I am putting out the TomVH signal re: Cissoko
Tom, I know you have contacts all over the team - now that things have settled down, is there any way for you to get some info on Cissoko's status, either from his teammates or the man himself?
Ugh, I really hate to be the "ANY INFO!!?!" guy, because obviously if any information existed we would know already. But, he more or less fell off the radar so maybe no one has attempted to reach out to him for a comment recently.
Needless to say, I'm worried about our DB situation. I'd love to get Woolfolk back to safety if Booboo can come back and live up to his potential. I think he (Cissoko) could really break out and surprise us next year if he came back with a new attitude, etc.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:46 AM ^
I'll see what I can find.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:51 AM ^
Glad the signal was still visible from 2000 miles away up here. Strong lights...
December 8th, 2009 at 11:49 AM ^
I've been wondering the same thing...Also, it's nice to see that the Tom VH signal works during the day. I figured you could only use it at night.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:51 AM ^
this blog. Somebody needs info, just post it on the board and someone will have a answer for you in 20 minutes. How can you not love michigan football, and its ridiculously passionate fans.
December 8th, 2009 at 2:40 PM ^
what is the meaning of life?
how can I get rich quickly for sure?
is my hot neighbor into me?
December 8th, 2009 at 2:53 PM ^
42
die and be reborn a Rockefeller
are you joking?
December 8th, 2009 at 3:13 PM ^
To love God and be loved by Him
Marry rich and poison breakfast
No. The mole absolutely FREAKS her out. Laser it.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:16 PM ^
Your answer to question #1 could imply that those that don't believe in whichever god to which you're referring are without meaning in their life.
One could then, if one so chooses, infer from that implication that you believe them to be wastes of life. Is that really the inference you want people making?
Perhaps your statement could be better qualified?
December 8th, 2009 at 8:06 PM ^
But perhaps this was a joke...
EDIT: I'm not sure your logic holds, anyway. It is not that they would be wastes of life, it is that they would be missing the point. I think that's an important distinction. Unless you don't believe in objective reality.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:55 AM ^
Naturally; nobody is a waste of life. That much is a given.
But on that same note, one cannot really miss the point if it's not their point to get - if that makes sense. Their beliefs would give them a completely different meaning of life, meaning not that they've missed the point, but that the point they aim for is divergent from the point of another. That would mean not that they've missed the meaning of life, but that the meaning of life is in fact different from person to person, from belief system to belief system (objective reality).
(sorry, stream of thought; all of this is mostly rhetorical/internalized dialogue)
The inference I noted above would be from one that does not believe in objective reality (and there are a number of people that do not), not myself.
"MGoBlog: We question the meaning of life, while you come up with nicknames like 'scUM'."
[Also, in the interest of full disclosure, I have not negged you (somebody apparently does not enjoy thoughtful discussion).]
December 8th, 2009 at 11:47 AM ^
How awesome would it be to have Cissoko living up to his expectations, and Warren coming back for another year?
Then we could finally end that devil's circle of throwing every freshmen into the fire, as we've been doing lately.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:48 AM ^
I would rather have Turner and Cullen on the field than BooBoo. And who knows that might turn out with the other new guys, Talbott, Avery (who I think is way underrated), Witty(!) and possibly Grimes.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:51 AM ^
but experience (when combined with a positive attitude, of course) goes a long way in a struggling D at a difficult position. If Cissoko gets beaten out, fine, but I want him back pretty badly.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:52 AM ^
I don't like the idea of throwing Cullen right into the fire. Young DBs seems to lead to a lot of busted plays.
As far as Turner goes - what's his status? It was kind of odd that he couldn't break the line-up last year, probably because of his delayed start? Or was it something else? Also, is saftey completely out of the question for him now?
December 8th, 2009 at 12:03 PM ^
Turner came in late due to a transcript snafu. By the time he was supposedly ready, the coaches just decided to redshirt him instead of wasting a year. It will pay off dividends in the future, for sure.
Hard to tell how our secondary will look right now. Alot of guys can be moved around. We'll have better idea come spring camp. This year's spring game will be a nice test to see if progress is being made on the D and if the secondary will or won't be a disaster.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:33 PM ^
If he lives up to his athletic ability and rankings coming out of HS he WILL NOT be here for four more years.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:40 PM ^
That was no snafu; it was a vindictive malhandling of his paperwork designed to punish him for signing with the "enemy."
It's sorta like Steinbrenner's "take it or leave it" offer to Drew Henson, or Ohio state troopers pulling over cars with Michigan plates for going one mile an hour over the speed limit on the way to Columbus on game day.
Michigan people are sportsmanlike about the rivalry, but Ohio people are so consumed with their hatred for all things Michigan that they often "cross the line."
December 8th, 2009 at 1:43 PM ^
And they seem to be always originating from a secret place in Ohio, to read your messages.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:03 PM ^
Oops double post. Sorry.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:13 PM ^
so boubacar wasn't great this past season while he was with the team, but IIRC he was playing injured most of the time. keep in mind that he was a true sophomore trying to learn his 2nd new defensive system in 2 seasons. its hard to execute properly when you don't necessarily know the system that you are in. Also keep in mind that while recruiting rankings aren't 100% accurate they dont hand out 5*s to everybody. Obviously this kid was very talented and I would definitely like to have him back on the team.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:57 PM ^
Why would you rather have two freshmen in at corner rather than two more experienced corners? That makes no sense. BooBoo wasn't a solid corner for us this year, but there are so many reasons that could have effected that. He is an amazing physical talent, and was only a sophomore. At the start of the season when everyone was complaining about him, he only had one or two starts under his belt. Players PROGRESS throughout their careers. Additionally, BooBoo made some great plays in addition to his terrible ones. He showed flashes of brilliance. Considering if he'd had another season to progress his talents and get experience, who knows how good he could have been next season. It's just not very smart to think that two freshmen DBs will come in and play as well as an experienced junior, despite how he played as an UNDERCLASSMAN.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:51 AM ^
So the door is still open for his return? News to me... but then again, I'm not Tom.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:53 AM ^
As I recall, there was some vague ambiguity as to a potential return at the time that he was kicked off the team. Today is apparently an optimistic day on the blog, so we're curious if that door, which wasn't completely slammed on us, might soon reopen.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:17 PM ^
"Today is apparently an optimistic day on the blog"
I love optimistic days on the blog. We don't have enough of them.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:52 AM ^
I think that this is a reach, at best. Not sure what the issue was there, but the guy was suspended, let back on to the team, and then promptly dismissed. Also, while we were all excited about Booboo - large because of his star rankings - he never really played up to the hype. He was WAY too short to match up with taller receivers and he lacked the elite "top end speed" to stick with the speedsters. This is just another example of why the star rankings, while obviously somewhat corralative to success, are not gospel.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:53 AM ^
This is what I have so far.
He's still enrolled in school. He is finishing up this semester, but the person I talked to doesn't know what's happening from there.
I don't think anyone really knows what's going to happen, I'll ask someone else later.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:55 AM ^
Appreciate it.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:56 AM ^
Thanks for checking Tom. I have one question. If he does come back, would his return count as another signing or would he just be renewing his scholarship and go towards our 85 scholarships as a team instead of the 25 limit on the incomming class? I didn't know if he lost his scholarship or not when he was removed from the team. Thanks again for all the great info.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:16 PM ^
If he comes back it has no effect on the 25 player class limit. He would just be reinstated. It would, however, still count to the 85 scholarship limit. That means, assuming Brandon Smith is gone but we don't lose any more, we will have 16 scholarships open for recruiting next season.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:24 PM ^
I was gonna say getting Cissoko back would be pure gravy, since it's like getting a 26th recruit for free.
However, I didn't realize we're down to 16 for next year. I trust your count. That sucks though - considering we still think of our team as very talent depleted ...
So, after signing about 6 more receivers, that means we only have 10 spots next year. JK. But 16 spots kinda sucks. I thought we were way under.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:31 PM ^
I don't know if I'd call it "talent depleted". I think UM has tons of talent, it's just young and being developed.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:57 AM ^
Resized: 
December 8th, 2009 at 12:09 PM ^
This is effing hilarious.
December 8th, 2009 at 2:20 PM ^
Anyone else notice the S would be backward in the sky with this set up?
December 8th, 2009 at 12:00 PM ^
for the his own benefit. First and foremost. And, if he can help solidify the defense with improved play and a hard-work attitude, all the better.
I'd like this to be a happy ending for Boubacar, for Thomas Wilcher, for our relations with Cass Tech, Detroit kids, etc., etc.
It's not like he signed with an agent early, or accepted a Corvette from a booster, or donned a ski mask, walked into a dorm and beat somebody up...
December 8th, 2009 at 12:01 PM ^
Hope he turns it around, but I don't think his problems were all about attitude, on the field he just seemed lost and overwhelmed. Off the field, sounds like he needs a better support system to help him adapt to a big time program and everything that comes with it. Raw (meat) skills are there but at this point all we've gotten is trichinosis...
December 8th, 2009 at 12:31 PM ^
On the field, yes, he didn't play that well, but let's remember that he started one game against Purdue in 2008, played a half against Western (with an INT), played against Tate and Floyd against ND, played well against Eastern (the worst PI call ever), then was burned against Indiana and was largely gone other than mop-up against Penn State.
Oh yeah, he also had a shoulder stinger which didn't allow him to play press.
If he were to come back next year, that would be very very significant especially with Warren one foot out the door. The secondary would be VERY deep.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:28 PM ^
There was a great article on Bobo in the Wolverine Magazine before the start of this season. The guy had a terrific work ethic as a high school player. He had/has swivel hips and is fluid, but just didn't demonstrate much of that this past season. His off-field issues are why he was dismissed from the team. Perhaps an ability to focus on things other than football for a while will be good for him and he can find a way to succeed off the field and then on the field.
Even if you're not trying to get into med school, college is tough. I give these guys all the credit in the world to have to play/practice and still survive academically. Aside from that, when you're on the Michigan football team you tend to get the attention of a few more women. How on earth to you juggle it all and keep it real?
December 8th, 2009 at 2:38 PM ^
until you said "keep it real"
December 8th, 2009 at 12:40 PM ^
I wish him well. He's a Michigan kid so I hope he succeeds. If he plays for us again I would like to see him put. BooBoo. On his jersey. Its different.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:37 PM ^
I wish him well all the same but to be 100% honest I don't want to see him as a starter. He has a lot of work to do before he reaches the potential that was expected of him. His play this past fall was dismal to say the least. Floydd played way better than BooBoo. I was very disappointed in his play and his nick name BooBoo translates to his explanation on what happened everytime someone when deep on him. But again, I wish him luck no matter what he does.
December 8th, 2009 at 2:21 PM ^
Perhaps this is what he needs. Getting kicked off the team is pretty much the definition of a swift kick in the ass, so hopefully that rights the ship. I didn't like his antics, but if he works hard, he could still be a legitimate presence on the field.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:04 PM ^
I just spoke with someone who said he's transferring next year, but not sure where.
This is obviously not definitive, but take it FWIW, seems like it's over.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:19 PM ^
One more freshman on the field. Hope they can adjust quickly.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:27 PM ^
I can't recall being on an emotional roller coaster that ended any quicker than this one. Hopefully Boubacar can turn things around in a new environment.
Thanks for the updates/info, Tom.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:18 PM ^
Thanks for the info, sir.