MGoStrength

August 20th, 2013 at 9:56 AM ^

Not only is he a really good football player he seems like a standup guy, mature, well spoken, modest.  I really like this kid.  He reminds me a lot of my boy from UMaine Matt King who is also a standup up guy and looks and talks with similar mannerisms. 

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Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

DonAZ

August 20th, 2013 at 10:13 AM ^

My sentiments as well.

I was smiling as I watched that video.  He seems like a great kid ... a good example of how this program influences these players to understand key lessons like hard work, teamwork and learning from mistakes.

I think Doug Karsch is a pretty good interviewer ... he asks natural-sounding questions and he has good timing.

Joined: 12/05/2011

MGoPoints: 16679

M-Dog

August 20th, 2013 at 11:27 AM ^

Hoke and Michigan in general always talk about bringing in kids of character, not just football players.  The cynical side of me wants to say that that is just lip service.  

I watch these videos and I keep looking for dumb self centered immature kids that are just here to play football for a couple of years and move on to the real show.  I ain't found one yet.

These kids really are great kids, in character and athletic ability.  I could see anyone of them being successful in the real working world, not just as football players.  Impressive bunch.

Joined: 07/06/2008

MGoPoints: 256963

bluebrains98

August 20th, 2013 at 11:57 AM ^

Totally agree with you...maybe they are just putting on the guys who paint the program in the light we all want to see, but my blue-colored glasses have me believing that these are just the type of guys this coaching staff is recruiting--smart, humble, talented. I have been nothing but impressed with every player who is featured.

Joined: 01/14/2009

MGoPoints: 7020

Michigan Eaglet

August 20th, 2013 at 8:35 PM ^

been fortunate to have met and had class with several football players the past few years (as well as known Ross for a couple years now) and I can tell you these guys definitely are the real deal when it comes to "The Pattern." Every single one of them I've interacted with or known has been a class act.

Joined: 02/20/2013

MGoPoints: 8685

YoungGeezy

August 20th, 2013 at 10:24 AM ^

I'm starting the James Ross fan Club right now. The kid's got a good head on his shoulders and can hit like a MF. Love to see Hoke's 19-year olds present themselves like men.

Joined: 08/01/2008

MGoPoints: 2085

Boshdelightful

August 20th, 2013 at 10:25 AM ^

I think this is going to be the best defense we have had in a long time. Side note, but does Kartsch referring to the players in third-person bother anybody else? Sparty's gonna spart I suppose.

Joined: 12/14/2008

MGoPoints: 112

DonAZ

August 20th, 2013 at 11:24 AM ^

Side note, but does Kartsch referring to the players in third-person bother anybody else?

I think it's a common interviewer technique.  It's a way to remind the audience the name of the person being interviewed.  I've heard similar things on radio interviews quite a bit ... "John Doe of Company XYZ, what are your thoughts on ..."

Joined: 12/05/2011

MGoPoints: 16679

Boshdelightful

August 20th, 2013 at 2:00 PM ^

I get that, but I think it's more when he asks them a question. It's always something like "what does James Ross have to do to be successful this year?" I don't know, it just always seems a little awkward to me. I definitely appreciate the interviews though.

Joined: 12/14/2008

MGoPoints: 112

LSAClassOf2000

August 20th, 2013 at 10:51 AM ^

The preview of the starter James Ross was an impressive preview in the game against Iowa last year - 12 tackles, 9 of which were solo tackles. Even in the second half of the Northwestern game as a fill-in for Demens, he was able to come in and be a presence right away, and that was impressive. Really looking forward to seeing what he can do in a larger role this year. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130561

El Jeffe

August 20th, 2013 at 10:59 AM ^

All your "the III" are belong to us.

Prediction: until JMFR comes back, JRIII will lead the defense in "Holy Fucking Shit, Did You See That?" plays. Not that they will be spectacular a la the Woodson interception over Sparty, but that it will appear as though there are holes in the line and then JRIII will come shooting in out of nowhere.

Joined: 07/07/2008

MGoPoints: 27314

M-Dog

August 20th, 2013 at 11:34 AM ^

I really like these interviews where you can get to see what the kids look like and act like.  It's an eye-opener.  On the field they are just helmets and numbers.

My "Duh" moment from these videos was when I heard Drew Dileo speaking with a little bit of a southern accent.  It surprised me a little.  For some reason, it never occured to me that he would sound different than a kid from the midwest, even though I knew he was from Louisianna. 

 

 

Joined: 07/06/2008

MGoPoints: 256963

charblue.

August 20th, 2013 at 12:24 PM ^

I think this preseason video series really makes the program more personal to the fans, something that Fort Schembechler never seemed interested in. But the odd thing is, whenever I've met a Michigan athlete, and the sport has never mattered, I've found them to be just as they are presented here. I am certain that we only see the kids they want us to see, but my impression is they always seem to maintain the integrity of being Michigan men, and it's not a goal, it's a mindset. I think character builds character and it starts with expectations and understanding what is required. I mean this is really what sport is actually about --developing relationship skills for now and the future. 

 

Joined: 05/25/2010

MGoPoints: 11365

San Diego Mick

August 20th, 2013 at 12:51 PM ^

Nice to hear Ross interviewed one on one like that. He seemed impressive and well composed indeed, I love the type of young men Hoke and co. are recruiting, bodes very well.

With all the great recruits that are coming in and will be enrolling down the road, I really feel like we shouldn't be red-shirting too many guys anymore (except for OL, QB's when we have sufficient back-ups and some other guys that need to bulk up or something). But it just seems to me that a good 60-70% of incoming freshman should play if they prove themselves so that we'll have open schollies down the road.

If a player is good enough, he's not gonna stay a 5th year most of the time, I know there are the Lewan's of the world, but that's rare, I say let them play so that they get valuable experience and be able to replace the guys that graduated more fluidly.

Joined: 05/11/2011

MGoPoints: 50527

goblue12

August 20th, 2013 at 1:45 PM ^

Seems like a great kid! Any idea why he's hardly gained any weight since he got here? Is it a non issue at his current weight and position? He seems a bit undersized to me.. Maybe the strength staff doesn't want to jeopardize his speed and pursuit ability by adding too much to his frame?

Joined: 08/31/2009

MGoPoints: 452

BayWolves

August 20th, 2013 at 1:53 PM ^

Hoke's Philosophy has been to push the concept of a Michigan Man which means intelligence, integrity, character, as well as someone who plays with smarts and passion.  I love that Hoke believes that not just anyone can be a Michigan Man. You have to have all of the aforementioned assets.  It shows that this is not just lip service - he is really bringing in this kind of young man.

Joined: 06/21/2011

MGoPoints: 11056