the just released schedules were a flat-out statement that the B10 doesn't believe SOS will matter in playoff selection
Wednesday Recruitin' Sets the Scene
Filed under:
We're onto the 2012 class, eh? How many scholarships does Michigan have to give? What's the breakdown on commits at different positions? Who are likely options at some of those positions? All that and more inside Wednesday Recruitin'!
The Numbers and Positions
Take a gander at the Depth Chart by Class, and you'll see there are 83 scholarship players on the 2011 football roster (including Jordan Kovacs as a scholarship player). That means there are two open slots for the 2012 class.
In addition, Michigan will have 15 scholarship players see their eligibility expire following the 2011 season - Shaw, Hemingway, Stonum, Odoms, Grady, Koger, Huyge, Molk, Martin, Van Bergen, Watson, Herron, Fitzgerald, Woolfolk and Williams. Whether or not Mike Williams sticks around for his fifth year doesn't affect the 2012 class because he's gone after this season either way.
Altogether, that means our operating number for the 2012 class starts at 17, before there's any roster attrition. Assuming a couple players ultimately leave the team for any reason (unrenewed fifth years, early NFL entry, etc.), we'll peg the starting number at 19.
Without going into too much (boring) detail, Michigan needs by position are approximately as follows:
- QB: 1
- RB: 1
- WR: 2
- Slot: 0
- TE: 1-2
- OT: 2
- OG: 1-2
- OC: 0
- DT: 2
- DE: 2
- LB: 2
- S: 2
- CB: 1
If you want the nitty-gritty, you can peruse the Depth Chart by Class. In next week's recruiting update, I'll run down all the prospects Michigan has offered once more, and hopefully a recruiting board will be operational by then. After that, recruiting updates should be back to normal.
BH OfferBlitz
Don't get the reference? Acquaint yourself here and here.
Michigan decided to go on an offer blitz shortly after last week's recruiting update went up (great timing, guys!). Among the newly-offered prospects are:
Cass Tech teammates LB Royce Jenkins-Stone and CB Terry Richardson received offers ($, info in headers) from Michigan's staff on Wednesday. Richardson is turning into a serious bigtime prospect. Already holding an offer from Bama, USC entered the mix last week. Jenkins-Stone is planning to make an early commitment (HT: Mgomember LarryHarrison), and is getting bigtime offers of his own.
Unsatisfied with offering only one set of teammates on Wednesday, the Wolverines went up the road to Farmington Hills, giving offers to Harrison WR Aaron Burbridge, TE Devin Funchess, and DE Mario Ojemudia ($, info in header). FHH has been a Michigan State feeder lately, so it remains to be seen if Brady Hoke and Co. can steal any of these prospects away from the Spartans. 24/7 Sports fluff on the Harrison guys, and Burbridge tells them he's "always been a State fan."
OH QB Maty Mauk received a Michigan offer. He told Tom that he plans to make it up to Ann Arbor within the next couple weeks. As the younger brother of former Cincinnati QB Ben Mauk, most assume Notre Dame's Brian Kelly should be able to land him.
Michigan has offered NC RB Keith Marshall, who is likely to be among the top prospects in the nation. His highlight reel is a sight to behold:
CA WRs Derrick Woods and Malik Gilmore have both received Michigan offers.
MI TE Ron Thompson was offered by his favorite school ($, info in headers).
CA TE Taylor McNamara has received an offer.
IL OL Dan Voltz was offered by the Wolverines and plans to make an early decision ($, info in header).
The Wolverines have offered CA OL Kyle Murphy, according to a local paper.
AZ OL Andrus Peat (younger brother of 2011 Nebraska signee Todd Peat) received a Michigan offer this week. He should be one of the nation's top offensive linemen in this class.
IL DT Tommy Schutt has a Michigan offer ($, info in header).
OH DE Se'Von Pittman received an offer from Michigan last week, along with the likes of Ohio State and Michigan State.
“He is wide open,” [McKinley coach Ron] Johnson said. “There are a lot of different things he’s interested in. He’s going to go through the whole process and really get to meet guys. There are a lot of new staffs involved; guys he’ll want to meet and get to know. I just hope they go where they want to be, and where they’re going to have a chance for a good career.”
One of those places is Michigan. The Wolverines hired Brady Hoke to replace Rich Rodriguez. Hoke is from Ohio and seems to be making a renewed commitment to battling the Buckeyes in their backyard
Despite what his coach says, Pittman (pictured) is widely considered to be a heavy lean to the Buckeyes, and would be an excellent pull for Brady Hoke and Co.
WI LB Vince Biegel, who Tom says was offered Wednesday. Scout says he has three standouts ($, info in header), and considering the article was written by Sam Webb, smart money says Michigan is one of them. Biegel is a Mormon, but he says BYU doesn't have an advantage in his recruitment - although his father played there.
Other Updates
Michigan's new coaching staff is still interested in FL QB Bennie Coney. As mentioned in the fall, he didn't play football this season due to a disciplinary issue, but is still on good terms with his head coach.
Michigan State has offered and leads for OH RB William Mahone ($, info in header).
CA WR Bryce Treggs is hoping for a Michigan offer.
PA OL Tyler Alt impressed at the Army Combine ($, info in header). Tom talked to him this week, and it sounds like Tyler really wants a Michigan offer - as either an offensive or defensive lineman.
FL OL Cody Waldrop is hoping for a Michigan offer.
Michigan was "a childhood favorite" for IN DT Sheldon Day ($, info in header).
Tom gets an update from the coach of PA DE Noah Spence, who is one of the top prospects in the Keystone State:
"We'll try to get [Noah's highlight film] out in the next couple days, we'll email it to every program in the country probably next week," said Head Coach Jeff Weachter. "Michigan hasn't gotten it yet, but I'd imagine they will offer once they do, everyone else has."
Spence's father is researching every school in-depth, so Michigan's hire of Greg Mattison is certain to help the Wolverines. Mattison is also acquaintances with Spence's head coach.
Michigan's interest in OH DE Tom Strobel has "intensified" ($, info in header). He holds a Michigan offer.
OR DE Alex Balducci sent Michigan his film, and may get an offer soon.
Though he hasn't been offered yet, NJ S/LB DJ Singleton is expecting one from the Wolverines soon. Miami and Rutgers have already sent offers.
IN Ath David Perkins is interested in hearing from Michigan.
Tom's Weekly Update has a metric ton of information, and with limited space, I'm just going to link it and say read the whole thing. If you need more prodding, there's an update on LEVITICUS PAYNE within.
Visitors
IL OL Jordan Diamond is the subject of this week's Sam Webb column in the Detroit News:
"I'm most definitely still a fan of Michigan. No doubt about it -- Michigan is Michigan. I still enjoy watching those guys play. I'm in the process of getting some old film from Michigan. I'm really excited... We talk about (going to the same school) all the time," Diamond said of he and [2011 MIchigan Commit Chris] Bryant.
Scout's Alen Trieu says he's a borderline 5-star entering his junior season. Diamond would be a great and for Brady Hoke's staff. He's certainly no lock, but a visit this weekend could be a great start to building a lead. Despite being on-campus, he will not participate in the Best of the Midwest...
Speaking of which, it's not a University-sponsored event, but the Al Glick Fieldhouse will again serve as the venue for the Best of the Midwest Showcase this Sunday (last year it was called the Michigan Football Showcase). Allen Trieu breaks down the linemen who will participate. In similar news, New Level Athletics will be hosting a 7-on-7 Tournament in Ann Arbor again this summer. SI.com's Andy Staples explores how such tournaments are changing football recruiting in that article.
Both of the above-linked events provide an opportunity for prospects to experience Michigan's campus, even if the coaches can't use them as recruiting visits.
Happy Trails
AZ QB Connor Brewer left the board last week, as he committed to Texas, and now another prospect - this one already holding an offer - is off the table. FL RB Matt Jones committed to Florida.
Etc.
Rivals releases their initial 250 to Watch, and Touch the Banner breaks down which guys might have Michigan interest. Maxpreps's Top 10 includes a couple Michigan targets. 2011 Commit Frank Clark wants to reopen a Michigan pipeline to Cleveland Glenville ($, info in header). Ohio State recruiting guru Duane Long says "Hoke ain't no Joke." Dr. Saturday breaks down 2011 recruiting geographically. Fox Sports's Dave Dye runs down the 2011 class. SBNation Pittsburgh has a semi-novel idea with a Penn State offer matrix, so I ask you: would anyone be interested if I repeated that for Michigan?
February 16th, 2011 at 12:14 PM | 
It's never too early to start being creepy
It's never too early to start being creepy
February 16th, 2011 at 12:26 PM |
Re: Recruiting Matrix
Re: Recruiting Matrix
It's interesting, but I don't know if it's necessary. I'd probably look at it, but not a ton, I have no idea how long it would take you to do, so I'd say that I can go without it
In general thanks for the update. It'd be good to get some of these high rated guys who want to commit early on campus. With regards to the "Best of the Midwest" What can Michigan "do"? Can the coaches introduce themselves? are they just using our building? Can the prospects take tours? Just wander campus?
"Over? Did you say, over? Nothing is over until we decide it is!"
February 16th, 2011 at 2:06 PM |
agree on recrutiing effort
agree on recrutiing effort
seems like a lot of tedious effort for marginal return
February 16th, 2011 at 8:21 PM |
It really was a lot of
It really was a lot of
It really was a lot of tedious effort, but I'm not sure the return was marginal, at least from a fan's perspective. Either way, I'd like to put some more information into it and start making it a good tool to have. Maybe add in conferences, etc.
@EpicTripod - Editor, BlackShoeDiaries.com
February 16th, 2011 at 3:28 PM |
it can't take that long
it can't take that long
i'm guessing he has all the info somewhere and just needs to make a table out of it. i'll bet tracking changes in it over time, or comparing our charts to similar charts for other schools, could lead to some interesting diaries.
RIP my avatar, June 14, 1998 - October 26, 2012.
February 16th, 2011 at 12:26 PM |
I've counted the depth chart
I've counted the depth chart
I've counted the depth chart a couple times, and I keep coming up with 84 scholarship guys, not 83. And yes, I excluded Greg Brown even though he's still on there. Is there something I'm missing?
February 16th, 2011 at 12:46 PM |
I thought it was Talbott?
I thought it was Talbott?
I thought it was Talbott?
February 16th, 2011 at 1:03 PM |
OK - I just searched the site
OK - I just searched the site
OK - I just searched the site for news on him and didn't come across anything about which you're referring. Is one of the Talbott's off the team? I go to Maui for one week, and look what I miss.
Also - If Tim says something like "refer to the depth chart by class and you'll see _____" shouldn't that link agree with what he states? If we're linking to that as the authority, it should at least be updated.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:10 PM |
it did say 83 at one point
it did say 83 at one point
then about a week ago i changed it to 85. I counted it at least 5 or 6 times. I did, however, count Greg Brown. I will count all of the players until I get for sure news that a player is or isn't gone.
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
February 16th, 2011 at 1:14 PM |
I agree with that. The chart
I agree with that. The chart
I agree with that. The chart shows 85 scholarship players right now including Brown, and 70 with eligibility after this fall, also including Brown. Even if you take him out, it still doesn't jive with the numbers Tim mentions in the OP.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:34 PM |
posted from iPhone
posted from iPhone
It should be 15 open right now. Assuming schollies for Grady and kovacs, Watson and Williams would be 84 and 85. Tim's counted them as seniors leaving but has omitted them from his total count which he has at 83. Essentially, he's double counted both of them. Total (as of now) should be 15, not 17.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:57 PM |
Does that assume Greg Brown
Does that assume Greg Brown
Does that assume Greg Brown is still on the team?
February 16th, 2011 at 2:17 PM |
Yes. Was never confirmed he
Yes. Was never confirmed he
Yes. Was never confirmed he left. Whole rumour kind of died out which leads me to believe it was false anyway.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:55 PM |
Hmmm...but how could we be at
Hmmm...but how could we be at
Hmmm...but how could we be at 85 when Brian insists we imposed sanctions on ourselves by leaving 5 schollys on the table? Sorry, fake neg if you like, but that rant still bothers me.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:31 PM |
Greg Brown?
Greg Brown?
I must have missed somthing why are we no longer counting Greg Brown as a scholarship? I thought he was already enrolled.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:33 PM |
There was a rumour about a
There was a rumour about a
There was a rumour about a week ago that a DB had left the program and it was speculated to be Greg Brown. We haven't heard anything concrete either way so the assumption is that everyone is still with the team.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:34 PM |
Greg Brown is still at
Greg Brown is still at
Greg Brown is still at Michigan. He hasn't left.
According to what I heard, Koger was talking about Austin White. He had just found out that White was going to CMU, so he tweeted about it.
February 16th, 2011 at 3:47 PM |
This might be true, but Sam
This might be true, but Sam
This might be true, but Sam Webb has said numerous times that there has already been attrition since the coaching change. I believe he said it was a DB as well.
I think it's safe to say one of the DB's is gone, but it's probably someone other than Greg Brown.
February 16th, 2011 at 12:29 PM |
Tim
Tim
Tim or anyone else with recruiting knowledge, do you know if ND is looking to take 2 QB's in their class this year? I have read many places that Gunner Kiel is a lean for ND, and if Mauk looks like a ND lean as well would they hold out on Mauk to see what Kiels intentions were? I would love to get Kiel if Pike isn't an option for UM.
Like a blind man at an orgy, I was going to have to feel my way through
February 16th, 2011 at 2:37 PM |
a) I believe Notre Dame is
a) I believe Notre Dame is
a) I believe Notre Dame is only looking to take one QB in the class of 2012.
b) Even if they did take two, I doubt they could get both Mauk and Kiel. Those guys probably want to go somewhere with a clear path to being the starter within a year or two.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:53 PM |
Montana transferring
Montana transferring
Is ND still only looking at taking one QB with Montana transferring?
February 16th, 2011 at 3:14 PM |
Taking one QB would put them
Taking one QB would put them
Taking one QB would put them at 4 for 2012.
Taking two would put them at 5.
My guess would be that they take 1 QB, but I could be wrong.
February 16th, 2011 at 12:38 PM |
Jordan Kovacs# a scholarship
Jordan Kovacs# a scholarship
Jordan Kovacs# a scholarship player?
Nah, that dude may have a scholarship but he'll always be a walk-on. Walked-off [see what I did there?] with my heart is what he did.
He should wear a scarlet "#" on his uniform.
Give it to Wheatley!
February 16th, 2011 at 3:26 PM |
advice: save the "[see what i
advice: save the "[see what i
advice: save the "[see what i did there?]" until after you finish doing something clever instead of inserting it into the middle, especially if it's not possible to see what you did there until later.
RIP my avatar, June 14, 1998 - October 26, 2012.
February 16th, 2011 at 12:48 PM |
I'm not too concerned about
I'm not too concerned about
I'm not too concerned about Will Mahone, he has the Spartans in the lead right not because they've offered him and we haven't. Based on our low need for RBs, we might not offer him at all. If we decide we want him to be our one RB in this class, I'm sure we'll jump Sparty.
February 16th, 2011 at 12:53 PM |
I just checked out Tom
I just checked out Tom
I just checked out Tom Strobel's video after reading this, and I would be very happy if we got him. Him and Wormley would make a great DE class.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:02 PM |
the matrix does not deliver
the matrix does not deliver
the matrix does not deliver more info that just reading it.
2013 resolution - make it onto the 2014 favorite MGoPosters post, not ironically
February 16th, 2011 at 1:28 PM |
I like the matrix - sorted by conference would be good...
I like the matrix - sorted by conference would be good...
with alt formats for official,# of unofficial visitsverbal commits and NLIs - that would tell a story by recruiting season end...but I'm not doing the work so I'll look at what is offered. Thanks.
PSU's biggest recruiting rival is UVA?? it's early but head to head matchups are interesting.
February 16th, 2011 at 8:19 PM |
The matrix was a bitch to put
The matrix was a bitch to put
The matrix was a bitch to put together. But it's useful in seeing who you're facing on the recruiting trail.
And I hadn't seen it done before so I thought I'd give it a try. That seems like the definition of novel idea, not semi-novel.
@EpicTripod - Editor, BlackShoeDiaries.com
February 16th, 2011 at 1:08 PM |
Reading the link to Dye's article
Reading the link to Dye's article
made me laugh. He insinuates that Hoke is focussed on the trenches whereas Rich Rod only cared about skill positions. Then he uses Tony Posada as an example. Can anyone point out what is wrong with that?
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
February 16th, 2011 at 1:12 PM |
Seriously - that conclusion
Seriously - that conclusion
Seriously - that conclusion may end up being true, but not because of the evidence he gives. When Hoke came, he got commitments from a TE, a DE, 2 LBs, and a safety (maybe 2 if you count Taylor). All of the OL and DL we signed were RR recruits save Heitzman.
That said, I really hope Hoke focuses on the trenches from here on out because we need it. One way RR kind of dropped the ball was by recruiting 4 OL over 2 years, and then moving one of them to DT.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:15 PM |
Marshall video
Marshall video
Assuming there was good competition, this kid seems to have the entire package: speed, moves, vision. Yes please.
"I hate losing more than I like winning." - Zack
February 16th, 2011 at 1:17 PM |
Yeah, that's pretty much the consensus.
Yeah, that's pretty much the consensus.
Have you seen his offer list? With a kid like that, you don't need to watch his video to know he's good. You just watch it to say "Wow."
February 16th, 2011 at 2:32 PM |
I've said this a couple times
I've said this a couple times
I've said this a couple times before, but the competition level isn't very high.
Special Teams means special times!
February 16th, 2011 at 1:37 PM |
Disagree on those numbers
Disagree on those numbers
Considering how low we are on O-linemen (whatever we get this recruiting class will be the entire 2nd string in 2013, as only rFr), I don't see how 3-4 can be the goal this year. More like 5-6... whereas positions like LB and possibly DE are much lower priority.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:56 PM |
Yeah, I think 5 OL is good.
Yeah, I think 5 OL is good.
Yeah, I think 5 OL is good. 5 DL as well.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:17 PM |
The only reason we would need
The only reason we would need
The only reason we would need 5 defensive linemen is if none of the current guys pan out. We only lose Van Bergen and Martin after this year, and the defensive line positions are fairly well stocked (if both Campbell and Washington remain on the DL). There aren't many proven players, but there is some depth there.
February 16th, 2011 at 4:02 PM |
If there are 5 good DL guys,
If there are 5 good DL guys,
If there are 5 good DL guys, we take them. We've brought in 3 DTs and 5 DE's over the last 2 classes, and a few of them are serious sleepers (Paskorz, Heitzman, Rock) and Black is the only one who even saw the field as a frosh. I'm not saying those guys aren't good, just that we don't know if they're good, and at least a few of them are longshots to be DL stars.
I don't need to tell you that the DL is an area that rotates a lot, and it's the most important position group of the defense. I want them all to be very good.
February 16th, 2011 at 5:47 PM |
If things stay the same,
If things stay the same,
If things stay the same, we'll have 7 defensive ends and 4 defensive tackles on the roster in 2012 (or 6-and-5 or 5-and-6, depending on where Rock and Heitzman play). That doesn't include a single addition in the 2012 class.
Taking 5 defensive linemen would boost that number to 16, which is too many.
Additionally, taking 10 total linemen (O and D combined) would really limit spots for TE, QB, RB, WR, LB, CB, and S.
If the number of scholarships available remains what it is (15 or 16), there's no way we take 5 OL and 5 DL. There will probably be attrition to make that scenario more plausible, but at this point, 10 linemen is too many.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:04 PM |
Agree - OL is badly understated.
Agree - OL is badly understated.
There are only 4 underclassmen on the 2012 roster. Since nearly all OL red-shirt, the 2013 team will have at most 6 players, plus the 2012 class. To fill out a 2-deep they'll need 4 guys, and that's assuming no attrition, which is very unlikely (e.g. Lewan may go pro, Pace or others may be injured).
Compare the OL, where the need was marked 3 or 4, to the DL where the allocated need was 4:
The 2012 roster has 11 guys on the DL and 10 for OL.
Removing upperclassmen, 7 on the DL and only 4 on the OL.
There are 5 OL positions and 4 DL.
DL play as freshman regularly; it's rare for OL.
While DL do rotate far more frequently, the need for OL is still severe, even with 0% attrition.
If you looking at roster needs is boring, maybe let others do the task for you. Magnus has covered this area much better at Touch the Banner and Maize N Brew.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:38 PM |
That makes how many offers to date?
That makes how many offers to date?
Tom,
After the big offer blitz, how many offers do you estimate we have made to date?
Thanks!
Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:19 PM |
There are roughtly 47 offers
There are roughtly 47 offers
There are roughtly 47 offers out right now.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:51 PM |
As others have said, it's 15
As others have said, it's 15
As others have said, it's 15 to start, not 17. I really believe if we have 18-20 spots in this class, half or more should go to the lines. 3 OTs, 2 OGs, 3 DTs, 2 SDEs.
February 16th, 2011 at 3:30 PM |
Yes, please...
Yes, please...
Yes, please, on the recruiting matrix.
I read some of the above comments regarding how much new information a matrix would really contribute, and I agree, the answer is probably no new information that you can't read by clicking a recruits profile on Rivals/Scout. At least directly....
The key and the useful part about building this matrix is that it allows for other people to take the data and run with it to attempt new analyses, metrics, etc. For someone like me, who works with databases/spreadsheets most of the day, I would find it extremely interesting and useful. I can think of some diaries that have manually taken this data to analyze our past recruiting classes and a matrix would have likely save them a large amount of menial and tedious number crunching.
I vote YES YES 100%. I think the time put in to build a matrix will create a lot more MGoContent than expected that will turn out to be new or insightful information. Just my humble opinion.
Intensity is a lot of guys that run fast.
February 16th, 2011 at 4:34 PM |
I love that hoke ain't no
I love that hoke ain't no
I love that hoke ain't no joke article
Hot girls we have problems too. We're just like you. Except we're hot.
If memory serves, those H.S. Showcase players will end up in Ann Arbor's finest chain restaurants to grab dinner before hitting the road back home Sunday night.
So for those wanting to get some early creepy stalking in, see you at Applebees and the Olive Garden.
Candace: No... That why they make smart word box for tell monkey hard brain-hurty things.
Phineas: Removing prepositions makes it more condescending.