Blake Countess to Transfer

Submitted by JTownMaize on

Blake Countess just announced on Instagram he will play his final year of eligibility at a different school for next season.

His Dudeness

May 13th, 2015 at 3:02 PM ^

I always liked him but the guy just does not function well in a man press coverage scheme. He is a very good player in a zone scheme though.

Harbaugh and co. want to go to man press so exit Countess. Makes a lot of sense actually. Better for both parties involved.

Perkis-Size Me

May 13th, 2015 at 3:07 PM ^

Damn. He showed a ton of promise, and I remember thinking he'd be the next great Michigan corner after his freshman season.

He didn't seem like he'd be the right fit for Harbaugh's man press coverage scheme, but either way, I hope he succeeds wherever he ends up next, and makes a name for himself on Sundays.

Losing Countess hurts, but luckily for Michigan, there is quality depth aplenty in that secondary.



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LSAClassOf2000

May 13th, 2015 at 3:08 PM ^

Most importantly, he is a graduate of the University Of Michigan and he'll always have that degree, which is awesome indeed. As for the transfer, I honestly didn't even think about Countess as a possible transfer but all the same, good luck to him wherever he lands. We'll always have the two INTs against ND in 2013, the pick six against Minnesota that same year, his eight tackle performance in the Sugar Bowl and several other highlights. 

alum96

May 13th, 2015 at 3:20 PM ^

I wonder if this is the guy Magnus was hinting about - he said a potential starter but not a guaranteed one which would be Blake with Lyons coming in. 

I am pretty shocked.  I was not as high on Blake as a talent as others but losing a senior guy who would be your nickel is tough.  This puts the onus on Watson to be legit as Stribling still seems challenged in putting on weight.  And with how often secondary players get hurt it really hurts depth.

Well congrats on the degree and wish him the best.

Eastside Maize

May 13th, 2015 at 3:18 PM ^

If you're going to leave me, don't wait until the end, after other little sorrows have done their damage. Leave me at the beginning, so I experience the worst misfortune first.

                                                           -Shakespeare: Sonnet 90

Nolongerusingaccount

May 13th, 2015 at 3:18 PM ^

Good luck to him!  He got his degree, and in the end, it's just football.  

I'm actually surprised more haven't transferred given that Harbaugh is about a 180 degree difference in personality to Hoke.  

theguy49503

May 13th, 2015 at 3:21 PM ^

Kids who know they are going to play a lot don't transfer. I say move peppers back to cb next to Lewis that way Hill can play ss and Wilson can play fs. Lyons also is a key factor that could allow us to move Peppers around a bit. We still have Watson, Stribling, Washington, and Kennel which is still leaves us a bit thin but we will just have to see.

Jimmyisgod

May 13th, 2015 at 3:23 PM ^

Are you kidding me?  Ouch!

Good luck to Blake, but I just do not understand this, I was predicting he would have a huge season for us, just really looked ready to realize his full potential.  I was just telling my coworker that I thought he would be an All B1G 1st team guy this year.

This really hurts our depth.

gmgoblue1205

May 13th, 2015 at 3:24 PM ^

Wish him the best. Now Lewis and Lyons are now your projected starters in CB. There's more guys leaving in the next coming days???????? Will it be Drake Harris, Pipkins or somebody else.

Jimmyisgod

May 13th, 2015 at 3:28 PM ^

I am simply stunned by this, the guy was captain material IMO and was going to have a monster year.  No idea what his reasons are, but damn, this one really stings, he was maybe my favorite player.  The way he came back froma terrible injury was inspiring.  I still can't believe this.  I knew some players were leaving, but never would I have thought Blake was going to be one of them.  

HANCOCK

May 13th, 2015 at 3:41 PM ^

Nothing against Countess because he can say whatever he wants, since he graduated from the school, but I think it is kinda silly to add in the #GoBlueForever line at the end considering he is obviously not "Going Blue" this season. 

 

Still an alum and all that, so he can absolutely show pride in Michigan and all that, but like....dude....you are going to be playing for a different team next year. Obviously you are not rooting for Michigan at that point. 

 

 

This is an issue I have with recruiting moreso. I dont have twitter or follow any of that very closely, but occasionally I come accross the material on this site and you see kids who will tweet things like #GoBlue #AnnArbor one day, and then #OSU #Buckeyes4Life the next day.

 

I get it, you are excited about being recruited by D1 teams, and if I were in the same position I would sure as hell milk the attention as long as I could, but come on. It is as if these kids dont understand some of the rivalries they are in-between. haha

WorldwideTJRob

May 13th, 2015 at 4:21 PM ^

Why can't he still root for Michigan? I'm sure he has friends and teammates that he still loves here and wants to see them do well. I think it's hard for people to grasp the fact that just because a kid leaves doesn't mean it has to be on bad terms or he still has love for that institution. I think selfishly sometimes we as fans want ppl like Blake to stick around because it will help "our" team but not looking at what's best for Blake down the road. If he wants to transfer to a school that fits his skill set better more power to him. He fufilled his academic and athletic obligation here, I personally wish him nothing but the best.



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CoachBP6

May 13th, 2015 at 4:33 PM ^

Unfortunate for depth and against pass formations with more than 3 WR. Glad to see him graduate, congrats Blake. Good luck next year.

Ryanonymous

May 13th, 2015 at 4:44 PM ^

Our depth will be fine. Lewis and Lyons will be starters and Stribs will have a big year (I just have a feeling). Peppers will play safety but can also help at CB/Nickle. This is just a product of someone wanting to start and perhaps it is less than a guarantee that Blake would have. Maybe Lewis had one spot locked down and Lyons had a pretty good shot at the other. Maybe Blake didn't want to just be a Nickle or the maybiest of all maybes, maybe Stribs or someone else had passed him on the depth chart.

Uper73

May 13th, 2015 at 4:49 PM ^

Countess is a bit of s surprise. Oh, how he made us hope his freshman year.

I suppose lots of adjustments for players with the new staff. Said staff probably gave all players an assessment after spring ball.

Would not be surprised to see a few more players leave, especially if they the writing is on the wall they won't see the field.

Have seen a few tidbits about other transfers, but nothing official. The Australian guy? Something's on M247, but I don't subscribe. Anyone have insights?

Those who stay...(and who come), will be champions !

MichiganMAN47

May 13th, 2015 at 4:58 PM ^

I think he will regret his decision if we have a successful year. He has the opportunity to be coached by a legend and he is leaving. I guarantee the people who quit Bo's first team regret it.

The reality is that Countess really struggled in man coverage last year, especially against talented competition. We are running man this year so why would it be much different? Stribling and Lyons were really going to push him to the limit. Countess probably felt he couldn't win the job. Hopefully he finds success elsewhere.

Zoltanrules

May 13th, 2015 at 5:13 PM ^

Lots of rumors flying. One thing is for sure Harbaugh is not thrilled with some of the 4th and 5th year guys. Not surprising. CFB is a business and an ugly one at that.

Mr. Yost

May 13th, 2015 at 5:43 PM ^

There goes our depth, there goes my claim yesterday of having the best secondary in the B1G.

Oh, good luck Blake...you were one of my favorite players on the team.

UofM626

May 13th, 2015 at 6:17 PM ^

At all. Kid was captain material and a 5th year senior who graduated. So much for the TEAM! And more like ME If you ask me. Can't believe he would bounce out and try a whole new school for 1 year when he was well liked here. Pisses me off!!!

wolverinebutt

May 13th, 2015 at 7:33 PM ^

Best of luck to Blake.  

It sucks for us, but its best for his style of play.   I won'y be suprised to see him on Sundays in the right system. 

TheJuiceman

May 13th, 2015 at 9:32 PM ^

Blake has been saying he's transferring home since last year. I told the board this, along w several other things that came to pass, to no avail. Because Im a "fake insider." Lol. Pip is off the team as well and more on the way...