TVH Weekly: Visit Reactions, DeAnthony Arnett's Decision

Submitted by TomVH on

This past weekend's thriller had a few visitors, including instate prospects DeAnthony Arnett and Desmond Morgan. The game wasn't just exciting for the fans but the recruits as well. Reactions and other recruiting news:

Desmond MorganDesmond Morgan

6'1", 225 lbs.

Linebacker

Holland, Michigan


This was Morgan's second time attending a Michigan game this season. This one was a little bit different for him since he now has a scholarship offer from Michigan.

I enjoyed every part of the game, it was really exciting. Last time I was there I thought how cool it would be to be noticed by them, or get a chance to play for them. This time I thought that could be me next year, and I have a chance to play on that field. I appreciated that feeling.

Desmond was escorted to the game by his dad, who is also a big Michigan fan. They got to experience some firsts together, and started thinking more seriously about the recruiting scene.

We met Coach Rodriguez and Frey, and that was the first time we've met both of them in person. We got a chance to walk around the locker room, and anytime you get a chance to walk through that tunnel it's pretty special. My dad liked it a lot.

As I reported previously, Morgan wants to take his time with his recruitment. He is a Michigan fan, but doesn't want to rush into anything, but this visit was a step in the right direction for Michigan.

I talked to the coaches about making an official visit. We're going to try to get that set up this week. They mentioned the Big Chill hockey game (Dec. 10th), so that's a possible date. I really had a lot of my questions answered already. The main thing was spending time with the coaches and getting to know them better. I wanted to feel welcomed there, and I really did feel that.

Desmond should have his official set up by this week. He also plans on visiting Northwestern this weekend for the Iowa game. Things are looking good for Michigan, though.

Dallas Crawford

5'10", 185 lbs.

Cornerback

Fort Myers, Florida


Dallas Crawford has been high on Michigan for some time now. I wanted to get some perspective on him from his current head coach on where Michigan stands with both Dallas and his teammate Sammy. Coach Redhead:

Dallas has Michigan as his number one school because of his two visits there and the atmosphere. Sammy still has Michigan in close second to Clemson. It's a little harder for me to get a read on him, but Michigan is close. They're in the hunt for both of them. I don't think it should matter, but I think it might matter how both teams finish for Sammy. [ed: ie, coach doesn't think it should be relevant but it could be anyway.]

Redhead has had some good prospects come through the schools he has coached at, but he has some strong feelings about both Crawford and Watkins.

Dallas is a solid character kid, and one that I never have to worry about. He has some of the best instincts I've ever coached, and that includes the big name kids. Dallas has that football IQ. He knows where to be and when to be there, and he's always in the right spot. Same thing with Sammy. They both just do what they're asked of them.

For any head coach, it's important to be able to trust the coaches recruiting their athletes, and it seems as if Michigan has earned that trust from Coach Redhead.

Greg Frey recruits down here, and I've known him since he was at Florida State. I know he's going to take care of our kids. When we know they're good people and they care about the kids, and not just wins and losses, it makes it easier on us. That's the good thing about the Michigan coaches, they all care about these kids.

Both Dallas and Sammy are focused taking their team deep into the playoffs. They will be scheduling an official visit to Michigan in the near future. Sammy will most likely take an official to Clemson as well.

DeAnthony ArnettDeAnthony Arnett

6'0", 170 lbs.

Wide Receiver

Saginaw, Michigan


DeAnthony Arnett was at the Michigan game this past weekend and has put Michigan back on his list. I caught up with his brother Ralph, who let me know about the visit a little while ago, about Arnett's plans for this week.

The visit was nice. We picked the perfect game to come to. We talked with all the coaches, and Coach Singletary. They never stopped recruiting DeAnthony, and he told them that he wanted to see them play before he came for a visit. They had their receivers go off, and it was a great atmosphere.

The visit on the field was great, but what they were shown off the field was possibly just as important.

As far as the visit, it was outstanding. DeAnthony got one on one time with the academic advisors. They stress time management on the kids, and a lot of schools don't talk about that. It can get overwhelming, and they said they don't let the freshman fall behind, and they pay close attention to them. That was great.

Arnett has already been out to USC, Cal, and Tennessee. He obviously has had plenty of exposure to both Michigan and Michigan State. His brother let me know what the plans are from here.

DeAnthony will be announcing his decision this Wednesday at 9 AM at Saginaw High. He will be calling the coaches on Tuesday to tell them what he's decided to do. We'll go over his notes and see what he wants to do from there.

The family has kept everything close to the vest, but Michigan does have a chance. We'll all know Wednesday.

Also, here's film from four of DeAnthony's games this year.

Extra:

  • Four star Maryland defensive back Blake Countess was offered this past week. Look for Michigan to shoot up his list, potentially as his favorite. This could be a big pickup for Michigan if it works out.
  • DC running back Malcolm Crockett is still on his official visit. I will hopefully have an update with him once he's back home.
  • The Demetrius Hart scare has been resolved, and ended up just having to do with his high school, and early enrollment problems.
  • Rich Rodriguez said at his press conference today that Craig Roh will most likely stay on the defensive line. Probably mostly due to this.

Comments

DreadedBackfield

November 8th, 2010 at 1:43 PM ^

Hopefully DeAnthony will put on the Michigan hat and do a little dance like a 6'5 330 guy we all know and love.

profitgoblue

November 8th, 2010 at 1:47 PM ^

I'm trying to figure out what Arnett's visit to Michigan just a few days before his decision is to be announced means.  A part of me wants to think that a last-minute visit is huge because it means that he wasn't entirely sold on any of the schools he is considering.  But the more logical part of me thinks that a last-minute visit after spending months on the process is little more than a double-check to be sure about his decision.  Is there any way one game four days before his decision is being announced can have a big enough impact to change his mind?

SanDiegoWolverine

November 8th, 2010 at 2:48 PM ^

Completely uninformed, but I would have a better feeling about Arnett coming here if he ends up postponing his announcement (he said to ESPN today he might do that) than if he announces this week.  If we weren't in his top 4 or 5 before but after this weekend he is ready to commit to us that would be rare.  My guess is that if this weekend affected him positively enough to consider us he would postpone his decision and see what happens the next few weeks or month.

Bodogblog

November 8th, 2010 at 3:09 PM ^

If he was an M fan when he was younger, and only wrote them off over the last year b/c he believed the O wouldn't fit him.  If he now believes that's untrue, and those old feelings are coming back.  If he believes RR will stay and he likes that.  If the other places didn't really wow him that much.  Got a lot of "ifs" there... but possible if he came on campus.  Remember during the bye week the coaches made a big push for him. 

True Blue in CO

November 8th, 2010 at 1:51 PM ^

Great info as always.  With the environment in the Stadium this weekend, who would not want to come be part of this.  It never gets this loud and raucous in East Lansing so one can only hope that DeAnthony sees this as his new Saturday afternoon home.  More big name signers even if offensive players will help attract the right defensive recruits.

Don

November 8th, 2010 at 2:00 PM ^

For some reason I had thought he was Braylon-sized. 6-0/170 is not that big. With the size inflation that seems to be normal for HS recruits, he's probably 5-11 and 160.

MH20

November 8th, 2010 at 2:08 PM ^

I don't think it should matter, but I think it might matter how both teams finish for Sammy.

I just went from impartial regarding Clemson to a Gamecock-level disdain for the Tigers.

ken725

November 8th, 2010 at 2:11 PM ^

I would be sweet if we got both Crawford and Countess.  Anyone know what the official number of spots we have.  I'm guessing it is more than we anticipated at the start of the year.

Dr.Jay

November 8th, 2010 at 2:21 PM ^

Man, I just don't see Arnett staying home. I think the visit was more of a "I'm committing here but let me check out Michigan just to make sure" Was it enough to change his mind?? I dont think so

EZMIKEP

November 8th, 2010 at 2:48 PM ^

So after Devin gets his medical redshirt, (wink) he gets to throw to Dee AND Sammy in a pick your poison we will crush-kill-destroy you either way  2013-14. 

samsoccer7

November 8th, 2010 at 2:49 PM ^

My gut (nothing like Sam Webb's gut) tells me Arnett is going to USC.  He doesn't seem to be all rowdy rowdy with Michigan like some of the other guys.  Also, if he really liked Michigan, I think his announcement would come much later than Wednesday.  These recruits and their advisors must know of the sheen that comes from a recent visit, and the need to let it wear off before making any big decisions.  In essence, he wouldn't be announcing Wed if Mich was his leader b/c he'd be making it while the luster is still there.

MGoAndy

November 8th, 2010 at 2:50 PM ^

I've got a feeling DeAnthony has known for a while where he wants to go, and I just can't see it being Michigan.

I'll take a 1% chance of a nice Wednesday birthday present over 0% though.

Bodogblog

November 8th, 2010 at 3:14 PM ^

but I don't get the M/MSU thing: they run the ball first with Dant' and only throw if they need to.  In M's offense he'll have so many opportunities to make plays - we throw as a strategy to maintain balance and keep the D on edge.  MSU is 9-1 and nobody pays any attention to them.  That's a fact and not meant as a slight.  Generally speaking, MSU is only in big games when they play someone else who's notable: M, Iowa, Penn State.  Even now in their best year in the last 25.  M is relevant against UMASS

He does have a much better chance of catching a fake punt if he goes to MSU, however

detrocks

November 8th, 2010 at 4:03 PM ^

Getting Arnett would be like being one of those people in the Lexus commerical that they always play around Christmas.   You know the one, where the person who wakes up on Christmas to find a brand new Lexus SUV wrapped in a bow in the driveway.  You can't expect it to happen, but if it does, it would blow you away.

TrppWlbrnID

November 8th, 2010 at 4:29 PM ^

My first son is also named DeAnthony, and my second son is also named Ralph.

also, Coach Redhead?  if you needed further proof that the universe is f'n with me, this would be it.

Jivas

November 8th, 2010 at 4:39 PM ^

Michigan: 2362 yards in 9 games - 262 YPG

Michigan State: 2400 yards in 10 games - 240 YPG

I understand that the schemes are different and Arnett may be concerned with playing WR in a scheme more conducive with training him to be an NFL wide receiver - which is a perfectly legitimate concern for him to have in choosing schools - but in terms of whether or not he'll be utilized in the offense, there's no reason to think he'd get more opportunity to shine at MSU versus Michigan.

WolvinLA2

November 8th, 2010 at 5:07 PM ^

I was going to post exactly this.  I can understand being a WR and not wanting to play for Air Force or Georgia Tech or Nevada, but Michigan under RR is not one of those teams.  We're actually 28th nationally in pass YPG (262.4) .  Arnett's other choices?  USC is the only one ahead of us, they throw for 8 more yards per game than us.  MSU is 47th nationally at 240 YPG and Tennessee is 53rd nationally at 232 YPG.

Someone should show these numbers to Arnett so at least he'll make his decision based on the right things.

Section 1

November 8th, 2010 at 6:23 PM ^

into the Woody Hayes Center for an OSU camp?

Is it because he loves Michigan, or was it because he wanted to get a rise out of the OSU staff, and Sparty gear just wouldn't cut it?

Doesn't that sort of say something about the three schools, also?

michmbk

November 8th, 2010 at 7:03 PM ^

The kid's first name is Desmond, he's what, 17 years old and lives in Michigan...do we really need to add that his dad is a big Michigan fan???

If I had a kid in 91/92/93, his first name probably would have been Desmond too!  Seriously, how can this kid go anywhere but Michigan with that legacy?

Great stuff as always, Tom.

VinnieMac25

November 8th, 2010 at 11:01 PM ^

Just keep winning! So Arnett is closer to Roy's size.   His film is good.  I would welcome him to the Michigan family, just dont see him staying home.   When was the last time Michigan landed a recruit from Saginaw?  4 star DB might be moving Michigan to the top.  Oh good to hear! Nothing new on the safety propsects though?

tmurda1234

November 9th, 2010 at 7:17 PM ^

Tom certainly didn't hurt our chances with DAA.  Neither did Roundtree.  Roundtree's performance cut right to DAA's main argument against coming to UM.  We don't showcase a receiver?  BS.

I hope Watkins joins his boy and comes up North.  I can't even believe he's considering Clemson over Michigan.  What a joker!