UofM-StL

May 15th, 2012 at 12:13 PM ^

1. Running back is the most overrated position on the football field. RB success is determined much more by the O-line than most people realize, although the notoriously well-informed MGoBoard will not be surprised to hear that. See this Mathlete post from a couple years ago about the value of returning starters.

No position on the field came close to running backs in terms of lack of value for returning starts.

There was literally no correlation from returning starts from running backs to on field success. No improvements in running game or total offensive output.

2. This is not even close to a position of need for UM:

  • 2 years left for - Fitz, Hopkins
  • 3 years left for - Rawls
  • 4 years left for - Hayes
  • 4/5 years left for - Houma, Johnson, Norfleet
  • 5/6 years left for - Shallman, Smith

Isaac would have been an unnecessary luxury.

M-Wolverine

May 15th, 2012 at 12:21 PM ^

"why are we accepting a commit from Devon Smith when Ty is still out there?" were wrong. Because there are no guarantees. Imagine the rants if we had passed on Smith and he went someplace else because we were waiting on Isaac.  You take the guys who you like who want to be here.

Mainly what I get from this is Roll Damn Tide's sources now officially suck.  

Sten Carlson

May 15th, 2012 at 12:34 PM ^

Exactly!  Always take the bird in hand.  USC is, and has always been a magnet for 5* talent from around the nation -- even after their issues with the NCAA.  Competing with the Trojans for an elite skill player seems to be a pretty futile endeavor, for ANY program in the country.

I am not saying that I could care less about Michigan missing out on Isaac, but I don't think it's worthy very much concern.  The MOST important thing for Michigan going forward is make sure that Michigan is signing the lion's share of the top talent from MICHIGAN.  I think what hurt Michigan more than anything over the last decade or so (along with the dried up Ohio pipeline) is the fact that MSU and other programs were getting the best that Michigan HS football had to offer.

Hoke & Co. are turning this issue around as well as re-opening the Ohio pipeline.  If Isaac was from Michigan I would be more concerned.  Everything is going to be fine.  I am sure we'll be drooling over Issac in a few years as he shreds Pac-12 defenses, but them's the breaks.

samsoccer7

May 15th, 2012 at 12:26 PM ^

All this talk about running behind our awesome oline recruits is premature. Once we ESTABLISH that our oline is dominant, we will get elite rbs wanting to sign up. Until then it's all speculation. They will come, it's just gonna take 1 or 2 more recruiting cycles.

evenyoubrutus

May 15th, 2012 at 12:36 PM ^

I know there was once a time when he seemed like he may be in the bag (much like Levenberry) but I really can't believe how many people are this surprised by him not coming to Michigan.

Hands Free

May 15th, 2012 at 12:49 PM ^

When is one of these decisions going to go our way.  Oh well, can't be that upset after reviewing our verbal commits thus far.

Best of luck Mr. Isaac.

Mr_South_Beach

May 15th, 2012 at 12:51 PM ^

writing on the wall. Anybody who takes two payed flights to Califorina to visit USC from the east coast or midwest would ultimately commit to USC. I am really not surprised at all so I wish him the best of luck. One other thing is this the year USC is off probation ?

Elmer

May 15th, 2012 at 1:19 PM ^

Let me preface my comments by saying this is an immature reaction since I'm bummed he didn't pick UM, but I hope Kiffin gets caught commiting more violations and Ty can watch us play in the Rose Bowl from his dorm room. 

So yes, I'm being petty right now and don't wish him "good luck."  Maybe tomorrow.

blue note

May 15th, 2012 at 2:23 PM ^

Really a bigger loss for ND coming in third for Ty - he went to a ND feeder school (Joliet Catholic) and they have to play him 3/4 times now.

ThadMattasagoblin

May 15th, 2012 at 3:50 PM ^

I'm surprised why you'd want to play on a team that will be shelled for the next 3 years and I think it was a mistake to play there nonhomerism aside, but good look to him.

TallyWolverine

May 15th, 2012 at 3:57 PM ^

He doesnt make or break this class!! The guys we got will be thankful for the beasts we have clearig out semi-sized holes for them. While our "3 stars"are accumulating 7-20 yards a carry, he can have his 4-5 per carry so he can start as a freshmen. Whatever.......HAIL TO THE VICTORS!!! FERGODSAKES!

 

UofM626

May 15th, 2012 at 4:06 PM ^

He bought into all the Kool Aid Kiffen pours, Isaac w regret this decision when there is a bunch of Cali RB that w take his spot after he tweaks his ankle or something, USC has 0 loyalty to its players, I'm really pissed at Isaac for this one, I can't wait to watch us rise to the top and watch them drop yearly. Bummer dude