Firstbase

December 18th, 2018 at 11:30 AM ^

Eventually, yes. I occasionally wonder how kids these days are making their decisions. If they are "elite," it really won't matter which Power Five program they attend. Put in their shoes, I think I would base my decision on three criteria:  1. Can I get good coaching to enhance my potential, 2. Is there an honest opportunity to play sooner rather than later (and possibly jump start a pro career early), and 3. Can I get a quality education with an ample alumni support system in the event an unfortunate, career-ending injury occurs. 

As such, Michigan should be at or near the top of any kid's list, assuming they can meet the admissions standards. These standards, of course, raise another issue that likely affects the competitive recruiting landscape. As in, "I'm a good player, but my grades don't meet Michigan's standards. However, I can be admitted into any number of other P5 programs..."

 

Pail

December 18th, 2018 at 1:04 PM ^

Are we sure Michigan really holds athletes to a higher initial academic standard for entry than other NCAA schools? The athletics website just mentions the NCAA bare minimum requirements and links out to the sliding scale for GPA and test scores.

Regardless, I think touting certain academics (high USNWR undergrad rankings, tops among public universities, etc.) is a large nothing-burger for athletes. I'd go so far as to say that unless a potential student is really set on one topic it really doesn't make much of a difference (I remember one LB recruit several years back that was into petroleum engineering and as such ended up at, I believe, West Virginia). Other areas where it might make a difference would be going to a competitive ivy to form networks if you are interested in Wall Street or a prestigious graduate degree (law, business, etc.). Even there, the reports show that entry into the graduate degrees are becoming more merit-based, although favoritism will always exist.

The fact of the matter is most students can get comparable educations and networks (the real value of education, imho) from a lot of schools.

I agree with the points of proper coaching and playing opportunity, but I do think you missed on some big ones in these recruits' minds- how successful has the program been recently and does it look to be successful in the near future? Who are the other members of the class? And finally, how well do I see myself fitting in on campus in general? These recruits are people after all, and no doubt many factors play into the decision.

PopeLando

December 18th, 2018 at 9:43 AM ^

Something happened after that OSU game, and I mean something more than "everyone realized they kicked our asses." Maybe it was a bit before that, like the IU or RU games?

We discussed a bit on the Aubrey threads, but the vibe coming off the program has not been good lately. People transferring, flipping their commitments. The offense largely going vanilla despite gaining experience. Team captains and leaders sitting for the bowl game (which I endorse and support, but it makes an impact nonetheless).

There's a bit of WTF surrounding this team right now. 

JohnGalt

December 18th, 2018 at 1:09 PM ^

Aubrey was leaving the day he signed with UM so I don’t think this is Harbaugh working him too hard or whatever we think is going on.  And I’m surprised Harbaugh or anybody thought it was a good idea to sign a kid who tells UM to f#ck off 

Magnus

December 18th, 2018 at 10:02 AM ^

Is that accurate, though?

We lost Daxton Hill, but we gained Trevor Keegan and Anthony Solomon.

Aubrey Solomon is transferring, but so is Justin Fields from a team that a lot of people insist should have been in the CFP.

Rashan Gary is sitting out the bowl game, but so is Will Grier.

There is a natural ebb and flow in college football.

scootertooter2

December 18th, 2018 at 10:22 AM ^

I mean facts-wise:

Michigan picked up two very good recruits, but lost their absolute best recruit, the exact type of player who helps immediately in dealing with Ohio State's WRs.

Aubrey Solomon, if healthy, would likely have been our best DL next year. Fields, while immensely talented, was Georgia's back-up QB. 

Rashan Gary sitting out the bowl game makes sense. As it does for Grier. But Michigan is potentially looking at something like 5-6 guys sitting out. Which of course is a little different. 

Honestly, the "facts" people all seem to be a little off. 

Michigan blew a huge opportunity this year and its probably going to take a monster season next year to correct the course. 

ijohnb

December 18th, 2018 at 10:44 AM ^

Florida is going to be ready to play in that football game.  They are coming off two high profile losses to Michigan, have played (and beaten) good competition in their conference and have a new talented coach trying to establish their culture.  The vibe around here is that the game is "meaningless."  I don't think Florida agrees.  To my knowledge, all of their players are playing including at least one early entry into the NFL draft and a couple of other players with legit NFL draft stock.  I hope we have had a good month of practice since the OSU game because that is going to be a tough go. (And our last two bowl games have not been exactly inspiring).

crg

December 18th, 2018 at 12:56 PM ^

This is why we need the leaders on the team, the captains(!!) and experienced guys to play and help the team.  The program needs a win to recover momentum and change the narrative.  Plus, the guys leaving should want to wash the OSU loss from their mouth - leave on a high note.

lilpenny1316

December 18th, 2018 at 10:27 AM ^

Considering our defections, flips and CB changes are all on the defensive side, I don't think the offense is part of it. 

Not to be cryptic, but we had some transfers on the defensive side of the ball in the early-mid 1990s and Mattison was DL/DC during that period.  Trevor Pryce and David Bowens were two future NFL players that transferred out and those guys were getting playing time before they left.