TomVH
Chris Rock - Post Visit Update
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011 DE Chris Rock is fresh off his visit to Michigan for the Night of Champions. Rock is from Ohio, and is one of the higher regarded defensive lineman on Michigan's board. Here's his highlight video, and what he had to say about the visit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN2ZBqj1o0w
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN2ZBqj1o0w
TOM: What were you expecting to get out of this visit?
CHRIS: I was really just expecting a tour, to see the facilities, and everything. I wasn’t expecting a lot, but it was a lot more than that. I got to see the academic side more, which I hadn’t seen yet. The competitions with the players were fun, too.
TOM: How did the events go? Was it pretty relaxed?
CHRIS: Yeah, it was a lot of fun. The players obviously like competing with each other. We go to watch them compete in a bunch of different events, so it was pretty cool. I was impressed; they all seemed really strong and really fast. When they ran the 40 yard dash, it was pretty close.
TOM: Besides the events, did you get a chance to talk with the coaches?
CHRIS: I stayed overnight with my brother, so I got to see a little more. My parents left at night, but we all got a chance to ask the coaches some questions and talk with them. Before my parents left, coach Rodriguez talked to us for a while. He was just talking about how good of a school Michigan is, and where they’re at with the football program. My parents were previously Ohio State fans, but they were very impressed with everything. They came away the same way I did, and really liked everything they saw.
TOM: What else did Coach Rodriguez talk to you about?
CHRIS: We didn’t really talk about the depth chart, or anything like that. We both just wanted to get to know each other better, and build a relationship more. It was good to just talk with him. Coach Rodriguez just seems like a normal guy who happens to be good at coaching football. It’s weird, he’s the head coach, and I was just standing there talking to him. It was good.
TOM: After this visit where are you headed next, and what’s your timeline look like?
CHRIS: I’m going to Notre Dame’s junior day next weekend, and I might go to some other spring practices. I haven’t really planned a lot out yet. I don’t have a time line, it’s just going to be when I feel it’s right. I haven’t come up with a top list, because I haven’t seen enough schools, but my interest in Michigan is very high. I really like what they have to offer.
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Night of Champions Attendees
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The Night of Champions/Junior day is this Saturday. I haven't compiled a list yet of who all will be there, because a lot of plans change heading into the weekend. A lot of kids have to arrange travel plans, so it's never definite.
Here's who I've talked to so far. I'm still waiting to hear back from a lot of them, fee free to add any names that you have heard.
- WR Deandre Scott, from Maryland will be there. He's bringing one of his teammates, who's only a freshman, with him to check it out. Scott has an offer from CMU, but is hearing from a lot of schools right now.
- Damiere Byrd will NOT be there. He plans on coming up to Michigan on June 5th, instead.
- LB Percy Johnson will NOT be there. He didn't know there was anything going on, which is probably not a good sign. This could change, since I just told him about it, but he's not coming, as of now.
- WR Justin Olack will NOT be there. He didn't know about the event either. He's also talking to his coach about trying to get up there. Might happen, might not. He doesn't have an offer either way.
- Glenville QB Cardale Jones will be there......he's from Glenville.
- Instate DE Brennen Beyer will be there.
- Detroit Crockett ATH Ashton Gaines said he isn't coming for now, unless he can get a ride.
- PA DB Kyshoen Jarrett said he won't be able to make it, unless his family can go. Looks like he won't be there.
- Dulles RB Jarrell Oliver will be there. Same school as Stonum, Woolfolk, and Brandon Herron.
- West Virginia RB Allan Wasonga hasn't decided if he's going to make it up. He'll be a last minute decision as well.
- DE Brad Carrico is thinking about coming up with his best friend, also a Michigan recruit, DE Chris Rock. Both are from Ohio, both really like Michigan. They went to school together until their sophomore year.
- Inkster RB Da'Shawn Bell will be there.
**I Will keep updating the list, as I hear back from more**
UPDATES:
- DT Kevin Williams WILL be there on Saturday. It's good news that he's going to be on campus again.
- Ohio DE Bryan Baird will be there. He doesn't have an offer yet, but is hoping to get one soon. He's 6'4 230 lbs.
- TE Ray Hamilton won't be there, as of now. He's taken his visit, and knows the coaching staff well, so that's not a surprise.
- DE Charles Burks will be at Michigan this weekend. Burks is from Huntington Beach, so it's a big trip for him to make on his own dime.
- Inkster LB Dwight Trammer will be there.
- Commit Delonte Hollowell will NOT be there. He's in Boston for track Nationals with teammate Kishon Wilcher.
- Commit Greg Brown will be there.
- OL Chris Carter will NOT be there. He couldn't find a ride, either.
- OL Matt Skura from Ohio will be there.
- Instate OL Anthony Zettel will NOT be there.
Here's who I've talked to so far. I'm still waiting to hear back from a lot of them, fee free to add any names that you have heard.
- WR Deandre Scott, from Maryland will be there. He's bringing one of his teammates, who's only a freshman, with him to check it out. Scott has an offer from CMU, but is hearing from a lot of schools right now.
- Damiere Byrd will NOT be there. He plans on coming up to Michigan on June 5th, instead.
- LB Percy Johnson will NOT be there. He didn't know there was anything going on, which is probably not a good sign. This could change, since I just told him about it, but he's not coming, as of now.
- WR Justin Olack will NOT be there. He didn't know about the event either. He's also talking to his coach about trying to get up there. Might happen, might not. He doesn't have an offer either way.
- Glenville QB Cardale Jones will be there......he's from Glenville.
- Instate DE Brennen Beyer will be there.
- Detroit Crockett ATH Ashton Gaines said he isn't coming for now, unless he can get a ride.
- PA DB Kyshoen Jarrett said he won't be able to make it, unless his family can go. Looks like he won't be there.
- Dulles RB Jarrell Oliver will be there. Same school as Stonum, Woolfolk, and Brandon Herron.
- West Virginia RB Allan Wasonga hasn't decided if he's going to make it up. He'll be a last minute decision as well.
- DE Brad Carrico is thinking about coming up with his best friend, also a Michigan recruit, DE Chris Rock. Both are from Ohio, both really like Michigan. They went to school together until their sophomore year.
- Inkster RB Da'Shawn Bell will be there.
**I Will keep updating the list, as I hear back from more**
UPDATES:
- DT Kevin Williams WILL be there on Saturday. It's good news that he's going to be on campus again.
- Ohio DE Bryan Baird will be there. He doesn't have an offer yet, but is hoping to get one soon. He's 6'4 230 lbs.
- TE Ray Hamilton won't be there, as of now. He's taken his visit, and knows the coaching staff well, so that's not a surprise.
- DE Charles Burks will be at Michigan this weekend. Burks is from Huntington Beach, so it's a big trip for him to make on his own dime.
- Inkster LB Dwight Trammer will be there.
- Commit Delonte Hollowell will NOT be there. He's in Boston for track Nationals with teammate Kishon Wilcher.
- Commit Greg Brown will be there.
- OL Chris Carter will NOT be there. He couldn't find a ride, either.
- OL Matt Skura from Ohio will be there.
- Instate OL Anthony Zettel will NOT be there.
Craig Roh update from Fred Roh.
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I spoke with Craig Roh's father, Fred, today. He gave me an update about what Craig has been up to, and how he has improved with regards to football.
Craig is very involved with Campus Crusade, and Athletes in Action on campus. "He's down in New Orleans right now with those two groups on a mission trip. They're helping out with Katrina, cleaning up, and I believe they're helping build a house," Fred told me. Craig has been there since this past saturday, and Fred expects him back this weekend.
Roh has always been a good student, and always been very motivated to help the community. "He's been involved with a lot of these organizations on campus, and a little more involved with Athletes in Action. He got pretty involved over the summer, he's always been very into his religion, and just always been a good student. He was working last summer with a few mentor type things, too. I know they do a lot of local type services, and this is the first time he's gone out on a trip like this," said Fred.
Spring practice is coming soon, and Craig has also made it a point to stay focused with his improvement on the field as well. "He's up to 255 now. He ended the season at 240, so he's already gained about 15 pounds. The coaches said they want him at 255, or maybe 260. He's had tremendous increases in all his exercises, too. I don't know the exact numbers, by I know he's increased his bench, squat, and everything else,"
Injury seemed to plague a lot of the team this past season, and that included Craig, as well. "He got three stingers throughout the season in his neck, so he couldn't do any upper body stuff. It was really after the Illinois game that he couldn't do any of the upper body workouts during the season. As soon as the season was over, he rehabbed the nerve, and is ready to go. It's hard to activate the muscle the right way with nerve problems, so it was difficult for him during the season. He's good to go now, though," said Fred. "Everyone was concerned about his size last year, and I don't think that will be the case this year."
Craig is very involved with Campus Crusade, and Athletes in Action on campus. "He's down in New Orleans right now with those two groups on a mission trip. They're helping out with Katrina, cleaning up, and I believe they're helping build a house," Fred told me. Craig has been there since this past saturday, and Fred expects him back this weekend.
Roh has always been a good student, and always been very motivated to help the community. "He's been involved with a lot of these organizations on campus, and a little more involved with Athletes in Action. He got pretty involved over the summer, he's always been very into his religion, and just always been a good student. He was working last summer with a few mentor type things, too. I know they do a lot of local type services, and this is the first time he's gone out on a trip like this," said Fred.
Spring practice is coming soon, and Craig has also made it a point to stay focused with his improvement on the field as well. "He's up to 255 now. He ended the season at 240, so he's already gained about 15 pounds. The coaches said they want him at 255, or maybe 260. He's had tremendous increases in all his exercises, too. I don't know the exact numbers, by I know he's increased his bench, squat, and everything else,"
Injury seemed to plague a lot of the team this past season, and that included Craig, as well. "He got three stingers throughout the season in his neck, so he couldn't do any upper body stuff. It was really after the Illinois game that he couldn't do any of the upper body workouts during the season. As soon as the season was over, he rehabbed the nerve, and is ready to go. It's hard to activate the muscle the right way with nerve problems, so it was difficult for him during the season. He's good to go now, though," said Fred. "Everyone was concerned about his size last year, and I don't think that will be the case this year."
Junior Day Attendees: Feb. 20th
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Someone asked me on Twitter who was visiting for Junior Day. Here's the kids that I know are coming, if you have read elsewhere of others, please add to the list.
- Trey Depriest LB - OH
- AJ Jordan WR - Trotwood, Good friends with Roy Roundtree and Mike Shaw. We have a good shot with him, and he's really good.
- Ray Hamilton TE - His dad played football with Rich Rod, and they're still good friends.
- Brennen Beyer DE/TE - LOVES Michigan, instate kid.
- Kevin Williams DT - Should be there, told me in an interview he will try to make it.
- Percy Johnson LB - Now an Ohio kid, just moved from Michigan. Really likes Michigan, we'll have a good shot here if we offer. We haven't offered yet, and most schools are waiting on his ACT scores. He told me, "I'm a loyalist, and that's the big house, so you know." - Valdez Showers RB/WR - Instate kid, nominated for best name in 2011 class. - Robert Mincey DE - Told me that Michigan is his leader. He doesn't have an offer yet, though.
- Rico Butler RB/WR - Ohio - Jamare Mills TE - WILL NOT BE ATTENDING. He was invited, but he told me he can't make it. He did tell me that Michigan is one of his favorites right now. - The Dr. Philips kids should be there ( Demetrius Hart, Hasean Clinton-Dix, Laquentin Smith) - DeAnthony Arnett ***Said he will try to make it, but probably has basketball obligations***
- Vincent Croce DT - Will be coming up. He's making his arrangements today. Has a good amount of quality offers so far. He's not sure where Michigan stands yet, but there's enough interest to come in on his own dime from Maryland.
ADDED:
- Ryan Griffin DB - Ann Arbor Pioneer. He said he thinks he'll be there, but is checking his schedule to make sure. I thought I talked to a couple other kids, but I can't remember right now. I'm getting ready for a trip, so I'm out of it. Like I said, add if you know of more.
- Percy Johnson LB - Now an Ohio kid, just moved from Michigan. Really likes Michigan, we'll have a good shot here if we offer. We haven't offered yet, and most schools are waiting on his ACT scores. He told me, "I'm a loyalist, and that's the big house, so you know." - Valdez Showers RB/WR - Instate kid, nominated for best name in 2011 class. - Robert Mincey DE - Told me that Michigan is his leader. He doesn't have an offer yet, though.
- Rico Butler RB/WR - Ohio - Jamare Mills TE - WILL NOT BE ATTENDING. He was invited, but he told me he can't make it. He did tell me that Michigan is one of his favorites right now. - The Dr. Philips kids should be there ( Demetrius Hart, Hasean Clinton-Dix, Laquentin Smith) - DeAnthony Arnett ***Said he will try to make it, but probably has basketball obligations***
- Vincent Croce DT - Will be coming up. He's making his arrangements today. Has a good amount of quality offers so far. He's not sure where Michigan stands yet, but there's enough interest to come in on his own dime from Maryland.
ADDED:
- Ryan Griffin DB - Ann Arbor Pioneer. He said he thinks he'll be there, but is checking his schedule to make sure. I thought I talked to a couple other kids, but I can't remember right now. I'm getting ready for a trip, so I'm out of it. Like I said, add if you know of more.
Info Recap: TomVH
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There's been a lot of information, in a short amount of time, so I'll recap it here.
ESPN call w/ Tom Luginbill:
I didn't press the buttons in time, so I didn't get to ask a question. I would have liked to as a couple, because the people that do ask about Michigan, don't ask anything that matters.
- Sean Parker will be announcing on ESPNU at 10am EST.
- Devin Gardner is physically the stereotype of what Rich Rod wants as a QB, and is expected to compete. The mental aspect of the game, grasping that, is what Luginbill thinks is one of the only things holding Devin back from playing.
- Michigan has gotten better with the skill positions. This class is a great foundation for the future, and is filled with Rich Rod's type of guy.
- Luginbill thinks FSU, Michigan, and USC are neck and neck for Demar Dorsey.
That was really the only info that was worth anything to us.
I spoke with 2011 DE Robert Mincey recently, and he told me that Michigan is his leader. He's 6'4 230 lbs. from Fairfield, Ohio. He'll be at Michigan's junior day on the 20th.
- Terry Talbott's coach, Jay Minton, sent me an email. He said that, "Terry's head is spinning. I wish I could tell you what he'll do." He's going to keep me updated on what Terry decides to do. He's conflicted between Michigan and North Carolina. Terrence is solid.
Also, unrelated to this, for those of you that don't know, I recently started a company called, U Recruit, www.recruitforu.com . We will guide kids through the recruiting process, and help them get scholarships. We have about 6 athletes we're helping right now, and are trying to spread the word. Take a look at our site, and pass on the information to anyone you think we could help.
Also, unrelated to this, for those of you that don't know, I recently started a company called, U Recruit, www.recruitforu.com . We will guide kids through the recruiting process, and help them get scholarships. We have about 6 athletes we're helping right now, and are trying to spread the word. Take a look at our site, and pass on the information to anyone you think we could help.
Brief Tony Grimes Update
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Jay Hopson was given a lot of criticism for last years debacle with Pearlie Graves and DeQuinta Jones decommitting. Hopson was responsible for quite a few recruits this year, including Tony Grimes and his teammate Clarence Murphy. With Hopson taking the defensive coordinator position at Memphis, it was unclear what affect that would have on some of the current commits, and uncommitted prospects. I caught up with Tony Grimes to see how he felt about the move.
TOM: Does Jay Hopson leaving affect your feelings towards Michigan at all?
TONY: I wouldn't say it does, because he wouldn't be my position coach if I go there. I have been talking to coach Hopson this whole time, but I met the other coaches on my visit.
TOM: What other visits have you taken, and what do you plan on taking?
TONY: I've been to Maryland, and I plan on going to Ole Miss. I'm going to try to squeeze in Miami and Georgia, too.
TOM: Are you and Clarence still planning on going to the same school?
TONY: As far as this point, yes that's the plan.
TOM: Is Michigan still on top for you?
TONY: Yes.
I will say that Tony wasn't aware that there was a dead period, and seemed frustrated that his coach was the one that told him coach Hopson was leaving, and not Michigan. (That kind of makes me feel like there might be some schools breaking the rules with contacting him, if he didn't know.) Once I told him it was a dead period he understood. We'll see what happens. I have a bad feeling about Miami for some reason, but that's not based off of anything, so take it FWIW.
TOM: Does Jay Hopson leaving affect your feelings towards Michigan at all?
TONY: I wouldn't say it does, because he wouldn't be my position coach if I go there. I have been talking to coach Hopson this whole time, but I met the other coaches on my visit.
TOM: What other visits have you taken, and what do you plan on taking?
TONY: I've been to Maryland, and I plan on going to Ole Miss. I'm going to try to squeeze in Miami and Georgia, too.
TOM: Are you and Clarence still planning on going to the same school?
TONY: As far as this point, yes that's the plan.
TOM: Is Michigan still on top for you?
TONY: Yes.
I will say that Tony wasn't aware that there was a dead period, and seemed frustrated that his coach was the one that told him coach Hopson was leaving, and not Michigan. (That kind of makes me feel like there might be some schools breaking the rules with contacting him, if he didn't know.) Once I told him it was a dead period he understood. We'll see what happens. I have a bad feeling about Miami for some reason, but that's not based off of anything, so take it FWIW.
