Tuesday Recruitin' Checks For Falling Sky Comment Count

Ace

Today's recruiting roundup discusses Ty Isaac's commitment to USC, new offers in the 2013 and 2014 classes, and more.

Isaac to USC

Aw, hamburgers:

That news came down this morning, a week after IL RB Ty Isaac visited USC and just a day after he announced he wouldn't take any more visits ($, info in header). This, obviously, is a bummer; losing out on five-star talent is never fun, needs be damned. However, it's worth noting that Michigan already has DeVeon Smith and Wyatt Shallman in the class, and they're still in good position for VA RB Derrick Green—who was profiled this week on ESPN.com—and TN RB Jordan Wilkins. If the Wolverines are still interested in taking a third running back, they have a couple of high-quality options.

One position we know Michigan is still recruiting is wide receiver, and despite recent good news on IL WR Laquon Treadwell the Wolverines haven't stopped pursuing other options. Their most recent offer at the position went out to FL WR Alvin Bailey last Monday($), according to 247's Josh Newberg. Bailey currently favors Florida State and South Florida, but says he'll explore taking a visit to Ann Arbor this summer. Meanwhile, GBW's Kyle Bogenshutz caught up with recently-offered MD WR Paul Harris, who said in part one (freebie) of a two-part feature that his mother "really likes" Michigan. In part two($), Harris mentions that he plans to visit after school gets out. AZ WR Devon Allen also still plans to check out Ann Arbor when he swings through the Midwest this summer ($).

Bailey wasn't the only new 2013 offer, as Michigan also sent one out to NJ ATH Nadir Barnwell, a four-star who projects to cornerback at the next level. Barnwell has offers from across the country, including the likes of Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame, and UCLA, but hasn't begun to narrow down his list.

Quickly: MD CB Kendall Fuller tells Rivals's Mike Farrell that Michigan is in his top four($) with Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Tennessee. Fuller's Good Counsel teammate, MD DB Kirk Garner, has Michigan in his top six($); the Wolverines are the only school on his short list that has yet to offer. AZ CB Cole Luke says Michigan is one of seven schools currently standing out ($). CA DE Joe Mathis recently visited Washington, and—shock!—the Huskies are now in his top three($) with Michigan and Nebraska. Free Shane Morris film breakdown by 247's Barton Simmons and J.C. Shurburtt.

New 2014 Offers

Michigan continues to offer the cream of the crop in the rising junior class, extending offers to two players on 247's early top 25 this week. The Wolverines joined the fray for OH LB Dante Booker, who already has offers from Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, and Indiana. 247's #19 overall prospect and top outside linebacker tells Tremendous that he currently has no favorites, despite rumors that the Akron product likes the Buckeyes early. Booker will visit Ann Arbor this weekend.

247's #10 overall prospect, TX CB Edward Paris, also pulled in recent offers from both the Wolverines and Buckeyes ($, info in header). The 6'1", 190-pound corner also holds early offers from the likes of Clemson, LSU, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and UCLA.

The Wolverines also offered AZ WR Mark Andrews, according to Scout's Jason Jewell ($). The big—6'5", 210—target also has offers from Arizona, ASU, and Oregon State. Sam Webb also reported a Wolverine offer to NY OT Jay Hayes.

IN QB Brent Lyles, who has interest from several Big Ten schools but no offers yet, plans to camp at Michigan on June 20th ($).

Finally, the sky remains intact, and Michigan still has the top 2013 class in the country.

Comments

profitgoblue

May 15th, 2012 at 12:18 PM ^

That's an interesting question.  Its kind of like asking someone if they are proactive or a procrastinator.  Personally, I'm a procrastinator and, for some reason, get a thrill out of last-minute preparation.  However, in the recruiting world, I think I'd much rather have a staff that gets everything hammered down months in advance.  (Assuming that the class ends up strong, of course, which appears to be the case.)

 

bluenyc

May 15th, 2012 at 12:29 PM ^

Thanks, I missed that.  I am getting more than a little annoyed with the negativity.  Smith is a good back, and I actually think we may have too many.  Losing Ty sucks, first thing I said was F@#$ when I saw the news, but then I remembered the other guys we have.

MosherJordan

May 15th, 2012 at 1:14 PM ^

I think people misunderstand what Hoke's recruiting success is all about. The day of 8 recruits was the result of Hoke spending time on 2013 recruits in the summer/fall of 2012. This summer/fall, Hoke will start building the early relationships with 2014 recruits which could lead to another spring of early recruiting success. Not every five star is a Michigan man, no matter how talented. Hoke oozes the Michigan brand. This resonates with some guys, and Hoke seems good at amplyfying that, but if the Michigan brand doesn't resonate with a guy, Hoke's not going to be any more likely to land him than anyone else. 

People should get used to this. Early committs that fill areas of need in the first half of a year, pursuit of a few elite guys in the second half on which we get only a few and work setting up the next early class in the second half of the year, with classes wrapping up with a few last minute Northfleet/Henry type guys. 

 

 

StephenRKass

May 15th, 2012 at 2:15 PM ^

What Hoke is doing will pay dividends for many years. He isn't losing sleep over losing Ty. No, Brady is working hard on 2014. And now is the time to do it. I think this is a great recruiting plan in today's environment.

As an aside, read the article on RB Green from Va. After reading the ESPN profile, I'd rather have Green than Ty. This story is inspiring and convicting to me. Short version:  he lost more than 50 pounds in 3 months, and is extremely rigorous and disciplined in maintaining his diet and exercise regimen, in order to stay at the right weight. He has incredible strength, and a 4.3 40. His weight loss gives me hope, and is something I need to do myself. If I could lose 50 pounds over the next six months, I'd be ecstatic (as would my father, wife, and kids, who are all on my case, all the time.)

HopeInHoke

May 15th, 2012 at 12:18 PM ^

Anyone know anything about Devon Allen?  If we can't get Treadwell he'd be my next favorite WR.

The Ty Isaac USC MGoBoard post was one of the fastest 100 comment reachers I have seen- I understand the frustration but with our OL and solid RB already in the fold- I am not worried one bit about our running game moving forward- would have been nice to get Ty- but we are still in a great place!

Ace

May 15th, 2012 at 12:33 PM ^

Allen is taking things slow because of track season, which is taking up most of his time and focus right now—he's one of the fastest guys in the country and wants to run track in college as well, though football is his first priority. He hadn't begun to narrow down his list before track, and I don't expect he'll do so until he starts taking visits this summer; so far, he's only been able to see schools on the West Coast.

Ace

May 15th, 2012 at 1:34 PM ^

We'll see—I don't think Allen has said anything about what type of track program he's looking for, just that he wants to at least try playing both sports in his first year and go from there. If he does want to go to a big-time track program, that unfortunately gives a bigger advantage to the Pac-12 schools (better track conference, and they already have home-region advantage).

I don't see any reason why he couldn't run track here if he wanted to. I'm sure that's something he'd work out with the coaches before he accepted an offer.

RakeFight

May 15th, 2012 at 1:29 PM ^

247 recently had a header that implied that Allen had named a top four, but it was deceptive (shocking!).  In the actual article, Allen stated that 4 particular Pac-12 teams "stood out" to him simply because those were the 4 schools he had visited so far.  He went on to say that he expected his planned summer tour of midwestern football powers (including Michigan) to "shake things up."  Conclusion... taking his time with no definite leaders as of yet.

MN Go Blue

May 15th, 2012 at 12:24 PM ^

I am a bit tired of hearing that good rbs can be great behind a great O-Line.  I know that this is the case, but does not ease the pain of missing out on Isaac.  A great rb behind a great line can bring your teams offense to another level.

Blue in Yarmouth

May 15th, 2012 at 12:28 PM ^

and agree with your point. However, I am not sure that Smith isn't every bit as good a back as Isaac is. In fact, since he committed and I started looking at their highlight reels, I have been of the opinion that Smith looks better to me.

Full disclosure: I am not a football scout nor do I have the evaluative powers of the like of Magnus and others on this board. That was just a novices take on what he saw.

raleighwood

May 15th, 2012 at 12:40 PM ^

What's the definition of "a great rb"?  That's a serious question.  For instance, when is the last time that Michigan landed a great RB recruit?  Minor, Brown and Perry were all "pretty good" coming out of high school.  Were any of them "great"?  How about Anthony Thomas?  Kelly Baraka was supposed to be great but never played a down.  We may have to go all of the way back to Tryone Wheatley to have a "great" RB recruit.

All of that being said, I'm very happy with the RB's in this class.  In fact, I think that I'd rather have Treadwell than Isaac because WR is a bigger position of need.  The freshman class of Team 134 is in good hands.

 

raleighwood

May 15th, 2012 at 4:03 PM ^

Those are all good examples.  So it looks like outside of Kevin Grady (2004), most of Michigan's highest ranked RB's (Powers, Wheatley, Fargas....) were back in the 90's. 

That just seems a little unusual.  You'd think that Michigan could get a Top 5 RB every 3-4 years.  They don't have the same issues attracting elite QB's (and WR's to a lesser extent).

 

 

Ace

May 15th, 2012 at 2:13 PM ^

Michigan is in the top four for Wilkins and in Green's top group as well, though he's favoring Clemson. Given that much of Michigan's attention has been on Isaac recently, I think they have a decent shot at landing one of those two if the coaches make a strong push.

EnoughAlready

May 15th, 2012 at 12:41 PM ^

is a great back, period.  And Michigan is recruiting two other great RBs.  Moving on...the more important needs are at DT, and one more WR.  My god a tendency on this site is toward hero worship.  Isaac was never make it-or-break it for this class.

Asgardian

May 15th, 2012 at 12:43 PM ^

What are the odds the coaches are now "done" at RB (Levenberrry/LB style)?

Odds this means we have room for taking 2 more WRs?

Treadwell, Stringfellow, Allen on the board with interest and more offers still going out now.  Thoughts?

BILG

May 15th, 2012 at 1:12 PM ^

His film wasn't that impressive.  Kid has jets but runs really straight up through the hole and played against questionable competition.  He's not a can't miss 5 star IMO.  Sucks to lose a midwest recruit to USC but he's no Adrian Peterson or Reggie Bush.

UMaD

May 15th, 2012 at 1:34 PM ^

This may be sacreligious around here, but what we should do at RB is target anyone who MSU is going after.  Those guys have been absolutely awesome at finding RB talent lately.

Most of their oferees are already committed (at least according to ESPN), but David Williams isn't...and we can always try to poach one of their recruits too.

Personally though, I'd rather forget about other RBs, stick with the guys we have, and focus on DL and maybe find an ATH type or two who could fit somewhere between QB/RB/WR/DB.

StephenRKass

May 15th, 2012 at 2:21 PM ^

It has virtually become a meme around these parts that a good running back has it made with our incoming offensive line.

What I haven't heard as much is any comments on the pass protection for our quarterbacks. With the protection given to Gardner and eventually Morris, they should have all day to find open receivers. As much as it is crummy to miss on Ty, there are other prospects this year, and there will be others in 2014. I am confident that between this year and next, Hoke & Borges will bring in both solid running backs and solid receivers.

HopeInHoke

May 15th, 2012 at 3:02 PM ^

QB's should certainly have more time in the pocket to wait for the defense to break down or find the right target.  That depends also on accuracy of QB and route-running of WR.  So the deep OL should really help with that but I feel like that is less guaranteed (because it relies on QB and WR components heavily as well) than is solid running- which is more assured with a top OL.

If the OL holds strong there should be very few negative runs (and less sacks) and it could almost be like every rush is at least guaranteed 2 or 3 yards making even semi-decent RB very effective.