Darth Wolverine

July 26th, 2011 at 2:33 PM ^

I would love it if the Browns would pick him up, but I don't want him to go through same bull shit that Braylon had to endure while in Ctown.

In reply to by Darth Wolverine

Laser Wolf

July 26th, 2011 at 2:37 PM ^

While I agree the Ohio State homerism in Cleveland gets to be a bit much (people are legitimately bummed Sanzenbacher wasn't signed like we just lost a winning lottery ticket), you can't really be serious. Everyone loved Braylon the one season that he did his job. You know, actually catch footballs. He dogged it, made excuses, and then kicked the city on the way out. He has no one to blame but himself.

Darth Wolverine

July 26th, 2011 at 2:46 PM ^

You can't deny the FACT that Braylon got shit on more simply because he is a Wolverine. If that were Anthony Gonzalez in the exact same position Braylon was (former Buckeye, not catching every pass), he would have received much more of a break. I have lived in the greater Cleveland area all my life, so I know how OSU/Browns fans are.

Going to a Browns game is not so fun anymore. I'd guess that 30% of the Browns fans there are dressed in Buckeye gear. For crying out loud, they play "Hang On Sloopy" in between the third and fourth quarters at every home game. I've never been to a Lions game, but I think you'd see WAY more Lions gear than Wolverines gear at those games.

In reply to by Darth Wolverine

Lampuki22

July 26th, 2011 at 2:50 PM ^

are pretty rough on Backhus.  They  think he's a Lion only because he played for Michigan.  Hart to the Lions (not a current need) would make them very angry. 

In reply to by Darth Wolverine

willis j

July 26th, 2011 at 3:57 PM ^

see: Brian Robiskie. 

Guy has done nothing but every year I hear how he will be the man and is going to step it up.

In reply to by Darth Wolverine

SanFrancisco_W…

July 26th, 2011 at 2:38 PM ^

I love Mike Hart, but as a Browns fan I don't see a roster spot for him really.  With Hillis and Hardesty they I feel like they might be looking for something a little different. Correll Buckhalter would be a nice fit I feel.

pdgoblue25

July 26th, 2011 at 3:58 PM ^

Between Hardesty's 4 years at Tennessee, and his one season in Cleveland, I believe he has missed 3 full season's due to injury.  He was a pure risk/reward draft pick.  He's not exactly someone you can count on.  We definitely need another running back before we kill Peyton Hillis with exhaustion.

In reply to by Darth Wolverine

pdgoblue25

July 26th, 2011 at 3:54 PM ^

While eventually I realized that Braylon Edwards is in fact an asshole, the shit he went through here just for wearing the winged helmet was ridiculous.

I also can't think of a player off the top of my head that Ohio State fans hated more than Mike Hart.

BRCE

July 26th, 2011 at 2:36 PM ^

'Backs who were run to death in college have a pretty poor record of success in the NFL. Mike's size/speed issues only exemplify the problem he may have had with excess miles coming into the league.

AFWolverine

July 26th, 2011 at 3:42 PM ^

to be Fred Jackson's eventual replacement. The "coach in waiting" thing only applies to HC, right? I think he'd be a good assistant, but that's based purely on feelings. I've never heard of him "coaching" anyone before, so I don't have any premesis for saying he'd be a good coach.

Marvin

July 26th, 2011 at 2:45 PM ^

It's funny you should say that. Fred Jackson already chimed in on this one. He said something to the effect that it would be a great pickup, since Mike's hypothetical coaching combines the technical virtuosity of Bill Walsh (but a little more cerebral) and the game savvy of Bill Belichek (but with more nuance). 

1201SouthMain

July 26th, 2011 at 3:47 PM ^

I bumped into Fred at Eastside Banfields a few years ago and had a brief converstation about Mike.  Fred believes that he's a great running back ..... but I don't think he'd be recommending him for a coaching position based on his personality.

I'm just saying ..... don't kill the messenger.

Umich4Life

July 26th, 2011 at 2:43 PM ^

IMO this is great for Mike Hart, he just wasn't getting a good shot in Indy.  The kid can run, someone give him a shot!  I knew it was over for him when he blew out his knee and the colts drafted another RB (that dude from UConn? Brown?).  He outran their #2 back everytime last year, I couldn't believe they kept handing the ball to him over Hart.  Then came the ankle injury.  Good luck Mr. Hart!

JeepinBen

July 26th, 2011 at 2:48 PM ^

I think Mike will have a good (not great) NFL career as a 3rd down back. We know he was a horse here at Michigan, but I dont know that he will ever be a feature back at the next level. 

Mike plays smart and hard, and someone will do well to pick him up. Can't wait for him to come take over for Fred Jackson at some point though!

CincyBlue

July 26th, 2011 at 2:50 PM ^

The Colts are about to sign former Brady Hoke QB Nate Davis to a two year contract to back up Peyton or play if his neck is not fully recovered.

MGoReader04

July 26th, 2011 at 2:53 PM ^

Mike, come play for my Vikes!  You are still the man.  I'll never forget the pancake block you threw on that blitzing buckeye your senior year.  Don't even remember who it was but you put him on his back and then stood there over him and let him hear about it.  I loved it.

mdm87

July 26th, 2011 at 3:02 PM ^

I love Mike, but his NFL future looks bleak right now. If you can't stick with the Colts as a #3 running back, then you're going to have a hard time finding a job. Good luck to him though and I hope he lands somewhere.

VeryBlue

July 26th, 2011 at 3:24 PM ^

Guys like Mike Hart are a dime a dozen in the NFL.  It is like they pull them out of a tissue box, use them, and toss them away.  An exciting college player, face in the crowd as a pro...

Noleverine

July 26th, 2011 at 3:35 PM ^

He has previously mentioned wanting to get into coaching (on my phone so no link). I would love for him to replace Fred Jackson once he retires in a few years or so (honestly no idea when this may happen, or if he will just die on the sideline a la Paterno). Former all-star coming back to coach running backs for his alma matyer? Movie gold.

gmoney41

July 26th, 2011 at 3:34 PM ^

when he got a chance with the colts.  I do agree that the injuries really hurt his career.  Everytime I saw him play, he was always picking up the blocks, moving the piles, was tough, and was a fan favorite.  As a colts fan, i am upset that he was released and a player like donald brown is still on the squad.  I was and still am thoroughly unimpressed with Brown.  He falls on the first contact, not great in blitz pickup, etc..  If Mikey could stay healthy, he would have been the backup.  Hopefully he gets picked up by Miami or comes to coach our backs here as an assistant.

Charlie Chunk

July 26th, 2011 at 4:02 PM ^

Everybody keeps throwing Mike Hart's name into the ring for RB Coach.  When Fred calls it quits, I'd like to see tyrone wheatley take that job.  He's currently coaching in that role for Syracuse.  He's the Man!  Have you ever listened to him speak?  I'm just saying...