TomVH: Demetrius Hart Update

Submitted by TomVH on

I just spoke to Demetrius Hart's mom, and Demetrius is definitely not coming this weekend for the BBQ. Instead, he's on his way to a 7 on 7 tournament with his teammates......in Alabama. She didn't know if the 7 on 7 was at the University, or just in Alabama, and I haven't found it yet, either. It sounds like it is at the university.

His mother told me that he's very stressed out by the whole process right now, and they couldn't make it up to Michigan for financial reasons. They will try to reschedule it in the summer, or possibly for his official visit. They couldn't make this trip due to financial reasons, which is completely understandable. 

She also said that nothing has changed with their opinion on Michigan, but they would like Demetrius to visit Auburn and Alabama. They want him to take his time, and make sure that everything is right. She reiterated that nothing has changed with their opinion on Michigan, but they wouldn't like to see him in a "woulda, shoulda, coulda" situation. 

They're not sure when he'll make his decision anymore, so we'll have to wait and see. I'm not really sure either way if it's a good or bad thing for Michigan the longer it takes.

Comments

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:00 AM ^

Capt. obvious, are lacking.  In my first response, I adjusted your simplistic characterization of the recruiting sales-pitch which follows here:

RR:  I'll treat you like a person; Saban: I'll make you a NC and heisman winner.

I added the realistic things that are likely said or should be said.  Then I made a choice in the shoes of a recruit based on the presumption that those realistic sales-pitches (not your bias version of what each program offers) were delivered.  You?  You simplify the obvious facts to make the obvious point that what? that Saban has a better resume! 

When I (or presumably anyone) disagree(s) with your obviously simplistic approach and call you out on what you omit with bias, you send us all Saban's resume.  It's obvious you're a stubborn Michigan fan who dislikes RR. 

Yeah, thanks again Magnus Obvious.

  All your writings that follow branch off your original post that carries obvioius bias. 

chitownblue2

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:08 AM ^

First, why don't you tone down the ad hominem?

Second, Magnus has posted on this board for over four years and has proven himself, over that time, to not "dislike" Rich Rodriguez in the least. He is, however, realistic, and less colored by Maize & Blue glasses than others.

To remove "opinion" - Saban has a 68% career winning percentage to Rodriguez's 58%. He has 2 national titles to Rodriguez's none. It doesn't take bias to claim that Saban is a better coach, and trying to claim that someone with that resume (2 national titles) is better is hardly a slight againt Rodriguez. There are 3 active coaches with 2 national titles. Saban is in somewhat rarified air.

In reply to by michfan4borw

chitownblue2

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:40 AM ^

The point is that everything else comes down to personal opinion. You state yours like it's incontravertible fact, and if someone disagrees with you, they must be biased. That's silly.

Is there a reason why you insult everyone you respond to?

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 12:00 PM ^

What insult have I used other than "captain obvious" to Magnus?  Is that really an insult?  I believe you described my posts as "assholeness." 

I started this response merely pointing out that Magnus's characterization of sales-pitches was clearly biased.  How can you argue it wasn't when it paints what RR has to offer as "I'll treat you like a person."  From there, I've merely pointed out that a resume doesn't on its own show who the best actually are.  If Magnus said in 1994 that Steve Fisher was the best coach based on his resume, would you believe him and defend him the same?  Fisher is not IN FACT considered the best coach as we all know. 

So what's my opinion stated as fact?  That a resume doesn't necessarily show who has better skills and talent and work ethic and ethics?  That's my opinion and I'd argue pretty well that it's also a fact.  What's Magnus's opinion stated as fact?  That Saban is IN FACT a better coach b/c of his resume.  That seems like an opinion to me. 

Fact:  Saban has a better resume.  Fact:  Saban likely has the advantage in recruiting b/c of his resume.  Fact:  Saban can state he's a better coach as opinion backed up by his resume.  Yet-to-be-determined fact:  Saban is in fact a better coach than RR. 

Somehow, even though recruits are kids, I have to believe that they know more about football and its business than Magnus.  If they don't, then God help Michigan. 

chitownblue2

May 23rd, 2010 at 12:02 PM ^

Come on. Re-read your posts, including this one. Note the tone. You're condescending as hell, and it's obnoxious. And yes, falling back on the tired "Captain Obvious" line is an insult. You're barely being civil. I just wish you would be. I know you're going to reply to this with a counter-point, but save your time, I'm not arguing with you about how I (and apparently MGoShoe) read your posts. It's how you're coming off.

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 1:06 PM ^

I am condescending from the start, but it's directed to Magnus only.  Why?  Because he set up a question that in his mind has a wrong answer.  I gave the "wrong answer" of saying I'd choose Michigan.  From there, he sends us Saban's resume as proof that I answered wrong.  The obvious part is that in posing his question, he had to expect people on this blog to choose Michigan.  That's a reasonable assumption on my part.  So was Magnus looking to tout how much better Saban and Alabama are?

Here's the other thing:  His "question" asks for an opinion.  "Who would you choose?"  There is no wrong answer, except in the mind of Magnus.  Why is there a wrong answer in Mangus's mind?  B/c saban supposedly is a better coach b/c he has a better resume. 

Prior to this sequence of posts, I've not been condescending whatsoever.  My initial response to Magnus only showed how flawed his "set-up" was when comparing "sales-pitches" of Saban and RR.

As for my tone with you, I don't think I've insulted you at all.  I called you defender of Magnus b/c you came to his defense by stating his reputation on this board -- which is a pretty weak argument when his posts stating Saban is IN FACT a better coach speak for themselves. 

Trepps

May 22nd, 2010 at 5:28 PM ^

reason any recruit would possibly want to play for him over Saban, unless of course some recruits actually care about things other than just the coach's winning percentage, like I don't know...academics, tradition, facilities, teammates, assistant coaches, system, campus life, playing time, etc., etc. 

And no I am not saying that UM is clearly better than Alabama in any of these catagories, but I bet there are some recruits who will think it is.

Seriously man, I get that some on this board are a little blinded by their Michigan love, but the same can be said about you and your RR hatred, 

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:11 AM ^

OBVIOUSLY knows the ins-outs of the day-to-day coaching  performed by Saban, RR and all the rest of the NCAA coaches.  Since you know with knowledge and certainty which coaches are best, please enlighten us all with other nuggets of knowledge.  If the NCAA investigates Saban next year, for example, for improper recruiting which leads to the removal of his NCs, will Magnus stand by his intricate and complicated analysis that determines that Saban is in fact the better coach? 

Magnus, who's better?  Brian Kelly or Les Miles? (Magnus: Les Miles b/c he has a NC)

Lane Kiffin or Phil Fulmer?  (Magnus: Fulmer b/c he won a NC; USC hired Kiffin b/c it also doesn't know who the better coach is.  I should be the AD of a D1 program b/c I know all)

Magnus attempts to show Saban's superiority over RR with his obviously superior resume to date.  This is what Magnus considers new knowledge?  that Saban has a better resume!  Well when their careers are over, we'll have to wait to see who was truly better b/c RR is younger than Saban and has more years left to his career. 

 

So, no, Magnus, Saban merely looks like the better coach.  He may in fact be the better coach, but let us figure out if its fact ourselves, oh wise obvious one. 

Magnus

May 22nd, 2010 at 10:08 PM ^

Yep, I hate Rodriguez.  That's the only logical conclusion from my "Saban is a better coach than Rodriguez" argument.

Pete Carroll and Urban Meyer are better coaches than Lloyd Carr.  I guess I hate Lloyd Carr, too.

"And no I am not saying that UM is clearly better than Alabama in any of these catagories, but I bet there are some recruits who will think it is."

You're right.  I'm sure there are some.  I provided a list of probably about 8-10 players who have chosen Alabama over Michigan in the last two or three years.  If you want to prove your point, please feel free to list some players who have chosen Michigan over Alabama in the last three years.  (I'm guessing that if you come up with any, the number will be significantly lower.)

Trepps

May 22nd, 2010 at 11:31 PM ^

are from the Midwest?  Of course southern players are going to skew towards Bama.  What players has bama gotten from the Midwest that UM was also in on?  And don't say Ingram because he was never going to go to UM with his sparty roots. 

Oh and I will be sure to tell richrod and his staff to give up recruiting Hart and any other player that Saban offers because according to you those players will never choose Michigan.  Magnus for recruiting coordinator!

Trepps

May 22nd, 2010 at 11:35 PM ^

argument that I am saying you hate RR because you think Saban is a better coach.  No my comment was based more on the 5000 other anti-RR comments you've made that have nothing to do with Saban. 

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 12:48 AM ^

Saban has been a head coach since 1995 (major programs only).  That's 8 first round draft picks in 15 years.  RR has been a head coach since 2001.  Your comparison of overall records doesn't factor this discrepancy in career years in.  Nor does it factor in RR's first season at WVU (3-8) and first two seasons at Michigan (3-9, 5-7).  My point?  Saban only seems like the better coach b/c of his recent success juxtaposed to RR's recent struggles.  I don't claim to know who is the better coach, but I do claim to know that you don't know either.  I'm certain many would agree that a team's success isn't determined solely by the coach's abilities; the circumstances of his environment play a part.

Continuing on with the "proof" Magnus provided us all:

Saban has 2 years of NFL coaching experience, however he has 15-17 record at that level (you know this, Magnus, but you chose to omit this).

Magnus mentions Saban's stellar year this past year as proof of what a great coach Saban is.  Following this so-called yes-man, bandwagon logic, Magnus likely believes that Saban>Urban2.0>Miles2.0>Urban1.0>Mack Brown>Carroll>Miles1.0>Tressel>Coker>Stoops>>>Carr; just follow the national championships and you know who the best coaches are according to Magnus.  Tressel didn't know anything apparently at Youngstown; that or Magnus knew of Tressel's greatness but waited until after NC of 2003 to let us all know what a better coach Tressel was than Carr. 

Yes, yes, Magnus, please continue to enlighten us all with your bandwagon knowledge of who the great coaches are in the NCAA.  I'm sure you believed in the greatness of Saban all the way back when he was coaching at MSU in 1995, BEFORE he won his national title this year.  You just forgot to tell us all about your wisdom concerning Saban until after the 2010 NC, right? NOT.

Do I have blinders on by believing that RR is the best coach today?  Nope, b/c I don't believe RR is the best and even if I did, I wouldn't state it as though it were fact. 

It's pretty easy to label the 2010 NC coach as the best coach, but such a statement by Magnus also ignores that alot more than just the coach goes into winning a title.  Maybe Saban's just the most effective recruiter b/c he flushes away the recruits who don't help Saban's individual goals before they graduate.  This wouldn't make him the best recruiter b/c hopefully a recruiter's success is also judged by the number of the recruits he retains to graduation.  So many possibilities, yet Magnus enlightens us with the obvious.  Thanks again, Captain. 

Bosch

May 23rd, 2010 at 10:13 AM ^

I think Saban can claim more than just "recent success."

He guided MSU to their best season in over 50 years in '99 (his 4th at MSU).  He has an NC in 5 years at LSU and an NC in 3 years at Alabama. 

For the record, I am an RR supporter and, as a rationale adult, I understand that a coaching comparison goes beyond wins and losses.  However, there is absoluely no argument against Saban having a stronger resume and if I am putting myself in the shoes of a top rated recruit, Saban has more to offer.  Why is this so hard of a concept for you to grasp?

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:18 AM ^

was Saban's success before his NC (yes I forgot he won with LSU) enough for Magnus to determine back then that Saban was better than RR?  nope.  Saban had success at MSU by MSU standards.  He was NOT a winner back then even though he was the same coach.  This is more evidence that Magnus merely states the obvious (better resume argument) and tries to pass it off as some sort of new knowledge. 

 

Magnus would have done all of us a better service by initially posting this:

Saban has the advantage recruiting b/c he has won more recently. 

 

 

It seems Magnus is bitter b/c RR hasn't yet delivered a NC to Michigan.  He should save his tears for those who actually care that he's bitter. 

chitownblue2

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:21 AM ^

You need to cool it on the extreme assholeness.

I understand that you are new here. Magnus is not, at all. If your premise is that he "hates RR", that's something he has proven demonstrably false over posting ad nauseum on this site for years. He disagrees with you, that doesn't mean he's biased.

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:43 AM ^

did I state that he "hates RR"?  I merely inferred that he dislikes RR or RR's presence at Michigan by the fact that Magnus over-simplified RR's sales-pitch in comparison to Saban (all to RR's and Michigan's detriment).  Why?  so he could prove to us that Saban has a better resume?  Genius. 

Why are you defender of Magnus?  Even if you don't respond to that question, why does my criticism of Magnus's obvious ommissions/bias merit the title of "assholeness"?  

I'm newly registered, but that doesn't mean I'm new to reading this blog.  And notwithstanding that discrepancy in status on this blog, excuse me if I don't take your assessment of Magnus as realistic or accurate.   

chitownblue2

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:49 AM ^

You disagreeing with Magnus doens't make you an asshole. You insulting someone in virtually every response you make, your posts dripping with condescension make you an asshole, at least in the responses you have posted thus far.

I've disagreed with, and fought with, Magnus on many occassions, but you're not making arguments - you're building a strawman that Magnus dislikes RR, and using it to dismiss everything he says.

Since you dislike RR so very much

It's obvious you're a stubborn Michigan fan who dislikes RR. 

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 12:12 PM ^

excuse me for not being around to see Magnus defend RR for all these years.  I guess criticizing Magnus's post isn't allowed then unless the critiquer ALSO KNOWS all that Magnus has done on and for this board.  Come on.  You tell me to make an argument on more than straws and then you respond with Magnus's "reputation on this board." 

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 12:09 PM ^

Magnus writes:

"Hi, I'm Rich Rodriguez.  I'll treat you like a person."

OR

"Hi, I'm Nick Saban.  I'll turn you into a Heisman winner and you'll win a national championship."

Which would you choose?

 

I answered the question.  I did NOT choose Saban.  This was NOT the response that Magnus wanted to see.  Hence he gives us all Saban's resume. 

 

chitownblue2

May 23rd, 2010 at 12:13 PM ^

Did you read the post Magnus responded to? The last sentence reads

Plus I just can't see how a player would want to play for Nick Saban, recruits aren't people to him their just a scholarship number.

So Magnus did not characterize the reason to play for RR as "He'll treat you like a person". He summarized the comment of the person he responded to. Do you get that?

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 12:48 PM ^

that Magnus uses the opinion of another (the original post stating that Saban treats recruits like scholarships and not like people) to characterize RR's sales-pitch?  How is characterizing a poster's opinion as RR's sales-pitch and then juxtaposing that characterization to one that shows Saban's resume (NC and Heisman) not biased?  He also states Saban is in FACT the better coach in a later post?  I disagreed with that position and his blatant mischaracterization of RR's recruiting pitch.  Hence his very long post (to which I have lengthy posts also) showing us Saban's resume.  So who can't be wrong again? 

Tim

May 24th, 2010 at 9:41 AM ^

He's not criticizing RR's sales pitch, he's saying that you're wrong (which you are). Going to Michigan doesn't mean you know, as an incontrovertible fact, that it's a better place than Alabama. In fact, somebody who went to Alabama would probably say the EXACT OPPOSITE is true.

Without experiencing both, and from an unbiased perspective, you can't say one is better than the other. So fucking stop it.

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:20 AM ^

If my posts haven't made it OBVIOUS, know that I fully accept Saban has a better resume to date.  That's NOT something worth debating b/c it's a fact.  My resume may be better than yours, but that doesn't mean I'm a better employee or worker than you. 

In reply to by michfan4borw

Bosch

May 24th, 2010 at 9:19 AM ^

Magnus simply replied to a poster who questioned why a recruit might want to choose Alabama over Michigan. 

As far as whether or not Saban is a better coach than Rodriguez, how can we say for sure?  Circumstances certainly play a part in determining success.  However, results are ultimately the main measure of competence, regardless of whether or not you feel the results are circumstantial. 

You are either dragging out this argument just for the sake of arguing or you are trying to read more into what Magnus is saying than what is in black and white.  Saban is the better coach based on what is measureable, and that is what is most important to MOST top rated recruits.  If you still can't accept this, do yourself a favor and Google "top college football coaches."  I don't think you are going to find a recent poll that has RR over Saban.  In fact, I think you will find that most of these polls came out before the 2009 season and they still have Saban over RR.

For your own sake, let this go.  You are taking this debate to a level that was never intended.  If you still feel the need to get in the last word, be my guest.  I'm done.

PS:  10-2 is a pretty good record and not just by MSU standards.  Since your whole argument is based on circumstance, I find it ironic that you overlook the fact that MSU is not exactly known for football success.  Saban did what no other coach has done since the 60's by bringing double digit wins to MSU.  The LSU administration recognized this so they brought him down south where he won NC in 5 years and turned them into a yearly contender.  He took a chance at the pros and wasn't successful.  However, there are not many coaches who are able to find success at both levels.  He then went back to the college ranks and took Bama to a title in his 3rd year, Bama's first since the 50's.  Based on measureables, I'd say he's a pretty damn good coach, recently and overall.

imafreak1

May 25th, 2010 at 9:03 AM ^

I agree that Saban's resume is better than RichRod's. However, you must mean some other Woodson than Rod because Rod Woodson (the famous corner for the Steelers and Ravens) went to Purdue and Saban was never a coach at Purdue. Is there something I'm missing?

Sorry, if this was already mentioned. It's hard to sort through the crap on this thread.

Lutha

May 22nd, 2010 at 5:41 PM ^

I wouldn't worry too much.  D. Hart and his mom have shown that they are taking a very deliberate and logical approach to his recruitment.  In the end, I'm confident they'll look at everything and decide that Michigan is the best place for him.

MGoShoe

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:46 AM ^

...pissing match was supremely entertaining. A hearty "thank you" to all the participants. [Edit: I thought this flame war was over when I first wrote this. Since michfan4borw won't stop, I withdraw my sarcastic comment and insert this serious one - Dude, give it a rest. You've said your piece forcefully and repeatedly. We know what you think and aren't really interested in reading the fifth or sixth reiteration of the same point. Calm down and rejoin the conversation after you rethink your approach. Drop the ad hominem attacks and immerse yourself into the flow of the give and take that goes on here before reengaging.]

chitownblue2

May 23rd, 2010 at 10:43 AM ^

First, a disclaimer: I think what Saban has done with scholarships is dirty, and wrong.

Now:

I don't think he could be a good football coach (and he is), which, primarily,is about leading 100+ people, without being able to sell those people that he's invested in them and their success.

conordog

May 23rd, 2010 at 11:34 AM ^

the second coolest blog on the internet after mgoblog.com.  

magnus, you should read this site top-to-bottom and then reassess your opinion of saban and all his success.  aligning yourself there is sort of like being a yankees fan and then telling a pittsburgh pirates fan that their team sucks.  

seriously, read it.  if you were anything but a top25 blue chip recruit, i dont think there is a shot in hell you would want to goto alabama.

michfan4borw

May 23rd, 2010 at 1:00 PM ^

for the redundant postings and pissing matches further down this thread.  Had I critiqued Mangus like Conordog did (great link btw), I would have saved much time and energy answering to  chitownblue2 and Magnus. 

blueloosh

May 23rd, 2010 at 1:14 PM ^

The debate that consumed the comments to this post may be the most inane and extraneous on record.  May Brian have mercy on all of your souls.

At some point we need to put a cap on threads so the same commenter is shut-down after 5 or so posts.  It is like taking a drunk friend's car keys.  A small amount of paternalism is necessary in life.

Tom: thanks for the update.

Magnus

May 23rd, 2010 at 1:25 PM ^

My last post on this thread will be this:

Nick Saban is a better coach than Rodriguez.  He has proven it through his win-loss record, his national championships, his recruiting, and his accomplishment of coaching in the NFL (as a defensive backs coach, a defensive coordinator, and a head coach). 

Furthermore, the reason this argument started is because Saban clearly has a lot to offer recruits.  As Michigan fans and alums, we might choose Michigan over Alabama - but we're not average Joe Schmoe recruits.  Rodriguez has had significantly less success in nearly all facets of coaching.

Does this mean that Rodriguez sucks as a coach?  Absolutely not.  Phil Jackson is more successful than Greg Popovich or Larry Brown, but they're both very good coaches.  I also happen to like Popovich and Brown more than Jackson.  I like Rodriguez just fine as a coach, but I am certainly pissed off about the major violations that he has incurred while at Michigan.  I've been pissed at my mom, my dad, my brother, my girlfriend, etc. - that doesn't mean I hate them.

I like to argue with the best of them, but when people start resorting to questioning each other's intelligence, calling names, etc., I guess it's time to move on.

By the way . . . I sure hope Demetrius Hart comes to Michigan.  He could be awesome here.

UMdad

May 24th, 2010 at 12:25 PM ^

First, I am not arguing that RR is better than Saban.  Just playing devil's advocate, though, I would say that there are ways to recruit against Saban.  I would tell a recruit that Saban thinks your his guy...until he finds someone better, and will be your coach...until he decides to leave.  The guy shows no loyalty to player or school.  That said, I am not sure it would be enough to sway a recruit, but it is a legitimate argument.

blueloosh

May 24th, 2010 at 2:09 PM ^

Lost in the "which HC is better" debate is the plain fact that the answer often has no bearing on a recruit's choice.  If Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis have tought us anything, it is that recruits do not always run toward the HC with the best career win %.  Recruits go where they envision personal success.  Hart will (rightly) do the same.

bronxblue

May 23rd, 2010 at 6:10 PM ^

So what did I miss?  Is Hart signing with Michigan tomorrow?  I can only presume that with 4+ pages of comments on this otherwise non-descript update that Hart found a lump of money in an old sock in his backyard, purchased a ticket on the next Delta flight to Detroit, ran down I-94 to the BBQ, and (soacked in sweat) gave RR a massive man-hug and signed his LOI to be a Michigan Wolverine.  Because otherwise, the only other logical explanation for this thread's length is an internet-standard clash of opinions that devolved into name-calling, questioning of each other's intelligence, and at least one reference to the Internet Tough Guy archetype.  And since this is Sunday and there was absolutely no reference to Rich Rodriguez's coaching or recruiting prowess in the OP, I can only conclude that my vision of Demetrius rushing down a major highway is correct. Oh happy day!