Here we go again - Year 6 Kicks Off

Tony and Phil return for year 6 of The Penn State Football Podcast. The Lions have some question marks, but overall we believe the 2010 squad has a chance to make some major noise in college football. Get ready to strap it up!!

Click Here To Subscribe via iTunes

Michigan Tuesday: 4 Days to Kickoff - Time to Play Hurt

I'm sorry about the late post today.  I got hit with some food poisoning today and it's knocked me down a bit.  But this is game week and we play hurt here at the BHB.

Things from the press conference, that I found interesting:

• Carvin didn't get the starting "Spur" spot 100% there should have been an OR after his name with Thomas Gordon.

• The situation around Mike Shaw isn't 100% complete.  They expect to get his grades still this week.

• Remember the "Snake Oil Salesman" label the Purdue head coach Joe Tiller threw on RR during his first recruiting year.  He was responding to Roy Roundtree changing his verbal from Purdue to Michigan.   Here is what the other RR had to say about the head coach RR:  First impression of Rodriguez: "Spoke to me like a real guy." Even before Roy was on the team, coach Rod was motivating him. "He never lied to me like other coaches did. He just always spoke the truth to me."  Makes you wonder about who was lying and who got the most upset with him going to Michigan.

• We will know if Fitz Tousaint's knee is ready to go this week. 

• RR said that the freshman on the depth chart won't redshirt.  Devin Gardner is the key guy on whether he should or shouldn't redshirt.  Last year, JT Turner was on the depth chart and didn't get any playing time, so a redshirt could still maybe in the cards.

More News:

• TomVH is reporting that Dee Hart's visit is back on and he will be here with his Uncle.  There was a mix up on what paperwork needed to be turned in. 

• 2010 QB Conelious Jones who signed with Michigan but didn't have a qualifying SAT score has left his prep school.  The story says he still might be trying to get to Michigan next winter.

• Former Wolverines who got cut from the NFL this week include:  Gutierrez, Fargas, Moosman, Dutch, and Ortmann.

• Do you want to hear Mark Snyder defend his Free Press story about the Michigan allegations last year at this time?  Hit this link and go to Michigan Insider - Round table.  Maybe this is why I am sick today.

• Brian at Mgoblog previews the linebackers (please be better) and the Dline (should be better).

Breaking News: From RR's Press Conference

Highlights:

• RR said that Devin Gardner will not redshirt this year.  Probably going to play.  Let's hope he probably doesn't have to.

• Carvin Johnson a true freshman is getting the start at the "Spur" position ahead of Thomas Gordon (not to be confused with Cam Gordon)

• That 10 freshman could play on Saturday.  Which include:  Jibreel Black, Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Marvin Robinson, Jeremy Jackson, Terrance Talbott, and Wil Hagerup (will start at punter).

• All 3 QB's were listed on the depth chart.  Will make a decision later in the week. Same with RB's. Mike Shaw is on the depth chart which should mean he made the grades.

• Starters at CB are JT Floyd and James Rogers.

• Tackling the #1 key on defense for the UConn game.

• Teric Jones is back at running back.  (probably due to the loss of Austin White or improved play of the freshman at CB)

• Fitz Toussaint has a knee issue and might not play on Saturday.

To quote Brian at Mgoblog:

Should we start getting worried about?

-Vlad Emilien: behind a walk-on after a year and a half (he enrolled early).
-Anthony LaLota: behind Steve Watson, also after a year and a half.
-Will Campbell: behind perpetual non-entity Adam Patterson, a guy who moved positions this spring.

The answer is Yes.  Really concerned about Will Campbell.

Michigan Monday: Welcome to Game Week!

There is nothing like the first game week of the year, everyone is un-defeated with dreams of championships and bowl games dancing in their heads.

Today I am going to make some predictions on outstanding players this year:

Top Position Group on the Team:  Offensive Line.  This group has experience, depth, and talent.  A weakness the last two years has finally become a strength.   What to watch:  Look for the young guys to make a difference and get a lot of playing time (Taylor Lewan and Patrick Omameh)

Who will be the QB?  Tate Forcier. Some of you might have just fallen off your chair.  Recent reports have him as low at 3rd string this fall.  Denard has greatly improved and the word from camp is that Devin Gardner might be the starter before year end.  Here is my take:  Michigan can't afford another first year starter, which they have had the last two years.  I expect Denard to play and play a lot and it really doesn't matter who starts.   The problem with Denard is he doesn't have a lot of experience reading defenses at QB.  He is electric and can score with his feet or his arm at any time, but still needs more experience throwing the ball.  With two options at QB, I think it would be a big loss if Devin doesn't redshirt this year.  Having that year to learn from the sideline and in practice is so important to a young talent like Devin.  My pick to get the most playing time at QB: Tate Forcier.

Who will run the ball? Doesn't Matter.  I think RR and staff want 3-4 guys that can step in and play.  I think Michael Shaw is the most talented back but we still don't know if he got his grades up during his summer courses.  Fitz Toussaint is banged up again and Vincent Smith is quick but coming off an ACL and I'm sure they will limit his carries this year.  Mike Cox has a ton of potential and I look for him to step up his game up this year.   

Surprise Player on Offense:  Kelvin Grady, I expect him to make a difference in the slot and getting some touches out of the backfield on reverses and sweeps.  He is now a full time football player and ready to make a difference.  (Mike Cox is a close second).

Surprise Player on Defense:  Jonas Mouton.  JM is a senior and I expect a big year for a linebacker that has had an up and down career at Michigan.  I expect to see him on the edge as a speed rusher and get a number of sacks this year. 

True Freshman of the Year on Offense:  Stephen Hopkins, look for him to get a number of short yard runs.  He is a big back and could score a lot of touchdowns or get a number of first downs.

True Freshman of the Year on Defense:  Jibreel Black.  You could pick a number of guys to win this award like: Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Marvin Robinson, and others.  The reason I didn't pick a DB is because they are going to be learning on the job and will look good at times and terrible at other times.  All JB has to do is hit the QB or stop the run.  The coaches loved this guy out of Cincinnati and I think he is going to make a difference on the Dline.


Offensive Player of the Year:  Darryl Stonum, I expect him to get the ball deep at WR and make a big difference in the kick off return game.   He is in the best shape of his life and is ready to have a big year.

Defensive Player of Year:  Mike Martin, is probably the best player on defense with the loss of Troy Woolfolk for the year due to injury.  Mike has the experience and talent to be a force on the defensive line and stopping the run.

Now to more news and notes.................

• RR has his first game week press conference today.  Should get updates on Mike Shaw and any injuries.

• Stephen Threet seems to be the starter at ASU. 

• 2011 Visitors for this weekend:  It seems Dee Hart could not be coming this weekend.  He had not filed all the paperwork for an official visit with the NCAA Clearinghouse.  The latest rumor is saying the visit is back on and will be bring his 2012 QB and his top rated safety.  Other visitors include: Daren Kitchen a 6'1", 175 pound CB from Louisiana and a number of Michigan verbal commitments.

CTK: Day 6 and 7

Great story about Zac's off season.  Nice to see guys with this much charter on the team.  Well done Zac, we are behind you and Michigan all year!   Go Blue!

Big House Video Weekend Edition: Darryl Stonum

Michigan Friday: It's beginning to look a lot like Kickoff!

One more Friday left before kickoff.  This time next week OSU will have already played a game.  It's getting close!  8 days left equals Nick Sheridan days? Jonas Mouton days? or how about Michael Phelps days to kickoff?

• Cullen Christian is going to see a lot of playing time this fall.  In this interview he discusses he needs to work on his tackling.  “The (biggest) thing I got to improve on… I’ve got to improve on my tackling,” said Christian. “Covering and learning and listening to what the coaches are saying and listening to their directions and the technique and things like that, all that is (already) improving. I think the (biggest) thing I’ve got to improve on is my tackling. Usually, when I miss a tackle it is mostly when the receiver catches a curl route or something like that, and I’m not knowing which way they are going to turn. I don’t know if I should just fly and try and hit him or break down when he’s not looking and try to make a tackle. That’s what I got to improve on, my tackling.”   Look for all freshmen CB's to play this year and play a lot. 

• Matt Vogrich scored 22 points in a 80-74 win for the Michigan's Basketball Team in Europe.  This was Michigan's only win on a 1-3 trip. 

• 2011 QB and current North Carolina verbal Marquise Williams might still visit Ann Arbor on October 9th with good friend Kris Frost. 

• Michigan WR 2011 verbal Shawn Conway scored 3 TD's in his first high school game of the season. Two at WR and one kickoff return.

 

• Former Wolverines greats Amani Toomer and Dan Dierdorf have joined the Big Ten Network.

Michigan Thursday: Big 10 Divisions Information Starting to Leak Out

Maybe the two highest profile athletic directors in the Big Ten are starting to give us some insight into what the Big Ten Divisions are going to look like in 2011.   Last week Michigan's AD (former Domino's CEO) David Brandon mentioned on the radio that he would prefer Michigan and OSU to be in different divisions with the potential move of "The Game" from the last schedule spot in the year.  Update:  OSU President Gordon Gee supports Michigan and OSU in separate divisions.  This is happening.

Now Barry Alvarez AD from Wisconsin said that Iowa and Wisconsin will be in separate divisions and that the Big Ten Conference will move to a 9 game schedule in 2015. 

Here is my take:  It's impossible to make everyone happy in this division, it's not possible.  The thing I am concerned about is level of competition in the divisions.  Michigan can not be expected to play high profile games like Penn State, Nebraska, OSU and Michigan State every year.  Throw in ND and then this gets ridiculous.

Level of competition in and outside of the divisions have to be the number 1 priority in my mind.  Yes, you have to keep the rivalries but Michigan can't be expected to play all the best teams or even most of the best teams every year.

I guess we will see how this one shakes out.

• Michigan 2011 prospect Chris Bryant seems to have a good head on his shoulders: 
  Definitely academics -- that's one thing that stands out," replied Bryant when asked to describe his decision criteria. "My father always preached to me that you cannot play football forever, you need something to fall back on, so academics are going to stand real strong for me. Just kind of a powerhouse football, place known for football, a great college atmosphere for football, just very supportive and a good football team, great coaches. I want to go to a place that is known for football and academics at the same time."
  
  Chris is planning to wait until signing day to make his decision known.   If he wants to be Blue he might want to make an earlier deicision with less then 20 spots available this year.

Wolverine Wednesday Take 2: Basketball and Football Recruiting

Were talking basketball..................

Coach Beilein is over in Europe this week with the young Wolverines gaining some experience and losing games.  The team is 0-2 so far but that game experience is very important to the freshman and the new members of the team. 

Even though he is across the pond, Coach Beilein got a 2011 guard commitment from Trey Burke a 6'1 scoring guard from Columbus, Ohio.  Yes, Michigan fans C-BUS.  Trey recently de-committed from Penn State and choose the Wolverines after his visit to Ann Arbor last week . Trey saw his stock rise this summer as he played well during the AAU circuit.   UMHoops has more details on his commitment.  This leaves one more spot for the 2011 class.

• 10 (Tom Brady) Days to kick off.

• TomVH gives us an update on Kris Frost: He is planning to graduating early and will be visiting for the MSU.  Kris is very high on Michigan's board, very high!

• Michigan is still expecting some very high profile visitors for the UConn game:  Dee Hart, #1 Safety in the country Hasean Clinton-Dix and CB Avery Walls. 

• Update: Valdez Showers is a Gator.  He told Urban Meyer today. 

Are cookies a snack or sweet? 


The next Jake Long or Jerry Seinfeld?

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Ten Recruiting for 2011

As you know we usually focus on Michigan recruiting here at the BHB but today we venture into the world of Big 10 11 Ten recruiting to check in on how other teams are doing to rebuild or reload for next year.  (Yes, I know we are just under two weeks away from the 2010 season and I am already thinking about kids that might not play in the Big Ten for a couple of years - so shoot me!)

Tim over at Mgoblog does a great job of ranking each Big Ten class which also now includes Nebraska.  He also includes Notre Dame, which makes sense because they fish from the same pond that most of the other Big Ten schools do.  For this exercise, we will just focus on The Big Ten official schools (including soon to be Nebraska).

Who has the most recruits verbally committed so far?  Surprise it's Indiana at 21! They are all 2 or 3 star prospects but that is an impressive haul for August 25th.

Who has the lowest amount? Surprise it's Penn State with 4!  Are you kidding me?  2 of the 4 commitments are 4 star prospects but I guess JoPa and staff are planning to finish strong.   It's only August.

How many 5 star* recruits has the Big Ten Teams been able to reel in so far?  3 total. 2 at Ohio State and 1 at Michigan State.  This is not surprising since most 5 star guys like the recruiting process and delay their decisions until after the season or signing day.  

How many 4 stars? 24 and OSU leads with 10 (I know it makes me sick too) newcomer Nebraska has 6.

Surprise Class so far?  Indiana gets a vote but just on the shear number of recruits before 9/1.  I have to give the surprise award at this point to the Michigan State Spartans who have landed 13 commits with one 5 star player headlining the class.

Disappointing Class? Would of course be PSU after having the top Big Ten class in 2010 now only has 4 committed players.  Watch out for Pitt, they are starting to "mow JoPa's lawn" for in-state recruits.


What does this mean for Michigan?  Michigan will have a pretty small class which was estimated at 17 before Austin White and JT Turner decided to jump ship.  So it might be closer to 20  now which would mean they are 1/2 way home.  I am hearing that many recruits want to see how Michigan will do on the field this year.   If they make a bowl game I think a number of high profile players will have serious interest in the Wolverines.   RR and Staff are being very careful on who they offer because they don't want another Demar Dorsey situation and they have a limited number of spots this year.  Michigan is a team that wants/needs to finish strong with these last 10 spots if they want a top 10-15 class nationally.    Michigan is in a similar situation to Penn State, where there is enough concern on how long the head coach will be there to make recruits wait to see how it all plays out. 


What to expect from here on out?  OSU probably only has a handful of spots left in this class, so you will see some other programs reaping the rewards.   Penn State will start recruiting hard after the season is complete and after the JoPa situation clears for 2011.  MSU will continue recruiting Michigan hard and land a few more in-state 3 star players.  The rest of the schools will do what they always do, recruit the best talent they can.  Ron Zook and Danny Hope need to hit the recruiting trail pretty hard. 

Keep an eye on Nebraska:  They are putting together a very nice class with lots of 4 star recruits in class of just 13 players so far.  They also are strong nationally with recruits already committed from Florida, California, and Ohio. 


* Star ranking were taken from Scouts recruiting service

Michigan Tuesday: Former Michigan RB Recruit Lied to USC

After and during the Army All American game last year, there was a number of rumors that running back Dillon Baxter was showing some new interest in attending Michigan.   Those rumors lasted only a few weeks as Dillon picked Lane Kiffin and USC.  

When the NCAA dropped the penalties on USC another report came out that 5 schools had illegally contacted Dillon while enrolled at USC.  Those schools were Florida, Alabama, Washington, Oregon and Fresno State.  Those allegations turned out to be false and USC had to write a letter apologizing to those 5 programs. 

So what happened?  In a letter to USC here is what Dillon had to say:

In the short letter, Baxter explains that he talked to friends at Florida, Michigan, Alabama and Fresno State on the day the sanctions were announced.

"We discussed what I wanted to do and how I felt about the sanctions," Baxter wrote. "From that point, the situation got blown out of proportion."
"The fact are not such. I was not contacted by other schools but it was me talking to my friends about what I was going to do," Baxter wrote.

He added: "I am truly sorry for all of the chaos I have caused and it was not my intention to implicate other schools and their coaching staffs. I realize my actions do not represent how I was raised and the type of person I am. I would like everyone to know that I will do a better job thinking before I act."

I can only guess who the player was at Michigan that he contacted but it seems likely its Tate Forcier.
 

• Steven Threet will know if he is the starter for ASU on Monday.  Here is a quote from the article about the scrimmage which Michigan fans can relate:    Threet had a chance to throw a touchdown on his last drive, but missed an open Taylor in the end zone.

• With depth issues in the defensive backfield we know Jordon Kovacs will see more time this year with the #1 unit. 

• Valdez Showers a 2011 Michigan CB is expected to announce his decision this week.  My best guess is: Florida Gators.

• The Michigan Basketball team is 0-2 so far in Europe.   Youth, poor shooting and turnovers seem to be the issue.

• More news from Toledo: A top 2012 recruit Chris Wormley attended Michigan's fan day.  No it wasn't an official visit, he is just a fan of the Wolverines.  Chris is a 6'5 DE and could be one of the best players in Ohio in the 2012 class and predicted to be a 4 to 5 star prospect.  "Ohio State has shown me the most love so far, so they lead," Wormley told the site. "Anything can happen in two years though. I'm probably going to wait until signing day, so I still have a long time to go. I still root for Michigan on Saturdays, and I'm a fan of them, so we'll see."

 
 

Michigan Monday: Notes From Media Day

Nothing ground breaking from Media Day besides the Austin White news below.   If you want to see a number of player and coaches interviews see here. 

RR's Media Day Press Conference:

• Happy nobody got hurt in Saturday's scrimmage
• They will have another scrimmage on Wednesday and we put together the 2-deep after that
• Troy Woolfolk hasn't had surgery yet, but they feel he will come back and play football at some point (maybe redshirt and play next year)
• Devin Gardner is having a good camp and they have to remind themselves that he is a true freshman and hasn't played yet.
• They are young at DB and now even younger with Troy out.  James Rodgers a senior is having a good camp.
• Jibreel Black most likely a freshman lineman that won't get redshirted and probably will get some playing time.
• The freshman are out of classes for the next two weeks and is looking forward to see how much they improve not having to go to school.
• Jordan Kovacs has improved and in much better shape
• Kicking game still a concern but he feels better about kickoffs and field goal kicking then two weeks ago.  Kickers are getting better and more consistent.
• Will watch film on UConn this week, familiar with them from the Big East.

Tate:

• Everyone is competing at QB and doesn't believe Coach Rod is close to making a decision on a starter.
• Was happy his teammates called him out because it's all about the team.  Which meant he needed to keep working
• Used the wingless helmet to get better and prove to his teammates that he was ready.
• Tate is exciting because there is so much skill at the QB position.
• Freshman year is over and the freshman mistakes shouldn't happen anymore.

Denard:

• Competition is fun, just trying to win for Michigan.
• He feels he is more "calm" and has improved.
• A whole bunch was going through my head last year.
• Everything has slowed down a little bit.
• More things are coming naturally now

Vincent Smith:

• Learning and not thinking about the knee is the most important part of the recovery.  (after ACL surgery)
• Competition is good at running back because you always have to be ready.
• Having an experienced line in front makes his job easy.

Some fun pictures from Fan Day via the Detroit News:


Bighouse Blog interview and walk-on kicker Jeremy Ross pictured below!

Good to see Troy there!

A DC's Nightmare

Wolverine Weekend: Another Player Bites the Dust

Michigan signed 27 players to their 2010 recruiting class.  3 were not able to enroll due to admissions/academic issues and now one who enrolled early is gone as well.  It seems Austin White might have been kicked off the team.  Here is RR's statement:  "Austin White is no longer in the program. So, we wish him well, we'll help him in that regard, but we're - he's no longer part of the Michigan football family."

A couple of thoughts; this does happen at a lot of programs.  Guys are high school stars and going to college and being a D1 athlete means you need to be committed to more then 40+ hours a week of school and preparation.  Some 18 year old kids are not ready for that. 

Some are saying that Austin had broken a few team rules and was given a second chance to "shape up" and didn't.  You saw the signs of that during the BTN Michigan Preview when Austin didn't have his helmet wings. 

Depth is not an issue at RB so it won't effect this years team.  What is a bit concerning is the loss of 4 players who signed LOI's in February.   That means RR and staff need to change their policy of offering players who are not 100% expected to make it academically.  Michigan now has to consider passing on borderline kids.   Not all borderline kids, but a class should not have more then one or two.

This is also the second loss of a player in Fall Camp.  Justin Turner quit after Day 1 and now Austin White (we believe) has been kicked off the team.  9/4 can't come soon enough or we are going to need to hire Mary J. to sign "No More Drama" for this Wolverine Program.

Maybe next week will be a quiet week.

Wolverine Weekend: Today's Scrimmage Notes

I wasn't lucky enough to be at today's scrimmage but Suite and Club seat members were able to watch the 2010 Wolverines scrimmage against each other.   Here are some of the notes I have been able to gather from a few different spots on the Internet:

• The scrimmage was structured much like the Spring Game.
• Denard is clearly ahead of the other two QB's and showed poise in the pocket.  His throws were accurate and of course his speed continues to be his strength.  The QB's were down when touched not tackled.
• Devin does not look like he is going to redshirt and was impressive on Saturday
• Tate played like expected but did miss a few throws
• Kelvin Grady looked sharp and scored on a reverse
• The offensive line played well and showed a lot of depth
• The CB's played off the line (not bump and run) or "soft"
• Marvin Robinson had a nice interception
• The Defensive played well against the run
• The running backs all ran well, one person mentioned that Stephen Hopkins had a good day
• It seems Austin White who had some "transfer" rumors early in the week was not in uniform

Most that attended seemed pretty impressed on how far the team has come since last year.  
Let's hope they can continue the good mojo two weeks from today.

CTK: Day 14 Running Backs Coach Fred Jackson

Michigan Friday: David Brandon Likes New Coke

Michigan's Athletic Director David Brandon was on the radio today with Sam Webb.  Sam asked him, if he could make the decision: would Michigan and OSU be in the same division?  He answered, NO.  He couldn't think of a better situation then Michigan and OSU playing twice during the same year. 

Want to hear it yourself:  listen here.

What this statement means:

* Is that the Big Ten is down the road on finishing the divisions and it looks like Michigan and OSU will be in separate divisions and still play during the regular season. 

* Michigan and OSU will no longer be the last game of the year.  How about a year ending Michigan vs Purdue game?  Wow, now that is a date to circle on the calendar.  Michigan vs OSU and you could wear shorts?  Something seems very wrong with that. 

* It also means that Michigan would play a very difficult regular season if OSU is in the other division and always plays Michigan!

Yikes, if this happens, I think there will be a lot of people calling for "Coke Classic!". 

In other team news:

I'm In, I'm Out, I'm back in:  It seems another wingless player has thought about transferring from the Wolverines.  The rumor mill was running hot last night with the word that freshman RB Austin White (as seen with the wingless helmet last night on the BTN) wanted out.  It also seems that after some reflection the young man thought about it and decided to stay in fall camp.  

Greg Robinson said on the radio today that behind Woolfolk is James Rodgers, Cullen Christian and Courtney Avery.

My Observations after Watching the Clips of Practice

Tonight on the Big Ten Network they gave us some insights into Michigan's Fall Practice last week.

Here are some of my random thoughts:

• Austin White RB is also wingless.
• During the passing drill, I still think Tate was by far the best passer.  Devin really impressed me in his accuracy.  It seems he really has improved over the summer.   I thought Denard was the least accurate (of course there was limited coverage on the drill).
• I was impressed by running back Vincent Smith's upper body strength.
• I would like to see the WR's making more catches, they seemed to drop a few ball.
• I thought the D-line played well during drills.
• It was sad to see Troy Woolfolk running around out there.
• Freshman Jibreel Black seemed to show flashes at DE.
• Mike Shaw looked fast at RB
• I liked Kelvin Grady at RB during the M Drill

Other News and Notes:

Per RR's Press Conference:

• Tate got his Wings back at practice today.
• Still waiting on test results on Troy's injury.
• No WR's will move to corner.
• Some safeties had already moved to CB.
• They will have a scrimmage at the Big House on Saturday
• He wishes they could have a live scrimmage against another team.

- You heard it here first, JT Turner is going to transfer to WVU.    Let's hope he gets his life in order in his year off.   If he can't get playing time in Michigan's decimated secondary how is he going to get playing time at another program?

Michigan Thursday: Look at all these Rumors

One of the benefits or non-benefits of blogs are that they report "rumors" that could become fact or could just be fiction. 

The hottest rumor that was flying around last night and reported/tweeted by a professional model and sometime Big Ten Network reporter was that Tate Forcier had requested a transfer.  She quickly pulled the "tweet" and TomVH from Mgoblog quickly pulled her credibility by calling Tate's dad and finding out there wasn't any truth to the report.   Whoops!

This next rumor comes off the Mgoblog message board that JT Turner is planning to enroll at West Virgina on Monday.  At this point, this rumor seems to lean more towards Fiction then Fact but WVU did recruit the him out of high school and is about 3 hours from him hometown.   More to come.  I still wish he would get committed to playing for Michigan and get back in camp, but I guess that's just me wishful thinking again.

• Remember all the reports from practice from the Big Ten Network last week?  Well that program air's tonight at 8:00 Eastern.  Will Tate have wings?  I'm guessing he won't.

• SI.com's Stuart Madel on Michigan Football today.

• Pete Bigelow from Ann Arbor.com profiles the Wingless Helmets but also throws in a past NCAA violation by Lloyd Carr making Arrington run the stairs at the Big House:  For 60 straight days, Adrian Arrington woke before the sun rose and reported to Michigan Stadium at 6 a.m.  Each morning, he ran up and down the Big House stairs until he was exhausted. Each morning, the talented-but-troubled wide receiver awoke eager to do it again.The stair runs preserved his place on the Michigan football team. Arrington had violated team rules, and former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr used the grueling dawn workouts as a disciplinary technique.   This is an example of disciplining a player in the summer months, which was called out in the NCAA's report regarding Michigan's violations.   Pete's article points out that Wingless helmets are RR's way to get a point across to players that make mistakes.  The difference is: one is an NCAA violation the other isn't.