Recruiting Mailbag: The Neal Thing, TE/DE Types, Life Without Messiah Comment Count

Ace

We're a week away from Signing Day and a bizarre recruiting controversy just arose, so it's time for a mailbag. Let's get this one out of the way...

The Daishon Neal Thing

If you missed it, Michigan appeared on the verge of flipping SDE Daishon Neal from his Nebraska commitment until Greg Mattison's in-home visit went awry:

"Michigan was a powerhouse, they came in and they stormed us, they made one bad statement and it was over," [Neal's father] told 1620 on air. "They said without football, Daishon wouldn't be able to go to Michigan. Like we couldn't afford to send him there, or that we couldn't get him in academically.

"Once he said that, we pretty much escorted him out of the house."

Neal continued by stating: "(They) basically tried to call me stupid in front of my face."

There are a few issues at work here. First of all, Michigan can't comment on an unsigned recruit without breaking NCAA rules, so there's no way for Mattison to tell his side of the story; in all likelihood, this won't ever be addressed specifically.

Second, what Mattison reportedly said, in so many words, is often true—one of Michigan's most reliable recruiting pitches is that being a football player allows prospects the opportunity at a first-rate education that wouldn't necessarily be available otherwise. This isn't meant as an insult; plenty of smart people with strong academic resumes don't get into Michigan. I think it's great that Michigan presents this opportunity to those who may not have a 3.8 and a 30 on their ACT; football players have a huge impact on campus life and come away with well-earned degrees.

Finally, Mattison is a seasoned recruiter. I have a difficult time believing he presented this information in any way close to calling Neal "stupid." That's not a particularly effective way to convince a student-athlete to come to your school. A football scholarship pretty much guarantees admittance as long as the recipient clears NCAA academic requirements, which are far less stringent than Michigan's usual admission standards—coaches almost always check with admissions before offering a scholarship.*

Even if Neal has an excellent academic record, that doesn't offer the same guarantee he'd get in. Perhaps Mattison didn't put this in terms Neal and his family appreciated, but it seems far more likely this was an unfortunate miscommunication than a deliberate slight by Mattison. So it goes.

*Demar Dorsey stands as the exception to the rule, and that didn't work out so well.

[Hit THE JUMP for M's chances with Iman Marshall, the proclivity of TE/DE types, and how Harbaugh will look to replace Messiah deWeaver.]

Hope for Marshall?

Does Michigan have any chance of landing Iman [Marshall]? Or does USC have it locked up?

The common theme throughout Marshall's recruitment has been recruiting writers suggesting he's a near-lock to USC—he grew up a fan, his dad's a huge fan, he's been on campus several times, and when in doubt, the five-star California prospect usually ends up there—and Marshall denying he's a lock to anywhere.

It'd still surprise me if he didn't pick USC, but it seems like Michigan made as much of an impact with their official visit as they could reasonably expect—there's a decent chance M is the second most likely choice. They got the Dad Seal of Approval after their in-home visit this week, per 247's Steve Lorenz ($):

"The visit with Michigan went great," the elder Marshall said. "It was very informative and enlightening. I do feel comfortable with them as a staff now. You can tell they're first class coaches, but more importantly they're first class men and fathers. I would have no issues sending my son to Michigan and attending that program because I know they have his best interest both on and off the field."

That's significant since Marshall's father wasn't able to accompany him on his official visit. While USC is the favorite, and for good reason, I wouldn't rule out Michigan.

Jumbo Athletes

So far this year, it's pretty clear the staff has a high interest in TE/DE type athletes. Do you think this is primarily driven by need (We could use both TE and DE), likelihood of commitment (These guys are mostly 3 star tweener types who are likely to jump at a Michigan offer), or do you think this is going to be the norm going forward? 

I ask because it would seem to reflect Harbaugh's general attitude regarding development and these are the type of athletes who could grow in a variety of valuable roles (TE, DE, LB, even OT).

It's certainly true that Michigan has a huge need for both tight ends and defensive ends in this class, and that's driving a lot of these offers. A look at Harbaugh's recruiting at Stanford indicates this isn't a one-year anomaly, however; in the 2009 and 2010 classes at Stanford, he took 13 combined TEs or DEs. While some of these guys—like 6'8" four-star TE Levine Toilolo—were clearly ticketed for one side of the ball, many of them were in the height/weight range where they could contribute at a number of spots.

2009 three-star DE Geoff Meinken found a home as a helmet-popping short-yardage back before knee injuries forced him to retire from football. 2009 three-star TE Ryan Hewitt ended up as a standout fullback after playing both FB and TE as a redshirt freshman. 2010 three-star DE Eddie Plantaric played DE, FB, and TE during his college career. There was even some flexibility with Harbaugh's O-line recruits; 2010 four-star OL Dillon Bonnell switched from #75 to #96 as a junior so he could be an eligible receiver in Stanford's "Ogre" U-back role—while he never caught a pass, he saw action in every game that year.

While there didn't seem to be too much position-flipping once players got on campus, it looks like Harbaugh isn't afraid to take bigger athletes many would consider tweeners and sort them out when they start practicing. Wyatt Shallman seems like an in-state prospect he would've been all over; I get the feeling he'll have a significant role in the offense now that Harbaugh's here.

Replacing Messiah

For those that missed it, 2016 four-star QB Messiah deWeaver opened up his recruitment late last night. I'd be surprised if Michigan's didn't find a more than suitable replacement, though. Harbaugh has already been in contact with a couple of the nation's top QB prospects. CA four-star KJ Costello, the #4 pro-style QB in the country, has shown interest in visiting; the high interest shown by his friend, top-50 CA WR Dylan Crawford, should help Michigan's chances.

Harbaugh and Jedd Fisch also went all the way up to Washington to watch the #1-ranked QB, Jacob Eason, who's currently a Georgia commit. While it's unclear how much interest Eason has in Michigan, I doubt Harbaugh will stop there, especially since he usually took two QB recruits per class at Stanford. Given his track record with QBs—hi, I'd like to introduce you to Andrew Luck—and the amount of hype surrounding his move to Michigan, he should be able to land at least one top-flight QB prospect.

This, admittedly, is a concern.

Comments

ak47

January 28th, 2015 at 2:36 PM ^

In defens of Neal and his parents someone sitting down in your home and pretty much saying you could never hope to attend Michigan if it wasn't for this scholarship offer for football could certainly come across as insulting.  Obviously having good grades is no gaurantee or anything but I could see how somebody could be offended by that.

Mr. Owl

January 28th, 2015 at 2:45 PM ^

Maybe he failed a class on vocal comprehension.

"Not everybody gets the opportunity to attend a great institution like Michigan on a full-ride scolarship."

So you're saying I'm stupid and can't afford your school?  GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!



(The kid does get an A+ in Overreacting 101)

Prince Lover

January 29th, 2015 at 11:43 AM ^

GMatt- because of this scholarship we offered, you will be able to attend one of the finest institutions in the world. There are kids out there that would love to come here but can't afford it or just didn't get good enough grades. But with this scholarship, you can get in! And getting in to UM, will give you more advantages in life either through education or connections you'll make....

Dad- wait, wait, wait, you saying we're dumb and broke?

Things are said and misinterpreted all the time.

bluesparkhitsy…

January 28th, 2015 at 2:58 PM ^

This assumes complete fidelity between Mattison's comments and the way Neal's father is representing them. My guess -- based on my assumption that Mattison was acting with the dignity he is known for -- is that this family either misunderstood Mattison's point or is shading it in their public comments. Most likely, it was a combination of both.

What we do know is that having excellent grades and money do not guarantee admission to the University of Michigan. Neither does a football scholarship, but it helps a lot. That almost certainly was Mattison's point.

dipshit moron

January 28th, 2015 at 3:07 PM ^

but since mattison cant comment, and since none of us were there, i think ill go with what makes the most sense.mattison with his experience and rep would never do what is being claimed. this is all second hand for the most part so why do people always want to believe the worst about somebody?

it made for a cool story and gave all michigan detractors more ammunition to attack harbaugh with. Parents throwing  a coach out of their house? hey that is real believable.

6tyrone6

January 28th, 2015 at 3:40 PM ^

In defense of Mattison, who cant speak for himself on this issue, I am positive he told the truth and some people cant handle the truth. What makes them stupid is not recognizing it as truth and then taking offense to it and talking about it out loud. If you want to you can be offended by this opinion.

 

Blue Balls Afire

January 28th, 2015 at 2:44 PM ^

Of course I wasn't there, but looks to me like the Neal family was looking for any reason not to like Michigan.  I can see the convo in my mind:

Mattison: "Football gives you a wonderful opportunity to get a top-notch education that you might not otherwise have."

Neal's Dad: "Are you calling my son stupid?  Get out."

Mattison: what the eff . . .  ?!

 

[Edit: typos.  Sorry]

Asgardian

January 28th, 2015 at 2:56 PM ^

Daishon,

Even though you "don't want to go to Michigan" you should totally apply anyway, you know, just to prove that you can get in. (Just like we did!)  Definitely lose that acceptance letter though, no point in keeping that old thing; people will have no problem taking your word for it.

Sincerely,

Every MSU student ever

03 Blue 07

January 29th, 2015 at 7:36 PM ^

Uhh, I have heard at least 30 MSU students/alums say this in the last 10-15 years. If I am being ornery, I simply say "I don't believe you. At all." The fact is, especially if you're in-state, if you're smart enough to get into M, then you have the requisite intelligence to realize that you would never pick MSU over M for academics. And no, I don't care if you want to be a veterinarian when you're 17; in that case, go to M and then go to vet school...if you haven't already chosen a new career. Point is, outside of incredibly rare circumstances, no kid picks MSU over M for academics.




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M-GoGirl

January 29th, 2015 at 11:13 PM ^

I question the thinking of people who clearly care enough about getting in to Michigan that they will preface every future educational or career discussion with "I got into Michigan BUT ..."  and then settle for the acceptance letter (if it exists) over a diploma. 

The excuses that follow the "but" are usually entertaining. The attitude is usually defensive.

 

 

ClassOf14

January 28th, 2015 at 3:21 PM ^

Am I the only one a little bit bothered by the fact that mainstream media sites picked up the mattison story even though he couldn't comment on it by NCAA rule? That seems to go against journalistic ethics in my opinion to report on these accusations when mattison can't comment and give his side of it

remdog

January 28th, 2015 at 3:24 PM ^

to Neal.  The story makes him seem like an arrogant nitwit.  It sounds like Mattison was just telling him the truth.  I'm glad we found out he was an easily offended headcase before he came here.

Drbogue

January 28th, 2015 at 3:34 PM ^

A 3.4 GPA from out of state is unlikely to get you into Michigan. Hell, I was in state with a 30 ACT and a 3.9 and my advisor told me to apply for LSA and transfer to Engineering only after I got in. Sorry Neal, sometimes the truth hurts. 

Mr Miggle

January 28th, 2015 at 3:45 PM ^

when it comes to admissions. He didn't get in here, or any 4 year school, because his online school was a fraudulent one. That probably took more than a regular look at his transcripts to surface.

RR had other commits that didn't get in either, including players that were qualified. His relationship with admissions wasn't good. Hoke didn't have that problem. I don't know if they were following different procedures or he was just less willing to take a chances on players with shaky academics.

His Dudeness

January 28th, 2015 at 3:47 PM ^

For the record RR did check with admissions regarding Demar Dorsey. They said it would be fine until someone realized some of his credits came from a faux-summer-school type substance and that put a fork in getting DD into Michigan.

 

NRK

January 28th, 2015 at 9:02 PM ^

I recall this as well. There was some discrepancy because RR had checked with admissions but hadn't told them specifically about the school/credits then after the fact they asked more questions. He felt they should have asked him more info at the time and felt burned because they changed their mind, while admissions felt he didn't share what he needed to and was trying to blame it on them. Probably.... a little truth in both.

Crisler 71

January 28th, 2015 at 3:59 PM ^

Per Yahoo Sports Daishon's GPA is 3.1.  That's not going to get him into UM without football.  It is probably good enough to be an indication that if he entered UM he would graduate, but it won't get him in.

LSA91

January 28th, 2015 at 4:00 PM ^

Are people sure Mattison is all that swag?   My cousin's girlfiriend's godfather's barber's bookie heard that he lost a recruit by going to the kid's house and picking through the mixed nuts to get all the almonds during the pitch. . . .

Michigan football

January 28th, 2015 at 4:24 PM ^

Seeing as though the United States consist of fifty states, and a few islands. I'm sure Coach Harbaugh will find another Qb. As for Mattison and the fun bunch. Find a better way to get your point across!

runninonempty

January 28th, 2015 at 5:22 PM ^

As long as we are assuming..............................my assumption is that Mattison told the young man that UM would be interested in him IF some of the more important prospects didn't work out. An OFFICIAL offer may follow,,,,,,,,,,,,would you mind waiting a few weeks.