How Michigan Transfers Did: Big Seasons for Countess, Norfleet

Submitted by BursleyHall82 on

Didn't see this posted yet, but a Detroit newspaper (yes, that one) had a rundown on how all the Michigan transfers did this season. Big years for Countess and Norfleet.

• Russell Bellomy, QB, Texas-San Antonio: Played in three games. Was 4-for-10 for 39 yards and a 72.8 quarterback rating. Rushed for 21 yards on seven carries.

• Blake Countess, CB, Auburn: Had two interceptions and returned three kicks for a total of 105 yards. Ranked fourth on the team with 71 tackles (44 solo) and second on the team with 11 passes broken up. Also blocked a kick.

• Justice Hayes, RB, Southern Mississippi: Grand Blanc native played in nine games. Rushed 52 times for 204 yards, both third on the team, and two touchdowns. Caught four passes for 49 yards.

• Keith Heitzman, TE, Ohio: Fourth on the team in catches (22) and fifth in receiving yards (297). Caught three touchdowns. Also added two tackles.

• Dennis Norfleet, RB, Tuskegee: Detroit native led team with 761 yards on 120 carries in 11 games. Rushed for four touchdowns. Completed his only pass for a 24-yard touchdown. Caught 12 passes for 180 yards. Returned a team-high nine punts for 93 yards and a team-high 16 kicks for an average of 21.9 yards.

• Ondre Pipkins, DT, Texas Tech: Sat out as a transfer.

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SharkyRVA

January 9th, 2016 at 12:46 PM ^

It is too bad that Countess could not finish his career here.  Great player and seemed to be a great guy.  Glad he had a solid year.

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1989 UM GRAD

January 9th, 2016 at 12:51 PM ^

Sorry to be negative but Norfleet's season seems decent but I wouldn't describe it as "big." Especially given that it happened at a lower level. I'd say everything worked out both for Countess and UM in his instance.

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Bigku22

January 9th, 2016 at 12:53 PM ^

I'm sure he's a nice guy, but he is one of the worst college quarterbacks I have ever seen in my life. The fact Borges/Hoke gave him a scholorship tells you all you need to know about their QB recruiting. He was a D3 level propspect (maybe), who had no business at Michigan. 

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Coldwater

January 9th, 2016 at 1:14 PM ^

I hate to pile on a kid I don't know, but I will. I still shake my head that Borgess/Hoke looked at this kid and said "Yes, we want you to lead Michigan at QB".
He had no business at a high D1 school like U of M.

You have to hope the days of QB recruiting/development like the Hoke era is long gone

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Hail Harbo

January 9th, 2016 at 1:20 PM ^

A consensus three star prospect who participated in the Elite 11 QB camp; he was a late addition during the transition recruiting class of 2011.  So he was definitely much higher than a D3 prospect, he just didn't pan out.  It happens.  

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Bigku22

January 9th, 2016 at 1:34 PM ^

At no point during any snap at Michigan did he look like he belonged playing QB in Division 1. Weak arm, small frame, not athletic, no poise or confidence. Most of his throws were wobblers. Let me put it this way, Nick Sheridan was a better QB than Russell Bellomy. 

Because he got 3 stars "he just didn't pan out". No, he was an awful prospect, who can't produce at UTSA. 

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Bigku22

January 9th, 2016 at 1:41 PM ^

Fine that was obviously an exaggeration from his initial rankings. But after seeing him play, I honestly don't believe he could have success above that level. (Albion, Adrian, that type of school). He was absolutely brutal. 

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Goggles Paisano

January 9th, 2016 at 6:04 PM ^

What you have posted thus far in this thread is very accurate.  Not sure why you're getting downvoted some for speaking the truth.  He was one of the worst QB's I have ever seen play D-1 football.  

I also heard that Countess was voted Auburn's defensive MVP.    

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kevin holt

January 9th, 2016 at 1:07 PM ^

Any word on whether Ondre would have been healthy enough to play? Keep in mind that if he plays next year that doesn't mean he wasnt legitimately hurt enough this year to medical him. But if he was practicing in full this year...

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stephenrjking

January 9th, 2016 at 3:33 PM ^

I'm fine with this. He was a good, not great player for us that stabilized a disastrous secondary as an underclassman. He probably would have contributed if he had stayed; we were fine without him and he did a fine job at Auburn using a grad transfer that he earned. A win-win in my opinion. I'll remember him fondly.

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