TomVH: Dallas Crawford Update

Submitted by TomVH on

There's been a lot of questions and concern over Dallas Crawford today. The rumor is that Dallas has decided to decommit and move on from Michigan. I spoke with Dallas' head coach Grant Redhead to find out what was going on.

TOM: Has Dallas dropped Michigan completely?

COACH REDHEAD: I talked to Dallas about everything this morning. I asked him now that Michigan has a head coach what does he think. He said coach I think I've moved on. It upsets me because I'm a Michigan fan, I always have been. Not having a defensive staff in place hurts Michigan because he doesn't know who's going to be there.

TOM: With the defensive staff, if they bring someone in within the next few days is there still a chance with Dallas?

COACH REDHEAD: The main thing is that they need to talk to him. The concern with these kids is that they don't want to just be a number for the new coaches. They want to make sure they're actually wanted, and these guys have recruited players like him before. Florida tried to get back in with Sammy Watkins and I asked them about Dallas. They told me he's too short, they like taller guys. Some coaches don't like shorter safeties or corners. We want to make sure he's in a place that actually wants him. If the new coach feels he fits then they'll have a chance.

TOM: I know Dallas is going to Miami this weekend, do you think he'll make a decision to commmit?

COACH REDHEAD: I don't think he will. He's supposed to go out to North Carolina and USC, too. The Miami visit is the only one set in stone, but I don't think he'll make a decision this weekend. The Miami coaches have been after him the second they took over, so they've been coming after him pretty hard. No matter what happens we just want to make sure he's in the right place for him. I'll always root for Michigan, and I answer everybody's calls.

Comments

Jivas

January 13th, 2011 at 1:23 PM ^

As easy as it is for me as an adult to sit here and say that kids should have patience and shouldn't be in a hurry to make a decision - given that signing day is still a few weeks off, and if you're not planning on being an early enrollee - it's important to keep the perspective of the kids in mind. It's the biggest decision they've made in their lives, and it's easy to understand how the uncertainty would wear on them. Hopefully Coach Hoke can get in touch with him and convince him he's still wanted at Michigan, but I can't blame the kid if he goes elsewhere. Whatever decision you make - good luck, Dallas.

LB

January 13th, 2011 at 1:23 PM ^

to come and play on that thing we had that was not a defense, and then decommit when he has a chance to play for a HC that put together the '97 defense? To be sure, there are plenty of successful programs out there, but this one leaves me scratching my head.

bonanzablue

January 13th, 2011 at 1:35 PM ^

Possibly some recruits only act in the present. Brady Hoke is a very good coach. played with the very best. Do you think anyone, today, has access to film of Brady's current teams or the great teams he played on in the past? 

I would give Brady a chance to talk with Crawford and other defensive people. Let them ask the questions and,I am sure, Brady will be himself and successfully recruit them to Michigan.

Brady is the most upbeat man I have ever met. Completely honest. What you see is what you get. You won't be disappointed.

SC Wolverine

January 13th, 2011 at 1:32 PM ^

Sounds like when Brady is able to call Dallas he'll have a real chance to win him back into the fold.  Let's not forget this young man just lost his father, and then the situation is thrown into turmoil with respect to a very important life decision.  I would think that some fatherly interest and love from Brady would go a long way, but no matter what I will cheer for Dallas Crawford wherever he plays.

bing24

January 13th, 2011 at 1:32 PM ^

IMO - Sounds like a kid who is upset about losing coaches he got really close with. If he doesn't commit to the U this weekend and we get in contact with him with TRUE interest in his skillset I think we have a chance.

Maize.Blue Wagner

January 13th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^

Is a player only allowed a certain number of official visits to a particular school?  And if so, is that affected at all by a coaching change?  If the former is true, it would stand to reason that a recruit should be able to return to a school on an official visit after a new coach has been put in place. Though I suppose in some instances, an assistant is promoted and the system hasn't changed at all.  

bonanzablue

January 13th, 2011 at 1:41 PM ^

I am not sure why he would look around. A kicker is a kicker. Am I naive enough to think he chose Michigan for what Michigan has to offer? Is the trip to Miami just that..a trip? A weekend in the sun?

Michigan needs a kicking game in the worst way. I sure hope he doesn't decommit because he didn't like Brady or expected a "flashy" candidate as his future coach. 

bluenyc

January 13th, 2011 at 1:43 PM ^

Get flightaware back up.  That block M plane should be fueled and ready to go.  The dead period is over today and BH shuld be flying around to reassure Countess and Crawford and maybe say hi to Watkins as well. 

BlueVoix

January 13th, 2011 at 1:44 PM ^

Hrmm, so perhaps the ship has not sailed, as ESPN claimed?  If Hoke is as strong of a recruiter as SDSU fans (and others) said, we may still have a shot in this one.  Not a great one, but a shot?

ChiefLB

January 13th, 2011 at 2:17 PM ^

DB should be fired asap.  It has been laughable the way he has handled, or I should say mishandled, this entire thing.  I would respect him if he went on TV and said, "forgive me, I reaallllllyyy f-ed this up!"  But no, he's going to try to save face and talk about how he stuck to his process... pls!

Bodogblog

January 13th, 2011 at 2:25 PM ^

We want you Dallas - does that matter?  I'm certain Hoke will want you too

Dallas sounds like the kind of kid who will lilsten to a phone call, and sit down for a visit.

Laser Wolf

January 13th, 2011 at 3:19 PM ^

I'll always cheer for Dallas no matter where he ends up simply because of everything he's been through as a young man (i.e. losing his father the day he's announcing his commitment to Michigan, and on his birthday no less). He's said all the right things and soldiered ahead in unbelievably trying times.

While it can't be easy for him, it has to help having what seems like a very grounded and well-meaning head coach watching over him. Good on you, Coach Redhead.

While I'd love to see him go Blue, I can't fault him for doing what he thinks is best for himself and his family. Go Dallas.

Rasmus

January 13th, 2011 at 4:32 PM ^

Recruiting can't really finish until there's a DC. You don't want to call a kid until you know you can answer his questions, like "Can I meet the defensive coordinator and my position coach?"

Daytona Blue

January 13th, 2011 at 4:44 PM ^

this is why I really hope they hire someone like Trgovac for DC.  what a thing to tell the coach just came from the NFL and has been successful lately.  not like GERG trying to show them success from the late 90's a recruit would never remember.

UM Fan NY

January 14th, 2011 at 6:40 AM ^

just seems like he's moved on. can't really blame him. he developed a relationship with the old staff. some kids go strictly for the school others for the staff. i optimistic that hoke can salvage most of the verbals and bring in a few others on signing day. i don't think this class will be destroyed by the change.

oh, and PS....GET A KICKER!

bonanzablue

January 14th, 2011 at 8:32 AM ^

From reading other posts, just talking and re-assuring former commitments and possible recruiting targets works wonders if Brady can reach them in time. He is talking first, my understanding, with committed players that didn't waver or decommit. Another contributor mentioned that the Head Coach can't go out and recruit actively until all the legalities are finished first. I have no idea how long that would take. He can use the phone to answer questions a recruit may have. He is very good. Talks straight and comes across as honest and sincere. 

I am excited about the different assistant coaching possibilities. Some of the younger folks don't remember some of the former coaching people that may be available now. 

Would that be a good idea for an article if someone outlined the possible candidates and what they accomplished as far as coaching and recruiting, especially if they coached at Michigan in the past.

Go Blue!

bonanzablue

January 14th, 2011 at 8:48 AM ^

Not too sure about the spelling of the names but I believe they have hired the S&C Coach from SDSU to address the Football Team. Again, I believe Mr. Baris is still the Head of the entire Fitness Program at Michigan. Correct me if I am wrong. 

I think the new Offensive Coordinator is in place. I do not know his name other than he followed Brady Hoke from SDSU.

I think another coach from SDSU also is coming, either in the role of a recruiting coordinator or as a TE coach.

Vance Bedford is a strong candidate for the DC position, I think. I am doing too much thinking. :):) 

Does "Soup" Campbell bring up memories? His is considered a good prospect for a DB coach.

Does anyone else have any more names for possible Assistant Coach positions of OC and DC positions?

Go Blue!

bonanzablue

January 16th, 2011 at 8:00 PM ^

 

N220DF/F2TH has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KMDW (Chicago Midway Intl) at 09:00PM CST heading for KYIP (Willow Run) for an estimated arrival at 10:50PM EST. Just asking, is Michigan looking for a relative of Brady's that might be interested in a DC position at Michigan?

bonanzablue

January 17th, 2011 at 6:19 AM ^

Stefan McClure, Floyd Raven and Matt Wile are new names that are appearing. Don't have too much to say. Floyd is from LSU country, McClure and Wile from California.

Go Blue!