Who are your favorite c/o 2012 Michigan signees? (or who are you most excited to see)
I know, we love ALL of the guys that chose to play for MICHIGAN. If you're uncomfortable picking favorites...that's understandable, please move on.
But naturally many people have favorite players. Or guys that for whatever reason you decide to follow from the day they committed or signed with Michigan.
With that said let's your hear TOP 3 Favorite Players in THIS year's recruiting class.
I ask because there are some pretty good story lines:
- Ondre Pipkins and his personality
- Kyle Kalis and his love for the "good side"
- Jeremy Clark accepting a greyshirt before getting a scholarship
- Jerrod Wilson and this: http://espn.go.com/colleges/michigan/football/story/_/id/7328007/ricky-powers-instills-lessons-learned-michigan-wolverines
- Ross, RJS and Richardson's childhood friendship
- Sione Houma being a pretty unique and interesting prospect that Michigan hasn't had in awhile - if ever.
- Willie Henry's Glenville connection
- The Darboh story: http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/from-war-time-orphan-to-big-time-football-michigan-recruit-amara-darboh-tells-survivalist-tale/
- The Chesson story (behind a paywall, but very similar to Darboh...many mention Darboh, but forget Chesson...he too was born in a war-torn African country and made it to Michigan): http://insider.espn.go.com/colleges/michigan/football/recruiting/story/_/id/7495834/jehu-chesson-keeps-michigan-wolverines-commitment-perspective
...or maybe you grew up next to Ben Braden or Matt Godin went to your alma mater. I don't know, but who are your 3 favorite Michigan signees?
Should be interesting to hear everyones response and why!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:37 AM ^
I think he sounds like a great kid and a great leader. I like him b/c it seems like he'll succeed regardless of how his football career goes.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:45 AM ^
Well, this is based on a combination of current ability, projected performance, and personality - so basically I can make justify order I want haha:
1. Peewee Pipkins - Dude looks to be dominant, does a freaking great Brady Hoke impression, has a great rapport with teammates, and may be the Wolverine's Vince Wilfork/BJ Raji the next four years.
2. Joe Bolden - Just seems like a great football player that's serious about winning. Can't ask for more than that. Almost hate to say it because this guy did more off the football field than on it, but his attitude about football reminds me of Pat Tillman. Plus, the Clay Matthews analogy has been used a lot already and I don't think he'll rush the QB that much...
3. Tom Strobel - Doesn't get enough publicity. Some Ohio analysts have him just a slight notch below Adolphus Washington. I love his attitude about the Michigan-Ohio rivalry. And it always feels good to grab a guy that grew up a Buckeye and was getting Buckeye interest.
Extra Credit: Devin Funchess - I think he's going to be a matchup nightmare - Aaron Hernandez please. Plus bucket hats.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:41 AM ^
Ross
RJS
Richardson
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:42 AM ^
1. Has got to be Pee Wee . . . he is going to be fun to watch and will look great in BLUE!
2. Joe "Hit Man" Bolden is going to be the real deal!
3. Super Mario is going to hit the weight room, class room and opposing QB BIG TIME!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 AM ^
Mario Ojemudia- Best DAMN death stare ever. That is all
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 AM ^
In no particular order:
- Magnusson
- Bolden
- Pipkins
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:55 AM ^
Can I answer Diamond, Kozan, and Diggs? No?
Ok, then
Pipkins, Darboh, & McGary.
- Pipkins . . . what a combination of size, athleticism, and personality.
- Darboh has an incredible story. Our church has had a number of refugees from Liberia, including one who plays football. I'm rooting for Darboh to do well & succeed.
- McGary. I don't care that he "dropped" to twenty. A beast under the basket is very hard to find, and having him at Michigan will definitely push us to the next level.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:53 AM ^
Pee Wee. Great talent, and from the interviews we've seen a real character.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:54 AM ^
Thanks for linking to that Ricky Powers article. Great read. Though it doesn't mention him by name, it makes me like Jarrod Wison a lot better. We forget sometimes that coming to Michigan is a truly transformational experience for kids who grow up in tough environments. I'll be rooting for Jarrod.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:55 AM ^
but it's in no particular order and could have up to two omissions. Sorry I couldn't narrow it down, but I am just too thrilled with each one of these recruits.
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:49 PM ^
I think everyone is, but I just know some folks really like to follow the stories of a few kids in particular. But we love them all!
Sometimes it's just as simple as who's game we like the most. For me, that's probably the biggest thing.
Last year my 3 would've been Countess, Morgan and Bryant...I loved Countess' game, very smooth and he looked like a pure CB. I liked Morgan because so many people discounted him, but I saw his film and I saw a 3 or 4* Tim Tebow (he played QB/LB in high school), a kid that just wanted to win. Bryant was just a BEAST on film. Again, after the Rich Rod tenure I was so sick of tweeners and "in between" players. Bryant was a big body and played like it, the kid is SO strong.
With that said, no apology needed, I know for some people it would be like picking your favorite child.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:57 AM ^
I'm really excited about Jarrod Wilson, James Ross, and Dennis Norfleet.
February 3rd, 2012 at 5:55 PM ^
Jarrod Wilson is in my top 3 as well. It has been a very long time since we had a true rangy safety with ball skills.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:04 AM ^
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:55 AM ^
From what I have read and the videos, I see him as a Greg Skrepenak type lineman. I can't wait to see what he can do on the field.
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:20 PM ^
...more like Hutchinson. Skrep was a huge road grader tackle. It seems to me Kalis will play guard and be one of those strong quick footed guys with superior technique.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:05 AM ^
Bo Dever. Hopefully he and Baquer Sayed (c/o 2011) can contribute to the team in the coming years.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:06 AM ^
1. Pipkins- could is going to be a complete stud, top 5 NFL pick someday.
2. Bolden- Big time LB, out of OH that I think will crank it up against ND and OSU because they looked past him. Kid seems very instinctive and smart with great size and speed.
3. Kalis- anytime we pluck a OSU commit away I love it....especially when he is a 5 star!
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:11 AM ^
Joe Bolden. My wife teaches at his high school and says he's an even better character kid than he is a football player. And I think we all agree he's a pretty good football player, so that says something for him.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:15 AM ^
In no particular order I would have to say Kalis, Pipkins, and Darboh. I like Kalis because I feel like he has this meanstreak to him and that he just wants to beat guys up on the field. I like Pipkins alot because I think he is going to be a great player and he has the tools to do so. I would have to say Darboh is another one of my favorites because of his story about his struggles and things living in a different country experiencing civil war. I think the kid feels blessed to be at Michigan and I hope to see him be successful both on and off the field.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:16 AM ^
No need to start a thread EVERY day.
/end rant
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:55 PM ^
If you don't like it...don't click it.
- It's not like we're in the middle of the season.
- PLENTY of people have commented on the thread without flaming and actually stayed on topic/answered the question.
- What else am I taking away from by talking about Michigan signees? Happy MGoHockey Birthday? The Budweiser Commercial? Jimmy Howard's Injury Thread? More talk about Urban Meyer or Mark Dantonio? Another Jordan Diamond update?
Seriously, what is this thread causing you to miss? Why does it make you so mad? It's on topic, it's clearly well received, and it's good discussion. I've enjoyed reading EVERYONE'S answers...it's interesting to see why people follow certain players a little more closely.
We've had a poster talk about his wife and Joe Bolden's character, some people got to read the article on Ricky Powers, I mean what is wrong with this thread? Or did you just need something to bitch about today? My guess...the latter.
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:51 PM ^
on or around signing day.
I have just noticed you making "what do you think?" threads almost every day. If there is mass desire for these, why don't you give another poster a chance to start one? If there isn't, we won't see any.
If you have new and exciting information to share - ala Aquaman - it is one thing. (And NO I don't think posting the upcoming rosters - with your guesses on starters no less - is information needing sharing when Brian was going to already. and did within 4 hours of your post..)
Big Picture - I don't see this as a personal chat-room that I can talk each day with my "Buds". I see thes type posts from you on a daily basis and it bugs me that they bump other useful info off the front page. Maybe I am just being a crank. If you could label your daily posts as "Mr Yost" I can be sure to avoid them.
PS - I also not a big fan of the Detroit-area pro sports posts as I am no longer in the area, but this is a Michigan blog so what are you gonna do? At least those are listed OT and I can avoid them.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:16 AM ^
compelling stories or personalities stick out, but I just can't bring myself to make a favorites list just yet. Hell, I have a hard enough time with the current team.
I clicked the Powers link hoping it was a new article. I read it again, it is well worth the read. Seeing former players go back into the community and make a difference is almost priceless.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:24 AM ^
I hate to go with such a generic answer, but, I have to go with everyone that will be on either side of the line. I can't wait to see what those guys can do in a year or two.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:25 AM ^
The three I think Michigan needs the most on the field. A big time safety, DT, and OL. Therefore; Jerrod Wilson, Pipkins, and Kalis. No question.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:29 AM ^
Joe Boldens hair.
He and Jake Ryan should do a local AA barber shop tv commercial. Salon Selectives for sure.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:30 AM ^
You have to love Darboh's story, and I like Pipkins attitude and Boldens game. I will go with those three.
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:11 PM ^
Darboh/Chesson (I'll forever link them, they're going to be roommates too)
Pipkins
Bolden/Ross (I'll link them because I think they're going to be back to back 1st Team All Big Ten).
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:35 AM ^
Definitely Pipkens is a top choice. I really like his enthusiasm.
But I have to give props to Norfleet. Being such a late offer, and knowing that he may not see the field (for a while at least), he easily could have felt insulted that we only offered after we lost others. But he didn't.
Spoken like a true Michigan Man.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:36 AM ^
Ondre Pipkins is definitely my favorite at this point.
For one, he is an exceptional talent at a spot of need. For another, he has completely bought into Michigan. He obviously has pride in Michigan, its legacy, and his place in its history and future. I expect him to be a big-time contributer and a vocal leader his time here.
With that said, the character of Darboh and Chessun, as well as their pasts, make them extremely easy to root for.
Lastly, as far as my excitement level for seeing the guy on the field, that would go to Mario Ojemudia. I'm expecting great things.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:42 AM ^
Magnusson, Pipkins, and Bolden in no particular order. Magnusson and Pipkins have been spewing Blue since the day each of them comitted. I love the enthusiasm. Bolden just seems like a really smart player. His performance in the All American workouts and game really elevated my excitment to see this kid at the next level.
Overall, we have a great class with or without Diamond or Kozan.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:46 AM ^
I think Darboh deserves some recognition for his past and the high character guy he appears to be.
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:03 PM ^
I added links to the Darboh and Chesson stories for those who haven't heard them. Unfortunately Chesson's is behind the ESPN paywall.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:48 AM ^
Pipkins - likely the best player in this class
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<br>Norfleet - couldn't understand why he wasnt getting a look from us given his monster stats and superb camp performances. I know the conventional wisdom is that hoke just likes bigger backs, but Ronnie Hillman was his starter at SDSU.
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<br>Kalis- excellent prospect who will be making Ohio fans all butt hurt for years to come
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:46 AM ^
They obviously knew he was talented, we just had bigger needs at the time. So once we started losing out on those other prospects, there was no reason not to offer him. I think he's going to be a stud
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:29 PM ^
He would fit in my boyz in da hood group, but the OP only let me choose three.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:53 AM ^
Kalis because he listens to Pavarotti. I like those who excel at distributing violence, but do it with class.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:58 AM ^
Darboh and Chesson because of their incredible stories.
Braden because he was first (I think?)
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:47 AM ^
I think Stacey was first, but I could be mistaken
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:02 AM ^
Pipkins, ojemudia, bolden
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<br>Pipkins- great personality, and is going to be a monster on the dline for us
<br>Ojemudia- has to add some weigh but I'm really excited about his potential as a great pass rusher, there are so many ways we can use him the coaches must be excited
<br>Bolden- watched him in the allamerican game and really liked his downhill style f play, I've also heard he's a great leader
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:16 AM ^
You can't teach elite speed. This kid has it and will be the surprise recruit in this class.
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:10 PM ^
Ben Braden because he and Rockford kicked my high school alma mater, Grandville High School's ass.
Ondre Pipkins because I love his personality, Hoke impression, and I just love defensive linemen because thats what I played when i played.
Kyle Kalis because he's a monster that could be a tackle or guard.
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:00 PM ^
This is like choosing your favorite son or daughter.
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:05 PM ^
I tried to make it a little "friendlier" by saying (or who are you most excited to see?)
...not sure it helps though, lol
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:07 PM ^
In no particular order:
Pip-for soon to be making life a living hell for opposing offensive lines
Kalis-"There will be blood on the field, and it won't be mine."
Darboh and Chesson-we needed wideouts, but more importantly, their life stories and the kind of people they are.
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:15 PM ^
Every single one of those guys who play in the trenches and decided to GO BLUE!
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:21 PM ^
DEF PEE WEE!!
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:40 PM ^
Three guys I think will play on Sunday that are off that radar:
Jeremy Clark. The league likes 6 foot 4 safeties. And the kid can run.
Mario Ojemudia. 6 foot 4 inch, 245 pound rushing outside backer in a pro 3-4 defense.
and last but not least...
Ben Braden. BIG strong tackle. Will toil in relative obscurity in the league for 10 years.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it...
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:49 PM ^
1) OL Ben Braden (Rockford, MI)
2) LB Kaleb Ringer (Clayton, OH)
3) LB Royce Jenkins-Stone (Detroit, MI)
4) TE Devin Funchess (Farmington Hills, MI)
5) TE A.J Williams (Cincinnati, OH)
6) LB Joe Bolden (Cincinnati, OH)
7) LB James Ross (Detroit, MI)
8) DE Mario Ojemudia (Farmington Hills, MI)
9) DE Matt Godin (Novi, MI)
10) CB Terry Richardson (Detroit, MI)
11) SS Allen Gant (Sylvania, OH)
12) DE Tom Strobel (Mentor, OH)
13) OT Erik Magnuson (Encinitas, CA)
14) OL Blake Bars (Nashville, TN)
15) FS Jarrod Wilson (Akron, OH)
16) OL Kyle Kalis (Lakewood, OH)
17) FB Sione Houma (Salt Lake City, UT)
18) DE Chris Wormley (Toledo, OH)
19) DT Ondre Pipkins (Kansas City, MO)
20) S Jeremy Clark (Madisonville, KY)
21) RB Drake Johnson (Ann Arbor, MI)
22) WR Amara Darboh (Des Moines, IA)
23) WR Jehu Chesson (Ladue, MO)
24) DT Willie Henry (Glenville, OH)
25) ATH Dennis Norfleet (Detroit, MI)