It feels impossible to do anything other than believe in this team. Fantastic players and even better people.
Totally agree - that said.. there are other teams with great cultures and high performance and accomplishment. Just nice that we seem to have arrived there and hopefully we can remain there for a long time. Its taken a couple full decades to get back to national relevancy - in terms of real potential to win a NC.
Georgia is also peaking. Clemson seems to be reloading. Bama is Bama. USC is loading up.
Its just nice to know that we're elite - now lets be elite 15 times this fall.
And not only those four -- FSU, OSU, LSU, and Texas all have supremely talented rosters. M will just have to out-culture them all.
Someone will win it all. We're just hoping it's us. Even bama doesn't win every year
Yup. As complete a team as we have, we have to realize where we are in talent... It's not everything, but it's something
And yet even with the disparity of talent between us and OSU, 55% vs 81%, we kicked their asses two years in a row. Home field is worth about a field goal, so last year's 45-23 in the toilet bowl was more like 48-23.
Coaching, player development, Coach Herb, camaraderie/culture...the Michigan Difference.
This is true...but I also think where the talent is located makes the biggest difference. We have a difference maker at QB who transcends the game. We constantly have a defensive line that is top tier, which may be the most important group in all of college football.
Some of this is luck for sure but I think a lot of it is very strategic and focused recruiting to specific guys that give you the 1+2=5 sort of equation.
Honestly I think this is how Michigan has to keep moving forward. I don't know if they will match 1:1 Alabama and OSU in recruiting year after year. But...if you have excellent guys in those key areas, you can win it all when combined with leadership, work ethic, and coaching.
6 of 9 drafted UM players were 3* this year-so development.
That is based only on High School rankings and does not take into consideration things like scheme, scouting, development, et cetera. You absolutely want to be over 50% but I personally do not believe we are out talented by 13 other teams.
I enjoyed the "precision" with which he described WHY. And, the team seems to be very effectively "balanced" - their detailed approach to development (S&C), skills (per position group), and culture. I enjoy seeing them "have fun" - and be focused on achievement / execution at the same time.
I hope every player finishes the Spring term effectively - and, get's a fast start on their Summer term activities before heading in to fall camp.
September 2nd can't get here soon enough.
Go Blue.
Quotation marks are used for 2 reasons, to quote something (duh) and for sarcasm, to indicate that what'e quoted is false or being used incorrectly.
Considering those 2 specific reasons, using quotation marks (and capitalization) for emphasis is confusing.
Well, there's also titles (clearly not the use here); and to distinguish words, though italics or underlining works better than quotation marks.
You're right. Quotation marks also designate a title.
However, to use them to "distinguish" words [quoting you] or to "distinguish" them [sarcasm to indicate errancy] is a recent and sloppy phenomenon.
For sure. Lots of recent sloppiness in our language, verbal and written both.
I prefer to think of it as the dynamic strength of the English language. Much more flexibility than most.
The problem comes when we write as if anything we hear or read is automatically accurate.
After all the English language is flexible, not stupid.
I appreciate the perspectives you shared and will take them under consideration.
The bottom line was - Kris was very articulate in describing why he returned to Michigan. It was enjoyable to watch and hear him express his rationale.
I bet you are “fun” at parties.
Did I do it right?
"Always." Especially at "fun" "parties." Good "bet." You are "right."
EDIT: it depends the party. Groucho Marx said the best part is a guy & a gal & a whole cheesecake. I'm willing to skip the cheesecake.
I just use air quotes as often as possible. /s
That is 4 minutes and 15 seconds of video which is really worth watching.
I appreciate everything about it - his approach, how he articulates WHY he's back - completing his degree - what he enjoys, etc.
A mutant? He could be the manifestation of "James Howlett" - aka (in movie terms) Logan - or The Wolverine...
Thanks for posting.
As an anime fan? Nah. Gotta be the protag of some franchised shonen TV series that goes like 15+ seasons in Japan:
ザ・ミュータント
Tremendous post. Mr. Jenkins will be stepping out from his Dad's shadow this year. He will make his mark.
Big10 OLinemen: consider yourselves on notice.
I love the notion that he calls this home. The friendships you make in college are different than the ones you had growing up, and i can't imagine anything that would forge stronger friendship than the colossal effort required to play 3 seasons of football at Michigan, no matter what your role on the team is. Savor it, Mr. Jenkins, these will be the bedrock memories of your life. Go Blue!
I also saw in one of the photos of him in HS that he was wearing a Good Counsel Jersey. Isn't that where we picked up Blake Corum? The must be putting something in the water to raise such fine young men.
corum went to biff poggi's school in bmore
Blake Countess went to Our Lady of Good Counsel.
Good callout - I believe Good Counsel is where another Blake C attended HS. Blake Countess
Kris Jenkins, Maryland, 2001 NFL draft, 2nd rd pk 44, Carolina Panthers.
Unc. Cullen Jenkins, C.Mich, undrafted but excellent career too.
Both from Michigan.
What a family...Jr should get drafted somewhere around Dad's pick 44, in 2024 but could be a 1st rounder.
Both from Ann Arbor. Their dad taught at Forsythe.
This needs to be bookmarked to show all the critics who question why we recruit the player, not the stars. Good shit, smotheringD.
Kris Jenkins - three star - the 25th ranked SDE in his class
Mike Sainristil - three star - the 52nd ranked CB in his class
Blake Corum - four star - the 19th ranked RB in his class
Would you trade the attitude and commitment of these three players - or anyone else on the roster - for anyone else? I wouldn't.
Go Blue!
maizen melt down.... 3*?? we talking about 3*???
ohio gets 5* and we settle for 3*...... that's why we can't beat them.
OOPS!
Those who stay........
GO BLUE
Nailed it. Culture. Character.
Wowwwwww!
Such a cool video in all aspects: Jenkins, the music, the clips. Excellent.
Goosebumps! Take that mercenaries!
Well, that's fun.
And impressive.
Go, Mr. Jenkins! Go, Blue!
The production values on this clip are awesome. The football program is knocking it out of the park on just about every level. You love to see it.
Guy's got a great voice.
I love that he ranks getting his degree as his top reason for returning.
I like getting children of former players because I feel like they have less financial incentive to leave early (on top of good genes and a lifetime of coaching).
Bright future.
Kris Jenkins is another guy that I feel lucky to have associated with the program. Every once in awhile there will be a bad apple, but it's amazing to me how "good" the vast majority of guys on the team come off.
"It's my favorite place in the world." I totally get that.
Super cool, thanks for posting!
Kris Jenkins is also, legit, excellent with kids. I do not think any member of the team enjoyed the Kids Club's Football and Friends Fall Festival or Spring Carnival at the Big House than he did. He was playing emcee on the races, he was playing soccer with the six year olds, he was acting like the coolest older cousin you could imagine. He was also so super down to earth and genuinely reflects a love for this place and his teammates. So glad to have him back, would not be surprised at all if he's a captain.
Well, that was... awesome.
Great video all around. My favorite part is his interaction with the anime cosplayer. Just comes across as a great dude in addition to a great player.