Quick 2019 5-Star Updates:Harrison, Crouch, Ford,
Intro
Brief Updates
- Crouch made an unexpected unofficial to Clemson to see them squeak past Syracuse.
- Ford is done for the season with an ACL injury.
- Zach Harrison attended the Penn State/Ohio State game.
Some Thoughts
- If earlier reports about Crouch being down to Tennessee and Michigan are true, Michigan is in great shape. However, this visit might cast some doubt on that narrative. In any case, as per the article linked above, Crouch wants to come into a successful program, so this year's results are going to be important (and seem to make Tennessee a non-starter). Recruiting against Clemson is always $cary, but if Michigan can do some damage against rivals this year, maybe things look not-so-bad. Just FYI, and also from the article, Florida State (another rebuilding school) gets a visit, with Clemson getting the last say in November/December.
- Terrible stuff for Ford. However, his injury sounds like something pretty typical for football, and with the marvels of modern medicine, he'll be back in time for spring wherever he ends up. This is complete speculation, but I think the injury also frees up some time in his schedule, perhaps making a Michigan visit more likely. Michigan's outstanding medical facilities and reputation can't hurt during that potential visit.
- Zach Harrison experienced a white-out at State College, and I think it's important that there wasn't an immediate commitment. I really hope he took note of Franklin's in-game incompetence that probably cost them the win, which is also why I think Ohio State worked out in Michigan's favor. Earlier in the week, Ohio State DE Bosa's mum and dad contradicted Meyer's assertions about their kid's injury return schedule, so maybe Meyer isn't looking too great, even putting aside the Zach Smith scandal. (To be honest, my view is that the injury 'controversy' is overblown; Meyer's comments were vague coach speak to keep opponents guessing.) Assuming Harrison makes it up again, Michigan's 'best' remaining home games will be against Wisconsin on October 13th and Penn State on November 3rd.
October 1st, 2018 at 5:16 AM ^
They didn't really contradict it, they just came out and said the time table is a little different, and then they said they trust Meyer and his staff. Listen that kid being a possible #1 overall pick makes the possibility of him making an early comeback really unlikely IMO. He has way more to lose than to gain.
October 1st, 2018 at 5:50 AM ^
What distinguishes a 'little different' from a contradiction?
October 1st, 2018 at 6:07 AM ^
A little different is the difference between 4 weeks and 6 weeks.
Contradiction is the difference between being available soon and not available at all.
October 1st, 2018 at 7:54 AM ^
User name confirms contradiction expertise.
October 1st, 2018 at 2:41 PM ^
Yours doesn't. Inflammable & flammable mean the same.
October 2nd, 2018 at 9:09 PM ^
O boy AND you were an ass about it, precious.
Well there semantic Sally, I was just making a silly quip relating his username to his use of the word contradiction and really not worrying exactly how well it fit.
Ya know, for a quip, I was sure it fit well enough and it did.
If course now that I think about it, I realize ..........
That you're 100% WRONG!
Contradiction doesn't equate to different, so "sameness" doesn't negate it. Contradiction is opposition.
And since a flame is already inflamed, defining it at the same time as "easy to flame" would be opposed to logic.
Therefore contradictory :)
So, go ahead and take your weak attempt at semantic righteousness and shove it up your tunneler, cool.
October 10th, 2018 at 7:09 PM ^
I take it back. You're very smart!
October 1st, 2018 at 9:07 AM ^
Thanks, now please explain to urbz and the cooler pooping fanbase the difference between a "lie" and a "misstatement".
October 1st, 2018 at 9:13 AM ^
defensive end Nick Bosa had surgery on Thursday to fix a core muscle injury, and there is no timetable for his return, coach Urban Meyer said. The report you are referring to was after being question, Meyer said, "we do expect him back at sometime" “Coach Meyer is going to get peppered with these questions and he basically said it’s a few weeks, but it’s worth me at least clarifying that it’s not a few weeks,” John Bosa said. “Nick had major surgery. Now, he had surgery with the best surgeon for the core on the planet (Dr. William C. Meyers in Philadelphia) and it’s 100 percent fixable, which is the beauty of it, but he’s not even getting re-evaluated until November.” So the statements weren't opposed to each other, one just provided more clarification.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:42 AM ^
'Clarification' is used--after the word 'not'. I don't think this is worth a ton of discussion, but he literally said what Urban said is not what is correct.
October 1st, 2018 at 10:47 AM ^
The point is, only you see it as a problem. If the Zack Smith issue doesn't change people's perception, an injury return timeline report won't have any effect on the kids decision. If he doesn't go to OSU it's not because of this.
October 1st, 2018 at 11:13 AM ^
"A little different" is, "I did everything I could to support Zach and Courtney through their marital difficulties."
"Contradicted" is, "Hey, Gene, how do I delete these texts again?"
October 1st, 2018 at 6:54 AM ^
Thought I heard Harrison would make it up for our Penn State game? He's going to see his three finalists play each other I believe, so I think he will go to The Game at OSU as well.
Also, isn't Crouch visiting for Wisconsin?
October 1st, 2018 at 7:12 AM ^
I hadn't heard much about Harrison except that no visits were guaranteed. If his schedule is as you say, that makes a ton of sense to me.
Crouch is reportedly visiting for Wisconsin, yup. I really hope that's a W. He has been clear about rebuilding teams, and a win there and later on could help prove that Michigan is back.
October 1st, 2018 at 8:26 AM ^
So we probably have to beat Ohio State and Penn State to have the best shot at landing Harrison. If we do that it would almost guarantee landing Crouch if what he's looking for is a team that is on the upswing.
Also, We really need to have a night game/UTL with a maize out against Penn State with the maize pom poms this year.
October 1st, 2018 at 8:44 AM ^
So if we beat PSU and OSU, do we win Harrison’s commitment?
October 1st, 2018 at 8:55 AM ^
Based on his past responses, I think it's definitely not sufficient, but it may still be necessary. Harrison is a guy who is deeply weighing some qualitative factors, like fit with his future teammates. If I'm not mixing him up with someone else, he's on the record saying that he doesn't care about wins and losses this year, but it's hard to believe that a continued bad record against rivals wouldn't have some negative impact.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:13 AM ^
My opinion is that Penn State is the front-runner for Harrison. My opinion is only worth one short sentence. Having said that, Michigan has a decent chance here.
Who knows on Crouch. I believe he is the most intriguing player on the board...would love to see him go blue.
So Michigan, as the ratings currently stand, have lost to #6 by a touchdown and will play something like #3, 9,13, 19 and a Maryland who received votes. There is great opportunity within a challenge.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:45 AM ^
I noticed how tough the schedule was yesterday as well. Northwestern with an extra week to prepare came out and smacked us in the mouth. Maryland, who is better than NW, has that same extra week to prepare for us. It's a nice ramp up to Wisconsin, MSU and PSU, but what a buzzsaw. Thank goodness for our bye week before PSU and Rutger. I'd be thankful for Indiana, but they always play us tough. Team showed some grit this week.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:59 AM ^
It looks like Rutger is taking every week off until they play us. Should be a good one.
October 1st, 2018 at 11:56 AM ^
Maryland is #56 in S&P, Northwestern is #59. The former is #76 in Offense, #50 in Defense, the latter #93 and #31. The betting line is -17.5 for MD, was -15 for NW; given home field flips at -3, this is spot on. Very similar opponent values, I don't see Md as a better team. Sure, Maryland beat Texas. But NW almost beat Michigan.
Given Michigan's strength is Defense, Maryland looks like the easier match-up.
Michigan is #27 in Offense, and #4 in Defense.
October 1st, 2018 at 12:56 PM ^
Maryland isn’t better than NU. Beat Texas, but blasted at home by Temple. Other two wins vs a mediocre Minnesota team with a true freshman at QB and s horrid BG team that is probably the wurst team in the MAC.
October 1st, 2018 at 1:23 PM ^
Are you knacking BG?
October 1st, 2018 at 6:55 AM ^
Feels like you are making some wild assumptions looking for things that benefit Michigan.
October 1st, 2018 at 7:09 AM ^
If you could point out where you think that's happening, I'll try to respond.
October 1st, 2018 at 7:22 AM ^
"Michigan's outstanding medical facilities and reputation can't hurt during that potential visit."
You must be new to recruiting because that will have zero affect on Ford's decision.
"I really hope he took note of Franklin's in-game incompetence that probably cost them the win."
Eye roll.
"If earlier reports about Crouch being down to Tennessee and Michigan are true, Michigan is in great shape."
There are literally no reports out there that he's down to those two schools. There is some speculation UM and UT could lead, but he's not narrowed down his choices to two schools yet.
This post reads more like your own opinions and wishful thinking on things instead of a substantive update. Harrison visited PSU, Crouch visited Clemson, Ford tore his ACL. Everything else is filler.
October 1st, 2018 at 7:26 AM ^
With the first one, I think it's likely that you're wrong. A kid who suffers a season-ending injury may very well take note of the quality of care available at Michigan during his visit. Also, this is a year where a kid actually died due to a program's negligence.
I'm honestly not sure what the problem is with the second one. What are you eye-rolling about? Franklin's in-game decision making has a pretty bad track record from what I recall, and it was on full display at the end of that game.
Edit: Missed your Crouch bit.
If the speculation comes from a recruiting analyst, isn't that a literal report? That's where I recall that info coming from. Your problem here seems quibbling at the very best.
Edit 2: Why do you keep editing your post and adding new stuff? Anyway, this 'meta part' of your post is pretty weird to me, also. I make clear distinctions between the actual updates and my personal thoughts on what's going on. It shouldn't 'read like' my opinions, it should be clear where my opinions and facts are separated. I note in the title that the updates are 'quick.' On the whole, I don't think your critique is on-point.
Edit 3: I overstated the Crouch stuff based on that link. I know I've read somewhere that it was down to Tennessee and Michigan, but I can't prove it with a googling, so I'll eat some crow.
October 1st, 2018 at 8:17 AM ^
Maizen gonna Maizen?
October 1st, 2018 at 9:00 AM ^
Don't worry about Shawn. He's a professional concern troll who has been banned several times.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:04 AM ^
I'm not up-to-speed on who Shawn is. Just for context, what are his past incarnations?
October 1st, 2018 at 10:42 AM ^
Maizen and Bluey. Was recently outed as Shawn L Martin on twitter and subsequently banned for the second time (at least) here. Apparently he's decided to try again as Diagonal Blue until ban number three inevitably comes.
October 1st, 2018 at 12:22 PM ^
Yeah no. If you think I'm Maizen feel free to ask LSAClassof2000 if I am. If he says no you ban yourself from the board, if he says yes I'll ban myself. Deal?
October 1st, 2018 at 11:41 PM ^
What does it matter if you’re Maizen or another shitty troll who has been banned numerous times and aren’t a fan of Michigan? You’re still a shitty person
November 19th, 2018 at 3:50 PM ^
Cry you baby back bitch.
November 19th, 2018 at 4:00 PM ^
Yep, you're still a whiny little concern troll bitch.
November 19th, 2018 at 4:05 PM ^
Cry baby back bitch.
October 1st, 2018 at 8:00 AM ^
As opposed to YOUR opinions and DREADFUL thinking?
October 1st, 2018 at 8:00 AM ^
Caeser has proven many times over that he pays pretty close attention to recruiting. He's stated that he aggregates several reports for posting here because most people don't pay such close attention. Sometimes, opinions can help to consolidate reports - even if you don't like them.
He posts relevant content, yet here you are crapping on him for it. But hey, if you don't like his opinions being mixed in feel free to aggregate the reports yourself and post the information. Without the opinionated verbiage...
October 1st, 2018 at 8:40 AM ^
Maybe change your name to Diagonal Douche
October 1st, 2018 at 9:14 AM ^
Hail Caesar! Why anyone takes the slant to attack the poster has always seemed low-end to me and juvenile. Write to support your own informed opinions, or move along. Because otherwise, you're just creating filler and a speed bump for anyone reading.
October 1st, 2018 at 7:09 AM ^
It's almost like he's posting on a Michigan blog or something.
October 1st, 2018 at 7:37 AM ^
This
October 1st, 2018 at 7:39 AM ^
Do tell.
October 1st, 2018 at 8:02 AM ^
Thanks for the update!
and I for one like highly speculative sunshine blown up my arse so thanks for that too.
October 1st, 2018 at 8:57 AM ^
Thanks for aggregating this information, good post.
I do think you overstated the comments about Crouch being down to Michigan and Tennessee though. Per the article you linked in a previous comment, this was the comment from the analyst, back in July:
When push comes to shove, it could end up being a two-way race between the Michigan and Tennessee, but it is tough to tell with a prospect who does not often talk with the media.
To me, that does not constitute a "report about Crouch being down to Michigan and Tennessee". At best, that is a vague projection with no stated reason. Also, this was back in July, from an article that also said Crouch wanted to make a decision before the start of his senior season (which hasn't happened).
Not trying to crap on you, but this information, plus the fact that all crystal balls are pointing everywhere except Michigan and Tennessee (Michigan not in top 3, Tennessee trailing Clemson and USC), leads me to believe that Michigan has zero shot at this guy.
I do appreciate the effort you put into the post. Keep doing it.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:09 AM ^
Good stuff. I think you're right that I've overstated it based on that link.
I really think that there was something stronger that I don't have access to (like a 247 VIP post or something), but I wasn't able to find it after a quick googling. I think it might've even been referenced here on MGoBlog.
In any case, thanks a bunch for your response.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:27 AM ^
I couldn't say whether you overstated anything, but you made clear that Crouch had just taken a visit to Clemson and that his interest in playing for a presently successful program was a reason to question the veracity of his reported interest in Tennessee. It was a quality post and I found it exasperating reading through Diagonal Troll and some of the other unfortunate replies you got. Thanks for putting it together.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:44 AM ^
You're welcome! I'm glad you found something good in the post.
October 1st, 2018 at 9:51 AM ^
From the beginning, Quavaris Crouch wanted to play close to home. He wants his family and friends to see him play. That is why South Carolina was listed as a real possibility for him. But Michigan has been making a strong move to get him. He may have been seriously giving them a look. If Michigan can run the table, they may get him (and maybe Danielson Ike too). But again, Clemson isn't too far from his home. And they are in the top 4 for a few years now. I'm hoping Michigan is still in the running. But, it's possible at this point, if he still wants to stay close to home, saying he wants to play for a winner may mean he would choose Clemson over South Carolina.
I'm still on the high from getting Daxton Hill. Any news Crouch may take Clemson isn't affecting me. But then again, I've never had my hopes up for getting Quavaris Crouch to begin with.
October 1st, 2018 at 10:35 AM ^
Seems like Crouch is spending a lot of time at Clemson. I’m looking at the balls and I don’t see any for UM? What is it that makes everyone here think Crouch is a UM lean?