M Still in the mix with Stefon Diggs
Article in the Detroit News from Sam Webb
Sure would be nice.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:24 PM ^
It's very nice to read how much Diggs looks up to Countess for at least two reasons: It's great to know that a seeming future Wolverine star is also a good kind, and it's exciting to think that Countess might help bring Diggs to Michigan...It's also just good to have something positive after this ugly week for college football.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:28 PM ^
We have a real shot. Still think more likely to go south, but we are in the top 5...and he says he plans to visit after the season. Good news.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:30 PM ^
I think Ace's article today had some comments on this, but should we (or Diggs) be worried the spots will dry up before he even visits?
November 10th, 2011 at 12:58 PM ^
Given that M's chances with Payton seem to be in question, and he hasn't stuck at all to his timeline, I'd be surprised if Diggs had serious interest and there wasn't a spot available for him. Just my opinion, but I'd be shocked if the coaching staff made such a strong push—and they clearly did considering they made such a leap in Diggs's recruitment during the bye week—only to fill up the open spots with lower-ranked recruits. I think we may be jumping the gun a bit by expecting all four open spots to be filled well before signing day—just look at what's going on with Payton.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:11 PM ^
Frankly, it appears that no one we're still in on is giving any kind of indication that they'll sign before signing day so filling those last four spots up before people like Diggs or maybe Jordan Diamond decide doesn't seem like an issue.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:35 PM ^
This makes the drake johnson commitment even more perplexing.....though I think this defines what the staff may think of their chances with Jordan Payton...
November 10th, 2011 at 1:11 PM ^
I think it probably means that there aren't that many prospects left on the coaches board and, sadly, we're not loving our chances with many of them.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:19 PM ^
I think we had five spots, and with Brown's move to TE, and Williams possible move to OT, Drake tells me that we're not looking good with guys like Diamond, Banner, and other OL, not any skill player. We still have four spots, and we still have a serious chance to fill those spots with top tier recruits; Yuri Wright, Brionte Dunn, Stefon Diggs, etc...
November 10th, 2011 at 1:24 PM ^
I'm sure this has been discussed in depth on the "Drake Johnson???" threads, but I recently watched his video and he looks like the type of talent (Breaston-ian) we're missing but could really use. Toss in a heavy does of I-don't-really-know-what-I'm-talking-about but if we've got 28 slots, maybe the coaches figured he'd be a little unexpected bonus?
November 10th, 2011 at 1:37 PM ^
If you can get 20 4*+ kids next to only 8 3* "gambles" .. that's actually a very nice breakdown of our 2012 class.
Also, we're very thin at the skill positions.
And this works with or without Dunn, which is nice.
November 10th, 2011 at 4:57 PM ^
20 4+stars and 8 3 stars have been enough in the past to be the top recruiting class nationally. Partly due to total numbers, 28, but also due to 20 or so 4-star players. LSU over Florida in 2003 is a good example, in other years that example of average (big class with 2 or fewer 5 stars, but 10 or fewer 3 stars) has been good enough for the top 3; such as Texas in 2010, Ohio in 2009, Oklahoma in 2005, and FSU in 2006 and in 2004. If a few more of our 3+ star kids who are on the rise get the final bump up to a low 4 star we could be signing the top (or one of the top) classes nationally.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/teamrank/2003/all/all
November 10th, 2011 at 12:36 PM ^
In this age of egos and arrogance it is great to hear a kid say that he needs to get better to be an assett to a university. Sounds like he is doing more than providing nice little well coached soundbytes. I get the feeling that he is truly a good level headed kid.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:40 PM ^
I'm floored by how humble he sounds when he says he's not Michigan material yet, but is willing to work to get there. Quite something coming from a 5-star recruit.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:50 PM ^
That really stood out for me too. Don't think I've ever seen a 5* kid focus so much on his flaws and how we wants to improve. I've definitely never heard a kid say that he's not the right material for a school.
I would guess that bodes well for Michigan though, if he is serious about continuing to improve as a person.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:46 PM ^
Once Countess closes with Diggs, they should work on their former teamates in the 2013 class:
From 247's latest 2013 rankings:
38. Kendall Fuller - CB (offerred)
58. Dorian O'Daniel - RB (interest)
164. Kirk Garner - S (offered)
November 10th, 2011 at 12:48 PM ^
the article makes it sound like Cal and Michigan are his top 2? But I have been hearing forever that he is likely to go down South to the SEC. It does sound like he really likes Michigan, so hopefully both sides keep up interest, we get him on campus, and Blake keeps in his ear. It doesn't hurt that Blake is tearing it up already at Michigan...
November 10th, 2011 at 12:53 PM ^
Tearing it up indeed. Countess always seems to be in position for the tackle immediately after the catch, as opposed to a 15-yard cushion with no knowledge of pursuit angles.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:57 PM ^
Sounds very promising. Dang would that be awesome.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:40 PM ^
WR - Stefon Diggs
RB - Brionte Dunn
CB - Yuri Wright
WR - Amara Darboh
That'd be a nice finish.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:44 PM ^
I agree if by "nice" you mean "tremendous"
November 10th, 2011 at 1:54 PM ^
Agreed with every last one. Sign 'em up.
November 10th, 2011 at 2:05 PM ^
November 10th, 2011 at 2:22 PM ^
Sure he's a big corner. RB is a strong need to have UM get to Manball. Dunn fills that void. Say UM gets Wright, there is the BIG corner you want.
November 10th, 2011 at 3:57 PM ^
Mattison has been able to do a lot more with the defensive personnel he inherited than Borges has with what he's got (and I'm definitely not one of the Borges haters), so it seems to me it's a bigger need to get Borges all his pieces. And a truck flooring it between Kalis and Magnuson is priority number one. (I just got a little happy in my pants thinking about that run game).
November 10th, 2011 at 6:54 PM ^
November 10th, 2011 at 7:54 PM ^
I wish we could take them both! However, if we're discussing Shaq OR Dunn, I'd argue in favor of Dunn, largely due to each player's likely destination in place of Michigan.
If Shaq does not pick Michigan, chances are he stays somewhere on the West Coast, likely in the Pac-12. This recent Rivals article (http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1282508) from late-October states that his top two are Oregon and Washington, with Cal also in the mix. Chance are low that we run into Shaq in a game, unless of course, we meet in the Rose Bowl.
On the other hand, if Dunn doesn't pick Michigan, I think he stays at Ohio, which means we play him once a year. Not only would landing Dunn mean we get one of the best RBs in this class (who also happens to fit our system very well), it would also mean that our biggest rival does NOT get one of the best RBs in this class. Furthermore, convincing yet another top-tier Ohio committed player to come to Michigan would further add fuel to the Hoke-a-mania fire, while simultaneously delivering another punch in the gut to That School Down South.
Sign me up for both, but if I had to pick between the two, I'd rule slightly in favor of Dunn.
November 10th, 2011 at 8:31 PM ^
Yeah, I didn't take that into account. Taking Dunn from OSU is a lot better than taking Shaq from Cal or elsewhere, especially if OSU gets bigger scholarship dings.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:09 PM ^
I'm starting to get the impression that we may not only be in his top 5, but we may be his favorite.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:16 PM ^
AS OF NOW, he is coming to Michigan, as of now.... says distance is issue...and us and Cal in top two. Simple math.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:23 PM ^
Not only is Countess here, but he's at Michigan and playing -- and playing well. Hoke is showing recruits that UM plays the best at their position, regardless of their class. I like that.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:25 PM ^
The word from Rivals on him over the last two weeks is essentially, "If Michigan wants him, and continues recruiting him at this pace, then they are the favorites in the race for Diggs".
November 10th, 2011 at 1:36 PM ^
Is right on par with his football skill, and that speaks in volumes.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:39 PM ^
But the campus visit will be a huge key. With our awesome facilities and coaching staff, I have to like our chances. That, and Blake Countess is our ace in the hole here. I see Diggs potentially being the next Mario Manningham - sounds like a similar skill set.
November 10th, 2011 at 3:55 PM ^
What is it that reminds you of Manningham? I remember him (perhaps incorrectly) as being a huge deep threat. From what I've seen of Diggs he seems like he just dices up anyone who crosses his path. He seems a lot quicker than the Manningham of my memories.
November 10th, 2011 at 8:17 PM ^
I don't think it's fair to compare Diggs to Manningham. I'm sure he'd score higher than 6 on his wonderlic. Plus, we're not sure if he likes the chronic.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:45 PM ^
Does anyone else see a little bit of Mario Manningham in his game?
Edit: Apparently True Blue Grit and I were think the same thing.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:42 PM ^
I heard Sam on WTKA this morning. While he never outright said it, Sam left the strong impression that Michigan challenged this guy academically and he responded. It sounds like Michigan motivated a young guy to work harder in the classroom and to be proud of that accomplishment. That is a win even if he never plays a down of football for us.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^
Great to see, he's on track and seems sincere in truly wanting to better himself. What better place is there than AA? I've had a feeling for a while that this would happen. PLEEZE go blue, this would be beyond huge. I'll feel a hell of a lot better losing Burbridge is we can land this whale.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:54 PM ^
A campus visit should seal the deal in my opinion. I good visit plus hanging around campus with his buddy Blake countess would be good. Any word on when he planes to visit? After season? Or osu game?
November 10th, 2011 at 1:55 PM ^
i enjoy the way Diggs speaks of the michigan material. If they did challenge and he responded academically, could be a potential lean then? A class with him, Wright, Dunn, Darboh/Powe/Payton/Madaris...yes please! I think Payton not committing is potential going to help us with Diggs. Jordan will stay on the west coast. Wright to Rutgers, i hope not. Sure Schiano is a good coach, and he has teammates there. This is Michigan fergodsakes. Your a BiG CB at 6ft 2!
If Michigan gets Deshawn Jackson (DIGGS) that could be a scary team moving forward. Drake Johnson could be a lot of things at UM. Number he has speed. He pushes the other recruits to make decisions on attending UM now that spots are almost filled up.
Dunn to UM would be nice, think he's staying with Ohio though.
November 10th, 2011 at 2:05 PM ^
I like him. He's good, but he's humble and wants to get better.
November 10th, 2011 at 2:32 PM ^
Added to the our class already ranked number 1 according to Scout (the last I checked)... Hoke is building a monster.
November 10th, 2011 at 2:55 PM ^
I hope all Diggs says is true, this would be a great fit.
November 10th, 2011 at 3:28 PM ^
...we weren't showing that much interest in him because he wasn't living up to his potential in the classroom. Only when he showed that he was making progress did we show that interest. I know that there are other schools that maintain higher standards beyond what a player can do on the field, but it's a reminder of why I'm so proud to be a fan of UM and our staff.
November 10th, 2011 at 6:05 PM ^
Hopefully Shaq Thompson and Diggs visit the same week so they can discuss practicing against each other like Kalis and Strobel.
November 10th, 2011 at 9:46 PM ^
it'd be a better fit for us to land Diggs and Wright than Shaq Thompson because we've already got 3 safeties in this class and 2 of them could be 4 star recruits by signing day already, whereas Yuri Wright is a top CB and teams could always use another CB so he wouldn't necessarily be pushing anyone to the bench. Still Shaq could be a great SS and likely step right in his first year.
November 10th, 2011 at 6:16 PM ^
I could dig it if he came here.
November 10th, 2011 at 6:26 PM ^
Having read what he said, I feel like he'd be a great fit as a person at Michigan. I feel very optimistic about our chances, and I'm enthusiastic about him potentially donning the Winged Helmet. He's one of the top playmakers coming into College Football, and I think he will have a big time effect wherever he goes. Michigan could certainly use another weapon in an already dangerous offense.
November 10th, 2011 at 6:44 PM ^
Can not start new thread so put it in one i thought people might see, feel free to make new thread out of this. Go to this link http://www.nesn.com/2011/11/jerry-sandusky-rumored-to-have-been-pimping…
If true Penn St. might as while shut down program right now.