they're wearing doesn't have enough sole for their foot because they're big guys. The little toe hangs over the edge when they make their cuts, and (the injury) almost always happens when they're cutting on it." Sounds crazy right? Well, UCLA TE Logan Paulsen is the third Bruin to break his fifth metatarsal in less than a year, according to the L.A. Daily News. So it could be the shoes? Of course, Michigan moved to Adidas last year and we haven't heard of any problems with the new shoes, but it needs to be watched closely and expect Adidas to come out with a press release soon. If Tate Forcier breaks his foot because of the shoes he is wearing, there will be hell to pay! I wonder if he could wear another brand if he wanted?

Thanks to VB for this Tate Spring Game highlight video:

Paulus Drama Over

ESPN who seems to love Greg Paulus like Entertainment Tonight loves Madonna, will have to find another story to chase after Sam Web from GBW reported this on Friday:

Sources indicated late Friday afternoon that the Michigan football program is no longer exploring the possibility of adding former Duke PG Greg Paulus to its fall roster.

Maybe Greg can now try acting and become an "other" on Lost. Hold you head up Greg, Syracuse is still interested.

Marvin Robinson Becomes Michigan's 9th "Verbal" for 2010

Michigan gained it's 9th verbal commitment to it's 2010 class from 4 star Florida Safety Marvin Robinson. Marvin is a friend of Ricardo Miller's and has been a strong Michigan lean since last summer. Marvin is rated in the top 100 by Rivals and the top 250 by Scout. Michigan's Scout page is reporting the commitment.

As always here is the informative information on Marvin from Varsity Blue:

Recruiting Notes:

Marvin Robinson grew up a fan of Michigan, with USC being another favorite. He visited the Wolverines for their 2007 summer camp, where he was the most impressive defensive back despite only entering his sophomore year. At that time, he was offered a scholarship by the coaching staff of Lloyd Carr. That scholarship offer was reiterated by Rich Rodriguez in the spring of 2008. In June, he was unable to attend Michigan’s summer camp, but visited Ann Arbor shortly thereafter. On his visit, Marvin enjoyed himself so thoroughly that he made plans for a return trip to Ann Arbor, to attend the Michigan State game with his friend Ricardo Miller. Robinson received his official offer on the first day that junior prospects may be offered. When Miller accepted an offer to Michigan on September 29th, it was just another feather in the caps of Michigan. However, it took Marvin quite some time to jump at the offer (despite early indications that he might commit last fall). When he came to Ann Arbor for Michigan’s Spring Game, he was blown away by the atmosphere, and started itching to pull the trigger. Within a few days, he could resist the urge no longer, and gave a verbal commitment to the Wolverines.

Player Notes:

Robinson is a big, physically impressive safety. Under the Lloyd Carr regime, he may have been bulked up and moved to linebacker (where he excelled at the Football University camp in Orlando last summer), but new Michigan will likely try to allow him to stay at safety, unless he goes through a growth spurt. They probably like him as more of a Taylor Mays-type player than, say, a Tavares Gooden doppelganger. Robinson is considered one of the top prospects in the nation at safety in 2010, and would be a good candidate for 5-star status if he wasn’t something of a tweener, and if he hadn’t been considered a lock to Michigan for so long (though he has been dominant enough at combines that he may still garner that status). It is particularly impressive that he was the best safety at Michigan’s summer camp in 2007 - though he was only entering his sophomore season. Early offers from powers such as USC and Florida also speak to his talent, and likely had something to do with his delay in committing to Michigan.

Has Paulus been Offered a Scholarship by Michigan?

The answer is no, he has been offered a chance to join the team as a walk on at this point. Even Tate Forcier weighed in on this: "I've been talking to coaches all morning, and my position coach, Coach (Rod) Smith, he told me specifically that they have not offered him — they don't know why he would lie," Forcier said Thursday afternoon. "They said, 'We'll let you'll know what's up,' because right now, their specific words were, they haven't offered."

"I'm not worried about it," Forcier said. "A kid like that was good in high school, but it's nearly impossible to come back to this level and play. It might be possible, but not in the quarterback position. You have to know too much, you have to know the speed of the game."

Greg would have to get a special waiver from the NCAA to join the Wolverines or any other college football program. Here is what the NCAA had to say on the topic (which is surprisingly fast for the NCAA):


"Mr. Paulus has expressed an interest in competing in a second sport at another Division I school after earning an undergraduate degree at Duke University and competing on the men's basketball team. The NCAA encourages and applauds academic achievement and realizes this is an unique situation and opportunity for Mr. Paulus. Student-athletes seldom have the opportunity to transfer late in their college careers and compete in a second sport after four seasons of competition. The NCAA established a "students first" waiver process to address unique situations and extenuating circumstances such as this that are not outlined in our rules.

If a student-athlete wants to transfer and immediately compete as a graduate student, the college or university they are transferring to would need to seek a waiver, because in most cases they would have to sit out a year before competing under NCAA transfer rules and would not have any remaining eligibility. One of the factors our members have determined is appropriate for a graduate student waiver is if the transfer is academically motivated."


It also seems that Greg understands this rule and during his PTI interview on ESPN last night he mentioned looking into the different academic programs that U of M and other places offered. Michigan does have 3 scholarships left and if Greg in Michigan wanted to jump through all the hoops below, I'm sure RR would give him one of the 3 remaining but this still seems like a long shot for Greg to end up in Ann Arbor. Let's hope this old statement rings true, "there is no such thing as bad press" because Michigan and Paulus sure are getting a lot of it.


Bottom Line on the Paulus to Michigan Situation: Only 1 year of eligibility left + NCAA Special Waiver + not playing football for 4 years + trying to learn RR's system in a couple of months + wanting to start+ not having Tate get the experience he needs = Not worth it for the Wolverines.

• We all know Scott Shafer's defense played poorly last year. We also know that the rumors were that Scott didn't get along with the other Michigan coaches. This week he spoke to a Syracuse newspaper to give us some insight: "I took the job for all the wrong reasons," Shafer said. "I took it because it was Michigan, it was the Big House, the tradition. All great reasons. But at the end of the day, it's got to be a good fit for you as a coach, and the guys you're working with on a daily basis." BTW: The paper calls Shafer a "journeyman" since he has had 3 DC jobs in 3 years.
  


• 2010 DE prospect Darryl Baldwin (6"6, 250 lbs.) has cut his list down to 4 schools. ND, Michigan, OSU, and MSU. He plans to make a decision this summer.
  


• Add Syracuse to a team on Paulus list. He should go there and try to start IMO.

Million $$$$ Question - Is Alabama's offense that bad, or is Alabama's defense just that good?

This time last year, reports were coming out of Tuscaloosa that Alabama's offense was dominating it's defense in much the same way this year's defense is now dominating this Alabama offense.

The question is this: Is the opposite scenario going to be true this year?

Maybe there is a case for Alabama's offense really not being so bad, maybe Alabama's defense is just that dominating. Maybe this defense is pretty darn good?

I believe it may well be a combination of both.

I believe Alabama's defense is good enough to make its offense look bad. I also believe Alabama's offense is still learning and will need to improve as time goes along.

Alabama's offense will need time to come together; it will be up to this year's version of Alabama's defense to buy time for the Tide's offense.

Is Alabama's Offense That Bad, or Is Alabama's Defense Just That Good?

Phillip Sims 2010 Committment (QB)

Oscar Smith quarterback Phillip Sims, one of the nation's most highly regarded quarterbacks in the Class of 2010, verbally committed to the University of Alabama on Wednesday night.

"It's a big deal and I'm still enjoying it," said Sims, contacted in Tuscaloosa on his recruiting visit. "The campus, the environment and the fans are just crazy. It just seems like the right place for me."

Oscar Smith QB gives verbal commit to Alabama

Michigan Football Greg Paulus Update

Since Spring Practice is over, I thought I would have a hard time find interesting information here on BigHouse Blog, so first I would like to thank Greg Paulus for keeping the Internet burning for Michigan Football information.

One side note: Kelvin Grady would love to work a trade between Duke Basketball and Michigan Football and Terrance Taylor would like to play Center for UCLA next year. Ok, jokes aside here are the latest updates on GP:

• Greg is holding a 10:00 press conference to announce something or give people insight into his plans.
• Greg's father confirmed he does hold a Michigan offer.
• Greg's father also confirmed that other NFL teams have expressed interest in a tryout.
• Duke will give him a tryout at Wide Receiver if he wants. "He's a quarterback at heart, but there was no way he was going to be able to compete and play quarterback for us," Cutcliffe said. "I think that was the deciding factor.
• The Free Press was duped into believing the Paulus transfer story was an April fools day joke on April 15th. Maybe it was a tax day joke?

Again, IMO I don't see a lot of upside for Greg coming to Ann Arbor. He at best would be the 2nd or 3rd string QB and may never see the field. There is no way he would transplant Tate Forcier who as been working with a QB coach for years and has been knee deep in Rich Rod's offense for 4 months. Here is what Tate's brother had to say about Greg being at practice: "He mentioned Greg Paulus being at the practice and thought it was pretty funny," Jason Forcier wrote in an e-mail to ESPN.com. "Tate is not worried about it all. Colt McCoy can be transferring into Michigan and it wouldn't faze Tate one bit. He is one of the most competitive kids I know."

So to net it out. It would give Michigan depth for one year at QB but that's about it. I'm not sure Greg coming to Michigan would give him a better shot at the NFL then he has right now, but Michigan isn't in any position to turn down All American QB's that want to play for them. Maybe he has dreamed about running out of the tunnel and touching the banner on game days?

________

• Looks like Michigan will only play one night game next year at Iowa after the Big Ten released it's prime time games for 2009.

• Seantrel Henderson a 6-foot-8, 301-pound offensive tackle and the #1 recruit in the Nation has both Michigan and MSU in his top 10. He currently has 30+ offers.

• Here is what one of those Newspaper PSU "Blogs" called Blog, Sweat, and Tears and to say about Michigan's QB situation: If Michigan woke up tomorrow with Penn State's problems, they'd be overturning cars and lighting garbage cans on fire in downtown Ann Arbor. Either way, what a horrible spot to be in if you're Michigan. Last season was a disaster, and this one doesn't look much better for Rich Rodriguez. For the record Blog, Sweat, and Tears: Michigan has two young dynamic QB's (one on campus and one will be there in two months) and another highly rated QB coming in 2010 (maybe as early as January), so don't worry about Michigan, worry about Kevin Newsome and his throwing ability. You also have Ann Arbor confused with East Lansing. Nice work Blog, Sweat, and Tears.

Hey Kid, Do you Want to be Michigan's QB?

Last year, Michigan had a redshirt freshman 4 star pro style QB, a local walk-on QB, and David Cone who had been a back up most of his life at Michigan for good reason. The walk on and the 4 star QB split time most of the year which resulted in a 3-9 record.

So fast forward to April 2009: The 4 star QB has transferred due to competition, Michigan has two high profile freshman available for the 2009 season with one enrolling early so he could play in the Spring Game, the walk-on is still here but broke his leg during spring practice. We also can't forget, Michigan has gotten a verbal commit from one of the top dual threat QB's for the 2010 season as well.

As reported here on Monday, Jason Forcier a former Wolverine and Stanford QB, will be enrolling in graduate school this fall in Ann Arbor. Could he be available to play in 2009? The NCAA recently rescinded the rule that if you have graduated from your current school you can play at a different school without sitting out a year (see Ryan Mundy at WVU or that guy from Utah that played CB at Florida). So most likely 2010 if it works out.

There have been others that have been interested in the role of QB at Michigan recently, including former Miami Hurricane QB Robert Marve, but he decided that there were too many options in Ann Arbor for the 2010 season already. Even walk on (former President :-)) Jack Kennedy took some snaps at QB during the Spring Game. Now maybe comes the most shocking news: DUKE's Point Guard, Greg Paulus is interested in playing QB for Michigan and Michigan might be interested in him.

Your first reaction, might be what? I know Rich Rod's spread is like a basketball fast break, but this is ridiculous right?

Well, maybe or maybe not. It seems Greg could play right away and he does have a pretty nice football background. He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year as a standout quarterback at Christian Brothers Academy in New York where he threw for 11,763 yards and 152 touchdowns in 45 career games. In fact, Fox is reporting that he has already had a try out for the Green Bay Packers and about half a dozen NFL teams have contacted him.

It was also reported that Greg was in Ann Arbor on Tuesday to watch Michigan's final Spring Practice and to talk to RR about the possibility of joining the team.

I would have loved the idea last year, but don't like it at all this year. Sure the kid might have talent, but he would be coming in cold and hasn't really touched a football in 3 years (does anyone remember how that worked out for Drew Henson after he gave up baseball?). Sure it would give Michigan depth this year, but how does Greg coming in give Michigan any better chance then having Tate Forcier playing? The answer is none. The future of the position is in the hands of guys named Tate, Denard, and Devin.

The idea is interesting but not very practical.

• As expected, reports are that Brandon Smith has moved to LB from Safety due to size and lack of coverage skills.

• Rivals did unofficial stat's for the spring game: Tate Forcier: 11-13, 141 yards, 4 TD's, Carlos Brown 10 carries for 146 yards and 1 touchdown, Roy Roundtree 3 receptions for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns.

• Ryan Van Bergen Spring Game knee injury is not believed to be serious and he shouldn't need any surgery.

• Braylon Edwards might join Mario Manningham as a WR on the Giants. Memo to the Giants: David Terrell is available.

• Some quotes from Recuits from the Spring Game: "It was very exciting being in the Big House and seeing a large crowd for the spring game," Miami Northwestern offensive tackle Torrian Wilson said. "There was over 60,000, so I can't imagine how it is for a real game.” ---"I love the Michigan fans and I love the support they give their players," Columbus (Ohio) Brookhaven defensive end Derrick Bryant remarked. “I was thinking some college stadiums don't have that many people that come for a regular game and they had that many people for a scrimmage.” --- “It was definitely a great environment to see all the people there supporting Michigan,” added Livonia Stevenson running back Austin White.

Wanna Start with the Tide? Here's what Coach Saban says You'll Need!

According to Coach Saban, there are three areas that come into play when the staff makes their determinations on who fills these starting positions.

(1) "The most important thing we look for in a scrimmage is how a guy competes," Coach Saban said. "A guy who plays hard, doesn't get frustrated, is relentless, coming back and playing is important to him, they have the right plan and really get after it."

(2) Consistency and performance, that level that everyone has been able to achieve when they're out there on their own."

(3) Saban's third criteria, which is most likely a given in any football fan's mind (perhaps the most obvious as well), is also the most crucial.

"And then obviously to evaluate players. There are some guys who practice well, and they get into a game and they can't take it to the field. There are other guys it's always a struggle in practice, but they always play a little better in a game."

"That's why they pay him the big bucks."

What Does It Take To Be Tide Starter?

BHB Sheds "Light" on Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims NBA Decision

Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims are both good basketball players and both will hopefully have solid NBA careers. Manny Harris "first step" shows he has NBA talent. DeShawn is more of a "tweener" but if he continues to improve his outside shooting he could be a solid NBA player.

So where does that leave the duo on the decision to return to Michigan or go to the NBA? At the annual basketball banquet last night they said; "If I had to decide today, I'm staying," Harris said. "Yes, yes," Sims said when asked would he stay if pressed for a decision today.

With that said, they will meet with coach Beilein today to discuss what he NBA had to say on their potential draft status. A decision could be made this week. Many expect the decision to be they will stay in Ann Arbor, which in my opinion is the right one. Both could use another year of college basketball plus they have the ability to be part of something special with next years team.

On the other hand, if the NBA comes back with a solid first round recommendation, one could leave and the other could stay. I would expect Manny to be the better NBA candidate at this point.

Now to other news and notes:

• Manny and DeShawn were co-MVP's of the basketball team

• One of the hot debates over the years has been: Should Michigan have a night game? The old folks that attend the games think the 3:30 start are night games because they miss the early bird special at Denny's and feel they get home too late. The young fans/students think the Big House at Night would give the Wolverines a "huge" advantage in a big game. This debate will continue for years to come but one decision that has to made in the short term, is whether to have permanent lighting as part of the new renovations to Michigan Stadium. Bill Martin said on Saturday that the grounds have been wired for temporary or permanent lights. A decision on permanent lighting has not been made yet. Michigan needs lighting for 3:30 games later in the fall either way.

• Here are the Spring Awards for the Michigan Football Team: Meyer Morton Award (senior with greatest development and promise): Stevie Brown; Frederick Matthaei Award (leadership): Mark Ortmann; Sophomore Award (toughness and work ethic): David Molk and Van Bergen; John F. Maulbetsch Award (freshman potential): J.T. Floyd and Patrick Omameh; Dan Dierdorf Award: Brandon Graham; Iron Wolverine Awards (all-around conditioning): Martin (linemen group); Brandon Herron (middle group); Michael Cox (skill group).

• Thanks to MSC: Michigan will be playing a night game at Iowa next year.

• Toney Clemons the former Wolverine WR is planning to visit Colorado.

• Zeek is thinking about coaching Florida International. Isiah sure has had an interesting life after his playing career.

Michigan Monday Smells Excitement In The Air

Coming off Saturday's strong performance in the Spring Game, the excitement level around the Michigan program is starting to rise. Many fans, players, and recruits are starting to feel it. It's time to jump on the band wagon..............

• Jason Forcier a Wolverine again? The answer is yes. Jason has graduated from Stanford and is now enrolling in Ann Arbor for graduate school. He does have one year left but he isn't publicly saying he will join his brother on the football team yet..... Jason said: "I can't really comment on any of that stuff right now."

• Defensive end Ryan Van Bergen might have injured his MCL during the Spring Game.

• Donovan Warren had minor surgery on his ankle and did not play in Saturday's scrimmage.

• Mike Martin, DT didn't play either on Saturday but could participate in Tuesday's final practice.

• Denard Robinson will be a Wolverine this Fall but plans to arrive in Ann Arbor just two days after graduation in early June. He has been working on the play book with QB coach Rod Smith. "I love competition," said Robinson, who will arrive June 5, two days after graduating high school. "I don't care who I play, I just worry about, when I get up here, how I perform." Denard spent some time on Saturday meeting fans and signing autographs.

• Torrian Wilson, an Offensive Tackle from Florida says Michigan is in the lead for his services after attending the spring game this weekend.

• Marvin Robinson, a 4 Star Safety out of Florida was also at the game on Saturday sporting his Michigan gear with Devin Gardner and Ricardo Miller. Some insiders are saying Marvin is a "silent" commit but at the very least seems to be a heavy Michigan lean right now. "This is wonderful," Robinson said. "Michigan is definitely the leader on my list, which I've cut down to Georgia, Alabama, USF (South Florida) and Tennessee."

The stars from Saturday include:

- Tate Forcier whose unofficial numbers were 11 of 14 for 130 yards.

- Redshirt freshman Roy Roundtree who had that this funny development before the game: Roundtree had difficulty focusing on passes this Spring because he had trouble seeing the ball. The U-M staff ordered him contact lenses, which arrived just in time for the spring game. Roy put them in and then put on a show for the Michigan faithful, making big plays and catching a handful of touchdown passes, including a big 60-yard touchdown from Forcier.
"All Spring ball my coaches have been asking me when I'll get my contacts, when I'll get my contacts," laughed Roundtree. "I got my contacts today. I couldn't see the long balls in practice, but today I saw them just fine."

- Then of course, the often injured Carlos "Santana" Brown did this:

If you missed the game on Saturday here are some highlights from the BTN:




More comprehensive offensive highlights. Look at Tate's scramble around the 1:54 mark, that is the one that really impressed me. Michigan's QB's didn't have that ability last year.

QB Front Runner - Greg McElroy

“Greg McElroy has done a really good job all spring,” Tide coach Nick Saban told reporters after the second scrimmage. “He’s a good decision-maker, he’s smart, he’s got a good understanding of the offense. I think he’s quite a bit ahead of the other guys in that department, and he’s done a good job of showing leadership — helping the other players around him develop confidence in what we’re trying to get done on offense and playing together as a unit. I feel pretty good about that.”

As for Star Jackson and Thomas Darrah, Saban said they both have “a lot of ability. They are not as far along in their development to be able to go out there and be able to run the team on a consistent basis right now. We’ve just got to keep working and helping them develop and I think one of these days it’s gonna kind of come together for them.”

McElroy starting to take command at quarterback

Cody now a SLIM 354 LBS!

The 6-foot-5 Cody played last season at 365 pounds. And when he suffered a mid-season knee injury, his conditioning suffered.

Now Cody said his knee is "100 percent," and he plans to play the 2009 season without a brace. He has dropped to 354 pounds, and the difference is evident.

"I'm able to do a lot more things that I wasn't able to do when I was heavier," said Cody, who passed on early entry into the NFL Draft to expand his game and trim his waistline. "I'm quicker off the ball and using my hips more. My footwork is getting better."

If Cody is capable of being an every down player, he could create the kind of disruption that Saban said is key for any pass rush.

Slimmer Terrence Cody of Alabama wants to play on third downs this season

Michigan Spring Game: Post Game Reactions

The offense seemed to move the ball at will against the second team defense. Tate Forcier looked like a "huge" improvement at Quarterback. I was most impressed by his scrambling ability. Even though he wore a red number, he was impressive against pressure and put a number of passes right on the number of the wide receivers. A couple of highlights were a heavy rush where he looked like he was going to get sacked, he got out of the pressure and ran for 10 yards and a first down. The other highlight was when he threw a very nice pass to Roy Roundtree for a touchdown in his second or third series.

• Even though I wasn't there the crowd looked impressive for Spring Game/Practice. I have heard estimates of 50,000+.


• The Alumni game was "surprisingly" fun to watch


• There has to be some real concern around the defense. Defensive tackle Mike Martin and Donovan Warren were held out of the game but the first team D didn't look very crisp against the spread.


• The results from the Spring Game look like the Offense is way ahead of where it was last year and that Tate is very well suited to run this offense. The defense which dominated the spring game last year has a way to go.


• Cheers to the running game. Carlos "Santana" Brown showed some speed and running skill in breaking off a 90 yard + run for a touchdown. Minor and Grady both looked sharp as well.


• Spring Game Commitment: Michigan got it's 8th verbal to it's 2010 class with the Spring Game commitment from Stephen Hopkins a running back from Texas. Stephen is 6"0, 220 pounds and ran for 1,689 yards on 273 carries last year as a junior.
  
  
  
  

The Night Before the Tate Forcier Era: The Michigan Pre-Spring Game Report

So it's Friday night and just hours before Wolverine fans get a sneak peek at what the future of the quarterback position looks for Michigan. Since Nick Sheridan is out with a broken leg look for Tate and David Cone to get a number of snaps. Michigan doesn't have enough healthy players to do an official White vs Blue game but we should be able to get a some quality looks at Tate's mobility, arm strength, and accuracy. We won't see a ton of new plays becuase Tate has only a dozen of so practices under his belt, but we hope to see imporved QB play over last year.

Other important topics to watch for:

• Who is playing safety and are they effective at all?
  
• Stevie Brown at the hybrid LB role


• Big Will Campbell: can he get off blocks and be a real difference maker as a freshman?


• Is the offensive line better then last year, can they stop the 4 snaps Brandon Graham will see?


• Vincent Smith has been lighting up the highlight videos from spring practice, can he be effective against Michigan's #1 defense?


• Any defensive improvements via Greg Robinson; like better tackling


• For those fans that are attending (BTW it's free), make sure you show some love to the number of 2010 recruits attending.

Other Michigan news and notes:

• Ohio DB Latwan Anderson, who Michigan has been recruiting has decided to transfer high schools and will be attending the OSU feeder school Glenville High whose head coach is Ted Ginn Sr.. At this point, Latwan doesn't have an OSU offer but Michigan hasn't had much luck recruiting kids out of Glenville lately.
  
  
• On a scale to 1-10. RR rates last years offense a 2 but; Rodriguez is being optimistic — or maybe he's dreaming — when he says he hopes his offense will rate a 7 out of 10. I'd have taken it hard if we'd lost four or five games," he said. "Our great fans, they're not used to that. Neither am I. But it wasn't a total washout. We put the foundation in that will help us for the future.
  
  
• John Beilein gets his first 2010 commitment from Evan Smotrycz, a 6-9 power forward from New Hampshire.

Big House Thursday: Recruiting Update and Police Blotter

Many recruiting insiders believe Brennan Clay was a long shot to leave the west coast, Rivals and the USA Today have a different take on Michigan's chances to land Tate Forcier's former teammate: But many believe Clay will join Forcier at Michigan, and Clay is trying to find a way to attend the Wolverines' spring game this weekend.

"We are trying to figure everything out economically right now, but I'm really hoping I can make it there," he said. "Michigan, it's been there from the get-go and it is in my top five. They are definitely going to have a fair shot at me, and I'll be able to visit out there sooner or later."


Tate, is he any good? "Brennan and I are very close friends, so I have no problem saying he was one of the biggest reasons our offense was so explosive," Forcier said last fall before ending up at Michigan. "He's the real deal."

• In a dumb move, the Alamo Bowl will be played after January 1st on January 2nd. Now the Big Ten can compete against that bowl game in Canada. I don't know about you but they just keep making the bowl system soooo much better, I really don't think I have a need for a playoff system now. I wonder when we will get the first February Bowl Game? Maybe it could be in Florida and fans could watch a college football game and then a baseball spring training game. How can the people that run these conferences and Bowl games be so out of touch of what people what to see?

• Do you think Forcier has the starting job locked up? Here is what RR had to say on the radio on Wednesday: "(Freshman quarterback) Tate (Forcier) has been taking all the reps with the first group. I think it's good for him and it's helped in his development," Rodriguez said. "But we're going to be a lot more comfortable in August with (injured QB) Nick (Sheridan) coming back (to compete for the starting job)."
  


• Newly commited Wolverine Devin Gardner says he is going to help recruit some in-state talent: "I'll talk to Will Gholston (Detroit Southeastern) and Dior Mathis (Detroit Cass Tech). I'm going to try to get those guys because they're in-state. (C.J.) Olaniyan (Warren Mott) is a real good player. I don't know him, but that would be a real good pick up for Michigan, too." He is also trying to improve on his QB skills by attending some camps: He plans to further his development by heading to a number of skill camps this summer, including the one put on by Peyton and Eli Manning. "I don't know much about it, but I know that Matthew Stafford and (a number of other quarterbacks) all went to it," Gardner said.
  

• Michigan WR Darryl Stonum was sentenced to probation for his DUI last fall.
  


• Speaking of DUI's: Since Leon Hall is a Cincinnati Bengal, I guess it was only a matter of time before he got one. Which he did.
  


• SI Ranks RR #2 in Big Ten Coaches. Which I agree with, but Tressel should be #1 in what he has accomplished. Not Kirk Ferentz.
  

Big House Wednesday: It's Bizzaro World Again

Remember yesterday when I was"shocked" that Courtney Sims was the D-league player of the year? Well guess who won Defensive Player of the Year for the D-League? Former Wolverine Brent Petway. Petway, the lone Stampede player to appear in all 45 games (all starts), ranks second in the league in blocks (2.1 bpg). Petway has tallied at least two blocks in 23 games and four or more blocks on eight occasions, including a season-high seven blocks on Dec. 27, 2008 vs Sioux Falls. The second-year player is averaging 10.1 points and 4.2 rebounds this season.

That Tommy Amaker can't develop any NBA talent but he sure can develop and recruit NBA D-League talent. Maybe the former Michigan coaches didn't get the full talent out of these young man. Crazy stuff.

• Seems Robert Marve wasn't getting that warm welcomed feeling from the Wolverine coaches and has dropped Michigan from the list of schools he is considering. Robert is still considering Purdue, Nebraska, Texas Tech and Arizona State. His high school coach says: Michigan was dropped because of the Wolverines' QB situation, which got more congested when Michigan picked up a commitment for another passer due to arrive in 2010. I guess Robert was expecting the Wolverines to stop recruiting quarterbacks for the 2010 class.
  


• RR calls the scrimmage last Saturday as "productive" on the offensive side of the ball: I didn't think our defense tackled particularly well, so that will be a point of emphasis today," Rodriguez said. "But it was a better day offensive execution-wise. (Quarterback) Tate (Forcier) made some mistakes, but he's coming around as far (as) or further than we expected in the spring period."
  
  


• Green Jersey's - No Michigan was celebrating a late St. Patricks day: Wide receiver Greg Mathews, tailback Brandon Minor and cornerback Donovan Warren were all wearing green jerseys on Saturday, which means they are nursing some injuries or just too valuable to take a big hit. :-)
  


• RR also hints that he will add 3 more scholarship players for the 2009 season, since they have three extra from signing day. Look for some preferred walk-ons in the current class or current walk-ons to receive this honor.

• Recruits planning to attend the Spring Game include: Instate: Devin Gardner, Detroit Southeastern’s William Gholston, Detroit Renaissance’s Mylan Hicks and Detroit Cass Tech’s Dior Mathis From Ohio: Avon Lake offensive lineman Christian Pace, Cincinnati Wyoming defensive lineman Jibreel Black, Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward Safety Latwan Anderson, Columbus Brookhaven defensive end Derrick Bryant and from Other States: Marvin Robinson a top 100 Safety from Florida and Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus running back Stephen Hopkins. As reported here on Big House Blog yesterday, Michigan is leading for Marcus at this point in his recruitment: First, I get to see the stadium, which is the biggest stadium in America,” Hopkins remarked. “Then, I get to see the offense, which I am really curious about because I don’t know much about it. I’m just excited to see everything because I don’t see any of it living in Texas.”
  

Big House Tuesday is for: Naming Leaders and Best

• Can anyone explain this? I sure can't: Courtney Sims of Iowa Energy Named MVP for NBA D-League “Courtney really has earned this honor, and I’m proud of him,” said Energy head coach Nick Nurse. “His development in the last 12 months has been outstanding - he has grown his offensive game, his competitiveness and his athleticism. The improvements in his game are a total credit to him for all of the hard work he's put in over the last year and if he can improve as much in the next 12 months as he has in the last, I know he'll be a great asset to the Knicks or any NBA team.” This just shocks me, I really have nothing to say.

• Cullen Christian a 2010 CB from Pittsburgh is high on Michigan: “I like the big time corners they’ve produced,” Christian said. “They always have a great defense and that’s one of the school that I’ve always loved. I just love the Blue and Maize.” “I really like that they are showing me the most love,” he said. “I want to go where I feel that I’m wanted and needed and I get that feeling from Michigan. Plus, I know the coaches would get me in good shape to go to the next level.” CC also has offers from Pitt, WVU, Illinois, Maryland and UCLA. CC also mentions that he is 85% sure he will end up a Wolverine. We will work on the "Blue and Maize" thing when he gets to Ann Arbor. :-)

• Recruiting insiders still believe that Michigan still leads for New Orleans QB Munchie Legaux. Munchie would be a great addition to this class just on his name alone. Michigan would like to target 2 QB's for the 2010 class and with the recent addition of Devin Gardner, that leaves one spot open for Munchie or another QB. On a side note, Michigan has also offered Texas Safety Luke Muncie (no relation).

• per Mgoblog recruiting guru TomVh: Stephen Hopkins names Michigan his leader after a recent visit to Texas AM. Stephen is a big running back out of Texas in the recruiting class of 2010. He comes in at 6"0 220 and admires Brandon Minor. He has been playing since he was a sophomore and has totaled 38 touchdowns, 3352 yards on 616 carries.

• Speaking of Mgoblog: They confirmed one of my big fears for next year. Michigan's safety depth is very poor and there will be plenty of freshman playing. Stevie Brown has moved from Safety to the Hybrid LB role: However, moving him leaves just two returning players at the position: Mike Williams, who saw some playing time a year ago and didn't do anything of note good or bad, and redshirt freshman Brandon Smith. That's a horrifying lack of depth at a position we're all well aware can be an instant 60-yard touchdown for the opposition. But the rumors around Spring Practice have Brandon Smith running at Linebacker more then safety. Which means Troy Woolfolk and Vald Emilien have been running at the Safety position. Troy had been a CB and Vald is a true "early enrolled" freshman. Now Michigan's CB depth looks shaky: Starters: Donovan Warren and Boubacar Cissoko with backups: red shirt Freshman JT Floyd and walk on Floyd Simmons. That is scary folks, very scary for our defensive backfield if anyone gets hurt.
  

Just Another Manic Michigan Monday

• Remember the guy from Purdue that torched Michigan's Defense, Justin Siller? If you don't, Justin was the third string QB who started as a running back at the beginning of the year and looked like a Heisman Trophy candidate against Scott Shafer's defense. Well, Justin is no longer on Purdue's Football Team after having some academic issues. If I were Justin and can get my grades up, I would try to pick a Big East School that plays against Syracuse every year so he can be reunited with Mr. Shafer's defense.

• I would be remiss, if I didn't mention that Sparty is playing tonight for the National Championship. I'm happy for the State of Michigan, I'm happy for the Big Ten, but come on! It's Sparty for goodness sake. I'll tell you one thing, that Tom Izzo can coach in the tournament. I'm so happy Michigan finally has a coach that can go head to head with him with the clipboard. I'm not sure Michigan Basketball has ever had a quality coach like John Beilein. Still can't believe he didn't win Big Ten coach of the year? I see that the AP named Kansas coach Bill Self, National Coach of the Year, I'm sure Bill did a great job this year, but his team won the National Championship last year, Michigan won ten games in 2008 and got to the second round of the NCAA this year.
  
  


• Former Michigan Safety Artis Chambers who left Michigan after the season is heading to Ball State to play for former Wolverine Coach Stan Parrish.

• The unofficial list of 2010 recruits visiting Ann Arbor for the Spring Game include: Stephen Hopkins, Brennan Clay, Cassius McDowell, Christian Pace, Torrian Wilson, Jibreel Black, Scott McVey, Marvin Robinson, and LaTwan Anderson.

• If your intrested in Devin Gardner's announcement video, check it out here.
  
  


• Cato June signs with the Texans.

• Michigan Linebacker Obi Ezeh gives us a quick update on his assessment of spring practice: that Steve Brown and Donovan Warren are making plays in the secondary, Will Campbell and converted D-lineman Vince Helmuth are doing well on the defensive line. On Freshman QB Tate Forcier: "I feel like the play doesn't start until he starts scrambling. You've got to play to the whistle and keep your eye on him. Very slippery."

• Do you want to sport Michigan's Official Basketball Adidas shoes? All you need is $110 large and this link!


• Did anyone catch the Texas Spring game on ESPN U last night? I know it's the Spring Game, but they didn't look very good at all. Colt threw a pick 6 on his second series.

Arizona Basketball = Michigan Football

What happens when your a major program in your sport and your head man retires? You have to go out and find a replacement that will make a big splash with alumni, boosters, and fans.

Michigan Football had that same situation 2 years ago. The "man" that wanted the job and was a "Michigan Man" was in the middle of a National Championship run with another team. He couldn't leave his golden egg for his dream job. That left Michigan with a National Coaching Search that took many twist and turns before Rich Rodriguez surfaced as Michigan's next coach.

Arizona Basketball is experiencing something similar. Now I'm not comparing The Arizona Basketball Program to the most winnest program in College Football history, what I am comparing is the coaching search and need to find the right fit with the right name.

Arizona has known for about 5 months that Lute Olson was hanging it up for good. They went through an embarrassing situation with their "interim" coaches and now are having trouble finding the right fit to lead the program. This from a team that "most" thought shouldn't make it to the NCAA Tournament but ended up playing very well and making it to the Sweet 16. This is a good basketball team at a basketball school!

Arizona first offered the job to Tim Floyd, who turned it down to stay at USC. Now, just this morning, Xavier's head coach Sean Miller has turned down Arizona's latest offer. These jobs are not just about the "program" any longer.

Remember the painful searches, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Kentucky Basketball (2 years ago) had. Coaches can stay in the Atlantic 10, Big East for Football, or USA Conference and win a ton of games, get paid and have job security for years to come. Kentucky understood that when they let Billy Gillispie go and broke the bank to get John Calipari to come on board and he still had to think about it for two days. If UK offered a 10% raise to Calipari he would still be at Memphis recruiting the top class in the nation.

The lesson here is the pressure of the big programs better come with huge dollars or it's not worth it. Who wants to be Charlie Weis right now? Nobody. The only thing that gets him to sleep at night is the stack of $100 in his mattress.

If your a big time program in your sport and you need a "named" head coach, you better think about doubling someones salary, because the risk of running a big time program isn't worth the reward anymore. Or you could always look at the D1a or D2 schools and find a diamond in the rough like Jim Tressel. Could you imagine Ohio State Football hiring a D1a coach these days? It would never happen.

As Michigan fans, we could never fathom the head coach of Rutgers turning down the chance to lead the Maize and Blue. I'm sure Arizona fans are thinking today, "How could the Xavier coach turn down a chance to coach the Wildcats?"

Everyone has a price and if you don't bring your check book don't bother calling these named coaches.

NEVERMIND: It seems Miller has changed his mind when Arizona added a few zero's to his offer. They can send the 10% consulting fee to the Big House Blog! :-)