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The Highs and Lows of Michigan Wolverines Football Recruiting
Published: January 7, 2010
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Don’t you just love this time of year? No, not for the national championship game tonight or the NFL playoffs. It’s the final month of recruiting for the 2010 class.
All the ranked un-committed high school football players are getting more attention than Paris Hilton at a Star Trek convention. Coaches are calling them and trying to get them to take official visits where they can serve them the local “kool-aide” and trying to get them to sign on February 3.
They put in their heads the dream of the NFL, playing as a freshman, and being a champion and holding that crystal trophy someday. It’s like Christmas in January for these kids. It’s also like a rollercoaster if you follow it closely.
Dateline Yesterday:
- Michigan is expecting nine players to enroll early.
- Six actually make it in, with two having to wait until this summer.
- One is a holdover for the 2009 class that was working hard this offseason to get his grades up, but for some reason (most likely) isn’t going to qualify.
- One player that wasn’t going to enroll early, also has grade issues and won’t be in Ann Arbor even this Fall.
- An instate prospect on the defensive line picks Ohio State over Michigan and Florida.
Today:
A Michigan prep CB, Dior Mathis, who is at the Army All American game and has a final three of MSU, Oregon, and Michigan, is expected to announce for the Ducks or the Spartans on Saturday. But this ESPN reporter believes he will announce for Michigan.
Michigan prep safety prospect Earnest Thomas de-committed from UCLA today to stay closer to home. Does this have anything to do with Michigan? Don’t know yet. He is rated a three-star prospect from Rivals and the No. 47th ranked safety in the country.
Tony Grimes, a CB from Florida that is part of a package deal that RR is working on for signing day is playing in another All Star Game in late January.
The Numbers Game:
Here are the current players “in play” for the Wolverines:
- Teammates from Florida Tony Grimes, CB and Clarence Murphy, DE
- Teammates from Miami Torrian Wilson, OL and Todd Chandler, DT
- California Safety Sean Parker (playing in the Army All American game this weekend)
- Florida Safety Rashad Knight
- Michael Taylor, LB and current Tennessee verbal
- Jibrell Black, DE and current Cincinnati verbal
Michigan will want to fill as many spots as possible with this class and getting the above list on campus for one of the remaining weekends will help Rich Rod and staff close the 2010 class. Similar to last year, this is going to come right down to the finish line.
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Devin Gardner Impresses During UA Bowl Pracitce
Published: December 31, 2009
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From ESPN: Michigan pledge Devin Gardner (Inkster, Mich./Inkster) displayed good short-to-intermediate arm strength, and impressed with his ability to improvise out of the pocket and make plays with his feet.
Det News and Scout added : “(Devin Gardner) really impressed me a lot,” Vogt added. “He was bigger than I expected him to be. His arm was everything that people made it out to be. He was accurate. He immediately started taking first-team reps on (the Black team) ahead of (Alabama commit Phillip Sims) and (Washington commit) Nick Montana. He clearly, in my opinion, is the top quarterback on that team. He’s got as much potential as any quarterback I’ve seen in the state of Florida this year. He’d be the No. 1 quarterback in Florida straight out this year and that’s really saying something. I think he has a really bright future at Michigan. He is a top-10 quarterback in the country and a kid that looks like he can play early in his career at Michigan.”
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Donovan Warren is Going To The NFL
Published: December 20, 2009
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“He’s officially gone,” Warren’s father Alvin told GoBlueWolverine moments ago. “He told Coach Rod this morning.”
Warren had 63 tackles and four picks (with 1 TD) in 2009. He is also rated the No. 2 junior CB in the draft by Mel Kiper.
DW has also hired a famous agent: “I’m confident in my ability,” he said. “I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.” (on his NFL status) “It was pretty broad, but they said I could go in the first or second round,” said Warren, adding he has signed with agent Drew Rosenhaus.
This loss to the Michigan defense means that freshman Justin Turner is most likely a starter (competing with JT Floyd) at one corner with Troy Woolfolk at the other. True freshman Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, and Adrian Witty will also get a shot at playing time.
This news may also have an affect on the recruitment of California safety Sean Parker who has Michigan in his top three with CAL and USC. Having Sean on the team would allow Woolfolk to stay at corner (he moved from the safety position late in the year).
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Michigan Monday: Transfers, Recruiting and No Bowl Game
Published: December 7, 2009
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In a day where Michigan doesn’t hear it’s name mentioned for a Bowl Game, they get even more bad news regarding a transfer and yes, it’s on defense. Brandon Smith has received his transfer paperwork. A highly rated guy in the hybrid class of 2008 (between Carr and Rodriguez) will look to suit up for another team in 2010 or 2011.
This isn’t the greatest news for of the Wolverines defense in desperate need of depth at safety and linebacker. Smith was brought in to play safety but was too big and too slow. So he was quickly moved to linebacker.
He did see some time late in the year, but it was clear he wasn’t ready for that position. He played on special teams and made a number of good tackles on kick-off coverage He shared his No. 4 with Brandon Minor. So I’m sure there were a number of folks this year wondering what Minor was doing on kick-off coverage.
BHB Perspective
I’m a fan of Brandon Smith’s and hope he finds what he is looking for. The problem at Michigan was he just didn’t really fit either the safety or linebacker role. My hope was that he would have stuck it out and really learned how to be a good linebacker. I watch guys like David Harris on Sundays and had hopes that he would become a similar player. If he had stayed, studied, and put on some weight, he could have.
I think it’s hard for some kids to change positions and wait their turn. It’s clear there is a ton of “mental” work that goes into being a linebacker in any defense in the FBS. If you miss a gap or a coverage it’s a very quick “six.” We saw that in every game this year for the Wolverines. So Brandon wasn’t mentally ready for that position and probably wasn’t big enough either.
It’s just too bad when the program loses an athlete like Brandon Smith.
- Iowa gets a BCS Bid. That should help Michigan’s athletic budget some (revenue sharing!). Good luck against the triple option.
- Michigan State will face Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl. Remember the Alamo because it’s the last time a Big Ten team will play in it.
- Jimmy Clausen is heading to the NFL . Maybe the Browns will want another ND QB.
- 2010 Class recruits, Austin White (RB) and Christan Pace (OL) are both planning on enrolling early at Michigan. Austin might find himself in the middle of a battle for a starting role this spring after Vincent’s Smith’s ACL injury. Michigan has lost it’s top three running backs this winter, seniors Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown along with Smith’s ACL. Michigan still has Mike Shaw, Mike Cox, and redshirt freshman Fitzgerald Toussaint as well.
- California DB Sean Parker liked his Michigan visit : “ It was a good visit, I would call it my best visit so far,” Parker said. “All the visits are similar in a lot of ways with the campus tours and meeting the academic people. This was my visit where I didn’t see a football game since the season is over but we did see a basketball game for a half and that was cool.
“Overall, I loved the facilities and they have great academics at Michigan as well. It can get cold but it’s not a big deal for me, it’s nothing I can’t overcome. I like Coach (Rich) Rodriguez and I like the opportunity to play early as well so Michigan definitely has a lot of pluses for me.” Sean plans to take a few more visits and doesn’t have a time table on a decision.
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Michigan Football Friday: NFL is Calling?
Published: December 4, 2009
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Donovan Warren Michigan’s best CB is considering leaving early for the NFL draft. The true junior had four interceptions this year and opposing QB’s would routinely throw the ball away from the talent junior. He has filed paperwork with the NFL to see where he might be drafted. At the annual Michigan Football Bust last night he had this to say:
“I’m definitely, I’d have to say heavily, I like the chances of me coming out,” Warren said at Michigan’s annual football bust.
Warren said he planned to make a decision “within 2 weeks or so,” likely before the advisory committee reports back on his draft status.
Some scouts project Warren as a middle round draft selection and Mel Kiper has him rated as the No. 2 Junior Cornerback. He also has been playing with a banged up ankle that he feels he can get fixed in the off season.
BHB perspective: If Warren is a first or high second round draft pick, I would say he should go to the Draft. If he is third round or below he should stay at Michigan: Get 100 percent healthy, and work on his technique and speed. He has a former NFL DC in Greg Robinson that can help him prepare and an NFL worthy Stretch and Conditioning coach. Those two things will only help will be a better NFL caliber CB in another year. DW has also flipped on this decision twice already saying he would look into the NFL in November and then after the OSU game saying he was staying.
More good news out of the Wolverine Camp: Mgoblog is reporting that Michigan running back, Freshman Vincent Smith blew out his ACL during the Ohio State game and will miss spring practice. Vincent is expected to compete with Mike Shaw for the starting running back position next year. Michigan loses two seniors Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown at that position.
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Michigan Monday: Any Good News?
Published: November 23, 2009
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Some:
- Donavan Warren has said he is coming back for his senior year . He will ask the NFL for his status, but he announced he would be back.
- Rich Rodriguez is coming back and lame-duck AD Bill Martin made that clear after the game.
- Zoltan is a finalist for the Ray Guy Award
- Tom from Mgoblog interviewed four-star CB from Florida Tony Grimes and he rated his trip an 11 on a one-to-10 scale.
- Rivals is reporting that Adrian Witty has qualified and will enroll at Michigan in January. Adrian was a cornerback in the 2009 class and a former teammate of Denard’s in high school. There used to be a rule where he could count towards the 2009 or 2010 class, but I believe that was changed and he will now have to count towards the 2010 class, which would only leave four more spots if that rule is accurate.
- Cullen Christian, one of the top CB prospects in the nation, announces his decision tomorrow around 6:30 p.m. He was in A2 for his final visit this weekend.
- The Basketball Team is 2-0 and heading into the Old Spice Classic Tournament at Walt Disney World this holiday weekend.
- Urban Meyer continues to not go to Notre Dame . I guess they just can’t take a hint in South Bend. He is just not into you!
Not Good News:
- A U of M Football Player has been arrested for sexual assault on Saturday Night . The players name has not been released and charges have not been filed yet. What we do know is the player is 18 (a freshman) and knew the person who brought the charges against him. More to come on this story.
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Big Ten Picks and Predictions Week 6
Published: October 8, 2009
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Strange week in the Big Ten with a number of non-conference games in the middle of the Big Ten season.
The Big Story lines are: will Iowa take control of the Big Ten race? Will Ohio State continue to dominate the Big Ten? Is Michigan State taking a step forward or back after it’s season saving win last week?
Big Ten Game of the Week:
Will be profiled tomorrow so I have to pick another one.
Wisconsin at Ohio State: Wisconsin this year has just kept winning and off to a 5-0 record, which is nice for Badgers fans who saw them lose to Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State in consecutive weeks last year. For some reason the poll voters are not buying what Wisconsin is selling. They are ranked #25 in the USA Today and not ranked in the AP poll. Ohio State is the team we have come to know for the last 5 years, they lose against the best teams in the nation but beat up on every Big Ten team they put in front of them. Many thought they would struggle against IU last week, they didn’t. Some thought the Juice would give them another run for their money, he didn’t. Ohio State likes to run the ball and play good defense which most of the time is a winning combination. Wisconsin is getting 16 points on the road which seems like a lot to me. OSU 24 Wisconsin 14
The Rest of the Big Ten:
Miami of Ohio at Northwestern: I thought the Big Ten – MAC match-ups had ended a few weeks ago. I guess not as the Red Hawks try to take flight in Chicago. Northwestern won last week against Purdue where I thought they would struggle. The Red Hawks are less of a threat. Northwestern is favored by 19 at home. NW 31 Miami (OH) 13
Michigan State at Illinois: The Desperation Bowl. Whose season is going to end this week? Neither can afford a loss. State got a reprieve by the Governor last week which kept their season on life support at 2-3. Illinois wasn’t so lucky and fell to 1-3. Zook has benched the Juice and Eddie McGee will get the start. State is a 3.5 favorite on the road. This is what I expect to happen: State will let down after their near collapse and over-time victory over Michigan last week and Illinois is desperate for a win. Vegas should have an over under on the number of penalty yards in this one. Zook (trying to save his job) 24 Dantonio (I don’t get any respect) 21
Eastern Illinois at Penn State: How many of these games does Penn State play? Whatever happened to PITT or ND? There isn’t a line on this one. JoPa’s Remote 41 EIU 7
Indiana at Virgina: Are these the same two teams but in different conferences? Each week both teams look either pretty good or pretty bad. Virgina is a 3.5 point favorite at home and I agree with Vegas. Ralph Sampson 23.5 Isiah Thomas 20
Purdue at Minnesota: Purdue seems to be real close to winning every game that they lose, which is very common for a young team with a new head coach. Minnesota seems to be the same team that they are every year, a decent team that just isn’t ready to play with the Big Boys. Minnesota is favored again by 3.5 at home. This is the time of year when the new “open air” stadium starts to really feel the cold. Chilly Minny 31 Purdon’t 21
As always the Iowa – Michigan game will be previewed here on Friday.
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Michigan—Michigan State Preview: Better Get Your Armour
Published: October 2, 2009
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A State Divided?
One team was recruiting Michigan very well, while the other one was taking the top players from the state but recruiting the south heavy.
- A two QB system: One has worked the other hasn’t
- A defense that gives up a ton of yards with troubles in the secondary and not stopping the run
- They both have NFL prospects on defense: Brandon Graham for Michigan and Greg Jones for State (you could throw Warren is there as well)
- Both Teams have good WR’s and pass catching athletic tight ends
- Both teams have a number of good running backs
- Both have former Big East coaches
So how do you call this one?
Sparty hasn’t won back to back games in this series in 42 years. They have lost three in a row at Spartan Stadium to the Wolverines, but did win last year at the Big House.
The team that has the most yards running the ball usually wins this inter-state battle and Michigan has the number eighth ranked rushing attack in the nation.
This is the first road game for Tate and Denard and they have Iowa at Iowa next week.
One Team has it’s back against the wall, the other is thinking New Year’s Day Bowl.
You better go get your armour!
The keys for the game:
- The weather, Michigan doesn’t play well in the rain. Forecast calls for light rain.
- Who wins the turnover battle
- Whose defense shows up
- Special Teams
- Tate’s shoulder, will it hold up for an entire game?
Have the Advil ready if:
- Tate’s shoulder is worse then is being let on
- Michigan’s two QB system is Denard and Sheridan
- State plays like their season is on the line
- Michigan goes “circus like” with a wet football
- Michigan’s DB’s give up a ton of yards to MSU WR’s
- Michigan’s linebackers take another day off
- The Moose has trouble with the snaps again
Sing “Hail to the Victors” if :
- Tate is healthy and gets 85 percent of the snaps
- Michigan Defense creates turnovers
- Michigan scores a lot of points like over 40!
- Minor, Brown, and Shaw have a huge day on the ground.
- Michigan has over 250 yards rushing and 200 yards passing
- The young QB’s don’t say, “wait a minute this isn’t the Big House?” Where are we?
- Michigan special teams play very well
I look for a wet track, a lot of points, trick plays, and one team standing at the end. I expect Michigan to block a punt and for Denard to be something special outside the QB position.
Michigan State is favored by three at home and can’t drop four games in a row, can they? (When I started writing this post, I had MSU winning a close game like 42-38, now I have changed my mind.) Michigan is the better team and if they don’t play tentative, (and play some defense) can win this game.
Tate doesn’t get nervous so why should any of us? Michigan needs to go one and one on this road trip and this is the best place for a win.
Michigan 38 MSU 28
GO BLUE!
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Does A College Football Preseason Make Sense?
Published: August 20, 2009
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I have been in favor of one preseason game for college football for many years.
Every game is important, and back in the day, when Michigan opened its season against Notre Dame, yes, Notre Dame, it always seemed like the right thing to do.
Could you imagine a freshman QB starting their year against ND? I can’t.
That’s why I always thought that Michigan should invite one of the state schools (like Eastern, Western, or Central, who were not on the regular schedule) to Michigan Stadium to play a preseason game.
It could be a D1A team or even a D2 team. You could charge $5 or $10 a ticket and I bet the fans would flock to the stadium in mid to late August to get a peek at the new Wolverines.
What’s strange is, I have never heard a coach mention the preseason until this year, when Coach Rod said the following on Monday:
If there was one rule to change in Division I college football, they would allow you to have an exhibition or preseason game against somebody else. There doesn’t have to be any crowd or fans there, just so you have an idea of what it’s like to go against somebody else so you can judge yourself a little better.
We’re the only level (without it). The NFL has four preseason games, and they’re pros, even on smaller college, when I was in Division II, you could have a scrimmage game. In high school, obviously you have them. In Division I, you can’t have them and it’s kind of silly.
All these (regular-season) games are so important and I wish we could have a scrimmage so we could have a judge on where we’re at.
I really don’t see the down side to having one preseason game. It would help the hosting athletic department’s budget, it would help the smaller schools’ budget and it would allow the team to practice “against” live bullets.
How about a Michigan vs. Grand Valley State game? Do you think that would get some interest? Do you think it would be good for Tate and Denard to run the offense against another team?
I’m sure the defectors would list a few issues:
- Injuries (you can get injured in practice)
- It would be like playing a 13th game and they just added the 12th (so, it’s not like they are in school right now)
- I guess it could be costly if the team had to travel. (Play only local teams and I’m sure Michigan could pick up GVSU’s T&E)
- I can’t think of any other negatives to doing it. Can you?
For U of M, Eastern would be a great candidate on years they are not on the schedule. What about Central, whose head coach used to work for RR?
Everyone loves college football because each game is so important. If that is the case, why not prepare your team the correct way and get your freshman some live experience.
Can Any of Michigan Freshman Walk On’s Contribute Right Away?
Published: August 5, 2009
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There has been a lot of talk lately about the Michigan Wolverine walk on’s. Even the Freep did an article that basically said Michigan likes taking walk on’s.
I know it’s early August and we’re a month away from the first game, but the Rich Rod and his preference for walk on’s is really old news. We all know RR was a walk on himself and likes to build each one of his programs with walk on’s for depth and practice.
