Recent Comments

ohio was meant to be the last of the three visits so I don't see any great advantage to them from this news.... I'll go with Sam Webb and continue to think we have a good shot.

Thank you for this annual series on the incoming "lifeblood of the program".  It gets us pumped for the June enrollments and the ever-exciting Summer weigh-ins.

As always you have anticipated all of my questions before I had the chance to ask them - the picture with Gedeon silences some people's  6'1" fears (as does his highlight film where he towers over most of his teamates).  Totally agree that he doesn't jump out at you yet.... he could be really solid.

Governer Charlie Wire to Wire...

The consensus has him at about 6'3" which is fine for a SAM... and he could still grow some.

Odd that Rivals shows his Nebraska interest as "Low",  while 24/7 predicts that he will wind up a 'Husker.  That will all change when he gets his Michigan offer.....

Thanks for the heads up on Swain...  first I'd heard of him.   He looks good and with the physical tools to play either inside or outside.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1332538/highlights/25488376

Me 2

" I completely agree with you about redshirts, for any position. 5th year guys contributing are largely a thing of the past."

Fifth year seniors on this year's two deep:

Toussaint, Gallon, Lewan, Schofield, Q. Washington, Cam Gordon, Thomas Gordon, Brenodon Gibbons.

Throw in Devin and and Jake Ryan next year (from a totally depleted class).

It's still smart to redshirt as many kids as possible.. unless they are the best players at their position... like Peppers in 2014!

Shane is not a facor - this guy only has one year of eligibility left.

Another Braylon comparison...

Oh man, I thought this would be about some hot QB prospect...

That horse deserves to be thrashed.  I love and trust these coaches.... but they aren't perfect and they really blew that one.  It's even more frustrating when amateurs like us could see  it so clearly.  Nonetheless, I say again, lest I be misuderstood, I would not trade these coaches for anyone in the country... and they are human.

He meant the defensive backfield when he said  "back end" .  Avery remains set at nickel corner and possible back-up outside.

Malzone and his family are diehard Michigan fans,  He's a lock if (when) offered ... unless he decides to play baseball instead.  

I always thought he looked about 5'10".  Hoping for the best as he gave us so much joy.  Really anxious to see his 40 time.

Agreed - I'd really like to see us go after Gelen as a WDE.  

Reon:  I'm sorry if you went through any grief over this misunderstanding.

Welcome to the Wolverine Nation - GO BLUE!

Jerald Robinson is no longer with the team...

Word is that he is still a Michigan lean but it will probably be a long road as he is looking around and has a slew of good offers.

A lovely stroll down OL memory lane and a cautionary tale for optimists like myself.

I take heart from the fact that the projected '13 OL has just one guy with only 2 years in the program.... and he's KALIS.  That core will be quite seasoned by the time we have to break in two new tackles for the '14 season.  Those two will likely have 3 years in the program at that point so with a bit of luck and good coaching we should be more than fine.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/650060/highlights/37424414

Thanks DG 

Great work as always.

According to Sam Webb Campbell was the first to be offered the WR coaching job by Hoke, but decided to stay at Iowa.  He's a good coach, a Michigan man, and a great recruiter.

I respectfully disagree.  Now that RJS has been confirmed as an inside LB  it means that in 2014 we will have only MFJR at SLB - and there is a slim chance that  he might go early.  So I think the coaches would like to get McCray some PT next year so that he is ready for (at least) the two deep in 2014.  The recruitment of Ball would give them another potential SLB, but he is more likely to red shirt in order to bulk up.

Thanks DG - great work as always.

He also had 8 tackles (7 unassisited) and two PDs on Sunday.  Great game and great season.

Why not rank the teams according to average stars and still have to total points column at the end to reflect the (less important) number of commits.  With no extra work you would have rankings that are more rational.

It's ridiculous for them to be even considered with their schedule.

The end of a mystery wrapped in a riddle??  Let's hope so.  Great news if true.

That doesn't explain the play calling and tempo at the end of the game.  I don't really think he took a dive but the only other expalnation is that he is an idiot but that is not the case - puntasaurus yes - idiot no.   Really hard to understand. 

Thank you!

Sam Webb hinted this morning that Conley was no longer completely certain about taking visits.

Great post - hits all the right notes - thank you!

Thanks as always for giving all of us so much with your work.  You're an All American in my book.

According to Sam Webb our coaches were very impressed with his speed when he camped at Michigan and considered him a potential deep threat type of receiver.  

He is a raw talent with great atheleticism  and could play defense as well.   Right now it looks like he is being recruited as a (much needed) receiver... but you can never have too many  corners.  

As I recall Watkins was never coming to Michigan - one visit in the winter was enough cold weather for him.  His team mate was definitely coming before the process, but insisted that his buddy Watkins was solid for Clemson.

According to Sam Webb, Erik Campbell was offered his old job back by Hoke but decided to stay at Iowa.  FWIW I thought it was a big mistake for RR to let him go...former  Michigan player, great coach and excellent recruiter.

Seemed like he got a lot of PT early in the game.  Either he has been very impressive in practice or Brian's subtle dis of the WDE position has some merit.

And so do Pipkins, Hurst, Poole, Clark, Ojemudia, Taylor and T-Rich.

Kugler is being recruited as a center.

Pipkins is strictly a NT

Either Godin or Wormley to SDE (the other to 3 tech as you have it)

Morgan may move to MLB (Ringer more of a WLB?)

Mike Jones unlikely to get a 5th year

Not sure Conley is stout enough for boundary corner - maybe Douglas?

It looked to me like Dileo was breaking open to the outside and any pass thrown that way was likely to be a TD, and at worst an incompletion.  The problem was Te'o being right in the face of Smith too quickly.  Pretty good call by Borges and a great play by Te'o.

Actually I was there and have watched the game replay and the tape of Tim's runs numerous times (if you have never done this I suggest you go to Wolverine Historian and watch every Biakabatuka carry that day = the ultimate hype video).  It is one of my favorite games ever - but we were not 2 TD underdogs - don't remember the line but it was probably 7- 8 points.   Nonetheless I could have mentioned that one, and our ohio victories in '94 and '96,  but  I don't  think any of them  measure up to this one or to the '69 game.   

You will notice that the starting long snapper always gets one of these scholarships, so that should soothe some of the angst felt by those who thought giving one to "Snappy" Sypniewski was a mistake.  Of course if he doesn't win the job then yeah......

Didn't see that.  Ace referenced his stats from your site but I do not see the link for the highlights - unless it's buried in the comments.

Great Work - Thank You!

I know it was just the first day in pads... and only one drill... but  these guys stood out to me:

Pipkins = Beast  (as noted by all)

Hawthorne, Jack Miller, Ross, T. Gordon, Bolden, Omameh, Moore, Kalis

My skepticism about Hopkins' gain was partially based on the Spring rumors that he was out of shape at that point.

Good call showing Carter as a boundary corner/nickel.  The  persistance of calling him a safety (starting with Hoke's signing day press conference) always seemed out of synch.  He was a pretty good corner in HS despite the perceived lack of hip swivel twitchiness and we no longer need his name to bulk up the "S" section of the roster.

Didn't see that coming - a beautiful old standard blended into my favorite blog.  Priceless!

Oh, and the analysis is great as always.  Perhaps should have noted that the Spring weights were just copied from last Fall so some of the guys were/are very likely to be heavier.

I had heard that Ricardo Miller's experiment as a TE/U Back was terminated and that he was redeployed to the WR corps.  

He looks very mobile and has that mean streak the coaches love.  Listed as 6'5" 250, but  I'm guessing that he showed up at camp larger than that with the frame to add good weight.  As with Channing gotta be happy with a kid who has been srcutinized by the coaches for three solid days.... and maybe he helps us with Harris?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xRSYwWAFAHo

My impression last year was that without Lavonte David their defense would have been atrocious.  There were numerous plays wherein he got a piece of Denard to stop what otherwise would have been a long TD.  His loss plus the loss of a top CB in Dennard makes the blackshirts very suspect indeed.  

We're Michigan Fergodsakes

Great pick up.  I notice that he wears #11 in HS.  Could this foreshadow that Hurst will be  the first player to don the Wistert Brothers Legend Jersey?

That is a very generous rating for York as it is the highest 3*, and on the cusp of 4*.  This is quite strong for a "Who Dat" guy so they must have really liked his camp performances, and it bodes well for his potential.

Sam Webb has a great track record and is completely immersed in Michigan athletcs so I'll give him the nod over this guy JC.

No more Clowniforms please!

Great addition - all Mr. Basketball Ohio winners belong in the Maize & Blue!

Sam's gut is usually right.  This would be a solid pickup.

http://www.umhoops.com/2012/05/02/video-caris-levert-senior-year-open-gym-highlights/

I spotted this kid as a possible walk on some months ago because he kept turning up on the front page of Scout as a prospect.  I created a post about it back then with his highlights but could not get any confirmation or much interest from the board.  Definitely a great pick up to bolster our thin QB depth.  Coach Hoke proving that he is as adept at finding great walk-ons as he is at recruiting.

Yes I just found this BTN2Go - not sure if it is some kind of Premium deal but will check it out at noon EDT.  Thanks.

I did not notice that it was only the first two games in which he played.  In that case he is a prime candidate to actually get a redshirt for last year (if he wants one) and most likely will.

Maybe I'm missing something but I don't get the hype about this kid.  He is certainly a quality player but his highlights don't blow your socks off..... and there seems to be an attitude situation...... coasting over the goal line..... dropping the ball at the feet of the refs..... maybe nothing but raises questions.

Where did this asshole come from?  Wherever it was send him back there.

Most likely Gordon would be moved to SS if needed as we have more bodies at FS... but we really don't want to contemplate life without Kovacs until 2013.

Strong Safety - size, speed, attitude.

Though both positions are technically DTs they are very different and the kids recruited to each position are completely different types.  Poggi could never be a NT while someone like Pipkins is a prototypical NT.  Lumping NTs and 3 techs together as DTs is the same as calling both a cover corner and a big SS DBs - yes they are both defensive backs but the type of athlete recruited for each position is completely different.

Sam Webb article on Greg Webb (no relation)

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120322/OPINION03/203220457/1019/sports0203/Michigan-MSU-earn-high-praise-from-attacking-DT-Greg-Webb

How lucky are we to have this guy?

Greatest pressers ever and after every sentence you want to strap on the pads and go out and play "Michigan Defense" .  Tremendous!!

Actually his 89 on 247 is the highest possible 3* as 90 is a 4*, so he is not a "middling three star".

Another  quote that is a bit misleading:  "Michigan has a pair of four star backs in this class".  While Shallman is a 4* - and will be an asset - no one rates him as a 4 * running back: Athlete on Rivals, FB/DE on both Scout and 247.  

Sam Webb and all other insiders feel that we will almost certainly take three receivers - and ideally one will be a speed guy who can stretch the field.

Way to go RVB - class act!

247 calling it a done deal:

http://michigan.247sports.com/

With an extraordianry  talent like Cravens you take him for wherever he wants to play and see what happens when he gets on campus.

Meanwhile Conley is strictly a corner and Dymonte could play either safety spot - which is what Mattison wants from all of his safeties eventually.

That looks right.  Only exception is that the staff is going hard after another TE so they must feel that the number is higher than 22.

I like your ideal world..... while your at it throw in World Peace and Universal Abundance!

It might be a recruiting violation for a fan to talk about Michigan with a recruit .  That seems a bit much, but it may be the rule?

Gedeon looks like he could play either inside or at SAM.  Anzalone looks more like an inside linebacker.  I await Magnus' more professional take on this.

Nice complete list.  I would only add Orndoff the Gronk-like TE who we are trying to pry away from the Badgers.  Gedeon & Levenberry look like SAMs (as does RJS from 2012), while O'Daniel is an ILB (MIKE or WIL).  IMHO McCray is OK but not in the same class as the others.

Sorry - when the site was overloaded (with Kugler-type glee) this post kept gettng repeated.

X

Thanks for the work you put in. - just a few suggestions.  I would leave out the PAT's, maybe less crowd shots, and cut the time coming out of the huddle so that it is mostly all action.  Also, show more of the dirves, not just the plays down by the goal line - it will give the game more continuity.   Good first effort and I look forward to more in the future.  

I too enjoy your sessions with Brian and Ira on WTKA.  You add a lot to the conversations and are a true gentleman in the way that you handle the flow of the dialogue with modesty and patience.  Well done!

Dawson's highlights from last year against good Houston competition are..... Tremendous!  Great quickness, footwork and power.  Hope Aquaman is right that we offer this weekend - would love to sew up the Cass tech Troika of Lewis, Dawson and Gibbs.  

Don't know if these were already posted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAyU89-32IU

Our depth is reasonably OK for this coming year, but in 2013 we will have only two QBs plus a (very good) true freshman.  That is extremely thin.  Our current walk ons are marginal and also more suited to the Rich Rod offense.  Many of us wanted a scholarship QB in the 2012 class, so a solid walk on with good size would be a welcomed addition.

The numbers only apply to scholarship players.  Take out the walk-ons (#) and the numbers work.

Nice job but I think you have Chris Bryant under rated.  Coach Hoke mentioned him during bowl practices and there is other buzz that he may even contend for a starting spot.

According to Sam Webb: "Ain't gonna happen." .

http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=5068788

4* on 24/7, 3* on Rivals

Sam Grant has solid offers from both Arkansas and Oklahoma which are two schools that rely on tight ends and recruit them very well.  Oklahoma as gone so far as to assure Grant that even though they have two TEs committed they will accept a commitment from him.   Offers speak louder than stars, and his highlights are pretty solid.

Thanks for the good work as always Ace.  One aspect of the VT offense that you failed to mention is the frequent use of quick hitches.  This is similar to the bubble screen, but in the bubble the slot bows out to create an angle while the wideout blocks the corner.  In the VT version the slot heads directly to the outside CB to block him toward the sideline while the wideout takes the quick hitch and looks for YAC.  I saw this over and over in the highlight films.  It's an effective "long handoff" with a big WR able to make consistent yardage, so it will be interesting to see what G-Matt (praised be his name) comes up with to stop it.

Happy New Year fellow Michigan Maniacs.

Don't forget Saginaw native Lamarr Woodley who was a big factor in Pipkins' love of the Maize & Blue.

Mike Cox for sure and probably Terrence Robinson if we need the room (for DeAnthony Arnett and/or Anthony Zettel??!).  We are not obligated to give a 5th year and conversely the players are not obligated to return.

That said, there will likely be other attrition from the roster so we may seek to keep T-Rob as he has been a terror on special teams.

The 3 Tech/5 Tech slots are wide open for next year.  I agree that Q will get the first call at 3 Tech (and can move inside to NT) but past that it will be a battle between Brink (if he can put on 20 lbs. of good weight), Wilkins, Rock, Heitzman, and the freshman trio of Strobel, Wormley & Godin.

I seem to remember Rich Rod and Saban being quite friendly - two West Virginia natives.  Maybe Saban will give Dee a push towards his old pal - great fit as mentioned above.

You da man!  

Thank You!

Senior highlights always welcomed.

This agrees with other scouting and eye witness reports  that say: great athlete but not as yet a great DB.  I would still love to get him and have Mallory work his magic.  The improvement of all of our DBs under Mallory has been outstanding.

Pretty arcane rules - thanks for the clarification.

Agreed - he will be a monster playmaker from WILL.   I see Morgan moving to MIKE in 2013.

The gaping holes in our D-Line for next year are in the interior and SDE - not at WDE where Beyer or Ryan could help.  WDE is in good shape with Roh, Black and Clark (and maybe Beyer?).  SDE, NT and DT.... not so much.