spacemanspiff231

April 20th, 2012 at 9:55 AM ^

Michigan's class is full at LB but they've made it clear to him that they're holding a spot for him. Announcing this early has nothing to do with either class filling up. He's just seen everything he needs to see and is making a decision. Your optimism is commendable, but just be careful in setting yourself up for disappointment.

denardogasm

April 20th, 2012 at 1:07 AM ^

I feel pretty good about our chances.  He said Michigan was the leader for a while, then went to FSU for a week and said they were back to even with Michigan.  Then he comes back to Michigan, says it was a fantastic trip, and sets an announcement date... I just feel like if it was Florida State he would have taken more time to think it over since he liked Michigan so much both times he came.  It would be a huge surprise if he chose FSU.

sundaybluedysunday

April 19th, 2012 at 11:21 PM ^

In interviews they always say it's very high up on their list of priorities, but he's consistently maintained FSU and Michigan as the two leaders for a couple months now. I think the coaching staff is way more important to them than academics. He has an incredible father who just wants to do right by his son, I don't think they look at Florida State like I would as a Michigan grad. So to answer your implied question, no, I don't think that tips the hand one way or the other.

STW P. Brabbs

April 20th, 2012 at 8:01 AM ^

The thing is, unless you're going for the Rhodes specifically, you do deserve to be mocked for picking FSU on the basis of academics.

As it turns out, they have carved out something of a niche for themselves just in terms of preparing students for the scholarship.  So if that's what Levenberry wants, FSU may be the place for him.  But generally speaking, it is a subpar academic institution.

Needs

April 20th, 2012 at 10:27 AM ^

From what I recall, FSU took him on an extensive tour of their bio-medical labs, set him up for multiple days shadowing faculty in them, and laid out a program where he could quickly advance, over the course of 2 1/2 years, to doing graduate work in his chosen field. They tailored a specific academic program for him and showed him the roadmap whereby he could accomplish his academic and athletic goals, while we kind of rested on our academic reputation. 

And I really doubt they tried to sell him on "we'll get you a rhodes." 

STW P. Brabbs

April 20th, 2012 at 8:41 PM ^

I think they had 2-3 other Rhodes finalists before Rolle came on board, and had one more after he won his.   My understanding is that they are specifically tailoring things to some athletes to compete for the award.   Your answer is more specific, but I think both are complementary.

Nick

April 19th, 2012 at 11:19 PM ^

did not see this coming...

 

if he picks FSU, i hope the staff starts pushing hard for Michael Hutchings/ Peter Kalambayi/Alex Anzalone

rockydude

April 19th, 2012 at 11:19 PM ^

Levenberry goes to FSU, and in a shocker, Michael Hutchings commits to M, never having been to the midwest.

This starts the Cali stampede, where Joe Mathis and S'ua Cravens join up with Eddie Vanderdoes to make a strong Cali force for M . . .

RollDamnTide

April 19th, 2012 at 11:20 PM ^

I'd say (based upon what I've heard) I'd say Michigan is the safe bet. His father loves FSU, but EJ loves Michigan. His mother coming on the trip with him to Michigan is a damn good sign for Michigan.

JimLahey

April 19th, 2012 at 11:24 PM ^

The coaches turned away several highly regarded linebackers and yet kept Levenberry's offer on the table. I'd say there's a good chance the coaches knew what they were doing. Smart money is on Michigan.