An Open Note to Any Recruit Considering Michigan
Don't read too much into all of the comments on this board - we'd love to have you in the Maize and Blue next fall. I'm not going to tell you all the reasons you should go blue because I'm sure the coaches have taken care of that.
What I can tell you is that the fan base is very passionate and we love winning. Over the past couple of years, we've had a few bumps in the road, but we did win 5 games last year with a true freshman QB and a defense that had the depth of a division two school.
We had a top 10 recruiting class last year (post 3-9) and with a few more recruits, could have another top 10 class this year (post 5-7).
Next year we'll undoubtedly be a better team, and coming to this school you'll be part of the turnaround. Basically - you'll be treated like a god on campus and the students and alumni will worship the ground you walk on.
Sounds like a good opportunity? I hope so. GO BLUE IN 2010!
December 11th, 2009 at 2:16 AM ^
Please don't read to much into the comments on this board...except take this one to heart.
All snark aside, good post. I think the sentiment on most of the board is one of constructive criticism. When we're angry its just our broken hearts talking.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:26 AM ^
Come to Michigan and you get a degree from a university with more than 70% of its programs ranked in the top ten. Nothing else needs to be said.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:27 AM ^
The parents want that degree, but any kid who is being told by every coach in the country that he is one of the greatest players in the game isn't interested in the degree. He wants to know how going to school XYZ is going to get him into the NFL. And how good a time he will have while he is staying there.
If it was just the degree, Harvard vs Yale would mean something again.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:51 AM ^
I agree the degree thing doesn't work and Michigan is not that great of an academic school. Although people in Michigan think that it is most of the rest of the country does not. Say University of Michigan in California or Florida people think football not academics. Some of the grad schools are well known but the undergrad accepts 50% of the applicants, I don't even think wal-mart hires 50% of it applicants! I love Michigan but some people keep trying to sell an undergrad degree from MIchigan as if its your meal ticket for life. Its a regular college, you will learn some stuff most of it is not going to do anything for you but some stuff will help. English 101 is the same at Harvard, Michigan, or Bowling Green. Lets sell the thing that really makes Michigan different - the proudest football tradition in the country, loyal fan base, and winged helmets!
December 11th, 2009 at 10:02 AM ^
I didnt go to Michigan so i cant really comment on that, but i can guarantee you that Physics 1 and Calculus 1 at Georgia Tech are certainly NOT the same as they are at Bowling Green.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:09 AM ^
This is one of the most misinformed posts I have seen on this site. Michigan is not a "regular college", or a "Wal-Mart" of colleges. That comparison is shameful for someone who claims to be a Michigan fan. As another poster stated, many of the undergrad programs here are in the top-tier of those programs nationwide. Michigan is indeed understood to be one of the best universities in the world (#19 according to US News - http://tiny.cc/eRFLw ). We are known for our academics AND for football. That is what makes it a special place - but a special place among other places like USC and Notre Dame, not Florida or Ohio State. And I would consider your circle of friends the problem when saying that people do not think of academics when they hear Michigan.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:28 PM ^
like it or not, U-M football serves the purpose as the state's professional football team to many people, partially including myself. I have been cheering for Michigan to win football games since I can remember; but as far as academic prestige and US News rankings I could really give a shit.
having said that, i don't argue that UM is one of the most prestigious public academic institutions in the midwest; and has many things too offer besides sports & academics.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:08 AM ^
Yea, we accept 50% of applicants knowing that half of them won't come, be it for financial or other reasons.
EX: Cornell accepted me and gave me a full ride, and I came here, (SUCK IT CORNELL, UM's Aerospace program is ranked much higher) but I still count towards their acceptance rate.
Also, it's not like we're accepting anyone with a high school diploma... I'm looking at you, New York public school system.
And as for
Michigan is not that great of an academic school...Its a regular collegeSeriously, did you go here? (made it through this entire post without bringing up how much our CoE kicks academic ass... almost)
December 11th, 2009 at 10:15 AM ^
The history of Michigan football is great, but the only other schools in the country that can compete in both academics and football are USC and ND they are private. The reason we have a high acceptance rate is that we are a public school. While U of M's overall undergrad ranking has slipped a little in recent years, the grad schools and individual departments are some of the best in the world. Internationally, we have like the 4th best reputation of any school according to one report.
We have the largest alumni base in the world with CEO's and politicians and other alumni at every level and in every form of business. Even if you don't think the education is superior, most other people consider it significant when they see a diploma from U of M and the connections are extremely helpful.
Finally, I can tell you definitively that East coast and California kids do think of U of M is a great academic institution. When I went to Michigan I had many friends who were from out of state. I can assure you that, while U of M may have been their fall back school in some cases, it was their fall back from Harvard or Yale and it is still considered an excellent school.
Don't sell the University short. We're not Harvard, just the best public school in the country, imhe.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:47 AM ^
We're not HarvardAgreed. Our engineering program is better. ...which is certainly what our recruits are concerned about.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:30 PM ^
yes, and UM also doesn't shell out US Presidents ever 10-15 years.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:55 PM ^
I don't even know where to start with that one without getting political. But this is also from the poster who said "but as far as academic prestige and US News rankings I could really give a shit." So I guess it's the presidential rankings that matter?
December 11th, 2009 at 4:59 PM ^
It worked for Omameh, apparently.
Engineering FTW!
December 12th, 2009 at 1:04 AM ^
Did not know Omameh is in CoE. Awesome.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:11 AM ^
So UM, USC, and ND are the only top flight schools that play big time football? Interesting. GT, Cal, Stanford, UNC, and Boston College would like a word with you.
Fine so UNC only plays big-time football 2 out of every 3 games...
December 11th, 2009 at 11:27 AM ^
Those schools play big time football, they just don't have the same rich history as USC, ND, and UM.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:27 AM ^
Do GT, Cal, Stanford, UNC, and Boston College have the tradition we have? Right. That is the point.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:51 PM ^
"the only other schools in the country that can compete in both academics and football are USC and ND"
he didnt say anything about tradition, history, or anything else. He said that no other school can comptete with those 3 in both academics and football, and im saying he's wrong.
If he means that no other academic pillars were as good at football in the 20th century, then yes, he might be on to something. But then again, that isnt what he said.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:56 AM ^
My UM degree has paid off big time. Worth every damn penny. Sounds like sour grapes from someone who couldn't get in.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:24 AM ^
Hurricane, I think you completely missed where I said over 70% of our programs are in the top ten or higher. There is a reason why we are only one of 8 universities that are known as the Public Ivy, not because we are like Walmart, but because we are that great of an academic institution. Right now, you sound like a typical OSU student who thinks their school is going to catch up to UM in ranking and prestige within another year or two even though they are still not even in the top 50 over all.
Tater- I agree with you, and unfortunately, to some, the term student athlete has been forgotten.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:19 PM ^
Although people in Michigan think that it is most of the rest of the country does notThis is just flat-out incorrect. UM is renowned world-wide for its academic efforts & prestige. Never mind all the medical research that gets done, or that big-ass hospital over by the dorms. 50% acceptance? Do you know how many people just straight-up don't apply because they know they won't get in? In my entire graduating class not even 10 people (less than 10%) applied, and less than 1% of the entire class (me) was accepted. Granted not everybody here was a genius, but a solid majority of the population would not hold a candle to many of the minds at the University. edit: ok so I just rehashed what everybody else said. I admit to replying to his post without having further read the thread.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:27 PM ^
I've actually kind of found the opposite of this quote - People from Michigan keep asking me why I came to U of M from NY, while everyone at home thinks its a great school. Craziness.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:22 PM ^
Quote: "the undergrad accepts 50% of the applicants; I don't even think Wal-mart hires 50% of it applicants".
Where did you get these percentages? Are you working at Wal-mart or are you part of the undergrad acceptance committee? Even if those numbers were right that doesn't mean the undergrad program at UM is bad. You now the President of USA is the most powerful job in the world and every 4 years only 2 persons "apply" for it. According to your logic working at Wal-mart is a much better job.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:39 PM ^
Seriously?
December 11th, 2009 at 4:21 PM ^
Wal-Mart certainly has more than two people applying for every job posting.
The fact that Wal-Mart doesn't hire 50% of it's applicants is the only substantial part of your entry. Good job.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:57 AM ^
Some of the recruits recognize that injuries occur in football and want an excellent degree to fall back on. Or, they want the degree for when they finish playing in "the league." Though, I suppose most believe "it's not going to happen to me," which is just human-nature.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:07 AM ^
and become the next great wolverine in the nfl (brady, henne, long, woodson, braylon, hall, hutchinson, etc.). if that doesn't work out, you'll still have a badass degree and have tons of fun.
we write tons of nonsense on this site because we care a little too much about michigan football. whether we're national champions or 3-9, you'll always have a giant fanbase and 107,531+ people behind you in the big house.
while we can't offer hostesses, free cars or tons of SEC/big 12-calibre skanks, there are plenty of classy (and non-classy) hotties for everyone. i promise.
come to michigan!
December 11th, 2009 at 4:33 AM ^
...Our helmets got wings ;)
December 11th, 2009 at 6:18 AM ^
2 points for you!
December 11th, 2009 at 8:02 AM ^
"Our helmet's got wings" (singular)
or
"Our helmets got wings" (plural + country grammar)
Inquiring minds need to know.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:31 AM ^
Being a Wolverine is about pride, class, tradition, and excellence.
Michigan makes you a better person, student, and athlete. If that doesn't appeal to you, I don't know what does.
You'll never find a more passionate, well-informed group of people. We love our school, and we love those who represent it well.
Go Blue.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:58 AM ^
... and don't forget to mention the downright ridiculous amount of playing time you'll get even as a freshman if you're a recruit for the defense.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:56 AM ^
... don't read boards like this. A "FAN" is a shortened version of FANATIC and boards attract rabid fanatics to it. Stick to listening to your parents, coaches, and the message the college coach(es) are telling you. Rely on your gut feeling about how a program "feels" to you (the coaches and players on the team). But do not...I REPEAT DO NOT!...take seriously what you read on sports blogs. Fans are not your friends. They will be your buddy when you are doing well and piss on you when you fail on the field. It's your parents,coaches and team mates that will always be there for you. You know this already. And if you didn't, well, you know it now. Good luck and remember that only 3% of college players ever make it to the NFL. That 3%, though, doesn't mean they are successful in the NFL, just that they were picked by a team. So make sure you get your degree and major in something useful unless you are lucky to find a sugar momma who likes to play Madden 2010. I hear that Tiger's wife might be in the market for a boy toy.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:47 AM ^
that's not where the word originated.
Not all "fans" are as cynical as you've painted them here and Michigan has about as loyal a fanbase as you can find. Saying that they'll "piss" on players for failing is a joke.
To the recruits I say, many of the same fans you'll see in the stands on gameday, are the same fans who contribute to Mott's Children's hospital and adopt dozens of local families at Christmas time through WTKA.
You'll find Michigan fans and alums everywhere you go in life. Work hard, wear the uniform with class, and you'll have the respect of a network of people who'll come in very handy when it comes time to look for a job.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:57 AM ^
While some "fans" are fanatics... that's not where the word originated.Uh, OED sez otherwise.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:18 AM ^
but here's a source that you can check if you like. Scroll down to the Etymology section and scan the first paragraph.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_(person)
December 11th, 2009 at 10:21 AM ^
1. Try again--I fixed it.
2. I trust OED over Wikipedia.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:06 AM ^
I've got to go with OED. They do their homework.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:20 AM ^
Officially hit MLive status.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:51 AM ^
If a player is reading the Michigan message boards I hope he doesn't take to heart what he reads. I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about the coaches selling the university. These coaches know the inner workings and more than you or I about everything that a recruit will be afforded if they come to Michigan.
Nobody wants to be disliked and if a fanbase is not behind the possibility of a certain player coming to Michigan I'm sure that can effect the ego of a recruit. However, I would hope that while recruiting these players what the coaches said would hold more importance than what a disgruntled or enthusiastic group of fans said.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:58 AM ^
If you're freaked out by any comments on this board, please don't come here. UM football is just too much of a pressure cooker, and I sincerely think it will end poorly for you. Take care, and best of luck in your future endeavours.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:29 AM ^
I mean is there something like a "closed super-secret double confidential note" on a free forum on the interwebs?
December 11th, 2009 at 9:34 AM ^
...or the players could visit our rival's blogs and sites and lose 5 to 10 IQ points in a matter of seconds...I'm just saying.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:44 AM ^
Every school has some sort of tradition, we're one of a handful of schools that started the tradition of tradition. Most wins, highest winning percentage, most televised games, most numbers in terms of attendance, best fight song, best helmets, LEADERS AND BEST!
You want to be a part of this...go Blue...
December 11th, 2009 at 10:00 AM ^
Recruits:
No good can come of reading blogs and message boards.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:19 AM ^
about the school, team etc. Too many trolls from other programs post garbage thinking they are going to somehow diminish a program with lies. I think most young athletes understand that ... especially ones that qualify at UM.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:32 AM ^
Anyone that is part of the 'Youtube Generation' probably already realizes that comments on the internet are generally retarded and that haters are always going to hate.
Some comments/forums/boards can cut down on these particular comments using various means but they will continue to exist as long as the internet exists.
I will conclude this post with words from a great philosopher, "If you can't take the heat get yo' ass out the kitchen, we on a mission."
December 11th, 2009 at 12:03 PM ^
this has been gnawing at me for awhile. now, i'm sure there are recruits out there that read blogs of the prospective schools in which they are considering. however, if they are disuaded from attending a school of their choice because of a few comments about them from faceless posters on a blog, then i'm not sure they have tough enough skin to be a D1 athlete, let alone a successful one. let alone be a michigan man.
i'm giving recruits a helleva lot more credit and respect than that. i hope they base their decisions on the institution itself, its coaches, their teamates and future prospects than insignificant posters on a blog.
i'm happy for every recruit we have. and i have trust in the coaches for offering these kids.
i have a distaste for anyone who bashes recruits, but i also have a distaste for general fawning over recruits "oh please come to our school...yada yada yada". The coaches have infinitely more influence than random bloggers.
i loved vinopal's comments. he has the makings of a michigan man.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:07 PM ^
Dear Recruit:
The coaching staff wants you. I'll defer to their judgment. Come to Michigan and show me what you got.
Signed,
Average Fan