Zettel-most important recruit left
November 11th, 2010 at 3:19 PM ^
He isn't visiting officially until the Big Chill so we won't get a verbal anytime soon. The win against Purdue will certainly help us with him as well as all recruits currently being targeted.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:20 PM ^
him and Dallas Crawford.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:34 PM ^
to keep Sousa, or get another quality QB. RR has said he needs (or would like) one in every class. And then you throw in the question if Forcier is fine with being a back up. Considering his level of play is good enough to start for most teams.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:02 PM ^
November 11th, 2010 at 4:03 PM ^
and hopefully we can also land Avery Walls...was listening to Sam Webb on recruiting roundup and he said he feels that the Oregon visit really turned Avery's head. Hopefully we can still land him and have him work some magic on Ray Drew
November 11th, 2010 at 6:31 PM ^
Walls is very important.
November 11th, 2010 at 9:34 PM ^
...maybe they are all important.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^
I think LB's are our biggest targets. I would feel much better if we land Kris Frost. Also, Blake Countess would be a huge pickup for us as well. I am not saying Zettel isn't a huge priority, but I think we have bigger issues on D than the DE position.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:31 PM ^
Let's be honest, we need both. But I agree with the OP, a few good DEs can make everyone on D look that much better. BG was good for a few big TFL, sacks, or pressures every game. For the most part, we have missed that this year. Some depth at DE would make a big difference going forward.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^
Although it would be very helpful to get Zettel, I think the most important recruit left is a DB. It doesn't matter whether it is DeAnthony Thomas, Avery Walls, Wayne Lyons, HaSean Clinton-Dix, Dallas Crawford, Karlos Williams, or whoever I may be forgetting, but we need help in the secondary. If we get a highly rated DB to replace Kovacs, that would be ideal. We still have enough talent at DE (the ones you mentioned plus Quinton Washington), but our defense just gets burned play after play. Just my opinon.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:29 PM ^
Quinton Washington is a 300 pound defensive tackle.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:01 PM ^
if QW weighs 300, he's lost 55 pounds.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:46 PM ^
Wow. That's the space eater that Jernigan wants. I hope Tall can get him up to speed quick.
November 11th, 2010 at 11:23 PM ^
Space Eater of Space?
November 11th, 2010 at 3:29 PM ^
first Quinton Washington is a mountain god Defensive Lineman, not so much a DE.
your forgetting Bryon Moore out of USC.... yes please.
what about Marvin Robinson's prison abs replacing Kovacs?
November 11th, 2010 at 3:36 PM ^
Are you guys thinking that Kovacs will be moved to a position like spur or even linebacker or is it your opinion that we are better off if he is a backup DB?
I haven't forgotten Moore, but kind of wondering if we are not in the running? Wait to see what Tom has to say.
November 12th, 2010 at 8:53 AM ^
However Kovacs is in the lineup the defense needs his tackling and heads-up play. Until at least one other player proves he can play that role Kovacs will be critical.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:45 PM ^
Isn't Thomas Gordon known as Prison Abs?
November 11th, 2010 at 4:19 PM ^
RR called Thomas Gordon "Prison Abs" in an interview one time saying he was in great shape. That label gets misused on MRob because of this:
November 11th, 2010 at 3:46 PM ^
IMO, we shouldn't get too hung up on Byron Moore. The only thing we've heard is that the coaches inquired about his interest. Probably would be best to wait for something a bit more substantive.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:33 PM ^
November 11th, 2010 at 6:06 PM ^
I always wondered where the staff was going to put Wilkins. Has it been documented that he is going to play SDE?
November 11th, 2010 at 8:27 PM ^
I was wondering this myself, and second your inquiry
November 11th, 2010 at 3:33 PM ^
Isn't QWash going to be at DT or NT? I agree with your overall point, we are good to go with the defensive line for now, especially at DE. LB, with Mouton and Ezeh (for depth) leaving, and with the lack of consistant play outside of Demens, I wouldl ike to see one or two more LBs get picked up along with Jones and Kinard. I am anxious to see what Isaiah Bell can do next year though. Keep hearing hype about that kid, so I'm hoping he can contribute in some shape or form next year.
November 11th, 2010 at 5:36 PM ^
Ya i like Isaiah Bell too. probably for the wrong reason though, we were born on the same day. I'm hoping he lives up to his espn all american hype.
November 11th, 2010 at 8:27 PM ^
There is hype about Isaiah Bell? He hasnt even seen the field this year. Has he been injured or just not good enough to get in? I havent heard much buzz about him.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:37 PM ^
I personally believe Zettel is the most important recruit left on the board because his commitment would signify that our program is indeed stable and on the way back up. It is true that we might need linebackers of defensive backs more, but an Anthony Zettel commitment would be a very symbolic victory.
A highly rated in-state kid who is a lifelong Michigan fan simply NEEDS to come to Michigan, regardless of position. If Zettel goes Blue then I think it shows that recruits are starting to feel more comfortable with the state of our program and the dominoes will begin to fall. If and when Zettel feels comfortable enough with the direction of our program to make his commitment then I think Frost, Crawford, Walls or Lyons, and a surprise or two might agree and follow suit.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:33 PM ^
You're making sweeping generalizations based off the decision of one high schooler. A commit from Anthony Zettel symbolizes that Michigan is the school that Anthony Zettel wants to play football for.
November 12th, 2010 at 9:03 AM ^
I don't think he is. One of the traditionally accepted signs of a healthy program is it's ability to put up a fence around it's prime recruiting area, such as Tressel basically getting any kid from Ohio he wants and Texas' ability to fill out its recruiting class before the start of the season. If Michigan can't sign a kid when all the factors are heavily in it's favor(lifelong M fan, etc.) it's not a good indication.
I wouldn't say it's as critical as the post made it out to be, but I think he has a point.
November 12th, 2010 at 9:27 AM ^
I agree that you have to recruit your own state. But, MSU is in the state, so it's hard to completely ring fence the state.
You comment :
If Michigan can't sign a kid when all the factors are heavily in it's favor(lifelong M fan, etc.) it's not a good indication.
I am not sure all the factors weigh in favor for us. He may be a lifelong fan, but I am sure he has many things to sort out, some true, some not. I don't know Zettel, so that is just my view. Good luck to him.
Would you say the same thing about Arnett. He was a fan and he went elsewhere. If he would have stayed in state, he would have went to MSU.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:54 PM ^
I think that if we win out that would signify that our program is indeed stable. Heck, if we win 2 out of 3 that might do it. I understand your reasons because he is a lifelong fan, but I don't think he will have an effect on Crawford, Walls or Lyons. First, are those guys close? Second, Crawford might commit before Zettel.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:53 PM ^
Wins will show we are on the right track.
Zettel can want to play D all he wants but his best bet is OG
November 11th, 2010 at 3:43 PM ^
We need speed in the secondary. If we reduce the amount of successful 3rd and long situations our D can get off the field. In my opinion, the reason we have been burned on so many long yardage plays is lack of speed (and blitzing). Experience isn't on our side but speed makes up for that. This creates more opportunity for our High-Powered O to perform. We need competition in our defensive backfield. Linebackers who can fly and drop into coverage and a secondary that can close and tackle quickly.
Side note: Why don't we blitz more. Besides the fact that we are young and inexperienced in the secondary...if the QB had less time, quicker throws and we reduce big plays. Obviously the alternative hasn't been working out too well. Reference last play of Illinois game!!!
Thanks, first time posting. Thanks to all that serve or have served this great nation! Air Force Vet, Sercurity Forces Hua!
November 11th, 2010 at 4:20 PM ^
How do you figure? Our true frosh cbs Avery and Christian were very well-regarded. We need front seven players far more, at this point.
November 11th, 2010 at 5:36 PM ^
Courtney Avery was ranked the #94th best CB in the class according to ESPN. Hardly well-regarded...
November 11th, 2010 at 8:29 PM ^
Thats ESPN. Who gives a crap what they say. They are the same people that have Dee Hart #118 and Lawrence Thomas #136.
November 11th, 2010 at 7:25 PM ^
Replacing Kovacs would be your ideal improvement for our D? He is about the most consistent tackler we have. How about a free safety? We haven't had a real one of those for as long as I can remember (unless you count Woolfolk as a FS). Long term I want Frost the most out of the remaining recruits, but Moore has to have the most short term value given our current squad (please prove me wrong Ray).
November 11th, 2010 at 3:27 PM ^
one of the higher michigan profile kids who has been on the fence
him saying he wants to come to UofM would put some people's minds at ease around the state of the program
November 11th, 2010 at 3:29 PM ^
Hopefully he recognizes the likelihood that Michigan and MSU flip records next season. We return nearly everybody, while they lose a lot of their starters on both sides of the ball. Our offense will be even more polished next year, and our defense will meander towards average, putting us in contention for the Big Ten title.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:29 PM ^
Zettel is #1 for 2 main reasons: 1) We need to maintain a strong presence in-state and 2) he would be an enormous boost to either one of our lines.
I say: 1) Zettel 2) Frost 3) Walls 4) Bryant 5) Crawford 6) Watkins 7) Cooper 8) Countess 9) Barnes 10) Hobbi?
Am I missing anyone really important/likely here?
November 11th, 2010 at 3:40 PM ^
I never understood the whole "we're losing face with in state recruiting" bit. I jsut don't buy it. Beyer is the no. 5 in state recruit. Hollowell is 6. We have 3 of the top ten recruits in the state of Michigan, and Fisher is 11th. And then for previous years, Big Will was no. 1, Gardner was no. 2, Cam 6. We still have srtong ties to high profile Michigan recruits.
And also, isn't the point of recruiting to try and get the best fits for your team and your system?
November 11th, 2010 at 5:46 PM ^
Agreed -- that often seems like just another way for the MSM (in this case, that which rhymes with The Creep) to disparage Rodriguez.
November 11th, 2010 at 5:02 PM ^
If Frost is not going to play LB, would you still have him at number 2. Watkins is interesting because he is really highly regarded, and can signal to people, watch out Michigan is starting to get some 5 star guys. Watkins may provide the wow factor that Dorsey did, IMHO.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:30 PM ^
Can you fix Zettel's name in your OP? Just looks bad.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:31 PM ^
I would love to pick up both, but that may be tough. Both are at two postion groups that desperately need depth.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:32 PM ^
Jernigan, Karlos Williams, HCD, the rest of the DP boys, Tabb, McReynolds, Morgan.. Yeah some of those guys.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:58 PM ^
November 11th, 2010 at 3:34 PM ^
In addition to the OP's points, I believe we must get this guy because he is in-state. We have to turn the tide of not getting who we want in our own backyard. Can't get them all for sure but we need to get the defensive studs that give us a good look. The fact he could very well end up at MSU if he doesn't go Blue makes it even more important. Plus, the fact we have been atop his list for so long would make this a huge bummer if he went elsewhere.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:43 PM ^
I used to think that your point about in state recruiting was moot. But I have come around to seeing that there is a possibility that our opponent could be using it is as a negative recruiting tool. They could be feeding a line that we value local talent less or that we think the talent here is inferior generally.
Total baseless bull, but like you say getting a quality player like Anthony to come here would shatter the myth.
November 11th, 2010 at 7:53 PM ^
Or getting Will Campbell or Devin Gadner or Bayer or Hollowell here would shatter that myth. This "problem" is made up. We get just as many top guys in the state of Michigan as we always have. The only difference is that now the other top talent is going to MSU and not out of state. Color me concerned when any of the other instate teams have a higher ranked overall class.