TVH Weekly: Avery Walls, Wayne Lyons, Kevin McReynolds, and More Defense
This weekly update is for everyone wondering about defensive recruiting after last week's update was all offense. As we get closer to the end of the season we will start to hear more about potential decisions and timeframes for those decisions as well. Right now it's visits and interest for the most part.
Avery Walls
5'11", 185 lbs.
Safety
McDonough, Georgia
Walls' grandma recently fell ill, so he is putting his future visits on hold. He told me earlier that he still plans on visiting MSU, South Carolina, Virginia, and UConn. His decision is a ways off:
I'm not going to make my decision until I've taken all my visits. I don't have a leader yet, I'm not ready to announce that because your mind changes with leaders all the time.
While he has postponed his visits, that didn't mean that Michigan couldn't come out and see him this past weekend.
Michigan sent a coach out to see me on Friday. Greg Robinson, the defensive coordinator, actually spent a good amount of time at my school talking with my coaches.
It was interesting to hear that Greg Robinson was the one that went out to see him since he doesn't make very many trips.
Kevin McReynolds
6'2", 281 lbs.
Defensive Tackle
Washington, DC
Kevin is a four star defensive tackle that has been hearing more from Michigan and a few other schools lately.
It's been on and off with Michigan, but I'm not upset about it or anything. I understand things change with schools, so it's not too late for them. I really like Michigan and Coach Dews, so we'll see. Florida has also been in contact with me lately, and I want to check them out too.
Tony Dews was out to see Kevin this weekend even though Kevin wasn't playing (injury). Dews also got a chance to see 2011 DB Blake Countess and 2012 WR Stefon Diggs since their team was playing Kevin's. Tony is always mentioned highly among recruits and it seems he's made a good impression with Kevin as well.
Coach Dews is supposed to call me this week, so we'll get to talk more. He's from this area so he understands how certain things are here. He's a good coach, and that program has been through a lot lately. He's a real personable guy. Michigan definitely has a shot because of him, and because they have great academics. I'm still trying to work out my schedule for official visits, so I'm not sure if I'll make it up there. My top list right now is probably UCLA, Oregon, Michigan, Arkansas, and Florida.
That list can definitely change, but Michigan is picking up some ground with Kevin. He's a recruit at a position of need, and has a lot of qualities the coaches really like. He would be a great pickup. Getting that visit set is key.
Wayne Lyons
6'0", 190 lbs.
Safety
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
As I said in a recent Weekly Update, Wayne Lyons has Michigan moving up his list. He wasn't sure then if he would make it up to Michigan for a visit, and while he's still not 100%, it's moving in a positive direction for the Wolverines:
I think I will end up taking a visit up there. I'm not sure yet, but I think I am going to visit.
While that's not written in stone, it's a step in the right direction. Without getting him on campus, Michigan probably has little shot to land him. His top school are Stanford, UCLA, Florida, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Michigan. Lyons is another Tony Dews recruit.
Extra:
- OL Chris Bryant has scheduled his official visit to Michigan for the weekend of The Big Chill hockey game (December 11th). "I want to experience being around the players and interacting with them." He's not sure if his decision will come shortly after the visit, but there is a good possibility that it will. Michigan is still in great position.
- LB Antonio Kinard should find out this week if he will be included in the 2011 class. Originally committed to the 2010 class, Kinard ended up at Hargrave Military Academy. He's waiting to find out if his SAT score is high enough, and if it is he will be enrolling in January.
- WR DeAnthony Arnett received a visit this weekend from Fred Jackson. DeAnthony remains that Michigan is out of his top group, but I have a weird feeling that something's going on. I'm not saying to hold your breath, but Michigan is trying to let him know how much he's wanted.
- S Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix still maintains that he will visit Michigan for the Illinois game and that the Wolverines still have a shot at landing him.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:57 AM ^
Thanks as always Tom. Great work.
October 25th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
Lock em up Tony Dews!
October 25th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
...I think par for the course. If we finish the season strong, I bet many of these guys fall to us. If not...
October 25th, 2010 at 12:03 PM ^
Just when I thought I'd get some work done.... content from TomVH...
Thank you sir!
October 25th, 2010 at 12:03 PM ^
I love my weekly updates on what a bunch of 17-18 yr old kids are thinking about M. I wouldnt feel like a true fan without it!
October 25th, 2010 at 12:05 PM ^
Any news is good news. Especially coming off a week of no Michigan Football. Thanks Tom. Your hard work is much appreciated.
October 25th, 2010 at 12:07 PM ^
In terms of McReynolds' recruitment I honestly don't understand why we would be "on and off" with a 4 star DT recruit. What is clear to me is that we need to fortify the trenches seeing as though we haven't landed a true DT in the past two classes. We can dream about Jernigan but we have to have a Plan B as well. To me KM is not a plan B scenario. I would take as many DT's as I could fit in this class.
October 25th, 2010 at 12:45 PM ^
October 25th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^
And you'll probably hear me say it 3 or 4 other times as well. The reports I've read on TT and RA are that both did not have DT weight when they signed. Now granted it's possible they can be turned into DT's after a year or two in the program. Given their incoming weight though they could just as easily end up as DE's. I'll grant you Big Will. I'd forgotten he's actually a 2009 class signee. I guess it's understandable given he's been a colossal bust almost 2 into his Michigan career.
Our D-LIne was pushed around last year and we need to be able to hold our own in the trenches. This year its actually been much better imo but we have to plan for life after Martin. Four star 280 pound DT's don't grow on trees. Thus I'm a little mystified as to why we wouldn't put on a full court press on McReynolds (that's how I interpret his "on and off" comments). This is especially true if you consider we've already missed out on Corey Marshal and Kevin Williams. This is just my opinion but guys like McReynolds, Cooper, and Mickey Johnson (to say nothing of Jernigan) should be high priorities. It all starts up front.
October 25th, 2010 at 2:20 PM ^
Richard Ash was ranked a 4 star by Rivals, and he was around 300 pounds when he got to Ann Arbor. He's listed at 320 on the roster at MGoBlue.com
October 25th, 2010 at 9:11 PM ^
October 25th, 2010 at 4:23 PM ^
Most kids coming out of high school don't have college DT weight. It is pretty common for DT recruits to show up to a campus at 260 or 270 pounds. The biggest thing to look at is their frame and if they can put on the weight to become a solid DT. Talbott and Ash were both projected to tackle because of their frame. We have just been in the unfortunate position to have to play guys early, but rarely do you see a DT that comes in with the right body type to contribute alot early. Even Mike Martin was pretty undersized when he got sparing minutes as a true freshman.
October 25th, 2010 at 12:50 PM ^
Interestingly, I recently found that the coaches don't really care about how many stars Rivals and Scout give these recruits!!! I know, crazy right?!?! Can you believe that they DO THEIR OWN SCOUTING?!?!? I don't know how they do it either... I mean, football coaches evaluating footbally players without the internet's help and opinion?!?!?
October 25th, 2010 at 2:39 PM ^
Who are you mad at?
October 25th, 2010 at 1:47 PM ^
October 25th, 2010 at 1:58 PM ^
Who is this DT Rawls you mention? Do you mean Thomas Rawls, who is a RB. I didn't know that he plays defense.
October 25th, 2010 at 2:40 PM ^
I'll take a RB with DT size. Hell, I'll take seven.
October 25th, 2010 at 12:31 PM ^
The whiteness of the hair is worth a few 4 stars alone.
Though I have less of a feel for GERG than most of the other coaches, this is reassuring. DC lets a kid know it's for real, yo
October 25th, 2010 at 4:52 PM ^
this is a poor outfit selection by GERG. i feel that the head to toe grey sweats totally washes out his best quality - the coife. besides the fact that sweatpants outside the house - tsk tsk, he should stick with something a little more structured like a blazer with a pattern underneath, perhaps a paisley. darker, earthier tones are key for him this season.
October 25th, 2010 at 5:26 PM ^
He should do the Coach Rod look, sleeveless shirt with blazer.
October 25th, 2010 at 12:21 PM ^
DeAnthony Arnett - Could he be Sam's 'mystery visitor' we have all been waiting to be revealed?
October 25th, 2010 at 12:30 PM ^
Is there any new news on Dawson, Frost, or Duggan? Even if Kinard can figure out how to multiply Linebacker is a MAJOR need (evidently apparent everytime another RB cuts back for 40 extra yards) for this class. Kellen Jones is a good start, but without added Star power, preferably of the 4-star variety, we could be looking at another couple of years of blown zone coverages, missed gaps, and Ezeh like pancakes...
October 25th, 2010 at 12:40 PM ^
- Sean Duggan - Update is here.
- Lamar Dawson - Always lists Michigan, but he told me they're not likely to land him.
- Kris Frost - I say this on a weekly basis that I think we're in great shape with Kris. He's enrolling early, so he'll enroll then announce at the Army All American game. We're in the top two with Auburn. There's a possibility he may do it before then. I'm in close contact with Kris, just like I was with Demetrius. I have a good pulse on what's happening with him.
So to answer your question, no there's no new news on any of them.
October 25th, 2010 at 1:00 PM ^
. . .just like I was with Demetrius.
I hope it's okay that I'm making all kinds of wondrous inferences from that.
October 26th, 2010 at 10:42 AM ^
"we could be looking at another couple of years of blown zone coverages, missed gaps, and Ezeh like pancake"
Mouton is a converted safety and I think Ezeh is a converted fullback. Sometimes even though the parts are all in place, a kid won't have the instincts/mentality to play another position. I'm glad to see they are actually recruiting linebackers to play linebacker.
This isn't to say that converted players can't be great, but at this time we just need a solid recruit or two at lb.
October 25th, 2010 at 12:36 PM ^
I wait for posts & comments from Tom VH. One of the weekly highlights from Mgoblog for me!
October 25th, 2010 at 1:10 PM ^
Nice to hear recruits talk highly of Dews, and nice to see GERG out on a recruiting trip. Thanks as always TomVH.
October 25th, 2010 at 1:10 PM ^
I think I know what a crack addict must feel like. I can't wait to get my next fix from TomVH! Thanks for the updates! GO BLUE!
October 25th, 2010 at 1:18 PM ^
It's troubling how much I enjoy these diaries. Really, I shouldn't care this much.
October 25th, 2010 at 1:24 PM ^
HCD says we have a shot at landing him? Previously hadn't he said he was firm in his commitment to Bama? Could D. Hart be in his ear? He could have 3 of his current teammates with him in Ann Arbor.
October 25th, 2010 at 1:38 PM ^
I bet all the coaches bring a little of RR snake oil with them on their recruiting trips!!!
October 25th, 2010 at 2:18 PM ^
are the guys doing any recruiting here in Dallas? This town is loaded with talent. We have the # 1 high school FB team in the country. Just wondering
October 25th, 2010 at 2:46 PM ^
Tom, I know that there is little chance we land both Walls and Ha-Ha, but is there one you feel more comfortable with than the other? And is there any word on Charles Jackson? I know we were mentioned with him a while ago. Great update Tom!
October 25th, 2010 at 3:04 PM ^
Could we could get this guy to do a bit of recruiting for us... I'd sure as hell commit if he showed up to my house trying to convince my mom that Michigan was the place for me. GERG and Kenny could do some tag team recruiting.
October 25th, 2010 at 4:28 PM ^
Obi Ezeh, you're F***ING OUT!!!! I'm F***ING IN!!
October 25th, 2010 at 5:40 PM ^
What would GERG look like with Kenny Powers hair?
October 25th, 2010 at 7:46 PM ^
According to Sam Webb's recruiting roundup when UM was at Darian cooper's game last weekend they were checking out the kicker on his team. I looked him up. His name is Michael Branthover. (5-9, 170). He has an offer from Akron but also interested are Iowa, West Virginia, Va Tech, Pitt, and NC State. Nebraska and Kansas St. were also interested but have since signed kickers.
October 25th, 2010 at 8:28 PM ^
Is the 3-3-5 hurting our defensive recruiting?
October 26th, 2010 at 7:21 AM ^
I don't think so. The NFL is becoming more dependent on good DB's these days. With the demise of the NFL running back (injuries, schemes, and dual backfields), stopping the passing attack is more crucial for a defense. Look at the Jets with they amazing defense led playoff run last year, great secondary and they still took a DB in the first round.
<br>
<br>It's our record that attracts recruits. The 3-3-5 will be a great scheme for future NFL DB's to learn the skills necessary for the next level.
October 25th, 2010 at 8:52 PM ^
It seems like Michigan is involved in fewer direct recruiting battles with Ohio State than during the Bo, Moeller or Carr regimes.
Is that true? If so, why?
I know Michigan still aggressively recruits Ohio, but it seems like direct battles for recruits there, and elsewhere, have diminished.
The current offense may be responsible for some of the difference, and the recruiting relationships coaches have developed in different parts of the country may be another. When I was a young man it seemed like almost every top-level recruit in the Great Lakes region had Michigan and Ohio State (and, often, ND) at the top of his list of schools. Now it seems like the two rivals target mostly separate groups of recruits, offense and defense.
Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with that.
October 25th, 2010 at 8:59 PM ^
We no longer run a pro style offense and run a different defensive scheme. This cuts down on the recruiting battles a good bit but they still battle it out. Ask T. Pryor.
October 27th, 2010 at 11:06 AM ^
I'd really like to see Michigan get Lyons. The kid is looking for a good football program and good engineering program. Michigan is known for both and could really use a 4 star safety...although, Stanford could put up pretty much the same argument...
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