al borges
2014 recruiting
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Borges Out, Nussmeier In, Recruits React Comment Count

Brandon Brown

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The firing of offensive coordinator Al Borges obviously shook things up among Michigan fans as Twitter and MGoBlog almost exploded once the news dropped. Then all that happened was a pluck-job of Alabama’s offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. Again, the Michigan universe went into a frenzy. How is all of this affecting recruits? I was able to touch base with a few just to get an idea of how the decision is sitting with people who will and might wear the Maize and Blue.

2014 TE commit Ian Bunting

The Fire: Coach Borges did help recruit me so it’s obviously not the ideal situation but I trust that the staff is only making decisions that are in the best interest of the team. I’m still set on Michigan though! I have no idea who the replacement could or should be. Someone who likes to pass a lot, especially to the tight ends. Maybe the New England Patriots OC? (Laughs)

The Hire: It’s awesome! The OC from Bama? It’s sweet. It’s definitely encouraging. I just hope he likes throwing to his tight ends. I do know that he likes winning.

2014 RB offeree Vic Enwere

The Fire: Coach Borges getting fired changes things for me a little bit. It’s just going to take more time now to understand the new offensive approach. Coach Borges and I had a great talk when I went up there and a little bit before that too. We haven’t really talked since my last visit. I’m not sure if the words “hurt Michigan’s chances” are accurate but it does make it a bit tougher. Uncertainty just makes it tough.

The Hire: I honestly never heard his name before but I am familiar with his style. Being the offensive coordinator from Alabama definitely means something though.

2015 OL offeree Sterling Jenkins

The Fire: I definitely respect Coach Borges as a person but I hope I get to meet the new OC and I hope no one else from the staff goes. On my visit I mostly talked to Coach Borges and Coach Funk so we for sure had a relationship. Him being fired won’t really affect me. That has been happening all over the country. Michigan won’t hire someone who’s not up for the job. I think they’ll be okay, if not better from this move.

The Hire: I am looking forward to meeting him. He definitely has a good track record coming from Bama.

2015 WR offeree Christian Kirk

The Fire: I never got a chance to talk to Coach Borges during the bowl practice so I don’t really have a thought on him being fired. It doesn’t change anything for me in regards to Michigan.

The Hire: Interesting! We will see what he brings to Michigan! It helps Michigan’s case in my mind because I’m interested to see if he can turn it around. If he decides to come in contact with me it definitely helps Michigan’s chances.

2015 QB offeree David Sills:

The Fire: I’ve actually never talked to Coach Borges but I heard he was a great coach. He wasn’t personally involved with me and my offer. I’m not sure if I’m going to visit Michigan or not. Having two teammates up there means Michigan will always be an option. Right now though I am still with USC.

The Hire: I’m sure he will do great at Michigan. Michigan has always been attractive to me and always will be, so no real change.

2015 QB target Jimmy Fitzgerald:

The Fire: I just heard about Coach Borges being fired. I haven’t ever talked to him too much, Coach Mallory is my main contact. It doesn’t really change my view on Michigan. It’s not exactly the news I’d like to hear but Michigan is still a very attractive school both academically and athletically.

The Hire: That’s big time!

2015 QB target Kyle Kearns:

The Fire: Wow, I didn’t know anything about Coach Borges getting fired. I probably talked to him maybe 2 or more weeks ago. I’m still very interested in Michigan though, I’ll make sure to talk Coach Ferrigno about it the next time we talk.

The Hire: It’s awesome. I am really good friends with Coach Nuss. I have been in contact with him since last year.

2015 QB target Riley Neal:

The Fire: I had no idea they were thinking about firing him. I talked to Coach Borges maybe a week or two ago, but it’s crazy that he’s fired. Him getting fired doesn’t really change my view on Michigan. I liked Coach Borges but I still like the program they have at Michigan. I’m interested to see who they hire. I plan on calling one of the GA’s here soon to see if he knows anything.

The Hire: I think it’s a good hire for them. It should help Michigan in my eyes because he has won national championships and that’s always the goal so he brings that experience in with him.

2015 QB target Nick Johns:

The Fire: I heard about Coach Borges getting fired while I was at school. Now I’ll just wait and see who they hire. It doesn’t change anything for me right now. It’s been a long time since I’ve talked with Coach Borges. I kind of assumed he might be let go since he stopped talking to me. Hopefully Michigan will hire someone good.

The Hire: That’s a great move of power on Michigan’s part. It absolutely helps their cause in my eyes.

2015 QB target Alex Malzone:

The Fire: Man, I had no idea Coach Borges would be fired. I have always stayed in touch with Dan Ifft and then Coach Singletary a little bit so we’ll see who is brought in next. Obviously I’ve started to build a relationship with Coach Borges but it’s still Michigan football and they will bring in the right guy. I haven’t talked to Coach Borges since my Ohio State visit. I’m anxious to see who they hire.

The Hire: It’s a great hire, I’m excited about it. I’ve always been high on Michigan but it is a boost in my interest. I plan on calling Coach Ifft today to see what’s going on.

2015 QB target Zach Gentry

The Hire: (I didn’t hear back from Zach until news had surfaced that Nussmeier would be the replacement so we discussed only that) I think it’s a really solid hire! He balances the running and passing game well and he makes the system easy on the quarterback. I’d say it definitely helps Michigan in my eyes. I think it’s important that they have a really balanced attack. they seem to have the right players coming in that can help plus solid returning offensive guys. I’m still highly interested in Michigan. Coaching changes are going to happen everywhere. It doesn’t take anything away from Michigan and their tradition. I think I’ll probably try to reach out and get in touch with Coach Nussmeier and get established with him.

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Nussmeier

When you have success at the level that Alabama has, it carries a lot of weight and the reactions from commits and targets is clear evidence of that. The hiring of Nussmeier has already sent a shot of rejuvenation into the Michigan fanbase as well as potential Michigan players.

It is going to be really interesting to see how this hire affects recruiting as well. I’m very curious to see how the 2015 quarterback situation shakes out now, as Borges sort of ran the show on that evaluation. #1 2015 QB Ricky Town was recruited to Alabama by Nussmeier and while I don’t see him bailing on Bama, I’m sure Nuss will get in touch with him. Intrigue all around with a splash hire like this.

Comments

MattisonMan

January 9th, 2014 at 11:25 AM ^

I was considering adding a thread on this topic, but I realized someone on staff was probably already working on it. Thanks for doing so.

Sounds like recruits are almost as exited about it as M fans are.

Joined: 01/29/2010

MGoPoints: 8791

highestman

January 9th, 2014 at 11:54 AM ^

The main reason getting thrown around (paticuarily on SEC twitter/blogosphere) is Saban talked to him about finding a place to "land on his feet". Initial speculation is Saban wants Kiffin as new OC. Nuss has also been considerd a top candidate in SEC to make a move to HC somewhere (interviewed for Washington job), Saban might be taking pro-active move in finding replacement, rather than waiting for him to leave.

Joined: 11/30/2010

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BlueCube

January 9th, 2014 at 6:21 PM ^

He brought in Kiffin to evaluate the offense before the bowl game. Now Kiffin supposedly is close to going to Bama. You don't bring him Kiffin in if there is no trouble with Nussmeier. I think it was a personality conflict/Nuss getting too much credit /micro management issue and they couldn't work together. Bama had a good offense.

Joined: 12/12/2013

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Mercury Hayes

January 9th, 2014 at 11:31 AM ^

I find it very interesting that the recruits consider themselves to be "friends" with coaches and some said they are going to reach out. I always assumed coaches were always bombarding players but I guess not. The guys above seem to have built better relationships with their prospective university than the average Joe does. Makes me feel better about recruiting as a whole.

Also, the 'Bama name is certainly powerful. Very interesting to see how this shakes out.

Joined: 08/18/2010

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M-Dog

January 9th, 2014 at 11:52 AM ^

It's amazing to me how little contact Borges had on average with offensive recruits, especially QB's.  I know that changes when things heat up, but I would have thought he would be the main contact from day 1 for QBs.

 

 

Joined: 07/06/2008

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reshp1

January 9th, 2014 at 2:27 PM ^

First thing I thought when I heard the news was, "I don't know much about this guy, but riding Alabama's coattails isn't going to hurt recruiting." Since recruiting was one of my biggest fears with a change (other being yet another transitional year where people learning a new system from scratch), this is a very positive development.

Joined: 10/31/2011

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maize-blue

January 9th, 2014 at 11:32 AM ^

This confirms what I was thinking, in that Borges was not involved much in recruiting. Maybe 1 recruit might sway a little but I think everything is good.

Joined: 01/10/2013

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reshp1

January 9th, 2014 at 2:32 PM ^

An OC doesn't have to be actively involved in recruiting to impact recruiting though. As many of the interviews alluded to, what kind of system they run and the prospective player's role in that offense do matter. No TE is going to be happy if the OC doesn't use TEs for example. Fortunately, things seem to be fairly compatible between our personnel and recruits and Nussmeier. The Alabama name recognition certainly doesn't hurt.

Joined: 10/31/2011

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Stewart52

January 9th, 2014 at 11:33 AM ^

Good to see the recruits seem to be reacting to it positively, any chance you could ask some more of the committed players though? It seems like they are the ones who really have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with Borges, I'm curious what their thoughts are.

Joined: 11/22/2008

MGoPoints: 323

MGlobules

January 9th, 2014 at 1:00 PM ^

nothing more than speculation, but FSU's Coker--reportedly an amazing talent stuck behind Winston--may be transferring, which could repercuss (sic) our way: 

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/bruce-feldman/24402411/t...

Perhaps he'll just skip AL entirely and head to UM, or Ricky Town might really consider us. Again, purest conjecture. . .

Joined: 11/17/2008

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Sideline

January 9th, 2014 at 1:46 PM ^

Why would he leave FSU (sitting behind Winston) to come to Michigan and sit behind Gardner? Alabama makes the most sense for him realistically. McCarron to ... ??? Most the Alabama friends I deal with on a regular basis seem to think it's a Freshman that should inherit the starting role... I believe he's a RS FR btw.. but this kid would make perfect sense for them to make the jump from McCarron-to- SR Transfer- Younger Depth on the chart... just my humble opinion.

Joined: 12/09/2009

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TreyBurkeHeroMode

January 9th, 2014 at 11:35 AM ^

Hoke knew that as soon as the news broke that Borges was gone, every HC and OC in the country would be going after Michigan's offensive commits. I would imagine that the "leak" of Nussmeier had at least tacit approval from Schembechler Hall to nip that in the bud.

Really nice footwork on the reporting. Good to see that the reaction of the recruits to whom you spoke was what we'd hope: "Hey, upgrade!"

Would LOVE to hear what George Campbell has to say.

Joined: 11/04/2013

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freernnur5

January 9th, 2014 at 12:48 PM ^

Here are the top WRs from his previous stops by year.

2013 Alabama - Amari Cooper: 45 catches, 736 yards, 4 TDs

2012 Alabama - Amari Cooper: 58 catches, 999 yards, 11 TDs

2011 Washington - Jermaine Kearse: 47 catches, 699 yards, 7 TDs

2010 Washington - Jermaine Kearse: 63 catches, 1005 yards, 12 TDs

2009 Washington - Jermaine Kearse: 50 catches, 866 yards, 8 TDs

2008 Fresno State - Seyi Ajirotutu: 47 catches, 795 yards, 5 TDs

 

Also the highest % of catches of those WRs was 2010 Jermaine Kearse with 30.7% of his team's total catches. It seems Nussmeier's offenses spread the ball around a fair amount (being a one-back style coach generally has 3 WR and 1 TE on the field most of the time). The other years fluctuate from about 17% to 26%.

Expect Darboh, Chesson, Funchess and Butt to see a good number of targets their way. Unless Funchess turns into a target monster ala Gallon last year (~38% of team's total catches) the targets will probably be spread out a bit.

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Blue Mike

January 9th, 2014 at 11:47 AM ^

I don't think it is coincidental that Borges is fired and Nussmeier leaked within hours.  In fact, I would guess (without any info) that Borges was only fired because a guy like Nussmeier was out there and willing.  They probably contacted Nussmeier, he signed on, and they fired Borges.

Hoke couldn't afford to fire Borges without a safety net built in.

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chally

January 9th, 2014 at 1:11 PM ^

I agree, and that's perhaps the best part of this transition for me (though I am excited about Coach Nussmeier).  I never joined the "Fire Borges" contingent because I strongly believe there are many worse options.  When I first saw that he had been let go, I had a sinking feeling that we'd witness a lengthy search and end up with an uninspiring replacement.  But seeing that Coach Hoke and/or Dave Brandon had a strong replacement already lined up has bolstered my faith in both of them.  Well done, Michigan.

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