Wednesday Recruitin' With Four to Go
Ondre Pipkins Goes Blue
Michigan gained a big (literally and figuratively) commitment in MO DT Ondre Pipkins on Monday. The Wolverine Blog takes a look at Big Pee-Wee's game:
He needs to develop consistency in his technique, to the point where he maintains quality leverage and hand use after the initial contact... Should he get these little technical kinks sorted out, he looks very much like a future NFL prospect to me.
Go Blue Michigan Wolverine chimes in:
Combines outstanding size and power with surprising quickness. Ondre is super strong at the point of attack. He gets off the ball well and is almost impossible to single block. Unlike many big guys, he shows a good motor and overall athletic ability.
The first thing I see that I like about Pipkins is his stance. He puts a lot of weight on his front hand and sticks his butt slightly up in the air. With his weight distributed that way, he has no choice but to fire off low and fast. Beyond that first step, he continues to stay low, moves his feet well, and uses a variety of moves to rush the passer.
“When he wants to be Ondre has the potential to be a top 5 defensive tackle prospect in the 2012 class. Pipkins is very explosive, strong and has very quick feet for a kid that is 320ish pounds.
With three defensive line coaches on Michigan's staff, hopefully his technique can be coached up. For more on Pipkins, check out the Hello: Ondre Pipkins post.
The Number
Though Darryl Stonum is redshirting the 2011 season, I asked Brady Hoke if his presence will reduce the 2012 scholarships available from 26, and the coach said there is no change to the available number.
With 22 current commits and 26 spots in the class, that means there is room for four more commits. With 22 spots currently available, that means attrition of four more players going into next year will open up those spots. [Ed: With two or three redshirt juniors looking like marginal contributors at best, Michigan should easily make it without hijinks. They could get a 27th or 28th scholarship.]
QB
NJ QB/S Devin Fuller has a final 11 without Michigan in the mix. I imagine that ends the possibility of landing a signal-caller in the 2012 class, especially with such a small number of available scholarships.
RBs
Ohio State soft commit Bri'Onte Dunn seems to be the main option at this position (unless the staff thinks they can try to get in with another super like NC RB Keith Marshall). As the situation unfolds, we'll see if Dunn is a realistic possibility, and if the coaches focus on other runners if he's off the table.
WR
Does Darryl Stonum's return change WR recruiting plans? As mentioned above, it probably takes the two-wideout minimum to a two-wideout preference (though Michael Spath of The Wolverine seems to disagree ($, info in header)), as Darryl will be around for one more season in 2012.
CA WR Jordan Payton has Michigan and Cal as his top two (audio), with the Wolverines alone at the top ($, info in header). He says he's "going through the process," but don't be surprised to see a visit early in the fall. Payton's junior highlight reel:
IA WR Amara Darboh is setting up an official visit to Michigan ($, info in header). [Ed: The new scuttlebutt is that Michigan leads and that official may end his recruitment.]
I mentioned last week that MD WR Stefon Diggs is back on the table, including Michigan in his top 15.
OH WR Dwayne Stanford is high on LSU ($, info in header). His relationship with Michigan has been hot-and-cold.
Happy Trails, NJ WR Leontae Caroo, who chose Rutgers. This is probably more notable for its effect on his teammate, NJ CB Yuri Wright, who is back in play for Michigan (more on that in a moment).
OL
CA OL Commit Erik Magnuson received a USC offer last week, but maintains a solid commitment to the Wolverines ($, info in header).
IL OL Jordan Diamond stopped by Michigan as his team toured Eastern Michigan, visiting former teammate Chris Bryant.
WA OL Joshua Garnett will visit Michigan for the Notre Dame game. Garnett's friend Zach Banner is one of the few other realistic prospects for Michigan remaining on the board, as well.
Sounds like CA OL Kyle Murphy is no longer considering Michigan, focusing on West Coast schools along with Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Florida.
DTs
Michigan's off-again, off-again recruitment of IL DT Tommy Schutt took a bizarre turn last week when he was spurned by Notre Dame, and immediately tried to schedule a visit to Michigan - and was denied. Brian already covered the approximate timeline, and the way it shook out sure makes a whole lot more sense with Ondre Pipkins' commitment.
What Big Pee-Wee's commitment might draw into question is the Wolverines' recruitment of MI DT Danny O'Brien (right). Conventional wisdom has held that the coaches are taking only one DT, so does that mean O'Brien is off the board, or that the staff will make an exception for him?
DE
Elsewhere on the defensive line, there may be a spot available for an elite prospect, particularly one who, for example, is teammates with an elite wideout.
Other options are falling off the board, be it UT DE Troy Hinds who committed to BYU, or PA DE Noah Spence whose final seven does not include the Wolverines.
DBs?
With MI CB Commit Terry Richardson going back-and-forth on taking visits, Michigan's sudden re-focus on defensive backs could be a search for replacements (should he decide to go elsewhere) or simply more players along the back line. So who are some of those players?
Michigan is back in play for NJ CB Yuri Wright. The consensus four-star tells Tom that the Wolverines are right near the top for him:
I would say Michigan is in my top two, I've always liked Michigan. I haven't really cut my list down yet, but they're in the top somewhere. Just the tradition that's at Michigan, the winningest program, the coaches, and the whole experience of going to school there. Coach Mallory has been telling me it's just about getting a chance to come to Michigan and getting better when I get there, and hopefully make it to the league.
Wright grew up wanting to go to Michigan, so a good visit could start winding down the recruiting process.
MA CB Armani Reeves is also back on the board, but he's announcing this Friday at 10AM, and as Brian says, with no in-person contact since he and Michigan have been back on each others' boards, it's unlikely he picks the Wolverines.
2013
With the 2012 class damn-near wrapped up, we're starting to get a slightly better idea of what the 2013 class will look like. Your departing seniors following the 2012 season:
- Denard Robinson
- Michael Cox
- Vincent Smith
- Darryl Stonum
- Je'Ron Stokes
- Roy Roundtree
- Terrance Robinson
- Brandon Moore
- Patrick Omameh
- Ricky Barnum
- Elliott Mealer
- Rocko Khoury
- William Campbell
- Craig Roh
- Kenny Demens
- JT Floyd
- Brandin Hawthorne
- Jordan Kovacs
That's 18 spots, but there's also a chance that some of those guys who have redshirted in the past might not get offered fifth years for the 2012 season, either on account of ineffectiveness or lingering injuries. Those slots would likely be filled in 2012 recruiting. With a couple possibilities for early entry and/or transfer, 18 is a good starting point, with a likelihood of swelling to about 20 spots. How might those spots be filled?:
- QB: 1-2 (Shane Morris)
- RB: 1-2 (Depends on filling 2012 class)
- WR: 1-2 (Depends on filling 2012 class)
- TE: 0-1
- OT: 2
- OG: 1
- DT: 2
- DE: 1
- LB: 2
- S: 2
- CB: 1-2
- Other: 1-2
With that brief primer out of the way, on to the information:
Michigan made a good first impression with IL RB Ty Isaac ($, info in header).
IL WR LaQuon Treadwell (teammate of 2012 CB Commit Anthony Standifer) tells Tom that Michigan is on top, but he's a long way off from a decision.
Tom has a video interview with AZ WR/TE Jake Roh, the younger brother of current Wolverine DE Craig. Jake says he hasn't heard much from Michigan yet.
IL OL Kyle Bosch visited Michigan over the weekend, and came away impressed:
We met with Coach Funk, talked to him for about half an hour. After that they took us around the campus, showed us the facilities, the locker room, and the stadium. I feel really good about Michigan, I really liked it. I didn't know much about them going into it, but I was really impressed.
He plans to narrow his list of schools after his junior season, so it sounds like he has a slightly accelerated decision timeframe.
OH S Dymonte Thomas will be one of Michigan's top targets in the 2013 crop, and the cousin of 2012 RB Bri'Onte Dunn enjoyed himself at the BBQ at the Big House, but will take his time:
I just want to wait for my colleges to offer and take some visits to all the schools though. I'll probably be up for the Notre Dame game and the Michigan-Ohio State game too. I really like Michigan, I think they're at the top. Michigan State isn't very far behind, I like their coaching staff too.
He's said in the past he plans to commit this February to whichever school Dunn signs with.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:36 AM ^
two or three redshirt juniors looking like marginal contributors at best
It's probably not a good idea to get suspended. Just sayin'.
And looking at 2013, have a QB, look good on one Safety, and strong interest in-state from a highly ranked RB and OL-man, and maybe Bosch a heavy lean, and we're already setting up a good position for a class that won't sign for a year and a half. Brady- Love ya big guy!
August 10th, 2011 at 10:53 AM ^
Wouldn't it be two safeties if we're fortunate enough to get Thomas? I thought Clark's slot counts towards '13.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:55 AM ^
Yes. Thomas would be the second saftey.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:21 AM ^
Excellent point, adding to the head start we already have.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:40 AM ^
We were looking really good for him at one point, but then it looks like things stalled. Are we still in it for Monty?
August 10th, 2011 at 11:05 AM ^
August 10th, 2011 at 10:41 AM ^
...Michigan fans, steel yourself:
Your departing seniors following the 2012 season:
- Denard Robinson
Regarding Jordan Diamond vs. Joshua Garnett, et al.: Diamond seems to be having a hard time wrestling with the pros and cons of his various opportunities. This was his lone tweet from Tue evening, so there's no additional context (caveat: he could be confused about some other weighty issue but that seems unlikely):
Jordan76simeon tryin to break it down but its too hard..... ima wait smh
It seems Diamond is not entirely sold on Michigan and needs more time. Time will likely help to solve his dilemma by removing one or more options, including Michigan.
Prediction based on semi-flimsy evidence: This will all be resolved UTL.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:54 AM ^
This may be true. On the other hand, it has been said that this fits into the pattern of what his HS coaches expect of him...shopping around, keeping the spotlight on himself, and through him, his teammates. It has been noted on Scout that this is much the same as what Chris Bryant did all last year. Bryant, it seems, was pretty solid Blue long before he pulled the trigger, but he dragged it out as long as he could.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:19 AM ^
August 10th, 2011 at 12:12 PM ^
I am forced to downvote this post for its reference to Denard graduating. Please refer to my post below regarding my new ProfitGoPolicy for further information.
August 10th, 2011 at 12:30 PM ^
...your prerogative. I guess I'm forced to downvote your post for general stupidity and blind adherance to a misguided policy.
Your move, counselor.
August 10th, 2011 at 1:44 PM ^
Well put. I think the court would rule against me in this matter, especially since I was just trying to express the fact that I am not looking foward to Denard's graduation in a silly way.
August 10th, 2011 at 7:47 PM ^
I read that and got a little depressed. Won't be the same without Denard.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:56 AM ^
If we sign Garnett, life will be good for a while on offense. That would be the final piece to an incredible OL. If we get him, I'm not so worried about a RB in this class because every 2013 RB will look at that OL, see we didn't take a RB in 2012, and jump at it. Not only that, but I could probably run for 1,000 yards behind that OL.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:02 AM ^
And just imagine Shallman behind that OL.. He'll be as big as some o-linemen and he'll be pounding through the huge holes made by Kalis, Garnett, Magnuson, Stacey, etc.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:24 AM ^
And it won't involve "shotgun" or "Vincent Smith-like back".
August 10th, 2011 at 11:02 AM ^
Do you have any eligibility left?
August 10th, 2011 at 11:00 AM ^
Great write-up, Tim. A couple questions though.
Would taking a second QB in 2013 be because Shane doesn't live up to they hype, or just to recruit primarily a back up? Also, I'm pretty sure Thomas said that he would commit with Dunn if he signed to Michigan, but he didn't say anything about OSU or other schools.
It's amazing that we're already winding down with this class and can name a handful of guys who are vying for spots.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:03 AM ^
August 10th, 2011 at 11:01 AM ^
Dunn and Thomas (packaged deal) sounds awesome!
August 10th, 2011 at 11:08 AM ^
Yes, unless, you know, they go to Ohio
August 10th, 2011 at 11:32 AM ^
I didn't know Thomas was for-sure a package deal with Bri'onte. It seemed to me that Dymonte was super-high on Michigan regardless of his cousin - and that he really hoped he committed here. Has Dymonte specifically said he will go wherever Dunn goes?
August 10th, 2011 at 11:47 AM ^
No. He's said it would be cool to play with Bri'onte and that he would like to, but he's been trying to get Bri'onte to Michigan.
Although, it should be stated that he does not have an OSU offer yet. So if he picks one up (which he probably will), that could change things and he could be drawn there with Bri'onte. Which would suck.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:01 AM ^
Do we have 22 openings without counting Stonum?
August 10th, 2011 at 11:13 AM ^
August 10th, 2011 at 12:04 PM ^
Hoke probably is aware of even at this time 1) who of the RS juniors will not be offered a year 5; and 2) who is likely to transfer after this year i.e. predictable attrition.
While the Stonum situation does by definition change the available scholarships, it may not change the bottom line.
August 10th, 2011 at 12:21 PM ^
is that Coach Hoke said "26" once, and this of course has been requoted countless times. When I remember reading the quote on his statement it was, "we'll take 25 or 26".
even with that, I don't believe that Coach Hoke will see the recruiting as a failure if we don't go past the present 22, and it's quite likely that the quantity of 5th year seniors is such that if worse came to worst and there was a blue chip recruit who wanted to be lucky 27 in February I'm betting Coach Hoke wouldn't say, "sorry son, I once got quoted in the newspaper as saying I'd recruit 26, and that's worth a lot more to me than your providing you an excellent education and opporunity to show case your athletic talents in the largest stadium in the country."
I will admit, I track recruiting as much for the hyper-attentive amatuer scrutiny by fans as I do for the recruits themselves.
August 10th, 2011 at 1:25 PM ^
He's said 26 a lot of times (sometimes "we'll go over [the 25 number] by 1"), and specifically said yes to the number 26 on Monday.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:02 AM ^
Man, I just looked at the list of departing 2012 seniors and got really sad for a minute. I became a Michigan fan right about when the RR era started, and these are the players that have been the face of Michigan football for me. Will be real choked up to see them go.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:04 AM ^
I must say I'm pretty impressed that you started being a fan during those three years and you're still sticking around. It'll get better, don't worry!
August 10th, 2011 at 11:41 AM ^
Septembers were always pretty great, and by November I had nothing else to do but keep watching and hope for the magic to come back. Here's to a new beginning, though, and for RR's kids to go out as winners.
August 10th, 2011 at 1:37 PM ^
We should do an "It gets better" video series for those who became fans during the RR era.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:10 AM ^
No doubt that's a good list of players who will be missed, but at the rate recruiting is going, they will almost all be replaced by better versions. That is not a dis on them, but a sign that it is going to be an exciting time to be a Michigan fan.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:13 AM ^
You learn to get over it. Heck, I still miss Rob Lytle.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:21 AM ^
So do I Elmer, so do I.
August 10th, 2011 at 1:12 PM ^
Rob Lytle was The Man in the backfield when I became a serious Michigan football fan.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:20 AM ^
I really like how this 2012 class is filling out. My dream finish of the last four spots are Dunn, Darboh, Payton, and Garnett. My fifth choice would be O'Brien, then with Diamond if we don't land Garnett. Any four of those I would go absolutely bananas (in a good way).
August 10th, 2011 at 11:26 AM ^
I really wanna throw Wright in there somewhere, but I don't wanna replace anyone there. Maybe we can make it up to 27?
August 10th, 2011 at 11:32 AM ^
I was just thinking the same thing. There is always the chance that one of our current commits back out.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:44 AM ^
I hate to speculate on this kind of thing but i don't know who would back out except for maybe T-Rich. If T-Rich does back out, then we will definitely have room for Yuri. The coaches said they want another one regardless, but unless they plan on reneging one of the commitment's verbals, then I don't see how we can fit all of these players. Maybe this is a good problem to have though.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:29 AM ^
I have instituted a new policy: I shall downvote each and every thread/post that mentions Denard's impending graduation. Tim did so in this otherwise outstanding post so I must thus downvote it. (Yes, my policy is effective retroactively.) My apologies, Tim.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:32 AM ^
and doesn't fall prey to Forcier Syndrome (flaming out academically) or Hagerup Disease (getting your dumb ass suspended for OSU and ND), he will go in the first round of the NFL draft. If Michigan wins a couple of Big Ten titles and a bowl game or two, he'll be a top 20 pick.
August 10th, 2011 at 1:03 PM ^
August 10th, 2011 at 11:45 AM ^
i wonder if the staff has spoken to O'Brien. I hope word gets out on what was said. I can't imagine that we'd turn him down.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:55 AM ^
Since they turned Schutt down I think they may have chatted w/ O'Brien and mentioned he is the only DT left on their board but at this time they dont want to make any promises about having a spot open for him in the end.
I really think we are going to land Dunn, Garnett, Darboh, and Peyton.
August 10th, 2011 at 1:39 PM ^
Payton* but yeah, that's a list I would like to see as well.
August 10th, 2011 at 12:10 PM ^
Some of the2013 serniors may not be given a 5th year, and their scholarships used to get us from 22 to 26 in 2011.
Mealer
Moore
Cox
Hawthorne
Stonum (depending)
In that case, we'd have fewer scholarships available.
August 10th, 2011 at 12:34 PM ^
August 10th, 2011 at 12:26 PM ^
...was recruited as a DT along with Godin.
NG - Ondre Pipkins
DT - Matt Godin
DT - Chris Wormley
SDE - Tom Strobel
WDE - Mario Ojmudia
WDE - Pharoah Brown
NG - Danny O'Brien?
(I'd share the link, but it's from a competing site)
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