TomVH: TE Chris Barnett Visit Reaction
This was the last weekend before Signing day and Michigan still has some big name recruits left on their board. Four star Texas tight end Chris Barnett was a little late to the party, but he's at a position of need for Michigan. With this visit Chris will now have to decide between staying committed to Arkansas, or choosing Miami or Michigan instead.The coaches went out and convinced the Arkansas commit to come up and experience what Michigan had to offer. Here's his film, and what he had to say about the visit.
TOM: Tell me about the visit. When did you get there, and how did it go?
CHRIS: We got there Friday afternoon. We went through Schembechler Hall on a mini tour first. When the rest of the recruits got there we went out to eat and hung out with our hosts. The next morning we went through an academic tour, position meetings, we met with the AD, took a tour of the stadium, took a tour of Ann Arbor, and walked through the campus a little bit. We went to dinner later on and then hung out with our hosts again.
TOM: You mentioned your hosts, who was your host?
CHRIS: I had multiple hosts. I had Kevin Koger, Patrick Omameh, Junior Hemingway, and Devin Gardner. I met Darryl Stonum from Texas too.
TOM: What was it like hanging out with the players? Did you feel like you were comfortable with them?
CHRIS: The players have been through a lot together. The only thing that's been consistent with them is each other. They've been through coaching changes and everything. When they introduce themselves, they don't say this is my friend or this is my homeboy, they say this is my brother he plays quarterback. They're not associates, they're family. This is how close they are. We were about to go to Kevin Koger's apartment, we walked in and there was already three players there before Kevin even was. He just walked in and it was cool, it was fine that they were there. We went to someone else's house and we just walked right in. I haven't seen anything like that on any of my other trips.
TOM: Outside of the players, what about the coaches, what did they talk to you about?
CHRIS: They basically talked about the system that they were carrying over from San Diego State. They need guys that are mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to play. They were really honest and open that it wasn't going to be easy, it was going to be hard, but it would be rewarding in the end and the long run. They talked about the things they expect from their players, the three strike rule they have, and what they expect out of them.
TOM: Was that a good thing for you? Is discipline something you like in a coach?
CHRIS: It was great to hear that because you want them to be your coaches, but you also want to have someone that's there for you and they really seemed like they care about their players. It wasn't about them. I think you need discipline because that's how you grow as a person and player, with discipline and structure.
TOM: What about the academic side, you mentioned you took an academic tour. Did that have any impact on you?
CHRIS: Yeah, it was crazy. I went up there with my cousin, and we knew they were good but (a Michigan) degree is something like 14th overall in the country. They rank right up there around Yale and Harvard. They talked a little about how the athlete weighs in and how it's easy for you to connect with people later in life, too.
TOM: What did this visit do for Michigan? Did it help them out, how is everything going to play out for you?
CHRIS: I was amazed by a lot of things. It's going to be interesting. We're going to go back and weigh the pro's and cons and my emotions with these programs. We'll figure out what's best for me. I'm going to look at if the school has connections, will my degree mean more coming from that school, it's going to be a tough choice. I've been that guy so far that makes my decision with emotions and got caught up in the glitz of everything. I'm in a stable place now, and I'm not just looking at that stuff. I want to sit down and weigh everything out.
TOM: There was talk that you would wait until after signing day to decide, is that the case?
CHRIS: Yeah, I'll probably sign on Friday or Saturday. I just want to take myself out of the emotions for awhile, and away from everything. Sit down weigh everything out and then make my decision.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:16 PM ^
I think Michigan atleast gave themselves a shot, and with the last official we might be able to snag him,
He's one of the best Tight Ends in the country, would be great after Koger leaves.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:17 PM ^
This sounds a little more positive than D Cooper's reaction, it's hard to tell much at this point. Let's all pray to Happy Michigan NSD god.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:18 PM ^
Those are my brothers and they post at MGoBlog.
We've been through a lot together.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:18 PM ^
Love the family comments...
Say what you will about R-Rod, but it definitely appears he recruited good kids, that's a gift that will keep on giving.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:04 PM ^
Is that a "fat jew" avatar? Voted up.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:46 PM ^
Was Barnett ever recruited by RR? I thought he was a late offer from Hoke. Regardless...sign him up!
January 30th, 2011 at 3:03 PM ^
Time to go to Olive Garden.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:23 PM ^
he's got a great perspective on things. Likely he'll be successful wherever he goes.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:32 PM ^
It looks like he came away impressed, which is good. His highlights are impressive, especially since his QB doesn't look the greatest, he was still able to make plays with his size.
January 30th, 2011 at 9:43 PM ^
I took notice of the QB as well. It looked like all he was doing was lobbing or pitching the ball to Chris and getting out of the way. Chris looked good going both ways.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:34 PM ^
Very interesting, I thought this was one of your best interviews Tom. I have been dying to gain insight into what goes on behind the scenes of these OV and in home visits. This definitly gave me a little perspective.
January 30th, 2011 at 12:53 PM ^
need a good TE for the long haul. I was thinking maybe we could get one next year but what the hell. If we can get this kid now, maybe we can get someting out of him.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:31 PM ^
Articulate kid. Loved the glimpses he gave of the way our team hangs together. It would be great if he committed to Michigan.
Also wonder if he has been / will be talking with Mallett? I'd guess that he would like to play with Mallett (even if it were only for one season), given Mallett's high national profile. And also wonder what Mallett would say to him about Michigan. As I recall, Mallett has been very fair & positive about his year in AA before he transferred.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:34 PM ^
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure Mallett declared for the draft. He won't be at Arkansas next year.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:37 PM ^
You are correct.
January 31st, 2011 at 1:43 PM ^
Don't expect much of a drop off at QB next year though...
http://www.hogdb.com/2011/01/31/video-tyler-wilson-teamtylerwilson/
January 30th, 2011 at 1:43 PM ^
Mallet will be in the NFL next season but yes, I would definitely not mind having Barnett on the team.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:44 PM ^
is there any chance that since he is waiting until after signing day, we might not have a scholarship to give him? it sounds like we are taking 22 in the class, and if fisher, rawls, clark, willingham, and cooper want to sign with us on NSD, do we hold out on the chance of getting barnett and not let one of these guys sign?
January 30th, 2011 at 6:51 PM ^
If usc can take 26+ recruits while they are on probabtion why cant we take 23?
January 30th, 2011 at 9:48 PM ^
It comes down to how many walk ons will be offered scholarships how many people are leaving the program and how many 5th years will be offered scholarships. They find ways to make it work. Barnett would be worth it.
January 30th, 2011 at 1:59 PM ^
It is a nice reminder that being a great academic school works for Michigan, and not necessarily against with quality recruits. Can't help but like what this young man is saying. Also have to love the closeness of the players as he described it.
January 30th, 2011 at 2:11 PM ^
- he said all the things you want to hear when you think about the "Michigan difference". Its a great response and its sounds like it puts us right there to the top.
January 30th, 2011 at 9:53 PM ^
His last comment spoke volumes as to what was going on in his head. He talked about things beyond football being important, like a degree and how UM ranked high in that regard. He also talked about how he made emotional decisions based on glitz in the past but he's beyond that being important. Clearly this kid is thinking right. I thought his comments made it seem as though UM made a big impression on him. I think we have a shot with this one.
January 30th, 2011 at 2:22 PM ^
"When they introduce themselves, they don't say this is my friend or this is my homeboy, they say this is my brother he plays quarterback. They're not associates, they're family. This is how close they are. We were about to go to Kevin Koger's apartment, we walked in and there was already three players there before Kevin even was. He just walked in and it was cool, it was fine that they were there. We went to someone else's house and we just walked right in. I haven't seen anything like that on any of my other trips."
That is an awesome story. This team just seems so much closer than the team that went through the last coaching transition. Not really a knock on them, but these guys seem to be all about the team, and eachother.
January 30th, 2011 at 2:28 PM ^
excellent interview. you have a very good manner of interacting with these kids. ...and thanks for keeping us up to speed as we approach nsd.
btw, rivals weighed in after you...
January 30th, 2011 at 4:39 PM ^
Cooper. Barnett. I'm liking these cerebral visitors! They both sound like outstanding young men.
I'd love to have them both on our side next season!
January 31st, 2011 at 7:30 AM ^
I like what I've heard also in the Cooper and Barnett interviews. That they are trying to stay level headed about this decision, that they are weighing heavily on academics. Sound Minds. That's what Michigan recruits. For the new coaching staff I think that is incredibly important. Very exciting coming into the home stretch for these kids.
January 30th, 2011 at 6:47 PM ^
like we have a good shot at landing Chris.We only have 2 tight-ends on the roster,so he will have a chance to play early.GO BLUE!!!
January 30th, 2011 at 7:21 PM ^
But if we land CB ..... double damn.
January 30th, 2011 at 10:15 PM ^
Just read on Rivals he eliminated Miami and is down to Michigan and Arky, holy shitballs
January 31st, 2011 at 12:16 PM ^
I didn't realize he wanted that out yet. On our call he told me that the Michigan visit was way better than the Miami visit. Chris also had a heart to heart talk about Michigan with Thomas Rawls on the visit.
January 30th, 2011 at 10:16 PM ^
Michigan and Arkansas
January 30th, 2011 at 11:04 PM ^
by how close he said the team is, than by his interest... don't get me wrong, I'm super pumped that he's interested in Michigan, I'm just even more pumped that the team is really close.
January 31st, 2011 at 5:21 AM ^
Well not to be an a**, but an Arkansas degree doesn't mean much outside of Arkansas whereas a Michigan degree is globally recognized. Not to mention, with Malett leaving, its doubtful Arkansas will be any where near as good as they were this year. He has a chance to potentially start with our lack of depth at TE (one injury away sort of thing). I can't imagine he picks Arkansas. Lastly, Michigan is going to be back at the top very soon.
January 31st, 2011 at 12:31 PM ^
get this kid. Huge upside. Looks like his competition was really small though. Although he is giant. His frame looks like he can add at least 40 more pounds. Guy would be ferocious that big with his speed.
January 31st, 2011 at 2:23 PM ^
If that kid were any more "down to earth", he'd be subterranean.
best of luck whether he turns blue or not.
February 4th, 2011 at 5:28 AM ^
Thanks Tom, great addition to the class.
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