Fitz

March 9th, 2012 at 7:31 PM ^

they're filling their quota at positions with very solid players and leaving space overall in the class for top players. Just because you have five 4* linemen doesn't make it smart to start limiting other positions.

DanGoBlue

March 9th, 2012 at 6:51 PM ^

Yes, but, as has been stated on here several times, the question also assumes that the recruiting service scouts are a better judge of character than the coaches. Hoke has a lot more riding on the player's he recruits.

I am also amused at the calls for Michigan to slow down, when at the same time there are cries for players to commit. It works two ways—they commit to Michigan, but Michigan also commits to them.

DanGoBlue

March 9th, 2012 at 7:38 PM ^

As was pointed out above, at this point last year PeeWee was a 3-star while others were "obviously better football players". So I would hazard a guess that the star ratings, especially at this point, as much an indication of a player's exposure as they are their talent or athleticism. As much as I want the "experts" to be excited about the recruiting class and give Michigan some love, I have to believe the coaches are choosing the players that are best for their system and possess the skills to succeed at Michigan. If they identify those kids, stars be damned, sign them up. If it is a matter of talent, I think Hoke and Co have already demonstrated their willingness to turn away recruits that rank lower in the eyes of the coaches (see the LBs who won't be visiting this weekend).

TheGhostofYost

March 10th, 2012 at 1:17 AM ^

Yeah, but anybody watching Peewees film knew he was underrated.  It was, well, obvious.  And I don't know what "system" you are talking about, but any system needs the best athletes it can find. 

MichiganMan20

March 9th, 2012 at 7:30 PM ^

Not a homer but this kid has some serious athleticism and I will be very surprised if he is not a consensus 4 star by national signing day. The fact that he is 6'2 helps also. A couple of years in the weight room and good coaching could make this kid into a special player. I like him. GO BLUE!!

redwhiteandmaize

March 9th, 2012 at 8:07 PM ^

For the love of god can we just get a commit without anybody saying they want someone that's rated higher.Be serious,the staff we have obviously knows what they are doing.

330blue

March 9th, 2012 at 10:00 PM ^

I'm not saying he isn't underrated (double negative. Pardon me.), but it blows my mind that a kid at one of the biggest football schools in Ohio can be overlooked to an extent.

Assuming he commits to Michigan, if I can make it to a few of his games next season I will. I'm pretty sure he matched up with Kevin Gladney (UM offer) of Firestone last season. I want to get out to the McKinley game as well. Also the Buchtel game.

Some stats from last season from Massillontigers.com

25 total tackles (20 unassisted, 10 assisted, 2.5 for loss)

3 receptions for 10 yards.

3 punt returns for 39 yards.

4 kickoff returns for 142 yards.

4 interceptions for 101 yards.

1 sack.

Massillon plays Firestone again this year. I'll be there to see how he does against a good WR.

Ron Utah

March 9th, 2012 at 10:40 PM ^

What isn't blue chip about this kid?  Our system is a little different from everyone else's, and look what Hoke/Mattison did with the less than perfect talent (I'm feeling charitable) we had on D last year.

Conley is tall, fast, locates well, seems to diagnose well...maybe he's not a 4.3 40 guy, but he's only 18(ish).  I knocked .20 seconds off of my 40 in college, and I'm sure he'll work harder in the weight room than I did.

Don't get too caught up in the 5* thing.  This kid has elite talent, and fits what we want to do, keeping the ball inside and in front, and making plays on the ball when it's in the air.

Getting him and Hawkins this weekend would wrap-up CB this year, I think.

Mich1993

March 9th, 2012 at 11:00 PM ^

He's a 6' 2" CB who is a 3/4* recruit who in his highlight video plays the deep pass, plays the run, reads a QBs eyes for a pick, blitzes, blocks kicks and returns kick-offs plus the coaches are high on him in spite of our limited scholarships available.  I'll take him any day!

I'm sure there is still room for Cravens and/or Fuller if they want to come.

This takes one player off my wish list:

Elite RB

Elite WR

6’2” ¾* WR

DT

Everything else is a bonus. 

WalterMitty

March 10th, 2012 at 1:48 AM ^

FWIW, the guy who puts together the Bucknuts Top 50 just loves Conley. Says he is a better cover corner than Burrows. "His athleticism and ball skills are the best in Ohio, no question."