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 Thursday: Michigan News and More Tressel Thoughts

Let's Catch Up on Some Michigan News:

• 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.   

I know Ohio State wants to keep Jim in place and just take a penalty and move on.  If this gets ugly and the program is hit with serious penalties and Jim is found guilty of covering up at ton of booster activity, he won't survive.  No coach ever does.    It makes you wonder about all the top recruiting classes that OSU pulls in every year. Are guys promised special benefits?  Is OSU the USC of the Midwest?

Michigan Thursday:Agrees with Alvarez's Sarcasm

Barry Alvarez was asked what he thinks the Big Ten should name the two football conferences: "Let's say you call (the divisions) Bo and Woody," he said, referring to football coaching greats Schembechler at Michigan and Hayes at Ohio State, respectively. "If I'm Ohio State, I'm saying, ‘This league's about us.' If I'm Michigan, this league's about us. I don't want to identify (them) with another school. They can call (the divisions) A and B as far as I'm concerned." I agree Barry, Bo and Woody makes the most sense. Good idea.  He wouldn't have gone for two against Minnesota either.

• Dhani Jones has designed a new bow tie to support Mott Children's Hospital.  The Bow Ties will be sold at Moe Sports Shops and Underground Printing for $55 per bow tie (his number at U of M).  He will also be at Underground Printing this weekend for those of you in A2. 

Want to hear from RR on Big Will and a change at LB?  Here are some quotes from the Detroit News:

Rodriguez said he expects to see Kenny Demens, J.B. Fitzgerald and Mark Moundros in the mix a bit more against the Hawkeyes. "Particularly if they have a good week in practice," Rodriguez said. "Kenny Demens in particular has had some real good practices and has shown some pretty good things when he's had an opportunity out there. So it looks like they've warranted the opportunity to see what they can do in the game."

Big Will:  "I think he's a better player than he was a year ago," Rodriguez said. "He'll continue to get better because I think the game is important to him.
"He still has to work on some things to be an every-down player for us and be able to help us in our base situations, and he knows that and he knows the things he has to work through. He's still a young player. He's got a good attitude and he's working to get better. There's another level he can get to, and we're hoping he can get there quickly."

• Brian at Mgoblog, tracks all the plays on offense and defense of the State game.   The defensive players that had the worst day were:  Ezeh, Banks at DE (also Black but he is a true freshman looking to hit the QB), true freshman CB's, and Cam Gordon (mostly for poor tackling).  Wrap up Cam!  Wrap up!

TV Tonight:  2 Thursday games: Kansas vs Kansas State and South Florida vs West Virgina. 

Michigan Tuesday: Wolverines MIA

It's been a few days since the Michigan State game and Michigan is in full preparation mode for Iowa on Saturday.   There has been plenty of talk of new players at linebacker, running back, cornerback, and the defensive line.   We need to remember the Wolverines are 5-1 not 1-5 so wholesale changes are not needed, but I think we all agree that some changes do need to be made.  

RR even said on Monday that Avery, Christian, and Talbott would all be redshirting if they had depth in the defensive backfield.   They all are playing and redshriting is now out of the question.  We don't need to re-cap all the DB's that are no longer on the team or down with injury.

I always get texts or emails that says, "what ever happened to this guy?" or "why isn't Big Will playing more?".   So I will tell you what I know or have heard, I'm not at practice, so some of this is speculation but here it goes:


"Big" Will Campbell, DT:  No surprise this guy makes the list.  Here is a 5 star guy that hasn't been able to pop into the starting lineup and has been #3 on the depth chart.  He is still early in his sophomore year but has lost his redshirt ability.   The knocks on Big Will has been his conditioning and his technique.  In High School he just man handled kids at Michigan you have to learn the correct technique for the position.  That is why some recruiting services had projected him on the O Line instead of the D Line in college.

Look for Big Will to get a lot more time this week if Mike Martin can't go.  I would like Big Will to be in regular rotation just so he can be a big run stopper.  Mostly if and when Michigan goes to a 4 man defensive fronts.

Je'Ron Stokes, WR: A 4 star Army All American guy coming out of high school.  Same as Big Will, he is a true sophomore without a redshirt year.   Je'Ron actually got a lot of playing time when Junior was out with an injury, he just didn't get a lot of looks.   With Junior healthy he might only get spot duty but I still think this guy has talent and may have a big game still in him this year.  He reminds me of Darryl Stonum.

Michael Cox, RB:  I have no idea what is going on here.  This is a big, athletic running back.  The "word" from practice is that he might be the best athlete on the team.  Maybe it's a passion or running style issue, but I'm guessing this could be one of those guys that practices poorly and plays well on game day.  If that is the case, I don't think he will get much playing time with Stephen Hopkins a true freshman beating him out already. 

Kenny Demens, LB:  I have given up on Obi Ezeh.  I'm sorry I just have.  I know he is a 5th year guy but watching State's first long run when Obi was chasing the offensive line and Baker ran right through Ezeh's gap/shadow for a 61 yard touchdown, I was done for good.  He was a running back in high school and this 4 year linebacker experiment has failed.   Kenny or JB Fitzgerald might not have his experience but they can't be any worse.  I would rather have a young guy in there making mistakes then a 5th year guy making the same ones.

Isaiah Bell, LB:  Remember this guy?  A safety from Ohio that ESPN loved?  Well he is now at linebacker at 6'1 245 and has out grown the safety position.  He is a guy that was able to redshirt last year and probably falls into the "not quite ready" camp.   It would be nice to see him at LB or Safety but lets hope his future is bright at linebacker.  (he is not listed on the 3 deep)

Marvin Robinson, SS: a true freshman who seems to be playing special teams.  He has also been beat up this year.    I know Kovacs is probably one of our best players on defense.  He is a smart kid plays and makes up for his lack of foot speed with heady play.   I just would like to see Marvin get some spot time, maybe on pass plays.  If he is that good of an athlete we need to find away to get him on the field.

Who will replace Odoms, who is out with a broken foot at SR?  I'm betting on Jeremy Gallon over Terrence Robinson.  I think TRob is still having some "catching" issues (the entire WR unit had them last weekend) but I think RR has more confidence in Jeremy. 

Michigan - BGSU Post Game

Well that was more like it.   We got want we wanted but it just came a week late.  Michigan got all 3 QB's in and all 3 looked pretty good.   Tate went 12-12 in throwing the ball and Denard was lighting it up on the ground before he went out with a knee injury.  65-21 is an obvious mismatch but it's good to be 4-0 heading into October and The Big Ten season.

Devin looked pretty sharp throwing the ball and even had a long bomb dropped by Junior Hemingway.   The defense played well for most of the game.   

So what did we learn from this game?  Not much in my opinion.  BGSU was not a very good team.  Their backup QB seemed to struggle most of the day.   Michigan got whatever they wanted on offense and didn't punt all day long.  They didn't even attempt a field goal.  

This game was good for confidence on both sides of the ball after a pretty humbling week against UMass last week.  All the running backs found holes and ran the ball well.  It was good to see Fitz Toussaint, Mike Cox and Stephen Hopkins get some touches at RB.   I would like to see Mike Cox be the goal line/short yardage running back. 

Let's quickly get to the Cheers and Jeers:

Cheers:

• The Michigan offense was un-stoppable
• Michigan finally got some pressure on the opposing QB and recorded 3 sacks
• Michigan got to go deep in the depth chart
• Confidence should be high going on the road to IU next week
• Defense seemed to be more aggressive this week

Jeers:

• Michigan seems a bit banged up with Denard going out with a knee and Shaw getting tripped in the 3rd quarter.  Shaw's injury could last into this week.  He was limping coming off the field after the game.  RR said Denard will be ready to play at IU next weekend.
• The Michigan defense did give up a big play on a 71 yard screen for a touchdown.
•  No punts or field goals mean our kickers didn't get any more confidence
• Devin's redshirt is for sure gone

Michigan played well and blew out a team they should of blown out.  It's difficult to see Denard go down in such a mismatch but it gave Tate a chance to show he isn't dead or transferring.  I still don't understand why they would blow Devin's redshirt unless they fully believe they will need him this year.   I guess he could always redshirt next year? 

So Michigan is again 4-0, just like last year.  The Big Ten season is now on tap with  a trip to IU next Saturday and then huge games against MSU and Iowa at home.  Michigan needs to prove they can win on the road and start off the season the right way.  IU likes to score points and they will test Michigan's defense.  Let's hope some of the guys banged up at linebacker will be back for next weeks game.

Let's also hope Denard's injury isn't serious and he will be 100% next week.

Go Blue!

Enjoy some photos from the game:

Barwis and Big Will

 Mike Martin

 Denard after the game

The last drive of the game

Michigan Monday: Recruits, Clothing, and Carr gets a new job.

• In a surprise move, Brennan Clay one of the top RB's in the 2010 class and former teammate of Tate Forcier verbally committed to Bob Stoops and Oklahoma over the weekend. The surprising thing was Brennan's quick trigger to commit after he had set up a number of official visits, including one to Michigan in September. (I assume to watch his friend play QB for Michigan.) The key will be if BC keeps those official visits or not, all college coaches follow one rule in recruiting: "if you take visits to other schools, your not committed". We will see how this plays out and let's hope Michigan still has a chance. I"m thinking Tate believes Michigan is still in the race.

• William Campbell last year committed to Michigan very early, decided to take some visits, and even said he had dropped Michigan from his list before he picked Michigan at the Army All American Game. It seems another "Big Will" from Michigan is planning something similar. William Gholston has long been rumored to be a Michigan State lean, but has been to the Big House a number of times and continues to say his recruitment is wide open. I submit you proof of William's attention via the Tux he wore to his high school prom. I have a feeling Will, knows where he is going to play his college football.

• With two posts of bad news, some good news: It seems that Michigan QB commit for 2010 Devin Gardner performed well in a Nike Camp in Illinois over the weekend. He also seems to have a nice connection with the #1WR recruit in the nation, Kyle Prater (both were also at the BBQ at the Big House). Michigan already has enough WR's committed in the 2010 class but would definitely make room for Kyle. Also, Michigan recruit Austin White won the RB award. per ESPN: Gardner started a bit slow, but by the end of the camp was throwing very well. He showed a strong arm throwing the out pattern. ----ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver Kyle Prater (Hillside, Ill./Proviso West) was impressive on Saturday. He stands every bit of his listed 6-foot-4 height, and runs with an effortless gate. Prater made a number of nice catches and had little trouble getting the best of the defensive backs during drills. It was anything but a surprise when Prater was named the MVP for wide receivers at the end of the camp.
  If a "look test" award were given out, it almost certainly would have gone to Gholston, another ESPNU 150 Watch List prospect. Gholston not only looked great physically, but he showed speed and agility for a big guy. On more than one occasion, Gholston blew by his opponent with an outside speed rush.

• DHR hires former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr to it's sports practice: DHR's sports practice conducts searches for both collegiate and professional sports, recruiting athletic directors, head coaches and other executives. Carr “is one of the most celebrated and successful coaches in the history of the NCAA,” said DHR CEO David Hoffmann. “His character, integrity and leadership qualities are, in our opinion, second to none in the sports world.”

• Update: Lo Wood Announcing June 26th. Early on Lo (a DB from Florida) was a strong Michigan lean but ND jumped into the picture and many believe that Lo will announce that he will become a "golden domer" on the 26th of this month. Hopefully, Lo will dream about a 40 yard dash between "good time Charlie" and "RR". The winner of the race is Lo's school of choice. :-)

Wild Wednesday Wolverine Update: Another Big Will?

As many of you know that follow Michigan Football religiously, The University of Michigan signed the top player from the state of Michigan in 2009 "Big Will" Campbell a 5 Star OT and DE. Now Michigan has it's sights set on another "Big Will" in 2010, but this time it's William Gholston. William is the #1 ranked player in Michigan on both Rivals and Scouts and comes in at a staggering 6"7 240 and plays Defensive End. MSU has always thought to have been William's leader (and most likely still is), but the Wolverines are giving him something to think about. Coach Robinson has this hybird DE/LB position in his defense that intrigues the athletic player from Southeastern High School. William has visited Ann Arbor a couple times now and Michigan is starting to make an impact on the young man: "It's evolved a lot from where it was at first,” Gholston said. “I was looking, but I wasn't feeling them as much as I am feeling them now.”

• Barry Larkin and Branch Ricky are heading into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.


• Michigan is starting to recruit 3 star DE Dominique Easley.


• TX LB Caleb Lavey had good things to say about his trips to Michigan and Notre Dame this past weekend.
• Charlie Weis doesn't drop a lot of hamburgers but he does like to name drop, the NFL coaches that he knows. Good thing he has all those contacts. He might need a favor from them next year if "Good Time" Charlie puts up another .500 year. "My intent is to coach the game from the field," he said. "That is my intent. Okay? As (Bill) Parcells said years ago, I reserve the right to change my mind, but that is my intent. I talked to people at the collegiate level and pro level, from Andy Reid right on down. By a very, very large majority, almost everyone I talked to were overwhelming thinking I was thinking way outside the box." Question to ponder: where else was he thinking about coaching? The Press Box or for the Oakland Raiders?

Here is a YouTube video of a recent Michigan Spring Practice:

Welcome to Spring Practice Boys!

Gentlemen, The 2008 season is over. It's 2009 and time for a fresh new start. Preparation for 7+ wins starts today!


Welcome Son. No Pressure. Do you know who Chad Henne is? He took the Wolverines to the Rose Bowl his freshmen year. We expect Rose Bowl every year here in Ann Arbor.

Hey Big Will, let's see that 5 star talent young man!

Coach them up Greg! This isn't Syracuse, NY. Don't let John Beilein's success fool you. This is a Football School!

Friday News and Notes

• More Walk On News: This from BHB reader Biggame7: Johnny Childers has accepted a preferred walk on invite to join Michigan's 2009 recruiting class. Johnny is 6"1 233 and played LB and FB in high school for Muskegon Mona Shores. Here is Johnny's ESPN write up: Childers is a tough, thickly-built, blue-collar fullback prospect who also is an effective inside run plugger when employed at linebacker. Looks a bit like a throwback player and his game lacks a lot of finesse. He has good height and a compact, well-built frame that could bulk up to the 240-pound range while retaining his adequate straight-line speed. More of a battering ram of runner who is effective on quick North-South hitters up the middle. Good initial quicks through the hole for his size and will surprise you now and then with his agility as a runner. Tends to run high though and flashes difficulty sliding through the small creases. YAC is inconsistent. Won't be much more than a short-yardage fullback at the next level but has soft hands out of the backfield and shows the physical tools needed to develop into an effective blocker. Can stalemate defenders but will need to work on leverage and controlling/finishing blocks at the point of attack. Not as powerful or superior at the high school level as you would think as a blocker. Defensively, he is a bit stiff, range is limited to between the tackles but he can blow up the Iso and is difficult to turn at the point of attack. Overall Childers looks good on the hoof and has the physical tools for a mid-major program to mold as a situational fullback
  
  
  
  
  

• Central Michigan is now joining the Adidas family. Central is leaving behind "New Balance" and joining The University of Michigan in the Adidas family. This will be the first time Central has had an apparel and athletic shoe contract. Central's athletic department is struggling so this new contract should off set some costs for the Chips. Terms of the deal were not released.

• Athlon Ranking: Defensive Tackles: Remember earlier this week when Athlon ranked all the DE's in the 2009 recruiting class. Well, it's the DT's turn and "Big Will" Campbell ranked #4 nationally.

• The Miami Dolphins hints it would have started Chad Henne, if Chad Pennington wasn't released by the Jets: Coach Sparano, "Henne ran our football team pretty well in [the] preseason. That was a good problem to have." "Knowing Chad [Henne], if he was in the [starter] situation I would have been comfortable with him there. Look at the two young quarterbacks that had to play this year. They did a nice job," Sparano said.

• Update on the young man with the unfortunate last name, Larry Raper. Larry was thought to be "possibly" getting a Michigan offer this week. Larry was a Clemson 2009 commit before the coaching change, when he de-committed. Then it's believed Larry didn't have a qualifying test score that kept this 3 star speedster off many of the top programs recruiting boards close to signing day. It is believed that Larry has qualified and Michigan still has a couple of scholarships available and are looking at this 5"10 165 lbs. with 4.4 speed in the 40, athlete to play cornerback. Larry was mainly a running back and WR in high school. Michigan has asked Larry to visit Ann Arbor before they offer and his visit is expected to happen in the next few weeks. If Larry impresses the coaches, I would expect him to get offered. Michigan needs depth at CB and having a guy with 4.4 speed doesn't hurt.

• Check out his break away speed below!! The kid can catch the ball as well. After watching this video, I think Michigan should offer (if he can qualify acdemically of course).

A Wolverine Weekend

There hasn't been a ton of things to smile about around these parts the past 10 months or so. When the Wolverines have a good weekend it's something we should sit back and enjoy.

If you missed it, here are the "good" things that happened over of the weekend:

• The Michigan Basketball team had a nice and needed win on Sunday over Illinois 74-64. Michigan needed this win after dropping their Big Ten season opener against Wisconsin.
  
  
  
  
  
• 5 Star DT (or OT) Big William Campbell became a Wolverine for the second time.
• Justin Turner played well in the Army All American Bowl and even had a nice "Woodson like" interception in the 4th Quarter. "Actually, Charles Woodson is my favorite player," Turner remarked. "It was a great play I made. I played the receiver perfect and just made a great play on the ball."
• Kicker Brendan Gibbons, hit a 35 yard field goal, averaged 61 yards on every kickoff, hit 3 out of 4 extra points (1 was blocked) and did miss a 46 yard field goal. "It was my first time ever kicking off the ground when I kicked it from 35, so I thought I did really well," Gibbons said after the game.
• Wide Receiver Jeremy Gallon was limited in game action due to a minor groin injury. He did have a nice 34 yard reception.
• Craig Roh spent most of the time in the backfield sacking and hurrying the Quarterbacks in the Under Armour Game.
• I like the size and coverage skills of Isaiah Bell while he was playing safety in the UA Game. I really think he should be rated higher then 3 stars.
• Tate "the Future" Forcier is in Ann Arbor studying the play book, meeting Barwis (yikes!), and getting ready for school to start. Tate sounds like a Michigan man, check out an interview with him from TomVH at Mgoblog. He is confident and willing to work at becoming the starter for next fall.
• The Un-official list of early enrollees include: Tate Forcier, Anthony LaLota, Mike Jones, Vladimir Emilien, William Campbell, and Brandin Hawthorne.

Video: Big Will's Commitment Dance

So how many of you, thought "Oh Shi..." when he reached for that LSU hat? :-)

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Big Will goes Big Blue (again!)

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Michigan's first commitment to the 2009 becomes it's 21st. Big William Campbell out of Detroit, committed over a year ago to Lloyd Carr and his staff. Well he kept that commitment until mid season when he decided he wanted to take a few visits. Big Will visited Miami, LSU, and Florida before deciding he was a Wolverine today. Big Will is a 5 star prospect at 6"5 - 330 pounds.

As always, here is the inside scoop from Varsity Blue:

Player Notes:

Campbell is a physically dominating player who will need to work on his technique to become equally effective on the college level. He has extraordinary size, great brute strength, and surprising quickness. He is a two-way player in high school (even in all-star games), and has both the explosive first step to play tackle in college, and the intelligence and lateral quickness to move primarily to the offensive line. Whichever position he ends up playing, he will have to improve his technique. Campbell is currently in the midst of the Army All-American Bowl, where he has been one of the (few) consistent players.

Recruiting Notes:

Campbell originally committed to Lloyd Carr’s Wolverines way back in the summer of 2007, before his junior season. When the coaching staff changed, Campbell reaffirmed his commitment to Rich Rodriguez. Despite that, he maintained all along that he would like to take official visits to other schools, if only to get out and see the world a bit. When other coaches (such as Pete Carroll and Les Miles) told Campbell that he could not visit their campuses if he was firmly committed to Michigan, Big Will rescinded his verbal commitment, and went on trips to Alabama, LSU, and Miami. On his official visit to Ann Arbor, Will rushed the court with Michigan students following basketball’s upset win over the Duke Blue Devils. However, coming into Army All-American week, Campbell told the media that he was eliminating Michigan from consideration. In the end, that was all a smoke screen as Campbell donned the Maize-and-Blue cap in the third quarter of the All-American Bowl.

Etc.

Campbell plans to enroll early, and has already done so, as was implied by a unique name being created in the Umich directory in his name a week ago.Campbell is also a teammate of 2010 CB/slot prospect Dior Mathis (along with the other two Cass Tech commits in the class of 2009). Landing Big Will can only help with Dior.

Army All American Bowl or Big Will Commitment Day

• So the game is at Noon at Big Will announce the school of his choice sometime after 12:00. It seems the two horses in the race are Michigan and LSU, I guess only Big Will knows. 73 % of Big House Blog readers feel "Big Will" will pick Michigan.
• The list of official visitors on January 9th have grown with some notable names: Je'Ron Stokes, Jeremy Gallon, Sam Montgomery, Denard Robinson, Travante Stallworth, Bennie Logan, Marcus Hall, Barkevious Mingo, and Michael Schofield. The ones in Blue are already committed to the Wolverines, the names in Green would be great to have in the Maize and Blue.
• For the record: Michigan 23 Utah 25, Sugar Bowl: Utah 31 Alabama 17

As Big Will Turns

So we reported last week before Christmas that a William Michael Campbell enrolled at Michigan or created a unique user name which some students say equal an enrollment.

Is this the same 5 star DT from Detroit William Michael Campbell or some random "new" student with the same name? Who knows?

Then "Big" Will gets to his hotel for the Army All American Game today and speaks to Rivals and surprises everyone by saying that he is no longer considering Michigan.

Per Rivals: Also making news was William Campbell saying Michigan "probably" won't be one of the final three teams he'll chose from on Saturday. The Detroit Cass Tech five-star defensive tackle said he will pick Miami, Florida or LSU and that a Wolverines cap will probably not even be on the table when he announces.

Still don't believe it? Listen to Big Will getting interviewed.



So now what? Well, some have speculated this was a joke and he wants to surprise everyone during the game. Reports from people "in the know" are that, they are shocked at what he had to say.

Pure speculation by BHB, but maybe just maybe he was a little pissed off that the news he was enrolled leaked out and wanted to throw everyone a curve ball. If that isn't the case, then the Wolverines just lost their top prospect from their backyard.

I guess we will know on Saturday during the game. Maybe NBC wanted a few more viewers from Michigan!

Did Michigan Fans Get an Early Christmas Present?

The Michigan Daily is reporting that someone by the name William Michael Campbell created a unique user name in Michigan's registration system which will allow him to enroll for the semester starting in January. Of course, we can't officially confirm it's "Big Will" the 5 star DT from Detroit, but there is pretty good odds it is. On a separate note, Robert Forcier (Tate), Vincent Smith, Brandin Hawthorne, Vlad Emilien all have unique names and email's addresses now in the system.

So let's keep this information between us and let "Big Will" make his announcement on January 3rd at the Army All American Game.

Other news and notes:

• It's official, Michigan Basketball center freshman Ben Cronin will have surgery on his injured left hip and miss the remainder of the season. He is expected to receive a medical redshirt.


• The rumor mill is saying that Coach Rod continues to look outside the program for his new defensive coordinator. If we don't get news on a new DC in the next week, look for Jay Hopson to get the gig.


• A potential replacement for Beaver is: Denard Robinson a 6"1 185 lbs 4 star athlete from Florida. Denard is planning to visit Michigan on January 9th. "I like Michigan because the old coaches from West Virginia are there," Robinson said. "Coach Rich Rodriguez is trying to install his system there and I think I'd be a good fit. They need a good dual-threat quarterback like me. I won't be making a final decision until after my visits." Denard has visited Florida, Georgia, and also plans on visiting Kansas State and Central Florida.


• Pernell McPhee hasn't made his final decision yet but expect him to stay in the SEC and not head north to Michigan. Florida is making a late push for his services.


• Defensive lineman DeQuinta Jones has verbally committed to the Wolverines but hasn't made an official visit to Ann Arbor yet. He is planning on doing that in the next month but will also take some other official visits. I would consider DeQuinta to be a "soft" commit at this point.

Michigan Defensive Tackles: Gain One - Lose One

Michigan received it's 19th verbal commitment to the class of 2009 from Defensive Tackle Pearlie Graves (6-3, 260) from Tulsa East Central High School in Oklahoma. Which is good news because Michigan lost another player off the current roster Jason Kates. Jason is 6"2 and 336 pounds and has struggled with his weight. He didn't even sniff playing time this year, so with a good Freshman class coming in next year, Jason decided to pack it up and leave the team. Kates was a Sophomore and was rated 4 stars from Rivals and 2 from Scout. Let's hope "Big Will" Campbell is part of that great Defensive Line class of 2009.

Now on to the particulars for Pearlie via Varsity Blue as always:

Player Notes:

Graves plays primarily defensive end in high school, and that is where the recruiting sites list him. However, he has a big frame, and with a college-level strength and conditioning program, he will likely move to defensive tackle. He will likely end up as a penetrator who is more of a speedy defensive tackle than Big Ten fans are accustomed to.

Recruiting Notes:

Graves was offered by Michigan in the summer, and the Wolverines immediately became one of his favorite schools. He took his visit to Ann Arbor this fall, and went home raving about his time there, particularly the academic support. Graves's stock has been rising lately, with several programs offering him scholarships recently. He picked Michigan over Oklahoma State and others.

Graves is rated a 4 star prospect from Rivals.

Michigan's 2009 "great names" recruiting class includes:

• Shavodrick Beaver


• Fitzgerald Toussaint


• DeQuinta Jones


• Pearlie Graves

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.