February 23rd, 2012 at 11:34 AM ^
I'll believe it when I see it.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:36 AM ^
Haha what does that mean?
Did you see the article?
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:40 AM ^
I'm just saying, this article is so glowing, you'd think he was already a current commit.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:44 AM ^
I'm just messing, I figured that's what you meant - the phrasing was funny to me.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:54 PM ^
But... but... but... MSU already got a commit from the best linebacker in the state! So there!
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:08 PM ^
It makes a lot more sense to just assume Michigan does lead for any kid they've offered. That way, you don't have to change 25 statuses a day from No Leader to Committed.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:38 AM ^
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:18 PM ^
@click the link -- "The Levenberry family is looking for a paternal figure to guide their son's career. They've found it in Ann Arbor."
Character matters. Hoke has character. As you say, "Simple." +1
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:37 AM ^
Good news but with almost a year to go until his expected announcement I'm not getting my hopes up yet
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:42 AM ^
In the article he says he might commit at the spring game "if the trip feels just right."
I'm trying not to get my hopes up... and failing.
Go Blue!
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:55 AM ^
Can I reply even if my avatar doesn't have a gun?
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:58 AM ^
on how you got those tanlines.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:59 PM ^
Are those the chemical heating pouches they use for MREs? I worked with that stuff for over a year... why the F would this come up on MGoBlog?
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:30 PM ^
You should really look at the entire chain of posts. I think you will be able to figure it out.
February 23rd, 2012 at 3:55 PM ^
That's my wife's maiden name!
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:26 PM ^
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:05 PM ^
It helps if your avatar has a mustache too.
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:49 PM ^
It just doesn't feel right seeing the word "mustache" when it isn't following "tremendous" or "glorious". Otherwise, solid, solid post.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:44 AM ^
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:58 PM ^
My concern about articles like this is that if the kid doesn't sign at the spring game and other schools start dialing in on him they could use the information in articles like this to figure out to "play" his recruitment (looking at you Urban).
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:00 PM ^
I think EJ and his dad seem to have a BS meter. As long as we still talk to him, i dont see us falling out.
February 23rd, 2012 at 4:45 PM ^
unscrupulous coach and I was feeling the pressure of trying to keep pace with a rival school's recruiting efforts and found myself going head to head for the same recruit I might do some research on the kid to find out what is going to resonate with him most. If I came across an article like this I might try to exploit any information about the kid and try to position myself as that which most appeals to his values. Just saying. You're probably right about EJ and his dad but they wouldn't be the first to be snookered by a coach that puts his needs above the recruits.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:39 AM ^
either levenberry or jaylon smith would be amazing consideirng LB isn't a strong area of need. i just hope that if smith doesn't come to UM, he doesn't go to ohio.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:44 AM ^
I'd prefer Levenberry. Seems like a really good kid along with being a great player.
This is great news that he's leaning towards Michigan.
Go Blue, EJ!
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:47 AM ^
From what I've heard, there's approximately a 0% chance with Jaylon Smith.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:49 AM ^
I second that (although my opinion is nowhere near as reputable as yours).
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:11 PM ^
Also, E.J. Levenberry is a way cooler name.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:19 PM ^
Magnus, I am sure you saw tape on Smith, Levenberry, o'daniel and mccray. Who looks the best out of the group, thanks.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:42 PM ^
They play different positions. I would take Jaylon Smith over E.J. Levenberry and Levenberry over Mike McCray. They're all good, though. That's a pretty elite group. Dorian O'Daniel is more of a weakside linebacker. And based on what Michigan needs, I would probably put O'Daniel at the bottom of that four-person list.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:51 PM ^
Any chance any of these 4 would jump over the 4 LB commits from last year's class for early PT? I can see some serious competition at LB in the future.
Also, if we had a lot of depth at LB, how often do you rotate them out for rest? Obviously not as much as the linemen, but it just seems like you usually see stud LBs on the field all the time.
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:08 PM ^
All four guys we got in 2012 were MIKEs or WILLs. O'Daniel is the only guy who projects to an inside 'backer spot, and I don't see him jumping over Ross/Morgan/Bolden as a freshman.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:19 PM ^
magnus, do you think jaylon smith goes south? pls say no OSU.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:36 PM ^
My guess is that he goes to OSU, but I haven't paid much attention to where he's leaning aside from the fact that he's not coming to U of M.
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:32 PM ^
if it is not osu it will probably be nd.
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:42 PM ^
FWIW, last week Hemholdt said he thinks Smith is leaning towards Notre Dame.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:24 PM ^
He is not considering UM.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:20 PM ^
UM is not even on his radar. I live in Fort Wayne and have 2 close friends on the football staff at Luers. ND is his favorite and they are also recruiting him the hardest. I have seen the Defensive coaches at many of his basketball games. Brian Kelly has even made some apperances to his games. He will end up at ND
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:25 PM ^
But isn't Jaylon too little for ND? He's only 6-3.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:37 PM ^
that they go to his basketball games. They are pretty good, but not as good as when they had Deshaun Thomas. If you haven't noticed Luers recruits very well.
February 23rd, 2012 at 2:10 PM ^
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:37 AM ^
where have i heard that Michigan leads for big time players before?
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:46 AM ^
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:38 AM ^
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:40 AM ^
will read this article.
E.J., don't wait until next January -- we will be recruiting for 2014 after we win the Rose Bowl.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:41 AM ^
Sam Webb also said this morning on the recruiting round-up that this was the case. If I recall correctly, I think he said that Michigan is leading for both Levenberry and Dorian O'Daniel.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:48 AM ^
Snagging the #15 and #37 players overall (to Rivals) would be an awesome haul at a position Hoke is looking to add "depth" to.
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:02 PM ^
February 23rd, 2012 at 2:59 PM ^
I'm not quite sold that someone like Levenberry would just be adding depth as I can see Ryan making a move to DE at some point in the future. Hoke and Mattison will find a way to get the best 11 on the field, that's for sure, and I think he will find a way to see the field sooner than later. I actually live down in Loudoun County where he plays HS ball and I'm hoping to see a game of his this fall, and yes, I will be decked out in Michigan gear.
February 23rd, 2012 at 5:29 PM ^
The coaches made it very clear that WDE and SAM are nearly interchangeable positions with SAM preferring the ability to drop into coverage easier. Clark and Beyer have been getting good reviews and Clark played really well in the Sugar Bowl. Would not surprise me if they locked up the 2 deep there. Depending how Cam comes back from his injury, maybe they are looking for Levenberry to imediately jump into the backup spot there.