TomVH

Lo Wood will be choosing his college of choice next month, if all goes to plan. His recruitment has been up and down lately, after what seemed to be a big Michigan lean. The recruiting ride took a sharp turn after Lo took a visit to Notre Dame's spring game.

He came back from the trip ranting and raving about the experience, and declared that Notre Dame was tied with Michigan. It seems that somewhere along the way the Fighting Irish have taken over the lead. This isn't a done deal, and as I said, it has been a roller coaster decision. If Lo was choosing now, it seems he would pick Notre Dame.

I fully expect the full court press to be put on by the Michigan coaches, which could result in our favor. Lo Senior's relationship with former Notre Dame players have played a role, as well as the Irish coaching staff. Several recruits have told me that it doesn't look good with Lo. They were quick to retort with a few names they are confident with, that would definitely make the fans happy. Rashad Knight was one name that came up, and it seems to look good for now.

As I said, and as we have all seen, anything can happen. This isn't over yet, but it looks like Notre Dame may have the advantage. Stay tuned...

Travis Williams recently took a visit up to Ann Arbor, and decided that would be the last place he needed to look. Williams is a cornerback/athlete from Florida, and saw nothing but good things at U of M. Here's what he had to say about his recent commitment.

TOM: So are you officially committed, or just high on Michigan?

TRAVIS: I'm committed. I talked to Coach Rodriguez today, and told him the news. They just told me to call him back after the Spring. He wants me to make sure that I made the right decision, and not make a bad move.

TOM: So what was the final aspect that made you make your choice?

TRAVIS: Just everything really. It was just incredible. The Big House, the locker room, and the practice facility. It was just amazing. Once I saw all that, it just put me over the edge.

TOM: Where did they say they see you playing? I recently saw on Scout that you run a 4.9 40, is that accurate?

TRAVIS: They want to use me as a cornerback. They like my stride, and my overall speed. I need to talk to those guys, because that is definitely not right. I ran a 4.49, a 4.56, and a 4.7 at all the combines. The 4.7 was when I was injured too. So, that's definitely not right.

TOM: What's the time table look like? When will this be officially official?

TRAVIS: I'm not really looking at any other schools. I'm just going to wait until after Spring, and then call Coach Rodriguez. They had three kids decommit last year, so they don't want that to happen again.

Lo Wood, a teammate of Michigan commit Jeremy Gallon, is a cornerback prospect from the 2010 class who recently received an offer from Michigan. Now that his junior year is over, Lo has been working hard on improving for next year, working out 3 days a week, 4 hours a day on Saturdays. Michigan is high on Wood, and he's high on Michigan as well.

First some highlights, then the interview.

TOM: How did your junior year go, compared to how you wanted it to go?

LO:  I did well. It was way better than my sophomore year. I improved on a lot of areas, and that’s really what I wanted to happen.

TOM:  How do you think you did at the combine?

LO:   I did well at the Army combine. I went against some new kids, so it was good to see how I would do against them.

TOM:  Did you get a chance to meet anyone new, any recruits you've kept in contact with?

LO:  Chris Beckman, the receiver. I talk to him, but that’s about it for new people.

TOM:  I know you're already good friends with Ricardo Miller (2010 Michigan commit), what has he been saying to you?

LO:  He’s just saying I need to hurry up and commit, and how much he loves Michigan. He’s been trying hard.

TOM:  You're also teammates with current Michigan commit Jeremy Gallon, has he been talking to you at all about the process?

LO: No, Jeremy’s kind of quiet. He said they need more Florida kids at Michigan. I guess everyone in Florida is talking about Michigan, since they’re going there.

TOM:  Who do you currently hold offers from?

LO:  Michigan, Georgia Tech, FIU, Stanford, and Duke.

TOM:  Do you have a leader right now?

LO:  My leader is Michigan.

TOM:  I know your family is involved in the process, what do they think, or say you should do?

LO:  They just tell me to make sure it’s the right choice for me, they’re just letting me do the process myself. My dad does certain things for me so I can focus on school.

TOM:  Do you have a timeline for how you see your recruitment going? Some guys like to wait; others just get it out of the way.

LO:  We’re going to sit down and figure it out. We’re still waiting; we’re kind of waiting to see what happens at signing day, and make our decision from there.

TOM:  What's your next step? Have you planned any visits yet?

LO:  Sit back and relax for awhile, then we’re talking about taking some visits. Michigan will get a visit, we’re just not sure when yet.

TOM:  What schools have you already seen, and what was the most impressive part of any of them?

LO:  Florida, Georgia, and Michigan too. Michigan, just the atmosphere, the stadium, and the fans. I really liked how everyone knew who I was.

TOM:  Describe what kind of player you are, what are you good at, and what do you need to improve on?

LO:  I’m going to improve on tackling better, doing basic things, and little things in my coverage. I’m best at playing man to man coverage, and jamming.

TOM:  What do you think about Greg Robinson becoming the new Defensive Coordinator?

LO:  It’s great to hear that a good DC is coming. It sounds like he’s got great experience, and the fact that he’s won Super Bowls is pretty cool.

With cornerback as a big concern, and only a few weeks left in this class, the Wolverines start to look to the juniors for help. Lo Wood was just offered by Michigan, and we will hear from him soon. Another name that we will start to hear from is Penn Hills Cullen Christian. He's 6'1 180 pounds, and already has an offer from U of M. Christian is teammates with LB Dan Mason from this years class, and junior WR Brandon Ifill, who is also a Michigan prospect. Here's one of his highlight videos, and what he had to say about his recruitment.

TOM: You were just at the Junior Combine, how did that go?

CULLEN:  It was good, a good experience. I did pretty good. The goal was just to do the best I could do in the 1 on 1’s, since it’s the wide receivers advantage. My name was on the list for good performers, so I feel like I did well.

TOM: Did you meet any other recruits that you’ll keep in touch with?

CULLEN: I met so many people, too many to name. It was good to meet a lot of the other recruits.

TOM: You’re teammates with Brandon Ifill and Dan Mason, has Dan’s recruitment helped you guys at all?

CULLEN:  Yea he definitely showed us a couple things. There’s a lot of coaches that talk to Dan, and he has put in good words for us.

TOM: What schools do you think Dan Mason likes right now?

CULLEN: Top schools are WVU, Penn State, BC, and Pitt.

TOM: Will you and Brandon be a package deal, or are you looking at different schools?

CULLEN:  We’re not going out of our way to go to same, but if something happens it happens. Most of the schools are looking at both of us.

TOM: Do you have any favorites to start, I know they usually change, but who sticks out right now?

CULLEN: Michigan, Pitt, Maryland. I was just offered by Maryland, so those are all my offers too.

TOM: Is there somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit? Or any schools you know you’ll definitely visit for a game?

CULLEN: There’s not really a school I’ve always wanted to visit; growing up I always liked Michigan. I was supposed to go on the 15th, but there’s a track meet so I’m going to reschedule. I really like them.

TOM: What camps do you plan on going to, or have you been to?

CULLEN: Scouts camp, Penn State, Adidas. I’m not sure about team camps yet.

TOM: How do you see your recruitment going? A lot of guys commit real quick, and some take their time, what will you do?

CULLEN:  I’m going to take my time; I’m going to take all 5 visits. I don’t want to go through any decommits or anything, when I commit there will be no second guessing.

TOM: What are you looking for in a school? Do you look at early playing time, coaches, tradition?

CULLEN:  I want early playing time, a school that has good tradition, the academics. That’s basically what I want to go to college for. The most important are playing time and academics. I don’t want to have to wait all the way to senior year.

TOM: Describe what kind of player you are, and what you bring to a college team.

CULLEN: I’m a real physical corner, I can watch bigger receivers, I won’t get out jumped, and I won’t get out ran. I can run with the quick ones and tackle the big ones. Especially if I went to Michigan, you need to know how to tackle in the Big Ten.

picture via Philly.com

This past weekend was huge for the final push in Michigan recruiting class. The next couple weekends could be equally big for the Wolverines. One of the big names taking a visit is PA WR Je'ron Stokes. Stokes is committed to Tennessee but looking around in the wake of the Vols coaching change. I spoke with Je'Ron Stokes about the upcoming visit, here's what he had to say...

TOM: What are the main reasons that made you decide to start taking visits?

JE’RON: My main reason was that I just wanted to be sure about the decision I make. I’ve been committed for so long, and so early. I’ve only gotten to see one place.  Things changed, and this is a business decision. The quarterback situation, I thought was wrong, but the coach has a lot on his plate, and he wants to do what he feels is best for the team. It was kind of a 50/50 thing, after awhile it didn’t bother me how he handled it.

TOM: What is your official status with Tennessee?

JE’RON: I really don’t know. I’m still committed, I just want to take some visits and make sure I’m making the best decision.

TOM: Has Lane Kiffin done anything to try and keep you at Tennessee?

JE’RON: Oh yea, he’s spoken with my family. He’s making some good efforts; I’ve met a few of his staff and everything. It’s kind of like starting a new relationship

TOM: You’re visiting Michigan this weekend, what are you looking to get out of the visit? What other schools do you plan on visiting?

JE’RON: Everybody’s going to have good academics; this is the highest level of college football you could play in. So I’m looking for relationships with the people, players, and coaches. The town, just how the overall atmosphere. I’m going to visit Illinois, Penn State, and maybe Georgia. I probably will take a visit to Penn State; I’m not 100% on that yet.

TOM: Is there anything specifically that you’re excited to see, or that you want the coaches to focus on?

JE’RON: Not really, just want to see everything. Just kind of see the whole package.

TOM: Are there any other recruits that you’ve developed a friendship with recently?

JE’RON: I met some people at the All American Game, Jeremy Jackson, and a lot of people. Too many to name. Will Campbell too, he’s a funny guy.

TOM:  Since you were concerned about Tennessee’s lack of a quarterback, have you spoken to any of the QB’s from the schools you’re visiting? Have you talked to Tate Forcier at all?

JE’RON: I haven’t. I know the new quarterback at Penn State, Kevin Newsome, but other than that no. We worked together a few times. I’m going to talk to the quarterbacks at the visit, and get a feel for them just as players and people.

TOM: The schools that are left rank them in order of who excites you the most, or who you are most curious about.

JE’RON: Honestly I don’t even know, I’m curious about all of them. I really can’t do that right now.

TOM: When do you think you’ll make your decision?

JE’RON: Most likely not until signing day.

TOM: If any of these visits blow you away, do you think you’ll commit on the spot?

JE’RON: No, I’m going to take my time. I’ll talk to my family about everything, and make sure it’s right.

TOM: With your recruiting, are you kind of blazing the trail for your brother Malik? Do you think he’ll follow, or do his own thing?

JE’RON: Where ever God leads him. He’s going to make the best decision for him, where ever he wants to go. We played together in high school so it’d be nice, but I want him to do what’s right for him.

With a lot of the focus on the All American games, Michigan's newest quarterback has quietly made his way to Michigan. Tate Forcier arrived in Michigan today, and we spoke about what the future holds, and how he plans on getting himself, and the team on a winning track.

TOM: What are you most excited for on your way to Michigan?

TATE: Just getting started, it’s kind of hard because it’s different from San Diego. This is my new home, a new experience. I’m just going to have fun.

TOM: What’s the first thing Coach Rodriguez wants you to do football wise?

TATE: I’m supposed to meet with him tomorrow. I’m assuming he’s going to get me with Mike Barwis. I’ll be hurting the next day, but it will be good pain.

TOM: Have your brothers given you any advice on how to adjust, both to college life and to the speed of the game?

TATE: Both of them said it’s going to be different, but the first few days you’re going to think these guys are all amazing players. After a few practices it will start to slow down and you’ll learn what you can do and what you can’t do. They told me not to try to do too much, just take it one day at a time. Stay busy, and don’t ever catch yourself doing nothing.

TOM: Realistically, where do you want to be for spring ball? As far as knowing the playbook, weight training, and chemistry with the offense?

TATE: I want to satisfy the coaches. I want to be where they want me to be. I’m not sure the exact plans yet, but they’re not going to throw everything on me all at once. I’m just not going to rush it, that’s why I came out early, and just try to learn and have fun.

TOM: I read in another interview, you said you want to be like Colt McCoy. After that being said, is that who you would compare yourself to? Who do you think you see yourself really being like as a collegiate quarterback?

TATE: He’s nearly the same size as me; they don’t run a complete spread, but they run close to what Michigan does. When I watch all the college quarterbacks, he’s who I would describe myself as. He makes big plays, and he can run. I’m almost exactly like him.

TOM: Have you talked to any of the other offensive players yet, either current players or commits?

TATE: I have been talking to Willie Haulstead, and I’ve been trying to get him to commit. I’ve talked to him several times, it seems like it’s between Michigan and Florida State.  What I’ve been saying to everyone is this is not any other school, this is Michigan. People ask me why I chose Michigan, and the first thing I say is because it’s Michigan. You can’t really ask for anything more than what’s here, it’s the best of everything.

TOM: Your teammate, Brennan Clay, is a Michigan target for next year. Is there anything you’ve said to him about joining you, or is there anything you’ll do in the future?

TATE: I’ve been working on him since day one. He’s getting a lot of attention, he just got offered by USC last week. I want what’s best for him, but I have a good feeling if he was going to come back east, this would be a school he could choose. He’s going to come out for spring ball, so hopefully I can convince him. I know he loves Coach Smith and Rodriguez, and he likes Michigan. Talking with those guys is like extended family, they’re just really cool guys, which helps.

TOM: I know everyone is expecting a lot out of you in your first year, how do you deal with the expectations and pressure that comes along with this experience?

TATE: I’ve watched a lot of freshman play, and Coach Smith talked to me about this. I’m not going to try to do too much. I’m going to manage the team, rather than try to make the big play and taking a sack. The seniors and juniors make the plays, and I’ll just keep moving the chains. Take it one week at a time.

TOM: You’re going to get every chance to compete for the starting job, but it’s not going to be handed to you, what are you going to do to ensure you are the starting quarterback?

TATE: I can’t even answer that, there’s so much I have to do. I don’t care who you are, you have to earn it. I need to learn the playbook; work with the receivers, there’s so much. I can’t answer that until maybe spring ball, because I don’t know how to answer it.

TOM: What were your thoughts and initial feelings when you heard that Shavodrick Beaver had changed his commitment to Tulsa?

TATE: Shavodrick, I told Coach Smith I knew it was going to come. I almost felt like he was just trying to wait me out, to see what I would do. I think sometimes kids make their choice for the wrong reasons, and then this ends up happening.  Decommitting happens though, but this is Michigan, we should have no problem filling those spots, and we haven’t. As much as we would like to have those guys, we have found great replacements for them that are as good, if not better.

TOM: Have the coaches said anything to you about anything new they want to try, or anything on the offensive side that will change this year?

TATE: Coach Rodriguez says he’s going to be able to open up his offense more with me. With Threet and Sheridan you can’t really run the option with pro style quarterbacks. It’s hard to run the true spread without a dual threat quarterback. He’s going to have me running a lot. I just have to listen and learn.

TOM:  Throughout college there’s going to be a lot of adversity. With not being selected to the All American games, and the star rankings you experienced a little already. How do you use that to your advantage?

TATE: That makes me want to prove myself, and nothing against the recruiting services, but the star system is just opinion, it’s not fact. I have a lot to prove, and I’m not sure why I wasn’t rated higher than I am just based on stats. But, I don’t really care what the recruiting services say; I care what the coaches say. I was recruited by Michigan, so that’s proof enough for me. I just want to show everyone a freshman can do it.

TOM: I know you’re not there yet, but what are the keys to success for Michigan this year? Is there anything the coaches have been emphasizing?

TATE: For the team, I need to get more involved to answer that. For myself, it all comes on me, no one’s going to do it for me. I need to study, get all the guys together for drills. I have to go to them, they can’t come to me. Understanding why the coaches have the plays built the way they do is huge.

TOM: So, let’s put a hypothetical out there, or a look into the possible future. Tate Forcier is the starting quarterback, and the Wolverines are about to take the field. Everyone looks to you as the leader, what’s the message you give? How do you command your offense?

TATE: Show confidence. I’m going to have the same swagger as I always have. The quarterback is the leader for a reason. Michigan saw something special in me, and I’ll project that to the team. I want to be the same confident kid that I’ve always been.