Wiltfong - Underwood to Announce Jan. 6
Belleville (Mich.) High five-star Bryce Underwood, @247Sports No. 1 QB in the 2025 class, will announce his college decision on Jan. 6: https://t.co/iDIEAZHEsF #Alabama #Colorado #LSU #Michigan #Oregon #PennState
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) October 29, 2023
October 29th, 2023 at 1:59 PM ^
Why in the fuck would anyone want to go play for the biggest douche bag in college football? I will never understand that.
Also, enjoy the humidity down there.
October 29th, 2023 at 4:05 PM ^
Highschool kids were basically born yesterday. They often don't have a nuanced perspective and cringe things aren't cringe or cliche to them yet because they're still fairly novel and haven't been overdone from their perspective. What Kelly offers is probably nauseatingly patronizing and insulting to an adults intelligence, but hip and edgy to highschool kids who want to pretend they're in a football movie. That and the money.
October 29th, 2023 at 5:42 PM ^
This. Also high school kids aren't paying attention to recruiting news. They don't know Brian Kelly is actually six angry garden gnomes inside a suit.
October 29th, 2023 at 5:52 PM ^
It blows my mind that people can see the sad state of adults and still think "kids these days"
October 29th, 2023 at 11:46 AM ^
Michigan
October 29th, 2023 at 11:47 AM ^
Prepare for it to be LSU. We will survive. And like when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor it ain’t over until it’s over on signing day.
October 29th, 2023 at 11:49 AM ^
Thanks for the update. I had thought UM was in the lead, guess I was wrong.
October 29th, 2023 at 1:17 PM ^
It’s another of those situations where the kid absolutely loves Michigan and has the relationship with the staff. But LSU can (read: is willing to) offer up front financial guarantees and has an offense that will showcase Underwood much more than the Michigan offense.
Who knows what will win out in the end, but it’s no longer as simple as looking at who it seems like the kid likes more. There’s an added business decision that goes into their choices now.
October 29th, 2023 at 2:18 PM ^
I love Michigan to death but if we aren't willing to match or exceed LSU's offer for the best in state QB, maybe ever, than we absolutely shouldn't get his commitment.
I had hoped that Michigan would be able to lay out a vision that looked similar to our soon to be top 1st rd pick QB, JJ McCarthy. It's my understanding that JJ is doing extremely well with NIL.
The only over looked thing we cannot offer that LSU can is ☀️ in the winter.
October 29th, 2023 at 3:02 PM ^
I had hoped that Michigan would be able to lay out a vision that looked similar to our soon to be top 1st rd pick QB, JJ McCarthy. It's my understanding that JJ is doing extremely well with NIL.
Right but that IS Michigan’s pitch. Contrary to popular belief, Michigan has one of the best NIL programs in the country. The catch is, Michigan will not offer up front cash to recruits. If you come to Michigan, you perform on the field, you will be compensated extremely well. We have offensive linemen approaching 7 figure deals for example.
But LSU may be willing to throw a $500k offer before he ever puts a uniform on. Some programs are doing just that. That’s going to sway some kids and I can’t blame them for taking the guaranteed money, but I personally prefer Michigan’s approach. Get the kids that want to be at Michigan, not just money. The money will come for those that show out on the field.
October 29th, 2023 at 4:20 PM ^
Thanks for the explanation. That's my understanding too.
I was just hoping for a play outside the box here considering he's a once in a lifetime, Michigan, QB prospect.
October 29th, 2023 at 4:47 PM ^
Also look at how much Daniels throws vs JJ - accounting for JJ being out of the game in most 4th quarters. That said, it's sad it's 3 QBs in a row. JJ was our unicorn sadly.
October 29th, 2023 at 5:45 PM ^
This is how we got a team full of loveable dorks! :D
October 29th, 2023 at 11:52 AM ^
The article says that he likes Brian Kelly's track record as a coach. What track record? Beating up on the little sisters of the poor that ND has played? Multiple terrible seasons at ND? No notable QBs in the NFL under his tutelage? He's a vastly overrated coach who has no loyalty whatsoever. At least Saban can back it up with results.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:08 PM ^
I think he meant his track record of throwing players under the bus. Recruits love that.
October 29th, 2023 at 2:08 PM ^
Izzo agrees.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:32 PM ^
I hope they're not touting the development of Jayden Daniels in their recruiting pitch. Congrats on throwing a bag at an already established QB at ASU
October 29th, 2023 at 12:45 PM ^
It means the NIL $$$ was better.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:51 PM ^
I always got the feeling Kelly wanted to goto the NFL..so who knows how long he will actually be at LSU..then again Harbaugh might too after the current situation
October 29th, 2023 at 4:23 PM ^
Kelly is too Urban Meyer-ish to work in the NFL. The professionals don’t tolerate coaches who behave like abusive stepfathers.
October 29th, 2023 at 5:04 PM ^
Oh I dont disagree..but he is an arrogant asshole enough to think he is "different"
October 29th, 2023 at 4:46 PM ^
It's insane 3 top QBs in the country who hail from Michigan in the last 2 years have not signed with UM while any guy in Ohio in the top 500 will sign with OSU.
October 29th, 2023 at 8:46 PM ^
Michigan doesn’t really have an issue getting who they want in-state outside of the QB position. You’ll get guys here and there that grew up MSU fans or want to go out of state. But in general, the best players in Michigan go to Michigan.
QB is just different. Our offense doesn’t feature the QB enough to keep a lot of these guys home. Between up-front NIL money and promises of throwing the ball 30+ times every game, it’s hard to keep QBs home. That’s just the reality.
October 29th, 2023 at 11:48 AM ^
This has always felt like LSU to me.
He can throw the ball a lot more and I'm sure they're gonna bank up the Brink's truck before he steps foot on campus. Two major things Michigan simply cannot, and in the case of the latter should not, offer.
October 29th, 2023 at 11:56 AM ^
I am fine with rolling with Jaydn Davis and I won't be terribly upset if we don't get Underwood. It would suck, but oh well. You never know how any one pans out. Who was that #1 RB that Hoke recruited that flamed out? My only area of disagreement is "not backing up the brinks truck." I personally have no moral qualms about it (whether it pans out is a different story). Agree to disagree I suppose.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:06 PM ^
Who was that #1 RB that Hoke recruited that flamed out?
Derrick Green. IIRC, he transferred to TCU and did little of note there, too.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:32 PM ^
I am all for backing up the Brink's truck. Problem is Michigan doesn't seem to be on board with it.
October 29th, 2023 at 1:20 PM ^
Sorry, I took this to mean you had an issue with it.
"and in the case of the latter should not, offer."
October 29th, 2023 at 6:27 PM ^
Michigan's NIL law prohibits doing that. No NIL deals before the player is signed. That's actually the NCAA rule, but only a few states include it in their NIL laws.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:32 PM ^
Would rather have Underwood. Kid is the real deal.
October 29th, 2023 at 1:40 PM ^
Dante Moore has thrown a pick 6 in each of his starts-3 games. Ain’t over though, he’s a frosh.
October 29th, 2023 at 4:49 PM ^
Sorry I disagree - at some point you do need 5 star talent. And QB is the most important position in all of sport. This is multiple whiffs including legacy of a head coach who we cannot land.
October 29th, 2023 at 4:55 PM ^
I would rather a kid get into UM and prove something rather then just giving him a truckload of money before he plays a single down in college. Kids don’t always pan out and I think some kind of NIL rules need to be laid out to keep playing fields even. Kind of an NFL salary cap or pay structure. The whole thing is way out of control
October 29th, 2023 at 12:34 PM ^
It's always seemed like Underwood's dad controls this recruitment. I have a feeling this might be another "kid wants to go to Michigan, but parent forces him elsewhere" situation
October 29th, 2023 at 12:43 PM ^
Choice is powerful. He can tell his parents he's going to UM when he is 18. Also parents controlling things is always a tell.
October 29th, 2023 at 11:59 AM ^
3 top QBs in our backyard in 3 consecutive classes all not going to Michigan would be tough to stomach, especially considering how talent-poor the state of Michigan is, comparatively. Que sera, sera.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:11 PM ^
Carr was never coming here. He did not want to play under the shadow of his grandfather's legacy and wanted to forge his own way. In addition, he very religious/Catholic. ND was the best option for him given his criteria. I suppose we can trade 1997 for CJ Carr?
Dante Moore kinda stung, but whatever. Underwood would suck, but again, what are you going to do? Michigan isn't a QB friendly offense where you can put up video game numbers. It would be nice if JJ was a year older or Underwood a year younger just so he could see where JJ would land in the NFL. I think scouts and teams trust Harbaugh's player development despite the lack of numbers. We just haven't had the QB to put it all together like JJ to date.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:36 PM ^
There has been some discussion about who would play QB at Michigan next year assuming JJ goes pro. I am not convinced that is a given but lets say it is. Dante Moore could still transfer home and slot right in as QB1. Maalik Murphy at Texas is someone Michigan seriously wanted. Same with Cade Klubnik. Murphy is likely to look around and I saw some mention of Klubnik doing the same (as its clear that offense sucks). The point is missing on Underwood doesn’t mean much of anything right now. He has another year of high school and its possible we are in need when he is ready to play and that LSU has filled their slot with a big time transfer. So much fluidity these days. Especially at QB
October 29th, 2023 at 2:27 PM ^
I'm calling my shot here. I think USC's backup QB, Miller Moss, is our starting QB next year. He was a heavy Michigan lean before JJ committed and I think 5* RS freshman Malachi Nelson starts for them next year
October 29th, 2023 at 5:01 PM ^
Don't want it.
I truly believe JJ comes back, especially if we stop fucking around and let outside forces dictate Harbaugh's contract extension (looking at you Warde). He loves Michigan, Harbaugh and wouldn't surprise me a bit to see him back to leave a legacy. He's just different.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:42 PM ^
Somehow Aidan had zero issue playing in the shadow of his dad’s legacy and his dad was an All American whereas Lloyd didn’t play a down for Michigan. Michigan gave his mediocre grandfather a Ferrari of a career when it could have gone with a dozen other coaches, and the man has shown scant loyalty. I hope Carr flames out.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:54 PM ^
I don’t pretend to know what CJ Carr’s thought process is, but when your brother dies from pediatric cancer in your childhood, I have to imagine there must be a strong desire to leave home and start a new chapter of your life when you’re given the chance. That’s a lot of trauma to endure at such a young age
October 29th, 2023 at 12:55 PM ^
Man, let go of the bitterness.
October 29th, 2023 at 1:01 PM ^
this is pretty childish stuff! i see why your mgopoints total is the way it is.
October 29th, 2023 at 4:55 PM ^
That's an incredibly pathetic thing to say.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:46 PM ^
If he's announcing two days before the CFP final, it should be enough to get a feel for a QB's opportunities in this offense. JJ's not a high-variance pick (Richardson, Levis) or obviously missing tools (Pickett), so his potential landing spots should also be pretty clear. OTOH, if he just likes the way Jayden Daniels plays, it's probably not a good fit here.
October 29th, 2023 at 12:15 PM ^
I’m in Illinois. Michigan got an “accept” to an offer from a high school QB several years ago - and, has offered another that’s few years away.
This staff needs to emphasize “we play like teams do on Sundays - is that of interest to you?”
Securing a commitment from Bryce would be fantastic. Time will tell.
Oh, by the way.. that QB offer / accept from Illinois… his name… JJ McCarthy.
October 29th, 2023 at 2:17 PM ^
30 of 32 NFL teams throw the ball more than 50% of plays. The two that don't are about 48%-52%.
Michigan was 60/40 run last year.
Michigan is 60/40 run this year.