TomVH: Weekly Update: Visit updates, Recruit reactions
The game was obviously a success, and that has resonated through with the recruits in attendance. Here's a look at how this past weekend's visits went, and some reactions to the game from recruits. There's not many quotes from the first three, because I only spoke with them briefly, and Avery Walls is still in Ann Arbor.
Demetrius Hart
5'8, 190 lbs.
Running Back
Orlando, Florida
We'll just start off with the update you've been anticipating. Demetrius Hart decided not to commit this weekend. He came up with his uncle, teammates Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix and Nick Patti, as well as Tom Shaw (his trainer).
I will tell you that I thought this would be the weekend he would end his recruitment. I know this was a very good visit for him, and there's still no reason to believe that anything has changed as far as where he ranks Michigan (which is number one).
I don't have any deep meaningful quotes from him, but I did talk to him briefly. He's graduating early, so he has to make his decision soon. I wouldn't be surprised if he took a few more visits to other schools, and came back up to Ann Arbor for the MSU or Iowa game. Disappointing that nothing happened this weekend, but definitely a positive weekend for Michigan with his recruitment as a whole. Just stay patient.
Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix
6'2, 190 lbs.
Safety
Orlando, Florida
I spoke with Ha'Sean before the visit took place. He told me that he didn't want the visit publicized too much, and if it got out there that he was coming he might not go. As we all know it was reported everywhere that he would be in Ann Arbor, and he still came. Maybe he doesn't browse the interwebs, I'm not sure.
Anyhow, speaking with a few people about him makes me feel like he's pretty solid with Alabama. That's not to say that it would be impossible to sway him, it would just take quite a bit to do that. If Demetrius makes another trip up to Michigan and Ha'Sean were to come with him, there would be reason for excitement. I've been told that there may be some teammates (possibly former as well) trying to persuade him to go north. We'll just have to wait to see how it plays out.
Avery Walls
5'11, 185 lbs.
Safety
McDonough, Georgia
Avery's visit will last until today (Monday), so we'll have to wait a little bit for an update on the visit. I wouldn't expect a commitment from him, but if the visit blows him away it's not out of the question. I have a feeling that Michigan is in the driver's seat. This is his third trip to Ann Arbor.
This time he brought his brother with him to have him see what he's been talking about. He will continue to take his planned official visits to Oregon on October 2nd, and Cal on October 9th. He wants to make sure he's found the right fit and I think taking those official visits is important to him. Again, be patient. Michigan is a good spot.
Extra:
- AJ Jordan - 2011 wide receiver from Trotwood, Ohio was in attendance. He thought very highly of the game and atmosphere, and will eventually take an official visit in Ann Arbor. Wisconsin is barely in the lead right now, and this visit has helped to close that gap.
- Danny O'Brien & Matt Godin - 2012 defensive tackles and best friends! They both had an amazing time at the game. Danny said, "(Mike) Martin is a beast. The defense looked good. Me and Matt both had a great time, it was an awesome game." They both REALLY like Michigan, but it's still early. O'Brien already has offers from Tennessee and Michigan.
- Nick Patti - 2012 quarterback from Dr. Phillips in Orlando, Florida. This was Patti's second time up to AA, and it was a good one. "It was great for me, I loved it. It's hard not to like it there," he said. Tom Shaw (who trains Nick, Demetrius, Ha'Sean, Karlos Williams, etc.) accompanied Nick on the visit, and also had a favorable view. "Tom (Shaw) said he thinks it's a fantastic opportunity if it's presented to me."
- Anthony Zettel - Anthony always enjoys himself at Michigan, and this game was much of the same. I've said this before, but Anthony is now waiting until the end of the season to make his decision. He's waiting to see how Michigan's season turns out, and if there ends up being a coaching controversy. This win is one step closer to landing him.
- The general feeling among the recruits was that this was a great win, and it was an exciting game. The crowd played a big factor too as some recruits said it was so loud they couldn't hear the person next to them at some points. Denard is not only a fan favorite, but a recruit favorite as well. His performance stood out to everybody, and had all the recruits talking about how exciting he is to watch.
September 6th, 2010 at 4:14 AM ^
Yes thank you Tom!!!!!!!!!
September 6th, 2010 at 5:07 AM ^
Dee, I'm not sure if you noticed, but "our helmets got wings."
Thanks, Tom. Great update as always.
September 6th, 2010 at 5:08 AM ^
Great work as always Tom. Do you know if the 2012 Cass Tech kids made it up for the game?
September 6th, 2010 at 7:27 AM ^
Royce Jenkins made it. Laron Taylor and Terry Richardson were supposed to be coming with him, but I haven't heard anything suggesting they did. James Ross (obviously not Cass Tech/Orchard Lake St. Mary's) did make it, which is pretty big news.
September 6th, 2010 at 9:31 AM ^
was there. Dennis Norfleet (RB/SR) who had a huge opening HS game this year and is a 12 guy was there as was Thomas Rawls.
September 6th, 2010 at 5:03 PM ^
2012 QB Chaminade Julienne HS Trotwood, OH was at the Victor's Walk.
Seems he's a dual threat that ND is recruiting.
September 6th, 2010 at 6:49 AM ^
is zettel listening to what other school have to say about michigan and rich rod and that is the reason why he has put off making his decision???
September 6th, 2010 at 8:03 AM ^
Perhaps Zettel is a sharp young man and can see the possibility of RR getting the boot is all too real. As much as I hate to admit it, it doesn't take an outside perspective to understand the implications of this season's results.
Just win baby.
September 6th, 2010 at 7:39 AM ^
Thanks for the 3AM update!
September 6th, 2010 at 7:56 AM ^
This is a great bit of anecdotal evidence that the Bigger House is indeed also a Louder House.
September 6th, 2010 at 7:58 AM ^
Get some sleep man!
Seriously though, thanks for the update. Perhaps Dee Hart will want to be a part of a Denard Robinson led Wolverine offense after that show. I am actually impressed that he wants to explore his options completely. It shows that he is taking the decision seriously. Plus he probably wants to talk things over with Mom in person considering how active she has been in his recruitment.
September 6th, 2010 at 8:07 AM ^
Thanks! Now I can stop checking the site every 10 minutes!! Please pass the BBQ chicken...
September 6th, 2010 at 8:28 AM ^
Great update as always and I think getting HaSean Clinton-Dix on a official was a big step in the right direction and would love to get him back for a game with Dee.
September 6th, 2010 at 8:47 AM ^
What are you doing up at 3 a.m.? Isn't it past your bed time or something?
It's great to hear that the recruits were blown away by the bigger (louder) house. Hopefully most of the 'just win' recruits will be there for the MSU game to see us start 6-0 and see the big house really get loud.
September 6th, 2010 at 9:07 AM ^
Tom lives in Arizona so this was posted at 12:58AM PDT. Still, that's workin' the late nite oil. Really appreciate the great work, Mr. VanHaaren. Sleep in today!
September 6th, 2010 at 9:13 AM ^
Was that just for this weekend or in general on Demetrius? Should we still give that weight? It's great to hear that everyone enjoyed themselves.
September 6th, 2010 at 9:20 AM ^
Thanks Tom! Great stuff as always!
September 6th, 2010 at 9:23 AM ^
...of an avalanche of interest in Michigan from recruits. 2012 could be an epic recruiting class. In the meantime, 2011 is shaping up quite nicely. Need another big win in South Bend on Saturday.
September 6th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^
You didn't give anybody time to put up their "Any recruiting updates? TomVH???" posts!
September 6th, 2010 at 9:57 AM ^
Great info as always!
September 6th, 2010 at 10:11 AM ^
Thanks Tom. Too bad Dee didn't make the jump, but it sounds like we're in a pretty commanding position right now. Gotta keep winning.
Not too surprised on the HCD side of things. Alabama is an incredible program... I'd be pretty shocked if we could pull him away from them.
September 6th, 2010 at 12:06 PM ^
I wouldnt be shocked if HCD took a serious look, he has to be worried about Alabama's oversigning practices and being let go for some good looking recruit in 2012. Join your boy Dee in Ann Arbor
September 6th, 2010 at 12:09 PM ^
Oversigning would more likely affect 3-star recruits, not 5-stars like HaHa.
September 6th, 2010 at 12:12 PM ^
But such practices show that the student/athlete is not the top priority at that program.
September 6th, 2010 at 1:46 PM ^
5 stars or high 4 stars dont always pan out......uhhhmmn(Justin Turner)uhhhmm
Idk but Saban probably wouldnt discriminate peacing someone out based on stars
September 6th, 2010 at 10:19 AM ^
Did Maty Mauk end up coming to the game?
September 6th, 2010 at 10:49 AM ^
cant wait to start seeing the hello for the new recruits
September 6th, 2010 at 11:44 AM ^
I was looking for any updates on Dee and HaHa, im glad they were blown away like everyone else in america by D Rob
September 6th, 2010 at 12:31 PM ^
Great work Tom. Interested to see how the 2012 class pans out if this season puts UM back into the national discussion (not MNC-level, but top-25). Watching this offense hum along, I imagine any big-name skill position recruit would be excited to be part of it.
September 6th, 2010 at 1:10 PM ^
Tom, I see that Cyrus Hobbi has 3 officials scheduled and we're not one of them. I seemed like he wanted to come back. Do you think we'll get one of those last 2 visits or is it time say goodbye?
September 6th, 2010 at 1:38 PM ^
I've been wondering about him too, he's definately one I would like to see us land
September 6th, 2010 at 2:18 PM ^
I have been going to the UM games since High School. There was no doubt that this was the loudest game that I have ever been to. It was louder than OSU in '69 or the Indiana game when Carter broke loose for a last second touchdown or any of the great comebacks. I think the noise got the fans more involved in the game. UM is now an intimidating venue!!
September 6th, 2010 at 5:06 PM ^
vibes!!!!
September 7th, 2010 at 12:02 AM ^
I have been checking everywhere waiting and searching for and update on the recruits visits! Exactly what I was looking for.
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