i find this extremely interesting
Exit Ray Vinopal
Filed under:
This rumor had been bouncing around the internet for long enough that it was hardly a rumor anymore, but Hoke has just confirmed it and now it's really not a rumor:
Hoke on Vinopal: "Ray decided to go back Youngstown. That issue's more a family issue."
Michigan loses both a two-star recruit no one expected would ever play and a guy who started half his freshman season, which says all you need to about last year's secondary. The free safety spot is manned by… uh… definitely somebody. I think we can safely assert Michigan will put eleven players on the field this fall. That's all we know. Since the depth chart by class has exactly one other body at the spot, that true freshman Minnesota decommit Tamani Carter, it's safe to say the eventual starter is kind of up in the air.
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:56 PM | 
Son of a bitch.
Son of a bitch.
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:57 PM |
Good luck, Ray.
Good luck, Ray.
Good luck, Ray.
Sent From My Commodore 64
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:59 PM |
Wish him the best
Wish him the best
I always liked this kid. He isn't the type who is going to win awards or ever be a top draft pick. But, he is the type who could win you games and championships. I wish him the best and hope to see him come back if ever possible.
"If they ever catch me, they can have 'em." -Denard Robinson
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:59 PM |
True abotu established depth
True abotu established depth
but just a couple days ago, Hoke told Angelique that the safeties were fine (sic) in his early impression, it was the cornerbacks he was worried about. Given the assumption that Hoke had knowledge of Vinopal's issues for a while now, I'd assume he made that statement about our safety depth with knowledge of Vinopal's impending departure. Looking for I guess an appearance by some of our former CB's at S in the spring game who have been practicing there all ... um... spring.
"So I come out of Ohio Stadium after we beat the Buckeyes, and right there on the hood of my friend's car, some one took a dump, in the shape of an 'O'. no shit. Oh, sorry, bad pun."
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:37 PM |
A couple weeks ago Cullen
A couple weeks ago Cullen
A couple weeks ago Cullen Christian mentioned in a social networking medium that he and Carvin Johnson were learning and playing the free safety position. So, there may actually be people playing at all 11 positions this fall.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:58 PM |
+1 stalking
+1 stalking
But that does clear up a question - I'd thought Carvin would be the starting SS this year over Kovacs. But if he's a FS with CC, then that means Marvin's over at SS.
Kovacs-Woolfolk-Avery-Johnson isn't bad, and even slightly experienced
Marvin-Woolfolk-Avery-Johnson isn't bad either
I'm actually disappointed that CC's not at CB, I still thought he had potential there.
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:18 PM |
I think Josh Furman and M-Rob
I think Josh Furman and M-Rob
I think Josh Furman and M-Rob might be names to look out for at the SS position.
I'm not too disappointed hearing the Buck is moving to FS. Coming in there were always discussions about him playing safety. I'm no expert, but lots of people who know better than I have said that he might be better suited for safety position.
Greetings from Bolivia.
"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple." - Gary Moeller
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:54 PM |
Wasn't tackling supposed to be
Wasn't tackling supposed to be
an area of improvement for him? If that's not priority one at safety, it's close to it
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:59 PM |
Yes, and he even said himself
Yes, and he even said himself
Yes, and he even said himself that he needed to improve his tackling. Unless he can tackle, I doubt he'll be playing much at FS.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:03 PM |
Hate to loose the depth but
Hate to loose the depth but
Hate to loose the depth but most of all you hate to loose a character kid. Seemed to have great heart and hope for the best with his family.
Somewhere Roll Damn Tide is lurking...
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:04 PM |
Sux
Sux
Being from Youngstown myself, and wanting nothing more than to go to Michigan, I feel so bad for him as he seemed to love being at Michigan. I really wish him the best with his family and everything he does in life.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:28 PM |
Eloquently spoken...
Eloquently spoken...
Ballzdeep.
Toodles
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:41 PM |
That is an odd sentence.
That is an odd sentence.
That is an odd sentence. Rarely do you see eloquence and any form of balls deep in the same thought.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:59 PM |
I dunno....
I dunno....
... I think the writing at Penthouse Forum has really come a long way in the past coupla decades.
Candace: No... That why they make smart word box for tell monkey hard brain-hurty things.
Phineas: Removing prepositions makes it more condescending.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:07 PM |
I can't see Woolfolk playing
I can't see Woolfolk playing
I can't see Woolfolk playing at CB at this point. Our corners might not be very good, but at least they've got some experience at the position.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:11 PM |
Are you indirectly
Are you indirectly
trying to say you think Woolfolk is a safety? Just trying to make sure I read your comment correctly
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:08 PM |
i loved his blazing speed and
i loved his blazing speed and
i loved his blazing speed and solid tackling ability, so i was hoping to see more of him next few yrs, but also love how he is choosing family over his passion (sorta like mcguffie).
wish him nothing but the best.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:12 PM |
God bless Ray Vinopal but I
God bless Ray Vinopal but I
God bless Ray Vinopal but I would not call his speed "blazing". He was a solid football player and honestly, should have not been starting. He had two MAC offers. I loved the kid's grit and intensity and respect his decision to leave. Family comes first.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:19 PM |
Maybe not blazing
Maybe not blazing
but I think he was the fastest guy (in a straight line) that we had in the secondary last year. He is way faster than JT Floyd, Cameron Gordon or Jordan Kovacs. And I thought his tackling was pretty good. He didn't have enough muscle but I assumed that would be significantly improved by this fall. In fact, the only person I thought who would be better at free safety on the entire roster was Woolfolk, and that was only if he was fully recovered. He will be missed, don't doubt that.
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:26 PM |
"I think he was the fastest
"I think he was the fastest
"I think he was the fastest guy (in a straight line) that we had in the secondary last year."
There's absolutely no question that James Rogers was the fastest defensive back on the field last year. None at all.
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:21 PM |
I think he was acutally
I think he was acutally
I think he was acutally pretty fast. IIRC, his relay team had one of the top times in Ohio. His stubby legs might have thrown you off.
And yes, Gob bless Ray and his family.
Greetings from Bolivia.
"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple." - Gary Moeller
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:12 PM |
(No subject)
(No subject)
"I hope I can get a bunch of championships - like 15"
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:12 PM |
I agree with all previous
I agree with all previous
I agree with all previous posts
Hot girls we have problems too. We're just like you. Except we're hot.
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:20 PM |
Wow ...quick retort
Wow ...quick retort
guess every point counts ????
Go Blue !
No place on earth I'd rather be on a football Saturday than Michigan Stadium !
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:13 PM |
The staff must have one or
The staff must have one or
The staff must have one or two guys already moved to safety. I can't believe there still isn't any depth there.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:23 PM |
Different philosophy
Different philosophy
I think the disconnect with our knowledge of the roster vs. what Hoke is saying comes from the way he will deploy the safeties. I believe Hoke wants to leave his corners on an island and allow the safeties to fly to the ball to support the run defense as opposed to Robinson who wanted a free safety who had to cover a lot more open field. If we don't need a speedster at Free safety, we actually have a good amount of depth. However, we lack shutdown corners. JT Floyd is a decent football player but he needs a cushion and help over the top to cover Big Ten wideouts. Same goes for Cullen Christian.
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:10 PM |
Aww crap
Aww crap
He had already outperformed his star ranking and I thought he would be a significant contributor for the next three years. Sorry to see you go Ray and hope things work out for you and your family.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:16 PM |
I won't believe it
I won't believe it
until he posts it in 25 consecutive tweets.
/Forcier'd
--------------------------------------------
"I cannot think of a better person to guide our university's athletic strategy than the inventor of The Noid."
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:22 PM |
He was gritty. I wish him all
He was gritty. I wish him all
He was gritty. I wish him all the best.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:23 PM |
anyone know
anyone know
anything more? watched him play for mooney multiple times, was shocked and excited when he was offered and really looked forward to seeing him push others on the depth cart.
family issues means what?
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:28 PM |
Supposedly
Supposedly
His dad is overcoming a pill addiction.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:31 PM |
He played way over his head
He played way over his head
He never would have started if our secondary wasn't so depleted, but he played way over his head and definitely made the most of the opportunity. Sad to see him go. Best of luck to him.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:31 PM |
Defense
Defense
I'm pretty sure most of the positions in the secondary are still up in the air. I think the only positions really solidified are those on the line. Ray's spot is just another to add to a list of question marks.
Those who stay will be champions.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:33 PM |
Sorry to hear that Ray
Sorry to hear that Ray
I hope your family issues clear up and you can make it back to Ann Arbor in a year or so.
Until then, I guess your picture has to go on the lost DB Quilt. 2 star to starter.
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:36 PM |
JC in Youngstown?
JC in Youngstown?
First off, I wish my very best to Ray and his family.
On another note, does anyone know if there is a junior college in Youngstown where he would could play for a year and potentally transfer back, assuming his family issues clear up?
If you can't get into college,
go to State.
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:20 PM |
Youngstown State
Youngstown State
Youngstown State is not FBS, so he can transfer without losing a year, and come back without losing a year.
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:57 PM |
Quite correct.
Quite correct.
Mr. Vinopal has earned the dubious distinction of being eligible for our "Never Forget" quilt. Good luck, Mr. Vinopal.
Abort, Retry, Fail?
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:33 PM |
I'm sorry to see him go! I
I'm sorry to see him go! I
I'm sorry to see him go! I wish him and his family all the best!
- Good luck with everything Ray and GO BLUE!
_____________________________________________________________________
"What do people mean when they say the computer went down on them? " -Marilyn Pittman
GO BLUE
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:34 PM |
God Bless, Ray
God Bless, Ray
Always a Wolverine
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:36 PM |
So assuming Vinopal
So assuming Vinopal
was gonna leave regardless of who the coach was due to family situations, I can't help but wonder how much garbage would have been piled onto the previous regime in this situation.
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:42 PM |
Holy shit man, thinking like
Holy shit man, thinking like
Holy shit man, thinking like that is really damn productive. He's been gone since January! Leave it alone already!
"They will meet a dastardly fate here for that! There isn't a Michigan Man who wouldn't like go out and scalp those Buckeyes right now."
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:16 PM |
Hate to inform you of this
Hate to inform you of this
but the way I think is not going to affect the current coaches in any way, shape, or form. So thinking in a different way isn't going to be "productive," as you put it.
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:12 PM |
It might be
It might be
For your mental and emotional health. And for those who have to read it.
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:46 PM |
Criticism of the previous
Criticism of the previous
Criticism of the previous regime would have been warranted, as they had 2.5 draft classes to address the depth chart at safety. The current regime at least will take responsibility for the way our defense is playing, instead of saying Vince Lombardi couldn't coach this group to success.
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:18 PM |
Dude
Dude
my point had nothing to day AT ALL with success on the field. It had everything to do with the double standard where ANY TIME someone would leave, we'd see a whole bunch of "OMG FAMILY VALUES" comments and people who assumed that kids ONLY left the program under RR, while failing to realize that kids leave UNDER EVERY COACH IN EVERY PROGRAM.
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:19 PM |
Your argument is stupid,
Your argument is stupid,
Your argument is stupid, we've only lost 2 players to the coaching transition under Hoke, Tate who flunked out, and Ray who has family issues. From every other account the players are happy and I think they are welcoming the change in attitude from the coaching staff.
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:28 PM |
I don't think the loss of
I don't think the loss of
I don't think the loss of Tate Forcier can be contributed to the coaching transition.
March 23rd, 2011 at 5:03 PM |
Part of my point was
Part of my point was
that ppl were so quick to jump on the previous regime for "running off" players like Mallet. Now don't get me wrong, I am ok that they dismissed RR (contrary to the "mental health" comments of one guy above), but I just find it stupid how the standard has completely changed.
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
March 23rd, 2011 at 5:07 PM |
Look I'm not
Look I'm not
bashing on the new staff. But they too, have lost players, no matter what the reason. People didn't seem to care about the reasons for people leaving before. They automatically seemed to pile on. It's called a double standard. Every ripped on RR for Mallet leaving, but nobody did that to Hoke for Tate leaving.
That being said, it's also a good thing, because at least Hoke won't have to work around a bunch of negative attention. That is pretty obvious.
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:44 PM |
Sort of a Jon Ames thing, if
Sort of a Jon Ames thing, if
Sort of a Jon Ames thing, if anyone remembers him. Had a solid start to his career and left school with depression issues, I think. It is a reminder that these are all just kids at a huge point in their lives. Some will exceed expectations, some won't ever become what they were hyped to be, and many will struggle with personal problems that the rest of us get to go through in relative obscurity. I hope it all works out for him.
I liked him.
Good luck, Ray.