Michigan Football Friday Recruiting Update

• Four-star linebacker Aramide Olaniyan who committed to Duke is planning a visit to Ann Arbor. Note: committed players that continue to take visits are not committed.
  
• Per Mgoblog recruiting guru: (and their HS head coach) Terry and Terrence Talbot had had an awesome time on their visit to Ann Arbor. "Rich and the boys took great care of them," was an exact quote.
  
• State of Michigan DB Dior Mathis has Michigan #5 behind a number of other schools. This is either a Will Campbell hoax (former teammate of Dior) or Michigan has become a long shot.

A word about a number of spots vs. number of recruits. Many believe Michigan has 20 spots available in the 2010 recruiting class. If all the current verbal commits stay solid that leaves Michigan with only 4 spots. There are a number of recruits that look good for the Wolverines which include: Cullen Christian, Brandon Ifill, and the Talbott brothers.

If all 4 committed then Michigan would be full at 20 spots. I expect Michigan to continue to recruit and maybe sign a class size around 22 or 23. As we have seen in past years, players de-commit as it gets closer to signing day and other players deep on the depth chart transfer or quit the team.

There are also currently 6 kids saying they will enroll in January which could be used/counted towards the 2011 class. The 6 are Hopkins, Miller, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, Pace, and Gardner.

If the Michigan class was full at 20 they would be missing needs at punter, another safety, LB, and maybe another DT or DE.

UConn at the Big House Now Confirmed

Rivals is reporting: UConn has reached an agreement with Michigan on a home-and-home series that will see the Huskies travel to Ann Arbor in 2010 and the Wolverines head to Rentschler Field in 2013, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

UConn's scheduled opening game against Northeastern will be re-scheduled.

I guess a "no" on Yankee Stadium.

Wolverines May Welcome The Huskies in 2010 to the Big House

The traditional and non-traditional media has been sleuthing the possible 2010 Michigan football opening opponent.

The contenders: Oregon State, Cal, Virgina, Duke, UConn, Oklahoma State and Pitt.

The DetNews Michigan reporter Angelique Chengelis gave us this: Virginia, Duke, Pitt and Oregon State. A Michigan official told me today those schools are not candidates and suggested it's very likely the team involved will be making changes to its already existing schedule to make room for Michigan.

RR also added to the Freep's Mark Synder: (the Michigan return game) saying it may not be returned by Michigan for a couple of years, one of the criteria of making it work. He also ruled out playing a Pac-10 school, saying "U-M doesn't need to do that". I would also make the case that OK State falls in that same bucket as "not needing to do that".

So that leaves the UConn Huskies as the BCS opening opponent for the 2010 season. Even Beno Cook thinks it's UConn, he mentioned it on a online discussion on ESPN yesterday. There is other proof as well. Michigan's AD Bill Martin has worked with the UConn athletic department on a similar basketball contract where Michigan played at UConn last year and this year they are coming to Crisler Arena.

Big House Thoughts: If Michigan wanted to make a big splash for it's opening of the new "Big House", UConn is not the right choice. I don't think ESPN is planning a count down clock for Michgan - UConn in 2010! Sure they are a quality Big East opponent and part of the BCS but how does the return game make sense? UConn's stadium holds less then half of Michigan's.

Are they thinking about a game at Gillette Stadium? Maybe the Meadowland's? Maybe new Yankee Stadium? Let's hope so.

• Staten Island Curtis star Dominique Easley a 4 star DE was thought to be a strong Florida lean but recently attended Florida's camp and now has re-opened his recruitment. He is going to look at the following schools: Miami FL, Georgia, UCLA, Penn State and Michigan. U of M has some catch up to do but if they can get him on campus for a visit they can maybe make up some lost ground.

• Marcus Rush High School coach gives us a little insight into Marcus's decision when he is talking about a teammate that just committed to Wake Forrest (the bold is mine): "The one thing he's got is every day in practice, he's going against a kid who's going to sign with Michigan, and the other (defensive tackle) is only a junior who already has been offered by N.C. State," Rodenberg said. The senior is Marcus Rush, the junior is Jesse Hayes."Marcus hasn't committed to Michigan," Rodenberg said. "He's either going to commit to Michigan, Virginia or Michigan State. Jesse will probably get offers from every school in the country by next year.
  


• Basketball recruiting news: LLP's brother is getting some good press at a recent AAU tournament: Another very quick point guard in the 2011 class is Patrick Lucas-Perry. Lucas-Perry is the younger brother of current Michigan guard, Laval Lucas-Perry, and is a solid player in his own right. Patrick is an excellent defender with great quickness. His jump shot shows good rotation, and he shows an ability to lead a team. Now Perry must get bigger and stronger and become more consistent with the jumper, but he has the look of a very solid floor general.

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Ten Media Day Final Thoughts

• Troubles for the Feagin family: We all know Justin was thrown off the Michigan Football Team late last week. Now his Uncle (a former Illinois football player) is accused of a very serious crime in Florida. I hope for Justin's sake he can find another University where he can play football and where he can separate himself from the serious trouble his Uncle is in. The article says Brian Kelly at University of Cincinnati was very interested in Justin before he committed to Michigan.

• Wolverines in the NFL News: Braylon Edwards failed his physical for the Browns and is on the non-football injury list. Most believe it to be an ankle problem. The Lions sign cornerback Will James who used to be William Peterson when he played at Michigan (not sure why he changed his name?), Shawn Crable is on the PUP list for the Patriots starting camp.

• There are a 100 articles out today stating the obvious: That Michigan wants to erase the taste of last year. Really? Yes, Michigan wants nothing more then the season to began and hopefully the rebuilding to start. In related news: water is wet and fire is hot.

• Michigan expects to hear from the NCAA about the eligibility of Tate's brother Jason (a former Wolverine QB) in about a week.

• Denard will only play QB: "He'll do nothing but play quarterback," Rodriguez said. "You move over to another position for any guy, it's going to cause more confusion. If you learn quarterback, you can learn the other ones. We're going to rep him, we're going to rep Nick and rep Tate a lot and see who wins the job."

• 2010 Commits RB Tony Drake and LB Antonio Kinard are firmly committed to the Wolverines.

• Stevie Brown at Media days made a few points: Coach Robinson is incredibly meticulous in explaining how he wants things done, they been working on tackling a lot, he has been impressed with freshman corners Turner and Witty, and that the leadership and communication is much better on defense this year.

• Coach Rod likes the coaches and team chemistry now after he hired Greg Robinson: "I like the balance that we have," Rodriguez said. "Chemistry is so important, not only on the staff but on the team. You can try to manufacture it, but it's something that's there because of the people that you have."I've been coaching I don't know how many years, and I feel as good about our chemistry on our staff now than anyplace I've coached."

Michigan Football's Full List of Walk On's for the 2009 Recruiting Class

14 Nadar Furrha, QB
Ann Arbor, Mich. (Pioneer)

32 O'Neil Swanson, RB
West Bloomfield, Mich. (Detroit Country Day)

42 Al Backey, RB
Ypsilanti, Mich. (Ypsilanti)

36 Jonny Childers, FB
Muskegon, Mich. (Mona Shores)

27 Jordan Owens, Slot
Alpharetta, Ga.

85 Joe Reynolds, WR
Rochester, Mich. (Rochester Adams)

54 Jareth Glanda, OL
Rochester Hills, Mich. (Brother Rice)

59 Tom Lindley, OL
Shirley, N.Y. (William Floyd)

66 Christian Brandt, OL
West Bloomfield, Mich. (Saint Mary's Prep)

67 Adam Barker, OL
Adrian, Mich. (Adrian)

69 Erik Gunderson, OL
Milan, Mich. (Milan)

94 Curt Graman, LS
Cincinnati, Ohio (Elder)

67 Nathan Brink, DE
Holland, Mich. (Holland Christian)

39 Eddie Murray, PK
Royal Oak, Mich. (Royal Oak)

46 Seth Broekhuizen, PK
Holland, Mich. (Holland)

93 Kris Pauloski, PK
Indianapolis, Ind. (Pike)

Transfer from the Basketball Team:
19 Kelvin Grady, Slot
Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Grand Rapids)


Barker was ranked at 2 stars from Rivals
Tom Lindley was rated as one of the best HS offensive lineman in New York
It's good to see 3 kickers as walk on's since that spot needs some depth

Hopefully these are quality players that can help Michigan in years to come!

Michigan Football News and Notes from Big 10 Media Days

Michigan plans to have an announcement regarding their new BCS 2010 opening opponent in a couple of weeks. It will be a home and away contract. The rumor mill is saying that it's most likely one of these three: Oregon State, Pitt, or Virgina. Update per the Detroit News: A Michigan official told me today those schools (above) are not candidates and suggested it's very likely the team involved will be making changes to its already existing schedule to make room for Michigan.

• Update: Michigan is dream'n of Willie Beamen at QB! It seems actor Jamie Foxx ran into Coach Rod at a Chicago restaurant last night. Jamie Foxx also happened to be in the restaurant and spotted Rodriguez. Foxx informed the second-year Michigan coach that he has eligibility remaining, then pretended to go under center and call a play.

• All 2009 freshman have qualified!

• Michigan is ranked #38 by Sporting News

• Devin Gardner was selected to the Under Armour All American game

• Michigan offers 4 Star California CB Joshua Shaw

• Freshman RB Fitzgerald Toussaint had a minor procedure done in the off season and will be 100% ready for fall camp. The report is it was a hernia issue.

• Coach Rod are you worried about all the transfers and team chemistry? The team's fine," he said. "You wish everyone was doing all the right things, but some inevitably don't fit for us -- either the university profile or the team."But I'm only worried about the guys who play for us. And our players have come closer in the last five to six months than I could even hope for."

Michigan's 2009 Freshman Jersey Numbers

16 Denard Robinson, QB
Deerfield Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach)

5 Tate Forcier, QB
San Diego, Calif. (Scripps Ranch)

2 Vincent Smith,RB
Pahokee, Fla. (Pahokee)

28 Fitzgerald Toussaint, RB
Youngstown, Ohio (Liberty)

84 Cameron Gordon, WR
Detroit, Mich. (Inkster)

4 Je'Ron Stokes, WR
Philadelphia, Pa. (Northeast) (Same number as Brandon Minor? Redshirt?)

14 Teric Jones, Slot
Detroit, Mich. (Cass Technical)

29 Jeremy Gallon, Slot
Apopka, Fla. (Apopka)

77 Taylor Lewan, OL
Scottsdale, Ariz. (Chaparral)
(Jake Long's number)

75 Michael Schofield, OL
Orland Park, Ill. (Carl Sandburg)

76 Quinton Washington, OL
St. Stephen, S.C. (Timberland)

90 Anthony LaLota, DE
Princeton, N.J. (The Hun School)

88 Craig Roh,DE
Scottsdale, Ariz. (Chaparral)

73 William Campbell, DT
Detroit, Mich. (Cass Technical)

7 Brandin Hawthorne, LB
Pahokee, Fla. (Pahokee)

26 Isaiah Bell, LB
Youngstown, Ohio (Liberty)

27 Mike Jones, LB
Orlando, Fla. (Edgewater)

5 Vladimir Emilien, S
Lauderhill, Fla. (Plantation)


15 Thomas Gordon, S
Detroit, Mich. (Cass Technical)

2 Justin Turner, CB
Massillon, Ohio (Washington)
(next Woodson?)

13 Adrian Witty, CB
Deerfield Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach)

34 Brendan Gibbons, PK
West Plam Beach, Fla. (Cardinal Newman)

2010 Michigan Defensive Recruits Coming to Ann Arbor

We all know Michigan has 16 committed players for the 2010 recruiting class with a majority being on the offensive side of the ball.

Michigan is in need of Defensive Line and Defensive Back's to fill out the remaining spots in the 2010 class.

Michigan has some high profile defensive recruits coming to Ann Arbor during the next two weeks:

• Terry Talbot, 3 Star DT from Ohio tentatively scheduled to visit on 7/30. He is visiting with his brother Terrence, also a 2010 recruit but at defensive back.

• Bradon Ifill, a DB/Safety and teammate of top 100 CB Cullen Christian (Michigan is listed as his leader) is planning his first un-official to Ann Arbor this weekend.

• Latwan Anderson, a top 100 player and Safety recruit from Cleveland, OH is planning another visit to Ann Arbor. He recently declared WVU his leader.

• Josh Furman, a 3 star athlete from Maryland is also planning a visit to Ann Arbor.

Rich Rod Big Ten Press Day News Conference

Per Twitter: RR press conference will be at 11:45 on the Big Ten Network.

Expect a Lion King quote and I only talk about players on the Michigan Football Team.

Justin Feagin is no longer a Michigan Wolverine

The Michigan Football Team really needs Fall Camp to start. The players need to focus on Academics and Football instead of getting into trouble.

Former QB and back up slot WR Justin Feagin was kicked off the team late last week. "Justin Feagin was dismissed for a violation of team rules Thursday evening," Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said in a released statement today.

You can look at this two ways:

1. Justin was a late edition to the 2008 recruiting class and was there to try to compete at QB (hopefully to back up Terrelle Pryor). Justin didn't have the skills to compete at QB and was moved to slot WR this Spring. Take #1: Michigan loses a guy they took a chance at because they needed depth at QB. With Tate, Denard, and Devin coming in the QB spot is locked for many years to come. He didn't have the D1 skills to be a QB and there are/were plenty of talented WR above him on the depth chart. Take #1 analysis: not a big loss and the effects to the team will be zero.


2. What gets you kicked out that quickly? Boubacar gets arrested for mouthing off to a police officer, Kevin Grady gets a DUI with a blood alcohol level off the charts, and WR Darryl Stonum also gets a DUI as a Freshman. The above examples were all disciplined in house and all three are expected to contribute this Fall. Obviously, this is something serious where a second chance wasn't warranted. The message boards have been buzzing about a stealing incident but again this is just a rumor. I'm sure the facts will come out.

So there you have it. Not a big loss and he did something pretty bad. It's cold a stance, isn't it?

When we look at things like this as a serious fan, we always look at the team side of the facts. Well, he wasn't going to play...........No, Biggie. If your a Rich Rod hater you take this approach:..........Wow! He is making an example of the back up. Sure, kick off the team the kid that wasn't going to play. Just another example of RR recruiting the wrong kids!

The real loss is to Mr. Feagin and his family. He losses a Michigan education and being a part of an historic football program. I fully understand that college kids live in the present and all think they are going to the NFL. The facts are, they won't be going to the NFL and need to focus on becoming Engineers, Doctors, Police Officers, etc.

Sure being a part of the Michigan Football team is not a right but a privilege but the real loss is to Justin's future. I don't know if he is a bad kid or not, I just hope he finds a place that will let him play football, pay for his education, so that his "future" can have a second chance.

BTW: The rumor mill is also churning that this might not be the last of the bad news. There maybe more transfers and a couple of kids may also be having some trouble in the classroom. Again, just rumors.

Michigan's Starting Corner Back Arrested

The new Ann Arbor.com the entity that replaced the Ann Arbor News is reporting that Boubacar Cissoko (Michigan's expected started at CB in the Fall) was arrested on Belle Isle in June. According to a Detroit Police Department arrest report, Cissoko was a passenger in a car that was pulled over June 6 for speeding on Belle Isle. After a three- or four-minute pursuit, the driver was asked out of the car and hand-cuffed. Cissoko then began yelling “Leave my boy the (expletive) alone,” the report said, and was arrested when he failed to comply with an officer's orders to stop. Cissoko is free on a $100 bond and is expected back in court on August 24 and could face up to a $1000 fine and 90 days in jail (a lesser penalty is expected). “He has been disciplined by the program,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said in a statement. “He is taking care of his responsibilities.”

• Kicker Chris Vernon committed to South Florida. I guess he picked South Florida over Michigan and Alabama. I hadn't heard of him before this article. So I'm not sure if Michigan had an official offer out to him.
  


• If you hadn't heard former Michigan and ND Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison is now DC for the Baltimore Ravens.
  


• Rivals ranked Devin Gardner as the top QB at the Elite 11 QB Camp!
  


• ESPN gives Michigan some ideas for it's 2010 opener: Which include: Duke, Virgina (didn't I see that game with a winning catch in the corner of the end zone?), Oregon State, or Pitt. I will take Duke or Virgina, I don't want any thing to do with another OSU or Pitt and RR's history with them.

• Former Wolverine Jerrett Irons: Talks about walking away from the NFL and going to grad school. He got his MBA from Michigan and is now a Business Development Manager for a PR firm in Chicago.

Future Michigan QB Devin Gardner is Elite

Devin Gardner is at the Elite 11 passing camp and gotten some good reviews so far: Per ESPN: "Gardner has also surprised many. His hustle, leadership and athleticism add up to a tremendous maturity that will help him compete early for playing time in Ann Arbor. Rivals: Every pointed out Gardner's impressive size at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, his athleticism and arm strength. He cited Gardner's problems throwing while rolling because that will be a big part of his college game, but liked his arm and accuracy in the pocket. Scouts: "Gardner is a superior athlete who is handcuffed a bit by a passing camp that doesn't showcase his playmaking ability with his legs. However, as one might expect, Gardner was solid in the bootleg drills, and while struggling hitting the deep-out to live receivers, Gardner picked up his game in the target practice segment, showing off better accuracy than many of his Elite 11 teammates." Many at the camp as compared Devin to former Michigan recruit Terrelle Pryor. I'm liking the report on his accuracy and working at these camps will help his overall QB skills and get him ready for his senior year and becoming a Wolverine in 2010.

• The Rivals new top 250 is out: Marvin Robinson #123, Ricardo Miller #158, and Devin Gardner #171 (way too low). I expect these to go way up before signing day. Gardner is a top 100 talent for sure. Michigan CB recruit Cullen Christian is now rated #60. Just a quick tip for the BHB readers. Un-committed recruits sell more subscriptions to the recruiting services, which means the committed recruits are boring and maybe ranked lower then they should be.

• Michigan's game at Illinois will be a 3:30 match up on ABC.

• Tony Jefferson, LB from California who was planning an official visit to Ann Arbor this Fall committed to UCLA this week.

• Looks like the Kings of the "Smurf Turf" Boise State will not be making a trip to Ann Arbor to open the 2010 season as reports have surfaced they have signed a deal to play Virgina Tech. So the mystery behind the 2010 opening opponent continues.

• Grand Rapids punter Mike Sadler recently visited Arizona State and will announce his college choice in the next two weeks. I still believe Michigan hasn't offered yet, but they might want to think about doing so real soon.

Michigan Wolverines 2009 Players on the Rise...........

We all know about the Brandon's (Minor and Graham) potential for a big 2009. One mock draft has Graham as the #3 pick in the draft and many believe that Minor could have a Chris Perry type of senior year. We also know about the returning offensive line, our All American punter Zoltan Mesko, and our true freshman QB (and savior) Tate Forcier.

But this post is not about Michigan's 2009 star players it's about players that could have a big impact on the 2009 roster as a back up or future starter:

Michael Shaw: I expected Mike to have a big year in 2009. A track star in high school, I knew Shaw had the speed to get to the corner and break of some big runs. Shaw scored the first touchdown in the Rich Rod era but didn't do much after that. Shaw carried the ball 42 times for 215 yards as a freshman but was hampered late in the season with a groin injury. Shaw sat out Spring Ball after having surgery on his groin and I expect him to have an impact on the 2009 team by backing up Minor and Brown. Potential nickname: Michael Shaw (shank Redemption)

Justin Turner: Justin is a 5 star freshman CB out of Ohio. Michigan seriously lacks depth in the defensive backfield and if Justin is as good as advertised he will get on the field early and often. I look for him to spell Boubacar Cissoko and Donovan Warren and also play some nickel. I know Boubacar is a talented, but Justin might be a better match up against taller WR's. Look for JT to play a lot in 2009 if he picks up the defensive system. Potential nickname for picking off a pass or knocking it away at the right moment: Justin (time) Turner.

Kevin Koger: a tight end in RR's spread offense. OK, many of you are saying: a TE can't contribute in the spread? I disagree and think Kevin can cause serious match up problems for the defense. Kevin got into a number of games last year and contributed as a Freshmen. Calvin Magee and RR have had all summer on how to get the most of Kevin's talent. Look for him to be Tate's security blanket and get a lot of ball thrown his way this year. Prediction: Kevin is all Big Ten TE when the year is over. Potential nickname: he picked up one last year because he looks like former NBA draft choice Greg Oden. You could also work in the popular supermarket that is similar to his last name as well.

Roy Roundtree: This pick doesn't come as a surprise to anyone that watched the spring game. Roy "wild thing" Roundtree got contacts this winter and is now seeing the ball very well. He also seems to have a very good bond with Tate after catching those touchdown balls and spending time with Tate in San Diego this summer. Roy is a redshirt freshman and understands the spread better after a year of practice. I expect Tate and Roy to hook up for a number of touchdowns this Fall. Potential nickname (curiosity of Mgoblog): "Wild Thing" from the movie Major League.

Junior Hemingway: (photo above) showed early in the year to be a down field threat catching some long touchdown passes in the Utah game. He then became a walking MASH unit with an ankle and shoulder injury then the knock out blow came when he got a case of Mono. Luckily, Junior was granted a medical redshirt for his 2008 season (the NCAA did a good thing!) and will be back 100% and ready to stretch the field again if he can stay out of the trainers room. Potential Nickname: "the Author". Quick bit of knowledge: Ernest Hemingway as a child spent his summers outside of Petsokey, Michigan and also played football in high school.

Terrance Robinson and Jeremy Gallon: I know Martavious Odoms was Michigan's leading WR in the slot last year. But my memories of him were catching those one yard WR screens and dropping a ton of punts. Hopefully Odoms will improve as a sophomore because there are two slot guys nipping at his heels: true freshman Jeremy Gallon and redshirt freshman Terrance Robinson. Both Gallon and Robinson played QB in high school so being able to adjust to the slot position and being able to catch the ball will be a big factor in them getting playing time in 2009. Gallon did get a chance to play in the slot in the Army All American game and did quite well. The hope is one of the three will become a game breaker and help Tate spread the field and open lanes for the running backs. Potential nicknames: TRob seems already set and Jeremy "$2 a" Gallon or Rocket Fuel.

Others to keep an eye one:
Vald Emilien a true freshman at Safety
Troy Woolfolk son for Michigan legend Butch will get a shot at Safety after moving from CB

Brandon Smith who came to Michigan has a highly rated safety last year might playe more in the hybrid "spinner" or as I have heard it called the "Schembackler" role.
RB Vincent Smith was an early enrollee and made some news in Spring Ball
True Freshman Je'Ron Stokes and Thomas Gordon both could provide height at the WR position.

The Day Bo Died

November 17, 2006: The morning began with anticipation since it was the eve before the only #1 vs #2 game in the storied rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State. I had just made the road trip with some friends and my son to watch Michigan beat Indiana at IU the weekend before. I thought Michigan had a good chance to win but was worried about the new grass and of course with the game in Columbus.

Still, it was a beautiful sunny fall day and I was heading to meet some clients for a one a clock meeting. Before I left I checked Brian Cook's blog at Mgoblog to get any last updates before the big game. Brian had just gotten a report that Bo had again collapsed at the local Detroit ABC station just like he had done a couple of weeks before. I will never forget Brian's last words on his post. Please Bo, make it one more day.

I got into the car not too worried, since Bo had done this before and had always gotten through it. I turned on the radio to listen to some national radio for views on the game. Jim Rome was talking about in the NFL, when he got the news brief that legendary Michigan coach Bo Schemblecher had died of a heart attack. I was stunned. But why? I knew he had collapsed and I also knew he wasn't in good health. Why was I surprised?

I also was taking this very personal. Bo was not a relative, he was a Michigan football coach that I thought ran the ball way too much in his final years of coaching. Why did this have such an effect on me? Why now before the most important rivalry game that he helped build with Woody?

I started thinking about my interactions with Bo. I had met Bo a couple of times, he was always nice and had something nice to say for the few seconds I had with him. The last time I saw him was maybe 5 or 6 years before he died in the Michigan golf course parking lot. I was putting on my shoes and Bo walked by my car. I said hello and said hello and Go Blue.

One of my fondest memories of Bo has to do with the play on the right hand side bar of the blog. A good friend of mine ran the MDen at Briarwood mall for many years. Bo would often come to the MDen for book signings. So my friend Dave got to spend a lot of time with him. I had always loved the play on the right, not for the long last second touchdown pass the AC to win the game but the play before. Having the Michigan running back throw the ball out of bounds, right to Lee Corso was one of the funniest plays I had ever seen. He was trying to stop the clock and knew he couldn't make it to the sideline, so he threw the ball right to Lee, who was IU's head coach at the time. I'm sure they changed the rule that next year.

Dave had taken in a laminated front page of the Ann Arbor News that I had on the day Bo had retired (December 14th, 1989) into work with him on one of the book signing days. Bo signed it for him. It reads; To Bob - The Designer of the Lawrence Reid Pitch Play. Go Blue! Bo Schembechler. (I'm taking that in today to get framed)

It's funny how someone like that passing has an affect on you. I first called my wife, who was in a store dressing room. She thought I was kidding her. I then started calling friends at work (Michigan and non-Michigan fans) to let them know what had happened. To this day, I'm not sure what moved me to do that.

I thought about the game and how Bo had such an impact on it. How could Michigan play to it's fullest ability knowing about him passing? After the news of Bo the game didn't seem as important as it had just a few minutes before. But the game must go on and Michigan and Ohio State played an epic battle with OSU winning shoot out.

What did I learn that day? I learned that people can have an impact on your life no matter if you know them like a brother or maybe you have never met them. Bo had an impact on me and probably every other Michigan fan as well.

I will bet Bo is looking down at the current Wolverines thinking. Damn! We pass way too much and what the hell is wrong with our defense?! Go Blue Bo! (and as Lloyd Carr elegantly put it) may "The Michigan Man" rest in peace.

BTW: I hope your leveling the playing field up there with all the ND fans! :-)

Michigan Monday: Wermers was out before he transferred

• Oops! Former Michigan offensive lineman Kurt Wermers was academically ineligible when he announced his transfer to Ball State last week, sources told ESPN.com.

• The Nation's #1 recruit Seantrel Henderson (6-8, 325) of St. Paul, Minn. is planning visits to Florida, Oklahoma and Southern Cal, and maybe South Carolina and Clemson. No Michigan? Seantrel has already been to Ann Arbor and let's hope he has already has good feeling about the place. This recruitment has just begun, so let's hope the Michigan coaches can get him in for another unofficial visit for a game this season. He also told ESPN this: "Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson told ESPN affiliate Web site GatorCountry.com, "Florida, USC and Ohio State... its going to be one of those three. They play for championships and they put a lot of people in the NFL."

• Offensive lineman Ed Christian has verbally committed to Florida State but is still considering Clemson, South Carolina, Michigan and Tennessee.

• DE Darryl Baldwin picks Ohio State over Michigan and other major programs. Darryl lives in Solon, Ohio.

• Michael Shaw is hoping for a breakout year after his groin surgery. "I remember the Minnesota game, and nine times out of 10 that's a touchdown," Shaw said, referring to his 48-yard run, which led to his season-best 71-yard day. "I broke a long run and got dragged from behind. It was then that I was like, 'I'm really hurting. I've never not been able to run, not been able to explode.' "--- "I had significant playing time last year," Shaw said. "With those two guys (Minor and Brown) in front of me, it's up for grabs, and camp is a great platform for me to show I can still play and I'm ready. ... I'm about 90%. I'll be 100% by camp."

• Erin Andrews has an unfortunate video taken while she was in a hotel room.

Only in Golf.............

I'm a big Tiger Woods fan, the reason being I was too young to appreciate when Jack Nicklaus was dominating the sport, so Tiger is my Jack. Sure it's fun to watch Tiger dominate the sport as much as one man can dominate a difficult course and 100+ other man trying to win at the same time, but something unique and sad happen yesterday.

There is no other sport in the world that would allow one of it's legends to compete at the same level 32 years after winning that same event. You won't see John McEnroe competing at Wimbledon or Dr. J in the Slam Dunk contest at the All Star Game. This wasn't George Foreman boxing in this 40's this was a man competing with the best in the world 20 years older. Tom Watson at the age of 59 almost did the impossible yesterday afternoon at the British Open and I'm sad he wasn't able to do it.

For those that missed it, Tom had pretty much lead the entire event, one in which Tiger Woods missed the cut (which never happens). We were all pretty much waiting for Tom to shoot 80 one day and put himself out of it, but he never did. It even seemed the "golf gods" were in Tom's favor when Lee Westwood hit an iron off the tee on 18 into a fairway bunker, basically ending his hope for a birdie and a share of the lead.

After making a birdie at 17, Tom stood on the 18th hole tee box, 59 years old and leading the British Open by one shot with one hole to play. If he could make a par on this hole, this would be one of the most historic days in sports history. Forget about Golf, in any sport!

Tom hit his iron off the tee in the middle of the fairway. The wind was blowing hard at his back and he took an 8 iron to the green. He hit it perfectly, maybe too perfect, and the wind and hard green took the ball all the way through to the back edge of the rough. Tom, used a putter and hit the ball past the hole 8 feet. 8 feet for history, 8 feet for one of the most special things I have ever seen. Tom's stroke is one we all know too well that play this game. (We all have had a short putt for the club championship or to win a lousy $20 bet. A friend of mine played professional baseball in the minors for many years. He was a closer. A few years ago we had a stupid bet between the other two-som we were playing. He stepped up to a 6 footer and made it. On the way back to the cart, he said he was never more nervous in his life then he was standing over that short putt. He was a closer and made his living saving games and was worried about a short putt for a few dollars.) Tom's stroke was short and choppy and one we all have done under pressure. Unfortunately, the "golf gods" can't control our mind or our memory of many short putts missed. Even if your a legend like Tom Watson.

Tom never had a chance in the 4 hole playoff. He was tired and heart broken from the miss on 18. I feel terrible for Tom and terrible for golf fans across the World today. It's very rare we get to see something as special as Tom Watson's run at the British Open this weekend. He will be remembered as a Great British Open Champion but this weekend he/we let a historic event slip away from our grasp. Congratulations Stuart Cink, you deserved to win a major, I just wish it wasn't this one.

BHB Review of: Hail To The Victors 2009

I'm not a big fan of those college football preview magazines. (Editors note: HTTV 2009 is not one of those magazines!) They give you one page of information on your favorite team in a magazine full of information you don't need or care about. Let me save you a couple of dollars and will highlight for you what they will say about Michigan this year :

Michigan was terrible last year in Rich Rodriguez first year. They didn't have a QB to run his offense and the defense played terrible and under achieved. Michigan is now in it's second year in RR's offense and the defense again has a new defense coordinator with the hiring of Greg Robinson, former Syracuse head man. Michigan will be better on Offense with a year of experience but beware! they again will have a new freshman QB with Tate Forcier under center. Tate was an accurate passer in high school but will that translate to D1 football as true freshman? Either way he will be an upgrade from last year combo of Nick Sheridan and Stephen Threet (transferred to Arizona State) . The defense will be better but not great. Look for Michigan to make a bowl game and finish 7-5.

Mable Street Press: Hail to the Victors 2009 is not one of those magazines. In fact, it's a very well written book on what the 2009 Wolverines will look like. It goes into deep discussion about the depth chart, Greg Robinson's hybrid linebacker position, a review of each opponent on Michigan's schedule, a interview with "savior" Tate Forcier, and some great stories about Michigan teams of the past.

The price is value at 12.99 per copy and the chapter titled The Last Autograph, Perhaps written by Craig Ross is worth the price of admission just for this chapter. If you are a fan of Bo and have a love for the Wolverines, this chapter will move you to laugh and cry all in a few pages.

Brian Cook is the editor and the proprietor of one of the best college football blogs called Mgoblog. Brian has enlisted his friends and colleagues to help him write the 2009 version of HTTV. So it's filled with things that will educate and entertain you. Some of the folks that contributed to this book include: Matt Hinton, from Yahoo's Dr. Saturday, Craig Ross author of Obscene Diaries of a Michigan Fan, Dan Feldman who has covered Michigan football for the Michigan Daily, John Bacon co-author of Bo's Lasting Lessons, and many others.

It's everything you need to know about 2009 Wolverines but were afraid to ask. It's a quick read so pick it before a long plane trip or take it to the beach on vacation. The only negative, I could see is the lack for information on future 2009 star and red shirt freshman Roy Roundtree, the favorite target of Tate Forcier in the Spring Game. Roy spent some time with Tate and his family in California this summer and I expect them to have a special bond as the season starts. Could he have a Mario Manningham like start in the ND game on September 12th? Let's hope so.

This is one of those preview magazines on steroids! (in this case, steroids are a good thing :-)) Go out and buy it.

Justin (Time) Turner - Qualifies!

Mgoblog and GoBlue Michigan Wolverines are reporting that Justin Turner has qualified and will be with the squad this Fall. The Ohio Exit exam results weren't due back until early August, but people close to JT are saying he is good to go and in A2 working out with his teammates.

As you can imagine, this is great news for the Michigan football team. The defense is lacking depth at corner and having him available will help with that greatly. Expect to see Justin in the Nickel early and backing up Warren and Cissoko.

Turner was an Army All American and 5 star cornerback from Scouts.

Werms Out, White in, and the Family Values Debate Continues

Former Michigan offensive lineman Kurt Wermers has decided to transfer to MAC champion Ball State. Like most offensive lineman that leave the program, Kurt had a departing shot: "I really didn't get along with the new coaches," Wermers said in the Web site report. "They were bringing in a lot of different kids that were not my kind of crowd. Coach Carr's staff was a whole different ballgame. It was like a family. But when Rodriguez came in, it was a whole different feeling. It was more of a business. - "I figured I'd get out while I could."

This debate "on family values" is something of a riddle to me. On one hand you have guys like Wermers and Ohio State Walk on Justin Boren that take one last shot heading out of Ann Arbor.

Then you have guys, who aren't even part of the program yet, make a statement like this: "I was with Vladimir (Emilien)," Grimes said of his time in Ann Arbor. "That's my boy. He told me one difference (at Michigan) is once you get there, you are not just a piece of meat, you are a part of the family. That's something I can believe because he didn't play none of his senior year after he tore his ACL, but they didn't just cut him off. They kept his offer and he committed there. "

The above statements are from Tony Grimes, a 2010 FL CB that is considering the Wolverines.

Let me see if I have this right:

If you don't buy into RR's system and don't' want to put your work in (Barwis/learning a new offensive system) = Lack of family values

If you do want to get better and put the work in, compete with teams like USC and the SEC in a couple of years = Michigan's program is like a family.

I guess each Michigan fan needs to judge for themselves, if Michigan is better with or with out guys like that. I sort of take a Soprano's type of attitude towards it. "Your either in the family or out". There's no middle ground. BTW: Boren and Werms, you both "are now dead to me".

• Tony Grimes, (mentioned above) is planning a Michigan visit for the ND game. Tony is being recruited by Bama, OSU, Miami, Oklahoma State, Georgia, and Maryland. "I spoke with Coach Rodriguez," Grimes said. "I'm familiar with him from when he was at West Virginia. He is a cool guy. As a matter of fact, the whole coaching staff is cool. What separates them from most college coaches is they aren't going to just tell you what you want to hear. They'll be real with you." - "They're low on DBs right now. They've got six on scholarship and that's counting three corners. What they told me was that if there is any time to step in as a true freshman and get some playing time, now is the time." "Michigan is going to be tough to beat," he said. "It's a great program. The networking is on point at Michigan and the alumni system is amazing. The coaching staff is building something great over there." Tony doesn't plan to make a decision before signing day in February.

• Michigan commitment Tony Drake a running back from Skyline High School in Texas will compete at Nike's 7 on 7 tournament at Nike's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. It's a unique format with the top high schools across the country competing against each other.

White is a Wolverine: Michigan Football picks up it's 16th commitment for 2010

Question: Your one of the top running backs out of the state of Michigan in 2010. You have brothers currently on the Michigan State Football team. You were the recent MVP at the Nike Camp and have offers from Iowa, Wisconsin, MSU, LSU, Purdue, and Illinois. Your high school helmet has a spartan on it. Which school do you pick?

Answer: Michigan Wolverines

Austin White is a 4 star running back from Scouts from Livonia Stevenson in Michigan. He is listed at 6"0 190 pounds and runs a 4.5 in the 40. Austin has been very productive as a high school player; as a sophomore he rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and 30 touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for 1,610 yards with 28 touchdowns also catching 21 passes for 310 yards and 4 more touchdowns. Austin is a good fit for RR's spread offense and is Michigan's 16th verbal commitment to the 2010 class.

As always here is the write up from Varsity Blue:

Recruiting Notes:
The commitment of White completes the in-state switcheroo between Michigan State and the Wolverines, which saw Nick Hill commit to the Spartans. Coming into the recruiting season, Hill had been considered a strong Michigan lean, while White has serious family ties in East Lansing and was expected to end up there. However, as the recruitments got underway, White became more and more interested in the Wolverines. Throughout the spring, he started leaning towards Michigan, and enjoyed his visit for Michigan’s summer camp.


Player Notes:
Scout is a bit higher on Austin than Rivals, ranking him as a 4-star prospect and the #17 RB in the class (Rivals has him at 3 stars and #32). He has good vision, quick feet, and surprising ability to catch the ball out of the backfield for a high school prospect. He’s an upright runner who needs to get lower to avoid injury, though adding bulk in the weight room will help in that regard as well. White may not be coming in strictly as a running back, however. This summer, he played in the defensive backfield in 7-on-7 competitions, where he reportedly impressed. If he doesn’t foresee immediate playing time on offense, he may opt to try his hand on the other side of the ball

• Devin Gardner is invited to the Elite 11 QB Camp along with 2 other state of Michigan QB's: Robert Bolden and Joe Boisture.

• Al Glick gave close to 9 Million dollars to Michigan for it's new indoor practice facility. They most likely are going to name it after him. They better! For $9 Million they should throw in a free luxury box as well.

Michigan Football: 2010 Recuiting Wolverine Wish List

What? You haven't followed Michigan recruiting closely since the 3-9 debacle of 2008?

Maybe you need a re-fresher course? It's all about ball bearings these days..........

So Michigan has had a strong start to the 2010 recruiting season. They have a total of 15 verbal commitments with 11 on offense and just 4 on defense. On the offense side of the ball they need one or two more running backs (hint: Austin White) and one 5 star OT like Seantrel Henderson. :-)

After they receive another RB commitment Michigan should be done on that side of the ball (unless any 5 star recruit wants to join the Maize and Blue and/or there are any de-commitments). That leaves roughly 6-8 spots on defenses yet to be filled. With the biggest needs at Safety, Cornerback, and the Defensive Line.


With us here in mid summer and less then two months away from the football season starting, I thought it would be a good time to list, Michigan's top targets at each position and with some probability of them landing in the Maize and Blue.


The rating system will be as follows: Blue = great chance at becoming a Wolverine, Yellow = Neutral, Michigan has just as good as chance as anyone. Green = means Michigan was there at one point, but now it's not looking so good. Red = long shot

Let's take a look who's still in play for 2010:

Offense

Running Back:
Austin White: announcing his college choice this Wednesday.
Brennan Clay: former teammate of Tate Forcier, verballed to Oklahoma, still planning a fall visit to Ann Arbor.
Eduardo Clements: RB out of Florida - Michigan in top group
Brandon Gainer: also a RB out of Miami, FL - Has Michigan in his top group.


Offensive Line:
Seantrel Henderson: Michigan has just as good as chance as anyone.
Torrian Wilson: Visited Ann Arbor, Michigan fan from Miami, FL


Defense

Cornerback:
Dior Mathis: Local guy, favoring Oregon and MSU right now.
Nickell Robey: FL CB with lots of offers from major programs.
Cullen Christian: seems to been on the verge of committing to Michigan for some time now. Still a Michigan lean. The Wolverines hope for a solid verbal soon.
Tony Grimes: FL, CB Planning a visit to Ann Arbor.
Rashard Knight: another FL CB with a Michigan offer.
Travis Williams: tried to commit to the Wolverines but was told to wait. Has offers from IU, Kansas State, Miami-OH, and Michigan.

Safety:
LaTawn Anderson: from Cleveland is listing WVU #1 after camping and visiting Ann Arbor a couple of times. Doesn't look good for the maize and blue. OSU hasn't offered yet.

(Michigan has 5 other offers out (besides Anderson) to safeties across the country but it just might be Marvin Robinson in Michigan's 2010 class)

DT:
Shariff Floyd: a 4/5 star prospect that has Michigan still in his top group.
Terry Talbot: from Ohio, coaches talking to him about a visit.
Ricky Heimuli: from Salt Lake City has 21 offers across the country. He is in no rush for a decision.
Gabe King: Michigan offered but no real interest in the Wolverines to date.
Jonathan Hankins: local product without a Michigan offer. Reportedly has offers from OSU and Oklahoma. Report is he needs to work on conditioning and could get an offer this Fall.

DE:
Derrick Bryant: from Columbus was high on the Wolverines early. Been quiet lately.
Darryl Baldwin: from Solon, Ohio, most likely heading to the Buckeyes.
CJ Olaniyan: local product with 16 offers all over the Midwest with UCLA and Oregon out West. Many think he could head out of State.

Linebackers:
Josh Furman: a 4 star prospect, planning a Michigan visit.
Tony Jefferson: LB from LA is planning a Michigan visit in the Fall.
Jewone Snow: son of former Wolverine Garland Rivers doesn't have an offer yet. Maybe in the Fall.
Holmes Onwukaife: tried to commit to Michigan but he was told Michigan was full at OLB. He didn't want to play inside linebacker.

The other top LB's in the nation Jeff Luc and Jordan Hicks do not have Michigan in their top group.


Michigan Dream Wish List for the next (let's say 8 spots):

-Austin White

-Seantrel Henderson

-Torrian Wilson

-Cullen Christian

-Dior Mathis

-Shariff Floyd

-LatWan Anderson

-Josh Furman

(others include Clay and Bryant. Michigan would find room for them for sure!)

Michigan's more probable list for the Final 8:

-Austin White

-Torrian Wilson

-Cullen Christian

-Dior Mathis

-Jonathan Hankins

- Jewone Snow

-Travis Williams

-Tony Grimes

Michigan Wolverine Monday: Where are they going?

• Former Wolverine Dann O'Neill is heading West to play football. Some had wondered if Dann O'Neill really wanted to play football again after transferring from Michigan this Spring. Well, he decided to join his brother (at TE) at Western Michigan. "I don't think I fit as well (at Michigan) as I fit with Western Michigan's system," the 6-foot-8, 300-pound O'Neill told the Gazette, citing the Wolverine's new spread offense under coach Rich Rodriguez, which calls for smaller linemen. "In high school, we ran the spread, but we ran a different spread. I'm not sure it was the right offense for me to run.

• Update: Boise State is close to announcing it's opening opponent in 2010. Could in be the Wolverines? The betting money says, yes! We will see. What does the BSU President think? "It's going to be a good one," said BSU president Bob Kustra, who would not disclose the opponent or the game location. (HT: MSC and Maize n Brew)

• Elite 2010 Texas LB Corey Nelson had Michigan his leader for about 10 minutes. This weekend he became an Texas A&M Aggie.

• Justin (time) Turner Update: Some have suggested that Justin is in Ann Arbor working out with his teammates and will have his Ohio Exit Exam scores on 8/3. If the above is true, I'm assuming that good news is expected from the test. On the other hand, I'm not sure if a player would be eligible to work out with their college teammates if they officially haven't graduated from high school yet.

• One hole for the Wolverines to fill in 2010 will be a punter. All American Punter Zoltan Mesko will be punting for an NFL team in 2010. It seems the highest rated punter in the land is a guy from Wisconsin named Will Hangerup. He has scholarship offers from major programs including Michigan and Ohio State. I believe Michigan is waiting to see what Will does before they offer local Michigan product Mike Sadler. The rumor that Zoltan was "night punting" with the daughter of Dean was found to be un-true. :-)

• A mystery to many Michigan fans and both recruiting services is the un-ranked QB Cornelius Jones. Cornelius is Rich Rod's second QB commit in the 2010 class and a perfect compliment to Michigan's first verbal commit, Devin Gardner a 4 star QB prospect from Detroit. So why is Cornelius such a mystery? Well, he hasn't been playing QB for long and there wasn't much hype surrounding him. RR and staff liked his video and was willing to give him a offer. A mgoblog poster found some video on the Internet. Feel free to take a look and see what you think of him: http://www.athletevault.com/Videos/CorneliusJonesAV.html

• Seantrel Henderson is at Nike's (Basketball) Peach Jam camp in North Augusta, SC. If your not familiar with Seantrel, he is the unanimous #1 football recruit in the nation and very high on the radar of every major program. He has visited Michigan and hopefully will have the Wolverines in his top group when he cuts his list. He plans to make a decision at one of the HS all star games after the season.

• Michigan drops to #2 in the Big Ten 2010 recruiting rankings behind Penn State on Varsity Blue. Michigan has held the top spot all year. On Friday, PSU added Michigan QB Robert Boldon to an already strong recruiting class that included 5 star QB Paul Jones.

Michigan Football: Rumor Mill

There are 3 real important recruits in the 2009 class for the Michigan Wolverines and two are already enrolled in Ann Arbor; Tate Forcier and "Big" Will Campbell. So who is the third? Justin Turner a 5 star (per Scouts) cornerback/safety and the highest rated recruit out of the state of Ohio.


Justin is important to Michigan in many ways, he is a great athlete and plays a position of need for the Wolverines. Many expected Justin to contribute to the 2009 team as a Nickel or even a starting cornerback.

The rumblings on the street has been that Justin didn't walk with his graduating class and may have had some trouble with his Ohio Exit Exam. Again these are just rumors, but the "Mill" is saying that he took the exam again in June and will know in August if he passed. If he didn't pass (the "Mill" is saying) that he will probably head to prep school, which is not good for the 2009 Wolverines.

Let's hope the above is not true or if it is, that Justin passed his exam or can get a special waiver so he can be in Ann Arbor this August with his teammates. Michigan had a similar situation last year with Marcus Witherspoon, a Linebacker that didn't qualify and is now playing for Rutgers after sitting out the 2008 season.

• The top running back out of the State of Michigan, Austin White plans to announce his college choice next Wednesday, July 15. Along with Michigan, Austin has offers from LSU, MSU, Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois, and others. Austin has family ties to MSU but most expect him to make a decision for the Wolverines.
  


• Kevin Koger, still hungry and ready to play as a Tight End in the Spread: "I caught a couple balls last year," he said this summer. "At West Virginia, they said they didn't have anybody to use. Now they feel like they do." ---"Yes, I played last year, but I didn't prove anything," he said. "We were 3-9 and didn't do anything. I still feel like I need to prove myself." If Kevin has a chance to contribute and I believe he will, he could one of the best tight ends in the Big Ten in 2009.

• Nate Lubick, a power forward that was considering the Michigan Basketball program for the 2010 season, has de-committed to Georgetown and will open up his recruitment. I'm sure Michigan would love to add Lubick to the class but I believe they only have one more spot open. Lubick is a 4 star power forward, he is 6"8 and 227 pounds.

Michigan Football Recruiting Round Up

• As I mentioned yesterday, Tony Jefferson, LB from California is planning a U of M official visit: "I have my first two visits lined up right now," Jefferson said. "I'm going to Florida (Sept. 18) and Oklahoma (Nov. 13). My last three visits will be to Notre Dame, Michigan and Penn State and I'll do unofficial visits to USC and UCLA.
  "I'm really looking forward to seeing these out of state schools because I've heard so much about them but have never visited anywhere outside of the in-state schools. Right now, I'm open to all of them and no one leads right now. My trips and how the teams do on the field this year will play a big role."

• Michigan Recruit Kenny Shaw will play in an All Star game at Disney World later this month: The event, which eventually will include 64 players, is a competition involving football's seven skill positions -- quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback and safety.Shaw is ranked ninth on Bill Buchalter's list of Florida's top 100 college football recruits. He has yet to commit to a school but is considering Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan and USF. He caught a Dr. Phillips-record 64 passes for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

• Michigan has shown recent interest in Ohio LB Cameron Ontko. Love the name!

• MI CB Dior Mathis still has Oregon and MSU as his top two but doesn't plan on making a decision until after football season. So Michigan still has a chance for "Big" Will Campbell and other current Wolverines/former Cass Tech teammates to get in his ear. Dior still has Michigan in his top 4. Sometimes recruits like to take officials to places they have never been before. Let's hope Dior gets in his travel but goes to Ann Arbor to go to school and play football.

• Michigan is expected to make Florida running back Brandon Gainer's next cut

• Michigan has been talking with Ohio Linebacker Jewone Snow who is the son of former Wolverine great Garland Rivers. RR and staff haven't offered Snow yet but he does happen to go to the same school as potential 4 or 5 star 2011 DE recruit Steve Miller (Band). Sounds like a good package deal to me! :-) (HT: Varsity Blue)

Wolverine Wednesday Afternoon Update

• Michigan target Latwan Anderson, Safety from Cleveland likes WVU: Per ESPN: One of the fastest prospects in the Midwest, defensive back Latwan Anderson(Cleveland, Ohio/Glenville), estimates his scholarship offer list to stand at over 40.
  However, Anderson says he is focused on a half dozen schools.
  "I've got about six schools I'm looking at, West Virginia, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Miami and Michigan State," Anderson said. "West Virginia is my favorite. I really like their coaches. I enjoy talking to them. And I like the family environment with the players." "Most of the schools are recruiting me as a safety," Anderson said. "But Michigan State wants me to play cornerback."

• State of Michigan QB Robert Bolden will announce his college choice on Friday. The betting money is on Penn State. Michigan and Michigan State both have their 2010 QB's already.

• Darius Morris, one of John Beilein's top recruits in the 2009 class will wear #4 at Michigan.

• Per Mgoblog: Austin White has Michigan as his leader. What does he like about Michigan? Right now, it’s still really close; they’re not set far apart. I like their style of offense; I think it fits me well. I have a really good relationship with the coaches too, and I like the way they coach. I talk to Coach Rod Smith and Jackson the most. I really like that I’ve built a good relationship with all the coaches, not just my position coaches. It’s good to get to know all of them, and see that they all have the same goals. That’s kind of what has them as my favorite.

• Michigan is sending Stevie Brown, Sr., LB/SZoltan Mesko*, Sr., P, Mark Ortmann, Sr., LT to Media Day in Chicago on July 27 and 28. Seems like a strange list of players to me.

Gallon Completes His Work and Will Be a Wolverine

If you follow recruiting religiously, you knew that Michigan had 3 recruits from the 2009 class that were borderline making it academically. Justin Turner didn't walk with his senior class and it's believed he didn't take the Ohio HS exit exam seriously and didn't complete or failed one of the sections. Justin is a good student and it's hoped he can re-take the test and be in Ann Arbor sometime before August.

Second was a member of the all name team, Fitzgerald Toussaint a Ohio running back that took care of his issues late his senior year. So that leaves one super fast, slot WR from Florida Jeremy Gallon that needed to raise his GPA and get a couple of points on his ACT.

Mgoblog broke the story and I will let you read what JG had to say:

TOM: So, you qualified?
JEREMY: Yup.

TOM: What was the deciding factor?


JEREMY: I had to get a couple points on my ACT, and I had to boost my GPA. That was it mainly.

TOM: So that's all you needed to qualify?
JEREMY: Yup, Coach [Rod] Smith called me and said he had some good news. I checked the internet to see for myself, and I'm really happy.

TOM: So when are you going up to Ann Arbor?
JEREMY: Coach Smith is going to give me a call, and let me know. I just want to go up there and show everybody what I'm capable of.

That is good news. Now Justin needs to take care of his business (please Justin we need all the 5 star DB's we can get) and the Michigan Football Class of 2009 should be ready to go.

• Michael Rothstein, A Notre Dame Columnist will be covering the Wolverines Basketball and Football programs for annarbor.com or formerly known as the Ann Arbor News. I am heading up to Michigan and specifically to Ann Arbor to join the staff of AnnArbor.com. While there, I'll be leading the coverage of Michigan men's basketball and helping out with Michigan football. That should be a pretty big change for Michael, going from Charlie Weis to Rich Rod, Jimmy Clausen to Tate Forcier, No conference (in football) to The Big Ten. I guess his focus will be mainly on Basketball. I wonder if his Irish Insights have any "inside information" on what Good Time Charlie eats?

• Tony Jefferson, LB from California is trying to work out an official visit to Ann Arbor this summer.

• This maybe more then we can handle but: Zoltan Mesko is a Playboy All American and will appear in the September issue. Zoltan at the Playboy mansion, interesting.........

• Michigan recruiting brothers: Terry and Terrance Talbott from Huber Heights Wayne in Ohio. Terry is a heavily recruited DE and Terrance is a DB. Terry has offers from UCLA, Wisconsin, Purdue, Arkansas, UK, Illinois and others. Michigan has not offered either brother yet but they hope to take an unofficial to Ann Arbor this summer. Terry said, “They were really just saying they were interested, and they want me to come up there and take a look. It’s one school I definitely want to come up and check out ... and get a look at the Big House.”

• Michigan still needs Running Backs to fill out the 2010 class: The focus seems to be on three players: Livonia Stevenson’s Austin White (6-0, 186), Miami Central’s Brandon Gainer (6-0, 194) and Miami Booker T. Washington’s Eduardo Clements (5-10, 185). All three running backs has Michigan in their top 5. With the loses of Grady, Minor, and Brown next year, Michigan needs at least 3 running backs in the 2010 class. They currently have one with the commitment of Texas RB Stephen Hopkins.

• Per ESPN: MICHIGAN: Players report: Aug. 9, First practice: Aug. 10, First practice in pads: Aug. 14

Big House Blog Dispels Rumors and Gives you the Facts!

I have lost the old press box. Can anyone find it? Above is a new picture from mgoblue.com on the Michigan renovations.

• Just the Facts Please, Just the Facts: Regarding the likely hood of a Georgia - Michigan opening game in 2010: "There's no truth to it," a Michigan athletic department spokesman said Thursday. Next rumor please.
  


• Here is a quote from the New York Times preview of Michigan's 2009 season: The potential is there for a hot start: yes, defeating the Irish, even at home, will be a tall task, but Michigan has a great shot at being 3-1 on Oct. 1. From there, there are winnable games against Delaware State and Purdue, and Iowa will not be as strong as it was a season ago. In past seasons, such a schedule would have fans dreaming of a national championship, as the Wolverines get Penn State and Ohio State at home; but this is not a title-worthy team, and expectations should fall in line with a six- or seven-win season. NYT has Michigan ranked #57 in the country. I'm hoping for 8 wins but I know that is a big jump from 3-9.
  


• Per the Wall Street Journal: Coach Rodriguez has a $200,000 bonus if he makes it to a BCS game. BTW: This week, a Senate panel will probe whether to restructure the college football championship system -- a move that could increase cable television contracts already worth nearly half a billion dollars. Go ESPN!!
  


• New Information on Ohio 2010 commit Christian Pace: He is currently enrolled in summer school so he can graduate early and get to Ann Arbor in January. Per Pace's head coach: “I had a number of college scouts tell me that might be the best senior lineman tape in the whole United States, it was that good,” Dlugosz said. “He’s a very, very physical player. He’s an individual that has tremendous footwork and he’s very agile. He loves the physical part of the game and he knows how to finish blocks.” Why did he pick Michigan? “My decision came down to three things,” Pace said. “One was my comfort level with the coaches and the overall atmosphere of the school, the second was the academics and the third was the football program and its (past) success.” Michigan plans to have Christian play center but it will all depend on how David Molk does the next couple of years. Pace currently plays Tackle in high school.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• It seems former Michigan Football player and Cincinnati Bengal Chris Perry owes a Cincinnati Suburb some back taxes. I agree with Chris that these taxes are high, but I still pay them.

Michigan Monday = Holiday Hangover

Hope everyone enjoyed the long holiday weekend. Nothing like getting up on Monday and starting the work week all over again, but we must go to work and make that important "living" thing.

Not much going on in Wolverine World over the weekend. Here is your update:

• Manny being Manny at Paul Pierce's Camp via U of M Hoops: Here is what Paul had to say about Michigan's Manny Harris; “He’s got a pretty good mid-range game,” Pierce said of Harris. “I like the way he comes off screens. He has tremendous upside and has a good basketball IQ. He’s also one of the guys that picked things up right away.” Not that I disagree with an NBA Champion, but Manny isn't really known for his mid-range game, I sort of think his strong points are driving to the basket and shooting 3's. If Manny has added that mid-range shot to his game, look for the Wolverines to have a big year and Manny to end up in the Lottery.

• Tony Grimes, a Florida DB camped in Ann Arbor and will make an official visit to U of M on September 11th. Tony is rated a 3 star prospect from Rivals and is 6"0 165 lbs. He has offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, WVU, Iowa and many more. Seems higher then a 3 star with all those offers.

• Bid on Michigan Items for a Good Cause for the 2009 Bernard "Pat" Maloy Scholarship Online Auction. There is a Marlin Jackson signed football worth a bid or two! Go bid and Go Blue!

• Ohio's 4 star Jerald Robinson planing to play offense at Michigan. Some had thought he would play DB at Michigan: "At first the Michigan coaches were talking about defense," Robinson said. "But after they saw me at their camp (in June) they said they want me to play wide receiver". Jerald has picked up a number of offers for other Big Ten and Big East schools lately but: "I'm all Blue," he said. "The Michigan coaches made me feel welcome. And they have really good academics."

Michigan Firecracker Friday Goes Mostly Video

It's July and we play football again in two months. If this video doesn't get you excited for the 2009 season nothing will. I'm All In are you?




Does anyone think Devin Gardner is an athlete? Check out this video and see what you think. He might be one of the best WR's in the nation. Maybe Tate can throw to him for a couple of years at WR until he is ready for the QB position? Here is video of Devin from a recent Detroit camp:

• Jordan Morgan's parents let us know how his surgery went:
  Thank you to everyone who offered good wishes and prayers for Jordan. His surgery went very well and we are on track for a complete, speedy recovery! Your support is greatly appreciated.
  — Mom, Dad and Jordan Morgan

• I know Brandon Graham has a high upside for next year's draft, but this was surprising. The Sporting News has a new 2010 Mock NFL Draft out and has Graham as the #3 pick in the draft.

• Recruiting insiders say that Detroit Cass Tech cornerback Dior Mathis is now favoring Oregon and Michigan State. Cass Tech has been a feeder school to Michigan the last few years and Dior plays a position of need for the Wolverines and Coach Rod in the 2010 class.

Since this is the 4th of July weekend, I thought I would chime in on the overall "panic" I have been hearing regarding the number of 3 star guys that have committed to Michigan so far this year. (Star's - 4th of July get it?) Here are some reasons not to be concerned:

• First off, coaches really don't pay that much attention to star ratings and are looking more for fits for their offense or defense.
• When RR and Staff starting recruiting most of these kids, they didn't have a rankings/ratings anyway.
• Most services will give a guy a minimum of 3 stars if they are recruited by major programs.
• These kids were ranked and rated on what they did as juniors. Today's 3 star players could be 4 stars by signing day.

Barry Larkin is Heading to the Hall

• Former Wolverine Baseball Star Barry Larkin will be enshrined in College Baseball's Hall of Fame. Larkin surprisingly went to Michigan to play football for Bo. "I did get drafted out of high school, so I knew I was pretty good. But I think I got drafted more on potential than skill," Larkin, 45, said Monday. "I just didn't dominate baseball like I did in football, so when I went to Michigan, that's all I had to go by. I mean, I was just thinking, 'football, football, football,' because that's all I did, and that's what I was really good at.
  "... So at some point during my freshman year, I felt, 'hmmm, I might be able to do this and be really good at it.' Larkin never played a down for Bo. I think he made the right decision.

• Mgoblog address the rumor of a Georgia home and home with Michigan. With a Not so fast.............The athletic department can "look into" a home-and-home with Georgia all they want, but UGA is an poor fit for a home-and-home over the next couple years. They are not likely to go for it; if they do they're likely to demand exorbitant terms that Michigan will balk at. I still believe it will be Boise State who opens up the "new" Big House in 2010.

• CJ Olaniyan is a 4 star DE prospect from the state of Michigan, who has offers from every major program in the Midwest. He has been to Michigan and MSU a number of times and doesn't have a top 5 yet. As for his Michigan experience so far: "The first time I went to the junior day, the second time we watched practice, and the third time we went to the spring game," Olaniyan recalled. "When I went to the spring game I was very impressed by the freshman QB (Tate Forcier). He was doing a lot of good stuff." When will he make a decision? "I want to take official visits, but I don't know if I'm going to take all of them," he stated. "(A commitment) could come during the season. I'm not going to set a date. I'm just going to let it happen."

• Michigan's new supplier of Wolverine Gear is eSports and they introduced the Mgoblue shop online yesterday. I still prefer the small Ann Arbor business for my Michigan business, the MDen. Michigan is saying that eSports will have a lot of new features during game days to help you find the gear you want and get back to the action sooner. Which include: Expansion of the main store at Gate 9 to allow for faster check-out and processing times.• A large, new walk-in retail tent just inside Gate 4 featuring an extensive selection of Michigan gear.• Dedicated women's store featuring exclusive collection of women's apparel and accessories.• On-site personalization of adidas jerseys for men, women and children. Orders placed prior to halftime will be available for pickup by end of game.• Addition of a state-of-the-art mobile merchandise trailer in the stadium parking lot.• Acceptance of credit cards at all points of sale to enable fans to get back to the game faster. Wow! Those are state of the art changes.

• Michigan's Elite Basketball Camp takes a toll on current and future Wolverines; We all know that Jordan Morgan suffered a knee injury which will keep him out of half of the games next year (most likely a red shirt) but Senior Center Zach Gibson and incoming Freshman point guard Darius Morris also went down with injuries. Neither are considered serious and most likely just a twisted or slight sprain of the ankle(s).

Wolverine Wednesday has a Spartan Flavor

• Another former Spartan heading to the "not so nice" Big House: Hubert "Boo Boo" Thompson, a former Proviso West High School star athlete, was ruled mentally fit Tuesday to stand trial for the 2007 slaying of a 66-year-old neighbor in Lombard. Thompson was a standout football player and a state champion wrestler at Proviso West. He had a one-year football career at Michigan State before making an unsuccessful attempt to play professionally. This is another example of a Spartan having serious trouble with life outside of football.

• Nick Hill will be a Spartan: Chelsea running back Nick Hill will be a MSU Spartan next year. MSU fans will say this is another example of MSU wrapping up the state with Michigan getting the cold shoulder from a recruit. The problem with that is, Nick was always considered a strong Michigan lean and camped at Michigan with the hopes of getting an offer. He wasn't successful, so he took his next best option which was MSU. One last memo to the Spartan faithful, I hope you remember this comment. Because, Nick Hill is very similar to Mike Hart in size and stature.

• Is Michigan close to it's first 2011 commitment? Per ESPN's Bill Kurleic: Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez has commitments from five rising seniors from the state of Ohio. He seems close to adding a commitment from his first rising junior from the Buckeye State.
  Defensive back Greg Brown (Fremont, Ohio/Ross) is one of the most recruited juniors-to-be in the state of Ohio. He worked out at the Ohio State Advanced Camp on Friday. Before that he worked out at camps at Michigan and Michigan State.
  Brown's first scholarship offer came from Central Michigan. While he was camping in the state of Michigan, Brown came away with two new scholarship offers.
  "Michigan State and Michigan, they both offered after camp," Brown said. "Michigan is my favorite. I'm probably going to decide pretty soon."
  The 5-foot-10 and 184-pound Brown made 30 tackles and intercepted five passes during his sophomore season. He is from the same high school as former Michigan great Charles Woodson.