Aramide Olaniyan: "I need to discuss some things with my parents."
I just spoke to Aramide Olaniyan again (for those concerned, he's off campus now). The win seemed to push Michigan over the edge for Olaniyan. I'm not interested in writing a whole piece, so here's some quotes from our discussion.
- "This was way more amazing than I thought it would be. The fans were crazy, I couldn't believe it. This was the first place I've been that fans recognized me."
- "There's definitely some things I need to consider now. I don't want to say too much, but I need to sit down and discuss some things with my parents. I'm taking an official visit in December, and my parents will be there with me, so I want them to see what I just saw."
- "I actually got to talk to coach Robinson, and some other coaches. I also got to see how I would be used in the defense (the quick, or OLB). I love the defensive scheme. I think they played well today."
- "I've never seen anything like that before. I went to a couple games last year, and this was crazy."
- "I love Michigan, and that definitely exceeded my expectations."
- "I talked to Austin White, Dior Mathis, and Devin Gardner. They were all cool guys, I got along with them really well."
It seems like we've pushed ahead to the forefront. As expected, I don't think he'll make a decision until after his parents see it for themselves in December. I was supposed to talk to Josh Furman today, too, but that might not be for a couple days now.
I'm going off the board and saying Derrick Bryant, the same 3-star DE from Columbus who said he's not a Big 10 guy. I met a family member who said Derrick has been on campus at least four times (this was in early July) and then he made an unofficial for the ND game (after his anti-Big 10 declaration). Told OSU he was not interested and wanted to get out from Columbus (thus he didn't receive and offer though he was visited by the staff). He sounds like he's got a good head on his shoulders and has a decent set of offers (UCLA, Oregon, NC and WVa). Seems like a good get, despite the ranking.
Hey it's me again I just wanted you to know that I like the Michigan vs Notre dame game It was a great game to watch. I didn't know Michigan was that good (well I did they are one of my favorite football teams). I just wanted you to know Duke and Michigan are my top 2 schools right now well unless USC and Florida come into the picture things might change lol.O well till next time, Bye.
Signed, Abiola Olaniyan know as Bebe (well to Aramide)
I like Michigan as one of my favorite teams I also play football and I'm just like my brother Aramide at the same position.
the kind of reaction you'd hope for from a recruit. The fact that he didn't base his 4 year college career on a single game experience (albeit a great one!) is actually a bonus in my opinion.
That he's including his parents in the decision is a very good thing. In the long run, it wouldn't be good for him or Michigan for him to come here if it were in spite of what his parents feel. That's how transfers happen.
I hope our team, staff and fans really impress his family in December. Will be fun to see how this turns out....
Great stuff, Tom. Thanks!
"It's the real deal, Roc. Evil men, dead men."
I graduated in '88, I'm ready to bring my parents and commit to Michigan right now!!!
Victors Valiant '88
Woodberry (known for academics as much if not more so than athletics) are already doing well by their son. I'm sure the family will make a good decision, and I hope that good decision is UM.
Was Grimes at the game? I remember hearing he was supposed to be but haven't heard anything about him being there.
How much do you think the sudden limelight on the national stage will affect recruiting? Or was it more of an inevitable thing in the minds of these kids?
"I will fight, 'til I'm dead, with a Winged Helmet on my Head"
I think the excitement is spreading, definitely. Last year, I said, losing doesn't affect us as much as winning would. That's hard to understand, and explain, but I think it's true.
The excitement about our offense, and how a true freshman is playing lights out is helping. Being able to see the outcome, or what the offense should look like is easier for recruits to grasp, obviously.
That being said, I don't know how much more it will help with the current seniors. I think, once signing day comes around, we'll have snagged a few away, but I think the juniors are where it's at.
There's been a good number of junior recruits at the past two games, so we'll see what happens.
Tom VanHaaren
TomVH on Twitter
U Recruit
Most seniors by now have already narrowed their choices down. If UM isn't already on the short list, they probably aren't going to get on it. If UM is on the short list, it can't hurt.
Also, how many scholarships are even available in the 2010 class? Seems like UM has already gotten quite a few verbals.
Sorry guys, I'm not too experienced with the UM online community, but I was just wondering if anyone knows where to find out about our injuries from the game. I remember hearing that Mike Williams was in the locker room, and Stontum didn't look too happy on the sideline. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
He's only 4 stars! NOT GOOD ENOUGHT!
I keed. I keed!
Go Blue!
Infinity can only happen once. Think about that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGXMryTbwE
So who knows what other recruits were at the game besides just dior, aramide and furman?
That is good to hear and I hope when December comes he picks the Wolverines.
www.mgobluetalk.blogspot.com
I really appreciate your work and thank you for sharing with us such detailed info.
metaphorical boner. and i might be drunk.
Fuck you and fuck me and fuck everybody.
- Confucius (or Mike Leach)
Surprise no mention of Ricardo Miller. That dude can recruit.
----umhannon
Ricardo said that Furman liked it a lot, he didnt see Olaniyan. Dior was hype too.
Great work Tom.
I hope AO makes the best decision for him, and that decision is Maize and Blue.
Pronounced Ahh-Neh-Muh
You have to like this news. Not only does it sound like he is a Michigan heavy lean now, but he made it sound like Dior made him think he is coming to Michigan. Good news all around
I've been called the songbird of my generation, by those who have heard me. THAT GOOD
I havent heard about being a heavy lean but he def is on the Michigan ship. I'm pretty sure Dior still talks to Big Will, Teric, and Cam...they have to be saying only good things. Especially Big Will, he's getting in shape quick! Imagine that DL...Roh, Campbell, and Martin. Woah!
Sam Webb insists that nothing has changed with Dior. Plus michigan has cooled bigtime on him. Don't expect him to commit to Meech.
I believe RR is still inviting Dior to practice and other events. Doesn't sound like cooling to me.
Nice. We could use him.
Tom,
Word is that Seantrel Henderson was also in attendance, and that he was quite happy about the visit. Can you find out more about Henderson's visit please ? Thanks if you can.
Henderson is visiting OSU this week.... I believe he watched or heard about the Michigan game and was impressed.
Who said that? He wasn't at the game, and wasn't expected to be.
http://genuinelysarcastic.blogspot.com (UPDATED: 3/8)
oops.... my bad... i thought that is what i read on a the Mgoboard just after the game.
This kid is a stud; thought I read somewhere that he's only 16? Still alot of time for his body to grow; Barwis will mold him really well. We need some blue chip LBs, so would love to land Olaniyan.
Actually one of the knocks on him is that he's already got a ton of muscle and doesn't look like he's got the frame to add much more or to grow. Which, whatever, this isn't the NFL - if you can play, you can play.
Blogging the once-resurgent Virginia Cavaliers at http://fromoldvirginia.blogspot.com.
Weren't people saying that about Mike Martin when he was still a recruit? If we end up getting him, hopefully the results - which of course are not guaranteed - will be similar.
Excellent insight as always!
"... never forget that Ohio is still a four-letter word."
-Bob Ufer
"This is not duke football"
HUUUUUUUUUGE that this was an unofficial and he's gonna be back with the parents.
http://genuinelysarcastic.blogspot.com (UPDATED: 3/8)
Yeah, it sounded like the family will be the final decision makers.
Also, FWIW, Aramide's younger brother is an MGoBlog user.
Tom VanHaaren
TomVH on Twitter
U Recruit
wow... thats actually a great sign. aramide is getting cornered now from all sides. lets just hope his parents don't put themselves first and make him stay near home.
Not the brightest are we?
not just "douchey" MGoBlog user, but now TRUSTED MGoBlog user
There was a post the other day by somebody that claimed to be his younger brother. Hope he saw the game too, as we need those guys to convince their parents now :).
That settles it, I shall make an MGoPainting of Aramide to seal the deal.
I routinely +1 myself in memory of em0, may he RIP
Midnight Maize I Twitter I Facebook
Your powers are needed good sir!
By the way, anybody knows which other recruits were there other than the few that are mentioned in Tom's post?
man TOM VH
"Let's open up a can of kick ass and kill 'em all, let the paramedics sort 'em out," Alvin Mack
It can't hurt that his coach supports michigan as well
ACTUALLY, his coach is from Michigan, but is a Notre Dame fan. He has left that out of Aramide's recruitment, though. From what I've heard, he seems like a good guy, and has been objective.
Tom VanHaaren
TomVH on Twitter
U Recruit
Yes Tom, Clint was my former coach as well. He would take us to functions at both michigan and ND. As far as Duke vs. Mich there is no doubt in my mind that Coach Alexander is pushing for michigan
Fair enough. Have you had a chance to speak with Clint recently?
Tom VanHaaren
TomVH on Twitter
U Recruit
Not recently but I can try to get a hold of him. Also, what are your thoughts on Dior Mathis? For some reason I get a feeling that things have started to heat back up for him. Is this a renewed interest on his part or Mich's
I lost Clint's phone number. If you talk to him, let him know that I'd like to speak with him. Aramide has my number. Thanks.
I'm one of the few people that thinks Dior never really "cooled" on Michigan. I think it was more so that he was waiting to see what happened this season.
He has started to be more public about the new excitement about Michigan. He's been to both games so far, so he's gotten a good show.
I, honestly, think he ends up picking us in the end.
Tom VanHaaren
TomVH on Twitter
U Recruit
Thanks Tom I appreciate your insights and the value you bring to the mgoblog community!
Agreed about Dior. He was expected to be at MSU today, but well...heh.
http://genuinelysarcastic.blogspot.com (UPDATED: 3/8)
How much do you think that little detail burns Dantonio on top of all the happs today?
not just "douchey" MGoBlog user, but now TRUSTED MGoBlog user