Insightful ESPN article on UniformZ
Interesting ARTICLE on ESPN today about uniformz and their impact upon recruiting. Quotes DB. Kind of like what Sarkisian said, that though uniformz are impactful and important to consider in getting young recruits excited about the program, if they have that much of an impact on a kid, he might not be the right kid for their program.
While everyone has a varying opinion here, I'd hazard the vast majority agree that uniform 'swag' does impact brand marketability of programs - something near and dear to us at Michigan since after all, we've clearly had the best helmets and uniforms in all of sport for decades.
One could also conclude that the more other teams jump on the uniformZ bus, inevitably some do hit home runs with their new branding, thus slighly closing the visual brand gap of which Michigan still remains clearly the leader. Thus, while everyone can vary in terms of what they think DB should or shouldn't do re uniformz, it would be safe to conclude that it should be something he should monitor for opportunities to unveil occasional alternative uniforms that are extraordinary.
On a personal note, for which I expect to get the negs, an excellent alternative uniform I would like to see would be to honor our successes in the days before color picture, with black and grey uniforms, akin to what our modern uniforms would look like in black and white film. Neg away on that one, but regardless, uniformZ are clearly here to stay.
I like Northwestern's new uniforms.
NW's new uni's remind me of 1970's white tube socks with the colored stripes up top. Kinda retro.
Team Duck Dynasty.
"I think it's great for recruiting," said Kansas coach Charlie Weis, who altered Kansas' uniforms to include five different sets for the 2013 season. "Recruits think, 'look at that helmet, if they wore this jersey with those pants.' Recruits love that stuff. So if it gives you a chance to get more players because they like the stuff, and ultimately help you win, that's what you have to do."
Referring back some comments of Charlie's which were posted and discussed here, perhaps Weis' line to recruits now should be, "If you don't think you can play here, where do you think you can play and look this stunning?"
Much like tribal armband tattoos, uniformz will have a short shelf life. It's too bad that DB doens't have the vision to look further down the field when tinkering with the VICTORS VALIANT brand BUMBLEBEES!!!!
I like Michigans special occasion look more than just uniformz for the sake of uniformz. At least some thought goes in to the throwback look. Most of the ones you see a team wear are so bad they look like russel westbrook got a hold of them.
I accept your invitation to neg away. You seriously want to change the colors of the uniform? That's a whole new and horrible step in the wrong direction. If uniformz need to happen, so be it, but let's at least keep it recognizable who the team is supposed to be.
I accepted his invitation as well principally because he spent so much time being defensive about his opinion. Just give your opinion and have the confidence to move on.
I disagree. If he says something outlandish like that without acknowledging that most people will strongly disagree with him, then he comes off as both ignorant and of poor taste.
One can do that without mentioning MGoPoints/voting
The thought I had for a throwback was our exact uniforms but as they'd look on black and white TV like this: http://postimg.org/image/4pbik6m9v/
I'm impressed that your black and white TV knows to put the American flag in full color.
Still think the black and silver renditions of our uni's would be a badass ode to our dominant heritage at the turn of the 20th century.
you do realize that back then the world wasn't all B+W, just the TV broadcasts were.... right?
August 1st, 2013 at 11:44 AM ^
suddenly it all makes sense now... you're a raiders fan! aren't you?!
definitions may vary
Uniformz are a goldmine.
Uniformz are too good to fail. The sheep (myself) buy them up even if they don't fall in love with them. They buy them just to have one because it unique and one-time-only.
Evidence? Road, Sugar Bowl, Legacy, Cowboys Classic jerseys all at one game. I still see people to this day wearing the Legacy UTL jerseys.
Trust me, uniforms and facilities play a big part in recruiting. Recruits goes crazy for it and it is a big factor toward their decision making along with the relationship with the coaches. If you think it's not the case, you're sadly mistaken.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:03 AM ^
But please explain the general recuiting successes at Alabama, Penn State and USC. Where uniformz are basically unknown.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:16 AM ^
I said it's a big factor along with facilities and relationship with coaches. Exposure helps as well. Bama, USC and PSU all have exposures and are on tv every Saturday.
You're only kidding yourself if uniform have zero bearing on recruit's decision.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:08 PM ^
You set up the false relationship between facilities and uniforms.
If I had to put numbers on it, Facilities/amenities probably gets a 50%, relationship with coaches a 30%, location of university 10%, academics 8%, town of university 1%.
That leaves 1% for things like cafeteria food and uniformz.
These are scientifically mathematical facts. Do not argue with them.
considering our facilities are subpar compared to other D1 brethens.
Based on what I've heard from recruits/coaches, it's:
50% relationship/coache's system
20% facilties
10% uniforms/equipments
5% academics
4% depth chart
1% other stuff
August 1st, 2013 at 12:01 PM ^
Please explain the recruiting success at Michigan, Notre Dame, and Florida? Just as uniformz are not the sole reason a recruit would be drawn to a particular school, one cannot ignore the fact that uniformz coincide with an uptick in recruiting at numerous schools. I've heard numerous recruits comment on how much they liked a particular uniform; however I've yet to hear someone say that they would not consider a school because of a uniform.
August 1st, 2013 at 12:11 PM ^
Think about that tough. If a reporter asks "Do you like these new uniforms?" What is a player/recruit supposed to say? You don't have to be well versed in coach-speak to politely say "yeah, they're great" even if you don't care about them.
If you were to conduct a survey asking players to rate the importance of factors in their college decision, uniformz would be so, so far down the list. And like you mentioned, it cuts both ways. No kid is going to base their college decision on uniforms, either for or against.
Generally when we hear about a recruit expressing interest in a uniform, it's via social media, not answering questions from a reporter. Therefore, I do in fact think their sentiment is genuine, as I don't see a recruit feeling obligated to e-fist bump his future AD on their uniform selection.</p> I agree wholeheartedly that no recruit is going to base even part of a decision on uniformz, but one can't deny the fact that they do often garner attention and interest.
I didn't even read the OP, but it sounds like it was equally as bad.
With fellow Michigan fans like you, who needs enemies.