TVH Weekly: Kickers, Decommits, New Offers
A lot has changed since last week, some for good some for bad. I will try to keep you up to date the best I can, and here's a look at what we know so far. Remember if you ever have any recruiting tips or questions you can always email me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter to get more recruiting updates as they come through.
Decommits
We might as well start with the ugly bits and talk about the recent decommitments. K Matt Goudis recently took a visit to Miami and decided to commit to the Hurricanes. Al Golden has some weird obsession with Michigan recruits. He's pursuing Goudis, Dallas Crawford, Kellen Jones, and Kris Frost.
DB Dallas Crawford officially decommitted from Michigan, and it's looking like it's over. Who Brady Hoke hires as his defensive coordinator could still make an impact on Crawford. We'll have to wait to see who the new DC is to know, but it's looking very grim.
OL Jake Fisher decommitted yesterday, and has decided to open everything up after visiting Michigan State this past weekend. He's saying everyone is even and could end up taking visits to Oregon, Florida, and Notre Dame. It's not looking good for Michigan to get him back.
Those three are officially decommited and a few more are on the fence. OL Tony Posada took a visit to Mississippi State this past weekend, and there's a rumor that he loved it. Posada is supposed to visit Michigan this coming weekend. We'll see how Tony feels after that. DB Blake Countess also took a visit to Penn State, but has been vocal about his love for Michigan so there may not be much to worry about there. LB Kellen Jones recently took a visit to Colorado and may end up taking a visit to Miami as well. We'll see if that materializes.
Kicker Replacements?
Now that Matt Goudis has decommitted, Michigan would still like to land a kicker in this class.
There were rumors of former high school kicker Derrick Mitchell potentially walking on at Michigan. I spoke with his father to see what the situation was, and he had this to say.
(Former Michigan kicker) Mike Gillette knew about Derrick and connected him with Coach Rodriguez. They said they needed a kicker and had a spot for him if he wanted it. The problem is that Derrick is in the minor leagues right now with the Phillies. He had a pretty good season last year, so I don't know if he wants to give that up just to be a kicker.
The strange part is that the Phillies would pay for part of Mitchell's tuition if he were to come to Michigan. He's getting paid 5th round money right now and is moving up to AA ball so it's not likely he'll come to Michigan this year.
Matt Wile
6'2", 210 lbs.
Kicker
San Diego, California
Wile received an offer from Michigan, which makes sense because he also had an offer from San Diego State. Wile was an Army All American, and would help fill the void Goudis' decommitment left.
Connor Loftus could still an option since he already had a Michigan offer, but the recent offer to Wile probably means the new coaches want him instead. Michigan will have to compete with Air Force and Nebraska. Wile will be in Ann Arbor this weekend.
New Offers and New Contact
The new Michigan coaches have started to reach out to recruits and extend new offers as well. Besides WIle here's a look at some new recruits that Michigan is now targeting. There will be plenty more of these as the coaching staff fills out and we get closer to signing day.
- DT Travarris Saulsberry (6'4", 252 lbs, Florida) - He's reporting he has an offer, but it's an odd offer because Saulsberry is committed to Tennessee, and has been since August. He told me he's 100% committed to the Vols and isn't considering Michigan.
- DE Jordan Williams (6'4", 240 lbs, Florida) - Williams is a teammate of Saulsberry and also committed to Tennessee. He also told me he's 100% with the Vols.
- DB Stefan McClure (5'11", 170 lbs, 4 Star, California) - McClure was just offered and plans on visiting Michigan this weekend. I spoke with McClure recently and I got the feel that he was genuinely open in his recruitment. If Michigan can impress him they'll have a shot.
- OL Pat Flavin (6'7", 260 lbs, 3 Star, Illinois) - Flavin has not been offered yet, but he did receive a call on Sunday from Michigan's OL coach Darrell Funk. He missed the call initially but called Coach Funk back and was told the situation is fluid right now. No offer was extended, but Funk wanted an update on where he was at. Probably means the coaches are waiting to see who decommits, and stays committed.
January 21st Visits
This weekend will be the first visit weekend hosted by Brady Hoke and company. Here's a list of visitors so far. This list will continue to change:
- TE/LB Frank Clark (6'2", 210 lbs, 3 Star, Ohio) The Glenville prospect has showed genuine interest in Michigan, and there is an even greater need for his services with the switch in offensive philosophy.
- ATH Raymon Taylor (5'10", 165 lbs, 4 Star, Michigan) The former Indiana commit has always been a fan of Michigan. He does like the new Indiana staff, so we'll see what happens.
- DB Stefan McClure (5'11", 170 lbs, 4 Star, California). As mentioned.
- OL Tony Posada (6'6", 315 lbs, 3 Star, Florida) Fresh off a visit to Mississippi State, we'll see if he makes the trip.
- K Matt Wile (6'2", 210 lbs, 2 Star, California) Just offered two days ago, will be visiting Ann Arbor.
Extra:
- WR Hakeem Flowers had a phone call scheduled with the new Michigan coaches on Sunday. He is announcing on the 23rd and it's down to Oregon, Michigan, and LSU. Michigan is still in great position with Flowers.
- WR Devin Lucien is announcing on the 30th. Brady Hoke hasn't contacted him yet, so the interest is starting to fall.
- WR/LB Kris Frost is still waiting to hear back from Auburn on whether his commitment will be honored. He's not graduating early anymore, so he might end up taking more visits. Miami is coming after him, but if the Michigan coaches get in contact with him and push they will still have a good chance.
- OL Chris Bryant took an official visit to Pitt, where former Michigan coaches Calvin Magee, Tony Gibson, and Tony Dews are now coaching. He swung by Michigan on the way home to meet with Brady Hoke. The meeting lasted long enough to require Bryant and his dad to have to get a hotel for the night. I'll try to catch up with Bryant on Monday to talk about the visit.
January 17th, 2011 at 12:20 AM ^
I have absolutely no idea which phone number coaches call when they try to reach a recruit. You'd think they'd call a home line or the parents, but I really don't have a clue. I think they'd call the line that you'd assume was more reliable, assuming they get a limited amount of phone calls and I believe leaving a message counts as the phone call for the week. I can also see how a coach may want to avoid leaving a message on Sunday and risk not being able to use the phone call on a recruit for that entire week.
January 17th, 2011 at 12:33 AM ^
My comment is more of a personal beef I have against those Texts I get seemingly 10 times a day of "where are you" "why arent' you answering" "Are you ignoring my calls"
January 17th, 2011 at 12:38 AM ^
I understand that completely. I keep telling myself that I'll learn to stop giving my phone number to psychopaths, maybe someday.
January 17th, 2011 at 12:59 AM ^
One can always dream, I swear they need to be labaled for everyone's health.
January 17th, 2011 at 7:55 AM ^
I'd like to implore everyone to chill out a little bit in regards to the recruiting situation. I know we are all on high alert because the class is looking a little thin right now, but there are still a few weeks to go and as a few people have already said, we are not in the office with the coaches making the phone calls.
I think it would be to all of our advantage to give the staff another week to get things situated. We should hear an announcement on DC soon (that is just a guess, I do not have inside information) and once all of that is squared away we should start to see some progress.
On a side note, thanks Tom for the regular updates. Keep 'em coming!
Go Blue!!
January 17th, 2011 at 10:37 AM ^
Most recruits are not dyed in the maize and blue homers, They don't care about Michigan Men. They are looking for someone who is a proven winner (even if they have hit a bad patch) who can prepare them for the pros.
From that prospective Rich Rod had a winning track record. Brady Hoke does not. We can take a chance and change if it doesn't work out. For many of these recruits this might be their only chance for a decent life. They want as close to a sure thing as they can get.
Hoke gets the recruiting mojo at this level only if he wins.
January 17th, 2011 at 11:38 AM ^
Brady Hoke has a better recent track record of success than Rich Rodriguez. Last year his team scored more ppg than Michigan, and gave up less than half as many points. Just stop it.
January 17th, 2011 at 2:56 PM ^
I am chill. I support Hoke 100% I think he's doing a great job getting his name recognition to the recruits, and if he can bring in a guy like Mattison at DC then this program will be in good shape for years to come. My post had very little to do with Michigan football and more to do with, as OMG shirtless put it "pyschopaths" constantly calling and texting to the point I feel like I'm being stalked.
January 17th, 2011 at 10:52 AM ^
The UT guys thing makes me wonder who on UT's staff might we be hiring ...
January 16th, 2011 at 11:50 PM ^
Where's "His Dudeness" and his negativity? He should be here by now.
January 17th, 2011 at 7:57 AM ^
other more reasonable people may call realism.
January 17th, 2011 at 10:14 AM ^
Fine, the reality is the vast majority of content on this site is pure speculation (that includes the mods as well - TomVH is the exception). As a Michigan fan (yes, that stands for fanatic) I'll keep the maize colored glasses on and stay positive about the potential for the team through thick and thin.
January 16th, 2011 at 11:55 PM ^
Apparently all of your Vols commits are recruited by us (after the fact)...
January 16th, 2011 at 11:58 PM ^
Rocky Top will always be.., I like The Victors better.
January 17th, 2011 at 8:43 AM ^
Home sweet home to me. Literally. But a Wolverine is what I want to be.
January 17th, 2011 at 12:57 AM ^
I would like to announce that I will be taking my talents to Rocky Top, These girls will surely be my first recruits.
(I swear I'm not creepy I'm only 23)
January 17th, 2011 at 7:35 AM ^
I'm sure when I'm 100 I'll still think college girls are sexy and I will like looking at them. I don't care who thinks its creepy, it's normal.
Creepy would be if you said that about a picture of a Kindergarden.
January 17th, 2011 at 1:39 AM ^
Eh. I've seen better in AA.
January 17th, 2011 at 2:12 AM ^
I like the V
ps I wonder why she chose to be the "V"( sexual inuendo anyone!)
January 17th, 2011 at 9:26 AM ^
VERY unlikely that you could score this chick. I +1'd you for your fine selection, however.
January 17th, 2011 at 8:07 AM ^
I'll take an "O" for $1, Bob. In fact, I'll take two!
January 16th, 2011 at 11:57 PM ^
January 17th, 2011 at 12:19 AM ^
superprep mentions Lucien had only spoken with the recruiting coor not Hoke as of yet. Hopefully Hoke contacts him soon.
January 17th, 2011 at 12:20 AM ^
Over or under?
January 17th, 2011 at 12:57 AM ^
It hasn't been very long yet. We still have a little time to shape things up. Just given the sheer number of spots available, I think hoke will be able to shoot enough offers to fill the class.
January 17th, 2011 at 8:06 AM ^
I think we hit right at 15
January 17th, 2011 at 10:02 AM ^
Im guessing 15-17
January 17th, 2011 at 12:45 AM ^
Well, I'll be honest I'm a little worried. Especially with Lucien. With the fact we offered a few more corners, who would they take in this class with Borwn, Hollowell, and (assuming) Countess already on board?
January 17th, 2011 at 12:58 AM ^
These softening verbals and decommitments are snowballing it seems. Do recruits see themselves as jumping off a sinking ship?
What we really need is a commitment or two to reverse the trend and instill some optimism in the remaining and potential commits.
Who's it gonna be to break the ice? Chris Bryant? Raymon Taylor?
January 17th, 2011 at 1:16 AM ^
Lucien isn't good and we have plenty of depth at wide receiver. I would worry about losing Fisher, Crawford, and Hart.
January 17th, 2011 at 4:28 AM ^
We lose basically all of that depth after this coming season. Odoms, Hemingway, Grady, Stonum will all be gone. And Lucien is about as polished of a receiver as you'll find in high school.
January 17th, 2011 at 7:59 AM ^
you asshat!
January 17th, 2011 at 5:12 PM ^
I'm no scout or anything but Lucien is probably the best high school wide receiver I've seen in awhile. This kid catches everything, and I mean everything with his hands. Nobody has a 13+ minute highlight tape if they aren't any good. If you don't think he's any good, look at his highlight film, then tell me he isn't any good. I'd take Lucien over Flowers any day of the week.
January 17th, 2011 at 6:21 PM ^
We pretty much missed out on Hart since RR got fired.
January 17th, 2011 at 2:07 AM ^
I added this to the update, but Flavin wasn't offered. Coach Funk wanted an update of where he was at.
January 17th, 2011 at 2:43 AM ^
I knew our recruitment would go to crap with Hoke being the coach *sigh* This is going to be 2008 all over again.
January 17th, 2011 at 11:43 AM ^
(sigh) Relax, Phoenix. We have a few more weeks and he is JUST getting started. Have a little faith.
January 17th, 2011 at 12:21 PM ^
January 17th, 2011 at 2:30 PM ^
next year's class
January 17th, 2011 at 3:28 AM ^
Things aren't too encouraging right now on the recruiting front but I have faith that the staff will make some moves before NSD. It seems pretty obvious that we're going to get some commits from guys we've never heard of, which is okay. I'm not too caught up with stars at this point, we need bodies.
January 17th, 2011 at 4:27 AM ^
Something doesn't add up with the lack of Lucien being contacted and the offers extended to the Tennessee commits.
January 17th, 2011 at 6:21 AM ^
Any word of Zettel being contacted?
January 17th, 2011 at 6:35 AM ^
My friends in Michigan say it is the family that is a little upset over the late choice of Hoke when , according to them and other sources, Hoke should have been hired earlier.
Go Blue!
January 17th, 2011 at 12:06 PM ^
this is going to be a crucial faction - people who think the right guy was hired but hired at the wrong time.
what can we do to sway them?!
January 17th, 2011 at 12:13 PM ^
You're probably not being serious, but regardless, Hoke's primary job is the same that RR's was: Win many more games than you lose, beat MSU three years out of four, and at least hold your own with Ohio State.
If that happens, all this hoo-ha about process and recruiting will disappear and Brandon will be lauded, even by Brian, as having made a brilliant choice.
If Hoke struggles and Harbaugh takes the 49ers to the Super Bowl in the same period of time, DB is going to be regarded as a colossal fuckup.
January 17th, 2011 at 12:23 PM ^
Hindsight is always 20/20. I don't think the process was handled as best it possibly could have been, but it is what it is at this point. Now we just need to see how it plays out.
I know that Hoke is working damn hard to make this thing (winning) happen. That's comforting to me.
January 17th, 2011 at 6:55 PM ^
I dont think there was ever a chance we were going to get Harbaugh . He was always going pro . He was rumored for that niner job even before Singletary was fired . All that transpired after was smoke and mirrors from his camp
January 17th, 2011 at 6:32 AM ^
Good information by all. Stefan McClure, Floyd Raven and Matt Wile are new names that I came across or was sent to me by email.
Go Blue!
January 17th, 2011 at 6:38 AM ^
Go Blue! Its turning in our favor!
January 17th, 2011 at 8:04 AM ^
what have you read ANYWHERE that gives you the impression that things are turning in our favor from a recruiting standpoint? Seriously, I would love to know so I could get in on that.
I know people want to jump all over anyone who actually brings up the fact that recruiting is looking pretty bad right now but how about we let those who want to look at the situation without the maise and blue colored glasses do that. Things are pretty grim right now, plain and simple. Could they change...sure, but at this point it isn't looking nearly as good as many had thought/hoped prior to the end of the season.
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