Michigan Thursday: Michigan Lands The BIG 3 as Terry Richardson Gives his Pledge

This morning Terry Richardson gave his pledge to join Michigan's 2012 recruiting class.  Michigan's Big 3 is what I consider the top instate recruits in the 2012 class which include; LB Royce Jenkins-Stone, LB James 'Biggs" Ross and CB Terry Richardson.  All are highly rated 4 star prospects and this trio happens to be close friends.  This makes 12 verbals for the 2012 class and all 12 are from Michigan or Ohio.  MSU has received 0 commits from players that has Michigan and MSU offers. 

Terry is rated 4 stars by Rivals, Scouts and 24x7 Sports.  He is 5'9 160 pounds and has an offer list from the top programs like Alabama, ND, USC, Oklahoma, MSU, UCLA, LSU, Penn State and many others.   24x7 sports has Terry as the #1 player in the State of Michigan , #3 CB in the country and #31 player ranking in the nation.  Scouts has him ranked the 10th CB in the country.

Terry plays at Michigan feeder school Detroit Cass Tech who has sent a number of players to Michigan the past few years including 5 star prospects Big Will Campbell and Boubacar Cissoko.   As you have seen over the years, Michigan has been targeting taller CB's who can match up with taller Big Ten WR's but Terry's talent was too hard to pass up for Michigan and the other big time programs that had offered him.

My hope for Terry is that he can redshirt and learn from Michigan's coaching staff.  His height doesn't concern me if it doesn't concern guys like Mattison, Saban and Stoops. I just hope he isn't rushed on the field unless he is so talented that it's warranted. 

I expect Michigan to still take at least one more DB and probably two.  Most likely are guys that can play both corner and safety.  I would consider Armani Reeves and Wayne Morgan the top candidates.  Allen Gant might want to "accept" his Michigan offer pretty quickly.

This is Michigan's 12th verbal commit in this class and there are roughly 20-22 opening next year.  Outside DB's, priorities still remain at defensive tackle, offensive line, 1 QB, and 1 RB.

• The #2 rated DT in the country is planning a visit to Ann Arbor.  Jarron Jones a 6-foot-5, 300 pounds DT is a "soft" commit to Penn State but wants to take some visits and U of M looks to be one of them next month.

•  From the Detroit News: According to Tom Lemming of Prep Football Report, the players Michigan has landed instate has put Michigan State in a hole.
  
  "I've never seen anything like this," Lemming said. "These kids are committing to U-M without seeing other schools. U-M is everywhere.
  
  
  "Michigan State ran into a Michigan buzz saw. They have to spend more time in Ohio and the Chicago area to get the players they need. They do a great job of developing players, sort of like Wisconsin and Iowa. They can't beat Michigan head-to-head in recruiting. They have to beat them on the field."
  
  "There is such a thing as momentum in recruiting," said Josh Helmholdt of Rivals. "Getting Ross to commit early was big. It's an exciting time to be around Michigan. These guys are just kicking butt. They're out-working everyone. They're creating excitement and they have openings (for starting positions).
  
  "All this has happened in two months."

ESPN Magazine Cover:

Michigan vs Notre Dame Preview

*I want to pre-note this post with the truth that I am very torn between my head and heart on this game.  My head says one thing and my heart says another.  So I am going to write this and hope one is clear winner by the time I'm done.

Michigan at Notre Dame
Time: 3:30 EST
Location: South Bend
TV: NBC
Weather: 60% Rain and a high of 70 degrees
Line: ND-4

Remember when the Michigan - ND game was a defensive battle?  Where a winning score would be 14-10?  Not these days, last years 38-34 Michigan win was the highest scoring battle in the history of the series.   Most media members are expecting another shootout between these two historic college football programs.

Similar to last week, this is another match up between 3 former Big East head coaches with Kelly at UC, RR at WVU and Greg Robinson at Syracuse.  Both QB's on each side don't have a ton of playing experience: Denard Robinson got spot playing time last year and Dayne Crist is a junior but really made his debut last week as well.

So how do they match up?  Lets go to the tail of the tape:

Michigan Offense vs ND Defense = Michigan
Michigan has advantages at both running and passing the ball against the ND D.

ND Offense vs Michigan D = ND
Michigan Run D vs ND Running game is close to a push in my mind.  The big advantage comes with the ND Passing game vs Michigan secondary.

Special Teams = Push 
Neither one is especially strong.  Hopefully Darryl Stonum can repeat his strong kick off returns against ND like he did last year.

Intangibles = ND
Something strange always happens when Michigan visits ND.  Some examples: wind stops on and ND winning field goal, It rains so hard that Michigan fumbles a 100 times, Lou Holtz plays for a tie, a ball ends up a shoulder pad of a defender on a pass play, and so on. 


Here is what scares me being a Michigan fan. 

#1 Michael Floyd - Michigan could not stop him or Golden Tate last year at all.  (that was with Woolfolk, Boubacar and Warren)

#2 Denard's first road and rivalry game - That is a lot to handle for the guy making all the headlines this week.

#3 South Bend has been a house of horrors for Michigan.  There is a 10% chance of rain today in South Bend and Sunday there is a 0%.  Saturday 60%.

#4 Michigan has one road win under RR.

This game is another clear example of which team gets the most stops will win.  Pretty basic right?  I think Michigan will do a decent job against ND's run game.   My biggest concern is if Dayne can get the ball down field to the ND's WR's.  Michigan has to protect the ball and can't visit fumbleville like they did during their last visit.  Neither team can afford to give the other free points or short fields. 

Sing Hail to the Victors if:

• Michigan gets a lot of pressure on Crist.
• Michigan shows some new wrinkles in the passing game (like the deep ball).
• No turnovers.
• Someone can catch a punt.
• Greg Robinson's past success against ND can even out Michigan's bad luck in SB.  Remember his Syracuse teams weren't very good but were pretty successful in South Bend.

Worry if:

• Dayne turns into Joe Montana on Saturday
• ND runs the ball effectively with Armando Allen
• Brian Kelly has a solution to stop Denard's run game

Brian Kelly feels that Denard is just a running back playing QB.  Michigan fans disagree and hope he can showcase his passing skills against ND.  The run fake, then pass should be effective in moving the ball down field against the ND defense.  Picks and fumbles concern me in this game.  The game two years ago is still fresh in my mind and worries me even more if it rains again.  I sort of have a strange feeling we may see Tate for a few series, mostly if Michigan gets behind and has to pass.  There are many questions on both teams coming off week one wins.  I think RR knows what type of team he has, not sure Brian Kelly knows his fully yet.  I think this will be a close game and one mistake might be the difference.   I wouldn't want to prepare for Denard and that "running back comment" should be plenty of motivation for Saturday.  I'm going with Heart!   Michigan 28  ND 21


Go Blue!

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.
  

My take on William Campbell

Many of you that follow the Wolverines know that this weekend 5 star recruit William Campbell de-committed. William is a 5 star defensive tackle and rated #17 by Rivals overall. William plays at Detroit Cass Tech and is 6-foot, 5-inch, 317-pounds.

This news does not come as a big surprise since he has always said he wanted to take a few trips and see what is out there. His top 3 schools show Michigan, USC, and Miami. He already has an official set up with Miami and he took an un-official to Michigan on Saturday for the game against the Redhawks.

A reason to worry: All 17 year old kids second guess themselves and wonder what it might be like to play for USC or Miami in a warm climate. It's never good to give Pete Carroll at shot at your recruits. Nick Perry from last year is a perfect example. Except Nick didn't qualify and his spot at USC is now very much in question. (Nick wouldn't have qualified at Michigan either)

Reasons not to worry:

• Cass Tech is coached by former Wolverine running back Thomas Wilcher


• William's teammate from last year Boubacar Cissoko is on Michigan's roster


• William's current teammate Teric Jones has verbally committed to Michigan next year


• This just in: Thomas Gordon from Cass Tech (athlete - most likely will play Safety or CB in college), who has publicly said he wanted a Michigan offer, just received one.


• William has always said he was going to take some official visits but will end up at Michigan

So to net it out, I think this is a kid that would like to see Miami Beach and LA before he makes his official commitment. He also plans on graduating early and enrolling in January. Like I said, it's never good to give Pete a shot at one of your recruits, but I believe William will want his family to see him play every home game in Ann Arbor.

When it rains it pours...............

I'm not a big fan of ripping 17 year old kids that want to think about their college choice even though it's disappointing. Boubacar did something similar last year when Carr retired, but then quickly re-committed to the Wolverines.

Will the same thing happen this time? It's a possibility but I doubt it. There has been a ton of pressure on Kevin to stay in state and play at Virgina Tech. Penn State has also been rumored to be recruiting Kevin hard. Either way, it's too bad and I think another reason why football needs an early signing period or some type of verbal commitment rule that doesn't start until the start of their Senior season.

Now what? Since Kevin committed early and now has de-committed early, Michigan has the chance to land a couple "available" high profile QB recruits: Tate Forcier and/or Eugene Smith. Both players are highly rated dual threat QB's and both are still seriously considering Michigan.

So here's the questions of the hour: Why did those two guys keep Michigan on their list after we got two verbals commitments? Why did we keep recruiting/offering these guys?

Maybe the worst kept secret was that Kevin was never a firm commit? I can't see why Michigan would have 4 offers out to Quarterbacks in a class where they most likely will take around 20 total players.

More bad news on another 5 star recruit Darius Wintson: (kevin was lowered to 4 stars at this years summer camps) :

What stands out about Ole Miss?
"I just love that whole coaching staff. I feel like they are going to turn it around at Ole Miss. I would love to be a part of that. I plan on taking an official visit to Ole Miss on Labor day weekend, when they play Memphis."
Anymore official visits on tap?
"That is it."
Should people read anything into that?
"I guess you could say that, yes sir (laugh)."

Wolverine Recuiting Needs: Class 2009

Recruiting never sleeps. Just as the 2008 class has signed and even last week some QB from PA signed with the "vest". It's the high school Jr's turn to get heavily recruited and many are giving out early verbals. If your interested in who we have offers out to or who might be looking at Michigan visit the board at Varsity Blue .


Strong Needs:

1. Surprise it's at QB: The top dual threat QB Russell Shepard is off the board right now with a verbal to Les Miles (his not the Michigan coach right?). There still remains a number of good prospects out there including CA QB Tate Forcier and VA QB Kevin Newsome. Both are highly ranked and could be looking at Michigan closely. Tate last name may look familiar to Wolverines fans, his brother a former Michigan QB just transferred to Stanford last year (see Tate's offer letter from Michigan here). Tate is rumored to be looking at Oregon and Kevin is a heavy lean towards VT. Either way we need 2 strong QB's in the next class.
2. Defensive End: Is a close second to QB in Michigan's priority for next year's class. For some reason Michigan has not had a lot of luck the last two years in getting DE's. Michigan will need 3-4 in this class at a minimum. We do have one verbal this year from a 5 star Defensive Tackle who is the best player in Michigan, Will Campbell (but he's not DE).
3. Offensive Line: I wrote this post yesterday and had the O-Line in the "not bad could use a few". With Justin Boren going AWAL, O-Line has become a big need. We will now need 5 solid recruits next year. Here is what I wrote yesterday before the Boren Ultimatum: This is a position you recruit every year. We are never in too bad of shape on the O-line but you can pencil in 4 recruits for next year.


4. Cornerback/Safety: We have some strong young players with Boubacar and Warren in the mix for the next few years, but the depth chart looks pretty light at both CB and Safety. I look for 4 DB's in next year class.

Not bad but could use a few:

1. Wide Receiver: It depends were all the speed guys end up this year (RB or WR) but this is another area where you need guys every year. I expect at least 2 WR in next years class.


2. Running Back: See #1 and #2 above. We have a ton of top talent coming in from the 2008 class. McGuffie, Shaw, etc. Still Expect 2.


3. Defensive Tackles: got the one 5 star guy already, need maybe one more. Expect 2

Were good, thank you for your interest:

1. Tight End: we got a couple of high profile guys this year. Let's see how they play out in Coach Rod's offense. Expect goose egg.


2. Linebackers: have been a huge need in the past but with 4 high profile guys in the 2008 class, I don't see a big need for them next year. Expect 1.


3. Fullbacks: expect another goose egg


4. Kicker/Punter: goose unless there is a super kicker is out there.
   

Next years class won't be as big as the 2008 class, I look for about 18-20 guys in the 2009 class.

Cell Block News and Notes: Thursday Recruiting Edition

• New 3 Star Athlete Recruit on radar: Jaron Brown from SC is making his visit to A2 this weekend. Coach Rod met with Jaron this week but he still considers The Gamecocks his top choice.
• Michigan is also looking at 4 Star Dual Threat QB BJ Daniels (6"1 203) from Florida. BJ has a number of schools looking at him. South Florida is trying to keep him in state. Here is a background article on BJ.
• Tom Lemming released his final Top 100 list. Some names to note: TP #1, McGuffie #29, Nick Perry #37, Brandon Smith #44, Boubacar #48, Dan O'Neill #58, Darryl Stonum #78, Brandon Moore #91.
• Looks like Nick Perry is leaning hard towards USC. He visits Michigan this weekend. He could have an SAT issue to qualify.
• Cam finds a job on the Raven's staff as the OC. From the Dolphins to the only team the Dolphins beat last year. Sorry, CAM the Chargers OC gig looks pretty good right now.

Pryor, Pryor and more Pryor

Per the Diag:

• The Vest is at TP's house today


• He will visit Oregon the weekend of 2/1-2/2


• Looks like he will visit LSU the last weekend in January


• Visiting Ann Arbor this weekend is a huge group of recruits and commits including: Terrelle Pryor, Mike Martin (M Commit but looking at ND), Boubacar Cissoko (M Commit), DJ Woods (OH WR down to WVU and Michigan), Brandon Moore (M Commit).


• ESPN News and ESPN U will cover Terrelle's announcement on 2/6 at 12:05


• Looks like the information on his basketball games was incorrect.

Cell Block News and Notes: Monday's Edition

• The Wolverines are going to get stronger with one of the best Strength and Conditioning programs coming to Ann Arbor. This was a very important hire and maybe ranks right up there with retaining Fred Jackson. Michigan's S&C program is so outdated that they just removed that Big Belt Shaking Machine (that goes around your waist) just last week.
  


• I don't know about you, but I haven't seen a lot of Pennsylvania High School games this year. So I wasn't sure about all the hype around Terelle Pryor. Well folks, after watching the Army All American Game on Saturday, I can say this guy is the real deal "Holyfield". The experts are saying it's down to the Buckeyes, Wolverines, and Ducks. Terrelle, if you don't come to Ann Arbor (Please Do!), for goodness sake please choose Oregon!


• In other news and notes from the game: Boubacar gave up a number of long touchdowns but did have a couple of good plays, Sam McGuffile did have a nice 33 yard run, and Brandon Smith a Safety out of NJ did commit to the Wolverines.
  
• Most of the Defensive Coaches are staying in Morgantown but most of the Offensive ones are coming: Offensive coordinator Calvin Magee planned to join former coach Rich Rodriguez at Michigan right from the start, while quarterbacks coach Rod Smith and Greg Frey made their decisions Friday to also join Rodriguez.

• June Jones is going to SMU. I would like to state for the record that I would like the Hawaii Head Coaching Job.

Tonight's Dilemma: Root for the Big Ten or a Michigan Man (who is planning to have a news conference before the game to announce he isn't coming to Michigan and that he has a damn good football team)? Either way, I hope for an entertaining game. I think LSU (basically) at home is going to be a tough game for OSU to win. The Buckeye's passing game has been non-existent the last few weeks of the season and LSU's D will stack the line to stop Beanie. The OSU Defense are no slouches either. This could be a defensive battle. The difference will be LSU's experience playing against talented, high powered teams. LSU 21 OSU 10

The Warden's What to Watch This Weekend List

So the Bowl Season is over, wait isn't there a bowl in Toronto on Saturday with a coach that took his name out of the running for the U of M job? No wait, that game is on Monday right? A game between a Michigan Man (who is not going there and it makes him sad) and Michigan's biggest rival?

Sorry, I must be mistaken because after New Year's day the bowl season is over, right? Michigan won the National Championship by beating the current National Champions in their home state.

Ok, I guess the mind goes a little crazy after Michigan wins a bowl game and actually beats a quality team. Michigan can't beat OSU but they can beat the teams that beat OSU (Illinois and Florida). (I know Buckeye fans, but at least give us something)

I know this weekend you'll be watching the NFL playoffs and counting down to the National Championship game on Monday. But what if you still long for College Football and Ball State vs Rutgers just isn't doing it for you? You really have a need to know who's the next Reggie Bush or the next Mike Hart at Michigan....................

Here is what you do: Watch the two High School All Star Games and follow the Michigan commitments and high profile recruits. Below is your roster of who to look out for.

Michigan Players to watch on Saturday at the Army All American Game at 11:00 AM on NBC:

Army West:

• Sam McGuffie - Running Back - Michigan Commit- #5


• Nick Perry - LB - from Detroit - Michigan Recruit - #12
  

Army East:

• Boubacar Cissoko - CB - Michigan Commit - #2


• Shayne Hale - LB - Michigan Recruit - #45


• Terrelle Pryor - QB - Michigan Recruit - #1


• Brandon Smith - DB (Safety) - Michigan Recruit - #5 (planning to announce during the game)

Michigan Players to watch at the Under Armour All American Game 2:00 Saturday on ABC:

Team Red:

• Christian Wilson - OLB/FB - Michigan Commit


• Darryl Stonum - WR - Michigan Commit - Planning to enroll this semester


• Brandon Moore - TE - Michigan Commit


• Dann O'Neill - OG - Michigan Commit

Cell Block News and Notes: Friday Edition

• Ryan's Mom says not so fast on that UCLA Rumor. No Decision yet. The DetNews says he is as good as gone.


• Scot Loeffler current/former QB coach interviewed for Tennessee Offensive Coordinator gig.


• WVSports.com reported from Stewart's press conference and said he offered all of the current assistants the chance to keep their jobs. Defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich told Rodriguez he's staying in Morgantown and the wide receivers coach Tony Dews is considering the possibility, as is defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel, the website reported.Those departures would seem to open positions for U-M wide receivers coach Erik Campbell and defensive line coach Steve Stripling -- both highly regarded -- as now they could have a chance to be re-hired by Rodriguez.


• Sam I Am and Boubacar are recruiting T.Pryor to come to A2!


• The Lansing State Journal Reports the following: Even though many have assumed Manningham will turn pro, he insisted that isn't true.
  "I'm going back," he said. "I want to get my degree."
  When a reporter told the receiver he seemed to be joking, Manningham didn't back down.
  "I'm being for real," Manningham said.

Changing Minds and Happy Holidays!

• A special report on Coach Rod from the Freep. Interesting points: he turned down Arkansas and WVU fans think he threw the game against Pitt to get the Michigan job. It's a good read.


• Boubacar Cissoko (above) who yesterday said he was de-committing to Michigan has changed his mind and now stays committed to the Wolverines.


• Les always has something to say: Miles weighs in LSU coach Les Miles didn't take the Michigan job, but he called the man who did. Miles, a U-M alumnus, wanted to congratulate West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez and he wanted to give him a hard time.
  Rodriguez's mother, Arleen Rodriguez, told the Free Press the phone call was a good-natured exchange this past week. According to her, Miles thanked Rodriguez for losing the game against Pittsburgh. Miles then joked with Rodriguez that the loss cost Miles his dream job. "He told my son that if West Virginia had beaten Pitt, they would've been in the championship game, and that would've left an opening for him," she said.
  Rodriguez has said it would have been hard to leave if the Mountaineers were playing for the title. As it is, LSU is in that game Jan. 7 against top-ranked Ohio State.

Happy Holidays!

Enjoy Coach Rod on some National Radio Shows!

Coach Rod on ESPN Radio with Mike Tirico

Coach Rod on with Dan Patrick. Click Interviews

Recruits Starting to Bail and H&H Injury Update

When you fire all but one person on the current staff you have to expect you will lose some recruits that are close with position coaches that were just let go. The highest profile recruit to pull his commitment is Boubacar Cissoko, a 4 Star CB from Detroit. This is a difficult loss for Michigan, since we all know CB has been a weakness for the Michigan defense. Boubacar is a very athletic cover corner, even though he is below 6 feet in size. He is now looking at Penn State. I expect Coach Rod and the new DC to take another run at him after the silent period is over.

Freep Reports:
HENNE, HART UPDATE: Quarterback Chad Henne said his shoulder was regaining the strength lost in the final month of the regular season, and a number of players said tailback Mike Hart was running well in practice in his continued recovery from a high ankle sprain. Both are expected to play against Florida.

Tressel and OSU self report NCAA infractions.

Bellotti to stay at Oregon

How does this hire effect recruiting?

So how does the hiring of Coach Rod effect the current 17 verbal commitments Michigan currently has and the 5-8 more it needs?

Monday started a 2 week silent period for contacting recruits. So there won't be any new contact from Michigan for the next two weeks, but that silent period doesn't stop the media from asking the the top recurits what they think. Here are some quotes:

Michigan's top recruit Sam McDuffie: The Texas Cy-Fair product told Scout he doesn’t know much about Rich Rodriguez, but was “excited that they named a head coach.”“It was a good hire,” McGuffie told Scout.com. “I have been watching guys like Steve Slaton and Noel Devine and what they have been able to do in that offense. I guess it is good for me.”

Michigan's in-state 4-star CB recruit Boubacar Cissoko: "This past month I was kind of back and forth with my commitment and bouncing around, talking to schools," Detroit Cass Tech cornerback Boubacar Cissoko told Rivals.com. "Now I feel more comfortable with my commitment to Michigan. (Rodriguez) seems like a good coach, but right now I just have to sit down and talk to the man and see what he is all about before I make any decisions."

Michigan's new QB prospect Terrelle Pryor (also rated the #1 player in the nation):

Pryor said Rodriguez called him Sunday to inform him of his decision to accept the Michigan job.
"That was special," said Pryor, who is widely considered by recruiting experts to be the nation's No. 1 prep player.

Pryor, who is also weighing scholarship offers from Ohio State, Florida and Penn State along with Michigan, said he likely won't make his final decision until February. But he said the chance to vie for a starting job in Michigan's new-look spread offense would factor into his decision. Rodriguez said Monday he'll bring the offense with him from West Virginia.

"I know I would have to work for everything I got," Pryor said. "But I just want the chance."

Rival says:

Michigan would provide Pryor with all the ingredients he seeks to show his wares – a huge stadium filled with rabid fans and colossal national TV exposure in an offense that suits him to a "T." With Rodriguez, the consummate tactician, pushing the buttons.

If he can get Pryor, and the quarterback can persuade others to follow, Michigan could go from having a decent recruiting class (currently ranked 14th by Rivals.com) to the top 10 in the nation and the best in the Big Ten, a distinction that rests with Ohio State right now.

Any De-commits?

Yes: John Wienke a QB recruit has de-committed to Michigan and now heading to Iowa. He did this btw the day before Coach Rod was hired and before Pryor showed interest in coming to Michigan. Good luck at Iowa.