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Brown has family members and coaches who went to UVA and they have been pushing him in that direction.  He is definitely not going to VT and his mom wants him close, but he isn't in love with UVA.  They are the school that has gone after him most often, and many people in his life (that he doesn't wanna dissappoint) have been pushing him, so he's entertained them.  He made a comment that Hand's visit made him take a look at Michigan..plus they have camped together for years.  Michigan with a great visit (as expected) will jump to the front fo the line.  Brown doesn't like the spotlight and is looking to end his recruitment soon

I don't like the idea that luck plays a part.  Every team needs some luck, a bad call, or a lucky break to go undefeated.  Michigan went 11-2 with at least 3 wins that could easily have gone the other way, (Ohio, VT, ND)  and an exceptionally high and not reproducable turnover rate.  That being said...although i think Kelly is a very good coach, I am not sold on ND being able to maintain, after losing some of the guys they lost.  And don't forget the DE that was very highly rated as a frosh last year who left the program as well.  They don't have the skill position players, and last year Denard was unable to take advantage of a secondary worthy of Michigan 2009.  I expect them to have a good year, but with only 8 or 9 wins..and a huge victory vs Sparty!

Greeny plays the nerd role too much, and Golic is a meathead.  some days I give it about 5 minutes then I turn to pandora or NFL network

Chrome for my porn, and Firefox for anyone else using my computer!

I agree...perception is reality and ESPN/SEC gets rolling on tv, people will take their words as fact

after reading this, do you wonder if his twitter was ACTUALLY verified? 

I mean, he needs his own section in Twitterverse right before Conseco

is a great place to watch a game.  It's unreal how that place lights up.

What's the over/under on whether Beamer will still be coaching then?  I have him doing a Paterno and "coaching" until the end

misconception that the value is in the players, the value is with the university. One can function without the other.  Certain players elevate the visibility of schools, but is Trey Burke NPOY had he gone to Penn State? There are very few exceptions, but you have to wonder, does Tim Tebow have a similar following at Florida State or Miami?  College athletic fans root for players of the their favorite school, not the other way around.  How many players do you root for that decided not to go to Michigan?

or does it seem like Meyer isn't getting the great guys that everyone in Ohio seems to think he's getting?  I see a few 5 stars, but specifically the OL/WR recruiting leaves much to be desired

to agree with you, especially as a Michigan fan.  Being one of the "haves" it's easy to feel that way.  But because only 20-25 NCAA athletic departments turned a profit last year, (some notables who didn't include FSU who borrowed money from the school to balance the budget and UVA, and we've heard about Maryland's troubles causing their transition) that could essentially create 20 or so teams that are able to pay, well, and and 95 teams that cannot.

You must not have been on this blog very long.

Style is most important...Reggie Bush was ideal in his role at USC...and can that holing ball back be as effective catching passes

know if any of the guys have met him, but he is the coolest coach I have ever been around.  Not what you'd expect

but with the coaching staff, it's evident that this defense is about scheme and not personnel.  How many of these guys would've been projected to contribute to a top 20 defense for 2 consecutive years?  The scheme wins.  Also, you have to take into account guys like Frank Clark, Countess being a HUGE upgrade over Floyd, and the possibility of having an actual pass rush this season

loaded?  With that OL?  Have you read the reports about that super hyped DL in the spring game?  and they lost Hankins and Simon?  I think Michigan is better on both lines and at worst the game is a toss up.

I don't mind as long as it's not Ohio

I've been to Jacksonville...other than the beach, it's like every other small city in the south, just as much crime, hidden racism, and old people. And none of them watch football!

They couldn't be more different guys, both very good coaches, but differing philosophies as an employer

Met Roy during Hand's visit, and kicked it with him after he saw Deberry. He's fantastic for this staff, he's enthusiastic, loves the school obviously...but he's a real dude! He's going to be a difference maker

And VT a few times, and they are essentially even. That's much better for Michigan, than VT IMHO.

I went with a top 5 2014 prospect to both Ohio and Michigan for a visit.  He hated Ohio because the players were indifferent to him being there, it was also the morning of the Game.  They were unorganized and the coaches didn't have much time to give him.  He actually slept during the 2nd half, and had such a forgettable time hanging with the players that "pulling an OSU" is now a thing.  When he went to Michigan, Singletary met us at the door, walked with us everywhere, for the entire weekend.  Coaches sat with him individually, he got to sit in on meetings, privte video sessions, 1 on 1 time and CONSTANT contact.  He even knew a few of the current players from the camp circuit and Twitter and after practice they were chatting it up.  He hung out with them that night and he was all smiles.  Like Ace said...it's all about attention and friendships.

In Glick on a Sunday, and Dymonte was in there with another guy (Douglas I think). Getting reps and running though drills. No coaches, no seniors, just the two of them. I love their mindset already

My memory and therapist say that I have never heard of that school.

His visit was very positive. He knows a few guys from the camp circuit and Ferns came up just to meet him. He spent a good deal of time with the players, and a lot of 1 on 1 time with the coaches. The sports marketing program really piqued his interest, and the academic side was I prestige as well. He knew almost nothing about the program before visiting, so it was very enlightening. He was also thrilled to meet and talk with Denard.

Apocalypto

Curse of the Golden Flower

Snatch

Devils Double

A Midwest trip, it's specifically a Michigan trip. The weather probably won't matter. He visited Columbus for the game, cold wasn't a factor there. He'll likely spend time with the players and the staff and catch the start of spring ball that Saturday. His dad may be with him as well

God....they look terrible

Say unheralded. He said they were as heralded as the Fab Five.

Is visiting next month during spring all, and the ND game.

can you not love that last picture?  especially understanding the moment.  Classic

The value of a college athlete is not what you think. There are very few that have any real monetary value and even fewer worth their scholarship. Even if you go go off the promise your value is determined by how easily you are replaced, then in the last 10 years you are looking at very few transcendent players, Tebow, Reggie Bush...Vince Young even. But there are 115 other guys who aren't worth that.

Looking at the financials, thinking that paying players is financially possible is absurd. Michigan fans are spoiled because we are always one of the money makers. Schools like FSU and UVA for example borrow money to balance their athletic budget.

If players are paid, hypothetically and lets say given a check for the value of their scholarship, how many would pan out? These college athletes are interns in a sense getting unprecedented amounts of job exposure to a potential career, while also being educated (if they choose) for another career.

And have thought so since day 1. I don't think you can assume he would've gotten into the same trouble in Ann Arbor...

About his size. One of those traditional beliefs that will never die. A back weighing less than 200 lbs is like picking a qb that's under 6'3. There is an over-reliance on numbers, some justified, some not.

The confidence that Michigan isn't having home games away from Ann Arbor, I probably wouldn't wager anything of value on it. I could see Brandon doing something like this in major markets. DC, NYC, Ford...not agreeing with it, but won't be surprised when it happens.

I watched a few of his games this year, seeing that I live in Richmond, VA.  Many of the guys who have been around the city their entire lives aren't that impressed with him, but some of that may just be coming from all of the hype that he's been getting.  They have a very stacked high school team considering the area, yet he was really the only option they had.  Their coaches aren't very good at playcalling (think Mike DeBord) so their offense consists of 1st down: Green right.  2nd down: Green left.  He has an offensive line that is dominant in the league as well which always helps the run game.  IIRC he had one terrible game and it was the only team that keyed on him the entire game successfully, and had the talent to do so.  He ran for something like 70 yards.  The people in the area who follow (ie the grown men who go to all of their alma maters HS games) say he isn't very fast and doesn't have a lot of wiggle, but is a tough runner between the tackles.  TBH that's what I've seen while watching his tape, so I am a little more excited about Smith.

Took him to Columbus for the Game, I was the only yellow shirt in the parents section. Him and another recruit were very meh about their visit. They were obviously preoccupied with the game and seemingly unorganized getting us into the Hayes Center. He's a monster, a friend of mine is his DC and this kid lives in the gym, is very intelligent, and is seeing the game and the recruiting process very well. He has great people around him and Michigan has a great chance. He's been to VT, UNC, and Bama as well as Ohio and Michigan still made his top 5. There is a very real chance that he chooses Michigan and their shot is as good as any of the other 4 at this point.

to be innovative and care what the public thinks.  If DB were to take the Michigan fan base into account, nothing about Michigan would ever change.  They don't care what WE think, we're already fans, read the blogs, buy the shit....they want thise who aren't fans to start buying the shit, going to games etc

what;s your 40 time?  might you be 6'2 225 and a 4* recruit?  i think that would make your opinion matter more

athletically.  The schools you named are more niche than mainstream.  You are dealing with as many people under 30 as you are over it.  Do you think many people outside of the midwest have ever heard of Wayne State?  I live in Virginia and I have yet to meet anyone who knows that UD is an actual school.  W&M is nowhere near an urban area btw.  I think you bring up good exceptions, but you seem to be basing you disagreement on the exception rather than the rule.  Generally speaking, I would agree with Herm.

they could still try to get on in any markett they want, but the BTN makes more money if there is a school in the footprint.  There might be enough demand now in the NY area, but with a school in the footprint, the cost per subscriber goes up a dollar

a lot of that makes sense...he seems to be doing that but everyone deals with things differently.  Thats a tough thing to go through, I was 13 at the time and cried after that lost (as well as avoided light blue for 15 years) so I can only imagine what he went through

especially since I will be a guest of his while visiting Ohio...I will have to keep the Pro-Michigan to a respectable minimum.  And to be honest, as a fan, it would be nice, but I could care less where he goes to school.  His coach however, I'm the best man in his wedding so, I don't mind doing a favor to go to my first OSU/UM game.  I will take the opportunity to say some good things from a fan perspective however, but in the end, he's a great kid, very funny, and i'll root for him ALMOST anywhere he goes lol

My best friend is his DC right now.  He is in an interesting situation.  He isn't a prima donna, he is very down to earth and a very very smart kid.  He does want an engineering degree and loves that Mattison is recruiting using the entire school and not just talking football. 

He loves VT, because of Bud Foster, not Beamer.  He also has only been to schools that are within driving distance.  His head coach is a Michigan fan, and Hand is not a fan of the bias.  I am actually going to with them to Columbus Beauty School for the GAME.  I have 8 hours in a car with him to play the Victors and talk about Michigan...

for the first time in 4 years and that bothers me...

if it were to happen, it would most likely be in another BCS game.  USC, OU, and FSU have schedules that are easy to win out. Bama takes a loss will be ranked below them, and if any other team wins the SEC, Bama gets an at large and could get matched up against the B1G champ.  Would I like to see it?  yes, i hardly doubt the same thing would happen again, and like Mattison said, 13 offensive points after the first quarter...could easily be different.

I like the point that it would be a constant security and liability issue.  It would need constant police presence and it's not worth in light of recent developments.

but neither of us mentioned stats...you said Heisman, CT/NT..those players have conference titles.  Denard has everything but the accolades and its really the only thing keeping him from being in the national conversation about being one of the greatest.

none of those guys changes systems either....or played in a pro style..or west coast offense, they were all in run heavy option offenses their entire career under one coach with top 10 defenses.  Frazier, Crouch, Tebow, even Pat Whote can't throw as well as Denard as far as arm strength and accuracy (and accuracy isnt saying much).  Vick is probably a superior athlete, but they are remarkably similar in many ways.  As far as just individual talent, Denard would be my choice

but i dont love it. 

as far as the Penn State situation goes though, i think this gives someone involved someone else to call in the situation that no one chooses to do anything within the university chain of command.  I don't think they should have Goodell type power at all though.  Anything beyond banning a team or a coach from conference title competition, seems a bit much.

At the same time, the result would be not that much different than how people wished things were.  Had it been Tressel fired by delaney, would anyone here have objected since it was evident that anyone affiliated with Ohio wa gonna do it?  The conference stepping in to enforce morality that the university won't is not 100% bad though.  There is no need in thinking that a recruiting violation will be punished by termination, but more realistically the coaches that would get fired would be the ones that probably everyone thinks should get fired.

I agree with Colin about the fact that more teams will feel like they deserve a shot.  It's hard to argue saying someone could've been better than LSU or Bama last year, whether or not they deserved a shot...but it would be a much easier debate to say well..we beat Stanford or Wisky...or Oregon so WE should have gotten that 4th spot.

I wanna see how they break the money down for this though...

We have one going on the ps3, we chose all Mac teams though. We've got 4 that played about three seasons, looking to re add more people if youre interested. Email me

Canzior@me.com

just to understand..Mod takes Michigan, limits to Big 10 and has veto power of teams chosen outside the conference?  Is that accurate?

it's about his dad though...did you think Andrew Luck shouldn't have gotten a scholarship? How about Nate Montana (lack of talent aside)?  Their parents are wealthy as well...and there was no debate...almost an expectation that they would receive scholarships.

I wont buy it...and then football season ends...i start getting fidgety and buy it for $40 to avoid losing sanity

then this might be the B1G's new way of honoring legends and name the committee after 7 people.

Older coaches still sometimes see the game the way it was when they were winning titles, like Holtz and Notre Dame.  Even Bowden probbly still thinks FSU is everything CBS says they are each year.  Maybe having a Bowden on the committee would be ok, but an entire committee of coaches is ridiculous.  Not only could they show preference to their colleges and conferences, but their coaching trees.

maizepages

they update all the michigan blogs with their latest updates

ODU is more of a football move naturally, and teh ramifications WILL be large.  ODU has only had a team for about 5 years and they have had very successful seasons and been extremely competitive.  Thing is, in VA there are only 2 FBS schools, and neither are located in the the most fertile area of HS athletes in the state, which is Hampton Roads, or Tidewater.  Vick and Iverson hail from there and many other D1 prospects.  There is a team in Chesapeake named Oscar Smith which is usually ranked nationally. 

Anyways...previously these kdis would go to VT, which is about a 5 hour drive to the other side of the state, but now many of these kids will liek the option of being able to stay home.  NC being close by, as well as Northern VA...ODU could be a solid mid major school.  With the changes and realignment taking place, they could find a home in the Big East or even ACC before its all said and done. 

They also have a historically good women's basketball program FWIW

it's nto about us.  It's not about alumni or fans.  It is about the brand..and the "brand" is very much affected by football.  UVA is an academic equivalent.  Their athletics don't have the tradition that UM has, because of football.  We are here because of football.  People watch because of football.  The other sports matter to a lesser extent, but football is the reason many people first hear of the school.  So protecting and building the brand is directly tied to football.  It would be the equivalent of saying that Coca-Cola makes a lot of good products, but the "brand" isnt hinging on Coke.  Of course it does...your signature product has the biggest effect on the brand.  

Regardless of whether we (fans) or alumni like whats going on, the kids do.  They are the most important people in this system and like someone so eloquently posted months ago..they are the consumers in this equation.  If kids are drawn to different uniforms, then lets do different.  Personally i prefer the variety (to a point), but with anything I don't like...I just won't buy a tacky new jersey.  I'll continue to wear my MAIZE #2. 

I think at a point youc an become mired in tradition and it can become detrimental. (ND)  We are complaining about the tradition of the Rose Bowl and how it could be preventing the B1G from taking the next step nationally.  Uniforms won't prevent Michigan from becoming "bigger" per se...see Penn State.. but if it's the difference between attracting one more 4 or 5 star kid a year, what's the harm? 

btw I have yet to see or hear a high school student say Oregons Unis are ugly.  But then again they also loved Maryland's...

Who is making all this money?  There aren't many schools that operate in the black every year anyways, so the idea is ridiculous.  The only way to do it would be to create further division by creating essentially a minor league football conference for the schools that can afford to pay big bucks(...which would not include schoosl like UVA or FSU btw amongst others).  Someone should ask the scholarship players on non revenue sports who attend school because of the football money (and bball) if they think players should be paid in place of them receiving a scholarship? or their sport receiving funding.

It would be nice if the LB's weren't high jumpers with more 1 handed catches than my wr's...and yes Denard should cerainly have dreads...

I like the read and react defense though, and the wr's looking for the ball.

Now if they can just fix the Dynasty website...

RR had won everywhere he had been as well..but Hoke didn't have nearly the career record or accomplishments. 

Winning in the Mac and Big East...compared to winning on the big stage, with that pressure, the limits on players that can be brought in academically, and competing against UM, Central Columbus Tech, and Wisconsin for kids isn't helping his cause, or anyone elses.  ND hasn't been nationally relevant since the early 90's (?)  I think that's the last time they were ranked number 1.  I don't know if it's the coaches anymore, it might just be the school, the culture, and the competition.

I enjoyed this..probably more than I should have.  I might need some rehab, because all of this is exceedingly entertaining

good post..i got negged for something ridiculous and it has drastically decreased my interest in the site.  No one wants to be affiliated with people who act like that.  I go to 4 or 5 games a year, i know (personally)guys on the team, and I have plenty insight from inside the locker room.  I think the point system is out of control and only moderators should have the ability to determine someone's capability to post or not.

HCD says we have a shot at landing him?  Previously hadn't he said he was firm in his commitment to Bama?  Could D. Hart be in his ear?  He could have 3 of his current teammates with him in Ann Arbor. 

i think there is something there...why would he consult with Rich Rod if he wasn't at least considering him for being there.  In talking with a few players, I get the feeling that Rich Rod is staying and the debate is more between blogs and media than internal.

I wonder if our defense poor play is helping us or hurting us in recruiting.

Some kids have to be looking at loads of playing time, while others may be saying they don't want to be a part of a defense that bad....

We have to show some improvement, and add a few elite players, and then many will flock over.  It would've been nice to have gotten that Cass Tech kid that is out at Oregon right now.

i dont know how much that will amtter..i've been to a few um/msu games and the crowd is about mixed...ann arbor is closer to lansing than detroit anyways

This guy is a very good wide receiver. He looks just as good in person as he does on tape and he is very versatile. Moore has excellent size; he's thickly built and extremely tough. Is ultra-competitive in jump ball and contested match-ups and he has very good speed and explosiveness for his size. He can play inside or outside and is just as effective versus man coverage as he is zone. He is very smooth and fluid. Displays outstanding hands. Can consistently catch over his head. Strong hands to pluck in traffic. Can snatch the ball on the run with very little wasted motion. Extends well outside his frame and has very long arms. Is a threat after the catch. Does not possess elite initial burst, but he does display a second-gear to run away from defenders once he gets going. Sees the entire field and shows the change-of-direction ability to make sharp cuts without losing speed. Is strong and will drag some defenders for extra yards after the catch. Shows excellent open field run skills and definitely has a future as a kick return man. Top end, straight-line speed is very good and he will win footraces. Moore may not be shifty and sudden in the open field, but he is elusive and smooth and very strong-- is difficult to bring down one-on-one. Overall, Moore could be a guy that really escalates into a top flight WR at the next level and he also has upside as a redzone guy too. Excellent prospect.

Looking at DE play, secondary tackling, and outside containment...Wisconsin and MSU aren't very good. I owa is STRONG up front, but they trail off as you get deeper...and well OSU is...OSU.  But Illinois gave them trouble with a freshman in his 4th or 5th start...as opposed to Denard in his 12th? Offensivley we may gett 500 yards a game, and if we can convert more of those possessions from 3 and outs to td's, then it will certainly help our D.

He doesn't possess blue chip speed lol..thats a joke...i've seen his videos...many of them and he is getting run down from behind. 

Great stats...really relevant.  Against a school with a nationally recognized....BAND?    Guess how much that means at the college level?

I'm not saying he isn't a good back, he's a great back but he's getting a lot of attention and Mike Shaw is a damn good back ALREADY.  VIncent Smith might be the best blocking back on the team...and we haven't gotten a good look at the other 3 backs on the team...who are all big, physical runners with speed.   He's headlining our recruiting and I would rather focus our attention on a 4 or 5 star db/safety than a 4 or 5 star rb.  We should all prefer to have better secondary talent.

Love the profile pic, I live in RIchmond.  There is a guy in town whose license plate says FMICH.  I wasted no time calling DMV and saying I was offended by the suggested language.

let's do it right.  I think we should investigate the legality of Woodson and Leon Hall's NFL contracts and determine their remaining eligiblity at Michigan.  Maybe we can dig up Shazor too...hey, is Ty Law retired from the NFL too?  I'm sure he has some free saturdays... 

He's an 18 year old kid, he is taking 2 trips to Michigan, and 2 of his close friends are headed here.  And Michigan for someone reason is a place that these Florida kids are loving.  I wouldn't say get excited, but I don't think it should be ruled out.  I'm willing to bet he is considering us, but it may hinge on FSU and Florida having better defenses.  If they play well on D, along with Bama, and he isn't presented with immediate playing time...

The good thing with all the transfers is that we are getting more available scholarships.  We are constantly in the media with a couple good wins and we are on the national radar, and we may pull in quite a few other big names.

I go to U of Richmond, so I will also be checking out that game against UVA. 

LSU and UNC should be a great game and Boise vs VT.  Living in VA during the VT heyday if you will, I will say that Mike Vick has done more for this program, than Tebow did for Florida.  They are always overrated, they play (and win) in a weak conference but get beat consistently against top talent.  However Boise State in a a potential BCS game is a disgrace to Big 10 and SEC teams.

Naturally I'd love to see OSU fall to Marshall, but I think that would set the Big 10 perceptions back 5 years.

It's possible...our biggest strength on offense is speed, which happens to be ND biggest defensive weakness.  Did you see how Tate ran down the middle of that defense last year?  Sure it was a great play but Tate is a burner and the guys on the defense are slow!!!!  We have a decided offensive advantage when we have the football.  Of course our defenseive weakness is...defense so...shootout anyone?

lmao classic!  Im gonna use these on fb this season

I like the rivalry but its getting old and uninteresting.  I'd love more variety, more of the bigger schools, SEC and Pac-10 specifically.

And this might be a way to get them into the Big 10 if they decide to continue expanding.

he is 6'0 190 according to Scouts.  He's got good size for the position.

ahh..I get it...but I'm going to the UConn game and I need to start early to keep my excitement up...

this looks like a very realistic starting defense...and the Offense is probably not far off as well...as a fellow Michigan football addict, thanks for the fix.

You should also remember that TP2 started as a true frosh over a senior who had been in the system his entire collegiate career.  And The reviews have unanimously said that DG is a more polished quarterback and passer than TP2 was coming out of high school. (and some even say after his sophomore season based on mechanics)  So we shouldn't be worried, would you prefer he sits on the sidelines and does nothting?

yeah they were ranked high but part of that was the fact that the offense was a threat to score every time they touched the ball and a lot of teams were forced to pass to keep up.  However they still passed considerably less against WVU and produced about 20 fewer first downs in 100 more rushing attempts.  The defense works.

lmao...great one

Overrated is more than rankings.  All I'm saying is that public perception is more than sportswriters and coaches rankings and the national perception of Michigan has always been pretty accurate.  Excellent talent, conservative coaching, 8 or 9 wins per year MAX.  Thats what people have always thought about Michigan because that's how the program ran for 37 years.  No one other than select Michigan fans thought we would win every game, every year.  I don't see how that is overrated, expectations of this program vs how people see them has aligned well.  Take out Michigan fans because they are obviously biased.  Fans of other team think Michgian has a better brand than on the field product, and that is true to an extent.

Ha so you're best argument is preseason rankings? From 6 years ago?  and that makes us overrated? That's a joke.  SO anyone who doesn't finish the season higher than their media chosen preseason rankings is overrated?  Then everyone is overrated (or underrated for that matter)  And you bring up 08 and 09?  How exactly were we overrated in years that no one picked us to win anything smart guy?  Don't type shit just to put something up here, it should make sense.   Lol..

probably because no one has thought we were gonna win more than 6 or 7 games the last 3 years???

Now it sounds like you are talking about the program as a whole and the national perception.  Perhaps the caliber player we have put in the NFL? Perhaps it was the constant top 25 presence before the 07 season?  I challenge you to find a positive outlook on any of our past 2 seasons...and I will consider your statement with any validity.

You wanna know how Michigan is relevant?  We lose and we are still news.  When PSU was losing, no one cared.  When Iowa, Wisconsin or any other Big 10 team loses, no one notices. Michigan, OSU, USC, Texas, ND, Florida State and more recently Florida...nationally relevant programs.  Overrated should be directly tied into expectations, so if we are overrated this year, then you must think we are good for ...2 or 3 wins?

This is quite true.  Every year, there is nothing but unbridled optimism surrounding a perennial 6-6 team.  No one gets the picture that despite their "promise" (close losses to good teams) they are a team that cannot recruit nationally, and is full of 2 and 3 star recruits, with an occasional big name sprinkled in.  They have been breaking out for 10 years.  They haven't won a bowl game since Dec 01(over Fresno State), haven't won a Big 10 title in 20 years and have an eye-popping .522 winning percentage since 1995.