TomVH: New Offer and a New Name to Keep an Eye On.
There was a visitor on Sunday that hasn't been mentioned yet. I was told and have confirmed that Rockford OL Ben Braden (6'7", 295 lbs) was in Ann Arbor this past Sunday with his family.
The Michigan coaches extended Ben an offer and he was excited to receive it. I should have more from him later on, but he could be one to watch. He apparently also has offers from Wisconsin, MSU, and Syracuse.
Another name to keep an eye on is Illinois LB Antonio Morrison (6'3", 220 lbs). Morrison has offers from CMU, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and WMU among others but is starting to gain more interest.
I think there's interest there from Michigan, so just keep an eye on him. You can take a look at his highlight film right here, and you can also see him squat a whopping 600 pounds right here.
Outstanding effort!
You never seize to amaze me.
I almost ceased up reading that.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:13 PM ^
If you don't stop it with the bad jokes, I'll have to issue a Seize and Desist order.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:58 PM ^
I don't know why everyone is getting all emotional about the lack of verbals. It is just too early in the recruiting seizen to gauge anything.
I think I have seen that kid play hockey! We have mutual facebook friends! I am so excited to hear this, as you can tell by the multiple exclamation points. (While this sounds like stalking, I went to Rockford)
I know he's big, but I think the numbers might be a little inflated. Then again, watching him on the field, he seems like he could be that big I guess. I just thought he was really tall but not as built. He has sort of a young kid's face, so I guess it's deceiving.
If a kid from Rockford plays for Michigan, and significantly, that would be amazing. GO RAMS
Morrison looks quick and if he is 220 he carries the weight quite well. I would imagine he would project as a MLB in college. The only thing that scares me is Wacka Flocka Flame. We have bad luck with recruits who like his music.
Tom,
When will we see our first verbal? This is starting to get very frustrating.
Be patient. I think we could see one during or shortly after the Junior Day coming up. The commits will be coming in before you know it.
March 15th, 2011 at 10:12 AM ^
When Rodriguez came, we didn't get our first commitment until March 28 (aside from Will Campbell, who decommitted anyway). These guys have been on the job for two months (or less). Relax.
Once we get into a situation where a kid has had a chance to visit multiple times, he's met the coaching staff and feels comfortable with them, and they have a sense of who the new coaches are. They're building new relationships with everyone so it takes time.
That's tremendous, but whenever I hear "###-lb squat", I always think of somebody taking a ###-lb dump. THAT would be tremendous.
March 15th, 2011 at 10:13 AM ^
Thanks Tom! Man, 6'7" and already 295lbs. Hopefully he works out at junior days and we can see some foot work.
March 15th, 2011 at 11:14 AM ^
Rivals lists him at an inch shorter and 10 lbs lighter, but that's still a very big kid.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:07 PM ^
Rockford has since I was there (graduated in 2000) has produced some very good talent and will continue to do so.
Segard - backed up Bree's at Purdue
Adam Kieft - CMU and then drafted by the Bengals
Joe Staley - CMU and then first round pick by the 49ers
Bryan Anderson - CMU
Parker Ehinger - Cincinnati
Braden - (fingers crossed) U of M
I know first hand that Munger (HC at Rockford) is close with Hoke. I like our chances at pilfering the old alma mater
March 15th, 2011 at 12:58 PM ^
I played against Rockford this year. They were huge at the tackles spot with Ehringer and braden both at 6 and a half feet or so and just south of 300 lbs and going against our DE's at about 6 feet and 190 lbs. That being said he's a big dude who dominated our inferior competition.
TomVH, you're my hero.