Thanks as always for the updates TomVH. Kinda confused as why Watkins chose Clemson, but that is how it works sometimes. I really hope we can get Justice Hayes on campus for at least a visit, then who knows what could happen.
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TVHWeekly: Jack Tabb & Kris Frost Visits, More
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Michigan's loss this weekend was tough for fans, but it didn't seem to affect how the visiting recruits perceived Michigan's program. Here's their reaction with a few extras as usual.
Jack Tabb
6'4", 230 lbs.
Tight End
Red Bank, New Jersey
Michigan has been trying to land a tight end in this class for some time now. They missed on a few, and have now targeted Tabb as their guy. This was Jack's second time to Michigan, but first for an actual game.
It was a great visit. The game was as good as you could dream of. 110,000 people, it was absolutely wild. It was a real cool environment, besides the loss, but I felt really comfortable with everyone there.
Tabb's mom was with him on his visit, and she seemed to have the same feelings as her son about the overall experience at Michigan.
Mom really liked it. She liked everything, how it was the total package. I talked to the coaches, and Rich Rodriguez told us how he really me, needs me at tight end, and that there's an opportunity to play early.
Tabb will visit North Carolina on December 3rd and may go to Arkansas after that. He's already been to Iowa. He is going to make his decision before Christmas, so this visit was big for Michigan. If I had to guess, I would say that this visit may have put Michigan in the lead.
Kris Frost
6'3", 210 lbs.
Athlete
Matthews, North Carolina
Kris Frost has been open about his love for Michigan. I've been in close contact with Frost, and have a good picture of his recruitment, and how it will play out. This visit was instrumental for Michigan. Since Auburn is closer, he's been able to take more visits, and has allowed them to gain quit a bit of ground on Michigan lately. He said this before the visit this weekend.
I'm excited for the visit to Michigan, because I want to see what it's like up there for the game. Auburn is making it really hard for me. Every time I go down there they show me a great time, and they showed me how I would fit in. So this visit to Michigan is going to be big for me.
I didn't get to talk to Kris in depth last night after his visit since he was traveling. We have a phone call scheduled for later today, and I can get you the full details after that. He did have this to say so far, though.
The visit was great, it was basically what I was hoping for. I'm still planning on going to LSU and Cal, then making my decision at the Army game.
I'll have more quotes and better detail later today. He obviously didn't commit, but this visit was a big help for Michigan. He has told me that he is watching the NCAA situation at Auburn very closely.
Ryan Petro
6'3", 210 lbs.
Linebacker
Winter Springs, Florida
Petro was recently added to Michigan's radar but hasn't been offered yet. He took an unofficial trip up to Ann Arbor this weekend and was blown away by the experience.
It was my first trip to any college game. It was crazy going to the biggest stadium in the country. Even if I go anywhere else, I don't think anywhere can compare to that. It was a lot more than I expected. The noise from everyone, people cheering, it was amazing.
Ryan plans to come back to Michigan for an official visit in December. The visit isn't set in stone yet, but will most likely be December 10th, for the Big Chill.
I loved the visit. The coaches were great, Mike Barwis was amazing. Everyone was really laid back and easy to talk to. The facilities were amazing, too. If they were to offer me, I would probably commit after what I saw this weekend.
Petro may have to wait to receiver his offer depending on how other recruits Michigan is targeting make their decisions. Either way, the coaches do like his athleticism, and have told him he has the potential to play the hybrid linebacker/safety role.
Devin Lucien
6'1", 189 lbs.
Wide Receiver
Encino, California
Devin recently received an offer from Michigan, and was excited to receive the news. The four star receiver said that Michigan was one of his favorite programs, and was glad the offer came through.
I will be visiting Michigan for sure, it just depends on when my season ends. We're still in the playoffs, so I'm not too sure. Michigan is in my top five though. I'm not ready to say who's in the top five besides them, but they're in it.
Sammy Watkins committed to Clemson today, which was a surprise to me. I knew he was announcing soon, but didn't think it would be for Clemson. This offer to Lucien makes sense in that light, although I still think something happened with Watkins. Nonetheless the coaches are very high on Lucien and told him how they felt:
The coaches just told me that I was a great receiver, and they like the way I play the game. They think that Michigan is a great fit for me, and I do too.
Lucien isn't going to make his decision until signing day, so there's no hurry to get him on campus. I'm sure the staff would like to get him in for the Big Chill on December 10th.
Extra:
- Michigan running back Justice Hayes has opened up his recruitment, and decommitted from Notre Dame. He says Michigan, Tennessee, and Notre Dame are in it, but I believe that Tennessee is the main school he's looking at. He and Demetrius Hart are similar runners.
- Glenville teammates QB Cardale Jones and WR Shane Wynn are planning on visiting Michigan. Wynn said, "I'm definitely taking a visit there."
- Wide receiver Sammy Watkins committed to Clemson. I still think something happened to change his mind or that it was so close and ultimately decided for Clemson. I'm going to find out if this is over or if he still plans on visiting with Dallas after the playoffs.
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:12 PM
#2
Thanks as always for the
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:12 PM
#3
Tom, do you think we still
Tom, do you think we still keep after Watkins given his surprise committment? I sure hope we do.
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:17 PM
#4
Sorry Tom
But Watkins has been slated to go to Clemson now for about a month. Josh Hemholdt at Rivals has been saying that he was going to Clemson since October. When I saw your post the other day that you'd heard we were in the driver's seat for Watkins I was really surprised and obviously very hopeful that Hemholdt was wrong or misinformed. As it turns out, though, he knew what he was talking about all along.
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:22 PM
#5
Or his 50/50 guess was
Or his 50/50 guess was right...
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:21 PM
#6
Sammy...
A bit of a downer with Sammy, was feeling good about him going Blue...Still time for Dallas to work on him though.
I am dying to hear from some of these big time DB's (Haha, Karlos, Walls, etc) along with Jernigan/Dt's/DE's...
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:26 PM
#7
Lucien
Who are his leaders right now?
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:31 PM
#8
Justice Hayes
He is a big back and can play on defense also. I just hope he considers Michigan and commits to us. Top 100 talent is always welcome.
Plus recruiting instate is always a bonus for pipelines.
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:33 PM
#9
If by "big" you mean "bigger
If by "big" you mean "bigger than Dee Hart" then yes. Otherwise no.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:40 PM
#10
If you want a big back that
If you want a big back that can get us an instate pipeline then look at Thomas Rawls. Same height as Hayes, but 40lbs heavier. I don't know if he can play defense though.
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:37 PM
#11
DEFENSE...?
I'm a little alarmed about what, at least hopefully just on the surface, feels like a lack of focus on the meat and potatoes, front-8 defensive players that will be a HUGE priority by 2012... I'm sure the staff is hard at work on about 78 different fronts that we know nothing about, and what do I know, but with the offense essentially 'fixed' isn't it time to put the D on the workbench and make it happen?
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:46 PM
#12
Just because no DLineman has
Just because no DLineman has done anything in the past week, doesn't mean we're not recruiting any
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:47 PM
#13
All of a sudden
I think Darian Cooper is rising up our list of "must-haves." Probably in the top 3 or 4 now with Zettel, Frost and Walls. Barnes is rising too.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:08 PM
#14
I don't want to create false hope
but Tim Jernnigan (spelling?) is still out there too. Sam Webb has been saying that he really likes Michigan but that they need to convince him that he won't be playing nose tackle if he comes here. He doesn't want it to be his job to be double-teamed.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:18 PM
#15
Dam 3-3-5.
I find that
Dam 3-3-5.
I find that comment by Jernigan very troubling.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:34 PM
#16
3 man front = No Likey
This scheme makes no big time recruit from DL want to cone here. Who wants 2 Wisc OL mailing them at all times. Shows Mike Martin is a beast...But won't help us bring in players at hose positions.
4-3 PLEASE
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:55 PM
#17
players at hose positions.
To bad we aren't recruiting firemen, i bet we would get a five star for hose positions
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:41 PM
#18
Grammar Nazi...
It was posted from my touchscreen phone, I think you got what I was saying...Nice contribution to discussion fire marshall bill:)
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:46 PM
#19
Hopefully this situation
Hopefully this situation solves itself. I see it going in two possible directions:
1) Jeff Casteel is hired from WVU and actually knows how to run the 3-3-5.
2) Someone else is hired to replace Greg Robinson, and that particular someone will probably run a 4-3 in which Jernigan can play defensive tackle instead of nose tackle.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:51 PM
#20
I like either option. If we
I like either option. If we go with option 2, some things needs to change. RR has to give him full control of the defense and if the 3-3-5 guys stay on the staff they better not try to force the 3-3-5 onto the new DC.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:59 PM
#21
I get the feeling that if a
I get the feeling that if a 4-3 guy is hired, David Brandon is going to mandate that Rich Rodriguez leaves him alone.
Of course, if I'm a 4-3 guy and I've watched what has happened to Shafer and Robinson, maybe I don't want to come to Michigan in the first place...
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:52 PM
#22
Agreed
I'm hoping Dave Brandon opens the checkbook a bit, lets the DC know he's in control of his staff, and (Somehow) makes Rich give the defense some focus.
Starting in spring ball. No more offense all the time, and make it more physical out there.
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:01 PM
#23
It's funny you mention that,
It's funny you mention that, because I heard the same thing today about Jernigan.
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:58 PM
#24
From what I've read, we're
From what I've read, we're now outside Jernigan's top three (FSU, LSU, Bama) and have some ground to make up
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:54 PM
#25
Damon Knox
I know he has academics issues but does anyone know if he has got them fixed or progress? Scout shows that he has an offer from M???
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:41 PM
#26
The rumor seems to be that
The rumor seems to be that Knox is too much of a borderline qualifier to come to Michigan. He might not even qualify for FBS, let alone U of M.
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:03 PM
#27
Thanks
I heard that here before but I'd seen that M offered so I thought he may have unfucked his grades. So he can accept the offer and not pass clearing house?
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:12 PM
#28
Yes. Players don't have to
Yes. Players don't have to qualify academically prior to signing a Letter of Intent. However, the school would (should) probably turn down the commitment from a player who is unlikely to qualify.
That's why teams like Alabama have been able to "oversign" so much. They accept LOIs from a bunch of players who are unlikely to qualify, in the off chance that somebody will miraculously get a high test score or get his grades up.
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:42 PM
#29
And if that doesn't work,
And if that doesn't work, then chances are some players on the team will develop medical issues in the off season (wink, wink).
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:57 PM
#30
A Little Concerning
"Mom really liked it. She liked everything, how it was the total package. I talked to the coaches, and Rich Rodriguez told us how he really me, needs me at tight end, and that there's an opportunity to play early."
It's a little concerning the Jack Tabb is being sold on the idea that he can play early. I realize that Webb is leaving this year so that will leave a void at TE.
At what point will the team be at a level that true freshman don't have to play? Where was the TE recruit in 2010 (or 2009?). We hear a lot of complaints about playing true freshman but it doesn't seem like much is being done about it. Why is Jeremy Jackson playing this year? Why did Devin Gardner playing this year? At some point, the team needs to build some fifth year depth. The situation just seems to perpetuate itself.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:43 PM
#31
With the way Rich Rodriguez
With the way Rich Rodriguez uses tight ends, it's not surprising that he doesn't try to have much depth. He has probably been hoping for the walk-on program to provide some tight ends.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:43 PM
#32
Best player plays
You can always tell a freshman they have a chance to earn playing time. I agree w/ you. Hopefully, if a true freshman plays its because of his performance and not because he is the only option.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:46 PM
#33
Like you said Webb is
Like you said Webb is graduating and then Koger will a senior and Moore will be RS Junior. I don't think RR, is promising early playing time, but there is an opportunity to earn early playing time.
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:26 PM
#34
Petro reminds me of
that 3 star recruit in NCAA 2K11 where you start recruiting him in week 10 and no one has yet to offer him or recruit him and he has 10 teams left on his list. So since Michigan is the first team to express serious interest (lets say a full 60 minutes of recruiting for 2 consecutive weeks), strong inroads now basically guarantee you a commitment should you decide to offer in a couple weeks.
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:42 PM
#35
Life is not like a video
Life is not like a video game. Holy cow.
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:39 PM
#36
Then how do you explain the
Then how do you explain the perfect lines of aliens that march inexorably back and forth across the screen inching closer and closer to my lone spaceship with each pass?
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:44 PM
#37
And what you mean by this is,
And what you mean by this is, in other words, "I'm a giant nerd."
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 PM
#38
ouch
Magnus, what gives? I can't post a joke without a personal attack? I think of you as the class act of this board.
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:33 PM
#39
Since you were joking, I
Since you were joking, I thought it was okay for me to joke, too.
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:06 PM
#40
nerd
I hang out on this board. as opposed to the other Michigan boards, because I'm a giant nerd.
November 22nd, 2010 at 7:50 PM
#41
(No subject)
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 PM
#42
really liked to see Sammy in Maize and Blue
really liked to see Sammy in Maize and Blue, but its not over yet. RR just needs Dallas to keep up the positive talk for U of M. Get him on campus, have a snowball fight and bam! He goes blue! If not full court press on Lucien he attacks the ball in the air!
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:23 PM
#43
Pretty
Pretty active on your Twitter account this weekend, bud
Next time, try not being such a douche bag to our players. You're not doing anybody any favors with that kind of attitude Saturday
I'll leave it at that
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:48 PM
#44
Maybe if you knew what he was
Maybe if you knew what he was talking about and not ganging up with your cronies you wouldn't say that.
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:07 PM
#45
Among
Among other things, talking shit about Gallon via twitter while he is laying on the ground injured
He deleted all his tweets, but his first instinct was to be a dick to the players on our team, a team he purports to represent on some levels through his work as a blogger. I think its poor form and not very helpful. And threatening to sue people who critizied him is also worthy of lol, but thats not why I get on his case here.
I've been one of his biggest supporters among 'my cronies' (whatever that means), but I cant handle him being a dick to our team via his official twitter
If he wasnt getting so much interent/blogging mileage from callig recruits up and asking them to talk about MICH because I am a MICH recruiting insider, I would not care two shits about the tweets.
I just wonder what happens when the next recruit he calls, wonders 'aint you the dude who talked shit about your player while he was hurt? Man, I dont want to talk to you or go to a school with fans like that."
The fact the <s>TomVH</s> REDCATED comes from a form of official capacity, makes his actions questionable at best, IMHE
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:42 PM
#46
"New rule: Jeremy gallon
"New rule: Jeremy gallon doesn't get to do anything involved with touching the football" is something 110000 people were thinking and it was posted before it was clear he was injured. Meanwhile, you're trying to hang a guy for that and something that's a little worse about Gibbons at the same time you can hop on Uniscorn and read a thousand things about how fucking awful everything is and how various people the WLA doesn't like fuck children.
Instant gametime frustration versus years-long horrible personal attacks on everyone involved in the Michigan blogosphere. Save me the outrage and look to your own house. Do you know how much shit I get from people who contribute valuable content to the blog and the community because some jacktard is taunting them on Uniscorn? All I can say to them is "I'm sorry, but I can't do anything about it."
November 22nd, 2010 at 6:02 PM
#47
My
My house is the JCB, not the WLA. I dont have Uniscorn there. I do hang out there, yes. But so too do a lot of MGoUsers. A lot of them. I dont know how I am supposed to control that forum, or how its even relevant to my complaint about Tom's tweets. It's coming from me directly, MGoDiarist, loyal MGoServant and man behind the JCB. The WLA has nothing to do with me posting in this thread.
And it was obvious from the get go where I sit that Gallon was hurt right away. Cant somebody who purports to represent this blog and, by extension, the program (hey, he is one of the first MICH person most recruits meet/talk to after the coaches due to his Q/A's and other hard work getting recruiting info) wait like 10 fucking seconds before sending a tweet out trashing the guy?
And, I'm not trying to hang him. Just pointing out that maybe next time he should not be so rude via twitter. I stand by the comment.
November 22nd, 2010 at 7:41 PM
#48
For some perspective...
I
For some perspective...
I was watching the game on TV. I assume Tom was, too, since he lives in Arizona. It was not immediately apparent that Jeremy Gallon was injured. The TV did not show Gallon lying inert on the turf for several seconds. I don't know how long it was between the fumble, the tweet, and then the visual of Gallon on the turf...
...but it's plausible that it was posted before TomVH was aware of Gallon's injury.
November 22nd, 2010 at 6:06 PM
#49
Do people also complain to
Do people also complain to you when their children get made fun of at school? You DO control the internets right?
November 22nd, 2010 at 6:07 PM
#50
So in your world, 110,000 people thinking it = OK to print, rly?
Brian:
1. Let's establish the fact that you have a dog in this fight. Tom generates content for your site, of the news-ish variety, and thus you have a stake in defending his reputation. You are not a neutral arbiter on what is and what is not acceptable behavior by Tom.
2. What is or is not said in a memory-free zone (i.e. UniScorn) has to be taken with a grain of salt. I'm pretty sure 90% of the things we say on the Scorn we would never say anywhere else because on the Scorn it's not permanent. It frees up (or uglies, if you will) our discourse.
3. You don't see me talking shit about players on my twitter account, partially because I know that stuff is (at least partially) permanent and I shouldn't be putting things on my permanent record when I'm emotional. I'm pretty sure you don't do it either, for a similar reason. Yet...you cannot say the same for Tom. If you want to pretend that's a meaningless distinction between the behavior of me, you, most people and Tom, that's your right. But, IME the fact that Tom is so loose with his words on something that has a bit of a permanent record is at the very least an indication of poor judgment.
4. Say what you will about the WLA, but we're pretty consistent on being supportive of the kids, on the Scorn, on Twitter, on MGo, pretty much everywhere. Occasionally one or more of us will stray but we police ourselves pretty well on supporting the kids.
...
Tom showed poor judgment in his tweeting, and in addition was ugly towards the kids. Twice. As a contributor to your site, that should concern you more than whatever is said on the Scorn.
November 23rd, 2010 at 12:50 AM
#51
"What is or is not said in a
"What is or is not said in a memory-free zone (i.e. UniScorn) has to be taken with a grain of salt. I'm pretty sure 90% of the things we say on the Scorn we would never say anywhere else because on the Scorn it's not permanent. It frees up (or uglies, if you will) our discourse."
No. That's bullshit. You construct the format of your message board and allow what is on there to be on there. There are many reprehensible things said there that come back on me, who has nothing to do with your site, and hiding behind the fact the reprehensible things expire is bullshit. Okay, so the things aren't about players on the football team. That only leaves six billion people the WLA has no compunction against being awful to.
Fine, that's the internet, but I draw the line at internet+rampant hypocrisy. I've fucked up, Tom fucked up, and you guys are 99% fuckup, but because you're too cool for school you think no one will call you on it.
