Tom Strobel's Visit Reaction

Submitted by TomVH on

Ohio DE Tom Strobel (6'5", 245 lbs) took a trip up to Ann Arbor this past weekend. Strobel has had his interest in MIchigan steadily rise the more and more visits he's taken. Here's a look at his film and what he had to say about the most recent trip.

TOM: Who came up to Ann Arbor with you this time, and what did you get to see?

STROBEL: I've been up there before for the spring game, but I went with both my parents this time. We got a small tour of campus and facilities. We talked to all the coaches.

TOM: I'm assuming that this visit gave you a better chance to actually get to know the coaches?

STROBEL: For sure, we got to sit down and talk with them. They talked about football and family mostly. We didn't really go over scheme or film. We really just talked about football here and there, it was honestly more about the person they want to come to Michigan. It was all about character. They said they want to get someone that fits as soon as possible. I told them I wasn't supposed to make a decision any time soon. I'm not sure exactly when I'll decide, sometime in the near future.

TOM: Since your parents were there what was the overall impression of the coaches for both you and your parents?

STROBEL: The coaches are very kind, respectful, and very personal too. They didn't really talk about football it was more about my mom and dad. They asked me about how I feel about academics, which I appreciated. It's nice not to talk football all the time. They just explained to us that they want to have that Michigan man.

TOM: Have you narrowed your list down yet, or started to?

STROBEL: I'm starting to narrow schools down now. Michigan's in the top with schools like Ohio State, Stanford, and Notre Dame. Academics are big for me.

TOM: Have you been out to see all of those schools yet?

STROBEL: The only places I haven't been are Stanford and Nebraska. I'm interested in Nebraska also.

TOM: What's the criteria to evaluate these schools? How will you narrow it down?

STROBEL: I look for the pros and cons in each school. I'll look at the facilities and the strength and conditioning coaches. I'll be spending most of my time with them so that's important. I want to get in depth with the core of the program, rather than all the bells and whistles. I want to see the food too, I want to see what kind of food I'll be eating. I also want to see what type of coaches they are at each school.

TOM: I have to ask, since you're from Ohio did you grow up an Ohio State fan?

STROBEL: I think everyone in Ohio is an Ohio State fan. I grew up a little Buckeye, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will affect my decision. I'm looking at this without the fan side in it.

TOM: Did you know anything about Michigan before your visits, other than they're the Buckeyes' rival?

STROBEL: I just knew that it was Michigan. To be honest I didn't expect much going there, but then when I got there it was just an eye opener. These visits are what got them in the top group.

TOM: What about any of the coaches? I know they're new to Michigan, but did you know anything about them?

STROBEL: I knew that Mattison had been at Baltimore, but it shows that he's going to be there and he's not going anywhere if he came from the pros. I don't want to be switching coaches constantly, so it makes a difference for a coach to be there the whole time.

TOM: How do you think your recruitment is going to play out? Do you have a timeline yet?

STROBEL: I'm not sure how it's going to pan out yet. I want to get out to Stanford and some other places. I'd like to get my official visits in, but we'll see.

Comments

Beavis

May 25th, 2011 at 11:49 AM ^

Some chatter on Rivals that he is the 2nd silent commit we currently have.

Not sure how to believe that given Tom's interview.  On one hand, both his parents were there with him and they talked to ALL the coaches.

On the other hand, he's still talking a lot about other schools. 

Found it funny that he is so intent on academics, but still considers OSU and Nebraska.  I guess they are better than (most of) the SEC schools.  The bit on food was great, too.  He seems like he's ahead of his time.  Good head on this kid. 

oriental andrew

May 25th, 2011 at 12:13 PM ^

ohio state is actually a very fine academic institution, for as much crap as we give them.  Per USNWR:

5. Stanford

12. Northwestern

19. Notre Dame

29. Michigan (#3 among public schools)

45. Wisconsin

47. Illinois and Penn State (tie)

56. ohio state (#16 among public schools and tied with Purdue, UGA, SMU and Maryland)

104. Nebraska - this is the one I wouldn't consider a top tier school, although it's certainly not a bad school, especially considering there are 262 schools on their list (197 are ranked).  

The food thing was pretty funny and not something I've seen other recruits mention.  

 

turd ferguson

May 25th, 2011 at 12:32 PM ^

It's kind of funny, but I think every alumni group defines "great schools" as all of the schools ranked ahead of it, its own school, and maybe a couple ranked right below.  Obama said something similar about how every country thinks the G8/G20 should be the G#, where # = the smallest number of countries that would include it.

For Harvard grads, this doesn't include Michigan; for Michigan grads, this doesn't include MSU; for MSU grads, this doesn't include WMU; etc. 

I'm not saying it's right (and "great school" is completely arbitrary anyway), but we just do what everyone else does.

JeepinBen

May 25th, 2011 at 2:03 PM ^

I think it's actually pretty damn smart. Food is just an example. It seems to me that this kid really wants to see what his LIFE will be like for the next 4-5 years. He said he wants to see the nuts and bolts, not the bells and whistles, so things like the food, dorms, strength coach, the walk to class, those are important to him. He doesn't just want to know that 27 times or so he'll play in the big house, he wants to know about the other 1200 days.

oriental andrew

May 25th, 2011 at 2:33 PM ^

I certainly didn't mean it as "funny = silly", but rather as something that is an unusual comment compared to what is found in the other interviews Tom has posted.  I actually think it's quite astute of him to pay attention to these things.  I know I didn't do that when I was college tripping (although obviously not for athletics)

jackw8542

May 25th, 2011 at 5:04 PM ^

It depends on the rating source.  Many people question USN&WR.  If you look at the Times, it shows us 19 and OSU at 129, and if you look at QS World University Rankings, we are at 15 and OSU at 125.  Those rankings also have some other schools I would expect to see above OSU in fact above OSU, unlike USN&WR.

oriental andrew

May 25th, 2011 at 5:18 PM ^

you have to take ALL of the rankings with a grain of salt.  USNWR attempts to rank comprehensively the academics at each respective US-based 4 year university.  The Times ranks based on reputation as teaching/research institutions, which has ohio state above UVA and USC.  The QS world rankings are also heavily biased toward reputation (academic and employer), with a slight bias toward emphasis on international faculty/students.  Every set of rankings has its flaws and biases.  The point is that osu is a good school.  (although we all know UM is better in every way ;))

Magnum P.I.

May 25th, 2011 at 12:03 PM ^

STROBEL: I'm starting to narrow schools down now. Michigan's in the top with schools like Ohio State, Stanford, and Notre Dame. Academics are big for me.

I don't know how you bit your tongue there. I don't think I need to spell out the obvious snark follow-up question to Strobel's statement.

oriental andrew

May 25th, 2011 at 12:16 PM ^

I think you meant "rich football tradition AND top tier academics."  In that case, per USNWR, notre dame would actually be at the top of the list, being ranked #19 with just as rich a football tradition as at Michigan.  There is no other school, though, which can approach Michigan and the notre dames in both academic and football standing (limiting it to current FBS programs).  

kylebennett7127

May 26th, 2011 at 1:28 AM ^

I had the same sentiments but I've heard a few articles contradicting themselves. Some you here you kids are not being. Pushed and they are not talking football. However, other articles Nd interviews lead me to believe the kids are being pushed. I would have to believe these coaches know what they are doing Nd handling each one individually and separate as far as each kids personality and each position....let's face it, some positions are done.
I really wanted wormley but apparently Washington and Strobel are better. Ill be interested to hear the Washington interview after this weekend

Z

May 25th, 2011 at 12:12 PM ^

I'm very confused by this quote.

"They said they want to get someone that fits as soon as possible. I told them I wasn't supposed to make a decision any time soon. I'm not sure exactly when I'll decide, sometime in the near future."

MWW6T7

May 25th, 2011 at 12:27 PM ^

That stood out to me as well. Sounds like the coaches were letting him know in a respectful way that they want him but don't be suprised if the spot is taken if you wait to long. It also seems like he might be speeding things up a bit because of it. My guess is that once this run of DB commits ends the DT/DE will pick up a lot of steam.

a non emu

May 25th, 2011 at 1:25 PM ^

To be honest I am not a big fan of that. I hope it isn't them pushing kids to make a decision before they are comfortable making it. RR had trouble with a lot of decommits his first year, and I felt like a lot of times it was because of kids being pushed to decide before they were quite ready. One thing that is different now is that the majority of our commits are from MI/OH, and are probably less likely to waver, than say, DeQuinta Jones for instance.

TESOE

May 25th, 2011 at 3:09 PM ^

in the size of this class so far.  I read as saying it is unlikely this spot will be available late in the recruiting season.  I don't think any of the commits so far are going to wander - but that would be the downside of such a strategy - as well as losing the spots for the gifted athletes who can afford to wait until the last minute.

true blue thou…

May 25th, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^

One thing that seems to be in our favor his Quote " I don't want to be switching coaches constantly, so it makes a difference for a coach to be there the whole time. 

Tressel on shaky ground  could be the difference

GoBlue

Promote RichRod

May 25th, 2011 at 12:31 PM ^

"I think everyone in Ohio is an Ohio State fan."

Let's not try and project the mistake you made onto EVERY former Ohioan, Tom.  Some of us got it right from the start.

TheVictors5

May 25th, 2011 at 1:11 PM ^

I grew up in Ohio and still live hour away from Columbus. My dad was taking me to Michigan football games since I was 5 years old. There are actually a lot of Michigan fans in Ohio.

Evil Empire

May 25th, 2011 at 1:35 PM ^

The last five in the same Cleveland suburb where Strobel lives.

This town is Buckeyeville.  Tressel was born here while his dad was coaching at the high school (coaching John Kolesar's dad and encouraging him to attend UM, but that's another story).  The Mentor uniforms are OSU's with a cardinal on the helmet.  Their fight song is Across The Field.  Recent history has emboldened the faithful but still, I get dirty looks wearing my UM gear.

Michigan has had only two players ever from Mentor High School, for many years the largest high school in the state and currently #2.

It would be a big surprise for a talented athlete from Mentor to attend UM.

Wave83

May 25th, 2011 at 5:49 PM ^

I wish UM had recruited Mentor's kicker from a few years ago (I think his last name was Harper).  I watched him kick a 67 yard field goal (new Ohio high school record) against our team (Solon).   It blew me away watching a high school kid kick it longer than the NFL record.

But, as you say, Mentor is probably locked into Ohio State as is so many of the Ohio schools.

Evil Empire

May 26th, 2011 at 10:39 AM ^

My wife ('95) and I ('92) are Solon graduates.

I attended a Mentor at Solon game and watched Harper's predecessor (can't remember his name, though I think it was Russian or Eastern European) hit a long field goal too, at least 50 yards.  I think I recorded it on my digital camera, so must have been 2004 or later.

JohnnyV123

May 25th, 2011 at 1:32 PM ^

I think he is the only recruit I have heard mention food as part of his decision.

I really like Tom's answers though they seem really genuine, informative, and up front. Not your standard recruit answers.

MichiganMan_24_

May 25th, 2011 at 3:23 PM ^

I just want to make this very clear ... I am from Ohio and i am NOT a Ohio State fan ... in fact i cant stand them with a passion that burns deep in my heart and soul.

Just so that is all cleared up

ryebreadboy

May 25th, 2011 at 4:40 PM ^

His answers seemed straightforward.  He seems like a pretty chill guy.  I liked that bit about the food being important.  I was also confused when he indciated that he wasn't supposed to be deciding soon but would probably be deciding in the near future.  That, taken with his "I'd like to get my officials in but we'll see" seem to suggest that he was impressed with Michigan and is willing to move up his decision date if need be.  Hopefully we can pry this kid away from OSU and ND.  He seems like he has a good head on his shoulders.  I feel like any visit where the parents come along is a good sign, though.

WolvinLA2

May 25th, 2011 at 7:58 PM ^

Yeah, I think a handful of these guys are moving up their commitments a little bit based on competition.  There are a lot of DEs in MI and OH this year, and the top schools don't all have room for them, and ND took 3 blue chip DEs last year so they're not great option for guys who want to play early.  For some of these guys it's going to be a first come, first served situation and the don't want to be left out.

turtleboy

May 25th, 2011 at 9:08 PM ^

The kids are committing faster than Hoke feels comfortable with, to be honest. He's stressed often enough that they should be focused on their senior years, their last year (or 2 years) with their current teams and teammates and he's said he's not a fan of early committing. He won't be pushing Strobel to commit faster than he's comfortable with. Academically Michigan is a bit lower on the list than usual. It seems to move around year to year.

TESOE

May 25th, 2011 at 9:15 PM ^

I'm assuming they eat some of their meals in the dorm and some in Schembechler (or some athletic cafeteria).  The Pizza House is good but probably not a huge amount of the calories for these guys.  What is it like at Michigan wrt to food right now?  Does anyone know?

My dorm food in the 80s was OK but I didn't play varsity sports.