Sam Webb Minor Updates from UA/Army All-American Games via WTKA

Sam Webb is gone this week from his regular WTKA radio hosting roll, but him and Ira spoke on the phone for about 20 minutes at the end of the show today. I thought I'd mention some of the things he had to say, but there's not much earth shattering news. 

Isaiah Wilson - Sam believes he's going to stick with Georgia but Michigan will continue to pursue him (as has been said before). The new news to me was that his parents really want him to go to Michigan, but the decision really did come down to what Isaiah wanted to do. It's always good to have Mom and Dad on Michigan's side of things, however, and I wouldn't ever count out Harbaugh if he really wants someone. That being said, slim hopes with Isaiah. 

Luiji Vilain - Really has a shot as a pass rush specialist (ala Chase Winovich this past season) as a true freshman. Showing excellent pass rushing skills. This isn't the first report that has hit the blog that has discussed how good he's looked so far.

Cezar Ruiz - Should compete for some playing time as a true freshman at Center or Guard as he has good technique and size to compete immediately. This isn't really new news per se, but it is encouraging to see Sam state this from his observations at the UA practices where he's going against elite talent. He wasn't overly excited about him, but this I believe goes against the notion that Filiaga would be the only true freshman who could compete on the OL right away. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a good thing if Cezar ends up starting next season, but any competition is good competition.

Kwity Paye - A ways away physically and technically but has good athleticism. Needs some definite development, which isn't surprising given the area of the country he's from. Should most definitely redshirt from what it sounds like.

Chuck Filiaga - Sam thinks he will commit to Michigan on Saturday (no "gut feeling" but sounds extremely confident), which goes along with others reporting very strong positive feelings about Michigan's chances. Someone mentioned a few days ago that Sam had said we should be hearing some good news on Saturday, so this would almost definitely be what he was talking about - I could be wrong about this, but it makes the most sense. Filiaga's impact as a freshman has a lot to do with Grant Newsome's recovery. And speaking of Newsome, it sounds like some people Sam's talked to think there's a "good chance" he will be ready for next season (which I believe we've heard before), but of course there is no guarantee of that. Mostly chatter at this point that Newsome is not a for sure out for next season, so don't completely write him off yet.

Willie Gay - Has not talked with Willie yet (will later on this week), but he doesn't think there should be any concern about the LSU report that came out yesterday. Either way, the coaching staff will have until signing day to get him. Reading behind the lines, Sam still sees Willie as Michigan's to lose. 

Najee Harris - Confirmed that he still has not heard anything from Najee's direct circle about coming to Michigan besides that they "don't know," so that is the reason for his lack of "gut feeling." The recent projection had to do with some "compelling things" he has recently heard that has enlightened him as to why people think he's coming to Michigan. He wouldn't go into details, but there's that.

That's all, folks. Again, nothing news shattering, but still some solid info to chew on.

Link to the podcast.