buddhafrog

November 21st, 2017 at 8:19 PM ^

This was the post:

"For years I have been putting the "create an Mgoblog account" on my To Do List. Finally I have been prompted to do so. Echoing some of the comments above and taking them further, I met John O'Korn last November, on the Graveyard Walk to Bo's grave (and to the graves of Yost and Ufer). I was surprised to discover that there was only one current member of the team who was on the Walk with all of us, and that team member was John O'Korn (who was there with his former roommate Jake Ruddock - and a shoutout here to Ruddock who took time out from his Detroit Lions practice squad duties at the time to be there). After O'Korn (and Ruddock) had been "outed" at the last stop (Yost's grave) by someone's announcement (it was dark and neither I, nor most of those on the Walk, I assume, realized up until that point that O'Korn had been walking with us the entire evening), O'Korn gave a heartfelt speech about how honored and humbled he felt to be allowed to attend the University of Michigan and to be a member of the University of Michigam football team. One could not help but be struck by the fact that this young man, a transfer from another school who everyone had expected would be Michigan's starter just a few month's earlier, was the lone current member of the team that was present - nor could one help but be impressed by the manner in which he expressed his love for Michigan and everything Bo stood for. I was not, therefore, at all surprised to learn more of his relationship with Larry Prout. John O'Korn is a special young man and epitomizes everything one wants a Michigan Man to be. And thank you Larry Prout, for being such an inspiration to all of us."

 

Joined: 09/28/2009

MGoPoints: 21378

jgoblue11

November 21st, 2017 at 5:18 PM ^

seems like a really smart, and good human being. There is more to Michigan, it's state, and the University, than just football. John has not worked out here as a quarterback, but there is no reason to hate him for it. This was a good read, and if John does start on Saturday, against our bitter rivals, I hope he has the best game of his career. I hope he leads us to a win. Go blue!

Joined: 09/20/2017

MGoPoints: 1902

tybert

November 21st, 2017 at 11:47 PM ^

John and I will share one thing in common (two actually if you count being on the field).

Michigan degrees!

Plus as a Mich MB member I was on the field - John had to deal with brutal contact - I just had to suffer through hours of MMB practice :>)

Joined: 11/17/2008

MGoPoints: 8453

Navy Wolverine

November 21st, 2017 at 5:23 PM ^

He may not be setting records on the field this year but I can tell he will end up being very successful at whatever he chooses to do in life. I know that I would die to have somebody of his apparent integrity, intelligence and "I can do it" attitude working for me.

He and his family have a great deal to be proud of. Best of luck to you John.

Joined: 09/26/2016

MGoPoints: 19370

Everyone Murders

November 21st, 2017 at 5:52 PM ^

We have just such a machine - it's called recruiting and coaching, and our version is The Harbaughnator.  Unfortunately the manufacturing process can take upwards of three to four years.

But once the machine is up and running, it will consistently produce winning teams.  And the Harbaughnator is just about up and running.

Joined: 12/14/2010

MGoPoints: 65552

mwoody

November 21st, 2017 at 5:42 PM ^

game plans around his strengths. 

  • All plays from the gun
  • Throw at least half the time on 1st down - 5-7 yard freebies
  • Two reads at most and throw quickly - if nothing there throw away or run.
  • Rollouts (waggle and bootleg)
  • 4-5 deep shots ON FIRST DOWN

I blame the coach if he doesn't adjust to the QB's strengths and insists on a pro/power game plan that not all QB's can master.

Joined: 02/14/2010

MGoPoints: 123

Lakeyale13

November 21st, 2017 at 6:33 PM ^

Truly not being a prick, but if O'Korn had "strengths" Harbaugh would see them and put John in the best possible situation to succeed. I believe Harbaugh has tried to allow John to use the talent he has, and unfortunately he just hasn't been able to put it together. Really is a shame. Kid has been uber patient, worked his ass off, and a great teammate. I wish he could have a storybook ending in someway Saturday.

Joined: 11/16/2014

MGoPoints: 27224

Kewaga.

November 21st, 2017 at 5:38 PM ^

Thanks for drawing attention to it. I would've missed it.  Despite his troubles, this really makes me appreciate  him and his contributions to the team.  Thanks JOK.  Best of luck in your future.  Go Blue!!

Joined: 02/06/2015

MGoPoints: 6947

JBE

November 21st, 2017 at 5:39 PM ^

No doubt. I'd always rather have a player do well off the field, and perhaps struggle on the field, than have an All-American on the field who is trainwreck off it. 

Joined: 08/18/2008

MGoPoints: 19316

rockydude

November 21st, 2017 at 5:47 PM ^

It’s true that he hasn’t set the field on fire, but should he have all the blame? He’s got an o-line that’s not spectacular, and a WE corps that has trouble getting any kind of separation and often gets bonked right in the hands with the ball. Even the running game wasn’t there until recently.

I’m not saying that he’s played the position ideally, but I will say that if he were in the more enviable position that so many UM QBs have had, maybe he’d do a little better. Also, I think that some QBs that were more successful than him might struggle in his position as well.

Not saying he’s perfect, anything but. Just saying the tar and feather attitude of some couch jockeys may be more negative than is necessary.

Joined: 05/06/2011

MGoPoints: 5862

wolverinebutt

November 21st, 2017 at 5:49 PM ^

Thank you for the excellent post.  Win or lose lets get behind JOK. 

When he doesn't win the starting QB job all he seemed to do is support the starter and keep working.  Lets be classy and NOT boo him, etc.  This will be his last football game as a player and he will give us everything he can.     

Joined: 06/05/2011

MGoPoints: 3461

Mongo

November 21st, 2017 at 6:14 PM ^

be a great way to honor his feelings. He is a Michigan teammate, one of the good guys even as a transfer. Hope he has a Purdue type game where he is seeing it really well and delivering the goods. Defense plays lights-out and renders JT to Iowa-JT. Early x-mass wish for John - get the win. Go Blue !

Joined: 06/25/2016

MGoPoints: 9585

Michigan4Harbaugh

November 21st, 2017 at 6:23 PM ^

Very nice post indeed, and welcome "officially" to the blog, Clancy! I'm surprised that he was the only current player on the walk last year. Hopefully this year more current players will attend.

Joined: 01/20/2015

MGoPoints: 4252

Ryno2317

November 21st, 2017 at 6:25 PM ^

Regardless of his QB play, the kid seems to be a good kid and has literally shed blood representing the university and trying to win football games.  We should remember that when commenting on him.

Joined: 10/14/2013

MGoPoints: 12486

FL_Steve

November 21st, 2017 at 6:29 PM ^

He is well educated. Embodies morals and values established by and proported societally and culturally by our great univeristy, including stances of social equality. He actively voices these concerns and combats bigotry and political rhetoric. He is a great man to have in this state And, at this great liberal university! GO BLUE! GO Justice! Hail! Looking forward to seeing his success continue, err off the field.

Joined: 01/14/2009

MGoPoints: 1866

Zoltanrules

November 21st, 2017 at 6:41 PM ^

JOK included. They are all busting their behinds and literally risking their lives behind an average O line coupled with poor refereeing that doesn't protect QBs. I don't get what cutting and negative remarks towards 20 year old kids accomplishes besides making one look like a walmart fan.

Joined: 08/23/2009

MGoPoints: 21155

RainbowSprings

November 21st, 2017 at 7:58 PM ^

throughout his collegiate career, and has done so with class. He had a very promising true freshman year at Houston, but he lost the starting job the next year. Sat out a year and tried a restart here at UM. Was praised numerous times for his work ethic, but it hasn't panned out on the field. Still, a credit to himself and University. Congrats, John, and thanks for the effort.

Joined: 11/09/2010

MGoPoints: 13438