Mr. Yost

January 2nd, 2012 at 12:05 PM ^

I don't see anything (other than your ignorance)...he's of African descent...meaning he's likely to have have extremely defined features (which he does). Nothing is on his face, it's just the muscle/bone from his jaw.

Who gives a shit? Especially when EVERYONE has it, it's just a matter of the definition of your facial structure. Maybe you should do some jaw exercises, lol

LSAClassOf2000

January 2nd, 2012 at 11:25 AM ^

In particular, this line:

' The day I decided I was going to Michigan was the day I decided I didn't like those guys over there.'

This is almost on par with just saying "Ohio". I think we should use "those guys over there' now and again too. Welcome aboard, Amara. 

LB

January 2nd, 2012 at 11:30 AM ^

 

... I want to be the first Amara Darboh, not the next "this guy".

 

I love these kids that are wise beyond their years, that know work is the key, and especially the ones that realize the opportunities they have in front of them.

Wolverman

January 2nd, 2012 at 11:34 AM ^

 That's my favorite quote too. This was the first interview I had seen on him and instantly liked him. I had the same instant like for Joe Bolden and I can't wait to see them play!

ppToilet

January 2nd, 2012 at 11:35 AM ^

He seems like an asset and credit to Michigan.  It also speaks very well of our coaches to not only recruit players like this but also getting them to commit.

TSimpson77

January 2nd, 2012 at 11:42 AM ^

I like how he realizes that he has to work on some things he didn't have to in high school. I think that's a problem for a lot of players coming to college or to the nfl. They have to realize that when they were in high school they were the best on their team or even in their state, but when they get to college everyone was that.

Magnum P.I.

January 2nd, 2012 at 12:14 PM ^

I'm sure multiple people deserve credit for it, but we just seem to have a lot of good people associated with the U-M football program. It makes me proud to have guys like Darboh, like Kalis, like James Ross and others sign up to play for us and continue to build the character that I truly believe separates Michigan from other programs. We've never had the most talented athletes among the elite programs in the country, but we win because we have good kids with character and smarts who understand how to build community and play as a team. At every level of sports, chemistry and teamwork trump raw talent. 

Mr. Yost

January 2nd, 2012 at 12:09 PM ^

I'm going to get negged, but I hate Facebook stalking kids...so I feel dirty if I just read that interview and it was from a fan who decided to create a blog and start facebook chatting recruits for interviews...

Gobluegr

January 2nd, 2012 at 12:22 PM ^

As someone who works with Aquaman, I know that he does not stalk the recruits. He politely asks a kid for an interview and if they decline or don't respond then he will respect that and let it go. And it's not like these are kids, most of them are 18 or older (aka adults).

Mr. Yost

January 2nd, 2012 at 5:46 PM ^

Sooooo he IS a fan that does it via Facebook? I wasn't questioning whether it was polite or not. I could tell by the interview that the person isn't one of this crazy fans that thinks they're doing Michigan a favor by recruiting for it. However, if he's a fan that's "Facebooking/Twittering" kids, that makes me uncomfortable. I don't care if you're Dan Rather.

SimplyComplexMM

January 2nd, 2012 at 6:15 PM ^

I don't know anything about aquaman or how he contacts recruits, but it depends on the reasons why you're doing this type of work. I do interviews with Michigan prospects for Midnight Maize all the time. I'm doing it because I want to become a journalist, and this can help me prepare for my career interests.

Steve Lorenz

January 2nd, 2012 at 8:03 PM ^

I frankly don't really care if it makes you uncomfortable. The response to these interviews has been overwhelmingly positive. They'll obviously continue. Using simple logic, if how I contact players makes you uncomfortable, then how TomVH contacts players makes you uncomfortable. That's something I can live with. 

EDIT: I'd also echo what SimplyComplex said. I interviewed with Brian for the job that Ace eventually got (Ace has been great so far btw). My assumption was that I didn't have enough experience and that's why I didn't get it. I'm mostly doing this to gain that experience but also because I know people like to read about it. 

Frankly, I shouldn't have responded to such a stupid comment, but oh well. 

Mr. Yost

January 3rd, 2012 at 12:09 PM ^

Soon everyone looking to be a journalist is going to be trying to recruit for Michigan. I apologize for those that I've offended, but I feel the way I feel. I work in college athletics and coaches HATE when fans contact recruits. I've heard of many recruits be swayed by the fans and fanbases. Is it smart? No. But to some 16, 17, and 18 year olds...it can be wait tips the scale.

We also started to get more and more fans involved with recruits...its going to turn into fans paying recruits without anyone on the football staff knowing. This already happens. Especially in the south.

Sure the kids could stay off Facebook and Twitter if they don't like it. But should the really get punished for being a kid and wanted to use these services like 90% of other kids their age just because they're good at football?

CAwolverine

January 2nd, 2012 at 1:44 PM ^

You are out of touch with today's youth. That is how kids communicate, either Facebook or via text. If you want to communicate with then you must use the mediums they do.
<br>
<br>I have a hard time accepting that while dating today, most conversations are done mostly via text and not on the phone.
<br>
<br>Your comment reminds me of my parents when they first heard of email.

Maizenblueball

January 2nd, 2012 at 1:40 PM ^

What an amazing story.  It's unfortunate that Amara has had to experience so much adversity in his young life, but I'm impressed by him and by those people around him who have helped him.  I'd pull for this kid, no matter what school he chose to attend, but it makes it so much easier that he chose MICHIGAN!  Go Blue!

P.S.  Great work, Aquaman!  I love reading these interviews with the recruits.  Thanks!

hillc5585

January 2nd, 2012 at 5:36 PM ^

I live in West Des Moines where his high school is located and had a chance to see him play.  I can see the Arrington similarities a little bit but Darboh has a little more speed.  It's a little hard to gauge though since the competition is not great.  And he is right he does have great hands.  I didn't think he would get him initially with the Notre Dame catholic school connection but I guess we have Brian Kelly to thank for that.