TVH Weekly: Big Chill Visits, Frost, Lucien, Lyons

Submitted by TomVH on

This past weekend was host to a few important official visitors, and this weekend will see even more prospects coming in for the Big Chill hockey game. A slightly different format:

Visitors from this Past Weekend (12/3)

There were no commitments from Maryland DB Blake Countess or Florida S Wayne Lyons. I spoke briefly with Lyons, and have a full interview scheduled for later today. He had this to say so far:

"It was a good trip. The academic side of it was good, and I know my mom liked that too."

More later.

Rumors had Michigan potentially leading for Countess, and this visit was a big one since it was his first official. Blake was tweeting the whole weekend; here's a few of them:

  • goblue !!!!!!!!!!
  • Michigan was great. i could def. see myself there!
  • I was with Josh Furman, Denard and Devin Gardner..and the other players that were there on officials.Delonte, wayne and G.Brown

His coaches aren't easy to get ahold of, so I'm still working on getting more from him. Lyons is expected to make his decision at the Army game, and will take a trip to Nebraska next.

Official Visitors for the Big Chill

This weekend is not only host to the Big Chill and fireworks, but a plethora of official visitors. Here's the list I have compiled so far. As always this list will be posted permanently in the diary section to add and remove recruits.

  • LB Desmond Morgan - This could be the last visit before Morgan makes his decision. I wouldn't be surprised if he announces his choice shortly after.
  • DE Anthony Zettel - This is Zettel's last official visit. He's already been to MSU, Penn State, and Iowa. 
  • OL Chris Bryant - This probably won't be the last visit for Chris. He's been wavering on when he wants to make his decision. He might wait until signing day, or he might just pull the trigger. Michigan is in a favorable position either way.

I'll continue to add to this as I confirm more names.

On to specific recruits:

Kris FrostKris Frost

6'3", 210 lbs.

Athlete

Matthews, North Carolina


Frost is down to Auburn and Michigan, and has been for some time now. He still plans on enrolling early, and will be announcing his choice at the Army All American game in January. I'm in constant contact with Kris, and I believe that Michigan is in good position right now… as long as Rodriguez is retained. If Michigan were to make a change, then there might be some trouble. I don't believe that a defensive coaching change would make too much of a difference with Kris. The coaches have been on him, and are continuing to show him that they want him, as well:

Coach Rod will actually be out to my house on Thursday. They've just really been telling me how I fit in there, and how much I'm wanted. I don't think I'm going to be able to make it back up there for another visit, but that shouldn't matter too much anyway.

If you remember, Kris was going to try to come back up for another unofficial visit. That won't be happening, but it's not a big deal.

Devin LucienDevin Lucien

6'1", 189 lbs.

Wide Receiver

Encino, California


If you read my post yesterday you already know that Devin has scheduled his official visit out to Michigan for January 7th. Since Michigan has offered they have shot up Devin's list, and this visit could potentially vault the Wolverines into the top spot.

I love the overall tradition at Michigan. The tradition they have reminds me a lot of what we have at Crespi (High School). The brotherhood that the players have is amazing. I love the fans, and the whole community of Ann Arbor. I can't wait to visit.

A lot of people have wondered what recruits are thinking as far as the coaching situation with regards to Michigan. Devin felt comfortable enough to share how he was thinking.

I like Michigan for Michigan, so it doesn't really matter to me. I think it matters more to my parents just because they want me to be somewhere stable. Coach Dews has talked to both my parents and they both like him a lot. He's actually coming out this week on Thursday.

This is just one point of view but Devin is more interested in the program, and since he could probably play in most systems anyway, it won't matter much. The timing of this visit could help Michigan too, since Lucien is planning on making his decision on signing day, which is only 3 or 4 weeks from when he'll be on campus.

Other items [from the editor]

  • The Orlando Sentinel caught up with FL RB Dee Hart, who says he will remain committed to Michigan if Rodriguez is retained. If he isn't, he's going to Florida to play in the spread.
  • MI WR Shawn Conway will not qualify and is headed to a JUCO. He says he would like to return to the fold after his time there is finished but it is extremely rare for Michigan to take a JUCO kid who did not qualify out of high school. Austin Panter, the last JUCO at Michigan, was a qualifier who played seven on seven and went to JUCO for exposure, and the last one before that was Russell Shaw. Michigan's coaches have clearly known about this for a while given the offer to Lucien and late push for Arnett.

Comments

bighouseinmate

December 6th, 2010 at 12:21 PM ^

Lyons, Countess, Frost and Zettel. Morgan could be a huge "sleeper" get for us as well.

Bryant on the offensive line builds depth and could make this line one where even when we graduate a good one, we can plug another right in without much, if any, dropoff.

kaykaybroke

December 6th, 2010 at 12:32 PM ^

the fact that kris frost says that it won't matter too much that he can't make it up for another visit is either good or bad,

good: he's already decided on Michigan, and doesn't need another visit to solidify that

bad: he's eliminated michigan and doesn't care whether he sees the campus anymore

StephenRKass

December 6th, 2010 at 12:39 PM ^

Tom, in your notes above, you mention that Frost plans to announce at the Army All American Game, and also that he plans to enroll early. Winter Term Classes begin on Wednesday January 5, and the game  is on Saturday, January 8. Unless he plans to skip three days of classes, or to enroll on Monday January 9, there appears to be a conflict. How is that going to work?

Also, iirc, last year, there were UofM active student/staff mgobloggers who were able to discern in December via the student phonebook listings that some recruits, since they were attending school at UofM, were in the bag, so to speak. Which of our recruits are still planning to enroll early? I wonder if they can enroll early, but then un-enroll with no penalty if RR is released in early January.

goblue7612

December 6th, 2010 at 2:56 PM ^

You've got it. I've checked and no Demetrius Hart or Kris Frost or Greg Brown (he was supposed to enroll early too correct?). Is there anyone else that might enroll early? But also looking back on it, four of the seven early enrollees last year enrolled on January 4th, with Jerald Robinson enrolling Nov. 30, Ricardo Miller enrolling Dec 16, and Devin Gardner on Jan. 19. So we very well may not see them in the UM directory for another month or so. Sorry if this response was too specific and uber creepy, but UM directory has always been pretty creepy.

bing24

December 6th, 2010 at 1:21 PM ^

I really like what I've heard about Wayne Lyons. With his set of offers he must be a VERY good player, he is a 5.0 student and wants to be a Mechanical Engineer. That tells me the kid will come in with the ability to play as true frosh. Being as intelligent as he is, the playbook shouldn't be a problem (probably equal to me reading a Dr Seuss book -Thank You WMU degree!).

Countess - Frost - Lyons - Zettel - Morgan would be a nice little haul on D. Still would LOVE to see some beef up front in this recruiting class (Jernigan Please) & ass kicking LB's.

GBOD79

December 6th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^

EH its a standardized test. Some people do not take those tests well or may have had a bad day. I was a 4.0 student in HS but only got a 24 on the ACT. I had a bad headache the morning of the test and just couldnt concentrate. If anything I would put more stock into the 5.0 because that is cumulative over a span of 4 years rather than a single test on a saturday.

Hardware Sushi

December 6th, 2010 at 2:45 PM ^

I mean, high school grade point average varies as much or more than standardized tests based on the difficulty and grading scale of each high school. Although I don't disagree that ACT/SAT scores should be taken as less than Gospel, either.

What I'm trying to say I think we can all agree that he seems like a bright young man with some great DB skills and has put a lot of thought into his future. 22 ACT or 32 ACT, I'd love to have him become a part of our program.

I'd personally like to get as many big (6-0 to 6-2) DB prospects as we can this year and next. I feel like we are doing well with quickness and would like to see some heavy hitters giving WRs Alligator arms. Lyons, from what I've read, seems to enjoy the physical part of the game.

GBOD79

December 6th, 2010 at 4:51 PM ^

High School GPA's will differ depending on the grading scale. However, it is safe to assume that a 5/5 equals a 4/4 or a 3/3 etc. He is a great student and a great athlete. The exact combination that UofM needs and wants.

kman23

December 6th, 2010 at 10:44 PM ^

Actually a 5/5 is easier than a 4/4. Some schools like Dexter High School (right next to Ann Arbor) don't weight classes at all. For example, as a junior I took A.P. Calculus and at most schools with a 5.0 GPA they'd bump my grade up a letter (thus being able to get a 5.0). However, at Dexter you get what you get, so an AP class = gym class in terms of weighting and GPA relevance, which is completely moronic since the whole point of GPA is to compare students internally against one another.

 

GPA really just measures how hard a kid works with some smarts mixed in. It's more a reflection on homework, quizzes, (attendance for college) and in general being a good student more than anything else.

But GPA is meant to look internally at students so a 3.0 at some schools is way better than a 4.0 at others. I do after school work at an inner city school in DC and I can tell you that most 3.5 there wouldn't touch a 2.5 at Dexter. I'm not saying Dexter is a great school nor am I saying that Lyons isn't a smart kid, just that you cannot compare GPAs from different schools and thus the basic reason for standardized tests.

kman23

December 6th, 2010 at 10:45 PM ^

Actually a 5/5 is easier than a 4/4. Some schools like Dexter High School (right next to Ann Arbor) don't weight classes at all. For example, as a junior I took A.P. Calculus and at most schools with a 5.0 GPA they'd bump my grade up a letter (thus being able to get a 5.0). However, at Dexter you get what you get, so an AP class = gym class in terms of weighting and GPA relevance, which is completely moronic since the whole point of GPA is to compare students internally against one another.

 

GPA really just measures how hard a kid works with some smarts mixed in. It's more a reflection on homework, quizzes, (attendance for college) and in general being a good student more than anything else.

But GPA is meant to look internally at students so a 3.0 at some schools is way better than a 4.0 at others. I do after school work at an inner city school in DC and I can tell you that most 3.5 there wouldn't touch a 2.5 at Dexter. I'm not saying Dexter is a great school nor am I saying that Lyons isn't a smart kid, just that you cannot compare GPAs from different schools and thus the basic reason for standardized tests.

Arsenal Fan

December 6th, 2010 at 1:38 PM ^

it seems as though all of the recrutis we are still in on we have a good shot of landing.  all of these guys would be great additions to not only the football team, but also to the University. some db's, WR's, LB's, a QB, and some D and O- Linemen. GET 'EM BOYS, LET'S GO BLUE!!

WolvinLA2

December 6th, 2010 at 1:53 PM ^

Chris Bryant - very important.  I'd like 5 OL, but getting to 4, especially with the next one being a highly rated guy, is crucial. 

After that, I want Zettel, I want Frost (and to play defense), I want Countess a lot, and Desmond Morgan sounds solid.  One of Wayne Lyons and Avery Walls would be very good as well.

We have the potential for a very nice late pull.  I hope we make it happen.

kind of a big deal

December 6th, 2010 at 3:03 PM ^

Another great recruiting update.  I really wish we were in on more DT / DL prospects.  I know we got Ash and Talbott last year but I still feel like we need more size up front on D to complement the likes of Martin / Van Bergen, as well as create depth.  Hopefully some of the guys on the list (Jernigan) come through on signing day.

bhorvath5270

December 6th, 2010 at 6:45 PM ^

Thanks for the update Tomvh! I always get excited when I see something new from you. I think the decommitment of Sousa might be a blessing. Jones seems like an upgrade at quarterback. If that falls through, maybe one more defensive player?

bluenyc

December 6th, 2010 at 7:25 PM ^

DGDestroys, I know you and Magnus know alot about recruiting.  Why do you think the coaching staff is going after him if he is a poor fit.  Not trying to be snarky, just looking for an assessment. 

I think both you guys are correct, from the video I saw, he seems more comfortable in the pocket, passing then running the read-option.  What do you think they see, wouldn't be better to go with someone who might be more of a project but a better fit(too late on Sousa)?

WolvinLA2

December 7th, 2010 at 12:34 PM ^

Yes, I agree that Sousa is the better option, and that's probably why the coaches took him.  However, now that he had bailed, the coaches know they'd like a QB in this class, so they are going after the next best thing.  A guy who might be a poor fit is better than no QB at all, given the situation we're in. 

And who knows, Cardale might come to M, get all Barwised up and turn into a decent runner, to go along with being a solid passer.  He won't be Denard, but he might not be Threet either.

john22

December 6th, 2010 at 7:10 PM ^

jim has signed a new contract then DB needs to let everbody know that coach is coming back.If we get a new coach like most of you Michigan fans want,we won't get alot of the top guys left on our board!!!

Pete99

December 7th, 2010 at 1:20 PM ^

A contract extension would not prevent AD Brandon from going after Harbaugh. All contracts have buyout clauses.

 

 

Also, rumor has it that a Harbaugh hire might give us a better shot of landing Zettel.

Raoul

December 6th, 2010 at 7:21 PM ^

Detroit News has a brief article on Zettel, in which he says he's going to wait until after Jan. 1 to make a decision, citing the coaching uncertainly at Michigan:

Lineman Anthony Zettel of West Branch Ogemaw Heights told The Detroit News on Monday that who coaches Michigan in 2011 — Rich Rodriguez or someone else — will affect his college choice.

 …

"I'll just wait it out and see what happens," Zettel told The News. "All along I was going to make my decision after the holidays. I have to look at everything. It comes down to being my decision, but I will speak to my parents and coach to get their feedback."

The same News writer, Tom Markowski, has another article in which he got a contrasting take from Delonte Hollowell:

Detroit Cass Tech defensive back Delonte Hollowell will honor his commitment to Michigan whether Rich Rodriguez remains with the Wolverines or not, according to Hollowell's coach. 

"Delonte has wanted to go to Michigan ever since he began playing football," Cass Tech coach Thomas Wilcher told The Detroit News on Monday.

SanDiegoWolverine

December 6th, 2010 at 7:44 PM ^

Tanner McEvoy?  Looks like he is visiting on the 7th of January now.  I haven't heard anything from Tim or Tom about him.  Anyone know how hard we are going after him? If we are recruiting him as a TE or QB?

Michigasling

December 7th, 2010 at 12:56 AM ^

I posted this elsewhere, but since you may be talking to him (if you haven't already):

  Lyons spends much of his time at school building robots,

http://www.engin.umich.edu/newscenter/feature/robotics/

A U-M team of over 20 students won a $750,000 grant as first place finishers in the Multi Autonomous Ground-robotic International Challenge (MAGIC), a two-year competition organized by the defense departments of the United States and Australia.

What other school can offer him these heights of his hobby? 

GBOD79

December 7th, 2010 at 12:56 PM ^

Could be wrong but I dont see the Conway news as impacting the potential position of Frost at all. We are still actively trying to replace Conway with Lucien. I think that the coaches will give Frost a chance as a WR and then move him to LB during camp.

 

I just dont see that chance being greater because of the Conway news,

Magnus

December 7th, 2010 at 2:59 PM ^

It probably opens up the door a little more to stick at WR, but I don't think Conway's presence would change Frost's future in a hugely significant way.  The coaches will have enough depth at both LB and WR to use Frost in whatever way works best.