Hoke's Passion: cried when Green told him he was going Blue

Submitted by buddhafrog on

Brady Hoke cried when Green called him today to tell him he was going Blue.

“He was real excited,” Green said. “I kept him on his toes. But when I told him today he was just astound and actually started crying. It was crazy, it was an unbelievable experience.”

(I know, we have more than one thread going about the Derrick Green announcement today.  Mods delete if you feel it shouldn't be here.  But I thought this was an interesting story that came out about the announcement that folks would want to know.)

This story does say a lot about Brady Hoke - his passion and emotion for Michigan.  It's a very real thing, for sure.  That has to be contagious to the team and coaches.  We heard about this during the coaching search, but at least I didn't quite realize the level of his passion and how powerful an impact it would have.  I believe it had some impact on Lewan's decision as well. 

However, it does have me wondering, were the tears at all stress relief?  Did Hoke feel the pressure/stress about the uncertainty of Green's decision, knowing how important he might be for the program?

Go Blue. Go #27

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buddhafrog

January 26th, 2013 at 6:36 PM ^

I wrote this while the post below was bing written about Hoke being a great recruiter.  These posts could be merged.  I think they are directly related!

Joined: 09/28/2009

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k1400

January 26th, 2013 at 6:54 PM ^

I'm with you Don, this has to be an exaggeration.  Phenomenal HS player, huge get for our recruiting class, potential all over the place, and I'm sure Coach is happy as can be.  Can't see Brady Hoke crying over a player who has never played a down in college football.  Crying over something like that would seem to me like signs of desperation.  Hoke has no reason to be feeling like that.

 

Joined: 06/30/2011

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k1400

January 26th, 2013 at 8:06 PM ^

I understand what you're saying, but let's not over state what this really is.  As of right now, a highly regarded high school football player is coming to the University of Michigan to play football.  That is awesome, I'm stoked, but right now that is all it is.  And Brady knows that way better than any of us do.

Green is coming to a position of need, but he isn't coming to a program that needs saving, or a team that doesn't have any other options at the position. He isn't coming to a coaching staff on the hot seat. If Green hadn't come to Michigan, I don't think Brady Hoke would have shed a single tear.      

I hope Green blows up, leads our team to a ton of wins, and blows the doors off all the record books.  After that, or even after a less storied career where Green leaves as a senior who left it all out on the field every game.... maybe then Brady Hoke might shed some tears, but for totally different reasons than crying before the guy ever puts on the uniform.

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The Wolf

January 26th, 2013 at 9:16 PM ^

Did you ever think that perhaps Hoke, if he did shed a tear, wasn't simply shedding a tear that a highly ranked, nationally-relevant RB just chose his team?  Perhaps he shed a tear for the end of a long process, perhaps he shed a tear for the 12+month relationship he has all ready developed with the kid.  I think we, as fans, forget that these kids aren't just "recruits" to the coaches.  Even if a young man doesn't choose Michigan, don't you think that Hoke and the rest of the staff have formed a bond with him?

Now, maybe he did start crying because he knows Green will gain 200 yards a game for the next three years while also winning three consecutive Heisman trophies . . . /s

But I'm willing to bed this has more to do with the relationship that has been developed and will continue to develop between a coach and (by all appearances thus far) a young man with a great head on his shoulders.

EDIT:  My general sentiment was expressed much more eloquently by posters below.

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k1400

January 26th, 2013 at 10:15 PM ^

Sure, that's possible.  I'm just saying I don't think it's likely.  Plus, remember the context:  crying in response to Green committing.  

I never have been part of the process, but I wonder if you're overblowing the relationship part a bit.  How can the coaches become that bonded to kids when a large portion of them don't even end up coming here?  They'd be an emotional wreck.  Some detachment would be a good thing, I'd think.  And how much time do they really spend with these kids before they get on the team?  I don't really know the answer, but when it comes to forming some kind of heart wrenching bond I'm guessing that kind of time doesn't get spent until they are on the team. 

As far as the process being over... yeah looks like it is over for Green, but I don't think recruiting is ever over for a college football coach.  

So what if Hoke did cry?  I don't think less of the guy.  I'm just saying I don't think he really did.

Joined: 06/30/2011

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maizenbluedevil

January 26th, 2013 at 7:58 PM ^

Let's not kid ourselves...  This is a *huge* get.  

Someone posted earlier (in fact, was it you?) that this is the first time in over a decade that a 5* RB from the south has gone to a school in the north.  Green is a top-10 recruit, but not just that,  seems like a really high-character kid and a hard worker, someone that has the potential to really set the tone for other players and be a leader.  I would not be surprised at all if Green is a captain down the road.  (Yes, yes, I know, way too early but if it could be said at this point that any player has this kind of potential, it's Green.)  

Furthermore, with this commitment, Hoke finally closed an elite prospect near signing day, and shook the "can't get elite skill position players" monkey off his back.

The positive effects this has for the program cannot be overstated.  Green's commiment could really end up being something that makes the difference in bringing Michigan back to national elite status.

Given all that, and how invested a college football coach is in what he does, I have no problem at all with Hoke crying.  

(Furthermore this happened 24 hours after another recruit's dad said the Big 10 should do things more like the SEC....  Then Hoke lands a top 10 player over 2 SEC schools.  That's a huge vindication for how Hoke does things vs. how they do it in the south.)

Joined: 09/12/2008

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buddhafrog

January 26th, 2013 at 8:04 PM ^

Factually incorrect.  Moses when the burning bush appeared to him: "Watup, Dog?"  

One letter less, though it is controversial because this verse does contain a comma, which some theologians consider being equal to a character space.  Thus, same amount of "characters", although this verse has two capital letters, which would then make your verse shorter.  But again, that is more of an alternative perspetive on this debat rather than the norm.

/debunked.

Joined: 09/28/2009

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j.o.s.e maizenblue

January 26th, 2013 at 6:48 PM ^

Thanks for sharing... and I can appreciate Hoke's passion...is it cool to be a grown man crying over a kid? Probably not... but who here hasnt landed a big sale or job and just couldnt hold it in? Hoke's profession is working with kids and I think he deserves a break... he obviously loves this program and the kids involved.  

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michfan6060

January 26th, 2013 at 6:51 PM ^

I'm fine with crying after winning a natty or maybe even a big ten title, but over a kid still in high school?

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cbuswolverine

January 26th, 2013 at 6:59 PM ^

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I'm going to assume that you are looking at it as though Hoke is crying because he is happy that he landed DG and he's happy for what DG will mean to the program.  I see this as Hoke being happy for Derrick Green, happy for the opportunity to mentor and coach Derrick Green,  and happy for what Michigan will mean to Derrick Green and his future.

Joined: 08/14/2008

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JimBobTressel

January 26th, 2013 at 6:58 PM ^

Are we really trying to put rules and limits on involuntary displays of emotion? So he got a bit teary eyed when a kid he developed a strong bond with told him that he was coming to play for him.

BUT HOW DARE HE CRY OVER A RECRUIT!!!

Sometimes I tear up at the scene in Fresh Prince of Bel Air where Will's father leaves him for good. Is that ok with the MGoBlog Cops? Will you guys let me? Or is it desparate? Someone email Hoke and let him know. This won't stand!

Joined: 11/28/2010

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Hello_Heisman

January 26th, 2013 at 8:10 PM ^

I was a sophomore when Carr became HC. Here's a short list of some of the guys he brought in during his first 6 years: Woodson, Whitley, Terrell, Brady, Henson, A-Train, Shea, Gold, Dhani, Walker, Backus, Hutchinson, Perry, Braylon, Hall (James, not Leon), Marlin Action Jackson. I love what Hoke is doing so far, but putting together back to back Top 10 classes was not unheard of under Carr. Even the latter stages of the Carr era gave us some gems like Woodley, Hall (Leon), Henne, Long, Hart, Graham, Hemingway, Mallett and Manningham. (Note: I refuse to acknowledge Morgan Trent as part of this group because of how many big plays he was constantly giving up. All that speed, but no concept of spacing or ball awareness). Hopefully Hoke will be able to do what Carr couldn't do enough of: get his top recruits to consistently play like All Americans.

Joined: 01/11/2013

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buddhafrog

January 26th, 2013 at 7:22 PM ^

I think recruits and players appreciate his passion.  I could see it working the other way if they felt that he was just too emotional or desperate.  But I don't think that is the vibe Hoke gives.  He demands accountability, excellence, family, and he will do whatever he can to help his players reach these goals and expectationis.  He cares.

Green from the press confernece today:

"Coach Hoke is a great coach but an even better man. And he's definately a father figure."

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DonAZ

January 26th, 2013 at 10:54 PM ^

 

Coach Hoke is a great coach but an even better man.

This is the essence of Hoke boiled down to a single sentence.

Hoke says again and again his mission is to help make his players "become better men, better husbands and better fathers."

Some may roll their eyes at that, but I hear that and I am grateful not just that Hoke is Michigan's coach, but also that men such as Hoke still exist.

And like a broken record I will say again -- young men yearn for older men in authority to show them to be strong, authentic and honorable.  Absolutely yearn for it.  Coach Hoke stands out like a beacon among an ocean of callous, opportunistic coaches.

Further ... the mothers of these young players pray for someone like Hoke to come into their sons' lives and help guide them.

I love Brady Hoke and I've never met him.  I absolutely love the man. 

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