TomVH: Darian Cooper Update

Submitted by TomVH on

I wanted to do a quick update on Maryland DT Darian Cooper, because there seems to be a lot of buzz about him. 

He has maintained this whole time that Michigan's coaching situation was too much for him, and he eventually eliminated Michigan. I spoke with him when Brady Hoke was hired and he still felt the same way. I spoke with him the other day when Mattison was hired, and he said the same thing.

I spoke to him again tonight, and he said, "The coach came by the house today. He was cool, but I wish I had met him earlier. I'm pretty solid with my top three." His top three are Iowa, Michigan State, and Georgia Tech.

If he decides to visit then there would be reason for excitement, but I wouldn't get your hopes up. Don't take this as 100% because Brady Hoke could push hard, but as of right now it's not something to get excited about.

bluenyc

January 19th, 2011 at 11:30 PM ^

Thanks Tom.

I spoke to him again tonight, and he said, "The coach came by the house today. He was cool, but I wish I had met him earlier. I'm pretty solid with my top three."

This line kills me.  Do what you can Coach Hoke.

Team Douche

January 19th, 2011 at 11:36 PM ^

At least he's not trying to mess with our emotions by saying that we are in his top 4. But it is kind of strange that recruits tend to stick with odd numbers when choosing between their final list of schools.

Mr Mackey

January 19th, 2011 at 11:32 PM ^

That hurts. Even Hoke and Mattison might not be able to pull this one off, but I'm optimistic for the recruiting classes of the next couple years. Should be good ones.

Thanks for the update like always, Tom

lilpenny1316

January 19th, 2011 at 11:36 PM ^

...so I can't find fault with Hoke with the "I wish I had met him earlier" quote.  The more damning piece was "Michigan's coaching situation was too much for him".  That's a nice shout out to DB fiddling around with us in December and early January.

OSUMC Wolverine

January 19th, 2011 at 11:36 PM ^

If the last 2 months crap hadnt been pulled by DB, maybe a shot at a lot of players that are now off the radar.  DB, I am holding you personally responsible for anything that is not perfect in the next three years of UM football.  I guess it was a good tactic to use if DB's intent was to take the heat off his coach.  Doubt it.......

KinesiologyNerd

January 19th, 2011 at 11:37 PM ^

I'm ok with this... as we all know by now, Mattison is not a good recruiter... not a great recruiter... but he is LEGEND-I hope Darian isn't lactose intolerant-DARY. Make it happen, Greg.

mmiicchhiiggaann

January 19th, 2011 at 11:41 PM ^

Interesting, you would think Mattison would of had a larger effect on him considering he is in Maryland, where Blake countess' dad basically said it was the best hire for blake. It'll be interesting to see if he sleeps on that and decides to make the trip out here for an official. Thats when magic could happen.

NJblue2

January 19th, 2011 at 11:45 PM ^

Well it's disappointing but not surprising. Hopefully he reconsiders and decides to give Michigan another shot. Isn't the 2012 class loaded with DTs, we can have a pretty good shot with them. Darian either way Go Blue.

GhostPoster

January 19th, 2011 at 11:52 PM ^

Think Hoke will make a push for Timmy Jernigan?  I know he eliminated us too but now he wont have to deal with the 3-3-5.  He seems like an absolute beast.  A DT in this class would be very exciting.  

lilpenny1316

January 20th, 2011 at 12:15 AM ^

When they do the starting lineups in the NFL games this weekend, CWood can say "Charles 'Come to Michigan Darian Cooper' Woodson, Fremont Pop Warner".

The Braylon can say "Braylon Edwards, "Lloyd Carr's 'Please Anthony Zettel, DeAnthony Arnett, Go To' University of Michigan"

I think there's some Freedom of Speech protection there.

goblue12

January 19th, 2011 at 11:56 PM ^

 

How about Timmy Jernigan? Did he officially eliminate us? 

And how about Christian Heyward. The guy is uncommitted, has pretty solid rankings, is from San Diego and was offered by SDSU... makes me think that he HAD to be contacted by Hoke right?

ken725

January 20th, 2011 at 12:35 AM ^

He recently fell out of the top 250 in the rivals ranking.  Do we even want someone that is not highly rated.  

/s

This is a bummer. thankfully there are other DTs that we can go after.  Hopefully WC and QW can provide the depth needed until we can get more DTs.  Good thing 2012 is a loaded with both DTs and DEs.

Don Keypunch

January 20th, 2011 at 7:43 AM ^

Honestly we arent too bad off for depth at DT for NEXT year. If Mattison switches to a 4-3 I can see either Will Campbell (thinking he will benefit from the tutelage of Hoke and Mattison), or Washington, Ash , or Talbott lining up next to Martin. Not a huge issue for this upcoming season to not get a DT, but it is imperative that we get a couple of solid DT's in the 2012 class.

 

Side note, I am impressed that I used both tutelage, and imperative in this posting.