Speaking of 5 stars, Michigan already has one in the bank for 2013 with the verbal of QB Shane Morris. Shane was given 5 stars from Scouts in their first 2013 ranking.
The new Rivals 250 ranking is out and there has been some Michigan Verbals movement:
Kyle Kalis (22), Eric Magnuson (44), Ondre Pipkins (53), and Royce Jenkins-Stone (97), James Ross (158), Joe Bolden (184), and Terry Richardson (214).
Others to keep an eye on: Stefon Diggs (8), Andrus Peat (18), Aziz Shittu (21), Zach Banner (38), Yuri Wright (51), Adolphus Washington (74), Bri'onte Dunn (141), Danny O'Brein (154), Dwayne Stanford (163), Jordan Payton (118), Amara Darboh (211), Jordan Diamond (226), Darius Powe (246)
The Team, The Team, The Team............
Sometimes as a fan you wonder why guys play over other guys? The back up could be a 4 star guy that runs a 4.4 but for some reason can't get on the field. The reason is coaches look for commitment on and off the field. Two guys that look like have put in the time in the off season and during fall camp are Mike Jones and Thomas Gordon.
Here a quote from Coach Mattison on MJ: "He has consistently come out everyday trying to do what he's supposed to do. I got a feeling Mike Jones came from a program where he probably either blitzed all the time or played 'sic'em' football. Now all of a sudden he's getting coached every single second. Some guys can't do it. He is one that I've been really excited about. It looks like everyday he's looking to get better and he's listening. I see signs of him -- now you did it right, you stayed back, you didn't run past the hole -- that kind of thing. And hes' a sophomore, that's what should happen."
Thomas Gordon on why he is starting:
What did you do to earn the start? "I think it's more outside of football, just being more dedicated to football and being a team player. Coming along as an individual off the field has really helped me on the field."
How hard did you work this summer? "This summer, (I worked hard) with the new weight staff and Coach Wellman. They're a really dedicated staff, and they put their work in with me and all the other players, and it helped me tremendously on the field as far as size and speed. I hope it transitions to the field, and I'm waiting to see what the effects are going to be during the season."
If you want to play at Michigan it doesn't matter if you are a 5 star guy or a walk on. If you follow the model from TG and MJ above you are going to play in the Big House.
I don't know why the below picture made me laugh, but Al Borgus reminds me of that 6 grade gym teacher we all had that wore his shorts and sweatpants way too high. This year is already a success if we have more pictures of Big AL! Thanks to Rivals for the photo.
