TVH Weekly: Danny O'Brien, Steve Elmer, Ondre Pipkins, and More

Submitted by TomVH on

You know by now that Chris Wormley has committed to Michigan and become the 21st commitment for the 2012 class. While he was the only commitment at the BBQ the event was a hit. Here's a look at reactions from some of the visiting prospects. As always you can follow me on Twitter @TomVH and email me any tips or questions at [email protected]

Danny O'BrienDanny O'Brien

6'2", 295 lbs.

Defensive Tackle

Flint, Michigan


O'Brien has been listing Michigan as one of his favorites for some time now. This visit gave him a chance to get more personal with the coaches and other commits.

This visit definitely helped Michigan; I had a great visit. I got even more comfortable with the coaches and I'm good friends with a lot of the commitments so that was fun. I saw the locker room this time too, I never saw that before.

Now that he has taken this visit he will have to try to cut down his list even more and soon make a decision.

I'm going to think about my comfort level this week and where I'm at with everything. I have a top six of Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Michigan State, and Iowa right now. I'm going to cut that down to three and then take official visits to those schools. I know Michigan said they're only taking one defensive tackle, but if they want to take two I will still consider them if someone commits before me.

Danny has mentioned to me before that he knows the coaches have said they'll only take one, but he thinks there's a good chance they could take two. 

Steve ElmerSteve Elmer

6'6", 297 lbs.

Offensive Tackle

Midland, Michigan


Steve Elmer and his father have been on Michigan's campus a few times this year, and this time he got to bring his mother and brother along as well. I caught up with Steve Elmer Sr. to talk about their trip.

This visit was a little different because more of my family was there. My wife, Steven, and my middle son were all there. We got to spend more time with the coaches and their families. We actually got a picture with all the 2013 kids; Shane Morris, Wyatt Shallman,  and Jonny Reschke. They all got a chance to talk.

While the Elmers didn't necessarily see anything that they haven't before they got to see things from a different angle this time.

We had a different perspective on everything. We took a normal tour that they would give to incoming freshman, maybe a little abbreviated. We went to all the athletic stuff, and I don't know if it was a coincidence but we sat with the Dean of Admissions and a couple academic people. We spent some time with Shari Acho, too. My wife didn't meet her last time so it was good she got to meet her.

This visit also gave them a better chance to catch some one on one time with Brady Hoke. 

We got to spend more time with the coaches, which is important because we're looking for a comfort level. When we were at camp Brady Hoke was very busy and this time there were only around twenty kids there. There was about four or five occasions that we got some time to talk with the head coach. We met his wife too, and she is legitimately a genuinely nice person. They played some highlights, some things about Michigan, and then Brady Hoke spoke and got us all pumped up. The message was pretty much to restore the pride, that he's bringing Michigan back.

Elmer has already received a few early offers and will see plenty more roll in. While I don't think they want to drag his recruitment out the family wants to find the place that Steven feels is right for him, however long that takes.

Ondre PipkinsOndre Pipkins

6'3", 325 lbs.

Defensive Tackle

Kansas City, Missouri


Ondre Pipkins' visit was one of the more anticipated by the fans. Ondre had told me prior to his visit that there was a chance that he could announce at the event. Obviously that didn't happen, but it doesn't mean it still won't. As you can imagine he was busy today, so when we spoke he kept it short and sweet. I asked him what the visit told him about Michigan and if he would be visiting again soon.

Michigan men take care of Michigan men. That means that they take care of you beyond football. And yeah, I'll visit again.

The important part about saying he'll visit again is that he's still in the state of Michigan for some time. So there is a chance that he will be visiting again while he's on this current stay in the state. We'll see what happens.

Jon ReschkeJonny Reschke

6'2", 210 lbs.

Linebacker

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan


Reschke is a 2013 prospect fresh off of a Michigan State offer. He took in Ann Arbor today for basically the first time today as a recruit. 

This was basically my first time there. The Big House was unbelievable. We were just saying how crazy this place is packed. We took a tour of everything, and I love the campus up there. It was great. 

Jonny believes that this visit will help him not only get to know MIchigan better but also get closer to an offer from the Wolverines.

I talked to Coach Smith one on one.  All the coaches really like me. Coach Smith told me he's going to take a look at some tape and that I should call Coach Jackson soon. If he doesn't answer then I should call Coach Smith. He didn't say that I was getting an offer, but he was kind of implying it, so I think it's close. After camp they had a dead week and then they put on this BBQ, so they need to regroup and start recruiting again.

The visit really helped with my comfort level though, and it was really cool to see all the kids together. Coach Hoke's speech was pretty awesome and then they played a video, too. I just want to play football right now after that.

As I mentioned Reschke has an offer from Michigan State, and that hit home with him mainly because of where his father went to school.

My dad played at MSU in 1979. It doesn't matter though; he's going to let me make my own choice. He wants me to play somewhere that I'll have an opportunity to play. I'm not going to wait until after my senior year, I want to get it done with. It will probably be around this time next year, I just want to check out all the places that want me during the spring. I'll also probably be back to Michigan for the Notre Dame game.

I believe at this point it's probably a Michigan vs MSU scenario right now for Reschke. We'll see how his recruitment plays out.

Ty IsaacTy Isaac

6'3", 202 lbs.

Running Back

Joliet, Illinois


Isaac is a 2013 running back prospect that made it in for the BBQ this weekend. This was his first time on campus and he seemed to come away very impressed.

I've been talking to Coach Hecklinski and he told me to come out to the school. We went on a tour, met all the coaches, and I really liked it a lot. We talked to the coaches and most of them knew who I was. I was just happy I could get on campus and get a feel for everything. It was my first time there so I didn't know what to expect. I enjoyed it, I went up there not knowing much about Michigan but it really surprised me. I'm excited to go back and check it out again to get there for a game. This was different, I didn't know what to expect so it was good for me, I really liked it.

Isaac has now been out to Michigan, Illinois, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin. He says he will try to make it out to all the schools that offer and maybe a few more as well. 

To me every school has a uniqueness about it. The way Michigan went about everything and the feel of everything was different. I'll definitely try to get up to games for the schools that have offered. I can't really give you a timeline for everything though, I'm not too sure when I want to make my decision. And to be honest I don't really have a list yet, that's the truth. Everyone wants the big schools, but I want whatever fits me the best, that's where I want to be. I just don't know yet.

It seems like Michigan has done themselves a favor after this visit with Isaac. They haven't offered him yet, but it seems likely that he will eventually receive one from Michigan. 

Extra:

This post is starting to get pretty long so I'm going to save a couple posts for this week. I'll have 2013 RB Wyatt Shallman's thoughts, WR Jehu Chesson, and RB Bri'onte Dunn. Bri'onte's father told me that this visit also helped Michigan with his son, I'll have more from them later in the week. I still think Michigan has a chance with him, I just believe he'll take his time with everything.

WR Amara Darboh told me that he's going to talk to his coach about his last MIchigan visit and his choices overall after camp. His camp ends Wednesday and he'll likely have a short list out soon after. He said that Michigan is up there on the list, but he still wants to have his guardians see what he saw at Michigan, and all the other schools he's seen as well.

I wanted to mention WR Monty Madaris. I had made a comment that because he wasn't visiting for the BBQ Michigan's chances to land a receiver will be pushed back, and that I thought Michigan was in good shape with him and Darboh. I said that not to imply that Madaris was 100% going to commit to Michigan, but that he had mentioned to me it wasn't out of the question. I didn't mean to say that Michigan was the leader and that they were definitely getting him. When I said that Michigan was in good shape I simply meant that they are in the top group for now. I receieved an email from a confused reader and figured I would share with everyone.

Comments

aaamichfan

July 31st, 2011 at 11:30 PM ^

Ondre had told me pryor to his visit that there was a chance that he could announce at the event.
OSU on the mind, Tom?

marlon

August 1st, 2011 at 12:18 AM ^

I think we should start a TomVH computer chair fund.  As all fundraising campaigns need a slogan, I propose we use "The man on the beat needs a seat."  It rhymes, and everyone likes that.

So what'll it be, TomVH?  A Herman Miller Aeron?  A high back leather number with wooden armrests?  A stain resistant fabric piece (newborns make big messes, after all)?

dennisblundon

July 31st, 2011 at 11:32 PM ^

I would be happy with any of the recruits that were there today. It sounds like Hoke is one hell of a motivator. My expectations are tempered at the moment, mainly due to being let down over the last few years, I fear by the time we kick off the opener they will be sky high again.

Brimley

July 31st, 2011 at 11:42 PM ^

I'm wondering if the Dunns are beginning to think about Mich as a viable alternative regardless of the NCAA decision.  A common theme this year has been how impressed kids have been once they see campus and all that UM has to offer.  Obviously, the family has to make the choice that's right for Bri'onte, but it'd be that much sweeter if he did decide to come to UM just because it's a kick-ass school.

Wolverman

August 1st, 2011 at 12:56 AM ^

  lol you really have to spell out everything so literally for some people on this board.  I'm suprised some fo the people are bold enough to share possible news on here ,because half the people don't read the posts and a few others are poised in the bathtub with their toaster plugged in just waiting for a hint of bad news.

 

 Oh no Plipkens and O'brandon did'nt commit during the BBQ they must be going to Bama!!

BZZZZZZT

GO BLUE MP3

July 31st, 2011 at 11:49 PM ^

Just wondering about Pipkins.  Do you really think he'll be back before he heads home.  Thinking maybe he didn't want to steal Chris's thunder with his announcement today and wanted to do it later after getting a little more one on one time with the coaches and seeing more of the campus? 

Huskie45

August 1st, 2011 at 12:16 AM ^

Tom, Great site. I have been following this site for quite sometime. The best I have found for solid information.

Question: Steve Elmer seems to be spending a lot of time in Ann Arbor. Is he checking out other campus's as much as he has UM? I have read where some think he is a MSU lean. I guess I am not seeing it with the frequency that he is coming to AA. If he is not going to Lansing or South Bend every few weeks, then my gut tells me that he is leaning toward UM even though his Mom is a MSU fan/grad.

marlon

August 1st, 2011 at 12:22 AM ^

While TomVH is an integral part of mgoblog, he is not the proprietor of this website.  That person would be Brian Cook.  TomVH deserves many, many thanks for his contributions (see my "TomVH Computer Chair Fund" post above), but the ultimate thank yous should be directed to Mr. Cook.

BlueinTC

August 1st, 2011 at 8:15 AM ^

for 2012, maybe they forego the last OL guy (unless it's one of the Biggies - Diamond, et al) for another position and make Steve the foundation for 2013 OLs.   Seems like he'll be blue not matter what, though.

 

 

Thrillhouse

August 1st, 2011 at 12:33 AM ^

I just don't know man...I get have this sneaking suspicion with regard to Elmer that things will be humming along nicely between him and us, and then bam, out of the blue (green?) he's going to wind up committing to State. Not going to get my hopes up on this one.

Huskie45

August 1st, 2011 at 12:50 AM ^

From what I have read, they are doing one of the most thorough jobs of evaluating schools that I have ever heard. Steve Sr. is using some matrix that he put together to evaluate schools based on acedemice and football. If they truely stick to that approach, then UM wins hands down. My worry is that we do so well this year with OTs that they think that the depth chart is not good for Steve. I also question whether ND doesn't enter the picture. I am an optimist though and I think that he may pull the trigger early for UM. Again, they seem to be taking the recruiting process very seriously. I think that if Steve and his family find the right fit, he will commit.

Elmer

August 1st, 2011 at 12:14 PM ^

The Elmers have stated they are not afraid of any competition from the 2012 class.  The kid is big and talented and I'm betting he will find a way onto the field. He's a big time recruit.  Also, the type of kid that fits into Michigan very well with his strong academics.  Impressive family.

VinnieMac25

August 1st, 2011 at 1:04 AM ^

Great Weekly Tom, Danny and Oronde understand the situation.  Can't they just Go Blue together.  Good to hear positive news on the 2013 kids.  Dymonte seemed like a sure thing from your cryptic posts.  Either way its really early for them to commit.  So if Monty Madris is close for the commit watch, could it be down to Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson, or Jordan Payton for the last WR spot, Tom?

althegreat23

August 1st, 2011 at 1:13 AM ^

Ondre Pipkins sounds like a Michigan man already. Also, Notre Dame missed on big-time backs last year and up to this point in the 2012 cycle. I think they will be going after Ty Isaac extremely hard, especially with being from Illinois. It would be if we stole him from them.

detrocks

August 1st, 2011 at 9:45 AM ^

I can vouch for this comment.    South Bend is only 1-2 hours from Chicago and the Chicago papers give ND as much if not more coverage than either Illinois or Northwestern.   And while ND is obviously strong with the Catholic schools here, they're in it for just about every good local prospect in the area.

Buck Shaner

August 1st, 2011 at 2:16 PM ^

I went to Joliet Catholic and while the other posters are accurate that Chicago in general is pretty pro ND; I think the bigger issue with Isaac is his high school.  Joliet Catholic is a traditional Illinois powerhouse with alot of affinity to ND.  "Rudy" from the movie went to Joliet Catholic as did Tom Thayer (ND and 85 Chicago Bears).  While I'd love to see this kid go blue, I agree that ND will likely be tough to beat for Isaac.

Look Up_See Blue

August 1st, 2011 at 1:27 AM ^

Sorry your chair broke Tom. Hopefully you can replace it soon. After a long day of shopping with the gf, I've been looking forward to reading this weekly update. In fact, I almost was left at the house today because once she saw me reading this blog she threatened to leave without me. I look forward to the other updates later in the week. Maybe there will be another Hello: post before then. Thanks again for all your hard work!

True Blue in CO

August 1st, 2011 at 3:51 AM ^

It feels like you were there versus being 3000 miles away in Arizona. Hoping for some progress on the Receiver and DT front in the coming weeks but we all need to remember there is 6 months left in the 2012 recruiting cycle. Happy TomVH is with us every step of the way.

Logan88

August 1st, 2011 at 7:44 AM ^

Am I reading too much into it when I think that based on this statement, "Ondre had told me prior to his visit that there was a chance that he could announce [note the use of the word announce, not decide] at the event.", that Pipkins has already decided on UM and is now just determining when to announce it publicly?

news2me

August 1st, 2011 at 7:57 AM ^

The Pipkins comment on what it means from his perspective to be one of the "Michigan men" says Ann Arbor is flawless in terms of U of M being an ideal fit. So, it just makes sense to me he will commit.

RedfordUofMfan

August 1st, 2011 at 8:05 AM ^

Great post as always.  I get the feeling that recruitment is going to take a hiatus for a few weeks.  These kids begin two-a-days soon, with the first scrimmage the 18th.  Everything will be ratcheted up a notch for the Notre Dame game, where it appears every recruit and his brother are attending.

I may have missed it, but any word on the Cass/FHH contingent?  Any Cass targets for 2013 attend?

Mr Mackey

August 1st, 2011 at 9:13 AM ^

Great update, Tom. I know Richardson was supposed to talk to the coaches about his visits at the BBQ, did you hear anything about how that went?

I'm really hoping Pipkins drops soon and the coaches still want O'Brien.. That would be quite a DT class

bubblelevel

August 1st, 2011 at 9:35 AM ^

Does old man Elmer do every interview?  What's up with that?  I'm sure jr. is bright enough and can present his thoughts very well I'm sure. 

Glad to hear all the 2013 kids were together.  Saw a twitter pic of them.

TomVH

August 1st, 2011 at 9:49 AM ^

Steven is very capable of doing an interview, and I'll eventually have him talk about everything. I'm the one that contacts Mr. Elmer so it's me that's putting him on here. It's not like he asks to do the interview, it's my choice.