Latest Inside Michigan Football Video

Keep an eye out for #88 Craig "Death" Roh and a nice play by #2 Justin Turner on Defense.

Wolverine Wednesday: The 3 QB Formation

We all know about the changes coming next year with the Michigan defense. We also know that Michigan will not be starting a freshman QB for the first time since Chad Henne left. What we don't know is how RR and staff is going to mix up the offense with three capable QB's on the depth chart for the first time in years.

Now, I have to give credit to where credit is due, this was not my idea but AnnArbor.com's Mike Rothstein, but what do you think about the possibility of a 2010 offensive formation that would have the exciting 3 Michigan QB's in the same backfield! Think of the possibilities of a backfield with Tate under center or in the shotgun, Devin to his right and Denard to his left. There would be 3 guys in the backfield that could beat you with their arms or legs. A defensive coordinators nightmare.

The positives are that it gets your play makers on the field at the same time. The negative is your entire QB depth is on the field at the same time. It would also mean that Devin burns his redshirt and doesn't get that extra year of learning the QB position. The flip side to burning the redshirt is he gets experience being on the field and seeing real game action instead of a few series here and there during the year.

Just something to ponder until early September......................

• Future 4 Star guy? When Michigan offered WR Shawn Conway, most of us said: Who?. Now Shawn is making a ton of noise and might be rated as one of the best Michigan high school prospects this year. Here is what Rival's Josh Helmholdt said about Shawn after last weekend's 7 on 7 tournament (Freep link) : What jumped out in that performance was the fluid style Conway possesses and his natural pass-receiving skills.
  
  At last weekend’s BadgerSports 7-on-7 Tournament, Conway displayed an even greater array of talents. Playing for the Detroit Elite 7-on-7 team, Conway hauled in touchdown pass after touchdown pass. His ability to find holes in zone defenses, and his ability to separate from defenders in man defenses, created a mismatch against even the top competition at the event. Seems Michigan got a head start on everyone on getting Shawn's commitment early.
  

Minute Rice - McGuffie Excels During Spring Game

We all know the story about Sam McGuffie right? No? Well, I will give you a quick refresher course..........

• YouTube star in high school for his athletic (jumping) running ability.
• Ranked as one of the top athletes in the 2008 class
• Committed to Michigan and Lloyd Carr
• Keeps his commitment to Michigan after RR was hired
• Visits CAL the last weekend before signing day
• On signing day, doesn't go to school, locks himself in his house, turns off his phone and doesn't send in his LOI to Michigan until late afternoon. Causing a huge Internet storm.
• Starts for Michigan in his first game
• Has his best game of the year against Notre Dame
• Doesn't break too many tackles during the Big Ten Season
• Suffers 2-3 concussions in the last handful of games
• Transfers to Rice due to family reasons
• Sits out 2009

That pretty much covers the backgrounder, now Sam is eligible to play for Rice and just tore up the Rice Spring Game. Here is a good article on Sam from Andy Staples at SI.com.

What Andy fails to mention in this article is, should Sam be playing football at all? Getting 3 concussions in one year is very serious. Sitting out a year I'm sure helps but what happens if he gets one or two concussions next year? His close family that Andy talks about it article should step in and ask him to turn in his football helmet for good. Don't get me wrong, I hope nothing but success for Sam but if he was my son, I would be very worried about his next hit. Very worried.

Michigan Tuesday: Selling Michigan's Football Program to 2011 Recruits

We all know recruiting is a dirty business. Coaches are like sharks in the water, when they see blood they attack. Let's be honest, Michigan has been bleeding the last two years. Let's assess the damage:

• 2 losing seasons in a row
• No bowl games
• "Practice Gate"
• A coach on the "hot seat"

So if your a top recruit in the 2011 class and like Michigan, what do you do? You must have a number of coaches from other school in your ear, saying things like: "RR will be gone in a year" -"The NCAA is going to drop a hammer on Michigan" - "Don't you want to win?".

Here is what you do:

1. Call the person in charge. Call Coach Rod and AD Dave Brandon. Dave has been very visible at junior days since he has taken over the job. Dave will tell you that RR job is safe and the program is heading in the right direction.
2. Take an assessment of other major programs. The NCAA came down hard on Florida State for their academic scandal, it didn't seem to hurt their recruiting at all. USC is alleged with much more serious charges and they are recruiting well. The expected punishment from the NCAA is expected to be probation, a loss of a quality control coach and maybe a deduction in some practice hours. - Not really earth shattering is it?
3. Take your visit to Ann Arbor. A2 has one of the nicest/safest college campuses in the United States. U of M has upgraded their football facilities which now rank as one of the best in college football. Here is an example: The Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL don't have an indoor practice facility and Michigan has 2!
4. Academics: If you get your degree from Michigan, it will pay dividends the rest of your life.
5. TV every week! Michigan is on TV every week, pretty much all over the country. That's a shot at SportCenter top plays of the day every week!
6. Speaking of TV, how about making history at Michigan's first night game in 2011? Do you think there will be some excitement for a night game at the Big House against ND?
7. Do you want to play early? There isn't a better opportunity in the country to play for a major program as a freshman or sophomore.
8. Prepare yourself physically for the NFL. Mike Barwis maybe the best S&C coach in the nation. He will have you prepared to play your best on Saturday and physically ready for the next level. I recommend the chocolate milk!
9. The Program with the most wins in the history of the sport. Enough said there.
10. Michigan helmets have wings.

So there you have it, for all the trips the program has taken to the ER the last two years. There is plenty to love in Ann Arbor at the Big House.

Manic Michigan Monday: Manny and Hockey Says Goodbye

In a weekend with so much promise turned out to be a very sad Monday for Michigan fans. Manny decides to enter the NBA Draft and forgo his senior year and the hockey team lost a double overtime game to the #1 hockey team in the nation.

The Hockey Team was trying to make something/anything out of the 2009-2010 season that left most Michigan fans with nothing but heart break and disappointment as our two major programs were home for the post season. The Michigan skaters fought as hard as they could to qualify for the Frozen 4 but lost in double overtime. Manny on the other hand comes off maybe his worst season as a Wolverine and heads to the NBA.

Manny's press release and quotes are located here. Like most of the basketball season, I don't understand this decision. He said he talked to his AAU coaches, family and friends about his decision. Who told him that going pro was the right thing to do? If they did, why? ESPN has Manny rated in the second round or not drafted at all. How is that a sound decision? Staying in school, getting your degree, improving your draft stock seems like a much better decision.

Here is what DeShawn Sims said about Manny: Regarding his draft stock: "I believe the work you put in is what you get out." He's not worried about his projections for the draft, and will simply work hard to achieve his dream of playing in the NBA. If that means he has to play in Europe or the D-League first, he's willing to do so. Say what? The D-league or Europe? I'm sorry you don't leave early for the D-League or Europe.

Speaking of Michigan Basketball, how about Ekpe Udoh? How good was he last night? If he was still a Wolverine, would Michigan have been the Baylor of this years tournament? I guess we will never know.

Yes, Michigan's top basketball rival MSU is in the Final 4 again. You have to give "props" to Tom Izzo, he is a wizard when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. If I was Oregon, I would break the bank on trying to get him as well. Phil Knight is try to buy a winning program.

Someone please wake me up when we get some good news. Is Tuesday here yet?

Wolverine Weekend Update: Hockey Anyone?

Michigan knocked off Bemidji State 5-1 in the NCAA Hockey Tournament last night. Tonight they play #1 seed Miami of Ohio for the right to go the Frozen 4. I believe you can catch it on ESPN U.

Go Blue!

Wolverine Weekend Update: Manny Harris Could Be Gone

All indications are that Manny Harris will forgo his senior year of basketball at Michigan to enter the NBA draft. He told the Michigan Daily that he will make his final decision known on Monday.

The rumor mill is saying that he is gone and probably has already told Coach Beilein. From what I have read, Manny is not a first round selection and should keep the door open to a return if the NBA Camps don't go well. Most likely he will sign with an agent and close the door on any return.

If Manny goes, this will open the door to another scholarship for the 2010 or 2011 seasons.

Michigan Friday: Wants Safer Football Helmets

If you follow this blog, you know I have a big concern for concussions, whether it's Troy Aikman, Sam McGuffie, or your son playing high school football, I don't believe there is enough information on the effects of concussions.

With that said, I am happy to report that Michigan Tech has done some pretty interesting research on football helmets and a way to make them safer. Here are some interesting excerpts from an article on the research that they are doing:

Now a team of inventive engineering students from Michigan Technological University has designed a new and promising protective layer for sports and motorcycle helmets. They used the human head itself as a model for a building a helmet lining that mimics the body’s own tricks for deflecting blows to the head. For example, the scalp—designed for redirecting oblique impacts, the skull—for absorbing normal impacts and the cerebral spinal fluid—for dampening the final impact on the brain.
--
In their prototype, they simulate the skull with a light composite sandwich shell, the scalp with thin elastic discs and the spinal fluid with a soft padding system. The protective layer can be inserted into a helmet in addition to the regular helmet liner. It protects the head inside the helmet against both oblique and normal impacts.

“Normal helmets are designed for direct, straight-on impact,” explains Wayne Bell, a graduate student at Michigan Tech and helmet team member. “They aren’t designed to protect against rotational acceleration, even though “normal” impacts in football often involve rotation.”
--
Michigan Tech’s Technology and Economic Development Office is working with the students to patent and license the new helmet technology. They hope to license their invention to a commercial sports equipment manufacturer, paving the way for a full-fledged athletic equipment research center at Michigan Tech.

• RIP the International Bowl - who thought that Toronto in December/January was a good idea anyway?
  


• Brian at Mgoblog rips Rosenberg after these comments in a recent article from SI.com: REFUSE TO LOSE. It sounds like such a simple, inspirational phrase for a team -- and it can be. But it also describes the man. He's a scrapper, and will weigh all of his options besides losing.
  
  Calipari has done the most remarkable coaching job of this season, and nobody is close. Think about it: He convinced John Wall, Xavier Henry and DeMarcus Cousins to come to Memphis, inserted clauses into their letters of intent so they could go somewhere else if Calipari left, convinced Memphis to keep its Notice of Allegations from the NCAA quiet for three months, took the Kentucky job before anybody knew about that notice, then convinced Wall and Cousins to join him in Lexington. That is refusing to lose. This guy is un-believable. He has riped and caused an NCAA investigation at Michigan because of similar things. This guy must have a huge mouth, to be able to talk so easily out of both sides.
  


• Michigan Basketball Recruiting is looking good for Al Horford's brother - Jon Horford a 6"9 185 pound forward. Jon was in Ann Arbor recently and talked to the Michigan coaches. It seems Michigan's remaining targets for next year are: #1 Trey Ziegler, #2A Jon Horford and #2B Isaiah Sykes.

• Update: Jon Horford committed to Michigan today! Here is what ESPN said about Jon via UMHoops.com: Jon is a multi dimensional power forward. He can operate in the paint or score from the high post. That is probably one of his best attributes, his versatility. Inside Jon is solid on the block. He has decent post moves and is a good rebounder inside due to his solid basketball IQ. He understands blocking out and using his body inside. He scores mostly off garbage inside (dump offs and put backs) he is best facing the basket. He can shoot with range out to 16 or 17 feet. He is a solid defender inside though not an avid shot blocker. He is not quite the athlete that his brother was at the same stage. He will be a very solid player at the collegiate level.
  

Michigan Football Recruiting Blitz

We haven't had a 2011 Recruiting Blitz in awhile, so I thought today would be a good day to catch up.

First the Big Names on the Board:

• Florida Running Back Demetrius Hart who had Michigan leading earlier in his recruitment to find out lately that Michigan had dropped out of his favorites. Well, it's been a roller coaster for the Wolverines in Hart's recruitment many coaches across the nation have been telling the young man that RR and staff won't be in Ann Arbor in 2011. Which caused his Michigan recruitment to sour. Well, things have changed and Demetrius is paying his own way to attend the Michigan Spring Game. He continued to talk to the Michigan coaches and hopefully will further bond with them during his visit.

• Plymouth, Michigan DE Brennen Beyer seems to be in Ann Arbor every weekend and this weekend will be not be an exception. Brennen is planning to be at Michigan's scrimmage on Saturday. BB is planning a decision before his senior season and his top 2 are Michigan and ND.

• West Branch, Offensive Lineman Anthony Zettel is getting a ton of looks from major programs like ND and Penn State. Most expect Anthony to make a decision this summer and he is expected to be in Ann Arbor for the Spring Game.

If I had to pick Michigan's top 3 on the board, I'm betting that those are it.

The rest of the Blitz:

• Baltimore QB Darius Jennings has a Michigan offer.
• New Orleans Athlete Renaldo Thomas (6'3-190) has a Michigan offer.
• Charlotte, NC QB Marquise Williams (6'4-220) has a Michigan offer.
• TomVH from Mgoblog points out that Illinois OL Matt Frazier will be in Ann Arbor this weekend to watch the scrimmage. He should have lunch at Frazier's Pub on Packard.
• Dallastown, PA Linebacker Ben Kline will be making his third trip to Ann Arbor this weekend for the scrimmage.
• Doesn't sound to promising for the Wolverines to land California DE Charles Burkes (who I don't believe has an offer): Q: I know you have been to Stanford and Michigan so far, but recruiting season will be here sooner than you think. What colleges are you considering right now?
  
  A: Right now, I’m looking at Stanford. Stanford was my first scholarship offer, so they are my No. 1 right now because I really liked what they had to present academically and football wise. I think they are only going to get better. The coaches are real cool and they made me feel really welcomed when I went up there, so that is my No. 1 for sure. I also took an unofficial to Michigan for their Junior Day and I liked some stuff that they did up there too. I’ve gotten a lot of mail from Arizona State, Oregon State. And UCLA and USC, I haven’t really heard a lot from them. I’ve gotten a couple of letters from UCLA, but those two local schools are up there, too.
• Michigan is recruiting Brandon Fulse as a tight end.

As you might expect, the best recruiting tool Michigan has this year will be winning on the football field. A bowl game and the "Practice Gate" penalties behind them will go along way in getting the Wolverines a top 10 recruiting class. With under 20 spots available in 2011, Michigan needs to be careful on who they recruit and offer. So if there is ever a time for Michigan to put it chips on the table, 2011 will be the time to go all in for the Maize and Blue.

Spring Practice Video

Michigan Wednesday: Spring Practice Update

photo courtesy of the Det News


RR met with the media on Tuesday and let loose a ton of information on injuries, Spring Game and much more.

Highlights:

• The Spring Game will have donations set up for Mott's Children Hospital. Game is still free but donations are welcomed.


• New Injuries: Vladimir Emilien and Jared Van Slyke have sprained knees. Je'Ron Stokes has a sprained ankle. Anthony LaLota banged up his elbow.
  
• With two safeties out with injuries Cameron Gordon is getting a ton more reps at safety. Anyone else getting time at safety? "Well, because of that injury, we moved Brandin Hawthorne, who was kind of an outside linebacker. We're probably going to play him at both the safety position and the hybrid position. He's a guy that has looked pretty good the first couple of days. We're going to try him back there."
  
• Due to injuries they might not be able to have two full squads for the Spring Game.
  
• On Big Will: "With Mike Martin being out, he's getting a lot of reps. I think he's gotten better each day. We've still got to get Will to play a little lower at times, and he's using his hands a lot better. "He's had a pretty productive first three days. I think he's going to continue to get better."


• Mike Cox and Mike Shaw are stepping up at running backs.
  
• New things on defense? 3-3-5? "Really, what we're trying to do is just tweak a few of our packages to fit different types of schemes that we'll be facing offensively. I think it's probably common knowledge that everybody uses a variety of offense. You go from a power base to a west coast team to a spread team. It changes from week to week.
  
  "Even in the Big Ten, there is a lot more variety than what people assume. We've got to have enough in our package that is simple enough for our guys to understand, yet have enough schemes to be in the right type of defense to face those offenses. Coach [Greg] Robinson and the defensive staff have kind of got a plan for that this spring, to practice a couple of things, whether it's against a spread or against a west coast type of team, or a power football type of team.
  
• Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield are playing well at the offensive tackle positions.
  
• Linebacker play?: "Jonas Mouton and Obi Ezeh are two veteran guys that have played a lot of football for us. This is going to be their senior year, and we're expecting a lot out of them. I'm really pleased with what they've done the last seven weeks in the weight program, and with what they've done in the first three practices."
  
• Denard has only been lining up at QB this Spring.
  
• JT Floyd has played well at CB
  
• Devin is learning the offense and has improved his throwing motion.

I'm Back..........

First off, I wanted to thank everyone that participated in the Inmates Run the Big House while I was gone. There was some interesting stuff written. Your Nike BigHouse Blog Hats will be mailed out this week.

I will do a post later today on how Spring Practice is going but first I wanted to share a quick story from my trip to Cancun.

During the trip I saw about 10 people wearing NBA jersey's (Gail would have been mortified!). The funny thing is out of those 10 I saw 3 people wearing Chris Webber jersey's. 1 Kings, 1 Washington, and 1 Pistons. I have to admit I sort of forget he was with the Pistons for a little under a year late in his career. I also didn't know he had so many fans in Mexico!

Inmates Run The Big House Day #7: For The Love of Michigan

I want to send a personal/public thank you to David Brandon. In a time where corporate greed is out of control it's nice to see somebody do something that isn't about the money. Many of you know already that Dave stepped down from being the CEO of Domino's Pizza to take over the Michigan Athletic Department earlier this month.

What really strikes me about him taking the job is the pay cut he took. David took about a $2 Million a year pay cut to become the AD at Michigan. I’m wondering how many of us would have done the same thing? $2 Mill a year?

I know being the AD at Michigan is a great job and one many of us would have jumped at in a New York Minute, but coming with such a big pay cut? Heck, like Bob said here a few weeks ago. Both John Beilein and Rich Rodriguez will make more then Dave at Michigan and Dave is their boss!

So Thank You Dave! Thank you for doing something for the love of Michigan! Thank you for not thinking about your salary! Thank you for stepping in at one of the lowest times in Michigan Athletic history and trying to make a difference. Thank you for everything, Dave. It's very clear you are the right person for the job!

-Chris from Novi

Inmates Run The Big House Day #6: Michigan Game Day Dress Code

First off, I’m into fashion and big Michigan football fan. I have noticed enough fashion disasters at The Big House in the past few years to move me to write a post on what to wear and what not to wear on game day.

What not to wear:

• Too much logo gear. Two items is the max. Three Michigan logo items is way over board. Don’t be that guy.
  
• Michigan logo items not produced by Nike or Adidas. If you bought your logo gear at Wal Mart or off a street vendor in China, don’t wear it on game day. Mostly that fake leather jacket (Starter?) that looks like a billboard.
  
• If your Michigan gear was purchased in the 1980’s please retire it.
  
• Too many layers in August or early September. Even if it’s in the high 60’s, it’s still hot in the Big House and you will not get cold with 100,000 of your closest friends sitting in your lap. There isn’t enough room for your sweatshirt anyway.
  
• Black Michigan gear. Michigan’s colors are Maize and Blue, not black.
  
• If you have graduated from college - no face paint.
  
• No matter if you’re a fan of another team, don’t wear that team’s gear at a Michigan - MAC opponent game at the Big House. Nobody cares if you root for Illinois.
  
• Michigan scrunches’ are fine for little girls but not for women over the age of 18.
  
• Grown men in Michigan Jerseys. Really guys?
  
• If your planning to wear sweat pants to the game, keep them in the drawer for the gym.

What to wear: After that list you should be able to put together a fine game day outfit but if you still need some ideas, here are some of my thoughts:

• In late summer early fall, a tee shirt with shorts is a good choice for any male attending the game. A Michigan hat is a good choice as well.
  
• For colder games, a Michigan jacket is not needed. Wear your regular pull over or sweatshirt with a Michigan hat. Having a Michigan jacket might break the 3 logo items rule above. When it comes to Michigan logo wear, remember one rule: less is more.
  

I hope these tips were helpful and Go Blue!

Gail from Saline

Inmates Run The Big House Day #4: What I Want To See From The Spring Game

With an NCAA penalty and a Do or Die season for Rich Rodriguez on the horizon, here is what I’m expecting from the 2010 Spring Game.

I’m expecting to see:

• A mature Tate Forcier. One that practice and prepares like a Michigan QB should.
  
• Devin Gardner a QB full of promise but one that isn’t quite ready for the field in 2010.
  
• Denard Robinson still a freak athlete that sees the field more at the running back or wide receiver positions.
  
• Linebackers that understand what Greg Robinson is saying and are in the proper gaps and assignments.
  
• Justin Turner replacing Donovan Warren at cornerback and really showing flashes of the 5 star rating he received.
  
• A much improved defense in all faucets of the game.
  
• Running Backs by committee. With Vincent Smith out, I expect to see lots of guys running the ball. I’m hoping that one is very special.
  
• Roy Roundtree to have another great Spring Game.
  
• A few guys on scholarship playing the safety position.
  
• Mike Cox jumping over a Buick.
  
• Big Will Campbell seeing a lot of playing time and stopping the running game.
  

I realize that Rich Rodriguez has taken a lot of heat for two losing seasons in a row and a NCAA investigation on his watch, but he has done some good things for the University of Michigan as well. Some examples are the number of Junior Days, The Victors Walk, an emphasis on the Spring Game, strong recruiting in the State of Florida, and the alumni flag football game. So get out and support the team and the Michigan program this Spring!

-Bill from Toledo

A Night Game at The Big House!

Brandon has been in the job a few weeks and already has a night game scheduled at the Big House in 2011 against ND. He better expect some nasty snail mail from some blue haired Michigan fans. This game will for sure conflict with Matlock!

What's next on the list?

• A hockey game in the Big House? Check
• Suites? Check
• World Cup? Not yet
• The Rolling Stones? Are they still alive?
• Slippery Rock? Why not? Bring those boys back!
• A un-defeated season? We can dream, can't we?

The Top 10 Things Michigan Fans Should do During the NCAA Tournament

Since today the NCAA baseketball tournament is kicking off and Michigan is at home with a losing record after making the tournament in 2009. I thought I would lend a hand to fellow Wolverines needing something to focus on during these next three weeks. So whether your tracking a bracket, betting on games, or just watching for the fun of it. Here are 10 things you can do during the tournament:

10: Start a “Please Stay Manny” Web site
9: Start a “ Please come to Ann Arbor Trey Zeigler” web site
8: Root for West Virgina because with some TPP that could Michigan in a few years. TPP = Time, Patience, and Players. I guess you better put an R in there somewhere as well. R= Recruiting.
7: Have your “I love Zack Novak" tattoo removed. Be glad you didn’t go with Agent 0 like you first wanted.
6: Wonder out loud if David Brandon can turn the Michigan Basketball and Football programs around like he turned around Domino’s Pizza crust.
5: Root for the Big Ten in the tournament. Even though Ohio State and Michigan State are Michigan rivals, there is always revenue sharing!
4: Write an email to Coach Rod asking if Mike Cox really has a 45 inch vertical and can he walk on to the basketball team next year? That has to be good for 70 block shots next year. (is it wrong that I mention Mike's last name and talk about length in the same sentance? Yes, I believe it is.)
3: Stop using the logic that if Turner's shot goes wide against Michigan that U of M would have won the Big Tournament.
2: Make travel plans to Europe to scout any 18 year old that is over 6’10.
1: Sell your Final 4 Tickets in Indy on Ebay that you ordered last year (after Michigan made it to the second round, beat Duke and UCLA in the regular season) and don’t forget to cancel your hotel reservations.

Day 2 Inmates Run the Big House: Expectations

Good News: Brandon Graham is #1 in ESPN's rankings of the past year's top 30 Big Ten players.

Bad News: Of the other 30 players, guess how many Wolverines there are? Answer: one. Donovan Warren checks in at #23.

Just think of all the experienced players who had some pretty darn good accolades coming out of HS that have just not lived up to expectations so far and represent the reason why Michigan players are few and far between on a list like that:

Steve Schilling
Jonas Mouton
Greg Mathews
Carlos Brown
Let's get down to brass tacks.

Mallett
Arrington
Manningham
Boren
Mitchell

Throw in Zirbel and while your at it Jason Forcier and Antonio Bass for good measure and you have four starters and two somewhat experienced backups with eligibility left from 2007 that never played again. Also of course, add Hart, Henne, and Long and while your at it add in Minor who was hurt more on than off throughout the the last two falls. Than to make sure the cupboard was real stacked add three QBs who had virtually no experience at all, two freshman and one walk-on.

As a result, UM was playing people who weren't ready, and starting people who by normal standards were career backups.

So tell me again what part of the tune "the cupboard was not full, when RR took over, that people don't get ?" I forget the exact amount of All-Americans that Bump left Bo and Bo left Mo and Mo left Carr and Carr left like two for RR (and one was a punter), but it went something like 24 from Bump to Bo, 20 from Bo to Mo, 15 from Mo to Lloyd and two from Carr to RR (and one was a punter). Than another number that sticks out to me is that from 2008 to 2011, Michigan will have the fewest number of athletes picked by the NFL, since before Bo took over at Michigan.

That is how I see it

---Rockie

Day 1 Inmates Run the Big House: That Way I See It

The Way I See It

For those who feel and are rooting that Michigan and RichRod broke the rules, nothing a person can say will alter their minds because they want the demise of the program and RichRod and thats all that counts. My thinking here is that somebody at UM purposely leaked info and purposely did not do their jobs in an effort to get RichRod fired. As I think about this for a minute, I'm also pondering that UM may have been doing the same thing for 40+ years, in going about its business as usual with different head coaches. In other words, a coach like Carr, Mo and Bo, would have been shielded from any NCAA minor violations while those that want the demise of RichRod, not only was he not protected, but he was willfully exposed by someone that doesn't like him.

There has been a pattern of this on other things as well like, Dorsey, Feagin and it sure took some long and hard digging to find out about the grade thing. Meaning someone really wanted him to be wrong about having the highest GPA.

The way I see this, unless you want to hurt the program or the coach, this all could have been avoided with a couple of phone calls/emails/text and for that matter Twitter, if everybody was on the same page for the welfare of the program. It just seems to me there are media nightmares that could have been avoided if somebody had informed RichRod of what was going on. Now, I suppose some could say that RichRod should have known all of this, but if thats the case, why in the world would RichRod have kept the entire prior UM football staff? If I'm going to live or die, let me do it with people I know and trust. Instead, RichRod kept most people in place in the Compliance Department, with the exception of the coaching staff, what right now is bitting RichRod in the arsee right now? Well it is the people he kept in place in the Compliance Department. Really, one doesn't need a PHD only a GED and some street smarts to apply this concept to this notion that Gibson, Fry and Dews are just RichRod's WVU buddies. Like Harbaugh for the Baltimore Ravens (many ex Wolverine Coaches), you live and die with the people you trust. FWIW, all three of those guys have been lights out recruiters since they have been here and from the looks of the early offers, UM is picking it up a notch with the quality of recruits, for next year, rather than quanity of recruits this year. I just hope that now that we have the numbers, this becomes the trend for the future.

I guess if this was something that RichRod really messed up upon , I really don't doubt much at all that Brandon would have brought the hammer down. But he seemed adamant about RichRod's status as coach, and to me, that's as obvious as it gets that there was a breakdown internally. Like a good leader, RichRod fell on the sword, yet again and allowed the finger pointing directed at him, despite probably not being in the wrong, for the welfare of the program.

I guess I will close by saying, "compliance issues aren't new." RichRod has coached in D-1 football for 15 some odd years. He was a head coach for at least six of them and what I find odd is that WVU rose up and said "there was never an issue of complience at WVU, while RichRod was a grad assistant, assistant coach or head coach." While it is true that they may have been just covering their arce, they still said it. So there was obviously a breakdown internally, someone failed RichRod and the entire program. I hope Brandon weeds the people out internally that caused this problem and kills them at their roots."

That is how I see it

--- Rockie

Michigan's Spring Injury Report

The Toledo Blade comes through with some good information this weekend:

• Kovacs looks like he will be on scholarship this fall. "He'll have the first one available in the fall, and it looks like one will be available," Rodriguez said. "I'm hoping it will be available for this summer because he's earned one."

Spring Injury Report:

Spring practice begins Tuesday and those not participating because of injuries are Brandon Herron, Mike Martin, Vincent Smith, and David Molk. Additionally, receiver Junior Hemingway will probably be held out for the early part of spring ball.

"Thankfully, none of them will be out for summer workouts," Rodriguez said. "They'll all be ready to go in the fall."

Michigan Monday: Night of Champions Re-Cap

As you know by now, Michigan hosted the second annual Night of Champions this weekend which serves three purposes for the Wolverines: 1) it's another Junior Day where 2011 recruits can visit Ann Arbor, 2) it's the end of winter conditioning with some fun competitions, and 3) it's the official kick off to spring practice.

Some of the numbers that were leaked from the competitions include:

• Fastest Player: Martavious Odoms with a 4.35 40. Yes, a better time then Denard.
• Fastest Lineman: Adam Patterson with a 4.69 40.
• Mike Cox had 3 feet 9 inch vertical jump. That's NBA quality!

2011 Players that made it in:

• Kevin Williams DT from Ohio
• WR from Saginaw, DeAnthony Arnett - was a surprise visit
• Chris Rock (not that Chris Rock): I’m going to Notre Dame’s junior day next weekend, and I might go to some other spring practices. I haven’t really planned a lot out yet. I don’t have a time line, it’s just going to be when I feel it’s right. I haven’t come up with a top list, because I haven’t seen enough schools, but my interest in Michigan is very high. I really like what they have to offer.
• Jarrell Oliver, a 5'9 RB from Texas
• Jordan Walsh a 6'3 275 pound offensive guard from Illinois was the only recruit in attendance to receive a new offer.
• Charles Burks, a DE from California. Was in town but has not gotten a Michigan offer yet.

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It's been a tough year for Michigan sports. The football didn't go to a bowl game, the basketball team didn't even make the NIT, and the hockey team has under preformed. Now this: Michigan's last known Wolverine was found dead over the weekend. I guess you could call him a real Michigan man. There is a picture of the little guy on the link.

Today is the Last Day for Inmates Run The Big House

Get your final posts in. I will take posts until Noon EST on Monday!

Michigan Friday: Hoping for Upsets

Well, it's do or die for the Wolverines in the Big 10 Tournament as we speak. They need to win this tournament to find any happiness out of this season. Ohio State - Michigan is going on right now.

• 3 Wolverines are on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot this year. The 3 are Desmond Howard, Jumbo Elliott and Robert Lytle. I hope they all make it! Go Blue!

• Position changes in the wind for Spring Ball include: Cam Gordon at free safety, Mike Jones at weak side linebacker, Mike Williams at the "Spinner" LB, Teric Jones at strong safety.

• Rich Rod is obsessed with making Michigan a "winner" - That makes two of us coach! Welcome aboard! "We think about it every day," Rodriguez told host Ryan Ermanni. "And I know a lot of our great fans do as well. But I'm obsessed with it, and I think our staff and I think certainly our players are obsessed with it, too. And we know the last two seasons haven't gone the way any of us would like. But at the same time, we've made some progress, we've kind of put the foundation down, and now we're ready to start getting going with more wins."

• 70% of the "New Big House" suites are sold. Better hurry up and get one. On a related note, It's still Free to visit the Big House Blog!

• It seems Iowa might be looking for a new basketball coach. Michigan been apart of 3 of their 22 losses this season.

• Don't forget about the Night of Champions this weekend. It would be great if Michigan picked up a couple of verbals. Michigan landed 2 last year and Devin committed shortly after.
  

Michigan Thursday: Takes a Two Million Dollar Pay Cut and Loves it

Hypothetical question for you: Your a CEO of a major company and make $2.6 million a year. You get a call from an organization that needs improvement and stabilization that you were once a part of and still love to this day. This organization obviously needs leadership and they have targeted you to be the person to captain the ship. The catch is, they can't pay what you make now because if you take this new job, one of your highest profile employees already makes that much. They can offer you about $600K a year but two of your employees individually make in the Millions per year. Do you want the job?

Strange isn't? But this is the life of new Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon these days. He took a $2 Million pay cut and seems to love it. Maybe it really isn't about the money. Maybe the benefits were better? What no dental! :)

• TomVH from Mgoblog list out the attendees for the Night of Champions. Still a lot of maybes.

• Tom also gives us an update on Trai Turner a 6'5 340 pound OT from Louisiana who just got a Michigan offer. Come to Ann Arbor big fella!

• Sam Webb from the Det News gives us an update on super sophomore from Orchard Lake St. Mary's, James Ross Jr. He already has offers from MSU and Michigan. Wow, recruiting is quite the business.

• Forbes ranks Ann Arbor the #1 College Sports Town. That is why we have all those guys from West Virgina migrating to A2!

• Michigan just beat Iowa in the first round the Big 10 Basketball Tournament 59-52. Ohio State on Friday.

Wolverine Wednesday: Recruiting Blitz

• 3 for Threet: Maybe Stephen Threet can put that on his license plate. Here is an update article from Rivals on Stephen's progress at ASU: "I'm very excited about the offense he's planning on running. It fits me and the other quarterbacks very well. I have a chance to be successful," Threet said. "It plays to the strengths I have as a quarterback. I'm more of a pro-style quarterback. I can throw the ball and do a lot of the things mentally, like reading the defense really well and get the offense in the right play if protection needs to be changed." Any chance 3/Threet transfers to an SEC or Big 12 School next? For the record, he will have been on the roster for an ACC, Big Ten, and Pac 10 schools.

• Shaq Washington's thoughts from the Michigan Showcase a couple of weeks ago: Maple Heights, Ohio - Late last month I had a showcase camp at the University of Michigan sponsored by rivals.com and scout.com. I went to the football camp with my football club, Raw Talent.
  
  There were plenty of other athletes from the state of Ohio there as well. I performed well out there. There was a lot of good competition to the point where it surprised me.
  
  Me, Dana Day (Glenville), Frank Clark (Glenville), Michael Hollins (Maple Heights) and Nicholas Davis (Glenville) were recognized as standouts in the camp. With trainer Mark Harris, the CEO of Raw Talent, urging us we all bought into it and by the end of the camp everyone knew what Raw Talent was all about.

• TomVh from Mgoblog says that 2011 athlete (LB prospect) Kris Frost continues to be nipping at Michigan's nose. Or in other words, still very high on the Wolverines. He plans to take a trip up to A2 this summer.

• Speaking of visits, this weekend is Michigan's Night of Champions which is a Junior Day, the wrap up of winter conditioning, the kick off to Spring Practice, and a special competition for the current Wolverines to show off their strength in some weight lifting drills. Some 2011 recruits expected to be on campus are: Shaq Washington, Cardale Jones, and Brennen Beyer just to name a few.

• Here is the buzz on the 2010 early enrollees numbers for Spring Practice: Devin Gardner #7, Stephen Hopkins #33, Jerald Robinson #83, Austin White #23, Ricardo Miller #82, and Jeremy Jackson #17.

• We are also hearing that Marvin Robinson should be ready to go with academics to join the Wolverines in Summer Term that starts in the June time frame.

• Spring Game Time is set at 1:00. The alumni flag football game is scheduled for 11:00 on April 17th.

• Latwan Anderson a 5 star safety that was verballed to WVU and flirting with every other school in the nation is heading to Miami.

Michigan Tuesday: Which was the bigger loss to the program: Ryan Mallett or Ekpe Udoh?

I'm not a big fan of looking back, I much prefer to look forward. But with the Michigan Basketball team playing terrible with a talented team fresh of an NCAA Tournament bid last year and the football team looking at some type of NCAA probation for the first time in history, looking forward doesn't look good sitting here on March 9, 2010.

So today, I take a second to think about what if? What are programs would look like today if two players had stayed on board when the coaches from West Virgina invaded Ann Arbor. Those two players are: Ryan Mallett and Ekpe Udoh.

Let's first look at Ekpe Udoh who transferred from Michigan to Baylor when John Beilein took over after the 2008 season. Ekpe is a 6"10 240 F/C big body that was a defensive specialist at Michigan and was even named to the Big Ten All Defensive Team during the 2007-2008 season. Ekpe at Michigan averaged 5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds a game in his two years in Ann Arbor. Ekpe didn't believe he fit into Beilein's finesse style of play and headed out the door to Baylor.

Well, things have changed for Ekpe at Baylor. He was just named to the 2nd Team All Big 12 team and has averaged 13.4 points with 9.8 rebounds and 4.1 blocks a game. He set a Big 12 single season record with 123 blocks and was named the Big 12 New Comer of the Year.


Now, I fully understand that players leave when a new coach comes on board but Ekpe is exactly what the 2009-2010 Michigan Basketball team is missing. An athletic space eater that can play D, get some boards and score in the double digits each night. Beilein has a reputation as not being the greatest recruiter, well he should have sold Udoh a little harder.

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We all know the story about Ryan Mallett a 5 star QB from the border of Arkansas and Texas. A big kid at 6'7 238 pounds with a big arm and even bigger personality. He came to Michigan to play for Lloyd Carr and be the next Tom Brady. Things changed quickly during his freshman year when he saw a lot of action when Chad Henne went down with a shoulder injury. He got a lot of time and even won his first game against another 5 star QB Jimmy Clausen.

After his Freshman year, Lloyd called it a career and Rich Rod came in. Ryan was already rumored to be home sick and in and out of Lloyd's dog house, so he decided the spread wasn't for him and transferred to Arkansas to play in a pro style offense.

Ryan had a successful sophomore year for the Razorbacks by averaging a QB rating of 152.52, passing for 3,627 yards and 30 touchdowns. He even flirted with the NFL draft this winter before deciding to stay for his junior year. In recent news, Ryan has broken his foot and will miss Spring Practice. He was even recently rated the Top Returning Football Player by ESPN's Joe Schad. Joe rated Ryan ahead of the Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and Rose Bowl star Terrelle Pryor.

The one thing us Michigan fans know is, Ryan wasn't going to make our defense any better but we are pretty sure he would have gotten the team to a Bowl Game in 2009 and maybe won a few shootouts in 2010. Does Michigan lose to the likes of Toledo, Purdue, and Illinois if Ryan was still in the Maize and Blue? Probably not. Sure it might of been a couple of Alamo Bowl appearances but we will take that compared to being home the last two years.

Who do you think is the bigger loss for the Michigan program? If you would like to vote, please do so on the right side tool bar.

Michigan Monday: Huggy Bear Needs a Hug

Michigan has a long history of getting some top high school prospects from the State of California and hoping they become college football stars. Michigan lost out on the 2010 version when Sean Parker headed to Washington, the 2009 version is Tate Forcier and Donovan Warren became a Wolverine in the 2007 class. There was also a guy named Tom Brady that came from California to play in Ann Arbor.

Michigan fans will remember a California football star in 1998 that came to Michigan with high expectations named Justin Fargas. Justin was the son of TV Star "Huggy Bear" from Starsky and Hutch. Justin showed flashes of greatness in his freshman year when he ran for 277 yards and 1 TD but similar to Sam McGuffie he had trouble breaking tackles and making big runs in the Big Ten. In the 2000 season, Justin decided to try the safety position before transferring to Southern CAL. Michigan fans knew Justin was talented but many of us expected him to have the same issues at USC. He didn't and Justin went for 715 yards during his senior year and got drafted by the Raiders.

Justin has had a pretty consistent NFL career gaining over 1000 yards in 2007, 853 yards in 2008 and 491 yards in 2009 splitting time with Bush and McFadden.

Justin was due a $1.7 million payout today and promptly got cut by the Raiders yesterday. Let's hope he gets picked up by a team that needs a running back. Lions, are you listening?


Update: Jason Advant signs a new 5 year deal with the Eagles. Well Done, Jason! "Jason Avant has developed into one of our most dependable and productive players on offense," Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a statement released by the team. “He's physical, he's tough and he has the respect of all of his teammates. Jason plays the game of football the right way; he competes on a daily basis, whether it's in the game or in practice."

"He is also what I consider a person with high character and he's a guy that I like to think younger players have and will continue to learn from. Jason is a devoted man in the community and gives a great deal of time helping others. We're glad to have him back in Philadelphia for the next five seasons."

• TomVh from Mgoblog says that OL Tony Posada has a Michigan offer. Tony is 6'5 and 295 pounds.


• State of Michigan LB Lawrence Thomas verbally committed to MSU over the weekend.


• New Michigan AD and former CEO of Domino's Pizza David Brandon takes control of the Athletic Department today. Dave has already shown to be a great addition to the Wolverines Athletic Program and we expect big things from him with the top two revenue sports struggling.

The Inmates Run the Big House

I have an offer for any of the Big House Blog readers:

I am heading to the Basement (vacation) on the 16th of March for a week. I'm looking for some of my loyal readers to provide the Big House Blog content while I'm gone.

So here is the offer: Send me your post at thebighouseblog@hotmail.com and I will pick 6 posts to be displayed while I'm gone. I don't care what you write about. It could be about the Lions draft picks, the 2010 Wolverines, the problems with the basketball team, the Red Wings, Michigan Hockey, it doesn't matter the floor is yours.

Each person that gets their article posted at BHB during the week will receive a BigHouseBlog hat.

Feel free to send in your articles!

-Bob

Michigan Friday: News and Notes

• A former Quality Control assistant under RR gets a job at App. State, Bob McLain: McClain comes to Appalachian from Tulsa, where he served as the Golden Hurricane’s tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator for one year. Prior to his year at Tulsa, he spent one season in special teams and offensive quality control at Michigan, his second stint under head coach Rich Rodriguez. He previously served under Rodriguez for six years at West Virginia (2000-05), the final three as an offensive graduate assistant working primarily with the Mountaineers’ offensive line and tight ends. At WVU, he helped lead the Mountaineers to three Big East championships and four bowl appearances. Funny, no word in the press release about watching off season practices?

• Michigan has invited DaSean Martin to Junior Day. Martin is a 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back and defensive back out of Las Vegas. The article talks about how much he loves USC. So it doesn't look good for him coming to A2 anytime soon.

• Former Michigan Basketball Star Daniel Horton gets cut by a French team. He was averaging 3 points a game in 10 games. (HT: mgoblog)

• Speaking of former Wolverine Basketball stars: Maceo Baston signs with Ukraine's #1 team. He will be a teammate of former UConn star Khalid El-Amin.

• Former Wolverine Toney Clemons is getting some run in the Denver Press as they await his first year of eligibility for Colorado this Fall.

• There are big wins and big loses in recruiting every year. Michigan this year will need to focus on defensive nose tackle, offensive line, and inside linebacker as some of their major needs in the 2011 class. What is unfortunate for the Wolverines is there is highly rated instate prospect at the inside LB position, Lawrence Thomas. The unfortunate part, is he goes to a ABM high school. ABM = Anywhere But Michigan. So Lawrence announced his top 10 and Michigan isn't in it. Nice job Detroit Renaissance coaches! Way to limit one of your high profile players options. Recruiting is a dirty business.

Michigan Thursday: Potluck of Information

It's great being a blogger when Michigan is heading to the NCAA tournament in basketball, in the middle of football season, near signing day, or getting a letter from the NCAA.

When it's March 4th and still 10 days away from the start of Spring Practice, not so much. There really isn't too much floating around the moment. The "fire" from the allegations has died down and the recruiting trial is still pretty young. Big Ten expansion is fun but everyone that writes about that is just throwing darts at a big dart board. So with that said, here is an update on today's Wolverine news:

• TomVH from Mgoblog catches up with Craig Roh's dad. Craig has been giving back to the community, taking care of his work in the classroom and this: "He's up to 255 now. He ended the season at 240, so he's already gained about 15 pounds. The coaches said they want him at 255, or maybe 260. He's had tremendous increases in all his exercises, too. I don't know the exact numbers, by I know he's increased his bench, squat, and everything else" It's a good read by what seems to be an outstanding kid. Check it out.

• Recruiting guys got to see WR Shawn Conway, the latest Michigan 2011 commitment at the 7 on 7 showcase last weekend and came away impressed: "He came a little later in the day, but this Michigan commit made up for lost time," said Trieu. "He's every bit of his listed 6-3. He needs to add some weight but he has great athleticism and ball skills. I think he needs to refine his route running still, but he was more explosive than I was previously led to believe."
  
  "He was really impressive," added Scout.com Ohio analyst Bill Greene. "He reminded me in some ways of (Ohio State receiver) Devier Posey, although he's taller and longer. He's smooth and can go up and get the football. He looked good running routes. He's another one that will have to get stronger, but he's a big, long, outside receiver and he can go deep or make catches over the middle. I think he'll play early at Michigan."
  

• If your in Toledo on Monday and want to hear Rich Rodriguez talk, here is your opportunity.

• The UConn fans will be bringing a bus load of fans to Ann Arbor to open the new Big House in September. They even have a block of rooms. I'm sure they will need a map to get to Zingerman's.

• Michigan's Pro Day is scheduled for Friday, March 12th. I'm sure the regulars from the combine will be there, plus the likes of Greg Matthews and Kevin Grady.

• ESPN signs 3 New Years Day Bowls that includes the Big Ten. Outback, Gator, and Capital One.

Wolverine Wednesday: Heading To The Clubhouse

There is a saying in golf, when your playing poorly and you "magically" start playing well on 17 and 18 that "you must have seen the clubhouse". Meaning that your round is close to being over you are relaxed for the first time today and starting to hit good shots. It is also said, that the "golf gods" want you to play well on #18 so you come back next time.

That is what the Michigan Basketball team did last night in a blow out win over Minnesota 83-55 at Crisler Arena. Michigan is currently at 14-15 and 7-10 in the Big Ten. They also have one more trip to East Lansing scheduled for this weekend. This is a team that lost two walk on's from last year from their NCAA Tournament team and not even heading to the NIT. There is no other way to put it but a very disappointing year.

• ESPN is saying the Michigan Spring Game will be on the Big Ten Network. I hope so. I am going to try to make it in person. Things to watch for in Michigan's Spring game will be Devin Gardner, Justin Turner, Running Back Position, and Linebackers.

• I was very critical of Adrian Arrington when he went pro after his junior year, saying he wasn't ready and wasn't rated high enough to make that decision. My opinion ended up being correct, he was drafted in the 6th round and barley made the team the last two years. I had mixed feelings about Donovan Warren, I thought he was a better pro prospect but could have used another year. It seems others believe he should have stayed in school after running a 4.56 in 40 in Indianapolis at the combine. My rule is, if your not projected as a first round draft pick you should stay in school.

Michigan Tuesday: Showcase and Recruiting Update

There was 7 on 7 Showcase for high school juniors at U of M' s new Al Glick Field house on Sunday sponsored by Lifting as We Climb . There was nearly 300 people to watch these young men going 7 on 7 or doing 1 on 1 drills. Some updates courtesy of Sam Webb from Scout and WTKA:

DeAnthony Arnett: Best WR in the State, very polished WR, runs great routes, and king of the double moves. Not a burner but a very good WR.

Shawn Conway: If Arnett is the best WR in the State, Conway is a close second. Shawn is a long strider and showed good speed, is a very good leaper, and has huge hands. Not has polished as Arnett and needs to work on his routes.

Delonte Hollowell, DB Michigan commit was strong at 7 on 7 competitions.

Greg Brown, DB Michigan commit: Physical DB at 5'11 and looks to be nearly 200 pounds. Started slow but really started to get into the competition as the day went on. He is quick and likes to use his physical skills.

• Tyler Moore, a 6'5 305 pound offensive lineman from Florida is planning a Michigan visit.
• Chicago Offensive lineman Chris Bryant was up in Ann Arbor for the Showcase on Sunday.
• Kyshoen Jarrett a 4 Star DB in the 2011 class from PA has a Michigan offer.
• Michigan has also offered 2011 Florida speedster Chevelle Buie.
• Looks like Florida Atlantic is heading to the Big House in 2012. (HT: mgoblog) Can't hurt Florida recruiting efforts, if Michigan plays a Florida school.

Michigan Monday: Time for the #1 Jersey Again

Dear Rich Rodriguez and Braylon Edwards;

These are troubling times for the Maize and Blue. We know change is difficult and can be very frustrating. We have had two losing seasons and due to some sloppiness the Michigan Program maybe looking a some major or secondary NCAA violations later this summer.

The Spring Game is a few weeks away and I believe this is a great opportunity to bring some positive news back to the program by dusting off the #1 jersey and giving it to a wide receiver. As all the know, the #1 jersey became famous when Anthony Carter wore it for Bo Schembechler. Bo was a big fan of running the ball and when Anthony came to Ann Arbor from Florida and became a star WR, many football fans were surprised. How could a WR be so effective in Bo's 3 yards and a cloud of dust offense?

That tradition has lived on through the years, with the most recent member being Braylon Edwards. Braylon has even set up a "scholarship fund" that goes along with the #1 jersey. So even though Braylon doesn't make the final decision on who gets it, he does get to put in his $.02 (or thousands of dollars). Like we all found out when RR was hired and promised the jersey to JT Floyd on the recruiting trail.

Why now? Because Michigan needs it and they haven't had anyone wear it since Braylon was at U of M in 2004.

Is someone ready for that honor? That is a great and fair question. The answer is probably no, but Michigan needs a spark and it's time to have a #1 back on the field. This is a make or break season for the Wolverines.

Who then?

The Candidates:

#1 for #1 is Roy Roundtree. Roy was the star of the 2009 Spring Game and didn't see much time in games until mid to late season. He still finished as Tate's #1 target with 32 catches for 434 yards, with 13.6 yards average and 3 touchdowns. Roy is the famous "Snake Oil" recruit and a redshirt sophomore in 2010. Roy has a nice upside and many expect him to have a big year as a regular starter in the slot. If anyone deserves #1 it's Roy.

#2 Ricardo Miller. What? This guy hasn't even taken a practice snap for the Wolverines yet? Are you crazy, he hasn't earned the right. I agree with you, but hear me out. AC was a guy from Florida that came to Michigan and spread the field with the passing game. Ricardo is a 100% Michigan Man already. He was living in Florida and moved up to Ann Arbor before his senior year to be closer to the Big House. Played his final high school year at Pioneer and enrolled early to participate in Spring Ball. He has already said, he is very interested in the #1 jersey. If Ricardo, doesn't redshirt this year, I think it would be a good investment for the next 4 years. Yes, it's a long shot but what an honor it would be for him.

#3 Darryl Stonum: Coming in 2008 Darryl was one of the best WR prospect in the country. He has shown flashes in games on why he was rated that high and has made a positive impact in the kickoff return game for the Wolverines. Like a lot of young WR's, Darryl has been inconsistent and many of us expect him to have a big 2010 in catches, yards, and kick off returns for TD's. DS's numbers in 2009 were 13 catches for 199 yards. Could be a good pick due to his return yards and upside as a WR.

#4 Junior Hemingway: Junior has shown to be a deep threat when he is healthy. The problem is, he isn't always healthy. He only played 11 games in 2009 after coming off a medical redshirt in 2008. In 2009, he caught 16 balls for 268 yards (that was a good game for Braylon) and 2 touchdowns. Junior is a skilled wide out but he needs to stay off the sidelines.


#5 Je'Ron Stokes: was a signing day signature for Rich Rod and staff in the 2009 class. Je'ron was an Army All American and was ready to make an impact for the Wolverines. He saw a little bit of the field in 2009 in 6 games with 2 catches for 16 yards. He could be another good "future" investment for the jersey.

The other receiving yards went to running backs, Odoms, and tight ends. I expect Roundtree to take some time from Odoms in 2010 at the Slot position.

So are you Buying or Selling this? Feel Free to vote in this week's poll on who you believe should wear or not wear the jersey.