Updated: Stefon Diggs News (Not Good News)
Updated with Chris Balas tweet and Scout board link.
Stefon Diggs going to Michigan isn't going to happen.
First, here's what Diggs had to say:
“I was going to go to Michigan, but as of now, I’m not sure,” he said. “Maybe Auburn or Florida. I’ve got four left, so we’ll see how it goes.”
The deal breaker betweent the coaches and Diggs took place last weekend though. Apparently Diggs and the coaches had an arrangement for an in-home visit but Diggs took an official visit to Cal instead, without telling the coaches. So the coaches showed up while Diggs wasn't there.
This, something else, or maybe a combination have caused the coaches to make the decision to not continue recruiting Diggs. Again, it's by the choice of the coaches, not by Diggs, that he is no longer being recruited.
A lot of questions were getting asked in the other thread so I figured I'd make another thread to answer because it seems like the news would be of interest to a lot of people.
Update
A few people didn't believe me so here is what Chris Balas tweeted:
Balas_Wolverine Chris Balas
Don't expect WR Stefon Diggs at Michigan next year, but U-M will take another receiver in this class. Might find out who sooner than later.
And a link to a Scout board, skip the first one and the people fighting about spelling and you have multiple posters corroborating what I posted:
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=162&f=2019&t=8401962&p=2
December 7th, 2011 at 6:18 PM ^
Damnit.
December 7th, 2011 at 7:21 PM ^
It has been reported over at rivals by I forget who (sorry, either Tim or Chris) that the Michigan and Diggs have gone their seperate ways, and it was not Diggs who made that decision.
December 8th, 2011 at 10:35 AM ^
IF (Diggs and UM coaches had made arrangements for a visit) && (Diggs was visiting another school when UM coaches showed up for the visit) THEN
{
Diggs has decided to part ways with UM = TRUE;
}
We can't disparage a high school kid trying to figure out where the best place for him to go is, but I'm also totally cool with our coaches taking a very clear cut position on these situations: Be straight up or we're moving on. I don't want to see a repeat of any embarrassingly desperate groveling situations, a la Big Ears.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:11 PM ^
Hopefully Chesson will be on board soon.
Different type of player, but we do need his type of talent in Ann Arbor as well.
...as of Mr. Diggs, this doesn't surprise me. He's been quoted HIMSELF as saying he's trying to grow up. I'm not saying he's a bad kid, not at all. Just seems like there have been some maturity and responsibility issues for awhile so this doesn't surprise me.
I wish the kid the best, he's one hell of a talent. He's going to be an awesome player, and judging strictly off the article I'm referring to, he'll grow up and mistakes/miscommunications like this won't happen down the road. He seems very geniune in working at it, but he seems a lot more DeSean Jackson than say, Jason Avant.
He compared himself to Blake Countess and spoke highly of how he didn't feel he was up to the level, maturity wise as Blake and how he was working towards it. How he didn't feel he was worthy of a Michigan offer yet.
I'll be rooting for the kid.
Here is the article I'm referring to for those that are getting ready to neg for saying flowers doesn't shine out of the kids ass:
http://detnews.com/article/20111110/OPINION03/111100473/Michigan-rising-in-eyes-of-nation%E2%80%99s-No.-2-receiver-Stefon-Diggs
December 7th, 2011 at 10:58 PM ^
Apparently Stefon realizes he has some growing up to do. That's a good thing in that he recognizes this shortcoming at such a young age and is willing to discuss it publicly. I applaud the young man for being honest with himself, but I also respect the Michigan coaching staff for upholding expectations and standards. All recruits will understand this coaching staff will keep its word to potential recruits in a fair and wholesome manner. I wish young Mr. Diggs the best in choosing a school that meets his needs and hope he has an outstanding experience in college and beyond. Who knows maybe he will still choose Michigan down the line. I believe if he is sufficiently contrite the coaching staff may reconsider and welcome him to our family with open arms. Blake Countess as a teammate and close friend would be a great asset in helping him become more accountable and responsible. May God bless.
December 8th, 2011 at 1:49 AM ^
Minor quibble; Avant, himself, will tell you that he was a knucklehead until he was roughly 19 or so. He used to give talks at the end of his undergrad years about just that, to large audiences of students; I know he gave a big talk with a ton of students attending at 1800 Chem. I believe it was because he got religious sometime after his freshman year or so at Michigan (as in, actually found religion/reimmersed himself in it in some way). Point is, he (by his words, and "he" meaning Avant) probably at the age Diggs is, had some issues. And I only know of Avant's off-the-field life from Avant's discussions about it/speaking publicly about it in a way to try to help others, etc. So using the "Avant" comparison= not apt at same age, per Avant; perhaps "22 year old Avant" would be better, but that's not fair, comparing 22 year old Avant to 18 year old Diggs, IMO.
December 9th, 2011 at 1:56 PM ^
I knew that as well. I was more speaking of Avant now, who does a lot of the team, community and his neighborhood. He also is know for his faith and many other positive things in Philly. Tebow gets all the shine, but Avant does just a much.
He almost transferred early in his carrer though, you're correct. Diggs could be just that. I was just saying that today. He's more like DeSean Jackson then Jason Avant (today).
December 7th, 2011 at 6:20 PM ^
Best of luck to him else where. Although it is the coaches choice to no longer recruit him it sounds like he made that choice easy by leaving when he knew they were coming in on an in-home visit.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:23 PM ^
I hope that it was just a breakdown in communication and not just blowing our coaches off.
This is too bad because it seemed like he was really working hard to be recruited by Michigan. I wish him the best wherever he ends up.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:21 PM ^
I can't see how the coaches would make plans to go out there without having gotten assurances from Diggs that he would be present. If that is the case, and he went to Cal anyway, then shame on him.
Would have still liked him in a winged helmet.
December 7th, 2011 at 10:22 PM ^
you don't go to a meeting without confirming it ahead of time. That's just good business tactics. There has to be more to this story.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:21 PM ^
December 7th, 2011 at 6:25 PM ^
Do tell...
December 7th, 2011 at 6:24 PM ^
I would have liked to see him play for us, but I do appreciate the hard-line stance that the current staff has taken with recruiting, both with players taking visits and this. If they can't respect the program, they aren't wanted.
December 7th, 2011 at 7:41 PM ^
This case isn't even taking a hardline stance, it's just accepting that someone isn't interested enough or respectful enough to even give you a call when you're flying across the country to see him. I just can't comprehend why he would do that. Especially since, as someone else said, he seemed to have worked really hard to get M interested in him again. Bizarre.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:25 PM ^
However, Sam said he expects Chesson to commit soon. I know Diggs is a bigger get than Chesson, but I would rather have a kid that gets warm and fuzzy inside thinking about playing for us.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:44 PM ^
Agreed. I would much rather have a kid who is sold on Michigan than a kid who obviously doesn't care. Because of Chesson's natural talent (good straight line speed and leaping ability, WOTS is he just needs to be coached up a bit), its not a tough decision to make.
And I think it is a pretty safe assumption that the visit mishap was more than just a misunderstanding. If the coaches are willing to stop recruiting a kid like that because of this, I think its safe to say Diggs did indeed leave without telling the coaches, in which case good riddance. If Diggs can't be respectful to a coach on a visit recruiting him, then there's no way he would fit in on a Hoke team.
December 7th, 2011 at 7:18 PM ^
Please take emotion out of the equation. I'd rather have Diggs.
I don't think Brionte Dunn has a warm and fuzzy feeling about Michigan. If anything, its OSU that has ahold of his heart. But the logical choice for him and his style of play is Michigan.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:31 PM ^
He's doing us a favor by giving us a glimpse of his character - good call (no brainer) for the coaches. Choose athletic ability over character and you've got the 2010 OSU team.
December 8th, 2011 at 2:35 AM ^
Chesson is no slouch. The recruiting services are not as high on him, but he has a decent offer list. Oklahoma State offered him, and that place has become a receiver factory.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:37 PM ^
When Michigan is showing up at your door, DO NOT leave and visit Cal. Seems like that would be common knowledge but I guess it is not. You can visit California when you are in the Rose Bowl.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:28 PM ^
Can't blame the coaches for breaking it off under those circumstances. Although I hope that some kind of miscommunication was to blame and that the door could open up again, it doesn't seem likely.
December 7th, 2011 at 7:16 PM ^
I hope it's a miscommunication; otherwise, this is just plain rude. It's not like the kid lives down the street from Ann Arbor.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:34 PM ^
I think the coaches would make sure it is not an innocent miscommunication before halting their pursuit.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:28 PM ^
That story sounds crazy, who knows that really happened but what's done is done and both parties can move on. I just hope he doesn't go to OSU.
December 7th, 2011 at 9:41 PM ^
If he doesn't go to UM, then I hope he goes to OSU. I have faith that our secondary will contain him.
December 7th, 2011 at 10:16 PM ^
After watching Posey run right past anyone who was guarding him, you are that sure? Granted it would seem he lacks the maturity the coaches are looking for and it sucks that we can officially cross him off (not that it was likely earlier), but I am not exactly rooting for him to go to TSIO just so we can beat him. Ya, I like the idea of Michigan and TSIO being college titans battling for Big Ten Champs, Rose Bowls, and possible national championship berths, but I am not rooting for 5 star freak athletes to start knocking at their door just because they acted immaturely towards our coaches. Such is life. We will find other guys and maybe they won't be as good as Diggs but we will find a way to get by.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:30 PM ^
It's all about accountability. To preach it, you have to live it.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:31 PM ^
Not that I think you're making it up, but it's not in the Post article.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:38 PM ^
A mod there said in a few words that Diggs isn't going to happen. Other posters gave the reason, which is why I felt I could post it here, because I'm not stealing any paid information.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:46 PM ^
December 7th, 2011 at 6:47 PM ^
This is strange if true given his relationship with Blake Countess.
December 7th, 2011 at 9:22 PM ^
Countess sounds a lot different than Diggs. Just because they were team, doesn't mean they have the same maturity or character.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:33 PM ^
If true, what a ridiculously diva-ish move on the part of Mr. Diggs. Why are wide recievers more prone to being arrogant pricks anyways?
December 7th, 2011 at 6:33 PM ^
Huh? All that article says is that he isn't visiting this weekend anymore, nothing about where he is going to college
December 7th, 2011 at 6:35 PM ^
I thought Diggs was a Michigan lean after reading Sam Webb's article awhile back.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:35 PM ^
1. Sucks if true but not likely we have room for another WR by time he plans to commit.
<br>2. We offered 2013 RB Dorian O'Daniel and CB Kendall Fuller while at Good Counsel so not a total waste of a trip.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:39 PM ^
I like Chesson. He's a tall receiver and the coaches like that. It looks like he's got decent speed, decent hops and he's pretty smooth. He sounds like a taller Roy Roundtree, and who can hate on that?
December 7th, 2011 at 6:41 PM ^
Everything but hops
December 7th, 2011 at 6:45 PM ^
His school (Ladue) and my 3 kid's school (MICDS) tangled in the regular season and in the playoffs. His name was announced constantly on both sides of the ball. The kid is a player.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:48 PM ^
From the reports I've read he has great straight line speed, good leaping ability, and is a good blocker; the knocks on him are his shiftiness and route running (the latter can be coached up). All in all the rankings are understandable (although he seems more like a 4 star to me), but he is perfect for Borges' offense.
December 7th, 2011 at 7:15 PM ^
Those knocks aren't that big of a deal because (as you said) route running can be learned, and shiftiness isn't as big of a deal in a 6'3" receiver. AJ Green isn't shifty either, but he's doing OK.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:40 PM ^
Somebody needs to get that boy a daily planner.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:40 PM ^
I said some things about Diggs and his character issues and was blasted for it, but this is one of the reasons I never wanted him. Hell of a talent, but not the kind of guy I want at Michigan...
December 7th, 2011 at 6:40 PM ^
I hope this was just a huge mess up and its not a dealbreaker... Kid has the potential to be a gamebreaker. Hell, that quote doesn't even seem like it's for sure that he isn't coming this weekend. He said not sure.
December 7th, 2011 at 6:51 PM ^
Let me read in between the lines for you." I was going to visit Michigan but I screwed up. Now I am not sure if they even want me still, so I may visit one of these other schools."
December 7th, 2011 at 6:58 PM ^
If he admits his wrongs, and shows that he wants to wear the maize and blue still, he could regain the interest of the coaches.
December 7th, 2011 at 7:00 PM ^
Pharoah Brown disagrees with that statement.