It takes guts to give up a top ten pick to say in college! What a guy.
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Taylor Lewan: Michigan Man
And he'll be a tremendous leader his senior year
Those Who Stay Will Be Champions.
Another posbang?
Can you handle it?
Any question about our line next year is now resolved IMHO
Who are starting at Center and Guard positions?
Jack Miller at center, Kalis and Schofield at guard ( I think Schofield performed better at guard than tackle) and Braden/Mags at the other tackle, probably Braden.
Think obviously Miller at C.
And Burzynski/Bryant/Kalis/Bars will take your Gs.
I think Kalis has the potential to be extremely special.
Jack Miller at center, gKalis and Schofield at guard ( I think Schofield performed better at guard than tackle) and Braden/Mags at the other tackle, probably Braden.
Lewan left arm = LT
Lewan head = LG
Lewarn right arm = C
now we need to figure out RG and RT. I'm feeling pretty confident about this!
Whoa he's staying?!??? Holy balls. Posbangs for all me thinks...
Don't praise "selflessness". He wants to be at Michigan, and he clearly gets value out of being there. He is not harming himself, just for the sake of others - I would call that irrational.
Having said that, hell yes!
He could just as easily suffer a career ending injury and never be able to play football again. Being able to play football tomorrow isn't guaranteed to thes kids, and he's turning down immediate millions of dollars, for something that is not guaranteed to him. I'd call that a selfless act, absolutely.
But there are insurance policies for guys projected to be drafted highly who return to school. He filed the paperwork to see where his status was, so he's got the evidence to get the policy.
Like I said, there are other factors. He gets a lot out of being at Michigan, like most of us did, and he is willing to take a chance based on this value. If the decision were as simple as the football factors you stated, I would just call it 'stupid'. Why would it be good to not think about your own well-being?
Amen to that! Can I have an AMEN!!
It's not at all selfless for Taylor to stay at Michigan. He gets a tremendous amount of satisfaction from it, obviously more than millions of dollars could buy. Not everyone is like that. But to Taylor, staying at Michigan was worth more than going to the NFL. It's not selfless to do what you want, it's selfish, and it's right and proper (as long as you don't violate anyone else's rights, of course).
If you don't recognize goblueram's avatar, it's from the cover of Atlas Shrugged, which explains in (possibly way too much) detail why selfishness is a virtue. Somewhat funny in this context that your avatar is You Know Who.
I agree, this is selfless in the sense that it doesn't benefit him as much to stay as it does to go to the pros. It's not totally selfless, he is covering his ass with the insurance policy (which is just smart). But, that NFL paycheck is probably the best decision for his long term future.
He feels a strong connection to the team, which is a virtue we prize highly as Michigan fans, and sports fans in general. He wants to come back to help his teammates win and become better players. Very selfless. If he felt no loyalty to his team he would be looking for real estate in Philly or Cleveland right now.
This is a big risk for him - I mean he could get rolled up on on the first snap of 2013 (God forbid). I'm glad he's coming back and I'm proud of him for making a decision we so rarely see nowadays! Thanks Taylor and Go Blue!
Sweet Jesus Christ, you actually think that's a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of human behavior, don't you.
Ayn Rand: making people of average intelligence feel irrationally (!) smarter than others since 1957.
haha okay then. No fun is taken out of anything, I am excited about this decision. Obviously, I disagree with you on many other things.
about the first comment, but taken together with the avatar, strong Randian flavor, fo sho.
Sweet Jesus Christ, the guy was arguing about whether or not something that we all agree was awesome was also selfish or not. Just because he has an opinion, you accuse him of thinking he's smarter, more nuanced, and more sophisticated than other people? Get off your high horse and accept that people can have different opinions without being wrongmeanbad.
Debate altruism if you want (to the extent that it's allowed here, so pretty much theory only) but there's no reason to take it to another level where you're questioning someone's intelligence based on the philosophical beliefs they hold, which in this case also are, or are close to, political.
Pretty sure the dude regurgitating Randbytes with the Atlas Shrugged avatar is the one bringing politics to the board here. This is largely why I was irritated.
Also, my personal philosophical belief is to live every week like it's Shark Week, just like Tracy Jordan teaches. No one better criticize that, neither.
EDIT: Ok, Shark Week is my snarky analogy. Here's a better one: I'm a social darwinist, and I think that humanity is defined by a struggle between races where only the superior will survive. Not saying which races are superior/inferior - just keeping it on the level of theory. And when something Michigan football-related comes up that reminds of some of the social darwinist ideas I think are cool, I might draw the parallel there. Nothing political or anything like that. Just my philosophy.
I love this. Who else wants Lewan to be wearing a Legends patch next year? Hell, it should have Long's and Lewan's names on it.
Why not Jansen and Long for now and then Lewan when he graduates pending something really bad?
I have no objections to this. I got a bit excited and forgot about Jansen. He absolutely deserves to be included on the #77 patch.
Told yuh (that stranger things have happened)!
Tremendously tremendous decision for a physical player, one who fulfills the expectation for the position at Michigan.
He's definitely going to compete next year. Can't wait to hear football when he plays.
move over, NPH
The fact that it took me only a second to realize NPH = Neal Patrick Harris made me laugh out loud.
On a serious note, Lewan has been a great player and now he has jumped up to one of my favorite players of all time. Holy left field batman. I can't give Lewan enough respect for making this decision.
Michigan Football @umichfootball
"This team is important to him." - Coach Hoke
Holy crapoly! I am soooo excited.
Michigan Football @umichfootball
"Excited as a program, as a team, to have Taylor back." - Hoke
I know its been said but those who stay...i wish the season started tomorrow.
Office mates are wondering why I'm doing cart wheels in the breakroom.
The Michigan Difference!
A tradition where all of our juniors stay in college. Lewan is the man.
home on I-94 and trying to see his decision. It took me until this point in the post. Taylor Lewan decides to return to the Univeristy of Michigan for his final year. He says that Team 134 will be special and he wants to be a part of it.
Now I would never admit to any crime however WTKA does not reach to Macomb County. So I had to do what I had to do. I appologize to anyone near 23 Nukle Road when I almost went into the ditch when I got to this point in the thread and I did the fist pump, flashed my lights and sounded my horn.
Thank You Taylor. You have certainly proved that Michigan is the Leaders and Best.
Yayyyyyy I get to play with @TaylorLewan
Lets rage!
But really, hopefully we can show him that those who stay will be champions!
Hoke said "Offensive line here, they stay. There's a tradition of it." Mentioned Long and Jansen and Hutchinson among others.
" Mentioned Long, Jansen and Hutchinson among others..."
Future Michigan linemen will state:
" Mentioned Long, Jansen, Hutchinson and Lewan among others..."
Lewan will take his rightful place among these Michigan legends.
Already can't wait for fall.
Never have I been so happy to be wrong,
This is pretty Kate Upton worthy. Que the gif.
Michigan Football @umichfootball
"Offensive lineman here, they stay." - Hoke
all these epic Brady quotes from today and present it to every amazing junior who is ever contemplating the pros. Can't fail, fergodsakes
I feel stupid for clicking and reading some of those comments.
that place never changes
Did anyone read the post by 277Gunson:
He is a moran, pure and simple.
He can only hurt his draft stock and body.
WOW!
It does suck for them as three guys with 3-5th round grades bolt ASAP, but Lewan and his top 10 grade stays....that burns man...Thanks Taylor
holy miracle. someone get that man 3 blonds tonight. maybe 4.
How about a redhead, brunette and a blonde
Neapolitan FTW.
If Taylor wants a brunette then Gibbons will take care of him.
Our line is gonna be so beast next year.
Why u say that? We'll have a awesome left tackle and a decent right tackle. Who will play center and the two guard positions? One guy doesn't make a offensive line great. Central Michigan has a stud playing left tackle. Do you consider their line awesome?
I'm excited to think about the effect this decision will have on all of the young OL both what they'll learn from Lewan next year and the example it sets and what it means to play at Michigan.
Donkey rider extroardinnaire
...for the posbang....
...ughrgl!
I sure hope so.
When was the last time we had a player who was projected to be drafted in the first-half of the first-round return?
Not that they're similarly-situated players, but it makes you wonder ... what if Woodson would have returned in '98?
Jake Long. Taylor is fulfilling his destiny.
Perhaps his RS Freshman year - he met Long on the sidelines and commeted that Long was as wide as Lewan with pads on, and that Long told him to "take care of that number".
Mission accomplished
What more could he do?? Heisman, Big Ten Title, Rose Bowl Win, and National Championship. It was a perfect season.
but rather, what would it had been like if he returned? It's a purely speculative thought. I wholeheartedly agree with you. Woodson had virtually no personal motivation to return. The only argument for staying I can conjure up would be to equal Archie Griffin's repeat.
Would he have played more WR? Blitz more? It's fun to think about, IMO.
That said, this is Taylor's thread. Hooray Taylor! I'd love it if the coaches could figure out a way to get him a TD on a tackle-eligible play on senior day.
He knows something special is right around the corner. This season gone be cray!
Jake Long
Coach Hoke
Michigan Tradition.
And especially, Taylor Lewan.
DANG!!! Not expected, but entirely pleasing news. I'm honored to watch you play in a Michigan uni for another year, Mr. Lewan.
Lewan knows how good this team can be this year. He's a tremendous help to that O-Line. He'll dominate this year and go top 5
Murica!
No cats, but if you look right above your post there's a ton of... never mind.
of...PUPPIES!!!!! ~Jerry Lawler voice
Not one person in this thread said "Sweet, what master's program is he enrolling in?"
Take that Mark Emmert.
While I am happy that Lewan is coming back, this decision does not make him a Michigan Man in my eyes. I believe that he already was a Michigan Man, even if he left, due to his hard work and representing the university with class and dignity. That being said, WHOOOOO!!!!
Michigan Man! Speaking of Michigan Men on the OL, do we still take 6 this class?
first, hoke didn't sound surprised. He probably knew Lewan was staying and is still going after more OL. Second, anyone coming in for 2013 was going to redshirt. By the time they would have played, Lewan was going to be gone anyways. This doesn't change that. I bet we still do get that 6th OL.
Yes. I assume the coaches have known about his decision for at least a week or two, so I don't imagine things will change.
Awesome news! For some reason I had a gut feeling he would be back, but I tend to trust my head more than my gut so I wasn't optimistic (perhaps I should change that?).
Good luck to Lewan on having an awesome final year and raising his draft stock even more.
All of you that are surprised Taylor Lewan is coming back to school don't understand what it's like to me a M athlete in AA.#5thyearwhynot
Muppets! We need Muppets!
Awesome news. Muppets! Many many Muppets!
Great service to the program.
Michigan Wolverines
2013 Preseason National Champions
It's suddenly super dusty in here.
I must have video! I assume someone's taping this and we'll have access to the presser, right?
What. A. Man.
Unselfish. Leader. Unfinished business. Can't wait. CAN'T WAIT!
Thank you Taylor! You have already established yourself as one of Michigan's greats, but now you can build on your legacy and be the leader of a big ten champion team!
2014 Rose Bowl, HERE WE COME!
I did not see this coming!
War wolverines!
Long live Taylor Lewan!
Yeah, him too!
A Michigan man either way
NOT “was”… IS!!!
I think we know one of our team captains for next season.
I thank you, Devin and Shane thank you, and my son is wondering why my eyes were watering when I bear-hugged him!
Repost.
A fucking STUD!!!!
I like it obviously, but even more than liking that he's coming back and how that will improve our team, I like the reasons he wants to come back. I like how he talked about team, helping the young offensive lineman, being a leader of Team 134, and helping the team get a B1G championship. Hoke et al. are really doing an excellent job of instilling the proper perspective, attitudes, and leadership qualities of what a team should be. Not many people would pass up millions to come back and help their college team improve. These past few classes of seniors has really impressed me by how they've all seemed to buy into what Hoke et al. are saying, especially for a group that he didn't recruit. They are some good people.
Hoke is the perfect figurehead for a university and I like what we have here. Two quality coordinators (when combined, one might be a lot better than the other individually, lol) a quality staff, and a coach who sets the tone.
Lewan Muppets!
I don't think this decision had any bearing on whether he was a "Michigan Man" or not. 90/100 of us would have made the leap after a great individual season and a Top 10 projection. I'm thrilled he's coming back, but shocked frankly. He didn't need to leave millions on the table and come back for a 5th year to earn the "Michigan Man" designation.
Welcome back, Taylor. Hope it pays off for the individual and team.
I agree that he would have been a Michigan Man regardless, but I think people are focusing too much on the money. If you go pro, you forfeit your college eligibility forever. If you stay, as long as you don't get hurt, the money will still be there in a year.
Yeah, but that “don’t get hurt” can be an ass-biter. Ask Matt Barkley. Taylor definitely has a set of Iron Q on him. “77” should be made a legend number after this.
Or you could ask Jake Long, who was a projected high draft pick, stayed, and raised his stock further. As it turned out, that's what Lewan did.
Yep. As I said “77” should be made a legend number! You have to love those number 77’s!
for bringing Taylor Lewan to Ann Arbor.
Couldn't be more happy. Had some really cool things to say as well. Really tells you a lot about the culture around campus and in this program.
the call for Muppets!!! This is our best win of the season. (ouch)
Calls for some Kate!
TREMENDENOMENALSAKES!!!
Now run the damn ball!
-Herm
Dang! This means we have one less scholly to offer for the 2013 class. /s.
Awesome news. Pay attention recruits who are undecided. Actions speak louder than words. UM and coach hoke must be a great thing worth sticking around for. Come here and experience the same.
Hail, Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now we know, the other seat on his twosie is for his giant cojones
I couldn't resist asking some of my Sparty friends how their weeks going, lol.
Those who stay will be champions!
...to have been so very, very wrong.
This is HUGE for next season. Mr. Lewan, I hope you have an even better campaign in 2013.
Despite the fact that it is January and in the low 40s and somewhat damp outside, the rainbow appeared all the same...
Definitely, we look forward to August 31st and seeing Lewan touch the banner for yet another season...
What a great day!!! Derrick Green canceling his visit to Auburn, El Generico was signed by the WWE, and now this?!?!? Go Blue! Our o-line looks a lot better now!
Oh happy day!!
I had the chance to meet Taylor Lewan after the spring game a couple years ago. He is one of the nicest athletes I have ever met. Next year will be fun to watch!
You must not be a donkey.
Hats off to you, Mr. Lewan!
Lewan: Where I am projected to go?
Agent: Somewhere around pick 5. You should make millions.
Lewan:Who picks 5 and what do they need?
Agent: The Lions and um well everything. Look at it as chance to replace another Michigan guy who is going to retire. You get to stay local and be part of the next Lions rebuilding project.
Lewan: Go Blue!
and a message to broadcast: march to your own drummer.
If he's having a blast in AA, stay. NFL, $ and middle age can wait.
Go Blue.
I had a dancing gif.
So excited for next year!!
This deserves 1,000 GIFs from Picard to Kate Upton to twosies to something beer-related. Concern about the OLine just went from 100 to 50 in one fell swoop.
Dennis Norfleet gif anywhere?
Amazing decision. It takes a lot to pass up that money right now but I believe he is the type of kid that understands College contains the best years of your life and next year he will be a top 5 pick. Good for him
Those who stay will be champions.....
Some days you just need good news. This was one. I was hoping for commitment news. This is way classier.
Should be POS BANGS FOR ALL!!!
So excited he's coming back one of my favorites for a while. Looked like he was having a good time at the basketball and was very generous with fans asking for photos.
The dude was a "Michigan Man" regardless of his decision. To me, his announcement to return didn't enhance his status as a Michigan Man at all. He already gave his blood and sweat and is graduating with a degree. I am thrilled that he is coming back to say the least, but it was more important he made a personal decision that was right for him.
chance to be UM captain
chance to win UM Championship
chance to become a legendary UM figure (not just one of the great UM OL)
chance to be a top 5 pick and earn more money, though starting a year later
Is guaranteed millions with insurance even if injured
I think it was expected and accepted that he would go pro. But he choose to stay for the above reasons plus more of his own, such as wanting to stay on campus and play with this team longer. Selfish only b/c he loves being at UM. The best kind of selfish that places the value of other experiences over the singular value of money.
Lewan was certainly a Michigan Man before today. But after today, I think he is in a very special class that have played here. Captain, for sure.
...Michigan: 2013-14 National Champions
Twosies for everybody!!! Taylor's buying!!