TVH Weekly: Wayne Lyons & Lamar Dawson Visits, Kellen Jones
These next few weeks will be crucial for the finish of Michigan's recruiting class. This weekend and next weekend will see Michigan hosting lots of talent. Here's a few updates on some of those recruits, a new visitor scheduled, and a current commitment.
Wayne Lyons
6'0", 190 lbs.
Safety
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Michigan was outside of Wayne's top list for a while, and they weren't sure if they would get an official visit from him. He decided that the Wolverines would be included in his top five, which will result in the official. He'll be in Ann Arbor this weekend with his mother to take in the campus.
I'm really just looking for comfort, and I want the coaches to make it clear to me how I'm going to fit into the system. I'm hoping to see a good environment and campus, and how the coaching staff works. I'll also be looking at depth charts, and I know Michigan needs defensive backs.
An important factor in this process will be Wayne's mother, who will be accompanying him on this visit.
My mom is really looking for a lot of the same things that I am. She wants to feel comfortable with the school, and feel comfortable enough to let me go there.
His mother has been on all his trips with him so far and will also be at his final visit to Nebraska. Lyons will be making his announcement at the Army All American game, and Michigan has been making some strides with him. Also visiting this weekend are four star Maryland DB Blake Countess, who Michigan is in good shape for, and current commit DB Delonte Hollowell. I'll update as I hear any more recruits that will be in town.
Lamar Dawson
6'2", 230 lbs.
Linebacker
Danville, Kentucky
Dawson had told me a few weeks back that he wasn't as interested in Michigan as some of the other schools in his top seven. He has always maintained that Michigan is in that top seven, but they needed some work to do. They will now get a chance to do that work, as he's decided to schedule a visit to Ann Arbor.
I'm coming up there on January 22nd. Michigan's in my top seven, and I didn't get to go there for a game so I thought I'd come and take a look. I don't really have any leaders right now, but I'm looking for a place that I feel comfortable. I haven't really seen as much of Michigan, so they're still a little behind some others.
As he noted Michigan is behind, but like Lyons a visit is a step in the right direction. Dawson won't be making his decision until signing day, so there's plenty of time to think about it, plenty of time for Michigan to let him know how much they want him. The other schools he lists in his top seven are Tennessee, USC, Florida, Louisville, Kentucky, and Oregon.
Kellen Jones
6'1", 210 lbs.
Linebacker
Houston, Texas
Kellen's family is as excited as anyone for him to join the Michigan family. His father is an MGoBlog reader, and wanted me to share a few things with his fellow fans. The pictures below are of Kellen with former Michigan linebacker Jarrett Irons at a family get together, and the second with Coach Rodriguez and former Michigan great Desmond Howard. Below that is a highlight tape from one of Kellen's games a few weeks ago against St. Thomas, where his team won 33-28 (ED: I'm having problems with uploading the video to YouTube. I'll post it when it goes up). Enjoy.
Extra:
- New Jersey TE Jack Tabb is visiting North Carolina this weekend, and most likely Arkansas on the 10th. He's hoping to have his decision made by Christmas. Michigan has put themselves in good position with Tabb after his official visit.
November 29th, 2010 at 9:38 PM ^
I'm falling for Kellen faster than I did for GERG's hair. This kid is unreal
November 30th, 2010 at 3:37 AM ^
Hope he goes blue.
November 30th, 2010 at 6:59 AM ^
...He is blue. Do you mean signs?
November 29th, 2010 at 9:40 PM ^
Kellen Jones is by far my favorite recruit in this class.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:23 PM ^
and you have the future leaders of M's program. Very bright, despite all the drama. Zettel? You're welcome too
November 29th, 2010 at 9:42 PM ^
Thanks, Tom. It's nice to read some non-RR vs. Harbaugh news for a change.
November 30th, 2010 at 6:36 AM ^
If RR doesn't land them though you'll be hearing a hell of a lot more bout Harbaugh then anyone wants to
...but i really do hope we can finally pick up the slack and round out this years recruiting slack.
November 30th, 2010 at 11:52 AM ^
all this Harbaugh stuff is just another hurdle for recruiting. The NCAA investigation gets resolved and yet another hurdle is presented.
The key item that keeps me thinking positive through all of the were the comments Mike Martin made. Essentially "I'm confident we'll be much better". The positive attitude of the players on this team will seal the deal for recruiting, which is why each visit is so important, and a non-football sporting event like Hockey in the Big House is such an awesome marketing event for the University.
November 29th, 2010 at 9:43 PM ^
Doesn't appear recruits are being scared off by uncertainty at UM right now. Any one of these recruits would be great pick ups and Kellen Jones continues to impress.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:43 PM ^
Lyons clearly says he wants to talk to the coaches, and you can bet mom does too. If they have a great time here, big part of it will be b/c of the staff. A change will have a large effect, some good, mostly bad. It's hard to get the guys back here or recruit by phone.
<br>Though as much as we need Lyons, Countess, and Walls, it's more important to get the coaching decision right.
November 29th, 2010 at 11:17 PM ^
Couldn't agree more. I have to believe something has to be said to these recruits when they visit about coaching situation.
November 30th, 2010 at 9:52 AM ^
David Brandon has been meeting with each recruit and their families. I think what he has done is made the recruit feel good about MICHIGAN as a place to play and go to school rather than it being entirely about a coach. Coaches come and go, good AD's don't. If the kids and families get good vibes from Brandon, they will be assured that he will always do the best for them with respect to coaching and come regardless of what happens on Jan 1.
November 30th, 2010 at 12:09 PM ^
if a recruit commit to a school instead of the coaches. The reality is recruits commit to the coaches, not the school.
November 30th, 2010 at 6:57 PM ^
The National Letter of Intent instructions are very clear on this matter:
"Coaching Changes. I understand I have signed this NLI with the institution and not for a particular sport or coach. If a coach leaves the institution or the sports program (e.g., not retained, resigns), I remain bound by the provisions of this NLI. I understand it is not uncommon for a coach to leave his or her coaching position."
November 29th, 2010 at 9:52 PM ^
who is the guy on the left? and does he have any eligibility remaining?
Welcome aboard Kellen and Mr. Jones.
November 30th, 2010 at 9:34 AM ^
Yeah no kidding that is a big guy.
I love Kellen's attitude and the way he seems to carry himself. I can't wait to see him up in AA.
Lamar Dawson would be a huge recruit for LB and I would more than welcome him to add depth and talent to our defense, no matter who is coach.
November 29th, 2010 at 9:58 PM ^
Thanks for giving us a look at the (potential) future
November 29th, 2010 at 10:05 PM ^
It seems we are really stressing the defensive side of the ball now that we're getting Countess, Lyons, Frost, Dawson, Walls, Cooper, Barnes, Zettel, and hopefully Clinton-Dix, K Williams, and Ray Drew on campus while hoping Rich can pull Jernigan away from the south. That being said the 2012 class is so stacked kids showin Michigan love and will add even more depth to our defense with James Ross, RJS, Richardson, O'Brien, Godin, Gant, Wormley, Taylor, this defense will be back.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:10 PM ^
is there any other news on the "big boys"? I heard that Zettel has stopped naming a favorite, haven't heard anything about Hobbi for awhile, and any new developments on Jernigan or Drew? Thanks...
November 29th, 2010 at 10:16 PM ^
I think Lyons may be a huge addition -- he is big on academics IIRC (4.0 GPA?) and UM would fit that side of things, along with the opportunity to play early.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:17 PM ^
4.98 GPA* (!!)
November 29th, 2010 at 10:17 PM ^
love seeing these updates...I feel like Kellen is this years Ricardo Miller, just bleeds Maize n Blue.
Get these kids on campus, UM mystique is still there no matter what drama is going around...HAIL
November 29th, 2010 at 10:21 PM ^
My first thought when I saw Lamar Dawson's list of favorites was, "D*mn, how can we compete against Tennessee, USC, Florida and Oregon?" Then I realized that Oregon is the only team in that group with a better record than UM right now.
Guess we aren't the only historic power struggling right now...
November 30th, 2010 at 12:38 AM ^
sucks
November 30th, 2010 at 1:11 AM ^
DeAnthony Arnett disagrees with you.
November 30th, 2010 at 2:14 AM ^
(along with various empirical data) disagree with Mr. Arnett.
November 30th, 2010 at 12:30 PM ^
November 29th, 2010 at 10:23 PM ^
Looks like Michael Irvin. Thanks Tom.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:28 PM ^
I can see it, I can definitely see it.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:57 PM ^
I can't wait to see what Barwis does with a seriously motivated kid like Kellen. Destroyer of worlds.
November 30th, 2010 at 12:47 AM ^
yes and amen.
can't wait to see him on the field after barwis gets to him.
November 29th, 2010 at 11:01 PM ^
i like this recruting class so far and i think it speaks to the relationships RR has built that these kids aren't wavering. hopefully we can keep on bringing them in and grab a few more!
November 29th, 2010 at 11:31 PM ^
Dawson is just what we need and more like him. He already has good size and is a solid 4 star at a position of need.
He also carries a high 3's gpa.
November 29th, 2010 at 11:37 PM ^
I have learned from the internets that Kellen Jones has excellent taste in jerseys.
November 30th, 2010 at 12:51 AM ^
Tom -- are we out of the running for Ray Drew at this point?
November 30th, 2010 at 1:20 AM ^
The coaches have shown that they hit the recruiting trail hard once the season is over, and have proven to be effective. Drew has said his mom wants him to stay closer to home, but I don't want to say no.
I don't think we're out of it, but I think it's an uphill battle much like with Lamar Dawson. So we'll see what the coaches can do.
November 30th, 2010 at 12:51 PM ^
Very much appreciate the reply. I will keep hoping!
November 30th, 2010 at 2:27 AM ^
Thanks for the post, Tom, really appreciate it and, even amidst so many other questions, I hope we can finish the season strong with a bowl win and a couple of these kids going Blue...
November 30th, 2010 at 7:33 AM ^
If we could have both he and Kellen as LB's our future on D would have taken a huge favorable leap. This would be a helluva Amaize'ing LB duo! Call him up Kellen!
November 30th, 2010 at 10:37 AM ^
Add Frost in there and you have an Amaize'ing LB trio.
November 30th, 2010 at 6:45 PM ^
Don't forget we'll also likely have Desmond Morgan or Antonio Kinard in there as well.
Add in guys like Jake Ryan, Josh Furman, Marvin Robinson, Cam Gordon, Isaiah Bell and Mike Jones (all of whom will be sophs or younger next fall) and we should have some solid LBing in the coming years.
November 30th, 2010 at 9:10 AM ^
The more I hear about Kellen the more I like him. His family seems great (dad in particular). He could very well see the field next year.
November 30th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^
the left have any elegibility left? Also, when exactly is signing day this year?
November 30th, 2010 at 12:24 PM ^
My sentiments exactly. That dude looks like he can bust some serious skull.
November 30th, 2010 at 7:04 PM ^
the first Wednesday in February. For 2011, that would be 2nd.
November 30th, 2010 at 9:31 AM ^
It's too bad no recuit will commit in December because DB can't suck it up and say RR is his coach. Even if RR stays this will hurt our recruiting class.
November 30th, 2010 at 10:51 AM ^
Agreed, while I think highly of Dave Brandon and trust him to make the best decision(s) for UM Athletics and UM Football - as if I have any choice, right (?) - this is the one significant critique I have of the evaluation process as he's (clearly and repeatedly) laid it out, i.e. Not only does this seeming "limbo state" likely put some significant questions in the minds of the kids already committed (Hart, Crawford, et al), but coming to a decision after the bowl game leaves very little time for either Rich Rodriguez or his potential replacement (and staffs) to finish strong for this recruiting class by the February 2nd signing date (I think that's the date this year). Additionally, I'm really curious how the current staff (and Dave Brandon) will handle the recruiting events through the month of December with those kids tripping to Ann Arbor. Of course, it may be that the AD has given or will be giving these kids and their families some assurances, but the question about the head coach (and staff) has to be at the forefront for many/most of these kids and I'd have a hard time thinking such assurances would somehow get "leaked" at some point in time (if even given, of course). Waiting is hard...
November 30th, 2010 at 9:49 AM ^
love the passion he brings to the field. Maybe Kellen can do some recruiting why not stack this class with talent! On a side note, RR your cool as shit. Desmond rocking the sweats with the M golf shirt nice touch.
November 30th, 2010 at 10:03 AM ^
if you know what the state of play on the possible recruits -- as well as the commits -- if Rodriguez doesn't come back. How many of the commits would de-commit? How many of the recruits are interested in Michigan regardless? Any insight would be appreciated.
November 30th, 2010 at 10:29 AM ^
This is great and all, but I was looking for something related to who the HC will be next year. Stop clogging up the site with this nonsense, mkay?
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