Wednesday Recruitin' Focusin' on Other Dudes
But first, we wrap the recruitment of Dee Hart:
Demetrius Hart Goes Blue
Still goin' "weeee!" The Orlando Sentinel covers Hart's commitment:
"They had everything that I wanted," Hart said "Academics, family and love"
"I had known a while ago," said Hart in regards to when he knew Michigan was the right school for him. "I had told the (Michigan) coaches that I was going to take it easy and weigh all my options, but I came through."
"I'm a versatile guy and they need that guy at running back who can break tackles and have speed around the edge and I think I can bring that to the table," he said.
ESPN's Corey Long talks to Hart about the commitment as well:
"The Michigan fans are such friendly people, they make you feel comfortable and calm," Hart added. "They want you to enjoy the Michigan experience and take it all in. And the coaches are the same way. They wanted us to be around the team and experience everything first hand."
For more details on Hart's abilities, check out Hello: Demetrius Hart. If he were a more NFL-sized back, he'd be a lock for 5-star status, and his lack of height won't be an issue in Michigan's system. Video of his commitment (at 3:25) along with some highlights from his game Friday:
Hart's teammate LB Darryl Monroe, a Washington State commit, plans to visit, and S Roderick Ryles plans to give Michigan a look, as does WR Chris Gallon. The ESPN article linked above points out that S Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix probably isn't an option:
And there are some hoping that Hart's commitment to Michigan will have an affect on Clinton-Dix, but the running back says that his teammate is happy with his choice at Alabama and they will not pressure each other... "But we'll find out for sure in 2012, because that's when Michigan plays Alabama. I'm happy for HaHa and he's happy for me. It's all about finding the right fit for you."
Darn. And yes, that defense has 4+ D-1 prospects on it. There should be a mass visit by several Dr. Phillips guys (including Hart, 2012 QB Nick Patti, and the above listed guys) for either the Illinois or Wisconsin game.
Visits
Before getting into the upcoming weekend, let's see how a few of the visitors to last weekend's game enjoyed themselves:
FL RB Devondrick Nealy has Michigan on top coming out of his official visit, and even came close to a commitment.
VA WR Quinta Funderburke has narrowed his list to Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, and West Virginia, with the Hogs currently on top.
FL OL James Elliott enjoyed his Michigan visit ($, info in header) enough for the Wolverines to be in front for his services. He doesn't hold an offer yet, as Michigan's coaches are waiting on players like Chris Bryant and Anthony Zettel.
OH LB Sean Duggan is down to BC, Duke, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Virginia. He enjoyed the visit to Michigan.
As for the upcoming week, Tom hath compiled the usual list of game visitors:
- DT Timmy Jernigan - 6'2", 275 lbs, 4 star, Lake City, Florida
- TE Drew Owens - 6'5", 225 lbs, 3 Star, Charlotte, North Carolina
- DB Dallas Crawford - 5'10", 185 lbs, 3 Star, Fort Myers, Florida
- WR Sammy Watkins - 6'1", 180 lbs, 4 Star, Fort Myers, Florida
- WR Hakeem Flowers - 6'2", 175 lbs, 3 Star, Greenville, South Carolina
- WR Quinta Funderburk - 6'5", 204 lbs, 3 Star, Chesapeake, Virginia
- WR AJ Jordan - 6'2", 165 lbs, 3 Star, Trotwood, Ohio
2012
- DE Chris Wormley - 6'4", 255 lbs, Toledo, Ohio
- RB Will Mahone - 5'11", 205 lbs, Austintown, Ohio (He confirmed he will be there)
- DB Luc Haupt - 6'0", 180 lbs, Austintown, Ohio
- DB Chris Davis - 5'10", 183 lbs, Austintown, Ohio
- QB Demitrious Davis - 5'10", 183 lbs, Austintown, Ohio
The list is always changing, so be sure to click through for the latest update.
Other Guys
Last week's Sam Webb article in the Detroit News covered how Michigan's recruiting efforts could benefit from the national popularity of one Denard Xavier Robinson. Scout Southeast expert Chad Simmons on NC QB Marquise Williams:
I definitely don’t think his recruiting is done. After talking to him and his coaches when I was there for a couple of hours, he is still on that commitment list for North Carolina, but he is definitely reevaluating everything. He still does like North Carolina and they still are the team to beat for sure, but Michigan is up there.
Williams was yet another of Michigan's visitors for the Michigan State game, so we'll see how his recruitment turns out.
OH Slot Tyler Williams, a high school quarterback, has been hearing from the Wolverines lately:
Williams has scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Kent State, Buffalo, Ohio and Akron. He has also received strong interest from the likes of Michigan and Louisville.
If he receives an offer, it won't come until much later in the process.
SC WR Hakeem Flowers named Michigan to his final five ($, info in header), along with LSU, Oregon, UCLA and Georgia Tech.
NC WR/LB Kris Frost (at right) was recently selected to the Army All-American Bowl, and gave a brief recruiting update:
"At this point Michigan, Auburn, LSU, (UNC) Chapel Hill and Cal are really starting to stick out a little bit. These colleges are really coming at me, showing me all they can, and I'm loving it. I'm just taking it all in," he said.
Frost hasn't yet taken any official visits, but he currently plans to be in Ann Arbor for the Wolverines' game with Wisconsin the weekend of November 20.
Should Frost pick the Wolverines at the game, expect him on campus in January, as he plans to enroll early.
GA S Avery Walls will take a few more visits instead of deciding within a couple weeks. Things are still looking good for Michigan, but other schools have plenty of time to persuade him.
Though he comes from a past class (2009), CA S Byron Moore, a USC transfer, may consider Michigan.
Check out Tom's weekly update for the latest on a couple more prospects, including 5-star safety Karlos Williams.
2012
In last week's Sam Webb column in the Detroit News, Scout Midwest recruiting expert Allen Trieu ran through a number of the top prospects in Michigan and Ohio for the 2012 class,
AL LB Reggie Ragland, a top prospect in next year's class, has early interest in the Wolverines. He's already been offered by Alabama and Auburn, so he'll certainly be no easy pull.
October 13th, 2010 at 10:40 AM ^
After following his recruitment for awhile, and given that he would seriously fill a position of need, Kris Frost has to be the most coveted recruit at this point - right?
October 13th, 2010 at 11:25 AM ^
Eh, I don't know. Frost would be a great recruit to have to come to UM, but I think some of the safety's are more of a coveted recruit right now. Maybe not though as LB is a big position of need, a little more so than DB, IME. Frost and Duggan along with a safety or two would be nice. Zettel would be a great addition also.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:06 PM ^
The problem with him, though, is that he apparently wants to start out at WR. Even if M can land him, it will be a couple of years before he sets foot on the field as an LB (assuming his rumored desire to try out at WR is real).
In the long run, the most important visitor coming up this weekend is Chris Wormley. From what I hear, he may be the best player in Ohio next year.
October 13th, 2010 at 4:38 PM ^
attention to anyone listed as a WR/RB/QB in these recruiting updates. I think entirely of defensive recruits, driven by the play of our um, defense. I'm actually worried beyond Frost, because there seem to be few top defensive recruits we're in on (though I don't follow the recruiting board much, I could be wrong). Anyway, given all that, all my prayers are going towards landing Frost and Walls.
October 13th, 2010 at 10:51 AM ^
Good stuff, Tim
I still think MICH should go after Miller's teammate at St. John's, the Norrils kid. He woud help build some depth in that secondary. Not sure if he isnt as athletic right now as the frosh we're playing. Anyway, I've had several folks tell me in recent weeks that Michigan, given their issues in the Back 4, is crazy not to pursue him.....of course, those folks have reason to promote the kid (they're either coaches or fans of the team), so grains of salt and all that.
I think the Vols are about to offer him, if they have not already
October 13th, 2010 at 11:02 AM ^
Tim if you have a moment what is your personal opinion about Elliot and what is the talent difference in RR's system between him and Bryant/Zettel?
October 13th, 2010 at 11:00 AM ^
Wow, that first TD by Dee on the screen pass is rediculous. He makes kids look silly.
October 13th, 2010 at 3:05 PM ^
great! We signed Barry Sanders Jr. to come up here and raise a bunch of hell throughout the Big Ten (12). Way to go coaches! You guys just keep on signin' 'em and we'll just keep on cheerin' for 'em all the way to another National Championship! Go Blue!
October 13th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
Is Michigan recruiting so many Wide Receivers? Should they be going after what the team really needs... like defensive players?
October 13th, 2010 at 12:13 PM ^
You may be new so I assume you haven't heard yet. Rodriguez has abandoned the defense entirely and is only going to play offense. After extensive negotiations, the Michigan AD recently cut a deal with the NCAA that provides that each opponent will automatically be awarded 42 points to start the game and then Michigan will have 10 offensive series to attempt to exceed that amount. As such, Rodriguez will not recruit any kids to play defense (all kids listed at defensive positions will be transitioned to offense). That is why there are "so many" WR prospects.
Sorry, couldn't resist . . .
October 13th, 2010 at 3:00 PM ^
you're good...you're good! I thought it was because RR was going to move them to DB once they got to AA, but I like your hypothesis much better...
October 13th, 2010 at 11:20 AM ^
I am definitely not Tom or any of the other recrutiing experts, but I think that we are recruiting alot of positions. Just because these guys are coming up for visits doesn't mean that we get all of them. I hear all the time about defense with the Dr Phillips guys, Frost, Walls, Zettel, and others. We have 12 commits, including Kinard, and half of them are defense.
October 13th, 2010 at 11:24 AM ^
Michigan is the only northern school in Jernigan's list and he's coming up on Saturday for an official visit. Everything indicates that he's Florida bound, but Michigan have a chance(albeit a small one) since he's coming up for an official. Bring on the snake oil, RR! He would be a great addition to play Banks spot at DT/DE.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
They are actually mixing Snake Oil into the Ann Arbor water supply this weekend!!!!
October 13th, 2010 at 2:56 PM ^
so let's make sure he takes a nice warm bath in that shit every night while he's up in AA. That's what we need...a big, fast, and athletic DT who can fill those run gaps during the game. I hope our defensive guys read this because you'll notice I said during the game (remember Sparty's gashes last saturday?). It's one thing to do that in practice but dammit boys...let's start doing that this weekend against them Hawkfucks or eyes or whatever the hell they call their damn selves!
October 13th, 2010 at 4:51 PM ^
I don't understand why he would want to go there unless Urban told him the man upstairs wants it that way.
October 13th, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^
Does anyone know anything about what to expect from Arkansas's offense next year after Mallett leaves? It seems to me that a wide receiver would be hesitant to choose a school with an unproven QB starting the year they enroll as compared to a school with a proven (or at least somewhat-proven) QB. At least that's what I'd worry about if I were in Funderburke's shoes. But maybe he just really likes Arkansas. (If so, I have no option but to question his mental condition - my parents live in Arkansas and I'm always happy to get out of there alive. (For those of you that can't tell, I'm just kidding. Arkansas is a fine place to visit for a few days.))
October 13th, 2010 at 11:33 AM ^
I've been to Ar-Kansas a couple of times for business and l understand what you are talking about. I felt safer in NYC than Little Rock. Although, Little Rock has very nice people.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:01 PM ^
Recruits tend to consider more than just what their freshman year depth chart looks like when deciding on a school. Not that it not a factor...
If I was in Funderburkes shoes I'd worry about Academics, Quality of Life, Proximity to Home, Support System, Program Quality all before I worried about the various positional depth charts. Furthermore, I'd be more concerned about the depth chart long term than in my freshman year.
I know nothing about Mallet's backup, but presumably a recruit would be smart enough to realize they won't be catching passes from Mallet beyond, at best, one year. (If they don't redshirt.)
October 13th, 2010 at 11:56 AM ^
about his commitment video:
"Michigan's got a great business program, and that's what I'll major in. I like that."
--Dee Hart, when asked "Why Michigan?"
Gotta love that.
October 13th, 2010 at 2:43 PM ^
"Honey!...We have another Hart coming to Ann Arbor! Grab the Chianti and Farber beans 'cause we're havin' a party!" I must admit Dee does resemble that little ol' Barry Sanders fella when he's out there carvin' up those defenses...
October 13th, 2010 at 12:53 PM ^
In some respects, lack of height isn't really an issue in any system. (e.g. Mike Hart and Jaime Morris were successful in the pro-style) and smaller backs get used in 3rd down situations regularly, even in pro-style offenses.
Is Michigan's system really that unique?
We tend not to use bulky backs as much as others, but we also seem to have problems executing in short-yardage packages. This indicates that bulk IS an issue, even if M is less inclined to use bulky backs than others. We use Vincent Smith, but is his lack of bulk not an issue?
Furthermore, the M system keeps recruiting (and using) big backs. Just like pro-style, there is room for both. The M system just uses smaller backs more often.
Theres nothing unique to the M system that makes a height a non-issue.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:00 PM ^
Even though he is amazing on offense there is a great need on the D. Check out 4:22 of his video. He mentions Saban offered him a chance playing defense in addition to RB. He then says " I like defense". Hmmmm interesting !!!!!!!
October 13th, 2010 at 1:06 PM ^
Rivals' lack of consistency is maddening at times. Noel Devine was listed (generously?) at 5'8", 175 lbs. Hart is listed at 5'8", 190lbs.
Blurb from Devine's 5* profile:
"Devine will fit best in a spread offense at the next level where he has room to operate and go one-on-one with tacklers. ***His size and willingness to initial contact makes his durability a question mark in college.***"
Yet he was a 6.1 5* ranked RB whose size was listed as a major question mark when they opined 5* rankings were reserved for those whose size, ability, etc translate to the NFL.
Hart is graded as having Blue Chip rankings in everything save size - but is a 5.9 4* - admittedly, for right now.
DeAnthony Thomas? 5'9", 160LB Athlete. 5*. Blue Chip speed, elusiveness, and agility - with only D. 1 size and strength. BUT! ranked 6.1.
No, not a "Michigan recruit isn't getting 5* love" rant at all. Just curious about them seemingly being fussy about Hart's size yet being fine with that issue elsewhere.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:10 PM ^
Rivals has backed off considerably on the number of 5* commits they list, I believe.
There isn't a single 5-star among the cornerbacks.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:55 PM ^
Shouldn't there be at least one 5-star recruit at each position, each year? It makes no sense to have no 5-star DB. I assume the highest rated DB this year is a highly sought after kid. Why not make him an automatic 5-star? In fact, why not make the top 2 kids at each position a 5-star recruit and be done with it? It seems like it should be as simple as that.
October 13th, 2010 at 2:11 PM ^
Rivals has an objective system which does not cap the number or set quotas of the number of players at each star level.
October 13th, 2010 at 5:07 PM ^
This is correct wrt Rivals star system. They give a player 5 stars if they are a 5 star player, no matter how they rank at their position. If one year a class has 5 cornerbacks worthy of 5 stars, all 5 will get it. If one year (like this one) there aren't any CB's that are 5 star quality, none get 5 stars. I think this system makes a lot of sense.
That said, DeAnthony Thomas is listed as an ATH, but realistically he's the #1 CB recruit in the country. And he's a 5 star.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:25 PM ^
I think a big difference between the rankings of Devine and Dee is speed. Dee has good/very good speed whereas Devine has exceptional speed. Devine is one of the fastest guys in college football. I just don't think Dee has that type of speed.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:25 PM ^
Every 6'4 205 lb WR isn't ranked the same. I don't get why Rivals should have consistent rankings based on size. Isn't it possible that they just considered Devine to be faster/quicker/better than Hart?
Or are you saying they rank individual attributes and those are all the same except for his NFL potential? In that case that would be curious. Some small backs have always had success in the NFL, but they seem a little more common now with greater use of 3WR and other passing packages.
October 13th, 2010 at 2:57 PM ^
According to Rivals they had nigh identical attributes (of course they don't comment on the range of individual attributes; for example, saying that Devine was a shade faster/quicker/more elusive). They harped on each's relative lack of size (while Hart looks "beefier" coming out of HS).
Just thought it was contradictory for them to state that 5* ratings point to NFL talent and then turning around and saying Devine's "size and willingness to initial (guess they mean "unwillingness to initialize") contact makes his durability a question mark in college."
Yet this is the same service that said Gholston (the MSU commit) was a workout warrior with a great physique as a 4* at the All American game and despite doing zilch IN the game, was promptly upgraded to 5*.
Go figure.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:17 PM ^
Super pumped for Dee to come to AA. Question: is there that big of a chance for him to play next year? Would he really be better then then Shaw and Smith in his first year?
October 13th, 2010 at 2:19 PM ^
JUCO Byron Moore is ready to compete for time as far as size and pedigree. He's a Safety, a critical position of need. The list of teams showing interest at this point is not world beating either. Tom do you feel like Michigan is seriously interested in him?
October 13th, 2010 at 2:37 PM ^
Next year, Michigan will have a RS JR, 3rd year starter at one safety spot, backed up by a 4-star Sophomore. At the other safety position they'll have a 4-star RS SO, 2nd year starter, backed up by a 3-star Sophomore.
The talent level may not be ideal, but it would be a little surprising to see a freshman or JUCO come in and beat out the returning starter. It doesn't happen too often, even on a defense as bad as this years. None of the freshman have beaten out returning starters.
October 13th, 2010 at 3:13 PM ^
I know our two deep situation, and your point is well taken.
They are the exact reason we'd do well to go get a physical safety who was a USC recruit.
I won't bother arguing that we need better players in the back 7 across the board. I figure anyone who watches knows that.
Juco out in Socal is on a higher level generally then in most places in the country and I'll bet this guy could come in today and start if he can cover in space. At free, he'd be butting heads with a converted receiver who hasn't made many plays. At Bandit, he'd be against a reliable tackler but a liability in converage. Even if he doesn't start, he pushes everyone.
We love that competition.
October 13th, 2010 at 7:03 PM ^
Just arguing the idea that theres an immediate opportunity for a freshman. Chances are, whoever comes won't be a starter, so the opportunity is somewhat limited in the short-term.
The last time a highly-regarded JUCO came to Michigan there was also a perceived "oppurtunity". Austin Panter did not end up a meaningful contributer.
Marvin Robinson was pretty highly touted as a recruit also, but he can't beat out a walk-on. Why? Because Kovacs has experience and knows what he's doing. While I agree a true freshman could start if he was on the team RIGHT NOW ahead of Cam Gordon (since he is essentially a freshman on D as well), by next season Gordon should be significantly improved after a year of play under his belt.
Recruit the kid, but recruit him for what he'll do in 2012, 2013, etc.... lets not kid ourselves that an incoming recruit is likely to bring significant improvement to the position in 2011. Its an extremely rare occurence for a 1st year player. Its particularly rare when a returning starter is at the position in question.
October 13th, 2010 at 4:45 PM ^
Who is this RS JR 3rd year starter at safety next year? Our D alignment has a Spur, Bandit, 2 CBs, and a Safety. Cam Gordon was not a 4 star safety nor should he be playing safety as he is more suited to LB. No true DB would ever be backpedaling 45 yards from the LOS as a man runs past him.
Moore can play and was at least as highly regarded as his former team mate Sean Parker. IMO if we would've landed Parker he would be our starting safety.
October 13th, 2010 at 6:02 PM ^
Think he is referring to Kovacs. Forgot Moore was Parker's teammate. Since we are talking southern california dbs, I am wondering if there is any shot with USC commit Deanthony Thomas (aka Black Mamba)?
The guy is such a good all around player that USC told him he could pick what side of the ball he wanted to play. He mentioned having contact with Michigan as recently as July.
I am a California snob when it comes to high school talent. The best guys play with so much speed and the competition is really fierce. Hope we can continue to establish good relationships and bring some guys east.
October 13th, 2010 at 7:09 PM ^
A highly touted safety recruit should be able to beat out a less-talented returning starter.
Yet, that wasn't the case with MRob over Kovacs. Even with an impressive FS recruit, Gordon (a 4 star recruit, albeit for WR, but always projected for defense by most) will have a significant edge in experience.
Campbell, Turner, Christian, MRob, etc. These are hyped recruits who haven't been able to beat out people like Banks, Floyd, Rogers, Kovacs.
My point is the expectations for recruits to save the day are not in-line with historical reality.
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