Michigan Tuesday: 4 Days to Kickoff - Time to Play Hurt

I'm sorry about the late post today.  I got hit with some food poisoning today and it's knocked me down a bit.  But this is game week and we play hurt here at the BHB.

Things from the press conference, that I found interesting:

• Carvin didn't get the starting "Spur" spot 100% there should have been an OR after his name with Thomas Gordon.

• The situation around Mike Shaw isn't 100% complete.  They expect to get his grades still this week.

• Remember the "Snake Oil Salesman" label the Purdue head coach Joe Tiller threw on RR during his first recruiting year.  He was responding to Roy Roundtree changing his verbal from Purdue to Michigan.   Here is what the other RR had to say about the head coach RR:  First impression of Rodriguez: "Spoke to me like a real guy." Even before Roy was on the team, coach Rod was motivating him. "He never lied to me like other coaches did. He just always spoke the truth to me."  Makes you wonder about who was lying and who got the most upset with him going to Michigan.

• We will know if Fitz Tousaint's knee is ready to go this week. 

• RR said that the freshman on the depth chart won't redshirt.  Devin Gardner is the key guy on whether he should or shouldn't redshirt.  Last year, JT Turner was on the depth chart and didn't get any playing time, so a redshirt could still maybe in the cards.

More News:

• TomVH is reporting that Dee Hart's visit is back on and he will be here with his Uncle.  There was a mix up on what paperwork needed to be turned in. 

• 2010 QB Conelious Jones who signed with Michigan but didn't have a qualifying SAT score has left his prep school.  The story says he still might be trying to get to Michigan next winter.

• Former Wolverines who got cut from the NFL this week include:  Gutierrez, Fargas, Moosman, Dutch, and Ortmann.

• Do you want to hear Mark Snyder defend his Free Press story about the Michigan allegations last year at this time?  Hit this link and go to Michigan Insider - Round table.  Maybe this is why I am sick today.

• Brian at Mgoblog previews the linebackers (please be better) and the Dline (should be better).

Breaking News: From RR's Press Conference

Highlights:

• RR said that Devin Gardner will not redshirt this year.  Probably going to play.  Let's hope he probably doesn't have to.

• Carvin Johnson a true freshman is getting the start at the "Spur" position ahead of Thomas Gordon (not to be confused with Cam Gordon)

• That 10 freshman could play on Saturday.  Which include:  Jibreel Black, Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Marvin Robinson, Jeremy Jackson, Terrance Talbott, and Wil Hagerup (will start at punter).

• All 3 QB's were listed on the depth chart.  Will make a decision later in the week. Same with RB's. Mike Shaw is on the depth chart which should mean he made the grades.

• Starters at CB are JT Floyd and James Rogers.

• Tackling the #1 key on defense for the UConn game.

• Teric Jones is back at running back.  (probably due to the loss of Austin White or improved play of the freshman at CB)

• Fitz Toussaint has a knee issue and might not play on Saturday.

To quote Brian at Mgoblog:

Should we start getting worried about?

-Vlad Emilien: behind a walk-on after a year and a half (he enrolled early).
-Anthony LaLota: behind Steve Watson, also after a year and a half.
-Will Campbell: behind perpetual non-entity Adam Patterson, a guy who moved positions this spring.

The answer is Yes.  Really concerned about Will Campbell.

Michigan Monday: Welcome to Game Week!

There is nothing like the first game week of the year, everyone is un-defeated with dreams of championships and bowl games dancing in their heads.

Today I am going to make some predictions on outstanding players this year:

Top Position Group on the Team:  Offensive Line.  This group has experience, depth, and talent.  A weakness the last two years has finally become a strength.   What to watch:  Look for the young guys to make a difference and get a lot of playing time (Taylor Lewan and Patrick Omameh)

Who will be the QB?  Tate Forcier. Some of you might have just fallen off your chair.  Recent reports have him as low at 3rd string this fall.  Denard has greatly improved and the word from camp is that Devin Gardner might be the starter before year end.  Here is my take:  Michigan can't afford another first year starter, which they have had the last two years.  I expect Denard to play and play a lot and it really doesn't matter who starts.   The problem with Denard is he doesn't have a lot of experience reading defenses at QB.  He is electric and can score with his feet or his arm at any time, but still needs more experience throwing the ball.  With two options at QB, I think it would be a big loss if Devin doesn't redshirt this year.  Having that year to learn from the sideline and in practice is so important to a young talent like Devin.  My pick to get the most playing time at QB: Tate Forcier.

Who will run the ball? Doesn't Matter.  I think RR and staff want 3-4 guys that can step in and play.  I think Michael Shaw is the most talented back but we still don't know if he got his grades up during his summer courses.  Fitz Toussaint is banged up again and Vincent Smith is quick but coming off an ACL and I'm sure they will limit his carries this year.  Mike Cox has a ton of potential and I look for him to step up his game up this year.   

Surprise Player on Offense:  Kelvin Grady, I expect him to make a difference in the slot and getting some touches out of the backfield on reverses and sweeps.  He is now a full time football player and ready to make a difference.  (Mike Cox is a close second).

Surprise Player on Defense:  Jonas Mouton.  JM is a senior and I expect a big year for a linebacker that has had an up and down career at Michigan.  I expect to see him on the edge as a speed rusher and get a number of sacks this year. 

True Freshman of the Year on Offense:  Stephen Hopkins, look for him to get a number of short yard runs.  He is a big back and could score a lot of touchdowns or get a number of first downs.

True Freshman of the Year on Defense:  Jibreel Black.  You could pick a number of guys to win this award like: Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Marvin Robinson, and others.  The reason I didn't pick a DB is because they are going to be learning on the job and will look good at times and terrible at other times.  All JB has to do is hit the QB or stop the run.  The coaches loved this guy out of Cincinnati and I think he is going to make a difference on the Dline.


Offensive Player of the Year:  Darryl Stonum, I expect him to get the ball deep at WR and make a big difference in the kick off return game.   He is in the best shape of his life and is ready to have a big year.

Defensive Player of Year:  Mike Martin, is probably the best player on defense with the loss of Troy Woolfolk for the year due to injury.  Mike has the experience and talent to be a force on the defensive line and stopping the run.

Now to more news and notes.................

• RR has his first game week press conference today.  Should get updates on Mike Shaw and any injuries.

• Stephen Threet seems to be the starter at ASU. 

• 2011 Visitors for this weekend:  It seems Dee Hart could not be coming this weekend.  He had not filed all the paperwork for an official visit with the NCAA Clearinghouse.  The latest rumor is saying the visit is back on and will be bring his 2012 QB and his top rated safety.  Other visitors include: Daren Kitchen a 6'1", 175 pound CB from Louisiana and a number of Michigan verbal commitments.

CTK: Day 6 and 7

Great story about Zac's off season.  Nice to see guys with this much charter on the team.  Well done Zac, we are behind you and Michigan all year!   Go Blue!

Big House Video Weekend Edition: Darryl Stonum

Michigan Friday: It's beginning to look a lot like Kickoff!

One more Friday left before kickoff.  This time next week OSU will have already played a game.  It's getting close!  8 days left equals Nick Sheridan days? Jonas Mouton days? or how about Michael Phelps days to kickoff?

• Cullen Christian is going to see a lot of playing time this fall.  In this interview he discusses he needs to work on his tackling.  “The (biggest) thing I got to improve on… I’ve got to improve on my tackling,” said Christian. “Covering and learning and listening to what the coaches are saying and listening to their directions and the technique and things like that, all that is (already) improving. I think the (biggest) thing I’ve got to improve on is my tackling. Usually, when I miss a tackle it is mostly when the receiver catches a curl route or something like that, and I’m not knowing which way they are going to turn. I don’t know if I should just fly and try and hit him or break down when he’s not looking and try to make a tackle. That’s what I got to improve on, my tackling.”   Look for all freshmen CB's to play this year and play a lot. 

• Matt Vogrich scored 22 points in a 80-74 win for the Michigan's Basketball Team in Europe.  This was Michigan's only win on a 1-3 trip. 

• 2011 QB and current North Carolina verbal Marquise Williams might still visit Ann Arbor on October 9th with good friend Kris Frost. 

• Michigan WR 2011 verbal Shawn Conway scored 3 TD's in his first high school game of the season. Two at WR and one kickoff return.

 

• Former Wolverines greats Amani Toomer and Dan Dierdorf have joined the Big Ten Network.

Michigan Thursday: Big 10 Divisions Information Starting to Leak Out

Maybe the two highest profile athletic directors in the Big Ten are starting to give us some insight into what the Big Ten Divisions are going to look like in 2011.   Last week Michigan's AD (former Domino's CEO) David Brandon mentioned on the radio that he would prefer Michigan and OSU to be in different divisions with the potential move of "The Game" from the last schedule spot in the year.  Update:  OSU President Gordon Gee supports Michigan and OSU in separate divisions.  This is happening.

Now Barry Alvarez AD from Wisconsin said that Iowa and Wisconsin will be in separate divisions and that the Big Ten Conference will move to a 9 game schedule in 2015. 

Here is my take:  It's impossible to make everyone happy in this division, it's not possible.  The thing I am concerned about is level of competition in the divisions.  Michigan can not be expected to play high profile games like Penn State, Nebraska, OSU and Michigan State every year.  Throw in ND and then this gets ridiculous.

Level of competition in and outside of the divisions have to be the number 1 priority in my mind.  Yes, you have to keep the rivalries but Michigan can't be expected to play all the best teams or even most of the best teams every year.

I guess we will see how this one shakes out.

• Michigan 2011 prospect Chris Bryant seems to have a good head on his shoulders: 
  Definitely academics -- that's one thing that stands out," replied Bryant when asked to describe his decision criteria. "My father always preached to me that you cannot play football forever, you need something to fall back on, so academics are going to stand real strong for me. Just kind of a powerhouse football, place known for football, a great college atmosphere for football, just very supportive and a good football team, great coaches. I want to go to a place that is known for football and academics at the same time."
  
  Chris is planning to wait until signing day to make his decision known.   If he wants to be Blue he might want to make an earlier deicision with less then 20 spots available this year.

Wolverine Wednesday Take 2: Basketball and Football Recruiting

Were talking basketball..................

Coach Beilein is over in Europe this week with the young Wolverines gaining some experience and losing games.  The team is 0-2 so far but that game experience is very important to the freshman and the new members of the team. 

Even though he is across the pond, Coach Beilein got a 2011 guard commitment from Trey Burke a 6'1 scoring guard from Columbus, Ohio.  Yes, Michigan fans C-BUS.  Trey recently de-committed from Penn State and choose the Wolverines after his visit to Ann Arbor last week . Trey saw his stock rise this summer as he played well during the AAU circuit.   UMHoops has more details on his commitment.  This leaves one more spot for the 2011 class.

• 10 (Tom Brady) Days to kick off.

• TomVH gives us an update on Kris Frost: He is planning to graduating early and will be visiting for the MSU.  Kris is very high on Michigan's board, very high!

• Michigan is still expecting some very high profile visitors for the UConn game:  Dee Hart, #1 Safety in the country Hasean Clinton-Dix and CB Avery Walls. 

• Update: Valdez Showers is a Gator.  He told Urban Meyer today. 

Are cookies a snack or sweet? 


The next Jake Long or Jerry Seinfeld?

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Ten Recruiting for 2011

As you know we usually focus on Michigan recruiting here at the BHB but today we venture into the world of Big 10 11 Ten recruiting to check in on how other teams are doing to rebuild or reload for next year.  (Yes, I know we are just under two weeks away from the 2010 season and I am already thinking about kids that might not play in the Big Ten for a couple of years - so shoot me!)

Tim over at Mgoblog does a great job of ranking each Big Ten class which also now includes Nebraska.  He also includes Notre Dame, which makes sense because they fish from the same pond that most of the other Big Ten schools do.  For this exercise, we will just focus on The Big Ten official schools (including soon to be Nebraska).

Who has the most recruits verbally committed so far?  Surprise it's Indiana at 21! They are all 2 or 3 star prospects but that is an impressive haul for August 25th.

Who has the lowest amount? Surprise it's Penn State with 4!  Are you kidding me?  2 of the 4 commitments are 4 star prospects but I guess JoPa and staff are planning to finish strong.   It's only August.

How many 5 star* recruits has the Big Ten Teams been able to reel in so far?  3 total. 2 at Ohio State and 1 at Michigan State.  This is not surprising since most 5 star guys like the recruiting process and delay their decisions until after the season or signing day.  

How many 4 stars? 24 and OSU leads with 10 (I know it makes me sick too) newcomer Nebraska has 6.

Surprise Class so far?  Indiana gets a vote but just on the shear number of recruits before 9/1.  I have to give the surprise award at this point to the Michigan State Spartans who have landed 13 commits with one 5 star player headlining the class.

Disappointing Class? Would of course be PSU after having the top Big Ten class in 2010 now only has 4 committed players.  Watch out for Pitt, they are starting to "mow JoPa's lawn" for in-state recruits.


What does this mean for Michigan?  Michigan will have a pretty small class which was estimated at 17 before Austin White and JT Turner decided to jump ship.  So it might be closer to 20  now which would mean they are 1/2 way home.  I am hearing that many recruits want to see how Michigan will do on the field this year.   If they make a bowl game I think a number of high profile players will have serious interest in the Wolverines.   RR and Staff are being very careful on who they offer because they don't want another Demar Dorsey situation and they have a limited number of spots this year.  Michigan is a team that wants/needs to finish strong with these last 10 spots if they want a top 10-15 class nationally.    Michigan is in a similar situation to Penn State, where there is enough concern on how long the head coach will be there to make recruits wait to see how it all plays out. 


What to expect from here on out?  OSU probably only has a handful of spots left in this class, so you will see some other programs reaping the rewards.   Penn State will start recruiting hard after the season is complete and after the JoPa situation clears for 2011.  MSU will continue recruiting Michigan hard and land a few more in-state 3 star players.  The rest of the schools will do what they always do, recruit the best talent they can.  Ron Zook and Danny Hope need to hit the recruiting trail pretty hard. 

Keep an eye on Nebraska:  They are putting together a very nice class with lots of 4 star recruits in class of just 13 players so far.  They also are strong nationally with recruits already committed from Florida, California, and Ohio. 


* Star ranking were taken from Scouts recruiting service

Michigan Tuesday: Former Michigan RB Recruit Lied to USC

After and during the Army All American game last year, there was a number of rumors that running back Dillon Baxter was showing some new interest in attending Michigan.   Those rumors lasted only a few weeks as Dillon picked Lane Kiffin and USC.  

When the NCAA dropped the penalties on USC another report came out that 5 schools had illegally contacted Dillon while enrolled at USC.  Those schools were Florida, Alabama, Washington, Oregon and Fresno State.  Those allegations turned out to be false and USC had to write a letter apologizing to those 5 programs. 

So what happened?  In a letter to USC here is what Dillon had to say:

In the short letter, Baxter explains that he talked to friends at Florida, Michigan, Alabama and Fresno State on the day the sanctions were announced.

"We discussed what I wanted to do and how I felt about the sanctions," Baxter wrote. "From that point, the situation got blown out of proportion."
"The fact are not such. I was not contacted by other schools but it was me talking to my friends about what I was going to do," Baxter wrote.

He added: "I am truly sorry for all of the chaos I have caused and it was not my intention to implicate other schools and their coaching staffs. I realize my actions do not represent how I was raised and the type of person I am. I would like everyone to know that I will do a better job thinking before I act."

I can only guess who the player was at Michigan that he contacted but it seems likely its Tate Forcier.
 

• Steven Threet will know if he is the starter for ASU on Monday.  Here is a quote from the article about the scrimmage which Michigan fans can relate:    Threet had a chance to throw a touchdown on his last drive, but missed an open Taylor in the end zone.

• With depth issues in the defensive backfield we know Jordon Kovacs will see more time this year with the #1 unit. 

• Valdez Showers a 2011 Michigan CB is expected to announce his decision this week.  My best guess is: Florida Gators.

• The Michigan Basketball team is 0-2 so far in Europe.   Youth, poor shooting and turnovers seem to be the issue.

• More news from Toledo: A top 2012 recruit Chris Wormley attended Michigan's fan day.  No it wasn't an official visit, he is just a fan of the Wolverines.  Chris is a 6'5 DE and could be one of the best players in Ohio in the 2012 class and predicted to be a 4 to 5 star prospect.  "Ohio State has shown me the most love so far, so they lead," Wormley told the site. "Anything can happen in two years though. I'm probably going to wait until signing day, so I still have a long time to go. I still root for Michigan on Saturdays, and I'm a fan of them, so we'll see."

 
 

Michigan Monday: Notes From Media Day

Nothing ground breaking from Media Day besides the Austin White news below.   If you want to see a number of player and coaches interviews see here. 

RR's Media Day Press Conference:

• Happy nobody got hurt in Saturday's scrimmage
• They will have another scrimmage on Wednesday and we put together the 2-deep after that
• Troy Woolfolk hasn't had surgery yet, but they feel he will come back and play football at some point (maybe redshirt and play next year)
• Devin Gardner is having a good camp and they have to remind themselves that he is a true freshman and hasn't played yet.
• They are young at DB and now even younger with Troy out.  James Rodgers a senior is having a good camp.
• Jibreel Black most likely a freshman lineman that won't get redshirted and probably will get some playing time.
• The freshman are out of classes for the next two weeks and is looking forward to see how much they improve not having to go to school.
• Jordan Kovacs has improved and in much better shape
• Kicking game still a concern but he feels better about kickoffs and field goal kicking then two weeks ago.  Kickers are getting better and more consistent.
• Will watch film on UConn this week, familiar with them from the Big East.

Tate:

• Everyone is competing at QB and doesn't believe Coach Rod is close to making a decision on a starter.
• Was happy his teammates called him out because it's all about the team.  Which meant he needed to keep working
• Used the wingless helmet to get better and prove to his teammates that he was ready.
• Tate is exciting because there is so much skill at the QB position.
• Freshman year is over and the freshman mistakes shouldn't happen anymore.

Denard:

• Competition is fun, just trying to win for Michigan.
• He feels he is more "calm" and has improved.
• A whole bunch was going through my head last year.
• Everything has slowed down a little bit.
• More things are coming naturally now

Vincent Smith:

• Learning and not thinking about the knee is the most important part of the recovery.  (after ACL surgery)
• Competition is good at running back because you always have to be ready.
• Having an experienced line in front makes his job easy.

Some fun pictures from Fan Day via the Detroit News:


Bighouse Blog interview and walk-on kicker Jeremy Ross pictured below!

Good to see Troy there!

A DC's Nightmare

Wolverine Weekend: Another Player Bites the Dust

Michigan signed 27 players to their 2010 recruiting class.  3 were not able to enroll due to admissions/academic issues and now one who enrolled early is gone as well.  It seems Austin White might have been kicked off the team.  Here is RR's statement:  "Austin White is no longer in the program. So, we wish him well, we'll help him in that regard, but we're - he's no longer part of the Michigan football family."

A couple of thoughts; this does happen at a lot of programs.  Guys are high school stars and going to college and being a D1 athlete means you need to be committed to more then 40+ hours a week of school and preparation.  Some 18 year old kids are not ready for that. 

Some are saying that Austin had broken a few team rules and was given a second chance to "shape up" and didn't.  You saw the signs of that during the BTN Michigan Preview when Austin didn't have his helmet wings. 

Depth is not an issue at RB so it won't effect this years team.  What is a bit concerning is the loss of 4 players who signed LOI's in February.   That means RR and staff need to change their policy of offering players who are not 100% expected to make it academically.  Michigan now has to consider passing on borderline kids.   Not all borderline kids, but a class should not have more then one or two.

This is also the second loss of a player in Fall Camp.  Justin Turner quit after Day 1 and now Austin White (we believe) has been kicked off the team.  9/4 can't come soon enough or we are going to need to hire Mary J. to sign "No More Drama" for this Wolverine Program.

Maybe next week will be a quiet week.

Wolverine Weekend: Today's Scrimmage Notes

I wasn't lucky enough to be at today's scrimmage but Suite and Club seat members were able to watch the 2010 Wolverines scrimmage against each other.   Here are some of the notes I have been able to gather from a few different spots on the Internet:

• The scrimmage was structured much like the Spring Game.
• Denard is clearly ahead of the other two QB's and showed poise in the pocket.  His throws were accurate and of course his speed continues to be his strength.  The QB's were down when touched not tackled.
• Devin does not look like he is going to redshirt and was impressive on Saturday
• Tate played like expected but did miss a few throws
• Kelvin Grady looked sharp and scored on a reverse
• The offensive line played well and showed a lot of depth
• The CB's played off the line (not bump and run) or "soft"
• Marvin Robinson had a nice interception
• The Defensive played well against the run
• The running backs all ran well, one person mentioned that Stephen Hopkins had a good day
• It seems Austin White who had some "transfer" rumors early in the week was not in uniform

Most that attended seemed pretty impressed on how far the team has come since last year.  
Let's hope they can continue the good mojo two weeks from today.

CTK: Day 14 Running Backs Coach Fred Jackson

Michigan Friday: David Brandon Likes New Coke

Michigan's Athletic Director David Brandon was on the radio today with Sam Webb.  Sam asked him, if he could make the decision: would Michigan and OSU be in the same division?  He answered, NO.  He couldn't think of a better situation then Michigan and OSU playing twice during the same year. 

Want to hear it yourself:  listen here.

What this statement means:

* Is that the Big Ten is down the road on finishing the divisions and it looks like Michigan and OSU will be in separate divisions and still play during the regular season. 

* Michigan and OSU will no longer be the last game of the year.  How about a year ending Michigan vs Purdue game?  Wow, now that is a date to circle on the calendar.  Michigan vs OSU and you could wear shorts?  Something seems very wrong with that. 

* It also means that Michigan would play a very difficult regular season if OSU is in the other division and always plays Michigan!

Yikes, if this happens, I think there will be a lot of people calling for "Coke Classic!". 

In other team news:

I'm In, I'm Out, I'm back in:  It seems another wingless player has thought about transferring from the Wolverines.  The rumor mill was running hot last night with the word that freshman RB Austin White (as seen with the wingless helmet last night on the BTN) wanted out.  It also seems that after some reflection the young man thought about it and decided to stay in fall camp.  

Greg Robinson said on the radio today that behind Woolfolk is James Rodgers, Cullen Christian and Courtney Avery.

My Observations after Watching the Clips of Practice

Tonight on the Big Ten Network they gave us some insights into Michigan's Fall Practice last week.

Here are some of my random thoughts:

• Austin White RB is also wingless.
• During the passing drill, I still think Tate was by far the best passer.  Devin really impressed me in his accuracy.  It seems he really has improved over the summer.   I thought Denard was the least accurate (of course there was limited coverage on the drill).
• I was impressed by running back Vincent Smith's upper body strength.
• I would like to see the WR's making more catches, they seemed to drop a few ball.
• I thought the D-line played well during drills.
• It was sad to see Troy Woolfolk running around out there.
• Freshman Jibreel Black seemed to show flashes at DE.
• Mike Shaw looked fast at RB
• I liked Kelvin Grady at RB during the M Drill

Other News and Notes:

Per RR's Press Conference:

• Tate got his Wings back at practice today.
• Still waiting on test results on Troy's injury.
• No WR's will move to corner.
• Some safeties had already moved to CB.
• They will have a scrimmage at the Big House on Saturday
• He wishes they could have a live scrimmage against another team.

- You heard it here first, JT Turner is going to transfer to WVU.    Let's hope he gets his life in order in his year off.   If he can't get playing time in Michigan's decimated secondary how is he going to get playing time at another program?

Michigan Thursday: Look at all these Rumors

One of the benefits or non-benefits of blogs are that they report "rumors" that could become fact or could just be fiction. 

The hottest rumor that was flying around last night and reported/tweeted by a professional model and sometime Big Ten Network reporter was that Tate Forcier had requested a transfer.  She quickly pulled the "tweet" and TomVH from Mgoblog quickly pulled her credibility by calling Tate's dad and finding out there wasn't any truth to the report.   Whoops!

This next rumor comes off the Mgoblog message board that JT Turner is planning to enroll at West Virgina on Monday.  At this point, this rumor seems to lean more towards Fiction then Fact but WVU did recruit the him out of high school and is about 3 hours from him hometown.   More to come.  I still wish he would get committed to playing for Michigan and get back in camp, but I guess that's just me wishful thinking again.

• Remember all the reports from practice from the Big Ten Network last week?  Well that program air's tonight at 8:00 Eastern.  Will Tate have wings?  I'm guessing he won't.

• SI.com's Stuart Madel on Michigan Football today.

• Pete Bigelow from Ann Arbor.com profiles the Wingless Helmets but also throws in a past NCAA violation by Lloyd Carr making Arrington run the stairs at the Big House:  For 60 straight days, Adrian Arrington woke before the sun rose and reported to Michigan Stadium at 6 a.m.  Each morning, he ran up and down the Big House stairs until he was exhausted. Each morning, the talented-but-troubled wide receiver awoke eager to do it again.The stair runs preserved his place on the Michigan football team. Arrington had violated team rules, and former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr used the grueling dawn workouts as a disciplinary technique.   This is an example of disciplining a player in the summer months, which was called out in the NCAA's report regarding Michigan's violations.   Pete's article points out that Wingless helmets are RR's way to get a point across to players that make mistakes.  The difference is: one is an NCAA violation the other isn't.
  
  
  
  

Wolverine Wednesday: Feels Sad For Troy

Late Tuesday night, Woolfolk Tweeted: "I just want to let everybody out there that has shown concern for me know that I greatly appreciate it, and I love all y'all. ... Even though T-Woolf will be absent, Troy will be on the sidelines coaching and cheering for Michigan till all the air has vacated my lungs."

• 2011 CB Valdez Showers plans to make his college choice known next week.  His final 6 are Auburn, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State and Northwestern.

• Ranking Universities: US News and World Report came out with their top colleges is the US:  #29 University of Michigan and #79 Michigan State.

• Former Michigan captain Jim Mandich,  is battling cancer but still the voice of the Miami Dolphins.

• Tim from Mgoblog recaps Calvin Magee's press conference.  Nothing earth shattering came out of it. 

Multiple Concussions Now Linked to ALS in Football Players

To change it up a bit, you know if you follow this blog I am very interested in the research and long term affects of concussions in football.   If you get a chance to catch  "Real Sports" on HBO I suggest you try to watch an episode.   It's not only one of the best sports shows on TV it's one of the best shows on TV period. 

On last nights episode there was a story about how concussions and brain damage can lead to the deadly disease ALS which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  A number of football players and boxers have fallen victim to this disease at an early age after retirement  (an early age is in their 40's or 50's).   This is not just a factor when it comes to American Football, many soccer players have fallen victim to the same disease in Europe.  Again, I am not a physician so I will not do this justice but here is what I learned last night.  We now know that multiple concussions or head collisions can cause long term brain damage.  In some people with that brain damage, a protein from thier brain can leak directly into their spinal cord which causes ALS. 

This is a break through in the medical community, which will be released today.  One of your questions, might be:  Lou Gehrig played baseball and why would this effect soccer players?  Real Sports thought the same thing about Lou and researched that in his career he had 6 very serious head injuries playing baseball that knocked him out completely.   What was really sad regarding Lou was he never rested after those injuries(we all know about his legendary playing streak).  During one game after he suffered one of those head injuries, his head was so swollen he had to wear Babe Ruth's hat.    Soccer players use their head to advance the ball or to try to score a goal.  Those impacts could be on a ball that is traveling 60 miles per hour. 

What can we learn from this finding? 
1) Not everyone that gets concussions will get ALS. 
2) If you do get a concussion, you need to get the proper rest not only physically but mentally as well.

This is important research on the long term effects of concussions, please be careful if someone you love suffers one.

Woolfolk Injured: Time to Panic

+

Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue. 

As we know, Michigan's depth at cornerback is very thin with players that have experience.  As Michigan fans, we felt ok losing Warren to the NFL with senior Troy Woolfolk at one corner and JT Floyd or JT Turner at the other.

Flash forward to August 17th.  JT Turner left the team after the first day of practice and now senior cornerback (son of Michigan legend Butch)Troy Woolfolk has injured himself during practice today.  He is currently at the hospital and from the initial reports it seems to be a dislocated ankle, which would put him out for the year.

I'm not sure what the universe has against Michigan defensive backs but we get it, you win.   Universe you are the champ, now please move on to another team.

Here is the list I put together after Turner left:

Michigan DB's lost in the last year:

Demar Dorsey = Never enrolled admission issues
Adrian Witty = Never enrolled admission issues now at Cincinnati 
Justin Turner = Transfer due to inability to break into the starting lineup
Boubacar Cissoko = Transferred to a different type of Big House
Donovan Warren = NFL


This was the one player on defense, Michigan couldn't lose and now it looks like they have.  For sure we will see freshman playing.  Hello, Cullen Christian.  Hello, Courtney Avery welcome to September 4th.

Troy can redshirt if he is for sure lost for the year.

Update from Butch (Troy's dad):  freep link
“I’m only listening to what the coaches told me, but they said it happened during a tackle. His foot got stuck in the turf and his ankle just turned,” Butch Woolfolk said from Sugar Land, Texas, where he lives and where Troy grew up. “It was dislocated and when they put it back in the socket, they did an X-ray and found out about the ligament (damage) and the bone broke.”


As for surgery, that’s a decision that may be days away.

“They don’t know yet, they’ll wait until the swelling goes down,” said Butch, a former U-M tailback, who plans to come to Michigan as soon as he can.

“I’ve spoken to him,” Butch said, adding that Troy is on medicine to mask the leg pain but is emotionally devastated. “Yeah, he’s pretty crushed. The strange thing is he decided not to work (at a job) in the off-season so he could just workout, and he said he’s in the best shape of his life. He called me everyday after practice and said he was at the top of his game. And I heard the same thing from the coaches. He was ready.”

Rivals New Top 100 Recruits with Michigan Interest

Rivals just put out it's new top 100 for the class of 2011.  Here are the guys with Michigan interest:

#3: James Wilder - Really not interested in Michigan but Tony Posada's teammate.  Come North James!

#10: Hasean Clinton-Dix - Verbal to Bama but teammate of Dee Hart's and might make the trip to A2 with Dee on 9/4.

#13: Lawrence Thomas - Verbal to MSU.  Spartans love those Detroit defensive players.  Must be something in the water in D-Town.

#18: Ray Drew - Friend of Avery Walls, rumor has it Avery is trying to talk Ray into coming to A2 with him next fall.  Avery you need to commit first, then bring Big Ray!

#29 Doran Grant - Has Michigan in his top group - Still open but looks like he is going to OSU for sure.

#33 Kris Frost - It's down to Michigan and Auburn.  Come on Frosty! Michigan needs you.

#37 Dee Hart - Making his third visit to A2 on 9/4.  Let's hope Michigan has 2 wins that weekend.

#43 Sammy Watkins - Visited A2 for the Spring Game and loved it even though it was cold out.

#53 Timmy Jernigan -  A Florida DT with a Michigan offer.  Doesn't his name sound like a comedian?  Now on Stage Timmy Jernigan! - What's the deal with that crazy NCAA?  Is stretching a crime in these parts?  NCAA Voice - we rather have our players muscles tight.  A tight ship has members with tight muscles.  Thank you!  Remember to tip your wait staff! 

#58 DeAnthony Arnett - State of Michigan guy that probably isn't coming to A2 unless the Wolverines have a big year and throw a lot to the WR's.

#66 Anthony Zettel - Had Michigan leading for a long time and many thought he was close to committing.  Since that hasn't happened other programs are "trying to mow Michigan's lawn".

#77 Cyrus Hobbi - Has a Rock Star name and is a Rock Star of an offensive guard.  He visited A2 this summer and enjoyed himself.  He is from Scottsdale, home of Roh and Lewan.  Maybe those two can convince Cyrus to say:  HELLO ANN ARBOR, Do you want to Rock!

#82 Justice Hayes - Michigan RB who has verballed to ND.  Look for that verbal to get shaky if Michigan plays well in 2010 but a Hart commitment could keep him in South Bend as well.

#85 Andre Yruretagoyena - once high on Michigan but fell in love with Nike and The Ducks.  Would a big year by former high school teammate Taylor Lewan change his mind?  It might rabbit, it might. 

#97 Trey DePriest - grew up a Michigan fan but plans to play his football at Alabama.  You would think a Michigan fan would take one visit to Ann Arbor,  but sadly he didn't.

Michigan Tuesday: RR Meets The Press After Practice

Rich met with the media last night after practice and there was plenty of "coach speak" but here are some of the highlights from the press conference:

• Had a couple of warm days which help get the players in game shape.  Everyone is staying hydrated.
• RB is still wide open and open as any position.
• The offensive line has experience but the level of play as to get better.  Play as been solid but not good enough yet.
• RR doesn't put stock into pre-season award list. Koger is on a pre-season tight end award watch list.
• Odoms, Stonum, and T-Robinson are the main guys in the return game
• Expect a lot out of Roy Roundtree this year
• "Wings on the helmets" is a team thing.  In order to run out the tunnel on the fourth, everyone has to earn their wings. "You've got to appreciate the privilege you have to play here." RR expects everyone will meet the challenge.
• #1 jersey is not retired just semi-retired.
• All 3 QB's are not playing to the level he wants right now, he feels they will get there by the 4th.  
• Will Hagerup is doing well.  Field goal kicking is coming along. 

Enjoy the video if you just couldn't get enough of the bullet points! :)




Perry likes Food! 

Michigan Monday: UConn Loses a Key Defensive Player

UConn's starting defensive end Marcus Campbell tore his ACL this weekend in a non-contact drill at UConn's fall camp.  Greg Lloyd the other starting DE has an ACL injury of his own and will redshirt this year.  Now the depth chart falls to freshman and sophomores at that position.   Of course this isn't an ideal situation when you play a spread team in 19 days.

• TomVH at Mgoblog catches up with Florida OL James Elliott this weekend:   JAMES: Man, that was the most amazing school I've ever seen in person.
  TOM: It went that well?
  JAMES: We actually stayed a little longer than expected just so we could see everything, and meet Coach Rodriguez. We didn't realize he was in Seattle, so we wanted to stay to meet him. We got to see practice and talk with him about the visit. It was just great.
  TOM: What specifically has you so amazed?
  JAMES: One thing that did it for me was the players. Every time I met one, they would tell me about themselves, and where they were from. They found out I was from Florida, and they all went crazy. I met some kids from Pahokee, which is a school we played in the playoffs. It was cool to see how all the players were so nice like that.  I'm thinking that his nickname will be "Jumbo" if he becomes Blue of course.  James is 6'4 305 pounds.

• Tune into this weeks, "Hard Knocks with the Jets" on HBO.  A coach calls out Donovan Warren and says something to the effect, "If you tackled like that last year at Michigan, they would have won a few games".  This weeks show premiers on Wednesday.  Look for him tonight as well on ESPN for Monday Night Football as the Jets take on the Giants.

• Dee Hart's offical visit will be in 19 days to Ann Arbor for the UConn game.  Dee is on commitment watch for that weekend.  CB Avery Walls might also visit Michigan that weeked as well.  Both players have been to A2 before.  Dee 3 times and Avery one other time.  It also seems that 5 star safety Clinton-Dix might make the trip to Ann Arbor with Dee for the UConn game.

• A guy getting some good buzz from fall camp is running back: Fitzgerald Toussaint.  He is a guy that has speed and power.  Fitz redshirted last year due to some injuries and probably would have gotten some playing time as a freshman if he didn't get hurt.

Did someone say 19 days?  Notice no Tate highlights.  They are either keeping the wraps on him or he is in the doghouse.

Get to Know Craig Roh and Taylor Lewan by the Pool

Wolverine Weekend: Reactions from Seattle After the NCAA Meeting

Michigan has finished it's meeting with the NCAA in Seattle and we have some quotes and reactions from the 7 1/2 hour meeting that started at 8:30 and ended at 4:00 local time. 

In attendance from Michigan included: Coach Rodriguez, AD David Brandon, Michigan President Mary Sue Colman and a host of lawyers and other staff. 

David Brandon ordered Domino's Pizza for the media that was waiting outside the hotel ballroom where the meeting was taking place.  Why was the meeting in Seattle? Your guess is a good as mine. 

Here are the quotes from the meeting:

"Certainly glad this part of the process is over," Michigan's football coach said in his only comment Saturday afternoon after a 7 1/2-hour hearing before the NCAA committee on infractions.
"We had a very fair and thorough hearing and we feel good about the fact we were given that opportunity," Brandon said. "And the process will continue and under the rules based on the process as it's been laid out we're going to be very quiet. We're going to go back, we're going to prepare for a great season, we're going to get focused on football and let the NCAA do their work."

"When you have never done something before you never know what it's going to be like. We were very well prepared, our representatives, our internal counsel, our legal counsel we brought in, our specialists, everybody did a great job preparing us for what took place in there," Brandon said. "We went in there with a lot of confidence and a clear understanding of what our objectives were and as I said we got a very fair and open hearing."

"It's not an ambush thing at all, it's not really the nature of the process," Brandon said. "It was very collegial and professional and everybody was given a handful of opportunity to express their views, as it should be."

Official Statement from David Brandon:

"We feel that the committee gave us a full and fair hearing today.

"Our statements today were similar to those we provided the NCAA earlier this summer: We own the mistakes we have made, we fixed some process and communication problems that caused them, and we’re keeping a close eye on this so it doesn’t happen again.

"I’m proud of the extra effort everyone has been putting into compliance these past several months. Rich and his staff – in coordination with the compliance group – have been working together to keep us on the right track.

"We will await the committee’s decision and we will not speculate about the outcome – we must let the process play out. We won’t comment further on this matter until after we receive the committee’s decision.

"We’re going to get back to Michigan now for the start of what we expect will be a great football season."

Wolverine Weekend: CTK Day 21

Don't worry about whats going on in Seattle today. Focus on Mike Martin and 21 (or Desmond Howard)days until kickoff.

Practice Video From Today

You Have to Earn Your Wings

The report out of camp today is that the boys look good with pads on and Denard continues to impress. Other reports say that Devin Gardner has shown some real accuracy throwing the ball during a passing drill. The Big Ten Network is at practice today doing it's regular summer tour of each Big Ten Camp. 

So there are a number of reports, tweets, and other things flying around right now.  One of things that has been mentioned is that Tate (who is banged up today) doesn't have the Maize wings on his helmet today.  That it's just a solid navy blue.  Some may say that's because he is banged up, others may speculate that he hasn't earned his wings yet this season and will get them back in the good graces of the Michigan coaches.  

I guess we will see how the rest of the camp shapes out.  You could also say that:  JT Turner took his wings and flew out of camp. 

David Brandon and Coach Rodriguez will be leaving this afternoon for the meeting with the NCAA on Saturday.

Michigan Friday: Practice Updates then Rich and Dave head to Seattle

Today is an interesting day for the Michigan Football Program.  Today is the first day in pads for the young Wolverines and today is also the day David Brandon and Rich Rodriguez (and others) fly to Seattle to meet with the NCAA on Saturday regarding the allocations that have be levied against the program. 

The team will get a day off on Saturday and start two-a-days starting on Sunday.   That is one busy weekend for Rich Rodriguez.  The best solution that could come out of the trip to Seattle would be a quick resolution.  I don't expect Michigan will get a resolution this weekend, but lets hope it come out soon.  I believe the best resolution would be for the NCAA to accept Michigan's self imposed penalties.

Now on to Practice Updates!  Coach Rod and Michigan's two newest captains met with the media yesterday an updated a few things:

• RR said the Darryl Stonum has looked fantastic in practice so far.  This is really good news for Wolverines fans, Daryl struggled his freshman and sophomore years on and off the field.  He did show some great speed as a kick returner last year but didn't make the gains at WR as we had hoped.   Now as a junior we hope that he is ready for a big year.
• Troy Woolfolk feels more natural at CB.
• Punt return could be: Odoms, Gallon, Robinson, or Dileo
• RR was also asked about Junior Hemingway who needs to work on getting into good shape.
• Mike Shaw is practicing but still in summer school until next week.
• Tate is stepping up to the challenge at QB
• Running Back is still open all of the guys are running with the 1st team
• Christan Pace is struggling with his knees will most likely redshirt and might have to have a procedure on his knees
• Schilling said Tate is out there working everyday and maybe Troy's words had some impact.

- Adrian Arrington had a good game last night against New England.  He had 4 catches for 87 yards.

- To put a final point on Justin Turner, we don't know if he has reconsidered coming back to Michigan.  From what I have learned: he was not kicked off the team - he left on his own accord, he was not in shape for fall practice, he was running with the third team, he had some personal issues (outside of football going on), and the Michigan coaches were not expecting him to play, theres also "rumors" floating around he wasn't going to class.  RR was also asked during the press conference if the door was closed for him returning to Michigan and he responded, "that he doesn't play for Michigan.

- Stevie Brown had a pick to end the game last night against the Cowboys.

Michigan Thursday: Turner Still Gone? and Posada Video.

The inside scoop on JT Turner is that he showed up out of shape to fall camp and was running with the third string on Monday (not sure if he practiced on Tuesday).   In a class move RR mentioned that some kids didn't show up ready to play Division 1 football and it seems JT was one of those guys in that group.  It sounds like JT was not with a majority of his teammates participating in summer workouts.  Either way, you can't show up to camp out of shape.  You have to spend the time between Spring and Fall practices getting your body in shape so that when the short Fall Camp begins you can get the proper offense or defense schemes down for the start of the season.   

If I were to read the tea leaves, I'm guessing the Michigan coaches were not too happy that JT gets to camp out of shape and quickly puts him on the third string.  Being on third string doesn't sit well for either the 5 star recruit or the Michigan coaches.   The next step is Turner asking for and being granted his release. 

The last report is that Turner's family was heading to Ann Arbor to see him and discuss the situation.  Not sure if that mean he is re-considering coming back or not.

So why did this happen?  Not sure, we have all seen guys get to campus has High School All Americans and not really be interested in playing football anymore for a number of reasons.   Is that the case with JT?  Not sure, does he just want to play on another team?  Not sure.  Either way, I find this a big loss for both sides.   Good luck JT on whatever your next move is.  (BTW, we would welcome you back with open arms if you want to be back! - there is a long list of Michigan players that started to leave the program and came back and became very successful - Braylon Edwards comes to mind as a recent example)
Here is Tony's announcement video:


Tony Posada commitment from Michael Langston on Vimeo.

(HT: TomVH at Mgoblog)

• TomVH also is reporting that James Elliott another OL from Florida is expected to do an un-official visit this weekend to Ann Arbor.  James is 6'4 and 305 pounds and has offers from Iowa State, Louisville, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Vandy, and South Carolina. 

• Carlos Brown signs a free agent contract with Tampa Bay Bucs.  I guess Tampa is having some good Michigan vibes right now.  (Tony above is from Tampa as well)

Breaking News: Tony Posada Say's Yes To Michigan!

On the good news front:  Tony Posada made it official today and became the 10th verbal commitment to the Wolverines in the 2010 class.

Tony is a 6-6, 315-pound offensive lineman from Tampa Florida and ranked 3 stars by Scouts.  Tony had an offer list that included: Texas Tech, South Florida, Louisville, Kansas, Duke, and many others.  Scout also reports a 3.3 grade point and a 1020 on the SAT.

With Michigan's 10th commitment for 2011 the class is starting to fill up quickly with a potential 7 to 9 spots left.  Look for Michigan to continue to add recruits to the offensive line in the 2011 class.

Tony is #75 in the below video:

Breaking News: Justin Turner to Transfer From Michigan

Why can't we have just one week with good news?  Is that really too much to ask?

One of Michigan's highest ranked players in the 2009 class who red-shirted last year has decided to transfer from the University of Michigan.   "[Turner] asked for, and was granted, his release yesterday. We wish him well in his future endeavors," Michigan Director of Media Relations Dave Abluaf announced Wednesday. 

Justin came to Michigan as the best player in Ohio in 2009 and was an Army All American.  He had trouble with academics and wasn't cleared to practice with the Wolverines until 2 weeks into fall camp last year.  Arriving late pretty much guaranteed Justin would redshirt in 2009 even with a serious lack of depth on the roster at both CB and Safety positions.

Justin struggled in the spring at cornerback, as JT Floyd took over the spot left by Donovan Warren leaving early for the NFL.  Still, Michigan fans hoped he would show his nearly 5 star prospect status this year, getting playing time in zone or nickel formations.

One of the signs that #2 didn't have his heart into it was when he showed up to fall camp 11 pounds bigger then last fall.  A guy playing CB doesn't usually need to put on that type of weight.

Impact:  Large.  Michigan can't afford any attrition in the defensive backfield, sure Turner might not have been a starter but with potential injuries and a number of young kids with little to no experience playing, this is a difficult blow to take.    Welcome Cullen Christian and Courtney Avery to a lot more playing time. 

Michigan DB's loses in the last year:

• Demar Dorsey = Never enrolled admission issues
• Justin Turner = Transfer due to inability to break into the starting lineup
• Boubacar Cissoko = Transferred to a different type of Big House
• Donovan Warren = NFL

That list is a "no fly zone" that never took off.

This also should have an impact on 2011 CB recruiting.  I expect Michigan to take one more CB now in the 2011 class.

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Ten Preview Audio Style

I'm sure many of the BHB readers have had this following thought, "I like the blog but wonder what Bob's voice sounds like?".  No?  Not really?  Ok, well if your interested in hearing my Big Ten Preview on the Michigan Man Podcast with Mike Fitzpatrick please tune in here. 

• Dee Hart is re-thinking keeping Auburn in his recruitment and plans to take a visit.  Dee is still planning an official (which would be his 3rd visit I believe to A2) to Michigan on September 4th.

• Tony Posada is announcing today at 5:00 and the latest report is it's down to Michigan and Texas Tech.  I still think the Maize and Blue will get good news today.

• Craig Roh ESPN Article.

• Justin Fargas signs with the Broncos.  On a related note, if you rent a storage locker make sure you pay the bill!  Justin's dad didn't and a lot of his stuff is up for sale including his Michigan jerseys. 

• West Virgina might have another minor NCAA infraction when they started practice on Saturday:  WVU athletics spokesman Michael Fragale said Tuesday the school is aware some players wore vests during the first two days of practice, when NCAA rules stipulate only helmets are allowed. He says WVU is exploring further and if NCAA rules were violated, will declare a secondary infraction.  For those OSU fans out there, I assume they weren't the never fashionable "sweater vest".   I expect Rich Rod to have to put out a press release on this as well.

Jonas "the Director" Mouton? There has to be a good director nickname out there.  Jonas "Lucas" Mouton? 

Michigan Tuesday Afternoon Tidbits

• Tony Posada plans to announce his college choice on Wednesday at 5:00 EST.  I am guessing Michigan or South Florida.  Best guess:  Michigan.

• For those Michigan fans traveling to the IU game, bring the kids!  Tickets are only $5 for kids.  Yes, $5!  Call the IU ticket office at 1-866-IUSPORTS (487-7678).

• Demar Dorsey still is not participating at Louisville's camp and it's not looking good.."We're moving forward as if those guys are not going to be here," Strong said.   Maybe Michigan's admission department did know what they were doing?

• Guess What?  The Michigan coaches know what they are doing!  Here are some quotes on first round draft pick Brandon Graham:  "I look at him as another (Dwight) Freeney deal," said Cole, referring to the Colts' five-time Pro Bowler. "He's a great player and just keep watching because he's going to be pretty good."-----"He's done very well with that," said Reid. "He's very strong in the lower body; he's very strong in the upper body, too. His lower body, he's got a nice anchor there and good core strength and understands how to use his hands and arms and plays with separation on the linemen."  Those statements seem like a very good recruiting tool.  (ht: mgoblog)

• Dallas Crawford Quote:  “I plan on making my decision before signing day but not before the season ends,” said Crawford, who added that he’s not leaning any particular way at this point “… I have my top schools, Michigan, Miami, LSU, Wake Forest, North Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee.” Expect Dallas and teammate Sammy Watkins to make an official to Ann Arbor this season.

Countdown to Kickoff Day 25

• On the not so good news front:  Michigan offense line recruit Jordan Walsh picked Iowa yesterday over Michigan and other schools.  If you remember, Jordan's mom cried when he got the Michigan offer, but in the end I guess Jordan made his own decision. 

Michigan Tuesday: Will September 4th be the Shoelace vs Shoemate show?

Of course I don't know which cleats Denard will choose to wear but I thought Adidas Scorch Destroy would be a good choice.

Here is what we know for sure:  Today is the second day of practice in Michigan's fall camp.  We still don't know who will line up as Michigan's starting QB on September 4th against the University of Connecticut Huskies.  Will it be Tate Forcier who guided Michigan to a 4-0 start in 2009 or Denard "Shoelaces" Robinson, who took his first snap for a touchdown last September and showed improvement during the Spring Game?  Either way, I am guessing both will see time on the field against the Huskies.

On the UConn side of the ball, the Huskies have a new running back fresh from the left coast named DJ Shoemate.   DJ was a member of the USC Trojans just a short few months ago and when the NCAA sanctions came down he was able to transfer to another D1 school without penalty.  DJ picked UConn so he could play tailback (he was a fullback at USC).  DJ has been taking summer courses and getting used to being so far from home:  "It's definitely a lot different than L.A. It's the opposite as far as the weather, the lifestyle," said Shoemate, who will wear No. 24 in Blue and White. "It's a little slower. It's all fast-paced out in Los Angeles.


"But I like the whole morale, the atmosphere of the team, the bonding. I like what coach Edsall talked about. He was emphasizing my work and work ethic, giving the opportunity to the best guy, may the best guy win."

Shoemate will have to battle junior starter Jordan Todman who ran for nearly 1200 yards last year at tailback.  "I can't worry about carries, all I can do is be prepared, be ready for my number to be called," Shoemate said. "Stay hungry, stay motivated, stay humble and get what I deserve. Every player, you want to know that guy deserved that spot. If a guy happens to beat me out? Hey, the better man won."

UConn also opened fall camp on Monday and will be ready to open the "New Big House" on 9/4 after coming off an impressive win over South Carolina in the Papa Johns Bowl 20-7.

I guess we will have to wait until 9/4 to see if Denard or DJ puts on the best "Shoe'!

Michigan Year Long Captains Announced

RR has had a tradition of naming game captains and voting on permanent captains at the end of the year.  This year the seniors spoke up and wanted to do 2 permanent captains and 2 game captains.  RR thought that was a good idea.  The players voted and the new captains are Offensive lineman Steve Schilling and fullback/linebacker Mark Moundros.

"This team chose two worthy seniors to represent this program as captains," said Rodriguez. "Mark and Stephen are great representatives of the University of Michigan, both as a student and football players. They will work with our other seniors to lead this team throughout the season."

Rich Rodriguez 1st Day of Practice Press Conference

RR met with the media tonight on practice today:

• Weather was cool today for practice - maybe not as hot as he expected.
• Some guys are not ready for division one football - conditioning wise
• Offense and Defensive lineman look to be in good shape
• Friday is the first full day practice - Sunday first two a days
• RR wants to do less scheming in practice and wants the team to play faster and not have to "think" and play slower.  He will adjust with the coaches tonight.
• All 3 QB's took snaps
• Need to limit contact on QB's but at the same time get them ready to play
• Seniors taking leadership with the team
• Tate has a lot of work to do on and off the field but had a good practice today.
• Smith, Martin, and Molk all where 100% today after injuries last year
• Michael Shaw still in summer school and has not been approved to practice yet
• Another week and half of summer school left
• Going to have more players on defensive that can contribute
• Wants offensive line is big guys that can move only had one bad snap today
• The seniors want to pick 2 permanent captains and 2 game captains.  They voted on it and will tell the team tonight.
• Won't really have an idea on starters until first scrimmage two weeks in
• The freshman are fast and likes the speed on day one
• Will Hagerup has a powerful leg and if he continues to progress should be the starter
• Safety and Corner have the best shots for the freshman to earn playing time
• Michigan and Bama conversations are on-going
• Not too concerned at RB experience - feels they have a talented group
• Kelvin Grady will play in the slot and at running back and says he is a full time football player
• He would prefer his players don't Tweet or be on Facebook, has educated them on it and there isn't a ban.
• Doesn't want to focus on Tate and the summer workouts
• Proud of Brock Mealer as any kid that he has coached, he had a 1% chance to walk and he thinks he will do it

Michigan Monday: Smells Like Practice

Welcome to Day 1 of Michigan's Fall Camp.  On Sunday, Rich Rodriguez and staff held a team meeting and today will be the first practice for all the players.  In the past 2 years, the media had access to practice to watch drills, etc.   This was a big change for the Wolverines under Lloyd Carr who never opened anything.  (sometimes I even wondered if he even opened birthday presents).

This year after "Stretching Gate", "Questions on why coaches use colorful words", "Even some plays leaking", and so on.  This year at least on Day 1 and even maybe in future the media will not be allowed at practice.   Which after the past year, I have to agree with.  RR will hold his regular press conference after practice.  One of the biggest questions will be if Michael Shaw was at practice after some rumored academic issues.

• There are a number of rumors floating around that a game in the 2012 season will match Michigan vs Alabama at Jerry World in Dallas.  Mgoblog is even reporting that it could be signed as early as today.  Not sure why Michigan would sign up for this game but it sure would be interesting.   "We have been talking with a number of teams about our future scheduling," Michigan football sports information director Dave Ablauf said Sunday night. "But nothing is imminent."  With the possibility of Nebraska on the schedule in 2012, I don't understand why Michigan would want to schedule this game.

• TomVH from Mgoblog gives us a recruiting update:  Highlights:  Dallas Crawford is still high on Michigan, Anthony Zettel keeps pushing his decision date back and just visited PSU and it seems Michigan's lead is slipping, Prince Holloway has WVU and Michigan as his top 2 and hopes to visit Michigan sometime during the season.

• Freshman numbers:  Marvin Robinson #3, Josh Furman #6, Devin Gardner #7, Courtney Avery #9, Carvin Johnson #13, Jeremy Jackson #17, Ray Vinopal #20, Terrence Talbott #20,  Austin White #23, Cullen Christian #24, Drew Dileo #26, Stephen Hopkins #33, Jake Ryan #37, Davion Rogers #38, Wil Hagerup #43, Richard Ash #54, Jibreel Black #55, Chrisitan Pace #64, Ricardo Miller #82, Jerald Robinson #83, DJ Williamson #84, Jordan Paskorz #94, Terry Talbott #96.

Countdown to Kickoff Day 27 and 26:






Question if anyone knows: Who is the kid on the video with the Neck Brace in the front row?  Answer: BHB reader Chris believes it's Jon Bills who was in the car accident with Mark Mundros.  Thank you Chris!  Good to see Jon up and around and participating in the team meeting.

Countdown to Kickoff Videos Day 28 and 29

My new nickname for Patrick is "Coconut!"