Biggest surprise of the recruiting season
With the end of recruiting nearly upon us - what a long strange trip it's been - I was wondering what everyone's biggest surprises were from the saga we managed to endure right down to the end.
To me - other than the fact that we are going to fill out this class! - it was the fact that after the Hoke hire and the Mattison Doctrine of 2011, A. Zettel did not waver more in his commitment to Penn State.
For someone who was a lifelong UM fan, you'd think it would at least be on his mind no matter what. But then to hire someone with the caliber of Greg Mattison, on top of all the enthusiasm there has been with Brady Hoke, I thought there was a good possibility he might flip. Instead it seems there was barely a moment's notice from the young man.
Anyway, for the rest of you?
February 1st, 2011 at 11:16 AM ^
That we've been able to keep a majority of kids that had intended to sign with us??? I know we lost Hart and Frost, and Fisher is 50/50 at best, but I feel like I'd take that, given:
- Hart is replaced with Hayes/Rawls
- Frost is replaced with Willingham
- GERG is replaced by Old Man Mattison
Even when you include our two lost players, the equations above have to be a net positive for us.
February 1st, 2011 at 11:25 AM ^
In terms of player retention and recruiting, SO FAR this coaching change has been a huge net positive.
February 1st, 2011 at 11:27 AM ^
That Dantonio didn't get every commit he wanted from the state. Afterall he owns Michigan doesn't he?
February 1st, 2011 at 11:34 AM ^
I'm surprised Brady Hoke never contacted me. I'm already enrolled, I run about a 6 second 40 (0 fakes out of 5), I'm a smart player with great field awareness, and slightly below average hands. I could be a Signing Day surprise though.
Don't be surprised to see a Hello: MaizeAndHononluluBlue post in the near future.
February 1st, 2011 at 11:33 AM ^
covering NSD. Will be kind of weird/awkward if he comments on Michigan recruits.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:13 PM ^
but keep in mind that he offered and evaluated tons of kids from around the country
February 1st, 2011 at 11:34 AM ^
And company took no time at all to salvage the class. There was a ton of negativity as people felt we settled for hoke, but now with mattison on board they have crushed the recruiting board. I hate to say surprised because I was optimistic, but relieved is more the word. Go blue and go hoke and company!
February 1st, 2011 at 11:39 AM ^
My biggest surprise is Justice Hayes quick decommit from ND/commit to MI. In addition, there is the "Hayes Effect" (supposedly) on other recruits. The fact that we have Hayes and Rawls(reportedly) makes the decommit of Dee Hart not hurt as much.
February 1st, 2011 at 11:50 AM ^
U of M has gained since announcing BH as HC. Remembering the doom and gloom that was pervasive on this site. But BH's ability to bring GM back has been the BIGGEST surprise of all !!!
Please look at those starting players in the Super Bowl on Sunday .... how many of those guys were 5* when they were recruited ? Great coaching will raise a good player to be a great player and the opposite is also true that a great player can become an average player if the coaching isn't there.
I think being competitive in the recruiting ranking this year is beyond anyone's expectations given the circumstances with the CC in January !
Go Blue !
February 1st, 2011 at 12:10 PM ^
Biggest Surprise?...That anyone would want to play for Dantonio.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:36 PM ^
Wouldnt you want to? Play football by day, commit crimes by night; with no interrelated consequences between your two lives.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:23 PM ^
I'm surprised we most likely won't sign a DT or true FS.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:31 PM ^
That Clowney will sign with UM.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:54 PM ^
I'm disappointed Zettel didn't give Michigan a second look, but he'll do well at PSU.