Wellman's ability to transform players vs Barwis

I imagine that both guys are really good at what they do.  I doubt there's a huge difference in what they can accomplish with a player who is properly motivated.  It's up to the player to want to get in shape.

I think this is more perception than reality.  Strength and conditioning coaches always get hyped for a few years, then a new guy gets hyped after the last one moves on.

Either that or the fatties were just putting too much Nesquick in their post workout milk.

But I think if you actually asked around in professional circles, Wellman might come more highly regarded.

I don't have any insider info on our S&C at this point, but I do think the following:

- People hype S&C too much for sports:

I understand it is necessary in order to fill out younger bodies, etc. However, getting better in the weight room doesn't automatically translate to better on field play. Strength and conditioning should be used and accept for what it is: field preparedness. I've been around guys who train high profile athletes (NFL, MLB, NBA, etc) and they all will tell you that work in the weight room will not necessarily make you a better player at your sport. Practicing football (or other sport) is what should be emphasized.

- Oly lifting vs. non-O:

There are so many different schools of though on this one. I know guys who say there is no other way but Oly lifting! rabble rabble! I also know other guys who say it's a waste of time to teach the lifts and risk injury when they can get excellent results via other means. Personally, I think people are too worried about the details when really, what matters is that you have sound meso/macro cycles, stick to it and work hard. Is that clean and jerk really making you better on the field compared to squatting and OH pressing? I'll just leave that one here...

Also, all these great strength coaches know each other and know exactly what methods each other are using. Nobody has a super-secret program that is better than another.

Once you get into the elite ranks of strength coaches, it's pretty much six of one, a half-dozen of the other.  I highly doubt that either of them would take any real issue with any part of the other's program.

are doing what the HC asks of them.  I think what Rich Rod wanted his athletes to be is far different that what Hoke wants his athletes to be. 

I think we can all agree that see what Rich Rod wanted on the defensive side of the ball was kind of frustrating to us all....specifically DL and OL. 

Barwis became a rock star because of his personality more than his result probably.

It is all about being orthopedically sound.

I think it has to do with the how hard the kid is willing to work.  It seems to me that the current players would give their left hand for Brady Hoke.  I remember in 2008 the tv announcers would say things like look at those offensive lineman at Michigan there isn't a bad ounce of fat on those bodies.  They then would go on to talk about how fast paced the offense was and how the OLINE had to be in great shape.  

As noted by a few already, I think Barwis was over-hyped in terms of providing some sort of distinct advantage over other S&C programs.  That said, I will forever be in awe of him for what he has done with Brock Mealer, and I don't mean the dedication and motivation part, but rather the technical aspect of what he has done.  He had no experience in rehabbing spinal cord injuries and somehow figured out a program to get Brock's body to repsond the way he wanted it to.  Incredible stuff. 

In the brief interviews I have seen with Wellman, I really like him.  His participation in the Navy SEAL trip with the seniors certainly made a great impression on me, and I'm sure earned him some credibility with the players.

" but it could be said Wellman has been more effective during his limited time at Michigan in getting guys into playing shape."

But that doesn't make it true. 

As others pointed out, Its all about the player's internal motivation when you get two good S&C guys. We have been fortunate in that area with our last 2. 

Apparently Denard has been a junk-food junkie through his years @ UM. This summer he decided to cut out the Little Debbies and Candy from his diet & he has noticed a significant difference.

About diet, I hope the players do not emulate Hoke's "No eatin' the day of the game" policy again this year. Especially for the night games! I believe several bought into it last year, including Denard.

I know just by the eye test Wellman looks like a tough MF'er who would make my ass run and get in shape until the cows come home.

Makes me tired just thinking about it.

I have yet to hear a S&C guy or any coach for that matter say "Yeah, player X put on some bad weight in the offseason." or "Our guys didn't work very hard in the offseason." or "Unfortunately player X lost some good weight this offseason."

Moral of the story: all S&C gossip is fluff.

Both men are good at what they do, but I especially take notice with Barwis and what he's been able to do for Brock Mealer. Aside from the fact that it is an incredibly humanitarian act, the fact that Barwis has helped Mealer come this far along is a strong testament to his abilities.

Why is it that former Michigan Players train with Mike Barwis?  To Quote David Molk "Wellman is good S/C coach and has read all the books but Mike Barwis wrote those books."  You also have Mike Martin, Ryan VanBergen, Ryan Mundy, Jack Johnson, Larry Foote, Braylon Edwards, Lamar Woodley, and Brandon Graham just to name a few all work out with Mike Barwis.  Aaron Wellman is a very good S/C coach but their is no reason to put down Mike Barwis because he is not our S/C anymore.  Mike donates a lot of time to help high school players improve.  They both are excellent but they have diffferent approaches.  I do not even feel the need to mention the work he has done for Brock because of what he does for others. 

Who could better prepare me for NCAA '14? That's who I need STAT.

A statement of fact is made about how one may be better than the other because of a player and good weight, bad weight in his senior year?  Anyone ever hear of physical maturity, and maybe willingness of the athlete (BWC knows he has one shot now ).

All these comments about how good styles are or S&C methodologies... not anyone here has spent any time, let alone actual training time with either of these coaches and yet you "know" their styles and strategies based on what?

Both are good and know their stuff.  Barwis has more years in the field than Wellman.  Wellman is dedicated, motivated, and a great fit for this coach and team and will continue to excel.

1.  You could work out with Barwis and it would cost you less than "give anything"

2.  You have to consider the coaches they worked under.  They both are great but Barwis trained players to the desires of RR which was more speed oriented.  Wellman trains players to the desire of BH which is more size and strength.

To think that Barwis could not get players the same size and strength or that Wellman couldn't get lineman to be sleeker, faster and more agile is an ignorant thought.

They are both great and UM is better for having them.

motivation that coursed through the team and wider establishment during RR's tenure to even really enter the conversation. Barwis in Hoke's system? Welmann in RR's? With alumin and fans behind both? Empty cupboard, etc.? 

It does interest me that Barwis didn't follow RR to AZ.