The countdown clock above reads 0 days and we have some news to pass on.
-Fitz is getting the start at tailback. I expect him and Shaw to get an even amount of snaps.
- JT Floyd gets the start at the other corner spot. We will see a lot of Avery as well, because I expect WWU to spread the field and try to move the ball through the air.
Sparty looked pretty poor last night, let's hope Michigan looks much better against a better opponent this afternoon.
Has anyone else noticed in the games on Thursday and Friday night that nobody seems to be able to make field goals or extra points?
Enjoy the day and Go Blue!
Showing posts with label Michigan Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan Football. Show all posts
Game 1 Preview: Western Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, Big House
TV: ABC/ESPN 2
Weather: High of 89 scattered thunderstorms
Line: Michigan -13.5
It's hard to believe that we are a day away from starting the Hoke era. Is it me or does it seem like RR left about 2 years ago and not just 8 months? Michigan kicks off the 2011 campaign in front of 110,000 strong at the Big House at 3:30 on Saturday (this really should be noon kickoff). Saturday will be special for Hoke and his entire staff as well as the freshman who will be running on the field for the first time and of course the seniors who know it's now or never.
Western Michigan finished 6-6 last year and finished with a 5-3 MAC record. They are a perfect opening day opponent for the Wolverines, who hopefully will be rolling out an improved defense and a new pro style offense. Western will remember Denard Robinson very clearly because Denard took his first college football snap for a touchdown against the Broncos just two short years ago.
What to watch from WMU:
- Strong QB play - Alex Carder threw for 33 touchdowns and over 3,300 yards last year.
- A good WR unit with Ansel Ponder and Robert Arnheim. The most dangerous is Jordon White who lead the team in catches and yards in 2010.
- A poor running game - Western only averaged 4.0 yards per carry last year.
- A defense with 8 returning starters, which includes the entire D-line.
- There is not a lot of experience in the defensive backfield or at the linebacker.
We know the Wolverines well, so how does WMU strength match up against the Wolverines?
Let's go to the tale of the tape:
Denard vs Westerns D = Shoelace
WMU Passing Game vs Michigan's DB = Western
Mike Martin vs WMU O Line = MM
Michigan's O line vs Westerns D Line = Pancakes from Village Kitchen
Special Teams = Push
Intangibles = Big House and Hoke's first game
There really isn't a ton of mystery in this game. Western will try to throw the ball and exploit the Michigan secondary and then mix in a few runs hoping to hit some big plays. The Michigan defense will try to disrupt that strategy by pressuring the passer with a lot of pressure from the D-Line. I expect to see lots of blitzes from the Michigan linebackers and lots of cornerbacks in the game since I expect Western to spread the field as much as possible. Western averaged 30 points a game last year and I am sure they have watched a ton of tape on how the Michigan defense couldn't stop anybody. Michigan hopes the likes of Woolfolk and Floyd back from injury will help the DB's cover the talented Western wide receivers.
Michigan will try to run the ball and mix in a short passing game. They want to move the ball on the ground and score lots of points with out showing too much for ND. The flavor of the day will be vanilla unless the Michigan defense struggles and Michigan needs to open it up a bit. If the Wolverines can move the ball with Shaw and Toussaint I expect we won't see Denard running too much. I believe the game plan for Denard is to beat the D with the treat of running but hitting the Michigan WR's on short routes that will set up the long ball.
Sing Hail to the Victors if..................
- Shaw and Toussaint both have over 100 yards
- The Michigan pass rush is effective against the Western's O line
- The Michigan defense is much improved and gets a ton of stops
- The Michigan Oline dominates and keeps Denard clean in the passing game
- If the Western pass game is effective against Michigan's D
- If WMU scores touchdowns instead of field goals
- It becomes a shoot out
Former Wolverine and 4 star recruit Dan O'Neill transferred after he thought he didn't fit into RR's spread offense and wanted more of a pro set. He headed to Western where his brother played. (Which is ironic because I expect Western to throw the ball in a number of spread sets and Michigan now is the one that wants to run the ball in more pro sets). Dan will get to meet a lot of his former teammates during the game as I expect Mattison to do all kid of things to get pressure on Western's QB to protect his linebackers and defensive backs. The key for the Michigan D is not to give up any big plays and let Denard and the Michigan offense do their thing.
The last few years the Michigan D plays their best game of the year in the first game of the year, so I expect something similar on Saturday. With some better coaching and solid D Line and Woolfolk locking down one WR, I expect the Defense to over whelm Western. The Michigan offense will be Pro Sets and have Denard in the shotgun a lot. The goal is to get Denard out of the game early in the 4th quarter and healthy for ND next week. The Wolverines want to over power the Broncos and not show too much for ND to key on.
Michigan 31 Western 13
Go Blue
PS: I will have my game thoughts up on Sunday.
Michigan Friday: Looks at Hoke's First 6 months
When you take a leadership position one of the things you try to do is effect change early on in your role. Most leadership changes come with big changes needed to be made in the organization. Michigan's football program is no exception.
One of the measuring points for a new leader is how much change and how well has the organization preformed in the first 6 months on the job. Since today is July 1 and since Brady Hoke as been in the job for roughly 6 months, I will give you the Big House Blog's set of year 1 commitments and will rate Brady with a score of: over achieved, achieved or under achieved.
Brady Hoke's Michigan Football Mid-Year Commitment Review:
This is clearly Brady's dream job and he is preforming like he has been preparing for Michigan since he left Ann Arbor for Ball State. With that said, the proof will be on the field this Fall. The last bullet above is the most important but Brady clearly has done a wonderful job since getting the job. I will be the first to say, I wasn't the biggest fan of the hire, but Brady has impressed me pretty much every week since he has gotten the job.
Let's hope all this good will translates to wins on Saturdays.
Have a great holiday weekend! Feel confident that the Michigan program is back on track.
One of the measuring points for a new leader is how much change and how well has the organization preformed in the first 6 months on the job. Since today is July 1 and since Brady Hoke as been in the job for roughly 6 months, I will give you the Big House Blog's set of year 1 commitments and will rate Brady with a score of: over achieved, achieved or under achieved.
Brady Hoke's Michigan Football Mid-Year Commitment Review:
- Finish off the 2011 Recruiting Class - Over Achieved. Brady and Crew did a very good job of convincing kids to come to Ann Arbor with only a little over 2 weeks to do it.
- Get a good start to the 2012 Recruiting Class - Over Achieved - Max Preps ranks Michigan's current 2012 class #2 in the nation. Enough said.
- Unite the Michigan Fan Base - Achieved. From his first press conference and his first sound bite ("we would of walked to Michigan") Brady has united the Michigan fan base again. The hiring of Greg Mattison was huge and their joint recruiting is stronger then ever. He has been a bit lucky, with the potential collapse of Ohio State program and MSU whiffing on the recruiting trial. With that great start, Brady still has some work to do on the field to get all the Wolverine fans to buy in. He clearly has much more support from the former players then RR ever did. Either way, he is off to a great start!
- Win Games and Championships: TBD
This is clearly Brady's dream job and he is preforming like he has been preparing for Michigan since he left Ann Arbor for Ball State. With that said, the proof will be on the field this Fall. The last bullet above is the most important but Brady clearly has done a wonderful job since getting the job. I will be the first to say, I wasn't the biggest fan of the hire, but Brady has impressed me pretty much every week since he has gotten the job.
Let's hope all this good will translates to wins on Saturdays.
Have a great holiday weekend! Feel confident that the Michigan program is back on track.
Wolverine Wednesday: QuarterBack To The Future
One of the positives about Coach Hoke when he got hired was his reputation of being a very good recruiter. Then he goes and hires Greg Mattison from the Ravens, who Urban Meyer called "the best recruiter in the country". You would think that is a good match, right? The answer is YES, a very good match.
Michigan has seemly gone for 0 to 10 commitments in the 2012 class in just a couple of weeks. With all the commitments coming from Ohio or Michigan. Poor MSU is wondering what happened down there in Ann Arbor?
Now comes the news, Michigan has received it's first 2013 commitment from mega instate QB Shane Morris. Yes, a kid that hasn't even started his junior year of high school and is expected to be the best player in the State in the 2013 class, has said, "Coach, I want to be a Wolverine!". Unbelievable!
Shane is a 6'3 around 185 pounds and plays for De La Salle in Warren, Michigan. He doesn't have any Star Ranking yet due to him being a 2013 prospect. He does have about 7 Midwest D1 scholarship offers.
Here is what ESPN has to say about this young man: QB Shane Morris (Warren, Mich./De La Salle) was in a class of his own. The 6-1, 174-pounder has a sensational arm, great vision, moves his feet well and carries himself like a pro. Talent wise, he is far beyond his age group and already has top-notch abilities.
He seems to be a regular at summer camps/combines which means he will get some great advice on improving his QB skills.
Michigan has seemly gone for 0 to 10 commitments in the 2012 class in just a couple of weeks. With all the commitments coming from Ohio or Michigan. Poor MSU is wondering what happened down there in Ann Arbor?
Now comes the news, Michigan has received it's first 2013 commitment from mega instate QB Shane Morris. Yes, a kid that hasn't even started his junior year of high school and is expected to be the best player in the State in the 2013 class, has said, "Coach, I want to be a Wolverine!". Unbelievable!
Shane is a 6'3 around 185 pounds and plays for De La Salle in Warren, Michigan. He doesn't have any Star Ranking yet due to him being a 2013 prospect. He does have about 7 Midwest D1 scholarship offers.
Here is what ESPN has to say about this young man: QB Shane Morris (Warren, Mich./De La Salle) was in a class of his own. The 6-1, 174-pounder has a sensational arm, great vision, moves his feet well and carries himself like a pro. Talent wise, he is far beyond his age group and already has top-notch abilities.
He seems to be a regular at summer camps/combines which means he will get some great advice on improving his QB skills.
Michigan Tuesday: Fun or Foolish?
I bleed maize and blue, I think many of you that read this blog do as well. I also respect how a Michigan fan (usually) handles themselves in a big win or even in a big loss. When you have the most victories and arguably the most tradition, youhave the right to hold your head high as a Michigan fan.
Michigan fans have had a difficult 3 years with the direction of our beloved program. We have seen losses against MAC teams and struggling to beat the Indiana's of the world, while being dominated by Ohio and other major programs. We have been down but Brady Hoke has brought hope back to the Wolverine Nation through strong recruiting and respecting Michigan's tradition. Former players are back and Wolverines fans feel the comfort of something familiar out of Schembechler Hall. Even our top rival OSU is in major trouble with the NCAA. Seems the worm is starting to turn in Ann Arbor, which is good news for Wolverines fans everywhere.
With that said, we can't lose our cool or go to far. We made fun of MSU the last couple of years when Dantonio installed count down clocks in his locker room for the Michigan game. Sparty has 3 wins in a row over the Wolverines. Now similar countdown clocks are in Michigan's locker room for MSU and OSU.
Now comes a billboard on 94 that says, "Liar Liar Vest on Fire". Funny, but does it go too far?
Billboards have become a regular occurrences for programs or fans, lately. They buy billboards when they win a big game or have a Heisman Trophy contender, etc. Not something I'm a big fan of, I prefer acting like you have been there before. The Michigan Football Program has been there before. Charles Woodson didn't need a Billboard for us to know he was the best college football player in 1997.
So where do we draw the line on these things? OSU is in major trouble and they haven't been playing by the rules for probably many years. The reason they turned "to the dark side" was due to "the team from up North" dominating them. Now, I'm not saying we are going to break rules to get an un-fair advantage, I just prefer the Wolverines do their talking on the field and not on a billboard.
There is a Columbus on-line newspaper that has a regular area on their site that lists the number of days since OSU lost to Michigan. It's a big number but is also low class. Act like you have been there before!
Stay Classy Wolverine Billboard Guy! (if your looking to spend your money in support of the Wolverines, how about to Charles Woodson's Foundation that helps Mott's Children's hospital).
Michigan fans have had a difficult 3 years with the direction of our beloved program. We have seen losses against MAC teams and struggling to beat the Indiana's of the world, while being dominated by Ohio and other major programs. We have been down but Brady Hoke has brought hope back to the Wolverine Nation through strong recruiting and respecting Michigan's tradition. Former players are back and Wolverines fans feel the comfort of something familiar out of Schembechler Hall. Even our top rival OSU is in major trouble with the NCAA. Seems the worm is starting to turn in Ann Arbor, which is good news for Wolverines fans everywhere.
With that said, we can't lose our cool or go to far. We made fun of MSU the last couple of years when Dantonio installed count down clocks in his locker room for the Michigan game. Sparty has 3 wins in a row over the Wolverines. Now similar countdown clocks are in Michigan's locker room for MSU and OSU.
Now comes a billboard on 94 that says, "Liar Liar Vest on Fire". Funny, but does it go too far?
Billboards have become a regular occurrences for programs or fans, lately. They buy billboards when they win a big game or have a Heisman Trophy contender, etc. Not something I'm a big fan of, I prefer acting like you have been there before. The Michigan Football Program has been there before. Charles Woodson didn't need a Billboard for us to know he was the best college football player in 1997.
So where do we draw the line on these things? OSU is in major trouble and they haven't been playing by the rules for probably many years. The reason they turned "to the dark side" was due to "the team from up North" dominating them. Now, I'm not saying we are going to break rules to get an un-fair advantage, I just prefer the Wolverines do their talking on the field and not on a billboard.
There is a Columbus on-line newspaper that has a regular area on their site that lists the number of days since OSU lost to Michigan. It's a big number but is also low class. Act like you have been there before!
Stay Classy Wolverine Billboard Guy! (if your looking to spend your money in support of the Wolverines, how about to Charles Woodson's Foundation that helps Mott's Children's hospital).
Michigan Monday: Coaches Play Contracts Like a Fiddle
We also know that coaches when they have even a little bit of success can work the system like no other. I truly believe when Les Miles retires he should start a Michigan scholarship fund for all the raises and contract extensions he has gotten from LSU due to "conversations" he has had with Michigan about their football openings.
We all know the Les examples, but let's take a look two other examples that involve coaches at Missouri. The first one was Purdue's head basketball coach Matt Painter who flirted with the opening at Missouri a couple of weeks ago. Was Matt really considering leaving Purdue for Mizzu? Of course not! He just wanted a raise from Purdue and got one. He was on vacation when this entire thing went down. Not too bad to be near the pool, get a couple of calls and end up getting a big raise. I hope he called the front desk and got his room upgraded.
The second comes from Gary Pinkel, Missouri's head football coach. He is quoted in this article (regarding why he didn't interview for the Michigan job) saying, “That was a really difficult situation just because I grew up in Ohio and my whole life I hear about Ohio State and Michigan. To have an opportunity like that is sort of a once-in-a-lifetime thing. For me it still boiled down to I just feel so much a part of Missouri now.”
“The reason I didn’t pursue it was because I feel so much a part of Missouri. I’m so committed personally to continue to build the opportunity I was given. And family, a combination of those things. So, I bowed out of it. I feel really good about it. I thought a lot about it. It got really close. But before I went to the interview, it was a matter of hours before when I decided I wasn’t going to pursue it and I wanted to stay at the University of Missouri. So, that’s kind of the conclusion I came to.”
Gary just signed a two year extension and is now under contract until 2017. Shocker! He didn't even talk to Brandon and still got an extension. We don't know any details of the search but I'm willing to bet Gary's "people" reached out to David Brandon about interviewing for the open position in Ann Arbor.
These coaches and agents have some special talent when it comes to getting more money and extensions when they names are linked with any other jobs. Bob Stoops should have Bill Gates money by now with all the jobs he has been linked to.
Super Saturday: Michigan Gets Two More Commitments
Michigan got it's first verbal commitment to the 2012 football class on Thursday. The Basketball Team also got it's last 2011-2012 scholarship filled on Friday when Max Bielfeldt hoped on board the Beilein train.
You would expect a boring day from both programs, right? Wrong.
Both picked up verbals again today.
Basketball:
Nik Stauskas joined Glenn Robinson III as the second commitment for Michigan's 2012 class. Nik is a 6'4 shooting guard that is rated 3 stars by pretty much every service but has a very nice offer list that includes Butler, Kansas, Iowa State, and Wake Forest.
UMHoops has a complete write up on Nik and his potential.
Football:
Remember when Michigan didn't have any commits and needed a ton of offensive lineman? Well, that was Thursday morning and now Michigan has 2. The latest is Caleb Stacey a 6'4 280 pound offensive lineman from Cincinnati. "I just got back from a visit to West Virginia, me and my parents sat down and talked about everything. We just decided that Michigan was the right place for me. It was just the place I felt best and I felt comfortable."
Caleb isn't ranked by any of the services yet but still had a decent offer sheet that included pretty much every MAC school, BC, NC State, Wake, WVU, and South Florida. Michigan is looking to take maybe 5-6 offensive lineman in the 2012 class and they are now off to a flying start. With Ben Braden late on Thursday and now Caleb on Saturday.
More News:
You would expect a boring day from both programs, right? Wrong.
Both picked up verbals again today.
Basketball:
Nik Stauskas joined Glenn Robinson III as the second commitment for Michigan's 2012 class. Nik is a 6'4 shooting guard that is rated 3 stars by pretty much every service but has a very nice offer list that includes Butler, Kansas, Iowa State, and Wake Forest.
UMHoops has a complete write up on Nik and his potential.
Football:
Remember when Michigan didn't have any commits and needed a ton of offensive lineman? Well, that was Thursday morning and now Michigan has 2. The latest is Caleb Stacey a 6'4 280 pound offensive lineman from Cincinnati. "I just got back from a visit to West Virginia, me and my parents sat down and talked about everything. We just decided that Michigan was the right place for me. It was just the place I felt best and I felt comfortable."
Caleb isn't ranked by any of the services yet but still had a decent offer sheet that included pretty much every MAC school, BC, NC State, Wake, WVU, and South Florida. Michigan is looking to take maybe 5-6 offensive lineman in the 2012 class and they are now off to a flying start. With Ben Braden late on Thursday and now Caleb on Saturday.
More News:
- Darius Morris has decided to file for the NBA Draft but will not hire an agent. If he doesn't sign with an agent or sign an endorsement deal he can come back to Michigan. I think "the butterfly" could use one more year at least. Darius really improved his game this year, but still needs to work on his jump shooting skills. If he adds a "J" he will be a more complete NBA prospect.
- An update on Matt Godin's recruitment from Matt's brother: Just got off the phone with my dad, who is at EMU today with Matthew for a track meet. Tom Lemming is in Ann Arbor this weekend, and he made it out to EMU to meet my brother. Lemming told Matthew that he'll be recommending him for both the Army and UA All-American games. My dad also told me that he and Matthew are probably heading over to Ann Arbor after the track meet to visit with the coaches. Let's hope Matt is Michigan's 3rd commitment.
Wolverine Wednesday: Hoke and Staff Focus on the Great Lakes State
One of the reasons the Michigan faithful is excited about Brady Hoke is because he gets "it". Some might wonder what "it" means. Here are two examples:
State of Michigan Recruiting
RR: Yes, it's important but we recruit nationally and Florida is a big focus.
Hoke: The State of Michigan is the #1 priority.
Ohio State Game
RR: Michigan is unique because it's has 3 rivals; ND, MSU and Ohio State. None more important then the other.
Hoke: Won't even use the word Ohio State.
During the RR media hate-fest, there was a number of articles written that Michigan State had taken over instate recruiting with two 5 stars guys signing with the Spartans the last two years.
It's clear that Hoke and staff are focusing on instate recruiting and will do everything it takes to recruit the State of Michigan hard. One recent example was a coaching clinic in the City of Detroit on Monday. The University of Michigan coaches spoke to coaches from all levels (High School, JR High, Peewee and coaches from outside of Detroit as well).
Accounts were that Coach Hoke gave a wonderful talk and there were a number of break out sessions where coaches could ask questions and get more details per position. Brady met pretty much every coach in the room and invited them to attend any U of M practice that they would like to take in.
They also invited former Michigan players to the event to talk what it means to be a "Michigan Man".
These are the type of events that will make a difference in years to come. Just another example of Coach Hoke understanding what it takes to win at Michigan.
State of Michigan Recruiting
RR: Yes, it's important but we recruit nationally and Florida is a big focus.
Hoke: The State of Michigan is the #1 priority.
Ohio State Game
RR: Michigan is unique because it's has 3 rivals; ND, MSU and Ohio State. None more important then the other.
Hoke: Won't even use the word Ohio State.
During the RR media hate-fest, there was a number of articles written that Michigan State had taken over instate recruiting with two 5 stars guys signing with the Spartans the last two years.
It's clear that Hoke and staff are focusing on instate recruiting and will do everything it takes to recruit the State of Michigan hard. One recent example was a coaching clinic in the City of Detroit on Monday. The University of Michigan coaches spoke to coaches from all levels (High School, JR High, Peewee and coaches from outside of Detroit as well).
Accounts were that Coach Hoke gave a wonderful talk and there were a number of break out sessions where coaches could ask questions and get more details per position. Brady met pretty much every coach in the room and invited them to attend any U of M practice that they would like to take in.
They also invited former Michigan players to the event to talk what it means to be a "Michigan Man".
These are the type of events that will make a difference in years to come. Just another example of Coach Hoke understanding what it takes to win at Michigan.
- Another Loss at DB: A rumor that I didn't put on the blog ends up being true. Ray Vinopal, who played as a Freshman at safety last year has left the Michigan program. There are some family issues back in Youngstown and Ray needs to go home. This kid played with a ton of heart and just another loss in the defensive backfield for the Wolverines. Good luck Ray, you will be missed. I hope your family issues get worked out and maybe you can make it back to A2 in a year or so.
Michigan Tuesday: Says to Hold on To Your Wallet
Just for the record: the NFL can't figure out a way to pay it's employees out of a $9 Billion pool, Jim Tressel "forgot" about his players selling it's gear and got fined $250,000, UConn went to a BCS Bowl and ended up losing close to $1.8 Million and now Michigan is looking for a few extra dollars of your money.
With the new Glick Field House, the new score boards, the new basketball practice facility, the Crisler Arena renovation, the new field turf, the new luxury seating, RR's contract buyout and the nicer bathrooms at the Big House you knew the Michigan Football Program would come for your money soon rather then later.
That announcement happened on Monday, when Michigan announced that ticket prices were going up. Season tickets are going up about 12% and individual tickets for "regular games" are going up $15 to $70 a ticket. The "premium tickets" for the good games are now $85.
I am a little torn on this news. On one hand, Michigan has made a lot of improvements to the Big House and (soon) Crisler Arena. On the other, the Michigan economy is still struggling and to raise prices for the masses seems difficult to take when giving up your season tickets pretty much means you will never get them back (due to the waiting list). I know it would never be "spun" this way but I hope this doesn't have anything to do with RR's buy out. Michigan spent a ton of money on that guy and got little to no results.
Recruiting News
Michigan is still looking for it's first verbal commit for the 2012 class and it seems two prospects with Michigan offers are picking other schools.
With the new Glick Field House, the new score boards, the new basketball practice facility, the Crisler Arena renovation, the new field turf, the new luxury seating, RR's contract buyout and the nicer bathrooms at the Big House you knew the Michigan Football Program would come for your money soon rather then later.
That announcement happened on Monday, when Michigan announced that ticket prices were going up. Season tickets are going up about 12% and individual tickets for "regular games" are going up $15 to $70 a ticket. The "premium tickets" for the good games are now $85.
I am a little torn on this news. On one hand, Michigan has made a lot of improvements to the Big House and (soon) Crisler Arena. On the other, the Michigan economy is still struggling and to raise prices for the masses seems difficult to take when giving up your season tickets pretty much means you will never get them back (due to the waiting list). I know it would never be "spun" this way but I hope this doesn't have anything to do with RR's buy out. Michigan spent a ton of money on that guy and got little to no results.
Recruiting News
Michigan is still looking for it's first verbal commit for the 2012 class and it seems two prospects with Michigan offers are picking other schools.
- Taylor Decker a 6'8 offensive guard picked ND over the weekend. Taylor had a Michigan offer.
- Dan Voltz one of the top offensive line prospects in the Midwest is expected to announce his decision for Northwestern today.
- Vince Biegel a LB from Wisconsin visited A2 this past weekend. He is visiting BYU soon as well. The word on Vince is that his dad played at BYU and is probably a Wisconsin lean. He wants to make an early decision and unless U of M can get him back on campus for a practice, Michigan seems to be playing catch up in his recruitment.
- Allan Gant from outside of Toledo visited Ann Arbor last week and didn't come away with an offer. Allan's dad played for Bo at Michigan.
Michigan Thursday: Michigan News and More Tressel Thoughts
Let's Catch Up on Some Michigan News:
Tressel is taking it hard in the media. Writing the books on leadership and how to live your life isn't exactly helping him today. In the past, his sweater vests seemed to be made of Teflon he didn't take heat for the mess at Youngstown State or the Clarett business. I'm not sure if he is going to be able to escape this one with just a two game suspension and $250K. The one thing the NCAA hates is when people lie to them, the NCAA could point back to Youngstown State and him hiding information.
So know what? The NCAA is investigating and I expect they won't accept Ohio State's penalty. If I had to guess what the NCAA would consider a proper penalty:
- The Michigan coaches had lunch with the media yesterday and there were a lot of topics discussed. A2.com and Mgoblog has extensive coverage. The top things, I got out of those articles: Big Will should be Big and will play on the Defensive Line next year (I sure hope RR and Staff didn't screw him out of two good years), That they really won't know what they have until they start spring practice, Mattison won't watch tape from last year - he wants to see what they have during practice, they will watch a lot of Ravens film, they want to stop the run first, Denard is interested in running less and throwing more and being a more complete QB. More on the links.............
- Michigan has sold all the Suites and Luxury seating for the 2011 season at the Big House.
- The Michigan Basketball Team has an important game on Friday at 2:30. If they beat Illinois, I think they are in for sure. If they don't, they might be back on the bubble. Go Blue!
Tressel is taking it hard in the media. Writing the books on leadership and how to live your life isn't exactly helping him today. In the past, his sweater vests seemed to be made of Teflon he didn't take heat for the mess at Youngstown State or the Clarett business. I'm not sure if he is going to be able to escape this one with just a two game suspension and $250K. The one thing the NCAA hates is when people lie to them, the NCAA could point back to Youngstown State and him hiding information.
So know what? The NCAA is investigating and I expect they won't accept Ohio State's penalty. If I had to guess what the NCAA would consider a proper penalty:
- OSU knowingly played with 5 players that were ineligible last year. I expect those victories might be vacated.
- I also wouldn't be surprised if Jim's suspension is increased. I wouldn't expect (but they could) the NCAA to go "Dez Bryant" on him and suspend him for an entire season but I could see 6 or 7 games.
- The one thing that the NCAA is now focusing on is the person/coach. If they find a history of Tressel lying or going against the NCAA rules he could be looking at a major penalty.
Wolverine Wednesday: 10 Things I like to see from Michigan before I buy a condo at the Villages
#10: A Wall of Fame, A Circle of Honor something that honors the great former Michigan football players. I agree that retiring numbers may not be the right thing to do but there are so many great former Wolverines and there should be some lasting memorial somewhere at the Big House. Name it the Gerald R. Ford Memorial: Circle of Champions.
#9: Tom Brady gets close to U of M. When Tom is ready to hang up his cleats, I would like there to be some type of partnership between Tom and U of M. Is it a Tom Brady Scholarship? Is he the associate AD? I don't know but having Tom close to the program has to be a good thing.
#8: The Michigan Baseball team gets more TV exposure. I have always thought there would be a nice fan base for the Michigan Baseball team if they got some more exposure.
#7: Mike Hart on the Michigan coaching staff. He seems the perfect candidate when Fred Jackson retires.
#6: The Michigan basketball team makes an un-expected run to the Final 4.
#5: The Fab 5 plays an exhibition game against the current Wolverines for charity. Maybe to re-open the "new" Crisler Arena?
#4: Michigan Football Dominates Midwest Recruiting. I want Michigan to be able to recruit like Texas does. Bring in all the top players in from Michigan, Ohio and neighboring states. Give the kids offers right there and then and give them 48 hours to accept or decline them. Michigan would have 70% of it's class full in a couple of days.
#3: Keith Jackson to do one more Michigan - Ohio State game in the Big House.
#2: Michigan goes on a new winning streak against MSU and OSU.
#1: Big Shocker Here: Michigan has an un-defeated National Championship season where they beat OSU twice and USC in the BCS National Championship Game in the Rose Bowl
Honorable mentions: A night game at the Big House (next year), A huge music festival at the Big House with all the top bands, Michigan and Michigan State play one or two games at Ford Field to help the downtown economy, Zack Novak's number retired, Michigan signs the #1 rated high school prospect in either football or basketball or both!, an August pre-season exhibition football game against an opponent not on the schedule (yes I know this is more of an NCAA rule/issue) and Michigan doesn't need to hire a new football coach for the next 15 years!
#9: Tom Brady gets close to U of M. When Tom is ready to hang up his cleats, I would like there to be some type of partnership between Tom and U of M. Is it a Tom Brady Scholarship? Is he the associate AD? I don't know but having Tom close to the program has to be a good thing.
#8: The Michigan Baseball team gets more TV exposure. I have always thought there would be a nice fan base for the Michigan Baseball team if they got some more exposure.
#7: Mike Hart on the Michigan coaching staff. He seems the perfect candidate when Fred Jackson retires.
#6: The Michigan basketball team makes an un-expected run to the Final 4.
#5: The Fab 5 plays an exhibition game against the current Wolverines for charity. Maybe to re-open the "new" Crisler Arena?
#4: Michigan Football Dominates Midwest Recruiting. I want Michigan to be able to recruit like Texas does. Bring in all the top players in from Michigan, Ohio and neighboring states. Give the kids offers right there and then and give them 48 hours to accept or decline them. Michigan would have 70% of it's class full in a couple of days.
#3: Keith Jackson to do one more Michigan - Ohio State game in the Big House.
#2: Michigan goes on a new winning streak against MSU and OSU.
#1: Big Shocker Here: Michigan has an un-defeated National Championship season where they beat OSU twice and USC in the BCS National Championship Game in the Rose Bowl
Honorable mentions: A night game at the Big House (next year), A huge music festival at the Big House with all the top bands, Michigan and Michigan State play one or two games at Ford Field to help the downtown economy, Zack Novak's number retired, Michigan signs the #1 rated high school prospect in either football or basketball or both!, an August pre-season exhibition football game against an opponent not on the schedule (yes I know this is more of an NCAA rule/issue) and Michigan doesn't need to hire a new football coach for the next 15 years!
Michigan Monday: Wrong Answer - Right Answer
I will try to clear up some misconceptions that are floating around regarding people and programs related to the Wolverines:
Should MSU be upset that Darius Morris made a layup to go up by 7 points with 4 seconds left in the game?
Wrong A: Yes, MSU had given up and there was no reason for Michigan to make that layup.
Right A: Izzo and Crew don't go Sparty Football on us now. You have the better Basketball Program and yes you have been dominating Michigan for years. Don't whine when you get beat or smack talk before the game that you will take care of business in Ann Arbor and cry that the players were smack talking back after you lose. Last 2 points, I didn't know being up by 5 points was a safe lead? Didn't MSU beat Michigan by 50 a few years ago? Walk off the floor keep your head up and try to win the Big Ten tournament: what's good for the goose....................
Is Ryan Mallett more like Ryan Leaf or Ben Roethlisberger?
Wrong A: Ryan was a great college QB at Michigan and Arkansas and should be drafted in the top 10 of the NFL draft, he will be Big Ben on the field with no off the field issues.
Right A: I think you can make a case for both players. I think Ryan Mallett has a lot of talent and if he gets his head on straight he could be Big Ben on the field, if he doesn't he could be Big Ben off of it as well. I have heard a lot of rumors about Mallett that could be right or wrong and it seems the NFL has heard the same. Ryan has the arm and the talent, I don't think he is in great shape and I would worry about him off the field. If I was an NFL GM I would also be concerned about his decision process and throwing picks late to lose games. His last throw in college was a pick by Ohio State to lose the Sugar Bowl. If he drops out of the first round, I would take him in a minute, if I had a top 10 pick, I would take a pass. Something else to consider: Does Cam Newton = Akili Smith?
With 100+ offers on the street and no 2012 commitments concern you?
Wrong A: It's still early and Michigan has plenty of time to fill up the class. Nothing to worry about at all.
Right A: I am slightly concerned that the 2012 class doesn't have anyone jumping at a Michigan offer yet. I hope the start of spring practice this month will allow recruits to attend practice and the spring game and jump on board. Ohio State already has 5 verbals for 2012. It will take some time with new coaches and staff to build relationships but I would feel better if we had a couple of guys locked up.
Will Denard be effective in Al Borges Offense?
Wrong A: No, he is a runner not a passer. Expect a step back.
Right A: I don't expect Denard to rush out to the Heisman lead next year but I do expect that he will be more of a complete QB. Denard is working hard in the off season taking snaps under center and working on his throws. Having a guy that can throw accurately and can run like the wind will be very difficult to game plan for. I think Denard will do just fine.
Did you hear that Desmond say before the Gator Bowl that Denard should be moved to WR?
Wrong A: Yes, that is his more natural position which will be better for him at the next level.
Right A: No, someone this talented needs to touch the ball as much as possible. Denard wants to be a QB and he should be until he heads to the NFL.
How is Brady Hoke doing so far?
Wrong A: Great, he is a perfect fit for Michigan and the Wolverines are back!
Right A: Coach Hoke has done well since getting the job. Keeping Denard and hiring Greg Mattison was two huge wins. But the real results will come September - January. So yes, so far so good but let's judge him on how the Wolverines play on the field.
Any concerns with Tate in South Beach?
Wrong A: No, he has moxy and will sit out a year get his grades in order and play well for two more years.
Right A: Yes. He didn't want to go to class in winter in Ann Arbor, how is that going to work at Miami?
I'm still concerned about Michigan's Defense, Can you take me off the ledge?
Wrong A: Your right, Michigan maybe improved but still pretty poor. These guys are not going to get good over night
Right A: Let's not forget that Michigan lost it's second best player on Defense before the season started. Having Troy Woolfolk a 5th year senior at CB or at Safety will have a positive effect. Kenny Demens playing full time at LB, getting Big Will to clog up the middle of the defense line, moving JT Floyd to safety, a year experience with the freshman CB's and improved position coaching will make Michigan an average defense. I expect them to be ranked in the middle of pack in Big 10 defenses.
Take out your crystal ball and tell me two players that didn't play last year that will make a difference on defense?
Wrong A: There isn't one
Right A: Richard Ash and Josh Furman
Should MSU be upset that Darius Morris made a layup to go up by 7 points with 4 seconds left in the game?
Wrong A: Yes, MSU had given up and there was no reason for Michigan to make that layup.
Right A: Izzo and Crew don't go Sparty Football on us now. You have the better Basketball Program and yes you have been dominating Michigan for years. Don't whine when you get beat or smack talk before the game that you will take care of business in Ann Arbor and cry that the players were smack talking back after you lose. Last 2 points, I didn't know being up by 5 points was a safe lead? Didn't MSU beat Michigan by 50 a few years ago? Walk off the floor keep your head up and try to win the Big Ten tournament: what's good for the goose....................
Is Ryan Mallett more like Ryan Leaf or Ben Roethlisberger?
Wrong A: Ryan was a great college QB at Michigan and Arkansas and should be drafted in the top 10 of the NFL draft, he will be Big Ben on the field with no off the field issues.
Right A: I think you can make a case for both players. I think Ryan Mallett has a lot of talent and if he gets his head on straight he could be Big Ben on the field, if he doesn't he could be Big Ben off of it as well. I have heard a lot of rumors about Mallett that could be right or wrong and it seems the NFL has heard the same. Ryan has the arm and the talent, I don't think he is in great shape and I would worry about him off the field. If I was an NFL GM I would also be concerned about his decision process and throwing picks late to lose games. His last throw in college was a pick by Ohio State to lose the Sugar Bowl. If he drops out of the first round, I would take him in a minute, if I had a top 10 pick, I would take a pass. Something else to consider: Does Cam Newton = Akili Smith?
With 100+ offers on the street and no 2012 commitments concern you?
Wrong A: It's still early and Michigan has plenty of time to fill up the class. Nothing to worry about at all.
Right A: I am slightly concerned that the 2012 class doesn't have anyone jumping at a Michigan offer yet. I hope the start of spring practice this month will allow recruits to attend practice and the spring game and jump on board. Ohio State already has 5 verbals for 2012. It will take some time with new coaches and staff to build relationships but I would feel better if we had a couple of guys locked up.
Will Denard be effective in Al Borges Offense?
Wrong A: No, he is a runner not a passer. Expect a step back.
Right A: I don't expect Denard to rush out to the Heisman lead next year but I do expect that he will be more of a complete QB. Denard is working hard in the off season taking snaps under center and working on his throws. Having a guy that can throw accurately and can run like the wind will be very difficult to game plan for. I think Denard will do just fine.
Did you hear that Desmond say before the Gator Bowl that Denard should be moved to WR?
Wrong A: Yes, that is his more natural position which will be better for him at the next level.
Right A: No, someone this talented needs to touch the ball as much as possible. Denard wants to be a QB and he should be until he heads to the NFL.
How is Brady Hoke doing so far?
Wrong A: Great, he is a perfect fit for Michigan and the Wolverines are back!
Right A: Coach Hoke has done well since getting the job. Keeping Denard and hiring Greg Mattison was two huge wins. But the real results will come September - January. So yes, so far so good but let's judge him on how the Wolverines play on the field.
Any concerns with Tate in South Beach?
Wrong A: No, he has moxy and will sit out a year get his grades in order and play well for two more years.
Right A: Yes. He didn't want to go to class in winter in Ann Arbor, how is that going to work at Miami?
I'm still concerned about Michigan's Defense, Can you take me off the ledge?
Wrong A: Your right, Michigan maybe improved but still pretty poor. These guys are not going to get good over night
Right A: Let's not forget that Michigan lost it's second best player on Defense before the season started. Having Troy Woolfolk a 5th year senior at CB or at Safety will have a positive effect. Kenny Demens playing full time at LB, getting Big Will to clog up the middle of the defense line, moving JT Floyd to safety, a year experience with the freshman CB's and improved position coaching will make Michigan an average defense. I expect them to be ranked in the middle of pack in Big 10 defenses.
Take out your crystal ball and tell me two players that didn't play last year that will make a difference on defense?
Wrong A: There isn't one
Right A: Richard Ash and Josh Furman
Michigan Monday: 100 Offers Hit the Street for 2012
Recruiting still remains a hot topic at Schembechler Hall these days as it's being reported that Michigan has 100 2012 offers on the street. These offer are all verbal at this point and fit well into Michigan's "green" initiative since written offers can't go out until 9/1/11.
I ripped this from UMhero on Mgoblog:
The 100 includes:
7 QBs
9 RBs
13 WRs
7 TEs
21 OL
12 DEs
12 DTs
9 LBs
5 CBs
5 Ss
Among the 100, 66 are on the Rivals 250 Watch list and 37 are either 4 or 5 Star player on Scout. 57 on Offense and 43 on Defense. Do you think the coaches are a little worried about the offensive line with 21 offers out right now?
Here is a list of all 100 offers.
I ripped this from UMhero on Mgoblog:
The 100 includes:
7 QBs
9 RBs
13 WRs
7 TEs
21 OL
12 DEs
12 DTs
9 LBs
5 CBs
5 Ss
Among the 100, 66 are on the Rivals 250 Watch list and 37 are either 4 or 5 Star player on Scout. 57 on Offense and 43 on Defense. Do you think the coaches are a little worried about the offensive line with 21 offers out right now?
Here is a list of all 100 offers.
- Schilling does well at the Combine.
- Cass Tech CB Terry Richardson got an OSU offer on Sunday. Michigan has some work to do in this recruitment.
- Thought for the day: MSU will have played two games since Michigan beat Minnesota before their in-state match up next Saturday. Will the Spartans be a bit fatigued after their 20 point loss on Sunday and their game on Wednesday against Iowa?
Michigan Tuesday: Did I Mention New 2012 Offers?
- Donovan Roberts (6'0 195 lbs.) a RB from Oklahoma got a Michigan offer last night.
- Both Michigan and Ohio State offered Jaquay Williams on Monday. JW is a 6'4 185 pound WR.
- California DT Aziz Shittu (6'2", 280 lbs): I'm pumped. I just talked to Coach Mattison and he said I'm what they need at Michigan. He likes the way I play, and they offered. [Mattison] has coached at the highest level, so he knows what he's talking about.
- Missouri DT Ondre Pipkins (6'3 320 lbs.): This is a big offer, most definitely. They were telling me that they want me up there bad. I'll try to get up there in the summer if not mid March. It's great to have the offer, with the new defensive coordinator it means they'll have a tough hard nose defense. Michigan is definitely in my top five.
- Michigan also offered Maryland Athlete Ronald Darby (5'11 172 lbs). Ron's offer list is a who's who of college football. He isn't ranked yet but his offer list looks 5 star worthy.
- Dallas OLB Peter Jinkens (6'1 208 lbs.) has a Michigan offer. He plays at Sam McGuffie's high school.
- MA OLB Carmen Williams (6'2 200 lbs) also was offered this weekend.
- TomVH from Mgoblog has a interview with OL prospect Dan Voltz (6'5 289 lbs.) up.
Kentucky's Zeke Pike will be one of the nation's top recruited QB's. Zeke has a Michigan offer and one of his friends, Chris Barnett will be a freshman at Michigan next year. Chris was Michigan's last commitment for the 2011 class. Having Chris on the team gives Michigan a good shot at landing Zeke. Hopefully, with Zeke in driving distance from Ann Arbor he will make a visit to the Big House this spring or summer.
Tate To Miami
I had a long post written on why Tate was no longer at Michigan.
I decided this is a young man who just got a second chance and there was no reason to write an entire post on why he isn't on Michigan's roster.
Tate, don't let this second chance pass you bye. Go to class and work hard on and off the field. If you do that you will be fine.
I would have suggested a different school other then Miami but hey, it's your choice. Good luck!
Side Note: Tate will get a chance to play with Seantrel Henderson and Dallas Crawford.
I decided this is a young man who just got a second chance and there was no reason to write an entire post on why he isn't on Michigan's roster.
Tate, don't let this second chance pass you bye. Go to class and work hard on and off the field. If you do that you will be fine.
I would have suggested a different school other then Miami but hey, it's your choice. Good luck!
Side Note: Tate will get a chance to play with Seantrel Henderson and Dallas Crawford.
It wasn't about everyone pulling in the same direction
I have now heard and read a couple of interviews by Rich Rodriguez since he was fired at Michigan. He pretty much has repeated the same themes in both interviews. Including an interview from today's ESPN Radio's show The Herd:
#1: He was disappointed that he didn't have more time
#2: The worst was past us and nothing but up side from here
#3: Everyone wasn't pulling in the same direction.
These are exactly why he didn't work out at Michigan. He didn't get it and I pretty much agree with his 3 points. Let me first break down why his 3 points are only sort of right:
#1 More Time: Ok, 3 years might not have been enough but it's what he did in those 3 years. Year 1 was a complete throw away now looking back. If you remember, Michigan had a good defense that year and an offense that was lead by two QB's who were off the team the next year. A complete waste of a year. His "all in approach" on the recruitment of Pryor was a huge mistake. His only back up plan was a Slot WR who preferred selling drugs then playing QB. You can't tell me there wasn't another QB that year that RR and staff could have found in the 6 weeks they had. Hoke and Company found one in two weeks.
Year 2 should have been Year 1 and son on. That wasted year hurt his chances in David Brandon's office in early January.
#2 The Worst Was Behind Us? I get his point. 21 starters coming back. Guys back from injury on defense and the MVP of the league in his 3rd year. This was his only real point in trying to save his job. Having a Heisman Trophy candidate in Denard and those guys back from injury could equal a good 2011 campaign. The problem I have with this statement is two things. Defensive Coordinators and The Gator Bowl. RR if retained would of had his 3rd DC in 4 years. His clear lack of attention and bad DC hires killed any chance RR had at saving his job. Defense is important and his bad hires, killed any chances of him saving his job.
The second part is the Gator Bowl. Michigan last year got worse as the year went on, not better. In fact, you could probably make that case for all the Michigan teams under RR. Having a month to prepare to work on defense fundamentals and everything else and then to get blown out by a fairly one dimensional mid tier SEC schools is un-acceptable. To quote a reporter who I was sitting next to in the press box. "all this game did, was make David's Brandon's decision and easy one". I agreed with him and David's decision now.
#3: Everyone pulling in the same direction: Sure RR had people against him from the beginning. I never understood what the Freep had against him but his ride to the Michigan job was messy and full of accidents at every turn. These events are off the top of my head, I'm sure there are plenty of others that I left out:
So RR take a gig at ESPN or CBS College Sports and save us the Michigan talk. It's been a month, we have moved on and so should you. Good luck at your next stop.
#1: He was disappointed that he didn't have more time
#2: The worst was past us and nothing but up side from here
#3: Everyone wasn't pulling in the same direction.
These are exactly why he didn't work out at Michigan. He didn't get it and I pretty much agree with his 3 points. Let me first break down why his 3 points are only sort of right:
#1 More Time: Ok, 3 years might not have been enough but it's what he did in those 3 years. Year 1 was a complete throw away now looking back. If you remember, Michigan had a good defense that year and an offense that was lead by two QB's who were off the team the next year. A complete waste of a year. His "all in approach" on the recruitment of Pryor was a huge mistake. His only back up plan was a Slot WR who preferred selling drugs then playing QB. You can't tell me there wasn't another QB that year that RR and staff could have found in the 6 weeks they had. Hoke and Company found one in two weeks.
Year 2 should have been Year 1 and son on. That wasted year hurt his chances in David Brandon's office in early January.
#2 The Worst Was Behind Us? I get his point. 21 starters coming back. Guys back from injury on defense and the MVP of the league in his 3rd year. This was his only real point in trying to save his job. Having a Heisman Trophy candidate in Denard and those guys back from injury could equal a good 2011 campaign. The problem I have with this statement is two things. Defensive Coordinators and The Gator Bowl. RR if retained would of had his 3rd DC in 4 years. His clear lack of attention and bad DC hires killed any chance RR had at saving his job. Defense is important and his bad hires, killed any chances of him saving his job.
The second part is the Gator Bowl. Michigan last year got worse as the year went on, not better. In fact, you could probably make that case for all the Michigan teams under RR. Having a month to prepare to work on defense fundamentals and everything else and then to get blown out by a fairly one dimensional mid tier SEC schools is un-acceptable. To quote a reporter who I was sitting next to in the press box. "all this game did, was make David's Brandon's decision and easy one". I agreed with him and David's decision now.
#3: Everyone pulling in the same direction: Sure RR had people against him from the beginning. I never understood what the Freep had against him but his ride to the Michigan job was messy and full of accidents at every turn. These events are off the top of my head, I'm sure there are plenty of others that I left out:
- WVU fans up in arms after he left for the Michigan job
- Allegations of shredding documents and lost player records
- The loss of QB Ryan Mallett
- Contesting his buyout from WVU
- Losing Pryor to Ohio State
- 3-9 Year 1
- Freep Allegations
- NCAA Investigation and Penalty
- Getting sued for a bad condo deal
- 5-7 Year 2
- 7-6 Year 3
- Josh Groban Fan Club Meeting
- Blow Out loss in the Bowl Game
- 0-3 vs. OSU and MSU
- Getting sued on the purchase of his home in West Virgina the day he was fired from Michigan.
So RR take a gig at ESPN or CBS College Sports and save us the Michigan talk. It's been a month, we have moved on and so should you. Good luck at your next stop.
Is It Too Early To Start Looking at Michigan's 2012 Prospects?
Nope. Recruiting like coaches, never sleeps. So now is the time to start building your relationships with the prospects for NSD 2012. There is a new NCAA rules that takes effect for this class that prospects are not able to receive a written offer from schools before 8/1/2011. The hope is this would slow down the recruiting process but schools are now just doing verbal offers until August 1. Since Michigan is saving on postage and have a new coaching staff, it will be interesting to see which prospects they recruit in 2012 with a full year to build a class.
The word is that Ohio will be loaded with great players (specifically at DT) and the Buckeyes will have a limited class size.
With that said, I would like to look at the State of Michigan 2012 prospects that Michigan is on early and hopes to be part of its 2012 class:
Cass Tech Attack: Michigan has done well at Cass Tech over the years because it's head coach is former Wolverine Thomas Wilcher. 2012 will be no exception to the rule that the Cass Tech program has some of the best prospects in the State. Names to keep an eye on with Michigan offers are:
More instate names should come out as Spring Ball gets started and kids visit for practice and the spring game. Right now, Terry Richardson, Thomas Ross, Royce Jenkins-Stone and Danny O'Brien are expected to be in or near the top 100 players in the US.
The word is that Ohio will be loaded with great players (specifically at DT) and the Buckeyes will have a limited class size.
With that said, I would like to look at the State of Michigan 2012 prospects that Michigan is on early and hopes to be part of its 2012 class:
Cass Tech Attack: Michigan has done well at Cass Tech over the years because it's head coach is former Wolverine Thomas Wilcher. 2012 will be no exception to the rule that the Cass Tech program has some of the best prospects in the State. Names to keep an eye on with Michigan offers are:
- Royce Jenkins-Stone, OLB
- Terry Richardson, CB
- Danny O'Brien, from Flint. Is a top prospect at DT. Michigan is in on him early but so are schools like Tennessee and MSU.
- Matt Godin, from Novi. Happens to be good friends with Danny above. I have seen Matt listed as a DE, DT, and OL. Danny and Matt both visited Michigan games together last season and both hold offers.
- Best instate prospect will be James Ross, ILB from Orchard Lake. James has already been verbally offered from Michigan and is a 6'0 200 pound prospect.
- It's hard sometimes to predict offensive lineman this early for the 2012 class but one prospect is starting to stand out is Battle Creek Guard Kelby Latta who is 6'3 and 295 pounds as a high school junior. Michigan, MSU, Wisconsin, and Purdue are already on Mr. Latta.
More instate names should come out as Spring Ball gets started and kids visit for practice and the spring game. Right now, Terry Richardson, Thomas Ross, Royce Jenkins-Stone and Danny O'Brien are expected to be in or near the top 100 players in the US.
Michigan Thursday: Finds the New Michigan Assistant Coaches?
Brady Hoke said during his press conference that the rest of this staff will be completed by Monday.
The rumor mill has been running with a couple of names, so I will let you know what I'm hearing.
Potential New DB Coach is Curt Mallory. Michigan fans are familiar with the Mallory name. Dad Bill was the head coach at Colorado, Northern Illinois, and Indiana. Son Mike Mallory was a Michigan LB from 82-85 and currently coaching on the Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints. Curt Mallory is currently the DC for Akron and has a lot of experience coaching DB's at stops at Ball State, CMU, Indiana, and Illinois. As you can see it seems Curt worked with Brady at Ball State.
Potential new DL Coach is Jerry Montgomery who seems to be a hot young coach and was just hired at Indiana a few weeks ago. Before joining the staff at IU, Jerry spent two years as the DL coach at Wyoming and a couple years at Northern Iowa in the same role. Jerry is a former defensive lineman at Iowa and had a cup of coffee in the NFL. He also played a couple of seasons in the arena league, so he knows how the play the ball off the net! Jerry is just 30 years old and should be a great asset in communicating with players and on the recruiting trail.
On the ironic side, Jerry would have been working for Doug Mallory the new DC at Indiana.
The rumor mill has been running with a couple of names, so I will let you know what I'm hearing.
Potential New DB Coach is Curt Mallory. Michigan fans are familiar with the Mallory name. Dad Bill was the head coach at Colorado, Northern Illinois, and Indiana. Son Mike Mallory was a Michigan LB from 82-85 and currently coaching on the Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints. Curt Mallory is currently the DC for Akron and has a lot of experience coaching DB's at stops at Ball State, CMU, Indiana, and Illinois. As you can see it seems Curt worked with Brady at Ball State.
Potential new DL Coach is Jerry Montgomery who seems to be a hot young coach and was just hired at Indiana a few weeks ago. Before joining the staff at IU, Jerry spent two years as the DL coach at Wyoming and a couple years at Northern Iowa in the same role. Jerry is a former defensive lineman at Iowa and had a cup of coffee in the NFL. He also played a couple of seasons in the arena league, so he knows how the play the ball off the net! Jerry is just 30 years old and should be a great asset in communicating with players and on the recruiting trail.
On the ironic side, Jerry would have been working for Doug Mallory the new DC at Indiana.
New LOI and Announcement News
New LOI's Received: (all 19 received)
There is some discussion about Hayes and Wile LOI's. ESPN is reporting Michigan got all 19 which would include them but there is some question if Justice and Matt's has made it to Ann Arbor yet.
- Antonio Poole's
- Keith Heitzman
- Desmond Morgan
- Justice Hayes
- Matt Wile
- TE, Chris Barnett is planning to announce in about an hour between Michigan and Arkansas. That is a change from wanting to wait until Saturday.
LOI's Still Out at 11:00 AM
Nothing to worry about, these guys just need to find a fax machine.
- Antonio Poole
- Matt Wile
- Justice Hayes
- Desmond Morgan
- Keith Heitzman
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