Wolverine Wednesday: Recruiting and Team Position Updates

Two Michigan commits got two real honors on Tuesday.  Mr. Ondre Pipkins probably one of the most important recruits in the 2012 class was awarded with a Army All American invite on Tuesday.  It was one of his goals and he made it.  If Ondre matches his camp/summer performances on the field this fall, expect him to add a 5th star.

Speaking of 5 stars, Michigan already has one in the bank for 2013 with the verbal of QB Shane Morris.  Shane was given 5 stars from Scouts in their first 2013 ranking. 

The new Rivals 250 ranking is out and there has been some Michigan Verbals movement:

Kyle Kalis (22), Eric Magnuson (44), Ondre Pipkins (53), and Royce Jenkins-Stone (97), James Ross (158), Joe Bolden (184), and Terry Richardson (214).

Others to keep an eye on:  Stefon Diggs (8), Andrus Peat (18), Aziz Shittu (21), Zach Banner (38), Yuri Wright (51), Adolphus Washington (74), Bri'onte Dunn (141), Danny O'Brein (154), Dwayne Stanford (163), Jordan Payton (118),  Amara Darboh (211), Jordan Diamond (226), Darius Powe (246)


The Team, The Team, The Team............ 

Sometimes as a fan you wonder why guys play over other guys?  The back up could be a 4 star guy that runs a 4.4 but for some reason can't get on the field.   The reason is coaches look for commitment on and off the field.  Two guys that look like have put in the time in the off season and during fall camp are Mike Jones and Thomas Gordon.

Here a quote from Coach Mattison on MJ:  "He has consistently come out everyday trying to do what he's supposed to do. I got a feeling Mike Jones came from a program where he probably either blitzed all the time or played 'sic'em' football. Now all of a sudden he's getting coached every single second. Some guys can't do it. He is one that I've been really excited about. It looks like everyday he's looking to get better and he's listening. I see signs of him -- now you did it right, you stayed back, you didn't run past the hole -- that kind of thing. And hes' a sophomore, that's what should happen."

Thomas Gordon on why he is starting: 
What did you do to earn the start? "I think it's more outside of football, just being more dedicated to football and being a team player. Coming along as an individual off the field has really helped me on the field."

How hard did you work this summer? "This summer, (I worked hard) with the new weight staff and Coach Wellman. They're a really dedicated staff, and they put their work in with me and all the other players, and it helped me tremendously on the field as far as size and speed. I hope it transitions to the field, and I'm waiting to see what the effects are going to be during the season."

If you want to play at Michigan it doesn't matter if you are a 5 star guy or a walk on.  If you follow the model from TG and MJ above you are going to play in the Big House.

I don't know why the below picture made me laugh, but Al Borgus reminds me of that 6 grade gym teacher we all had that wore his shorts and sweatpants way too high.  This year is already a success if we have more pictures of Big AL!   Thanks to Rivals for the photo.

Michigan Tuesday: Game Week Thoughts and Some Recruiting Notes

There was a good discussion going on in yesterday's comments field regarding this Michigan team, which I agree with. 

So I wanted to share these thoughts with the larger audience.  

How will this team be different then last year?

Brady Hoke has a philosophy that if you play great during practice on Wednesday you will play great during the game on Saturday.  Camp has been physical and I expect practice to continue to be physical during the year.  The only way you prepare for a team like Nebraska is practice physical during the week.  From his PC yesterday:   I'm a big believer in that when you prepare and when you practice, you're going to play that way. So if we've got great intensity getting to the football (with the) eleven guys defensively, (or if) our wide receivers are sustaining blocks and harassing corners, we expect that to be done during practice. That's a demand that we have because I believe you have to play like you practice."

Expect to see a lot of players rotating on defense.  I expect to see 8 players rotate on the DL for example (Martin, Campbell, Roh, Black, Van Bergen, Washington, Brink and  Heininger).

Same with LB and Safety.   The two players I am looking forward to seeing is Marvin Robinson and hopefully Josh Furman. 

I have a feeling about Jake Ryan being a very good player.  I remember a few years ago in the Spring Game when it was clear Tate and Roundtree had something special and then we didn't see Roundtree until mid season.  I think Jake Ryan is one of those kids with great instincts for the ball.

Power Run Game?

I don't think we are going to see a ton of that this year.  I think we will see Denard under center and in the shot gut a lot.  Michigan just doesn't have the personnel to run a ton of power run plays. 

Can Denard be effective in this offense?

Yes and he can even be more effective.  The reason is last year he had running plays and passing plays.  He threw the ball during passing plays and ran during running plays.  This year he will mix scrambling during passing plays which will freeze the linebacker and open running lanes.  Also look for a ton of RB's and TE's running wide open.  Because if your a LB, who are you going to be watching the RB out the backfield or Denard?

The kicking game scares me does it scare you?
Yes it does.  The place kicking and punting scares me.  I hope they preform well against Western because we will need good performances out of both positions for ND.


Recruiting News:

• The common thought on the two players from Cincinnati Taft WR Stanford and DE Washington that the Michigan ship had sailed.   There was even a strong rumor that Washington had verballed to OSU last week, which turned out to be false.   Then comes this newspaper report that both have scheduled an official visit to Ann Arbor.   OSU is not on the list but it's only two hours away from them, so they can visit anytime. 

• Jordan Diamond's teammate committed to Arkansas yesterday.  There were reports that Jordan and his mom loved their visit, so this could be a team to watch.  I keep hearing whispers that the Michigan coaches might be cooling on Jordan.  So we will see what happens here.

• I know Darboh cancelled his visit for this weekends game but I suspect he shouldn't wait too long to visit or verbal with the likes of Powe and Payton coming in for the ND game.  There is very strong interest in 5 star WR Stefon Diggs in Michigan.  He has some academic issues he needs to clear up but if he does, Michigan would recruit him very hard.  Diggs is a former teammate of Blake Countess.

2 Deep for Western Michigan

MICHIGAN OFFICIAL TWO DEEP WMU GAME
OFFENSE                                         2nd Team         3rd Team
QB	D. Robinson	D. Gardner
RB	M. Shaw OR F. Toussaint	V. Smith	S. Hopkins
FB	J. McColgan	S. Watson
WR 1	J. Hemingway	K. Grady	J. Jackson
WR 2	R. Roundtree	J. Gallon	M. Odoms
TE	K. Koger	B. Moore	S. Watson
LT	T. Lewan	M. Schofield
LG	R. Barnum	E. Mealer
C	D. Molk	R. Khoury
RG	P. Omameh	E. Mealer
RT	M. Huyge	M. Schofield
DEFENSE
SDE	W. Heininger	N. Brink
NT	M. Martin	W. Campbell
DT	R. Van Bergen	Q. Washington
WDE	C. Roh	J. Black	F. Clark
MLB	K. Demens	J.B. Fitzgerald	M. Evans
WLB	M. Jones	B. Herron	B. Hawthorne, D. Morgan
SLB	C. Gordon	J. Ryan	B. Beyer
SS	T. Gordon	C. Johnson	J. Furman
FS	J. Kovacs	M. Robinson
CB1	T. Woolfolk	B. Countess	G. Brown
CB2	C. Avery OR JT Floyd	T. Anderson
SPECIAL TEAMS
P	M. Wile OR S. Broekhuizen
K	B. Gibbons OR M. Wile
PR	J. Hemingway OR D. Dileo OR J. Gallon OR M. Odoms
KR	J. Gallon	K. Grady	V. Smith

HT to Mgoblog

Not a ton of surprises, here is what sticks out to me:

• Big Will is backing up Mike Martin.  Looks like Michigan has 8 guys on the DL that will rotate all over the place.  
• No Cox and Hopkins is 3rd string RB. 
• Odoms is 3rd string at WR.  Gallon has leaped over a guy with experience.  Could be due to injury?
• SDE is a fight between two walk on's.
• Thomas Gordon beat out Carvin Johnson at SS
• Blake Countess beat out G.Brown who was on the team in the Spring.   Which is impressive.
• The reported battle between Avery and Floyd continues at CB
• WLB seems very un-settled to me
• The "or" in the punting and kicking game scares me

Thoughts.................

Michigan Monday: Welcomes You To Game Week

Can't wait for Saturday.  The last time I saw the Michigan Football Program play a game, I was walking off the field at the Gator Bowl and it was clear Rich Rod has coached his last game at Michigan.  Today is a brand new day with a new staff at Michigan.    The talk is not about re-building it's about Championships.   I'm not sure the Wolverines are ready to make the leap to Big Ten Champs and BCS Bowls but I love the expectations that it is.  I have heard predictions from 5-10 wins this year.  That is a big gap and I will give you my rundown of the season later in the week.

I will break today's post into a few sections:

Redshirt years I wish we still had:

1. Denard Robinson:  I know Tate got beat up a few times during their freshman year (The Iowa game sticks out), but for only completing 14 passes (he did run 69 times), I wish we had another year in the bank with this special talent. 
2. Big Will Campbell:  This was a huge mistake by RR and staff to play Big Will a few snaps his freshman year.   It was clear that Will needed a year to learn how to play the DL and the Michigan coaching staff played him in some meaningless downs.   Big Will's high school coach Thomas Wilcher said last week that Will was a much better offensive lineman (then defensive) in high school.
3. WR's: Dileo, Stokes and Jackson:  I know Stokes left the team but he caught 1 pass last year for 11 yards and was a true Sophomore meaning he played his Freshman year as well.  Drew Dileo caught 1 pass for 3 yards but did contribute in the return game.  Jeremy Jackson had 4 catches for 55 yards.  It would be nice if both Dileo and Jackson were redshirt freshman this year.    I'm not sure their limited playing time last year was worth blowing their redshirt year.  If they had handled Stokes differently maybe he would still be on the team and had a better chance to reach his potential. 
4. Devin Gardner?  If RR has messed this up, playing him against BGSU and others, he owes us some of his buy out back.   I guess we won't know whether DG got his medical redshirt or not until his 5th year. 

In my mind DG's (if he doesn't get it) and Big Will's lost redshirt years are complete failures by RR and staff.  (I know, add it to the list of failures)

Recruiting News:

• 4 Star WR Amara Darboh that was expected to visit this weekend is said to be re-scheduling. 
• 4 Star WR Darius Powe from California is going to visit for the ND game.  (This will be the "HUGE" recruiting weekend)

High School News:

• Michigan Recruits faced off this weekend at EMU when Cass Tech faced Farmington Harrison.  It wasn't close as Harrison won in a blow out 43-7.  I wasn't there but here is what I gleamed from a number of accounts:

-RJS and Ross had a quiet night since Cass Tech was clearly out manned.
-Ojemudia and Funchess had very good nights and both very athletic.  There are reports Ojemudia really has improved over the summer from the camps he attended and new work out regime.  Reports from the game was that Cass couldn't block Ojemudia at all.
-The most anticipated match up of the night was Terry Richardson vs Aaron Burbridge.  I heard Terry held his own but Burbridge was one of the best player on the field and won the match up.    As you know, Burbridge is heading to MSU as many recruiting insiders said Michigan had to back off due to some academic issues. 

• Shane Morris lite up Ann Arbor Pioneer this weekend as well.  He was 14-18 for 224 yards in a 43-28 victory.
• Joe Bolden's team played on ESPN yesterday.

Captains:

Michigan voted team captains this weekend and picked seniors center David Molk, tight end Kevin Koger and defensive tackle Mike Martin. Perfect selections.

“The entire senior class has shown great leadership since the spring, and they all are looked up to as leaders of this football team,” Hoke said in a released statement. “Kevin, David and Mike are great representatives for our team and the University of Michigan. I will be honored to be led out of the tunnel by them and the rest of the seniors on the Saturdays ahead.”

Michigan Friday: Brandon's Decision Making and 2 Scrimmages

David Brandon has done an excellent job since taking over the AD position at Michigan.  He got the football program through an NCAA Investigations and got the penalty reduced.  He fired the football coach that was under preforming and hired somewhat of a "sleeper" pick as the new head coach.  

He has improved on the Big House work of former AD Bill Martin and is now focusing on Crisler Arena.  If you had to grade him right now it would clearly be a A and maybe even an A+.

This brings me to his latest decision to play App State again in 2014 and his response:  "the opportunity to play again is a good thing. I don't see how it could be a negative".

Since he is having a hard time finding the negatives, let me list them here:

1. Michigan players and fans will have to live through 9 months (Jan-Sept) of App State upset  highlights from the 2007 game before the kickoff of the 2014 season. 
2. It's a no win situation for Michigan.  Like I mentioned yesterday, if the Wolverines win 50-10 they beat up on the little guys and ran up the score to get revenge.   If the game is close, App State has our number.   If Michigan loses the game, its a disaster. 

For all the teams that are looking for a large payday by visiting the Big House it's hard for me to believe that was U of M's only option.   If David wanted to get a revenge game, why didn't he schedule Toledo?

I don't see any upside to playing this game.   None.

Greg Mattison's PC yesterday:

He wants 22 players strong on defense:  For next weekend, "I hope it's 22." Needs to have 22 capable guys, and have seven more days to get 22. Won't ever be a coach who says we lost a game because a guy got injured.  

• Standouts on D are the seniors Martin and Woolfolk 
• Jake Ryan and Marvin Robinson have had some good days but have been a bit banged up in practice.
• Kenny Demens is running with the 1's but need to be more consistent.

On Denard:  "I got on him today. He didn't play every play of yesterday's practice, and I yelled at him during stretch today: 'Boy, you must be as fresh as a daisy today,' and he gave me something back.' I love him."

AL "the hat" Borges PC:

(Does this comment give us some insight into why Michigan might have lost a few players this week? Both freshman's weights were much higher then expected)

"Our practices are not for the faint of heart. We get after them pretty good." It has been a real real grueling training camp. (We want to) see what they're made of when they're tired."

• Would not comment on Chris Barnett.
• Thomas Rawls has been out a couple of weeks with a injury.  Looks like it's Shaw, Hopkins and Smith at this point.  They may redshirt Hayes and/or Rawls.  (I bet not having a RB in the 2012 class might effect this decision)
• Denard will be in the shotgun and under center. 
• WR: Roy and Junior are the starters. Expect to see Grady, Gallon, Jackson and Dileo.

Michigan will play a scrimmage today and Saturday before they ease up a bit for game week. Today and Saturday should cement the two deep, when we learn who on it will probably come out on Monday. 

Here is my prediction for starters:

OL: Lewan, Barnum, Molk, Omameh, Huge
TE: Kroger
WR: Roundtree, Hemingway
QB: Robinson
RB: Shaw
FB: McColgan

Defense:

DL: Roh, Martin, Campbell and Van Bergen
LB: C. Gordon, Demens and Hawthorne
CB: Woolfolk and Floyd or Avery
S: Kovas and Johnson

I'm concerned about the speed at safety.  Look for Woolfolk to move to safety and Avery fill in his CB spot if that becomes a problem.   Or maybe more Marvin Robinson.   I also think Big Will could lose his starting spot to Brink. 

The defense looks like it's built to stop the run (which would be a huge improvement) but could get beat deep in the passing game.

Really?

Was David Brandon out of the office today?

Aug. 25, 2011

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan football program will open the 2014 season with a match-up against Appalachian State University on Aug. 30 at Michigan Stadium. This will be the second meeting between the Wolverines and Mountaineers at Michigan Stadium.

"We look forward to facing Appalachian State again," said U-M Athletic Director Dave Brandon.
The only previous game in the series between Michigan and Appalachian State came in the 2007 season opener. The defending FCS champion Mountaineers stunned the Wolverines, 34-32, as ASU blocked a field goal attempt that could have won the game for Michigan at the end of regulation. It was the first-ever game broadcast by the Big Ten Network.
U-M has two remaining open dates on its schedule.

I guess not.  Maybe he was too busy at Domino's to remember the last time they played. 

This is a no win situation for Michigan.  There will be nothing but months of Michigan - App State highlights from 2007.   If Michigan wins 100-0 they will be running it up on the little guy that defeated them.  If it's a close game, God help us. 

Don't understand this move at all.   Did the MAC not pick up the phone? 

Michigan Thursday: Danny O, Kyle Kalis and That Purdue ACL Elephant

When Kyle Kalis de-committed from Ohio State and a few weeks later picked Michigan.  He got "light up" on twitter and other social media from Buckeye Fans that couldn't believe he picked Ann Arbor over Columbus.   Since that date there have been a ton of rumors that Kyle will eventually end up in OSU's 2012 class.  Mostly if the NCAA doesn't drop the hammer and crush the Buckeyes for the next few years.   I expect the NCAA to drop more then 3 years "Show Clause" on Tressel, maybe cut 5 scholarships from the Buckeyes for the next 2 years and 2 years of probation.
It's hard to know what will happen between now and signing day but I sure how Kyle stays Blue. 

The next recruit we are looking at today is Danny O'Brien a 4 star DT recruit from Flint.  Tennessee was his early leader but Michigan popped their head up in his recruitment this summer.   His best friend happens to be Matt Godin who is also committed to the Wolverines in the 2012 class.  Danny recently cut his list to 6 and plans to cut it even further soon.  

The big question in Danny's recruitment to Ann Arbor is; Will Michigan take another DT in this class?
Sounds like they will:  "Hoke said to me, 'Take your time. I know you're one of those guys that is really making a decision in cutting them down.' He said, 'Take your time and we will take you whenever.' That stood out to me. I was never the guy that had a dream school picked out. That was big for me because I've been down to Tennessee a few times and that's what I liked about them. They said, 'Take your time. It's your decision. You are your own man and you have to make your own decision.' When Coach Hoke finally said that (also), that was big for me with Michigan."
Danny will take his official to U of M for the ND game.  That will be a huge recruiting weekend for the Wolverines.

• Purdue keeps their ACL streak alive, QB Rob Henry is the latest victim. 

Breaking News; Michigan Loses Another True Freshman - Chris Barnett takes the next train back to Texas

TE Chris Barnett just left a message on his Twitter and Facebook account that he is no longer at the University of Michigan.  Chris joined Michigan's 2011 class on signing day and was coming off a knee injury. 

If Chris leaving happens to true, this would be 3 players gone from the 2011 class before a game is played.

It is now official, as U of M has confirmed his departure.  This departure hurts next year due to depth.  Ricardo Miller is now a TE, but he is a pass catching guy not exactly a blocking TE with his transformation from WR.  

Brandon Moore hasn't really ever played at Michigan and will be a 5th year senior.  After that it will be nothing but true freshman.  

This departure confuses me because it seems Chris was trying to recruit other kids to Michigan and he seemed really interested in playing in Ann Arbor.  He did have a strange recruitment when he was committed on and off to Arkansas and was connected to Baron Flenory, co-founder of Dallas-based New Level Athletics and BadgerSport Elite 7-on-7 camps that the NCAA is looking at in the Oregon" pay for recruits" allegations.   Does his departure have anything to do with that?  I don't know.
Chris signed with Michigan on National Signing Day in February. 

This development might open a spot for 2012 recruit Ron Thompson.

  

Wolverine Wednesday: Hopes The Roster Stays Solid Today

After two straight days of roster attrition, I hope the Wolverines don't lose anyone today.  I am still surprised about Je'Ron Stokes who was on the two deep last year decided to leave.  I guess the Fall Camp buzz on Jeremy Gallon was taking his snaps.

Here is a snapshot quote from Brady Hoke's press conference yesterday that might give us a hint on why the kids left:  "Well, it was, to be honest with you, it was the right thing for them and what they felt," Hoke said. "We wish them the best, and they're great kids, but sometimes kids move on for different reasons - homesick or whatever it might be, and I'm not going to get into that. It usually works out for everybody."

Other important "bites" from his press conference:

• If they had a game today: Mike Shaw would be the starting RB
• Thought the scrimmage was physical
• Troy, JT and Courtney are fighting it out at CB
• Brink would be the starting 5 tech DE if the season started today
• Overall the entire team (both units) needs to improve on consistency

Recruiting News:

• The web site Bucknuts rates Chris Wormley as the #1 prospect in Ohio for the 2012 class.  That is pretty high praise with guys like Stanford, Washington and Kalis in Ohio as well.

• Ace from Mgoblog interviews 2012 verbal Caleb Stacey.

New Big House Video Board Pictures

Via Michigan Stadium Aerials

That's not your fathers Big House................

Breaking News: Another Transfer

Former Army All American WR Je'Ron Stokes has left the Michigan Football program. 

Je'Ron only got a few snaps in his first two years at Michigan under RR and it looks like that wasn't going to change much under Al Borges.  

I had high hopes for this young man, which never panned out.  Good luck to Je'Ron at his next school. 

Wow, that is 2 guys in less then 24 hours.  

How is that WR recruiting going?  See below if you don't know.

*Picture from Touch The Banner

Michigan Tuesday: Another Freshman Heads Home

Michigan Football is like the Hotel California:  "You can check out anytime you want, but you can never leave"

When kids go away to school they sometimes go back home much earlier then expected.  Instead of 4 years and a Michigan degree, sometimes they leave with out even moving into their dorm room. 

That is the case with Tampa Offensive Lineman Tony Poseda who has left the Michigan Football program after a couple weeks of fall camp.   This departure leaves us guessing to why did he leave, similar to Kellen Jones.  

Michigan is now down 2 spots from their freshman class.   Which again validates the 26 players the Michigan coaches are recruiting in the 2012 class. 

Here are some "rumors" that have been floating around:

• Tony showed up at camp at 340 pounds.  Which most likely was "bad weight".
• Another one was that he isn't interested in playing football any longer.  (that is a common stance when players leave a program).

He could also have been homesick, so who knows.  If he doesn't talk we probably will never know.  I hope Tony finds what he is looking for and continues his education.

Where does this leave us?  Tony would have been guaranteed a redshirt this year as he learned how to be a division 1 offensive lineman.   So the immediate impart is zero but it does give Michigan some depth issues down the line.  Taking one more offensive lineman in the 2012 class is now mandatory (probably was already). 

Side note:  I wonder if this departure helps Jordan Diamond and his mom with their concern there are too many top offensive lineman in the 2011 and 2012 class.

Which leads me to a quick update on some potential recruits to fill the last few spots:

• Bri'onte Dunn:  Still verballed to OSU but expected to take in the Michigan - ND game at the Big House.  Look for Dunn to stay committed to OSU until the NCAA finding are back in a couple months.
• Jordan Diamond: Continues his recruitment and doesn't plan to make a decision for awhile.  His high school coach prefers his players don't make an early commitment so the player can see a lot of schools and his high school program gets some more exposure.  That strategy could backfire if Jordan wants to play with his friend and former teammate Chris Bryant at Michigan.
• Yuri Wright seems Michigan's last/best best shot at another CB in this class.  I think Michigan has a great shot at getting a commitment from Yuri.   I hope they get him in for a early season game. 
• Amara Darboh is the 4 star WR from Iowa who is coming back to Ann Arbor for the WMU game.  I think it's not a big jump to think he could verbal on that trip or shortly after.
• Jordan Payton, WR from California is down to Michigan and CAL and he hasn't even visited Ann Arbor yet.   He is also planning to attend the ND game.
• Danny O'Brien recruitment to Ann Arbor has been quiet since the commitment of Ondre Pipkins.  I still think Michigan would take his verbal if he wanted to play in Ann Arbor. 
• Zach Banner and Joshua Garnett are 2 highly ranked offensive lineman from the State of Washington.  Michigan would love to go "Steve Schilling" and land one of these guys.  Garnett is planning a visit for the ND game, hopefully Banner makes it out as well.
• Monty Madris is a wild card WR from Cincinnati.  If he makes it up to Ann Arbor and loves it he should try to commit quickly if he wants to be a Wolverine.  

I think the Michigan coaches would like to have most of the class wrapped up after the ND game.  I think they would like to keep one spot open for a guy like Dunn or Diamond. 

Michigan Monday: Gives 2nd Hand Scrimmage Updates

This past Saturday marked two weeks before the start of the season.  Which also meant a full contact scrimmage for the Wolverines.   This scrimmage will go a long way of creating the two deep for the Western Michigan game.  

Before we get into some of 2nd hand reports from the scrimmage, here are a couple of things I would like to give me two cents on. 

- Greg Mattison Defense:  One thing I think that hurt the Michigan Defense last year was the inability to play multiple players at the same position.  This year, I think Michigan will have more opportunities for players to sub back and forth.   For example, there is a ton of buzz around walk-on Nathan Brink taking over for Big Will Campbell.  We should not get too worried about who starts over who because I expect a lot of players to play and a ton of subs to keep players fresh.  Another example is Kovas and Marvin Robinson.  Want another? Thomas Gordon and Carvin Johnson.    So everyone that might be worried about these positions battles, don't because having a number of guys that can play is a good thing. 

I expect the locks to start on Defense are: Kenny Demens, Mike Martin, Troy Woolfolk, Ryan Van Bergen, Jordan Kovacs and Craig Roh.

The below buzz is from message boards and other Michigan sites on folks that saw the scrimmage.   I made sure I heard it from more then one source before it made the below list.  So take everything below with a grain of salt.

Scrimmage Buzz:

• Running Backs:  Michael Shaw and Fitz Toussaint had good days.  Fitz was said to be very impressive.
• Both Denard and Devin did well, made some mistakes but both had a good day.  (BTW: Isn't it nice to have a clear starter this year?  Haven't felt this way since Henne was on the team)
• There continues to be a lot of hype for Jeremy Gallon at WR.  Which is great to hear!
• It seems true freshman Desmond Morgan is getting a look at some playing time at LB.
• Buzz around Van Bergen moving to DT and Brink going to DE.
• Kenny Demens could be the star of this defense.
• Matt Wile is looking great at kicking field goals.   Let's hope that translates to the game.  
• Tackling was better and the defense brings a ton of people to the ball.
• Desmond Howard thought Denard looked faster.  (For those that listened to my offensive preview on the Michigan Man podcast, this is exactly what I mean.  Denard is much more dangerous if you don't know when he is going to run.  Last year, he threw the ball on passing plays and ran the ball on running plays.   If you are an opposing LB, what are you going to do when Denard drops back to pass and decides to run? )
• JT Floyd played well against the run (could be a battle between JT and Courtney Avery at the other CB position)

If you have heard other "highlights" please put them in the comments field so we can share them with all the Big House Blog Inmates. 

Today is the "last call" for the Next Two Recruits T-Shirt Contest. 

CTK Day 15: Talking WR's and The O Line

Michigan Friday: Has Another Contest For You!

The last T-Shirt contest for the Spring Game was a huge success.  It seems a lot of you like T-Shirts that pokes a little fun at that school in Columbus.  I think Coach Hoke calls them "Ohio".
Well, the good folks at Smack Apparel has sent me some different "Ohio" shirts.   This time, I think I have 12 of them.  Which equals 12 winners! 

I will take email entries from Today to Monday August 22, 2011.

Contest Instructions:

1. Send me an email at thebighouseblog@hotmail.com with:
2. Your best guess on the next two football players from the 2012 class that will verbally commit to Michigan.
3. As a tie breaker, I  will use the order of the players listed on your email for a timeline. (the players don't have to commit this weekend, I am just looking for the next 2 no matter the time frame) For example: 

Example Email:

Bob,
I think the following guys will commit to Michigan in the next few weeks:

1. Uncle Ron
2. Voice of Reason

(If Uncle Ron commits on 9/1 and VOR commits on 9/15 - this is a winner, if I don't have 12 winners with the correct order, I will take the correct 2 players) 

The first 12 people in my inbox with the right answer will win this T Shirt.  I will do my best with sizes.



If you have any questions, please put them in the commets field so I can answer them for everyone.

Thank you and have fun!

-Bob

Michigan Thursday: Your In but Suspended

Raise your hand if your tired of Pryor news.  It has been non-stop for 4 years and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. 

Today comes the news he is in the NFL Supplemental Draft now re-scheduled for Monday.   The only catch is that Pryor will be suspended for the first 5 games of the season, which should only effect Pryor's bank account because he surly wouldn't be playing QB for any team that picks him in the first 5 weeks.   Heck, he maybe even more attractive to teams now they get a discount.   This is sort of like the NFL Draft meets TJ Maxx. 

Some have wondered if this the first step in the NFL working with the NCAA on rule breakers.  The answer is no, this is the NFL's way to try to persuade any other "Pryor's" from trying to work the system by not declaring for the NFL Draft and trying to land a better spot in the Supplemental. 

For the Pryor "shocker" of the day his "mentor" Ted Sarniak gave him and his mother money while he was at OSU.   Really?  I guess nobody thought that was important when everyone had to recruit Pryor through Ted.  Pryor's entire time at OSU should be stricken from the record.

• If you want to hear me preview the Michigan Offense please tune into the Michigan Man Podcast.  Part 1 is up and Part 2 is coming.   (I'm a little long winded)  Mike does a great job, so please check it out on a regular baiss or download it on your Ipod phone pad, etc. 

• If you haven't heard Mike Hart is done with the NFL and is a quality control assistant at Eastern Michigan for Ron English.  I expect Mike to be Michigan's RB coach as soon as Fred Jackson retires or moves to another offensive coaching position at Michigan.  On a side note, I like what Ron is doing for former Wolverines.  He also helped Tyrone Wheatley get his coaching career going, he is now with Syracuse.   Here is Mike talking about camp:  "I love it, and I have a lot more fun coaching in camp than playing in camp," Hart said, laughing. "Camp is camp. It's a grind for the coaches, it's a grind on the players, but my body isn't taking a beating. I just love working with young men and having an impact on them. I'm definitely having a lot of fun." Having Mike in and around Ann Arbor is a great thing!  It will be very strange for him to be on the other side of the field on 9/17.

Wolverine Wednesday: I always feel like somebody is watching me...........

News is pretty slow today, unless your connected with the University of Miami.  After reading the Yahoo Sports investigation, my reaction was "that has been going on since the days of Michael Irvin".   I can't believe it took this long to get out.   (yes, I know about Luther Campbell)

Couple of thoughts on Miami.   #1 As Michigan fans lets all be happy that is was the Freep that was on a "witch hunt" a couple of years ago in Ann Arbor and not Yahoo Sports.  If I'm David Brandon, I'm not sure I would grant a press pass from anyone from Yahoo Sports for the Michigan - ND game.   Memo to college AD's and head coaches, if Yahoo sports comes knocking you better not answer the door.  You might just want to resign now.   They have taken down Minnesota Basketball, Ohio State Football and now Miami Football (I am sure there are other examples). 

#2:  Anyone want to speculate, how would Tate Forcier would have done in the Miami environment?  That is a scary thought. 

I wanted to see if some "football" guys had any reactions to Miami, this is what I got: (thanks to Mgoblog and TheWolverine.com for the pictures)

Danny Hope, Head Football Coach Purdue


BHB: Coach Hope, any reaction to the Miami situation?
Hope:  I hate Michigan

BHB: Why are you looking at me like that?
Hope: Because I hate Michigan.

Hope: This doesn't effect my starting QB Robert Marve who transferred from Miami does it?
BHB: Dude you are looking right through me.  It's sort of creepy.


Al Borges, Michigan Offensive Coordinator


BHB: Coach Borges, Did you hear about Miami?
Borges:  Denard is learning the offense and we haven't found a RB back.  I prefer 1 RB step up but  we have a lot of depth at that position.

BHB:  Coach are you ok?
Borges:  Denard was under center in High School and he is adjusting to the pro style offense.   It's a process and we are gaining ground every day. 

BHB: Coach I am asking about Miami and the Yahoo Sports story?
Borges:  I hope to retire there someday.  I would like to take my talents and my firm hat to South Beach.

BHB:  Thanks coach

Stephen Hopkins, Michigan Running Back


BHB: Stephen do you have any friends at Miami?
Hopkins: Do you see how big Wisconsin's defensive lineman are?

BHB: Sure they are big but I am asking about Miami?
Hopkins:  Wait, those guys over there are trying to tackle me?

BHB:  I believe that is correct, back to Mia...
Hopkins:  Is that a 6 foot party sub over there?

BHB: Wait a second, where is that sub?

Antonio Brown, NFL Pittsburgh Steelers
BHB: Antonio Brown, your a former Central Michigan Chip and now with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
You played for a Rich Rodriguez disciple Butch Jones and you grew up in Miami, what is your take on the U?

Brown:  I am focused on training camp and making a big impact for the Steelers this season. 

BHB:  Did the University of Miami recruit you?
Brown:  Did Mike Tyson knock out Michael Spinks?

BHB: Yes, he did.  Are you surprised what happended at Univeristy of Miami?
Brown: NOPE

BHB: Ok, lets change subjects, you were always open at CMU.  How did you get that open?
Brown:  I showed the MAC CB's this look.   I was always open by 5 yards.

BHB: I bet

Michigan Tuesday: Wonders Why our 5 Star DB's are in Community College?

To follow up on the theme from yesterday, I was thinking about Michigan's Defensive Backfield is 2 of our recent 5 star DB that signed with Michigan either got to Ann Arbor or stayed in Ann Arbor. 

We all know the story of Demar Dorsey after he signed with Michigan didn't get in, tried to go to Louisville and the NCAA said no.   Demar is still in the State of Michigan playing for Grand Rapids CC.  Let's hope he gets his academic situation clear up and makes it back to D1.  (No MSU or Big Ten please).

Then comes the news that former 5 star CB/Safety prospect JT Turner has resurfaced with Scottsdale Community College.   (I would have picked Scottsdale over GR as well!).  If you remember, JT struggled with life on and off the football field at Michigan.  He really never played any quality time during games and even struggled to get time during the Spring Game.  The rumor was JT had some personal issues going on which lead him to leave the Wolverines at the start of fall camp in 2010.

JT bounced around a bit, originally trying to transfer to West Virgina (a reverse RR?) which didn't seem to work out then a small college in Ohio.   He now is at Scottsdale CC, with reports that Hawaii and ASU are interested in having him join their teams.   Good luck to JT!

These guys got me thinking about a Defensive Backfield this year with:  Dorsey at one corner and Woolfork at the other.  With JT Floyd and JT Turner at Safety.  That could have been a great backfield.  I guess it's time to move on.

Camp Buzz......................

•  Jeremy Gallon seems to be having a strong camp at WR.  I hope he can bring some big plays to  the Michigan offense and the return game. 

• Thomas Rawls continues to get praised for his effort.   Maybe he is the guy to set up at RB.  I still think the other guys in front of him will get more carries.  I am a little torn because with no running back in the 2012 class, I was hoping for a redshirt.  On the other hand if he really has Mark Ingram skills, he needs to be playing.

• Special for Uncle Ron:  A walk on making news on the defensive line is Nathan Brink who seems to be pushing Big Will for playing time.  The knock on Nathan was his weight (being too skinny).  His weight is now up to 263 pounds and is 6'5.  The buzz is he has great effort and has very good DLine skills.   Nathan is from Holland, Michigan and it would be great if he could contribute this year.  

• Highly ranked 5 star Basketball player from the 2012 class Mitch McGary will be visiting Michigan for an official visit in September.  

Michigan Monday: The Mysterious Case of Kellen Jones

Kellen Jones was the 12th ranked LB in the country to Scouts and a 4 star recruit in the 2011 class out of Houston, Texas.   Obliviously LB was a "position of need" for the Wolverines in this class.  Kellen knew it and seemed to be true blue from the moment Michigan started recruiting him.   He was all in for the Rich Rod coaching staff and after Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison took over he was re-sold on the program.  Here is an interview by Ann Arbor.com after Mattison was hired this past winter and if he was sticking with Michigan:

“Yes sir, it makes me feel very good that the defense will get back to the way it used to be,” Jones said. “Back to being a top defense in the country.”

He also got a chance to meet Ray Lewis through Charlie Ward who is a coach in Houston: 
“It was great to meet (Lewis). I was going nuts,” Jones said. “It was an honor to meet him. It was all thanks to Mr. Ward.”

“I got a chance to talk with him and he was telling me how he studies and how to get ahead. So if I get confused by something coach Mattison is teaching us, maybe I can get a hold of Mr. Lewis and he can help me,” Jones said with a laugh.

I also remember recounting a message board post about a Michigan fan that ran into Kellen at DTW after his official visit.  Kellen was very committed to Michigan and couldn't wait to get to Ann Arbor.  The message board fan said he was very well spoken and a very nice young man. 

The hype was very strong for Kellen to come in a play right away, even as a true freshman.  The Sporting News Preview of Michigan had Kellen on the two deep.  

So when the official roster was released before the first day of practice about a week ago fans were shocked that Kellen wasn't on the roster after signing with Michigan in February.

Coach Hoke confirmed he was not enrolled at Michigan but didn't give any details as why.   We have seen these situations in the past.  Kids might fall a few credits short or not get a qualifying score on the SAT/ACT tests.   Kids have to pass the NCAA Clearing House before they can enroll at school they signed with.  Every year there are kids with many programs that might fall short of that clearance. 

So wer grades the issue?  That seems to be most viable option.

Then comes the next shocking news regarding Kellen.  He enrolled at Oklahoma last week.   Yes, the #1 team in the nation now has the linebacker that Michigan signed.  TomVH from Mgoblog reached out to Kellen's father who confirmed the enrollment and he believed Kellen would be able to play right away if needed (though the plan was to red shirt).   

ESPN and other services have confirmed that Kellen enrolled at Oklahoma.   Which leaves Michigan fans wondering what happened here?  How can a guy not get into Michigan but can get into #1 Oklahoma?

I wish, I had answers but I don't.  I'm in the same boat you are.  Here are a couple of pure speculations on my part:

• He was getting a little home sick and wanted to be closer to home?
• He did have a history of concussions and maybe there was a medical reason he had to sit out? (if that was the case he most likely would have enrolled at Michigan and redshirted).
• Something happened between the time he signed with Michigan and when we was expected to enrolled that made U of M pull his scholarship.
• Grades - He wasn't cleared by the Clearing House.

Any of the above could have happened and right now we have more questions and speculations then answers.  Which leaves the question, if any of the above happened (besides the home sick), would Bob Stoops take him?

Here is a hit from a local OK TV station: Jones is currently with the Oklahoma football team, but is unable to practice until cleared by the NCAA. He is currently regarded as a walk-on, but could earn a scholarship in the future.

Which leads me to believe this has to do with grades then anything else.  Normally, a kid wouldn't give up a scholarship at Michigan to Walk On to Oklahoma and pay his own way.  

If your into conspiracy theories, put on your tin foil hat and think about this one for a minute.  Rich Rod and Bob Stoops are good friends.  Rich spent some time at Oklahoma's Spring Practice last Spring and was doing a special in Norman for his new role with CBS Sports Network this month as well.  Did Rich call Bob regarding Kellen if he had trouble getting past Michigan's admission office?  He might have.  He did it for Denard's high school teammate, CB Adrian Whitty that had issues with U of M's admission office as well.   Rich called his coaching buddy Butch Jones at the University of Cincinnati and Adrian signed with the Bearcats.

Another question Michigan fans might have is: How could Kellen play his freshman year at Oklahoma without having to sit out a year for normal transfer rules?  Kellen never enrolled at Michigan and if the coaches let him out of his LOI he could enroll and play at any college that accepts him without sitting out a year. 

Michigan Friday: Small Group - Lots of Stars

One guy jumped out of the 2012 boat today as CB recruit Armani Reeves picked Penn State.  Michigan was in early on Armani and late but there was a gap in the middle that PSU filled, end of story.

The next CB on Michigan's board is 4 Star Yuri Wright.  If your wondering if the Michigan coaches really want another corner in this class, You Would Be Right. :-) 

The potential guys on Michigan's board is now getting smaller and smaller.  I don't have any direct knowledge of their priority list.  So this is my best guess. 

1. WR Amara Darboh
2. WR Jordan Payton
3. CB Yuri Wright
4. OL's: Jason Garrnet, Andrus Peat or Jordan Diamond
5. DT: Danny O'Brien, Aziz Shittu, DE Adolphus Washington

There are 4 spots left so something has to give.  It seems clear Michigan wants 2 WR's and the Yuri Wright recruitment might be because of Terry Richardson wanting to take a few visits.   The one thing I assume but could be incorrect on, is Michigan still wanting another DT.  I think they would take O'Brien or Shittu is they wanted to jump on a spot pretty quickly.

It seems QB and RB are the odd positions out this year.  If that is the case, then Michigan would look to fill future spots at those positions in 2013 with Share Morris at QB already committed.  

What about Bri'onte Dunn?  Michigan would take his commit in a heart beat but as the OSU NCAA continues to play out so does guys jumping at Michigan offers.   I think the timeline doesn't look good for a commitment from him.  (Unless other guys jump out of Michigan's class).   I sort of think you could put Jordan Diamond in that same position.     If he doesn't jump soon, someone like Garrnett that is coming in for a visit could. 

Michigan Thursday: Has a Hat Issue

I think Al Borgus is going to take the Michigan offense to places it's never seen before.  Michigan will be a well balanced machine running and passing in the next couple of years.   My only concern (besides we haven't played a game yet) is Al finding a Michigan hat that looks good on him.  Here is the latest evidence from his press conference (courtesy of Tim at Mgoblog)


Another example:



Work that hat in big fella or go like Coach Hoke does and not wear one at all.  For some reason the "Rickie Fowler" look is not working for me on Coach Al.  (I joke because I care!)


Notes from his presser:

• Denard's footwork is much better. They're trying to continue getting him to step up in the pocket. "It not only allows him to see a little better, but he can threaten run better once he gets underneath the rush." Denard is on schedule to be where they want him. "Because he's so athletic and he can create... now he has to understand about creating, yet don't try to do something that simply isn't there."
• Won't know about the RB's until they are in full pads.
• "I'm not committing to anything" in terms of number of carries for Denard. "Less" is a clear goal, but how much is still in question. Try not to get him beaten up, but want him to make plays. Not sure where the fine line is between those two. Sometimes you need to remind Denard to get out of bounds when he's running. He won't do a lot of sliding, but there are times to avoid taking punishment. "With the ball under his arms, anything can happen," so you don't want him sliding down in front of a guy he can juke past. "You coach Denard different than you coach Ryan Lindley."
• "The only thing I've really got a bead on so far is how much more they know." The players have worked to understand the offense. They still don't know enough, but every team in America is at that point three practices in."

Recruiting Info

• 5 Star DT Tommy Schutt who got turned down by ND and Michigan last week landed at Penn State.  JoPa is building a very nice  2012 class with more guys expected to commit.  I guess the old guy can recruit with a bad hip and a bad arm.

• Ondre Pipkins committed to Michigan last Thursday and that is why Michigan turned down the visit from Tommy.   This means two things for Danny O'Brien, 1 - He has a spot on Michigan's 2012 roster if he wants it or 2- Michigan really only wants to take 1 DT and they have it. 

• Michigan is listed right now as Scout's top 2012 recruiting class.

• 24/7 Sports new top 100 has 5 Michigan commits:  #40 Kalis, #56 Wormley, #63 Magnuson, #88 Pipkins, and #100 Ross.  Prospects:  #5 Peat, #9 Marshall, #10 Diggs, #18 Wright, #39 Garnett, #59 Reeves and #60 Diamond.

• WR recruiting starting to heat up:  Iowa 4 star Amara Darboh will be back in A2 for the opener against Western and California 4 star Jordan Payton is coming in for ND.   Some expect that Michigan might be done with thier WR recruiting after the ND game for 2012.  Let's hope they are right. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Day 2 of Practice - Weight, Defense and some Recruiting

DC Greg Mattison took the mike yesterday at his press conference and had a few quote-ables.  My favorite one was this one:  "I do" expect them to set the world on fire. "I wouldn't be coaching if I didn't think we'd be able to get this defense up to the level that Michigan expects." If players play hard and execute assignments, they can succeed.   "I know in my heart what's about to happen here. We're going to have a Michigan football program that Bo, Coach Moeller and Coach Carr are going to be proud of again."

"I'm really, really impressed and excited about the effort of our guys. I couldn't be around them in the summer ? but I think you saw it starting in the summer," he said. "You saw these guys trying to do the right thing, trying to improve themselves and then it just carried over when they started practice."

"We're only two in. We've got miles and miles to go to where we want to be, but in effort and preparation, I'm very excited about it."

I haven't been this excited about a DC since Ron English.

Michigan published the new roster yesterday and there was some notable weight gain and losses:

Running Backs: Mike Shaw is up 8 pounds and Vincent Smith is down 8.

WR:  Gallon is up 5 pound and Robinson is up 7.

TE: Ricardo Miller is up an amazing 17 pounds.

OL: Taylor Lewan is up 8 pounds and now over 300.

DL:  Roh is up 18 pounds!, Big Will down 11, Q Washington down 13, Kenny Wilkins up 10, Will Heininger is up 28 pounds! and Richard Ash is down 19.

LB: Cameron Gordon up 15 and Mike Jones up 16.

BHB Take: The weight on Roh is very good.  I expect a huge year out of him.  Ricardo Miller is changing his body to be a true TE.   Big Will ,Q and Ash needed to cut some weight which they did.  Will adding 28 pounds is amazing and hopefully he will be regular this year on the DL.

Recuiting Tid Bits

• Armani Reeves the 4 star CB that Michigan just got re-acquainted with, has scheduled a press conference for Friday at 10:00 to pick his school.  This quick of a decision is not good for the Wolverines.  My best guess is Penn State.

• 5 Star Offensive Guard Joshua Garnett from Seattle is planning a visit to Ann Arbor for the ND game with his friend Erik Magnuson.  This would be a huge pick up for the last OL spot on in the 2012 class.

• Michigan is the top 2 for 4 star California WR Jordan Payton.  (CAL and Michigan).  Jordan has yet to visit Ann Arbor. 

• Do you think Michigan is back in basketball recruiting?  Here is 5 star 2012 recruit Mitch McGary's top 6 list:  Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Michigan, Duke and Kentucky

Michigan Tuesday: Practice 1 in the Books

Brady Hoke Day 1 Quotes:

"Will Campbell left spring at 342 pounds and came in at 316, 319," he said. "Just watching him move around and do those things, you can see that. That's a commitment. A commitment is always important - he showed his teammates he's made a commitment.

"Will loves people and he's a tremendous kid. In his defense, you play defense, you play offense, come back to defense - that's hard. You never get your feet planted in the ground. I enjoy him. I remember working camp when he was being recruited and spending time with him. I think he's moving in the right direction."

"[Redshirt sophomore left tackle] Taylor Lewan gained some weight he needed to gain. I could go through the whole roster and there were guys that needed to get bigger, more physical [and did]," he said. "Strength is an important part, and playing with endurance is an important part."

"We're ahead of where we were in the spring. I still think we're spoon-feeding it a little bit," Hoke said. "I always believed as a coach you have to have three things you have to hang your hat on. One of them ? the power play. We've got to hang our hat on the play pass, the power pass off that, and whatever may be in a two-minute situation."
"Defensively you've got to have three calls you think guys are going to execute at a fast level, playing fast and physical. There's no question in their minds what they're supposed to do. We made some strides in what we have in, but we don't have in nearly what we will."

"[Cornerbacks] Troy Woolfolk and J.T. Floyd are full speed," he said. "We're pretty doggone healthy."

Other news and notes:

• Kickers will work a lot at kicking in the Big House, not just in the practice facility.

• Coaches were happy with the energy and how in shape players were  Day 1 and they had a good team meeting. 

• It was obviously a good day with the first day of practice and Ondre Pipkins committing to the 2012 class.

• I have heard this a couple of times that the new Strength and Conditioning guy is really good.  They say that Baris trained guys to be fast but not powerful.  Aaron Wellman is preparing them for Big Ten Play.

Breaking News: Ondre Pipkins Makes the Call for Michigan

Michigan secured the Defensive Tackle they wanted today with the commitment of Ondre Pipkins. 

Ondre became the 22nd commitment to the 2012 class and second DT with instate recruit Matt Godin.  Ondre might have told the coaches a few days ago because Michigan turned down a visit from a 5 star DT from Illinois, letting him know his position group was already filled.  The Michigan coaches have been telling recruits that they would take one more DT and Ondre didn't want to miss his chance. 

Ondre is a 4 star prospect to Rivals, Scouts and 24/7 and ranked 102 player in the nation by Scouts, 246 by Rivals and 149 by 24/7.  Expect his ranking to move way up, when they re-rank players:  Pipkins became a candidate to crack the Rivals.com top 100 (to be updated later this month) with an outstanding summer in which he put on a show. He dominated at the Ohio State NIKE Camp as one of the top defensive performers and also showed well at ESPN's The Opening event in Oregon.

"The big defensive tackle was able to use his lower body strength to beat every opposing lineman in one-on-one drills," Rivals.com reported. "Pipkins still looks about the same weight as when we saw him at the U.S. Army Junior Combine in January, but the weight is proportioned differently now. Pipkins is built like a brick house, and when he decided it was time to get upfield, no offensive lineman showed the ability to stop him."

I heard great things about him at the Nike OSU camp.  He went in to the camp with the goal of being the MVP and got it.

His offer list is one of a 5 star prospect:  Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee and many others.   He was Michigan's top DT prospect and the Wolverines locked him up.

What does this mean for Danny O'Brien? That is a good question and I still feel the Michigan staff would take him, but he can't wait too long.   Ondre was the last position of need for the Wolverines and from here on out can be picky for the next 3-4 spots.   We know that the coaches are targeting one more CB prospect for sure and at least one wide receiver and probably two. 


Didn't find any online highlight videos for Ondre.


Extra recruiting news:

• Michigan recruit Erik Magnuson had offers from all of the PAC 12 schools with the exception of USC.  That offer came but Erik is sticking and staying with the Wolverines.

Michigan Monday: Practice, Suspensions, Red Shirts and Recruiting --- O My!

Today starts Fall Camp for the 2011 Michigan Wolverines.  Today officially starts the preparation for year 1 in the Brady Hoke era.  There should be plenty of motivation and expectations for this group of Wolverines.
With the start of practice came a press release last night on 3 players: senior wide receiver Darryl Stonum, senior wide receiver Terrance Robinson and sophomore punter Will Hagerup.

We know Stonum has multiple DUI's and the coaches have decided to redshirt him this year to get his life together:  "While it would be great to have Darryl on the field this season, we feel it is in his best interest and the best interest of our program for him to redshirt," Hoke said. "Darryl will continue to be an important part of our team and family. He has done everything we have asked him to do, but our number one priority is to help Darryl grow as a person."  With Stonum using a scholarship in 2012 now, I wonder if the 2012 class size is now down to 25 players instead of 26?

Terrance Robinson will be suspended for season opener and Will Hagerup will be suspended for 4 games, both players broke team rules. 

Here is my take:  This was the right decision for Michigan and Stonum.  I hope he gets everything together and has a great 5th year next year and heads to the NFL.    Not sure what T-Rob did but he really hasn't ever contributed on the field for the Wolverines.  

Now to Hagerup.............What is going on Big Fella?  You are a punter and now have been suspended for the 2010 Ohio State game and for the first 4 games of the year.  Get your off field stuff in order and keep booming punts in Michigan Stadium.

Hoke:    "In order to build a championship-caliber culture, you have to be accountable to each other on and off the field. There are expectations at the University of Michigan you must live up to." 

Many remember the disaster that was the Ohio State game punting and are worried about how Michigan will punt for the first 4 games of the year.  Well, don't worry too much (worry a little) but incoming kicker Matt Wile is a pretty good punter as well.  He punted in the Army All American game and averaged 41 yards per kick.   I can hear the coaches talking to him today:  "Matt welcome to practice you now have 2 starting positions!"  I hope this kid has a ton of confidence.

Recruiting Weekend Re-cap:

• Michigan wants another elite corner in the 2012 class and they have targeted two guys out East.  We know about Armani Reeves and the second one is 4 star CB from NJ, Yuri Wright.  I expect both players to visit Ann Arbor for a game this season and maybe announce after the season.  Yuri plans to announce at the Army All American game.

• 2013 Offensive line prospect from Wheaton, Illinois Kyle Bosch visited Ann Arbor on Sunday.

• John Beilein has offered another 2012 prospect, this latest offer goes out to 6'8 200 pound forward Marshall Wood from Lynchburg, VA.  

• For those wondering whatever happened to Demar Dorsey, he ended up at Grand Rapids Community College. 

Weekend Wolverine: What Happened to the Class of 2009 Quarterbacks?

Jump into the time machine with me for a minute. I know it's not a great time so we won't stay there too long.  

Michigan was coming off the disaster that was the 2008 season where we had two quarterbacks that didn't fit RR's offense and it looked like it. Watching Threet trying to run the spread option was tough to watch, so was watching Sheridan trying to hit open receivers.

Michigan could offer the top rated QB's in the country (2009 class) immediate playing time. Which was a strong selling point for them to come to Ann Arbor. 5 star Kevin Newsome attended the Michigan Spring Game at Saline High School and decided he wanted to be a Wolverine. Shortly after that Shavodrick Beaver a 4 star QB said he was coming to Ann Arbor as well.

Both held true to their commitment for a few months and then both jumped to other schools. Newsome picked Penn State and Beaver Tulsa. Which sent the Michigan coaches scrambling to fill the QB void now in the class. Tate Forcier who was very high on the Wolverines jumped on board, which still left one open spot as signing day approached.

Michigan did get a QB commitment on signing day that year and it happened to be Denard Robinson.

Now jump back out of the time machine to current time:

•  Tate Focier was thrown out of school at Michigan due to academics after a long search has settled at San Jose State in the WAC.

• Shavodrick Beaver just left Tulsa for Midwestern State due to academics and playing time.

• Kevin Newsome just announced he is planning to transfer from Penn State after trying to do so after last season.

• Denard Robinson is going into his Junior year after playing two years for the Wolverines (1 as a starter). He was briefly a Heisman Trophy candidate last year and won the Big Ten MVP award in 2010. He also set the 1 year NCAA record for rushing yardage from a QB.

The last guy Michigan picked up that year turns out to be the best all around kid. The guy that most schools wanted to play CB instead of QB. Well Done Denard!

Michigan Friday: Coaches Say No Thanks To a 5 Star Players Visit?

With only 5 spots left in this class, the Michigan coaches can target the players they want.   Twitter was "hot" yesterday with the information that 5 star DT Tommy Schutt (4 stars to Rivals) was ready to take a visit to Ann Arbor.   Tommy is rated the top player in Illinois and is 6'3 300 pounds.  His offer list includes Florida, ND, Penn State, Wisconsin, Miami and many others.

Tommy was also interested in ND but they filled their spot with Sheldon Day yesterday.  Then Twitter got "hot" again with the news that the Michigan coaches told him they didn't have any spots at DT left and it didn't make sense for him to visit. 

So why would the Michigan coaches turn down a visit from Schutt (assuming they did turn it down)?

• It could mean they really are only going to take 1 DT which they have told both Pipkins and O'Brien. 
• They feel confident they will get Pipkins or O'Brien.
• One is a silent commit (they both have said they are not).

It was clear from Pipkins that he still wants to take some more time to make a decision and Danny is getting a ton of calls asking if he is going to commit soon.  He wanted to make it clear he is not going to commit soon and is going to take 3 official visits.

My best guess is that they feel confident they will get either Pipkins or O'Brien.  I hope they know something I don't, becuase I don't see too much of a down side for Tommy taking a visit. 

• Jordan Diamond visited Mississippi this weekend and had a better time then he expected.

• Sione Houma is now a 3 star FB to Scouts.

• TomVH reports that Armani Reeves will put Michigan in his top 3:  I'm going to put [Michigan] in the top three. Just because I like them so much that I was willing to look into what they have to offer. Pretty much everything I said before that they have academics, the whole thing with Michigan. I haven't really thought about what's next or if I'll visit any time soon yet. I don't know when I'm going to make my final decision either, this kind of changes things a little bit.

• With Fairley out for awhile with a broken foot, the Lions signed Greg Banks from Michigan.

Big 10 Goes to 9 Conference Games in 2017

Three teams each from the Legends Division and Leaders Division will feature five conference home games during odd-numbered years, while the other three schools from each division will host five conference contests during even-numbered years. The 2017 schedule will include five conference home outings for Iowa, Michigan State and Nebraska from the Legends Division and Illinois, Indiana and Ohio State from the Leaders Division. The 2018 schedule will feature five Big Ten home games for Michigan, Minnesota and Northwestern of the Legends Division and Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin of the Leaders Division.

Michigan Thursday: 2012 Recruiting Starting to Get Clearer

Indianapolis 4 star DT Sheldon Day was high on Michigan early on in his recruitment.  Many thought he was primed for a commit, he delayed and Michigan continued to recruit him and other players.  Sheldon picked Notre Dame yesterday.   So he is officially off the board and now it's pretty clear it's Pipkins and O'Brien or bust at DT. 
The recruitment of Jordan Diamond is starting to take a different turn.  The longer his recruitment plays out the less and less a chance Jordan becomes a Wolverine.  Jordan's high school program prefers their kids don't commit early to any school, so they can continue to get more "exposure" for the program and other players on the team. Jordan is a 5 star player so he will have a number or options if Michigan's class fills up.  With 5 offensive lineman in this class and still a number of 5 star guys still considering Michigan, I am guessing Michigan is not pushing this recruitment as there were 3 months ago. 

Like I mentioned yesterday, Michigan re-opened it's recruitment of 4 star athlete/DB Armani Reeves, this could be the result of Terry Richardson taking visits or Michigan still wanting one more athlete in this class.

The recruitment of the Cincinnati teammates Dwayne Stanford and Adolphus Washington seems to be stalled.  Stanford has LSU #1 and many believe Washington will eventually head to Ohio State.

2013 RB/DB prospect  Dymonte Thomas tells his cousin Bri'onte Dunn on Facebook that if he (Dunn) signs with Michigan he will commit.

Ondre Pipkins tells Sam Webb after the BBQ:  "It was so fun, lots of fun meeting the recruits and seeing the Big House for the first time" 

"Seeing Michigan was way better then I expected"

His time table for a decision is still after the football season.

If I had to guess on Michigan's priority list for the next 5 spots, here is what I predict:

1. Ondre Pipkins
2. Danny O'Brien
3. WR (Payton or Darboh)
4. WR (Powe, Chesson, Madris)
5. OL, RB, DB  (Diamond, Dunn, Reeves, Morgan)

I think Michigan wants both Pipkins and O'Brien on the defensive line.  I also believe they want to take 2 WR's and they are recruiting 5 guys pretty hard.   Then I think the last spot could go a number of ways, if Dunn wants to come to Michigan it's his. Or there still could be a spot for Diamond or another 5/4 star OL that still list Michigan (Peat, Garnett, Banner or Bisnowaty).  

My gut is telling me the commit train could be slowing down with only a few spots left.  The only position Michigan could see a run on commits is WR, because there is some pressure to get at least one guy in and then we would see who would follow.

Wolverine Wednesday: Asks if Armani is a Good Fit For Michigan?

One of the things that I keep hearing on the recruiting trail is that Michigan is looking for another top DB in the 2012 class.  Which seems strange with the number of guys they have in the 2011 class and the couple in the 2012.

One of the guys that Michigan was on early but had kind of flamed out was Mass. Catholic Memorial cornerback Armani Reeves (4 star CB 5'11 185 pounds). The Michigan coaches wanted Armani to commit to Michigan early this past Spring, he wasn't ready and they both decided to see other people.  Armani put ND and Penn State in his top group and Michigan got a commit from Terry Richardson and Anthony Standifer.

The Michigan coaches have reached out to Armani again and have him re-thinking his top list of ND and PSU.  Armani is/was high on Michigan because of academics, tradition and ability to get on the field early.  I kind of had mixed feelings because I wished I could have avoided the way everything happened, but they've always been one of my favorites. There was happiness and relief in there too. Penn State and Notre Dame are my top two so this shakes things up a little bit. It changes my path. It makes me want to think about everything and how I like the school so much with the academics. My major is there and the campus is great and all the guys there are really cool.

• Sam Webb interviewed Ondre Pipkins, which should be up on the WTKA site today.

• There have been some rumors that Michigan is still alive in 5 star WR Stefon Diggs recruitment.   He is a talented young man but has some work to do in the classroom to qualify.  With still his senior year left it still could happen.

• Michigan's 2012 class is currently ranked #2 in the Country by Scouts.  Which is pretty consistent with the other services.

Michigan Tuesday: The Basketball Train Keep Rolling

This time of year, is usually reserved for Football Camp opening (less then a week away) and recruiting making decisions before their senior season starts.   Michigan has 22 players committed (including Clark the gray shirt) and it's the Michigan Basketball team that has gone back to back days with 2 commits to the 2013 class.  

Monday, 6'0 point guard from Harper Woods, Michigan - Chandler Park Academy Derrick Walton picked the Wolverines.  Derrick is obviously at instate product be another top 100 guy in the nation.  Rivals has him 88th.  DW averaged 24 points a game last year.  

Michigan now has 4 commits to the 2013 class which include:  PF Mark Donnal, SG Austin Hatch (who is recovering from a plane crash in Northern Michigan), SF Zak Irvin and now PG Derrick Harper.  

• TomVH catches up with WR Jehu Chesson who enjoyed his visit for the BBQ.  He also confirmed Michigan is looking to take two WR's in this class.

• OSU will wear Nike's new Pro Combat uniforms this year but this time against Wisconsin and not against Michigan.   The new uniforms include things like "thermoregulation" and "Deflex".  Let's hope Michigan's include things like winning and toughness.  

Michigan Monday: Wonders if there are any left over commits from the BBQ?

We now know that Chris Wormely thought the hot dogs and burgers at the Big House BBQ were too good to pass up and committed to the Wolverines on Sunday.   Michigan fans have wanted Chris to commit for some time now, so it was a good feeling to have him in this class. 

The big question is who is next?  Michigan has 5 spots left in this class and still with some needs.   The largest outstanding need is DT.  The coaches keep saying they will only take 1, I believe they will take 2.   Those two are Ondre Pipkins and Danny O'Brien.  

Ondre's father lives in Michigan (Ondre lives in Missouri) and from what I have heard Ondre is still in the Great Lake State and might make it back to Ann Arbor for another visit real soon.   Sunday was his first visit and some insiders that spoke to him feel like he might have been a bit over whelmed with the day and was just trying to take everything in.   The Michigan fans were hoping for a BBQ commit from Ondre which didn't happen.  Will it happen this week?  We have to wait and see.   I would like Ondre to do what Kalis did, visit take a few days to think about it and discuss with his family.   Come back to Ann Arbor spend some 1 on 1 time with the coaches and then make his decision.

Danny O is his nickname and he had another good visit to A2 for the BBQ.  I'm going to think about my comfort level this week and where I'm at with everything. I have a top six of Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Michigan State, and Iowa right now. I'm going to cut that down to three and then take official visits to those schools. I know Michigan said they're only taking one defensive tackle, but if they want to take two I will still consider them if someone commits before me.

I believe if both Ondre and Danny want to become Wolverines, the coaches will take both.

WR is the other need in this class and there wasn't much movement on that recruitment on Sunday with Cincinnati Madris not making it to the BBQ.   St. Louis WR Jehu Chesson visited Ann Arbor this week and so did Iowa WR Amara Darboh.  Michigan seems to be in pretty good shape with all these guys and it will be a race to who commits first.   If I had to predict a winner in this race, I think the quickest commit could come from Monty Madris.

Bri'onte Dunn enjoyed his visit up for the BBQ but I think there still needs to be some thinking for him to leave Columbus.  Having the NCAA hit them hard this Fall after their meeting in August would be huge.

Michigan also made up some ground with  some 2013 recruits at the BBQ including; OL Steve Elmer, LB Jonny Reschke, RB Ty Isaac, DE Wyatt Shallman and athlete RB/DB Dymonte Thomas.

Fall camp opens in a week, so the coaches really only have this week to spend quality time with the recruits.  After that some recruits might want to attend practice to see what how the coaches really coach.  

With only 5 spots left, I would assume many players feel like they need to make a decision sooner rather then later.

• BTW:  Jordan Diamond is visiting Iowa today.