Hello: DeVeon Smith Comment Count

Ace

Sam Webb is reporting that Warren (OH) Howland RB DeVeon Smith committed to Michigan today. Smith becomes the 16th member of Brady Hoke's class of 2013, and the 14th to earn a four-star rating from at least one recruiting service. It is St. Patrick's Day and the CCHA title game is in full swing, so the informative portion of this post will be coming tomorrow.

Comments

Sopwith

March 17th, 2012 at 9:42 PM ^

I usually never quote anything from behind a paywall, but I'll get in a quickie:

"He's very gifted," said Howland coach Dick Angle. "He's got tremendous balance and power. He doesn't fumble. He's got great hands. He is an outstanding blocker."

That's what the coach said.  This is what I see when I read that comment:

"Blah Blah Blah," said Howland coach Dick Angle. "He's got tremendous blah and blah. HE DOESN'T FUMBLE. He's got blah blah. He is blah blah blah."

Full article here:http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1344442

STW P. Brabbs

March 17th, 2012 at 9:45 PM ^

I don't really think he runs like Minor, personally. Way better balance, much more compact. To me, he looks very much like Emmit Smith (but without the extra gear in the open field.)

Mich1993

March 17th, 2012 at 9:49 PM ^

I watched the highlight films of Smith, Isaac and Green and my takeaway was any of them would be a great get, but I like Smith's highlight film the best.  He seems to have moves, run people over, and he has a nasty stiff arm. 

I'm strongly in favor of adding Ty Isaac as well.  With Morris, our OL recruits and our all-around defensive recruits the last two years, the most important recruits are super-elite RBs (Smith and Isaac qualify in my book) and super-elite WRs. 

My #1 wish list recruit now is Treadwell with Isaac at #2 and stud DL #3 (with Mattison I'm sure we'll fill #3).   

thisiscmd

March 17th, 2012 at 10:09 PM ^

Just watched the highlights and man that kid is tough to bring down. Breaking tackles left and right. We're going to have some bruising backs coming in! 

Go Blue from OH

March 17th, 2012 at 10:19 PM ^

I'm so ecstatic about this commit. DeVeon is an absolute bruiser and fits the pro style offense perfectly. Anyone who feels differently is foolish. So happy about this pick up.

BK-bloo

March 17th, 2012 at 10:40 PM ^

does he complete a commitment pair, or should we expect another soon?  

with all the basketball and hockey the past few days, i've lost track.

j.o.s.e maizenblue

March 17th, 2012 at 10:53 PM ^

what better way to celebrate st. patty's day then welcomng aboard a first class kid in smith!? welcome to your new home and get to know that big oline that will help lead the way to a great career at michigan!

Leroy Hoard

March 17th, 2012 at 11:18 PM ^

Here's Allen Trieu on DeVeon a few weeks ago:

"DeVeon Smith: RB - Warren Howland (Ohio): He's a compact back with uncanny balance and ability to break arm tackles. The kid is strong and runs with a refusal to be tackled. His ability to keep his feet while making cuts, breaking tackles and shoving would-be tacklers into the ground, is outstanding. He may not be a 4.4 guy, but we really like him and see him as a likely Scout 300 guy."

Elmer

March 17th, 2012 at 11:35 PM ^

Talk about a kid who loves contact.  His YAC stats must be scary.

Welcome to Michigan, DeVeon!  Can't wait to see you in a winged helmet!

Leroy Hoard

March 18th, 2012 at 12:02 AM ^

16th commit

Presumably, there will be

2 more WR (as per Z. Bradshaw)

1 DT (Poggi, Vanderdoes, Latham, Adams)

2 LB (Gedeon, Levenberry)

1 SDE (lacoture, Mathis, etc)

That would put us at 22...not counting the fact that I think the coaches want to be able to take someone like Su'a Cravens and there has been talk of a 3rd TE. I think the Isaac ship has sailed based on the numbers...I actually feel bad for the kid if he wanted to go to Michigan...recruiting is getting more front loaded and these are HS kids being forced into quick decisions and/or losing the ability to go where they want...

BigOzzy86

March 18th, 2012 at 12:44 AM ^

5'11 / 210, still has a year left of H.S. Ball and is known for not letting the rock hit the turf.....

Ladies and Gentlemen..... prepare for sustained, clock eating, drives that leaves the other teams defense saying WTF......

Ron Utah

March 18th, 2012 at 12:45 AM ^

I'm pretty sure Hoke told Shallman there would only be 2 RBs in this class...this will clear up in the next few days no doubt.

I don't care about anyone else right now.  DeVeon is an amazing player, loves Blue, and fits our system.  Welcome, Mr. Smith, and GO BLUE!

BrownJuggernaut

March 18th, 2012 at 12:53 AM ^

I'll say this. It's amazing how many of you have come around on Smith. Just a week ago, it was Isaac this, Isaac that. It was unbearable to be honest. As someone who was a hipster Smith fan, I couldn't be happier. He's a great fit for what Brady Hoke wants the offense to be. Seems like a TREMENDOUS kid. I'm really happy he committed and I wish him the best of luck.

AFWolverine

March 18th, 2012 at 2:41 AM ^

as I scrolled through ESPN's Watch List, which is in alphabetical order, we have at least 1 commit on 7 of 10 pages. I know, I know, ESPN football recruiting, blah blah, but this still amazes me. We are getting guys that are recognized across the board by recruiting services. ESPN was, if my memory serves me correctly, the one service with which we always had the fewest highly ranked players. I know this is only their watch list, and not an actual top 150, but maybe just maybe, M recruits/players might get some respect from the "Worldwide Leader in Sports". I love every bit of how this class is coming together so quickly and with recruits that fit the mold perfectly for the future our amazing coach has envisioned. I feel like a schoolgirl giddy with excitement for this team's future!

Maizenblueball

March 18th, 2012 at 3:32 AM ^

Excited to have DeVeon.  He seems like more of a natural fit for what Borges and Hoke are planning to run.  I would still love to have Isaac too, but if not, I'm very happy with Smith and Shallman pounding the ball.  Also, as much as I would love to have Isaac, and as much as people keep saying that Isaac told TomVH or Sam Webb that he's not afraid of some RB competition...well, all the recruits say they are not afraid of competition, but the reality is that many recruits DO look at the roster to see how many players are at their respective positions.  Hopefully Isaac isn't scared of the competition.  Again, excited that DeVeon chose Michigan! 

Brown Bear

March 18th, 2012 at 9:20 AM ^

Your logic is wrong. Top tier 5* players like Isaac don't worry about competition. USC with Pete Carrol and more recently Alabama have always had stacked classes and it didn't stop them. A kid like Isaac thinks he's better and will win the job, he won't worry about competition.