TomVH: Demetrius Hart Update
I just spoke to Demetrius Hart's mom, and Demetrius is definitely not coming this weekend for the BBQ. Instead, he's on his way to a 7 on 7 tournament with his teammates......in Alabama. She didn't know if the 7 on 7 was at the University, or just in Alabama, and I haven't found it yet, either. It sounds like it is at the university.
His mother told me that he's very stressed out by the whole process right now, and they couldn't make it up to Michigan for financial reasons. They will try to reschedule it in the summer, or possibly for his official visit. They couldn't make this trip due to financial reasons, which is completely understandable.
She also said that nothing has changed with their opinion on Michigan, but they would like Demetrius to visit Auburn and Alabama. They want him to take his time, and make sure that everything is right. She reiterated that nothing has changed with their opinion on Michigan, but they wouldn't like to see him in a "woulda, shoulda, coulda" situation.
They're not sure when he'll make his decision anymore, so we'll have to wait and see. I'm not really sure either way if it's a good or bad thing for Michigan the longer it takes.
Sounds like this: http://www.tidesports.com/article/20100316/NEWS/100319657 except a month later. Maybe they have another one. I hate Bama.
can anyone give a run-down of who Alabama and Auburn have at RB currently, and who they've recently recruited? I imagine the opportunity to play early at M is greater (considering our current lack of stars at RB). Dyer is now at Auburn correct, he is a 5-star and not yet on campus. Ingram is back at Alabama. Who else? Could we be in really good shape to lock Dee in just based on the rosters and his early PT opportunity?
Hart isn't a Saban-type running back.
Yeah, he's a Marquis Maze clone.
Running Backs on Alabama's depth chart as of March 28, 2010:
Trent Richardson (unranked So.)
http://alabama.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=420289
Demetrius Goode (four star Jr.)
http://alabama.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=84145
Ben Howell (unranked So.)
http://alabama.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=423967
Craig Dee (unranked So.)
http://alabama.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=423968
Jeramie Griffen (three star Jr.)
http://alabama.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=84146
Eddie Lacy (unranked Fr.)
http://alabama.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=420281
And some dude named Mark Ingram.
http://alabama.rivals.com/croster.asp
I don't know much about the current state of Alabama's ground game outside of Mark Ingram, but I have to imagine he will get the most (read: almost all unless injured) of the reps next year. Whether he leaves early for the draft or departs after four, the spot could be relatively free for grabs; not great news I guess.
Richardson was a 5-star, and will be taking a lot of Ingram's carries this season. And Lacy was a 4-star on the fringe of the top 100 who is expected to jump into the mix this year as well.
Awesome. This is why I stick to Michigan recruits and those who don't go blue die to me.
this is all promising in regards to Alabama. How about Auburn? I know they have been cultivating a dynamic offense over the last couple years.
Obviously we have the educational advantage over both schools, and Dee is an M fan.
I'm just groping for some positive vibes since i went limpy-limpy when I heard Dee wasn't getting his Q-on...
Auburn just signed a 5 star HB, Michael Dyer, back in February, FWIW.
Richardson is awesome. Easily the best back up running back in the country. I think he'd start at every other school in the country. I would not be surprised to see him getting talked about as a Heisman candidate after Ingram is gone.
After watching a few Alabama games, I'd say that Richardson may be just as good as Ingram, and maybe even better. The Auburn game stood out especially, where Ingram was benched for Richardson and he did way better.
I just hope negative recruitment of D. Hart hasn't messed him up in the head and caused him to second guess everything he does. It's pretty disgraceful how coaches have no problem playing sick mind games with these kids.
Why are you looking at me?
I forgot how the first half ended in '96 until I watched that video. What a meltdown by Sparty.
Amazing how crucial the turnovers were in both the '96 and '97 games. Sparty really was a better team under Saban, especially on defense, than they've been at any time since he left. But even he couldn't save them from Sparty, NO!
Well my worry level isn't that high on Dee Hart visiting Bama and I believe we will have another hart in your backfield. Go Blue!
From what I've heard from random Bama fans is that Hart is like a third or fourth option for them at RB.. if they took him, he'd be a slot/return guy. I think the main reason he still even has an offer is to appease HCD, which may sound stupid but if he's that low of an option why still pursue him?
I live in Alabama and I've heard much of the same with regard to Dee's placement on UA's "big board." A poster an SEC board that I frequent said that guys like Crowell, Aaron Green, Malcome Brown, and Huggins (the tailback from NJ) are all ostensibly higher on their list. Take that FWIW. Obviously, Bama will take him, but given their depth chart he's not exactly a must-get for them.
I like our chances, especially since Auburn (who has become my "second" team over the years) just landed Dyer. Dee would be a perfect fit in our offense, that's for sure...
I know you read this blog, and I know you realize that we actually care about you.
I'll put this bluntly: Nick Saban does not care about you. He only cares about what you can do for him. Your well-being, and your future, is of no concern to him.
Just be careful, man.
Michigan is the All-Time Leader in Winning and Winning Percentage. The brand new Al Glick Field House is the most state of the art practice facility in the country and is larger than several NFL facilities. Michigan is also an excellent academic instutition and has name recognition throughout the world. Finally, Michigan will honor your scholarship for a minimum of 4 years ensuring you will be able to earn your degree regardless of injury or on the field performance. GO BLUE!
"If I had to say today, it would be Michigan," Hart said. "But right now it's Michigan, Auburn and Alabama, in no specific order."
There's that Auburn name again. Hart has been through a period this spring where Auburn was his top team. Michigan was up there shortly after last season when Hart said if he were committing back then it would be Michigan.
But then Clinton-Dix got him on the Crimson Tide train and it was Alabama for a while.
"Me and my auntie and my mom went up to Michigan and we liked it … it was fun," Hart said. "We plan on going to Auburn sometime this summer or spring, and we're going to go see Alabama this summer."
I'm getting a sneaking suspicion that whoever is able to get Hart's ear last is going to be sitting in the best position. I hope I'm wrong and he really is just taking advantage of his recruitment but these updates give me a weird vibe.
Wasn't it RR that said it's a marathon not a race? I wouldn't worry, but who the heck am I? The slaughter of UCONN should help.
Isn't a marathon a type of race?
We have a turd in the punchbowl
Then finances will also be a problem when it comes to seeing Demetrius play, too. Unless the Big 10 merges with the SEC, there are very few games we play that aren't several hundred miles farther away from the games Alabama and Auburn play in. I think it will come down to whether or not the Hart family wants to see their son remain close to home so they can see him play as often as possible, or whether they want him to attend the best educational institution he's received an offer from. Obviously we hope it's the latter, but it would be totally understandable if they decide on the former.
This issue is one of the reasons I don't think Texas would ultimately move to the Big Ten even if invited. The vast majority of players on Texas teams come from that state, which means the vast majority of their parents can see their kids play in their events, since most of the B12 schools aren't that far away from Austin. If UT moved to the B10, all of a sudden the distances the families of players have to travel to see their kids play is doubled or tripled.
But all of the big 10's games are broadcast nationally online and on the BTN (not quite nationally)
That's a big selling point for the Big 10, and most if not all of Michigan's games are broadcast nationally anyway. I know it wouldnt be the same as watching in person, but it's better than nothing
The thing is their backfield is stacked for years to come so if he went their he could potentially not be seeing the field for a while. Plus I just can't see how a player would want to play for Nick Saban, recruits aren't people to him their just a scholarship number.
"Hi, I'm Rich Rodriguez. I'll treat you like a person."
OR
"Hi, I'm Nick Saban. I'll turn you into a Heisman winner and you'll win a national championship."
Which would you choose?
"Hi, I'm Rich Rodriguez. I'll treat you like a person and make you the best player and person/student you are willing to be. The goal here is championships, period."
OR
"Hi, I'm Nick Saban. I'll turn you into a Heisman winner and you'll win a national championship." (Saying this to more than one recruit each year becomes disengenuous at best; it's a statistical improbability).
WHOM would I choose? What school would I choose?
LIfe experience tells me Michigan is the clear choice.
Yeah, you can spin this however you want. However, you're out of your mind if you think the average fan/player believes Rich Rodriguez is a better coach than Nick Saban.
Saban has won two national championships (Rodriguez has zero) and a Heisman winner (Rodriguez has zero).
Saban has NFL coaching experience. Rodriguez doesn't.
Saban has produced eight first round draft picks. Rodriguez has two (Pacman Jones, Brandon Graham), AFAIK.
Saban has a .709 career winning percentage. Rodriguez has a .585 career winning percentage.
Saban is coming off a national championship, a Heisman winner, and a 2008 COY award. Rodriguez is 8-16 over the past two years.
Do you need evidence that Saban has a better sales pitch? I'll give you a few names: Dre Kirkpatrick, Tana Patrick, Jabriel Washington, Rod Woodson, John Fulton, Hasean Clinton-Dix, Arie Kouandjio, Alfy Hill, DeMarcus Milliner... Those are all guys who spurned Michigan offers to play for Saban.
Good luck finding that many guys with Alabama offers who chose Michigan.
It doesn't surprise me that you would choose Michigan - you're a Michigan fan. You're not exactly objective.
But you got me with the "whom" part. I feel so ashamed.
I graduated from Michigan. I know the true value of the degree and the AA environment. As for Saban, if he gives empty promises, than he is not someone I would choose to listen to for four years. Reality says very few college players turn pro and stay pro for a full career. Life tells me the degree and network and reputation of the school matters. Therefore choose a school that has the facilities to help recruits become professionals but that also values you getting an education. Your first message ommitted Saban's reputation for telling the truth or for staying loyal to his recruits. .
You graduated from Michigan? Congrats. Join the club.
It's awesome that you know the "true value of the degree and the AA environment." Then chances are you don't know the true value of an Alabama degree or the Tuscaloosa environment. So you're speaking from the perspective of someone who only has experience with one of the options.
Again, you are not as objective as most of these kids are.
Furthermore, a lot of these kids think they can play in the NFL. And if they can't play in the NFL, they'd like to win championships and win games in college. Rodriguez hasn't done that at his current station. Saban has.
The winner is clearly Saban. The bottom line is that he gets better recruits, produces better players, and has had more success at the collegiate level.
You seem like the type that thinks he's never wrong. Since you dislike RR so very much, I see no value in continuing to try to show you your ommissions and bias regarding your effective salespitch of Saban; I stand by my previous words (I never actually wrote that RR should tell a recruit he will NOT make it the pros, but that doesn't mean RR should PROMISE it to every recruit), except I must explain you this:
accepting that I graduated from Michigan means I already belong to the club. No need for me to join. A simple "welcome to the club" suffices.
his point. I don't interpret Magnus' comments to mean that Saban is definitively the better coach I think what's he's trying to point out is that Saban has the better resume and sales pitch to date, especially when dealing with impressionable 18 year olds.
If that was Magnus's point, then it's simply more of the obvious. Would Magnus claim Saban to be the better coach 20 year from now? Only if Saban wins a national championship in 2030.
What's your point? Of course I'm talking about Saban's resume and sales pitch "to date."
The following isn't much of a sales pitch:
"I know I haven't won anything or produced that many first round draft picks, but by golly . . . I'm trying. Someday it might happen."
for sharing Saban's resume with us. We couldn't have found it out on our own. We should only show you gratitude for such wisdom. Carry on, Magnus.
Wait . . . because I have the intelligence to understand that Nick Saban is a better coach than Rich Rodriguez means that I "dislike RR so very much"?
Bosch hit it dead on. If you take a random recruit from throughout the country and allow Saban and Rodriguez to sell him on each school, the majority of recruits will choose Alabama, because of Saban's accomplishments.
It goes no deeper than that. I can't help it if your homer tendencies cloud your judgment.
doesn't factor into your analysis, does it? The reason you can't help me is b/c you lack the knowledge to do so, and more importantly, nobody (including me) asked for your help, Captain Magnus.
RR's success at WVU does indeed factor in. If you notice, I said that Rodriguez has a .585 career winning percentage (here at Michigan, it's only .333) and one of his first round draft picks was Pacman Jones.
But thanks for insulting my intelligence. Not only is that childish, but it must be embarrassing to lose an argument to someone who you deem to be so stupid.
Dude - just look at their results. Saban has, for virtually every year of his career, recruited better than Rodriguez. It's a fact. Why do you think that is?
courtesy of conordog
That's irrelevent. Did anyone claim that what Saban did with signing recruits was moral or fair?
Very good, you graduated from Michigan. So did I. But neither of us played football, so we looked for something drastically different in a school than these kids do. No doubt Michigan is a great school, but Alabama is a reputable school in the south, along the lines of MSU up here. For the kids who aren't Myron Rolle type students, selling academics of UM over Bama isn't easy to do.
And telling a kid "you probably won't go pro anyway so get a good education" is a great way to get him to drop your school. All of these big recruits think they're going pro, and that's what they're planning for.
not to show what I was looking for before being admitted but to show the value it has long after I left. As reputable as Alabama is, it is not Michigan w/ regard to academics, research, networks, etc. Risk/benefit analysis says take strong athletics that has strong academics too. Saban's winning streak doesn't guarantee anything to future recruits. Such is life with no guarantees. Why put all your money on red when you can bet on black and red?
"As reputable as Alabama is, it is not Michigan w/ regard to academics, research, networks, etc. Risk/benefit analysis says take strong athletics that has strong academics too."
This might come into play if more than, say, 10% of high school athletes cared about research, networks, and risk/benefit analysis. These kids are 16 or 17 years old. They want to be rich, be famous, and bone lots of hot chicks. The only network they care about is XBOX Live. You're probably 25+ years old and didn't play college athletics. Your values are different than theirs. You have to step out of your own shoes to understand what they're thinking.
Thanks again, captain obvious. I'm aware that teenagers don't pay attention to the things that actually matter, b/c, wait for this news flash, they're not adults. That's why a coach recruiting a player has the chance to enlighten the player with a different, more mature approach and outlook. A coach can try to help the player make the right choice or he can promise that player the world.
My posts never suggested what players were actually thinking. My posts state what they should be thinking. That's why many players look to adults they trust to help them make such a decision.
Magnus, though you may have football knowledge, your ability to read carefully and respond appropriately is lacking.
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