TVH Weekly: Jordan Diamond, JJ Denman, Mario Ojemudia, and More
The spring game was a success from a recruiting perspective on a few different levels. The commitment from instate LB Royce Jenkins-Stone was an important early get that most didn't expect so soon. Outside of the commitment here's a look at what some of the other visiting prospects had to say. As always you can find me and more updates on Twitter, and if you have any questions or tips please email me at [email protected].
Jordan Diamond
6'6", 289 lbs
Offensive Tackle
Chicago, Illinois
Diamond is a big-time prospect nationally and for a Michigan class that needs a hig- profile tackle or two. He has been to Ann Arbor plenty of times, but this time he brought someone new.
I've seen a lot of that stuff before, and they were just showing us around. My father was there for the first time and he said everything was great. He got a great impression from everything, and he thought the coaching staff was great. He actually said he would feel comfortable with me playing there so that felt good.
Since Diamond has taken numerous visits to Michigan's campus, and the fact that his teammate Chris Bryant signed with Michigan, these visits are more about comfort than discovery for him. But...
It did give me a chance to see how they coached and how they were showing the players what they need to do. I saw Coach Funk is doing a good job with those guys getting the fundamentals down. I've seen a lot of them now and it's about getting familiar with these schools. These visits, I have my parents go up to see where I might be going. I didn't really see anything new, it was just more of a confirmation of what I've been seeing.
While he didn't necessarily see anything new with the program, Jordan definitely got to be a part of a new experience.
When we got there we came out on the field and there was a bunch of fans telling me Jordan we need you. To have them recognize an offensive lineman and ask me for autographs was pretty cool. I was getting stopped on the street and people were asking me if I was Jordan Diamond. I was signing autographs for little kids, and to have that happen at a big school was cool. Being with the players is always great too; they're exactly the same on and off the field. The character and attitude they have is always the same.
Jordan isn't positive exactly when he wants to make his final decision, but he knows how he wants to get there.
I'm going to keep taking visits right now, then narrow it down to a top ten during the summer. After that I'll get it to a top five before the season starts and I'll take my official visits to those five. I know Michigan will definitely be in the top five. Michigan is looking solid right now.
Diamond has always wanted to take his visits and take his time with the process, so this is nothing new. These early visits have helped Michigan lay the ground work for later on in the process when the tough decisions come around.
JJ Denman
6'7", 305 lbs.
Offensive Tackle
Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
Denman is a huge offensive lineman that has racked up around 21 offers from schools like Michigan, Boston College, Miami, MSU, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Wisconsin to name a few. JJ took in Ann Arbor for the first time and came away impressed.
I spent the whole day Friday looking around the campus, and then Saturday we spent more time at the facilities and the spring game. I was the only one there on Friday so we got talk to all the coaches. We talked about how they're bringing back a pro style offense and that they need big linemen. Everything overall was good, I really liked the coaches. The coaches seem real down to earth and straight shooters. The Big House: I walked in there and it was just huge. They said they were going to put up scoreboards and that they might be adding more seats which is crazy.
The Big House is typically something prospects remember from their visits, but the MIchigan players were what stuck with Denman.
All the players are genuine guys. I talked to Denard Robinson and it was just like he was a normal guy. He saw me walk by and was just like "hey what's up man," it was like he didn't even do what he did on the field. I talked to Jake Long too and he was the exact same way. It's like Michigan doesn't produce cocky guys, they're all humbled and that was cool.
Although JJ has a pretty big offer list he already has a good idea of who makes up his top group.
I think I know the schools that I like, I'm going to go out to a couple more just to make sure. I definitely know I'm going to take an official visit to Michigan, and I'm going to try to make it back for the Notre Dame game because it will be their first night game. I'll probably take all five of my officials. The five schools right now are Michigan, Boston College, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Rutgers.
It sounds like this visit helped Michigan but it won't mean much until he starts taking official visits.
Mario Ojemudia
6'3", 215 lbs.
Defensive End
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Ojemudia is an interesting instate prospect that has been up to Michigan with his teammate TE Devin Funchess a few times now. If you remember last time Mario said that he was surprised that he liked his Michigan visit so much. It seems like the spring game might have helped Michigan a little more.
It went really well, it was fun. I didn't really see anything different but I'm feeling really comfortable with all the coaches, and I really like Michigan now which is kind of weird since I grew up not liking them. I think these visits have sort of leveled everything out now.
Mario has also been to Michigan State three or four times now, but hasn't been in a while. Having processed the trips he's taken, he thinks the visits have helped him narrow down his list to a group of three.
I've somewhat narrowed it down. I like Michigan, Stanford, and MSU, but that could all be subject to change if I get another offer from a school I like. Two schools that I really like are Penn State and Ohio State.
All of these trips he's taking are helping him get to his final decision, which he says he wants to have done before his season starts.
Extra:
2013 QB Shane Morris was also on hand for the spring game. He seemed to enjoy the fan attention he got as well.
It went really well, I had a lot of fun. I signed my first autograph on a #12 Michigan jersey. That was crazy. I've pretty much seen the whole school three times now so I just want to get to know the coaches better and get more comfortable at the school.
Michigan commit OL Caleb Stacey had his decision validated while he was on campus for the first time as a commitment.
It went great, I had two kids around the age of ten ask for my autograph. It made me feel like I was at home with great people, great atmosphere, great fans, and just all around great place. I was trying to recruit [JJ Denman] and Sheldon Day while I was up there.
** QB Zeke Pike is announcing his decision on Wednesday. He told me that he's down to Auburn, Michigan, and Purdue. He said you shouldn't look too much into the rumors about him being committed to Auburn. I have a strange feeling about this one.
New York DB Wayne Morgan's coach tells me that Michigan has moved up on his list.
Ohio LB Joe Bolden took in Ann Arbor with his parents, and may be nearing a decision.
I hinted on Twitter that there was going to be a silent commit yesterday. The prospect told me it was ok to tell people his intentions, but to obviously keep his name quiet. The plan was to commit to the coaches, take two more visits then come forward with the announcement at his school. He told the coaches Sunday night and they told him that he should take the other two visits first then commit to them. It wasn't a rejection, but more so not acknowledging a commitment from a kid that wants to take visits. The announcement should happen in 3 or 4 weeks.
If you missed it here's last week's Weekly Update with TE Pierre Aka, DE Noah Spence, and WR Amara Darboh.
Brionte Dunn is a five-star committed to OSU. The fact that he's going to visit Michigan speaks volumes about what he thinks of the staff, mainly Hoke. He has been considered an OSU "lock" for more than two years.
Donovan Roberts is extremely high on Michigan. We may even lead.
Greg Garmon has Michigan in his top 2/3. I think Penn State leads, and North Carolina is up there, but he is extremely interested in Michigan too.
I haven't heard of Drew Harris on this blog yet. According to rivals he is not showing an offer from us. Aside from this great size, what kind of players is he?
I agree with you, but at the same time, it really is early in the process, I think they will pull a stud RB or two in the class.
Thank you Tom, for all the updates. This is truely great news for this recruiting class.
Scrolling onto Odjemudia's picture made me spill coffee all over my keyboard. I don't care how many times I see it, that picture freaks me out.
April 18th, 2011 at 10:03 AM ^
I don't know much about Odjemudia's football skills but that is a five star recruiting photo.
April 18th, 2011 at 10:51 AM ^
I had the same reaction.
April 18th, 2011 at 11:50 AM ^
I feel like his eyes follow me wherever I go...
how satisfying it is to see our recruiting class coming along like this! If we could nab one more big time recruit to legitimize this class, I think we could see our acceptances explode!
Go Hoke and Company, and Go Blue!
Not to put a damper on an amazing recruiting weekend, whats the status of Danny O'brien. I've been suprised I haven't heard his name at all this year.
It is definilty great having the big time Michigan Alum back on campus. I can't even imagine how big of a difference it makes having guys like Long back.
I'm getting the feeling he's either slowed things down or is so in love with Tennessee that the coaches are de-emphasizing him for now. There's still plenty of time and it's going to be a few years until UM can put a fence around the state again anyway.
I'm sure the coaches have not slowed on him. He's probably the most important in-state recruit this year, so even a hard Tennessee commit likely won't slow the coaches.
April 18th, 2011 at 11:00 AM ^
Why do you say most important in-state recruit? Because he is a good DT and we have a serious need for DT? Or do you feel he is the best prospect in the state? Just curious for your thoughts.
I like O'Brien as well. I can't decide on who I think is the most imporant in-state guy, though, because I think Biggs as well as RJS/Terry Rich are crucial for keeping them from Big Ten opponents and setting up a good relationship between the Hoke coaching staff and those schools. Oh, and they're really good players haha.
Any word on why the Good Counsel kids could not make it?
April 18th, 2011 at 11:01 AM ^
They went to camps instead, or at least Stefon Diggs did. Chances seem to be slipping
Some of you guys who are:
Something I've always thought about...ex-players, NFL or not, coming back to the campus and being around the program, throwing support out for the school. Does this really help? It seemed to be a big detractor for the last coach. Does this really help with recruiting and will we see Hoke get a little of a boost from the alumni (players) support? Thanks. I love all of the knowledge on this board.
Go Blue!
April 18th, 2011 at 10:38 AM ^
If you're a big-time OL prospect, and Jake Long is hanging around on campus....
If you're a five star cornerback, and you run into Charles Woodson at Michigan....
If you are the best WR in the country, and you meet Desmond Howard and Braylon Edwards....
You're already at Michigan, which means you're giving them a shot. Having those guys around is significant.
April 18th, 2011 at 10:50 AM ^
And now that Harbaugh is in the NFL ranks, I'd love to see him help out his alma mater in that respect - talking it up, giving verbal support in the media, etc.
I don't really expect it, but I'd really like to see him start giving a positive vibe about Michigan as opposed to his relative indifference while he was coaching other college teams.
that he was wrong in his indifference while coaching at a different BCS school.
April 18th, 2011 at 10:50 AM ^
If I am a big time OL recruit and Jake Long looks at me and says "going to Michigan was the best decision of my life and lead me to be picked #1 overall."
I'm listening.
April 18th, 2011 at 12:45 PM ^
Did you see the buffet picture? If Jake Long says anything to me, I'm listening.
in high school. We played them in the season opener in the 2002 season. He was massive then too.
I too am very interested to know how our running back recruiting is progressing. I might even say I am worried due to the general lack of chatter regarding running back who have expressed a strong interest in UM.
I see the above mention of Keith Marshall, Brionte Dunn, Greg Garmon, Drew Harris, Wes Brown, & Donovan Roberts. I especially like Donovan Roberts. What about I'Tavius Mathers -- we have an offer out to him, but haven't heard his name mentioned much.
Here's to hoping we get a stud running back to match alongside Devin at QB in 2013. Go Blue!
I wouldn't worry too much about RB. First, we brought in 3 RBs in the last 2 years, and Rawls is a perfect fit for what we want to do (and Hopkins might be the starter).
Secondly, we'll only sign one this year, so as long as we're in on a bunch, one will drop.
What is the rule on Jake Long talking to kids? I thought there was a rule against former players talking to recruits.
April 18th, 2011 at 11:20 AM ^
I'm pretty sure MIchigan isn't allowed to use Jake Long (or any former player) to recruit kids, such as having them around when they show up for visits, or having them call the kids up on the phone. But at an event where 300 former players are in town and its one of our biggest recruiting weekends as well, kids are going to talk to former players. As long as Michigan didn't put the alumni up to it, and the recruits initiated contact, its hard to imagine Michigan getting in any trouble. I could be off base though.
April 18th, 2011 at 11:25 AM ^
its fine, just dont be sending any emails to coach hoke about it...
April 18th, 2011 at 10:59 AM ^
I'm pretty sure I saw Blake Countess in town too, or someone else was walking around in a hoodie with Countess on the back. Did he go to the game without his teammates or were some of the Good Council 2012 recruits up at the game too?
April 18th, 2011 at 11:02 AM ^
Countess was there, his teammates were not.
April 18th, 2011 at 11:44 AM ^
Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but this is NEWS to me:
They said they were going to put up scoreboards and that they might be adding more seats which is crazy.
Has there been any word recently that we're adding more seats? That would be amazing news if true. Where would they add 'em?
April 18th, 2011 at 11:47 AM ^
Maybe painting the numbers an inch closer together?
April 18th, 2011 at 11:56 AM ^
I've definitely noticed in a few interviews with recruits them kind of off hand mentioning that it's gonna get bigger. I forget who, but I remember reading a few weeks back in a response to a question about the Big House somebody said how awesome it would be to play in front of 120 thousand everyweek. Don't know if he just misspoke the wrong number or what.
April 18th, 2011 at 11:53 AM ^
was Ojemudia trying to be the most terrifying person in existence when taking that picture or does he always look like that.
April 18th, 2011 at 11:58 AM ^
Danny Hope will probably be fired if he has another sub par year. I realize the injuries they had last year were ridiculous, but I am definitely looking forward to that asshole getting canned.
I hope Brady Hoke brings Denard over to the sideline before the game and says, "Danny, this is Denard, he's the reason you're going to lose today and he will probably cause your mustache to fall out."
April 18th, 2011 at 12:03 PM ^
If you spilled coffee all over your keyboard, how'd you type that post?
April 18th, 2011 at 12:36 PM ^
Am I the only one who wants to hear more about TVH's "strange feeling" about Zeke's announcement? Is that good or bad? How does it compare to Webb's "gut feelings?"
EDIT-Oh wait, there's a board thread on it, I'll check that out.
April 18th, 2011 at 12:37 PM ^
What the freak Tom!? Can't leave us hanging with that teaser. What's the sixth sense telling you??
And am I the only one who finds that picture of Mario intense? The dude looks like he is going to jump through the computer screen and body slam me.
April 18th, 2011 at 12:45 PM ^
It's not Day, who I suspected might be the player yesterday. Apparently its a in-state player from what I've gathered on Scout. So...I"m gonna guess its Godin.
Hes got upcoming visits to Penn State and Michigan St planned I believe. Which is why I think its Godin.
Per Tom, "The plan was to commit to the coaches, take two more visits then come forward with the announcement at his school."
Diamond and Denman... We NEED!!!! Hoke will find a way to get them here. I got a great feeling on Diamond.
I hope I'm the only one that noticed the tag below the title "Silent McSilencer" and thought that that was a cryptic message from Tom insinuating that Silent McSilencer is one of the recruits mentioned in this post. If that's the case I'm excited, all of these recruits would be great for Michigan.
Or more likely it could be referencing the paragraph at the end and a recruit that is not mentioned in it. Bah.
i agree with other posters, is strange good or bad? scout says it knows where he is going and only has the story on auburns page, not on mich or purdues. is gunner keil still an option or maty mauk or are we putting all our eggs in zekes basket? just my opinion on the silent is bolden, i think he likes the school but seen the linebacker class shrinking fast so he want to secure his spot
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