TomVH: Weekly Update: Visit updates, Recruit reactions

Submitted by TomVH on

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. 

Comments

Lordfoul

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.

Lordfoul

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.

brice5

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.

BlueRaines

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.

MH20

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!

MGoShoe

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.

BlockM

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.

bronxblue

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.

jerseyblue

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?

maddogterry

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!!