snake oil
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justice hayes

Hello: Justice Hayes?! Comment Count

Brian

justice-hayes-nd

not so much

So this is a deeply bizarre thing: The Wolverine is reporting that Grand Blanc RB Justice Hayes has seen the snake oil and committed to Michigan just a couple days after dropping his ND commit.

I'm all UFRing this Wisconsin debacle and Tim is away from the computer tonight so the full "Hello: Recruit" post will have to wait for tomorrow morning but in brief, Hayes is a highly-touted RB in the same mold as Demetrius Hart, the #84 overall player to Rivals and #3 "all purpose back"—Hart is #1. ESPN has him a 4-star 79 and #22 running back. Scout has him a 4-star, the #14 running back and #118 overall player.

Literally everyone reading this post is thinking "can he play corner?" He's 5'10", so hypothetically, but everyone ranks him as a tailback and ESPN's evaluation doesn't mention defense at all, so even if he ends up switching it will be after a while. Hopefully by that point the secondary won't be Kosovo in pads.

Michigan was looking for a second RB in this class but people thought it would be Thomas Rawls, not Hayes. Michigan appears to have picked up a duplicate of a player they've already got but both guys are widely praised for their receiving talents and could bounce back and forth—this commit likely ends any thought Michigan will pick up a slot in this class.

More tomorrow from Tim.

Comments

hockeyguy9125

November 22nd, 2010 at 10:39 PM ^

yay! what a perfect excuse to have a celebratory drink or 5 on a monday night!

 

p.s. yeah i thought about if he could play corner litterally one sentence before Brian told me I was thinking it....creepy? make that six drinks then...

Joined: 03/30/2009

MGoPoints: 2948

JayZ1817

November 22nd, 2010 at 10:46 PM ^

"Very, very quick back with good speed and ball skills. Hayes is very versatile and could player defensive back, wide receiver or running back at the next level. He is a high-character kid that possesses serious leadership skills."
Conclusion: "This kid will work hard and learn the playbook before most other incoming freshmen in his class. He has the ability to be a punt returner and a gunner on all kicks. He adds instant speed and will be hard to keep off the field."

Joined: 09/17/2010

MGoPoints: 1334

WolvinLA2

November 22nd, 2010 at 10:43 PM ^

I say we keep him on offense, maybe redshirt him.  Our defense isn't good, but we'll have a lot of young CB's on our team next year, and one more freshman CB won't do more than a freshman RB, so play the guy at his best position. 

We're bringing in good players on defense this year, so let's start stacking the positions we can.  Maybe this means we only bring in one RB next year (and we can be really picky about who we take) but when a top 100 RB wants to play for your team, you let him play RB for your team.

Joined: 11/13/2009

MGoPoints: 58191

WolvinLA2

November 22nd, 2010 at 10:53 PM ^

I agree, except I think it might be TE instead of another WR, unless Watkins changed his mind.  Guys like Gallon or Lucien might have just had their spot taken.  I'm hoping for a TE, two OL and defense (linemen, thanks).

Joined: 11/13/2009

MGoPoints: 58191

UMICH1606

November 22nd, 2010 at 10:59 PM ^

I live in Grand Blanc and have had the opportunity of seeing Justice play a lot over the years. Justice is a nice player. Personally, I have always been surprised how guru approved he is, but he does have some nice tools. Justice had a season ending wrist injury this year. However, before his wrist injury he was playing mostly slot receiver/part time running back. They would use him a lot catching passes out of the backfield, and he played a lot in the slot. I would guess he would play a similar role in this offense.

He was transitioned into this role, because his teammate, Detrick Goff pretty much took over the running back position. Watch for this kid next year BTW, although he is an MSU fan. Goff is 6'2. 215-220, and pretty good speed for his size. He is Michigan offer worthy too in my opinion.

Anyway as far as Justice. He is a pretty good athlete, and can play multiple positions. He has excellent hands,good vision, but isn't a real tough runner. If I had to compare him to anyone on the current roster, it would be Mike Shaw for sure, but he doesn't have the top end speed Shaw has.

Joined: 02/21/2010

MGoPoints: 4729

mwburner26

November 23rd, 2010 at 1:48 AM ^

I got the chance to coach against Grand Blanc and have seen Hayes run, also have a friend who follows the program so I've heard alot about this kid for that last 3 years. I think he has the same body type as Shaw (although I see Sr. Hayes being bigger than Sr. Shaw) and has good football speed, but he's definitely not as fast as him. However the thing that has MI wanting Hayes is his cut back ability and vision in the spread offense (he's been a starter since his So. year). I think this is a great pick up for the future but I wont be surprised if Hayes doesn't see the field much if at all next year. He has a really nice frame so a year in the system and off-season program should do wonders for him. Oh and he's staying on Offense and if for what ever reason he got moved to Defense, its not going to be at CB, most likely SS, again he has speed just not CB speed. At the end of the day, Im very excited to see him choose Blue, he has a bright future.

Joined: 09/08/2010

MGoPoints: 152

Bluestreak

November 22nd, 2010 at 11:01 PM ^

The Courtroom - The Big House

Witnesses - Over 100,000 screaming Maize and Blue Fans

Jury - The Michigan Football Team

 

Justice will be served.

 

Your fate has been sealed and condemned to DEFEAT.

 

This is the Michigan Difference

Joined: 09/26/2010

MGoPoints: 1956

DreadedBackfield

November 22nd, 2010 at 11:14 PM ^

Man this night keeps gettin better and better. First we get a rivals 100 guy, now I'm watching Michigan State being outplayed by a Division 2 team from Hawaii!

Joined: 10/04/2010

MGoPoints: 326

Nick

November 22nd, 2010 at 11:21 PM ^

i went to one of grand blanc's games this year hoping to see him play.  He was injured so i said screw it whatever he's goin to ND.  Now im mad i didnt get to see him play.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1113

BrownJuggernaut

November 22nd, 2010 at 11:28 PM ^

we have a running back who converted to cornerback like 15 years ago? Didn't that turn out to be a pretty good deal for all parties involved? Just saying...

Either way, it's great to get another top recruit, particularly from in-state. It's important to get that talent. I've liked all the things I've heard about the guy and that hurdle is mouthwatering. I'm really enthusiastic about the future. We have some really good young players who can really blossom. 2012 vs the Schedule of Death is going to be a true test, but the talent we're loading could make it one to remember. 

Joined: 10/02/2010

MGoPoints: 8235

Bromigo

November 22nd, 2010 at 11:38 PM ^

I let out a WTF when i see the above...

GF runs in and says whats wrong?

I explain the situation with Dee and what not....

she replies...."maybe he can kick"

 

Joined: 02/22/2010

MGoPoints: 961

MaizeAndBlueManGroup

November 22nd, 2010 at 11:52 PM ^

Our offense is going to be unstoppable.

When RR gets enough experience on the defensive side of the ball and he keeps improving his win-loss record, he is going to be bringing in top 5 recruiting classes consistently.

If I was a defensive recruit, I would be jumping at at a UM offer knowing what kind of offense would be backing me up.

Joined: 02/21/2010

MGoPoints: 34