Michigan and Ohio State Universities have a rivalry that only can be matched by Auburn vs Alabama in college football. (That entire tree killing thing, went way too far. Way too far). Rich Rodriguez sort of got it but he really didn't. Brady Hoke really gets it and won't use the word "State" when referring to that school in Columbus. This is something the team has adopted as well. During Spring Drills, "Beat Ohio" can be heard from inside the Glick Field House.
People in Ohio can't stand Michigan and even though the Wolverines haven't put a team on the field in the last 3 years they can't imagine losing to the Wolverines and having to live with that feeling for an entire year.
So why has Michigan been so good recruiting the State of Ohio?
The Wolverines last two Heisman Trophy winners, Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson are from Ohio. I remember a statement from former Michigan DB Markus Ray who visited OSU and saw a sign that said, "Beat Michigan" and thought to himself: "I want to go there". Ray was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio.
So how does a state that hates the State of Michigan so much send so much talent to Ann Arbor? Well it starts with Michigan coaches that were born in Ohio. You might have heard of Bo Schemblecler who was born in Barberton and Brady Hoke who was born in Dayton, Ohio.
People from Ohio trusted Bo and they seem to trust Brady Hoke as well. Even Ted Ginn, Sr. who seems to hate the Wolverines sent a player to Brady last year. Ted even sent his kids to play for Coach Hoke at Ball State as well. Michigan signed 7 players from Ohio in the 2011 class and already has one commit in 3 star OL Caleb Stacey from Cincinnati.
So what about this year? Who are we looking at from Ohio?
It's well known is recruiting circles that the State of Ohio is loaded with talent for the 2012 class. It's also known that OSU will have limited number of scholarships and there might be some backlash from Tattoo Gate.
These Ohio players are looking good to commit to Michigan:
- 4 Star LB Kaleb Ringer - who is announcing on 4/15
- 4 Star LB Joe Bolden - visited A2 two weeks ago and will be back on 4/12 with his parents
- 4 Star DE Chris Wormley from Toledo
- 4 Star OL Kyle Dodson from Cleveland
- 4 Star QB Maty Mauk from Kenton
- 5 Star RB Bri'Onte Dunn who has committed to OSU but seems to be interested in Michigan and is expected to make a visit to Ann Arbor at some point.
- 4 Star WR Dwayne Stanford from Cincinnati
- 3 Star TE Sam Grant, Lakewood
- 3 Star OL Kyle Kalis, Lakewood
- 5 star DE Adolphus Washington, Cincinnati
- 4 Star DE Ifeadi Odenigbo, Centerville
- 4 Star DE Tom Strobel, Concord
- 4 Star DE Se'Von Pittman, Canton
- 4 Star DE Greg McMullen, Akron
- 3 Star DE LaTroy Lewis, Akron
- 3 Star DE Pharaoh Brown, Lyndhurst
- 4 Star S Jarrod Wilson, Arkron
Can you believe the DE talent in Ohio this year? It's crazy good. Just with Michigan offers: 1 Five Star, 5 Four Stars and 2 Three Stars.
Recruiting will be a fun ride this year and like I mentioned yesterday Michigan could be set up for a huge year with a ton of talent.
2 comments:
With a long-term deal, Michigan in his blood, Mattison and company, I expect Hoke to have Michigan lead recruiting rankings in the Big 10 for the decade. With the periodic second place to ND or PSU or OSU or Nebraska. Dang, Big 10 is now brutal!
I hope so and yes it is. In this new format, Michigan is going to play the toughest schedule in the Big Ten every year.
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