An Interview With Holmes Onwukaife
Michigan managed to score two commits while I was in an airport or waiting on a runway for two bonus hours of incredible fun or actual in transit or watching Italy-USA, about which I have to say aaaargh aaaargh Rossi aaaargh.
Tom Van Haaren caught up with commit #1, TX OLB Holmes Onwukaife, this afternoon. Commit #2 is SC QB Cornelius Jones, about whom more later. First, Onwukaife's awesome highlight video, which features the best highlight music ever and lightning bolts.
On with the talking:
TOM: So you committed today, have you gotten a chance to talk to Coach Rodriguez?
[Note: commitments are apparently not 100% official-official until Rodriguez has been called, which is probably why neither premium site has an article up yet. FWIW.]
HOLMES: No sir, I told Coach Jackson, and some other coaches. I'm just waiting for the camps to get over with today, so he can talk.
TOM: Have you been to Michigan yet?
HOLMES: Last summer, at the AAU track meet, I went to Eastern, but never to the University of Michigan.
TOM: What have the coaches told you they like about you as a player?
HOLMES: They like me for the outside linebacker position. They told me they just really like my explosiveness, and my pursuit. They like that I don't give up on the play, and I go after the ball.
TOM: Ok, so what made you decide to commit? What was the difference maker?
HOLMES: I was just waiting for school to finish, and once that happened, I sat down with my family and we decided that Michigan is the best place for me. It's got the best mix of academics and football. It's a great school, with great tradition. Coach Jackson has come out to me, and he's seen me three times now. The effort he put in was well done. We built a good relationship, and developed a bond. I've talked to Will Campbell, Roy Roundtree, and Tony Drake. I just asked them what they liked about it, and how they felt. They all had the same message, that it's just a family once you're there. You're part of something special, and the University really wants you to succeed academically.
TOM: So when do you plan on taking a visit?
HOLMES: I'm not sure the date yet, but I plan on taking my official visit to Michigan. I'm still planning it out.
TOM: So, what's next for you?
HOLMES: Just working hard, focusing our team, we're trying to do big things. I want to stay in contact with Devin Gardner. Stephen Hopkins, and some other guys.
honestly, my first thought when watching him play is that hes a black anthony lalota. they just seem to move and play very similar.
i gotta say that is a totally fake 40 time. Ill bet he runs maybe sub 4.8. he seems to klunky(no idea how to spell that) to be able to run anything under that. He has a great nose for the ball though. Im very impressed how he always seems to get around the defender even though he really isnt that fast or at least doesnt seem like it. anyone know what the level on competition is he plays against? Div of school? Looks like a good pick up though. Im a little hesitant since he hasnt even seen the campus yet nor even met rich rod from what it seems like. Seems like he just jumped at the big offer?
kofine05
Division 5A in Texas, top level in Texas. His district is very good, with alot of powerhouse programs such as Westlake and Lake Travis. Kid was First Team All State and First Team All District, so pretty good honors there.
I like this kid, he seens to be very physical and can shed blocks and looks like a good tackler. That's always a nice thing to have for your linebacker recruits.
I think he can be a solid player too, but if you think he's a good tackler you should watch the video again. There were very few good tackles in that video.
made that highlight video should be selling their services to high school seniors around the nation. Lightning bolts and no shitty rap or metal music, that's what I'm talking about!
"To me, clowns aren't funny. In fact, they're kind of scary. I've wondered where this started and I think it goes back to the time I went to the circus, and a clown killed my dad."
- Jack Handey
The ultimate highlight video will feature lightning, slow motion, and the "War" theme or "Training Montage" from The Rocky Story soundtrack.
Do you think those were added during editing, or do you think we picked up a defensive player who is powered by lightning bolts? Do we need to provide our own lightning-bolt producing blimp or does he bring it with him? Does the NCAA have any rules about defensive players being charged by lightning bolts immediately before the snap?
What happens to Onwukaife if he isn't charged by a lightning bolt before the play? How many downs can he get off of the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity generated by the lightning bolt? If he stunts and, say, Will Campbell ends up outside, will he accidentally get hit by lightning? I don't think Big Will would like that...
Those are just my concerns. Overall, I think having a cyborg player that gets charged by lightning bolts is a really cool idea -- never would have happened under Carr I bet!
This team is under construction. We thank you for your patience.
The real question is: does lightning count as a PED?
classic, i'm still laughing at work
Thor can handle a little lightening. If you notice, there were some plays on the film where the lightening was absent and Onwukaife still made the play. My guess is he will adjust to non-lightening play just fine. If not, I've heard that Barwis can scowl at the sky to produce lightening. If so, maybe he can recharge Onwukaife early each game day.
The real question is whether he is physcially attractive enought to play for Michigan. I haven't seen his photo yet.
Could be a problem, actually, since they delayed a game for lightning recently.
Sooner or later, you're going to have to stick your arm up a cow's butt.
look I'm happy we got a big fast linebacker type, but maybe this is typical of HS LB folk...but he had a tremendous propensity to grab shirts and not hit nor wrap up. Hopefully that will progress with some coaching. Love the ability to shed blocks, pursue, though.
That is a common problem amongst high school players. The top players are bigger and stronger than their fellow players, so they can take them down that way. Onwukaife does that a lot, and so does Paskorz. Luckily, that's a fairly easy thing to teach, especially when you get to college and guys run through those arm tackles every time.
http://touchthebanner.blogspot.com/2010/03/2010-recruiting-grades-lineba...
He seems to over-shoot a lot too.
not just "douchey" MGoBlog user, but now TRUSTED MGoBlog user
Good nose for the ball with 4.51 speed (Rivals), I'll take him, and a decent QB for depth who also carries a 3.5 GPA, me likes.
...nobody signed anything today.
http://touchthebanner.blogspot.com/2010/03/2010-recruiting-grades-lineba...
Damn I love the NFL Primetime music. Can't wait for football season to get here. You can't go wrong with lightning bolts also. Major kudos to whomever put together that highlight video.
Some big pickups, defense looks to be catching up to offensive recruiting. I thought Jones would be your best fit as a 2nd QB out of the current offers. Though I do always worry about commits who haven't been to campus yet.
Warning: A =) is a sarcastic or joke filled post. (Its pretty much the happiest smiley out there, I have been told) Despite being a ND fan I do have a sense of humor
Always have to worry about guys who commit without seeing the campus but I understand that he has family in the area (maybe even works for U of M) and the decision was done with his family after looking everything over. The kid sounds like a very well rounded kid. He's a Michelin 3 star recruit! Gotta like that.
Texas kids are just about always good pick ups. If there is a state who eats, breaths and sleeps football it is texas. They play hard and are always prepared.
Warning: A =) is a sarcastic or joke filled post. (Its pretty much the happiest smiley out there, I have been told) Despite being a ND fan I do have a sense of humor
I've always liked your additions even if you're a ND fan.
Kittens help make the pain go away.
thanks
Warning: A =) is a sarcastic or joke filled post. (Its pretty much the happiest smiley out there, I have been told) Despite being a ND fan I do have a sense of humor