Miller, recruiting efforts past

Submitted by undies22 on
Nearly ever year, one or maybe 2 recruits commit (usually early) and are very up front about their efforts and desire to lure others into the M hoops or football fold. I often wonder why more recruits aren’t as pro-active, or wonder if they are but simply don’t go out of their way to talk about it. Invariably, the guys who come out full guns for UM the second they commit are players I generally carry great affection for throughout their playing careers. Miller is shaping up to be that guy in this class, and is angling to become the unofficial king of UM commits who recruit the shit out of their class. I initially was concerned that Miller’s move north was a miscalculation which would undermine his recruiting juice where we need it most, FLA. But the exact opposite is true. Miller is a savvy mofo and I wouldn't be surprised if his plan was at least partially hatched based on recruiting. He'll be at every single home game. Official/unofficial visits are when recruiting hay is made. You know how it’s a big deal to try and get one weekend with a bunch of highly rated recruits at the same time, so they can essentially recruit each other? Instead of being in the ear of those recruits only present during his official visit, Miller will be on every single recruit that sets foot on campus next year at the time they’re most susceptible to his charms. Despite my claim that every class has a player or two that steps up as the recruiter who I then love unforgettably, I’m now blanking on other guys who’ve assumed this role. Juwan Howard was rumored to have been a prime mover in bring the Fab 5 together, but I didn’t have Sam Webb or Matt Pargoff to give me daily updates on who he’d contacted and what influence was exerted. I believe Horton was catalyst for his class, and helped get Dion Harris’ early commit. I recall Henson being credited for helping change DT’s commit from ND to M, and I think both ganged up on Justin Fargas and convinced him to pull a signing day surprise and commit Blue. I know I wasn’t thinking of Daniel Horton when I started this. Anyone else have any names to jog my memory?

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

February 25th, 2009 at 2:35 PM ^

I dunno if your theory about Miller's charms in Ann Arbor are gonna work like you say. Granted, he'll theoretically have access to every recruit instead of just the ones in Florida, but on the other hand, those guys will be expecting to be wined and dined and recruited while they're in AA. I mean, if it were me, I'd be listening to what he has to say but at the same time I'd be asking myself "seriously, do I expect a guy in his position to say anything different?"

undies22

February 25th, 2009 at 6:18 PM ^

I agree that no player commits based on another player's cajoling. There has to be a baseline interest in the school for starters. I do think a recruit’s initially positive vibes about a school can be reinforced by the other guys who are on the team, and committed to their class, since they are future teammates. More importantly, recruits look for players with similar experiences/background to honestly address their questions and concerns. For warm weather guys, they can talk to Miller about moving to MI. For distance guys, they can talk distance, etc. I doubt Miller will give the hard sell only, I think he’ll be up front with players about challenges he’s noticed that they’ll face. And in the end, most recruits seem to react more positively to the strait dope than to fluff.

J. Lichty

February 25th, 2009 at 2:44 PM ^

While I think that Ricardo is not going to be the closer on whether anyone of these recruits matriculates at M, there is value in having players- recruits excited about being there. While ultimately, Ricardo and other recruit/recruiters are not a deciding factor (relationship with coaches, depth chart, history/tradition, distance from home are probably most important) that is not to say that having him as a cheerleader each weekend will not have value to the recruiting process, especially with the kids he knows from the all-star teams in florida and nationally. Kids want to play with talented players and kids want to be excited about their choice of where to play. Enthusiam toward the progam is infectious and can definitely help shape ones attitude toward the other objective things that may be similar at some schools the recruit is considering.

umjgheitma

February 25th, 2009 at 3:17 PM ^

They could be thinking "why isn't anyone doing this on my other visits?" I doubt there are many other schools who would have a recruit come in on unofficials and explain why this school is the best for them.

PattyMax64

February 25th, 2009 at 3:33 PM ^

I think Miller's biggest impact will not be him telling kids how awesome it is at Michigan, since that is what they get at every school, but in that he can befriend the kids. I think these kids are the same as normal high school seniors, and it would comfort them to know that at Michigan, they already have a buddy there who is really excited to go there.

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

February 25th, 2009 at 4:01 PM ^

I think there are lots of other schools that have these guys there. I mean, not like how we're guessing Ricardo might be there all the time, but I think there are tons of recruiting stories where you hear about recruits recruiting other guys to play at their school. Seems to me it's pretty common.

Jay

February 25th, 2009 at 7:28 PM ^

Winning will go a long way in helping our recruiting efforts for '10. Conversely, if we have another horrific season, there's a good chance that the '10 class will fall apart.

Tater

February 25th, 2009 at 7:54 PM ^

UM is one of those schools that can stand two or three losing seasons before it starts to affect them at all. This year's class proves that UM can recruit despite a losing season. If they were to have a mediocre year, kids would just see an opportunity to start early for one of the most visible teams in college football. Because of the maize and blue and the winged helmets, UM stands out, even if their performance occasionally doesn't. They would certainly belong on a list of the most recognizable uniforms in college football. I would put them somewhere in the one through three slot with Notre Dame and Southern Cal, with Alabama and maybe Texas close behind.

Jay

February 25th, 2009 at 8:14 PM ^

Two HORRIFIC seasons (as in back to back 3-9 records) in a row and even Michigan will find it difficult to bring in, or hold on to, recruits. Don't be so arrogant as to think that it couldn't happen to us. Nobody ever thought it was possible for us to go 3-9, either. Notre Dame, Alabama, Nebraska, USC, Penn State, Oklahoma, & Miami have all gone through tough times. It is certainly possible for us to bottom out as well.

West Texas Blue

February 25th, 2009 at 10:00 PM ^

I agree with Jay. Even the '09 kids were saying that they're giving Michigan a pass since it was new offensive system and new coaching staff. The '10 kids won't be as forgiving. This is why I'm being cautiously optimistic about this recruiting year; the season will make or break our class. It's very critical that we get 6-7 wins to maintain strong recruiting momentum, but I dunno, it's going to be very difficult to get those wins.

tpilews

February 25th, 2009 at 10:18 PM ^

I don't know. UM will still be a place that young kids can come in and get playing time right away. There are going to be quite a few freshmen on the field this year. Early playing time is a huge motivator. I will agree that the season will effect if we can land any TOP recruits, like top 5 nationally at their position.

KRK

February 26th, 2009 at 12:09 AM ^

Whether you are right or wrong about Miller's intentions, I like the idea and there is no way to say you are wrong. Good thread topic. I wish they were all like this.