TomVH: Weekly Update: Bri'onte Dunn, Malik Gilmore, Anthony Standifer, and More
This weekend ended up being a huge deal for Michigan recruiting. Not only did they secure commitments from Pharaoh Brown and Mario Ojemudia, but they got instate receiver Aaron Burbridge and Ohio State commit Bri'onte Dunn to visit as well. Here's a look at what Dunn thought of his trip, what may be happening in the near future, and thoughts from a few other prospects.
Bri'onte Dunn
6'2", 215 lbs.
Running Back
Canton, Ohio
While Dunn is still committed to Ohio State he has been public about his desire to visit Michigan for some time. The Michigan coaches impressed him when they offered him, and there has been some sort of interest ever since. The recent happenings with Ohio State and the NCAA have gotten the Dunn's attention, and they have said they will continue to monitor what happens in Columbus. I spoke with both Bri'onte and his father after the trip to Ann Arbor. Here's what his father had to say first.
[The visit] went pretty good. They showed us around, we went through the stadium, and basically went around the whole campus. We got a good welcome in there. The head coach, Brady Hoke, wasn't there but we were talking to the rest of the coaches.
They told him he fits in their offense and that they want a back his size. They need a running back. We went up here because he wanted to go to a few places to get the experience. It's just been all Ohio State, so he wanted to look around a little bit. You always have to have a backup plan, too. It was a good trip, though, and his cousin [2013 DB] Dymonte Thomas schooled him on it after he went up there. They've talked about going to school together too.
Both Bri'onte and his father didn't really want to let out too much about the visit or where he stands on either side. Here's the limited amount that Bri'onte was willing to say.
It was better than I expected. They showed us around a lot and explained all the schooling stuff to us. They were good people, they seem like I could build a relationship with them. I'm just looking around right now, I'm still committed to Ohio State.
Like I said, Bri'onte didn't want to put too much out there yet. He wasn't comfortable answering a few of my tougher questions about his situation. I think a lot of this will depend on what happens with the NCAA investigation. I also think that this is just the start of a courtship, and I wouldn't expect anything to happen anytime soon. Either way, it's a positive for Michigan to get him on campus and put a face to a name with the coaches.
Anthony Standifer
6'1", 178 lbs
Cornerback
Crete, Illinois
Standifer had been told he was close to a Michigan offer a few weeks back. One of the Michigan coaches was out to see him in person this week, and Anthony was given an offer based on his performance. Things could start moving pretty rapidly for him now that the offer is official.
I have very very strong interest in Michigan. Me and my mom and dad are going to sit down and figure everything out, but I'll be visiting on Thursday [May 12th]. I was just excited and at a loss for words when they offered. I feel very thankful and appreciative for the offer. Michigan is at the top of my list.
He says he has very strong interest, but isn't sure when he wants to make his final decision.
I haven't been down there yet to see much, but I love the stadium and just the football atmosphere there. They told me that I'm a Michigan corner and that they want size, and to get down there ASAP.
I'm not saying it will for sure happen, but I believe there is a chance that Anthony could pull the trigger on his visit. He seemed excited but unsure of what he wanted to do. If the trip goes well don't be surprised if he makes the call on the spot. Before you ask, this wouldn't have any affect on the recruitment of any other defensive backs, including Terry Richardson.
Malik Gilmore
6'3", 195 lbs.
Wide Receiver
Lakewood, California
Gilmore is a prospect that has been a little on the quiet side lately. He holds a Michigan offer as well as Arizona State, Duke, Notre Dame, San Diego State, Utah, and Washington. Despite living in California Gilmore says he has serious interest in Michigan.
[Michigan] is definitely a school I'm interested in. I mean we don't really hear that much about them out here, so to learn more about the program and school would be great. I know they have a rich tradition and good academics, it's a huge program. They have been down for awhile, but the new head coach that they have I'm sure is going to turn it around.
Gilmore wasn't positive but he had thought that Brady Hoke offered him previously while at San Diego State. While GIlmore does like Michigan, it's still early in the process for him.
I'm still taking everything in right now. I want to get out and take my visits and then I will start to narrow down the schools. I've been hearing from Cal, UCLA, and Northwestern lately, so we'll see. I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but I will be seriously considering Michigan in all this.
Gilmore holds a Michigan offer, but since he wants to take his time, I'm not sure how it will play out for him.
Extra:
The commitment of Mario Ojemudia has increased Michigan's chances with his teammate, WR Aaron Burbridge. If they put the full court press on Burbridge they have a chance at landing him.
Instate DE Matt Godin is announcing this Thursday the 12th. He's down to Michigan, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. His announcement will be public, so you'll know.
A lot of people were asking if the commitment from Pharaoh Brown and Mario Ojemudia would have any affect on Chris Wormley or Matt Godin, and the answer is no. Brown and Ojemudia are weakside ends, and Michigan is recruiting Godin and Wormley for the strong side. They will take all four if they fall that way.
Illinois DT Jaleel Johnson was offered this week. I believe Michigan has a good chance with Johnson.
Arizona ATH DJ Foster was offered this week. He has interest in Michigan, but they will need to get him on campus before any serious interest could happen. Oregon is the likely early leader.
[Ed: Chatter on twitter is that MI CB Terry Richardson may be announcing soon; hopefully "Roll Tide Nation" is just a tweak directed at Ross and RJS. Also, the Rivals 100 is out. RJS is the only state of Michigan player in the top 100 at #87.]
Tom, Did Dunn indicate any other schools he was interested in visiting?
I'm confused regarding Aaron Burbridge. I keep hearing on this board that we haven't offered him pending improvement of his grades, but the offer board and major recruiting sites all list him as having an offer. So does he technically have an offer that is non-committable until he shows improvement, or what's actually going on here? I assume we wouldn't be trying to get him to visit if we hadn't actually offered him.
http://michiganstate.247sports.com/Board/93/Burbridge-to-scUM-2193601/1
Means nothing, but just something I came across while looking for MSU fan meltdowns RE recruiting.
They should make a movie.
300 meme - Give them nothing - take from them everything!
Please can it be true? I would absolutely love to watch the meltdown later this week.
<br>
<br>It's probably terrible of me to even suggest this, but is it possible this Stonum debacle actually helps us land a WR because we could point to the fact that we clearly now need a deep threat / quality WR? I know we don't know anything about the outcome of that situation yet, I was just speaking in hypotheticals.
Well Stonum is a senior so regardless of what happens with him and his legal troubles, we will still need to replace him next year.
not if you suspend him for the year and use his redshirt in doing so
That link seems to have been zapped from their site. What'd it say?
http://michiganstate.247sports.com/Board/93/Im-going-to-buy-malt-liquor…
It states: Im going to buy malt liquor, what should I get? (Under $2.50)
hahahahhahah
Good Lord. I buy it, though. Every time I want to party with MSU friends I have to bring my own liquor, because they drink terrible quality alcohol. Although I guess their goal is probably just to get so hammered they forget they go to MSU.
Ann Arbor>East Lansing in the hospitality department. Paying for party beer is about as lame as things get.
He was offered at one point, but the coaches reportedly backed off when they learned more about his qualifying issues. He might have one of those "non-committable" offers at this point, at least until they see whether he can qualify or not.
Great, thanks Magnus, that's exactly what I was wondering.
Great update on Dunn. I have a positive vibe about him!
Any updates from any offensive linemen we are targetting?
Thanks!
Not Tom, but I think there was an OL from Colorado visiting.
Thanks Tom for the updates.
So I rewatched Standifer's highlights, since I wasn't very impressed with him the last time I watched them, but I have to say I like him more now. He's got size and he's pretty physical. I think the best part of the highlight video is when he just buries the receiver into the sidelines near the line of scrimmage. If he can get stronger, which he inevitably will over here, I think he can be a solid corner.
I wonder if the fact that Standifer's cousin-- Mikel LeShoure-- just got drafted by the Lions increases Michigan's already good chances with him? Couldn't hurt to have family playing for the pro team just down the road.
Pretty sure Standifer was high on Michigan even before the NFL Draft. It seemed he was already leaning blue the first time Tom talked to him.
Twisting a recruit from a rival takes time, but Dunn's reaction that "It was better than I expected" is usually a good first step.
Mario Ojemudia said something very similar during his transition from green and white to maize and blue.
thats exactly right captain. however, i dont know why but dont have a good feeling about dunn coming... i do however, think itll be garmon or marshall
Dunn is going to OSU.
we get Keith Marshall
But really I want Dunn too
Until Marshall visits, forget about that one. To date Dunn is the only RB to visit and does anyone think OSU doesn't get a 2 year bowl ban at this point? After this week recruiting may slow down until August when the NCAA pops it's head back into Columbus. Then I see a few of our big targets dropping. I know there won't be a ruling in August but the writing will be on the wall for all to read.
Georgia is leading for Marshall supposedly.
But I has dreamz!
Also with Dunn. I get the feeling he will commit to M eventually. Almost like a reverse for the Dee Hart decommitment. It seems like karma
Agreed.
Yeah, he doesn't sound in love with the program. But I suppose it's possible that he hasn't heard that much about it growing up. The real question is whether he's planning to use one of those visits to come out to Michigan and what his e-mail address is so that Magnus can send him some of those attractive Michigan girl photos.
Seems to be killing us on the recruiting trail. Sheesh
...too subtle with that one.
I see what you did there.
Gold jacket, green jacket...who gives a shit!
He seems to have the size and our roster seems it will have the need.
"... they explained all the schooling stuff to us" ?
I can understand how someone could read Bri-onte's interview and be disappointed. But considering he & his father are managing his recruitment in a quiet-manner, I consider this update to be good news. And I love the angle of offering his cousin Dymonte (even if he is a year later)!
I love what Hoke is doig. This will be a grea class. I just hope we can also sprinkle in a couple of game breakers at WR and RB (like the old days)...
With Godin and hopefully Wormley coming would that close the door on Strobel and Washington? With guys of that caliber interested I'd rather they reject us so we have no regrets. To close the door on those two when they could be interested....I dunno does anybody else feel weird about that?
i wondered that too, that if godin commits but then, say, washington wants to come, later...would they say no to godin
on defense in this year's recruiting class - I can see us taking one less OL/ WR to make room for a bluechip defensive recruit
Also - love your avataar. Who is it?
Thanks. Kate Beckinsale.
Dunn did say "It was better than I expected," with Tom stating he's holding everything very close to the vest. I believe this is a good sign for Michigan, that and the fact he visited AA while being committed to osu for 8 months. Very positive, with the continual reports of free cars, lies upon lies, tressell making whoopie with goats, etc...I think our chances are only going to get better.
I have a feeling Burbidge will want to join his boys too. Just another in-state mushroom stamp for dicktonio...
GO BLUE
Love the incorporation of the classic Mushroom Stamp.. that being said I feel like our recruiting is going to be at a standstill for a few months due to half of our class being committed already so us MgoBloggers are going to be bored
I'm counting on everyone committing, and then fall practice starting so we can focus on that. Then real football keeps us occupied, and after we win the national championship, we solidify our great class on signing day. Then we get to start worry about Shane Morris and the rest of the '13 class. God I love college football
Is Standifer going to be our first non Michigan/Ohio commit? Paired with T. Richardson of course.
I hear Godin is switching to DB. The coaches told him that with Standifer set to commit on Thursday, they only take 2 by 2s.
6' 2" 215lb tailback? Yes please.
I am SOOOOO glad i quit rivals network.
Looking at their top 100 and lack of high level midwest players definitely displays their lack of having a single midwest analyst.
Also, someone also stated it was a down year in the state of Michigan. Whoever stated that should be fired on the spot.
Then Farrell goes on for 18 paragraphs about how they or everyone wanted to go against the grain and place a #1 reruit that no one knew about, but they had to go with the obvious one inestead because he truly is that good etc... etc... blah blah. How unprofessional was all that crap he spewed?
Just so glad i no longer pay that site. It is truthfully horrible now, and not objective at all now taht they have 72 southern analysts and zero midwest.
Down year in the state of Michigan? I want what they are smoking!
Isn't going on visits while being "committed" kind of like going on other dates while being engaged?
But your fiance may or may not be pregnant, and you doubt it's yours, I'd consider it more a trip to the doctor than a date
/the analogy worked better in my head
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