In-State Recruiting: Royce Jenkins-Stone
I know it seems that many on this blog--myself included--have felt pretty good about the renewed recruiting focus in-state and are confident we will start to own the state again, particularly surrounding schools like Cass Tech. I know it's early and I am a Hokeamaniac, but on Rivals today they are talking about Royce Jenkins-Stone already having a #1 school--and it isn't UM. In fact, we're not even highlighted in his short list:
"The talented linebacker says that some of his early favorites include Iowa, Michigan State, LSU, Auburn, and Notre Dame, but says that one school sticks out currently [Oklahoma]. However regardless of how things stand currently don't expect any rash choices from Jenkins-Stone."
Not trying to suggest the sky is falling as I know it's premature and recruits like to many play games throughout the process, but I think it's critical that we score some early commitments with the new regime to get the momentum going and the perception changed with recruits. I am dumbfounded though how RJS is considered to a near lock for us and publicly he's not even referencing our name.
Thoughts?
EDIT: I acknowledge the subject could have been clearer, so I updated it per the suggestions--and negbangs.
MENTAL NOTE: Even though I tried to put into context multiple times and ways that I know it's early and I'm not suggesting freak-out, I nonetheless get the comments. Remind me to stop posting on the site because unless you come up with a funny image, avatar, or sarcastic response, you will be negbanged and mocked.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:39 PM ^
Was the final straw, which some believe.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:17 PM ^
If playing time matters to him at all, Oklahoma is not the place to go. Their depth at LB makes me cry.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:26 PM ^
Whenever you want to freak out about an in state kid saying something about Michigan, I want you to think about Justice Hayes. He called us a sinking ship at one point and verbaled to ND. Before it was all over with he was recruiting players for us. So relax bud.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:34 PM ^
Well the kid has seen nothing of Hoke and Mattison's actual on the field performance, but he has seen us field a horrible defense three years in a row. I can understand not having us as a leader until we show some turnaround on the field. Names and offseason rosters don't win the B10 or put people in the NFL. We need to prove ourselves.
February 16th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^
baxter update?
February 16th, 2011 at 1:56 PM ^
The bad man punted Baxter
February 16th, 2011 at 1:39 PM ^
I have two children of my own and if i know anything about teenagers its this...they dont know what the hell they want! Again, just relax.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:05 PM ^
This is my face when it comes to recruits.
February 16th, 2011 at 2:28 PM ^
Two weeks ago, we signed our 2011 recruiting class, and you're fretting about the 2012 class already?
February 16th, 2011 at 3:10 PM ^
What else would I do besides worry about UM football? Get a job or something? HA! That would be ridiculous.
February 16th, 2011 at 3:24 PM ^
I worked out with royce a few days ago & the guy is a freak of nature . I think he just enjoying the process , & will end up at michigan in the end
February 16th, 2011 at 3:48 PM ^
You worked out with him? What does that mean? Like he called you and said "Hey man, wanna hit the gym?" or were you walking by the Cass Tech and he was in there? And if you really knew him well enough to work out with him, shouldn't you know a little more than that.
Oh, I just saw your point total. I get it.
February 16th, 2011 at 4:31 PM ^
Maybe he uses the gym at Cass? If he were a troll, I don't think he'd be saying positive things about RJS coming to Michigan.....
February 16th, 2011 at 8:10 PM ^
First off I worked out with him one time & it wasn't at cass tech, it was in a undisclosed location . We both have the same personal trainer & , If I want information I can get it, but doesn't mean ill give it to u jackass
February 16th, 2011 at 4:42 PM ^
get that feeling also but you never know.
February 16th, 2011 at 4:19 PM ^
Ditto... Way too much negativity on this site. Unfortunately, it's a small number of individuals who ruin it for all... Go Blue without you!
February 16th, 2011 at 4:35 PM ^
Yep, I agree about too much negativity. Really puts a damper on the site.
February 16th, 2011 at 4:22 PM ^
wow didn't expect him to be so interested in ND even without an offer
February 16th, 2011 at 4:41 PM ^
dumping kerosene on the bonfire of our panic attack
DAMN YOU!
February 16th, 2011 at 4:38 PM ^
very early in the recuirting season.How many LBS did we signed last year,4.How many are we going to take this year,1 or 2 at the most i would think.So as long as we get James BIGGS Ross I will be happy.GO BLUE!!!
February 16th, 2011 at 7:01 PM ^
Terry Richardson and RJS played together, have been taking visits together and getting offers together. Now Richardson is starting to distance himself in the quality and quantity of offers(USC, Bama). In RJS's mind/ego, and probably the case with most athletes of his caliber, it has to be a little humiliating to see his buddy doing better than him. Now he has an offer from a top tier BCS school that Richardson doesn't, and he's letting everyone know in his own little way. Kinda like "look at me, I can get bigtime offers too!" If OU ever decides to offer Richardson I'm sure we will see RJS's enthusiasm fade a lil bit for the Sooners
February 16th, 2011 at 7:17 PM ^
Just would like to here that UM was his number one but it's way early and hopefully our program will "wow" him more in the next few months.
February 16th, 2011 at 7:34 PM ^
Even in a banner year for in-state talent in michigan, it is still not a huge or deep pool to draw from.
There was a day when we dominated MSU to the extent that the few recruiting battles we had with them weren't even on our radar because we were focused nationally and pulling in top recruits all across the country. Quite frankly, we didn't really care too much who MSU was recruiting in-state or why. We easily took our share of the top Michigan options and left the rest for MSU, occasionally losing out on a top prospect or two.
Now we care?
I would rather see the coaching staff focus their efforts in talent-rich regions across the country and start pulling top recruits nationally so we could once again compete on a national basis rather than end up in a long, drawn out, petty pissing match with MSU over who owns the state of Michigan.
That is a sure way to end up playing for a share of the Big10 title every 5-7 years, just ask them.
February 16th, 2011 at 7:57 PM ^
It is an interesting way to look at it. Think about it like this: Trust that Michigan is offering based on it's needs for the most elite player/student at any position and if MSU or anyone else want to do the same, fine.
Hoke and his staff have stated that they are making that their focus. The 2012 class will be a great picture of the results. No school will ever get everybody and as you point out, that can be a good thing.
February 16th, 2011 at 7:47 PM ^
As long we get Ross or RJS, I'm happy. But if we get both, wow.
And I too an very interested to know how the previous poster was working out with RJS...
February 16th, 2011 at 11:06 PM ^
I don't feel as comfortable with RJS as I did maybe a month or so ago.
I just hope he doesn't make rash decisions to stroke his ego.
Will the Ricardo Miller of this class please stand up? And soon!