Wolverine Wednesday: Is Clearly Running Out of Content

• New England South?  Tom is trying to get the band back together in Tampa for a Farewell Tour.   I wonder if Randy Moss got a call?  

• CBS latest NBA Draft Rankings doesn't have Livers in the top 75 players.   I think there is a high probability he is back.

• Michigan is looking at grad transfer Justin Kier from George Mason. He is a 6'4 guard and considering the likes of Michigan, Georgetown, NC State, Georiga, Minnesota, and Arkansas.  He averaged over 14 points per game at George Mason. 

• It will be nice to see more sports related content tomorrow when the NFL Virtual Draft takes the stage. 

• Tarik Black tweeted he might wear the #0, he has yet to announce his new team.   With the loss of DPJ, I wish he would come back and get on the same page with Jimmy and Gattis.  

• UConn's AD doesn't believe there will be any fall sports.  Of course he doesn't, who would want to watch UConn football? 

Wolverine Wednesday: Asks What Now?

There are really two parts to this question in my mind, this year and next.

This year is pretty clear, the games against Nebraska, Northwestern and Iowa are now must wins.   Nebraska and Northwestern are struggling like Michigan and Iowa continues to rebuild.    I think we all are resigned that OSU is not a winnable game for the Wolverines.  9-3 isn't terrible but it isn't great either.  The big discussion that OSU and Michigan would play in back to back games never happened.  Be prepared for anything at this point, from Michigan winning their next 3 games to losing the next 4.  This week will be key to see where the players head is at.

Next Year:

Brian at Mgoblog took this question from his mailbag, so I will steal a piece of his good work.

We look to be good on defense: 

That will not be the case on next year's defense. A projected starting lineup:

• DL: Clark (Sr), Beyer (Sr), Pipkins (Jr), Henry (Rs So)
• LB: Morgan (Sr), Ross (Jr), Ryan(Sr)
• DB: Countess (Rs Jr), Taylor (Sr), Wilson (Jr), J. Clark (Rs So)

The situation on offense is much more frightening. Michigan hasn't been able to move snap one away from Fitzgerald Toussaint, which is an indictment of Michigan's recruiting or development or both there. Michigan hasn't had a QB who wasn't massively turnover prone since Borges arrived, and there are zero seniors on next year's OL. Does a starting line of Magnuson-Bosch-Glasgow-Kalis-Braden featuring four sophomores and a junior who is a former walk-on entice? No.

The problem as Brian points out earlier in his post, is the 2010 recruiting class was a disaster.  Do you remember that one, let me remind you:

Still around: Richard Ash, Courtney Avery, Jibreel Black, Drew Dileo, Devin Gardner, Jordan Paskorz, Jake Ryan, Jeremy Jackson, Will Hagerup (sort of)

Transferred out : Ricardo Miller, Cullen Christian, Marvin Robinson, Carvin Johnson, Jerald Robinson, Ray Vinopal

Left due to academics : Demar Dorsey, Antonio Kinard, Austin White, Davion Rogers, Conelius Jones

Left due to injury: Terry & Terrance Talbott

Left due to football not working for them: Ken Wilkins, DJ Williamson, Stephen Hopkins, Christian Pace

That is one dumpster fire of a recruiting class, who would be seniors this year.    The ghost of Rich Rod still haunts this program. 

The 2011 class wasn't much better when David Brandon let Rich Rod coach the bowl game, missed out on Jim Harbaugh, and gave Hoke 3 weeks to recruit.    Since Michigan got rolled in the Gator Bowl, I'm guessing that wasn't one of this best decisions as AD. 

The bottom line is Michigan is in a hole that is going to be difficult to dig out.  I'm sure Big Al and Brady reminds David Brandon that every time he walks into the video room to watch tape with both of them.   Next years schedule has ND, Michigan State, Northwestern and Ohio State on the road. 
(Side note: how in the hell is Michigan playing back to back games in East Lansing?  I know they had to change the schedule and conferences - but at least play that game at Ford Field if they can't have it Ann Arbor - Michigan also travels to NW again next year).

As much as we all want Big Al to hit the bricks, he probably won't be fired unless Michigan goes 0-4  and ends up in the Pizza Pizza Bowl with a .500 record.  We are looking for Big Al to turn around the offense like GMat did with the defense.  I think we all know that is not happening, he is no Greg Mattison.

We have at least a couple years of bumpy road, with the hopes that Share Morris is pretty good.

There has been a ton of good work after Saturday's train wreck.   Here is a poster on Mgoblog's board, that researched Brandon's Red Letter games he spoke about at Hoke's hiring and how he has done to date:

2011
Notre Dame (home) – W
Michigan St. (road) – L
Iowa (road) – L
Nebraska (home) – W
Ohio St. (home) – W
Virginia Tech (bowl – neutral site) – W
Total in “red-letter games”: 4-2

2012
Alabama (neutral) – L
Notre Dame (road) – L
Michigan St. (home) – W
Nebraska (road) – L
Iowa (home) – W
Ohio St. (road) – L
S. Carolina (bowl - neutral) – L
Total in “red-letter games”: 2-5

2013
Notre Dame (home) – W
Penn St. (road) – L
Michigan St. (road) – L
Nebraska (home) – TBD
Iowa (road) – TBD
Ohio St. (home) – TBD
Bowl – TBD
Total in “red-letter games”: 1-2, with four such games remaining


Brady Hoke in “red-letter” games to date:
Home: 6-0
Road: 0-7
Neutral site: 1-2
Total: 7-9

Draw you own conclusions on Hoke's  Red Letter record.   (not sure I agree with Iowa being on the list)

Michigan Friday: Has News of All Sorts

• Heading to Comedy Central?  2011 DL recruit Chris Rock is no longer on the Michigan Football Team.  Chris was a "project" when he came to Michigan last year.   He was recruited by the likes of ND and others during his Junior year mostly due to his upside at 6'5 250 pounds.  He had a very lackluster senior year and pretty much ended up a 3 star recruit across the board.  He was not seeing any playing time and wasn't a factor during Spring Ball.   This will have zero impact on the Wolverines this year and gives them more flexibility for the 2013 recruiting class.

• Michigan has another Preferred Walk-On for the 2012 season:  Chris Maye a track star from Union City, Michigan.  He will compete at DB and was the #1 track recruit in the state and turned down track scholarships to play football at Michigan.   It's always nice to have speed on the team. 

• Treadwell getting closer to a decision.  Scouts Sam Webb is saying that Laquon Treadwell one of the best WR's in the country is getting closer to a decision.   His timeline lately had been take all his visits and then make a decision during his senior year.   Now, he is planning a visit to Ann Arbor during the next two weeks and is looking to make a decision sooner rather then later.   We all know Michigan has only one spot left at WR in this class.

• MSU WR and former Tennessee WR DeAnthony Arnett is eligible to play this year after receiving a hardship waiver for being closer to his ailing father.  

• Kenton Gibbs a DT from Cass Tech committed to Illinois this week but still plans on taking visits to other schools.  He is still planning on attending Michigan's football camp with the goal of getting an offer.   I am pretty sure he would flip to the Wolverines if he receives an offer.

• Alvin Bailey from Florida is one of the top athletes in the 2013 class received a Michigan offer this week.  He is 5'11 and 175 pounds.  Alvin is a 4 star recruit to ESPN.

Arnett To Get His Full Release

Per Bruce Feldman, Dooley is going to give DeAnthony Arnett his full release including Michigan and MSU. 

Congratulations to DeAnthony and good health to his family. 

Michigan Monday: In The Big Easy

Made it to New Orleans last night looking forward to some site seeing and the game on Tuesday.   Seeing a lot of Maize and Blue down here right now. 

Here are some news and notes from the holiday weekend:

• Jarrod Wilson, Joe Bolden and Kaleb Ringer are all enrolled at Michigan for the Winter term.  Congratulations to all 3!  Joe is also making news at the UA All American Game practices:  Per Tom Luginbill's Twitter: "ILB Joe Bolden is a PLAYER. Can't teach instincts and he has 'em."

• Josh Garnett is having fun with the media at the UA game, he is wearing Michigan and Standford gear off and one.

• Juri Wright "might" announce at the Army game which would mean bad news for the Wolverines, since he hasn't visited yer.  Let's hope that's not the case.

• The recruiting quiet period is still in effect until 1/3.

• Dooley is taking a huge PR hit for the Arnett situation, most national college football analysts have chimed in on how poorly he has handled this situation.  The rumor mill is saying that Arnett prefers Michigan but needs a scholarship, he also has to spend at least 1 year at UT before he is able to qualify for a hardship waiver.  The plan is for him to take online classes at UT, which they hope will qualify for being at UT for 1 year.

• I was a surprised to learn that Barwis didn't follow RR to Arizona.  I guess he is pretty happy running his business.  He will train Mike Martin, Ryan VB, Kevin Koger, and Steve Watson for the NFL Draft. 

• The team had a 9:30 curfew on New Years Eve and took a paddle boat ride before that.  Fun times!

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.

  

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: 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 Tuesday: Brings Lots of News

After a slow week or so the Wolverine news train seems to be running at high speeds the last 10 hours or so.

News Maker #1: Brady Hoke Gets His FB
Surprise Utah FB Sione Houma become Michigan's 20th commit to the 2012 class yesterday.  Houma is a 6'0 211 pound FB who ran for 1,211 yards and 9 touchdowns last year.    To say he is under the radar would be putting it lightly, he is not rated on Rivals,ESPN or 24/7 and is 2 stars to Scouts.  

His offer list included Utah, Utah State and Washington.

My take:  The coaches wanted a FB in this class and now they got one.  I will trust the coaches with this one but with now only 6 spots left at max, I sure hope have room for the impact guys Michigan is still in on.    I would have felt much better about this commitment last Spring.   Either way it's another player the coaching staff targeted and got.


#2:  Jones, Jones and Pace are officially off the roster.  
The Michigan Athletic Department confirmed that Kellen Jones is no longer enrolled at Michigan and both Teric Jones and Christian Pace careers are over due to injury.  

My take:  Losing Kellen and Christian are the biggest blows to future playing time.  Christian was the only offensive lineman in the 2010 class and there was high hopes for Kellen to maybe even play this year.    Look for Poole to take advantage of Kellen's departure.   Side Note: With Christian Pace is now gone, Cullen Christan left a few months ago for Pitt, should freshman basketball player Colton Christian be concerned?  :)

#3:  Michigan 2012 class ranks #2 on Rivals.
What a compliment to Brady Hoke and Staff.  To be able to recruit this well after being on the job for 7 months is pretty incredible. 

#4 Kyle Kalis and his OSU recruitment
Some people have speculated that with recent news from the NCAA that OSU won't face the "failure to monitor" penalty that Kyle would head back to Columbus.  Kyle said this:  Despite all the speculation about the limited sanctions that Ohio State will receive, I've grown to love Michigan too much to ever consider going back. I'm excited to get up there next season and to start what I know is going to be a new chapter in Michigan history, and with the amazing class that my head coach Brady Hoke is putting together.

My take: Love this kid! If you want to worry about a kid, I think our chances with Dunn probably dropped a few points, but if we can still get him up for the BBQ, I think we have a punchers chance at landing him.

Also don't forget that OSU could be found guilty of being a double offender which carries a big penalty as well.

Update:  It seems DT Terry Talbott career might also be over due to a back problem.  Terry is the brother of DB Terrance.   If you remeber Terry all most went to North Carolina on signing day but stayed with Michigan. 

If you wondered how Michigan had 26 spots in the 2012 class, these injuries are the reason.

Michigan Walk On Switch

As you might remember back earlier this year Michigan and OSU were in pursuit of a walk on offensive line prospect from IL named Graham Glasgow.  He picked OSU and that was that.  I guess it wasn't it.  
Graham showed up on Michigan's Media guide roster as a walk-on.  What happened here?  TomVH reports he changed his mind back in June and nobody seemed to have picked up on it.   What a great pick up for the Wolverines, this young man is 6'6 316 pounds.  The reason he wasn't highly recruited was because he was more of a basketball player then football.  He decided he wanted to play football and a number of big programs were looking at him as a walk on prospect.   He has strong academics and could be a nice addition to the offensive line in future years. 

(I guess this would be a reverse Justin Boren, who left Michigan to walk on to Ohio State)

Other Michigan Walk On info:

• Gary Yarden's commitment was highlighted here in a former (small) post.
• Joey Kerridge is a FB walk on from Traverse City.  He is 6'0 239 pounds.  Since Michigan is looking for a true FB Joey might have a great chance to see the field faster then some of the other walk-ons.
• Dallas Williams played at Huron and is 6'3 312 pounds but I really don't have much more information on him.  He did have 3 tackles in the Pioneer game this year.

Wolverine Weekend Update: The Numbers Game

The new Michigan Media guide just came out and incoming freshman have numbers and there are a few guys missing from the roster.  The missing guys make are the ones making the most news:
#1 Hot Topic is Kellen Jones:  Is/was an incoming freshman that isn't on the roster.  He was a 4 star LB to Scouts and 3 Stars to Rivals in the 2011 class.  There are plenty of message board rumors flying around, which we hope are not true.  Kellen was very high on the Wolverines and is considered a nice LB prospect.  He was very excited to be a Wolverine.

#2 Christian Pace: Was a 2010 class center recruit from Avon Lakes, Ohio.  He red shirted last year due to Molk and a number of rumored injuries.  I expect that his injuries continue to be a major issue and he needs to take this year off or his football career might be in jeopardy. (again just speculation)

5th Year Guys Not on the Roster:  (all were expected)  Michael Williams, John Ferrara, Zac Ciullo, and Kevin Leach.   Good luck gentlemen!

Freshman Numbers:  (HT Mgoblog)

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	State
3	Russell Bellomy	QB	6'3	178	TX
5	Justice Hayes	RB	5'10	175	MI
8	Blake Countess	DB	5'10	175	MD
20	Tamani Carter	DB	5'11	175	OH
21	Raymon Taylor	DB	5'10	170	MI
24	Delonte Hollowell	DB	5'9	170	MI
35	Greg Brown	CB	5'10	180	OH
36	Joe Kerridge#	FB	6'0	239	MI
38	Thomas Rawls	RB	5'10	220	MI
40	Antonio Poole	LB	6'2	210	OH
44	Desmond Morgan	LB	6'1	225	MI
45	Matt Wile	K	6'2	210	CA
57	Frank Clark	LB	6'2	210	OH
58	Chris Bryant	OL	6'4	330	IL
60	Jack Miller	OL	6'4	268	OH
61	Graham Glasgow#	OL	6'6	316	IL
62	Dallas Williams#	OL	6'3	312	MI
71	Gary Yerden#	OL	6'5	328	MI
79	Tony Posada	OL	6'4	330	FL
82	Chris Barnett	TE	6'5	250	TX
92	Keith Heitzman	DE	6'3	237	OH
95	Chris Rock	DE	6'5	250	OH
97	Brennen Beyer	DE	6'3	225	MI

#walk on

Number Changes:

Name	Pos.	Was	Now
Josh Furman	S	6	14
Jack Kennedy	QB	25	14
J.T. Floyd	CB	12	18
Thomas Gordon	S	15	30
Isaiah Bell	LB	26	34
Terrence Talbott	CB	22	37
Marell Evans	LB	9	51
Ricky Barnum	OL	56	52
Brandon Moore	TE	88	89

 I am doing research on the walk ons and will post on Monday.  Dallas played for Huron last year.

Michigan Tuesday: Thinks About the 2011 Class

With all the fan fare around the 2012 class which is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, we start to forget about the 2011 class that is either on campus already and will be there shortly.  

Here is my take on who from that class might contribute this year:

Best Chance:

• CB Greg Brown: The biggest reason is that he has been enrolled since January and preformed well in the Spring Game.  He has a shot to get on the field early and mostly if Michigan's DB's are not 100% healthy at the start of the season.  Also look for him in Nickel formations.

• Kicker Matt Wile:  The job is his if he kicks well in Fall Camp.  This is a similar situation to last year when Punter Will Hagerup got to campus. 

Outside Chance:

If your not going to contribute on offense or defense, it's hard to blow a redshirt on a guy just playing special teams.   Here are some guys that have a chance to contribute if they preform well or there are injuries ahead of them on the depth chart.

• CB Blake Countness: He was highly rated and if he is that good he could see the field pretty early.  Though we saw Cullen Christian flame out and he was in a similar position.   So I would rather seem him redshirt if he can.

• RB Justice Hayes:  Will there be Justice in 2011?  Michigan's RB situation is a mess with no clear leader in the club house.  There are plenty of candidates but it there a Mike Hart?  Justice is a versatile running back and could play WR or return kicks as well.

• OLB Antiono Poole:  Many thought Poole was the best player in the Big 33 All Star game this summer.  If he is that good he could play right away.  Many said the same thing about Jibreel Black last summer and he got a lot of time at DE in 2010.

Probably a redshirt but could happen:

• TE Chris Barnett:  Seniors in front of him but if he is a play maker, count him in.
• DE Brennen Beyer: Could he move to FB?  He also played TE in high school.  I could see him in on 3rd down and catching some short routes for first downs from the FB position.
• DB Delonte Hollowell:  Injuries or poor play could get him in there.
• LB Desmond Morgan: Could also move to FB to play right away.
• RB Thomas Rawls: was supposed to be the steal of the Midwest and a talented young man.  The only reason he was 3 stars was because he had some academic issues.  He qualified and could he be the next Mike Hart? 

I think the rest of the class is pretty much guaranteed to redshirt.  Did I miss anyone you think will contribute in this year?

Michigan Friday: For Whom The Bellomy Tolls

In early January, Michigan's depth at QB took a hit when Tate Forcier was asked to leave the program.   That left only 2 scholarship QB's on the roster, Denard and Devin. 

Fast forward to June and there has been a lot of excitement about the 2013 commitment of Michigan QB Shane Morris and the 2012 recruitments of Gunner Kiel and Zeke Pike (before he verballed to Auburn).   The forgotten man in all this QB hype is Michigan's one and only QB in the 2011 class, Russell Bellomy.

Russell is a 6'3 185 QB out of Texas that decided to make a late switch from the Boilermakers to the Wolverines before signing day.  Some have titled this move a "Roy Roundtree".

“I have no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision (in decommitting to Michigan), Bellomy told GoBlueWolverine. “It’s always hard doing that to people you’ve been committed to for almost half a year; but it’s a business and I have no regrets now. I’ll shake their hand on the field and hopefully they’ll shake mine back. I just feel 100% sure that I made the right decision and I cannot wait to take advantage of it. It seems to be working out pretty good for him Roundtree (laughing).”


Russell is a talented QB that could use a couple more pounds and some time in the weight room but did have a successful junior and senior year in high school.   During his junior season he threw for 1,546 yards, 13 TD's and 3 picks.  He also ran for 434 more yards and 6 more TD's.  He had a comparable senior year with 1,564 yards through the air, 804 on the ground and 24 total touchdowns (15 passing - 9 running).


Russell expects to compete for a spot behind Denard and Devin when camp opens.  “They told me I’m looking at competing for third string, and that might be a traveling redshirt job, and that it may turn into a regular third string job maybe get some playing time. I’m up for anything, nothing’s promised and I love to compete. If I get some playing time I’ll make the most of it, and if I don’t I’ll make the most of it when I do get some playing time.”

Looks like most of the 2011 class will be on campus in the next two weeks or so.  Russell will be rooming with fellow freshman Desmond Morgan. 

Other News:

• More Traffic Trouble For Darryl Stonum:  Darryl was sentenced this morning to two years probation, one year of a suspended jail term for his second DUI arrest.   Earlier this morning he was ticketed for driving with a suspended license.   Which might be the last straw in his Michigan Football career.   Since he is a senior let him get his degree and move on with his life.  

• Tonight Michigan's ND "throw back" Jerseys will be reveled.  If your not into surprises and want to wonder out loud: what is Adidas thinking? Look below. BTW:  I think those should be re-titled "Throw Aways".   I have seen a lot of photos from past Michigan teams, I don't recall ever seeing anything close to the pajamas below.   

HT: Mgoblog

Michigan Friday: Loses a Christian and a Morris

I was going with the headline:  Michigan loses a Christian and a Savior but I thought that was a bit too much on a holiday weekend.  :)

Let's get to the basketball news first.  Darius Morris has decided to enter the NBA Draft and not hire an agent.  That means he has until May 8th to pull his name out of the draft.  If he hires an agent before then, he will not be allowed to change his mind and come back to Ann Arbor.

I would now say the odds of Darius coming back as pretty slim.  I'm not an NBA expert but here is what I have been hearing. 

Reasons for Darius to go:  Some have used the words "terrible" to describe this NBA draft.  Many big time players from schools like Baylor, OSU and North Carolina have decided to stay in school.  Which makes this draft pretty light on big names.  If that is the case, Darius might be considered a "better" prospects this year over other years.

Reasons for Darius to stay:  He still needs to work on his game.  He is lacking a perimeter jump shot and could use another year of college basketball.  There is also a strong possibility of an NBA lock out and one  reason some players are electing to stay in school.   Many are predicting this lockout could be worse then the NFL's and continue long into the season.  

That's a difficult decision for Darius and wish him luck either way. 

Like we mentioned yesterday, Cullen Christian has elected to play his football elsewhere.   Here are some quotes from SuperPreps:   "Coach (Brady) Hoke is a great guy and I have no issues with him at all," Christian told Superprep.com. "I had meetings with my other coaches and I just didn't like the direction that they had me going in. I think it is best that I move on and finish my career elsewhere."

"I thought I did pretty well in spring ball and as far as production goes; I did very well," Christian told the website. "I hurt my back and wasn't able to perform in one scrimmage and the spring game, and that set me back a little bit."


"I came here to be a part of something big and it has all fallen apart," he told the website. "Part of you feels like you failed, while another part of you wants to go prove them they were wrong. I need to move on now and do what is best for me."


I personally had high hopes for Cullen at Michigan.  I thought with his skill set he could come in and play right away.  Freshman did play last year but Cullen didn't get a lot of time.  Avery and Talbott got much more playing time at corner over Cullen.  

Michigan is getting back Woolfolk and Floyd starters in defensive backfield this year and true freshman Greg Brown who enrolled early played pretty well in the Spring Game.    Not to mention the guys that will be here this summer which include: Delonte Hollowell, Blake Countness, Tamani Carter and Raymon Taylor.   I also believe Avery is going to be an NFL prospect after his senior year. 

If you add all those things up, it pretty much equals a transfer.  Good Luck CC, I wish you luck at your next school. 

Michigan Thursday: A Wolverine at Augusta National

Rarely do we get a chance to cheer for a Wolverine at the Masters.  Even if your not a golf fan, this week you can support Lion Kim a U of M golfer that will be one of six amateurs in the field today at Augusta National.  Lion earned the invite by winning the 85th U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship last summer.  "Obviously, I'm extremely excited," said Kim, who ranks second all time at U-M with a career scoring average of 73.30 strokes per round. "I feel my game is at a good place right now and I'm getting to where I can compete at The Masters. It's exciting but it's also pretty nerve-wracking to know that you're playing on the biggest stage in golf."  Lion is playing with Davis Love and José María Olazábal today.

If your a golf fan you don't need another reason to watch the Masters.  If your not, please tune in and support Lion and maybe you can see why so many of us love this sport.   Augusta National is a special place and I got chance to be at the tournament 3 years ago.  It's a perfect golf course and that pretty much sums it up. 

On a side note:  Maybe this is the guy RR kept talking about when he kept referencing the Lion King movie? :)  Good Luck Lion and Go Blue!

• From a good news to sad news:  The Michigan Men community lost a member yesterday, with the passing of Vada Murray to his fight to cancer.   Vada as you know was a Wolverine Safety from 1988-1990 and then a Ann Arbor Policeman after he graduated.  RIP Michigan Man, RIP.

• The Michigan Hockey Team is in the Frozen 4 Tonight.  Go Blue!

• Michigan Football Walk On News:  Michigan has added a new offensive line recruit for the 2011 class.  Gary Yerden has accepted a invitation to be a preferred walk-on at Michigan.  Gary is a 6'6 330 pound offensive lineman with only one year of football under his belt at Portage Northern.  Gary has a high upside with his lack of football experience but guess what?  The kid is strong!  He is the 3 time State Champion in weightlifting by dead lifting a state record 630 pounds.  Wow! Sounds like a great pick up.

• ESPN is saying Michigan's Basketball preseason ranking should be #16.  I would agree if Darius Morris stays in Ann Arbor.   

• TomVH has an interview up with 2012 TE prospect Evan Baylis.

Wolverine Wednesday: Predicts a new Basketball Commit Maybe On Its Way

Wouldn't it be strange if the Crisler, Ross, or Glick had a family member that was a division 1 basketball prospect that ended up playing at another Big Ten School?  I guess the closet thing Michigan has to that situation is Glen Rice, Jr. playing at Georgia Tech. 

The Michigan Basketball program seems to have a very good shot of landing a 2011 class forward prospect out of Illinois named Max Bielfeldt, whose last name is on the Athletic Office Building of the University of Illinois.   Max is a 6'8 220 pound forward that has averaged 24 points a game, 12 boards and 5 blocks this year.

Here is ESPN's take on Max:

Strengths:

This strong high energy power forward never takes a possession off. Bielfeldt runs the floor on a consistent basis and simply out works opposing post for easy baskets. In the low post he scores with good touch and crafty moves. Bielfeldt is a below the rim finisher that can also face and knock down mid range and open three with needed time and space. He can drive from the high post as well. Bielfeldt is a good passer and active rebounder on both ends. He could be affective in both pick and pop or role situations. Bielfeldt won't wow you with athletic ability but will with his consistent production.

Max was just offered a couple weeks ago by John Beilein and his final two schools are Illinois and Michigan.  Max is expected to take an official visit to Ann Arbor this week (maybe to watch practice) and the win over Illinois in the BTT probably didn't hurt either.   What makes me so confident that Max will choose the Wolverines over his families legacy at Illinois?

It seems Illinois has accepted a point guard transfer from Bradley which takes the last scholarship spot on the team.  Max has an offer to walk on if he likes.  Michigan now is his largest offer for the 2011 class but teams like Florida, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Nebraska, Tulane and Butler are showing interest in this young man.

Let's hope John Beilein can lock Max down on his visit and the Wolverines can take the momentum to the tournament and get a win over Tennessee.  

Michigan Friday: Wonders What You Do on Senior Day Without Any Seniors?

The only seniors on the floor in Crisler Arena on Saturday will be those wearing Green and White, Michigan only has juniors.   Let's hope the Wolverines give the Spartans seniors a going away loss.  I know the Maize and Blue faithful are feeling pretty good about this one, but let's hope the young Wolverines play loose, play great defensive, and shoot well from outside.  If you remember, the roles were reversed back in East Lansing about a month ago and Michigan got out of there with a win.  Be careful with a desperate and talented Spartan team. 

With that said, Go Blue and let's get the W!

• 2011 prospect basketball Max Bielfeldt will not make it up this weekend for his official visit.  He wants to wait and visit Ann Arbor again when he isn't distracted by playoffs and can spend more time with the coaches and players.

Thought for the day:  In two years will either team in this years BCS National Championship game be  eligible to win the game?  NCAA is now looking at the Ducks for a $25K recruiting fee that they paid. 

Michigan Thursday: Basketball Tries to Fill It's last 2011 Spot

John Beilein's squad has an important game on Saturday against the Spartans and then next week in the Big Ten Tournament.   The goal is very clear but the coaches can't forget they still have a scholarship left for the 2011 class.   The coaches really have 3 options: 

#1: 6-8, 240-pound forward from Illinois, Max Bielfeldt who is averaging 24 points a game and got an offer for Michigan's last scholarship spot yesterday.   Max also received an Illinois scholarship offer and is trying to weigh his two options.   Max is in the middle of basketball playoffs but may make it up to Ann Arbor for the State game on Saturday.  A sold out Crisler, an instate rival, the new basketball facility, Michigan playing it's best basketball of the season and the upgrades planned for Crisler should impress this young man.

#2: 6'7, (another former son of an NBA player ) Larry Nance, Jr.  Larry is averaging 18 points a game and 10 boards.   Larry doesn't have any other offers and might be a walk on candidate if Max takes the final spot in the 2011 class.  Update: Coach B was out to see Larry play on Tuesday night.  Wake Forest has also shown some interest in Larry as well.

#3: Sim Bhullar is the 7'4 Andre the Giant player, that we profiled yesterday.  Sim has enough credits to graduate in the 2011 class.  I have heard that John Beilein would prefer him in the 2012 class.  Probably would be good for the young man to get another year of HS basketball.

Football Recruiting

• Sam Webb does his Thursday thing on Ohio DL Tom Strobel.

• TomVH catches up with the Good Counsel Head Football Coach who could have 7 prospects that Michigan might be interested in for the 2012 and 2013 classes.

• Colorado OL Shane Callahan is planning a visit to Ann Arbor this Spring.

• Michigan still doesn't have a verbal commitment for the 2012 class.  Could the first one be, Clayton, Ohio Northmont LB, Kaleb Ringer?

Michigan Interested in a Late Bloomer for the 2011 Class?

Recruiting is a strange business.  A couple of rules:

#1: Your junior year is the most important. 
#2: Make sure you have a highlight reel on YouTube
#3: Make sure you go to summer combines/7 on 7's and talk to Scouts and Rivals often.

Ok, so what happens to guys that don't do those things and have a great senior year?  Sometimes they fall through the cracks and don't get a scholarship offer.   I have to imagine there are plenty of guys like that.  Most of them walk-on to a program or play in a lower division. 

Graham Glasgow from Aurora, Illinois could be one of those kids that fell through the cracks or was a late bloomer.  Graham is 6'7 295 pounds offensive tackle that didn't start playing football until his senior year.  He played basketball.   Now he is starting to get interest from a number of schools including Minnesota, Ohio State, and Michigan.  He was a starter at tackle for a team that was the runner up for the state championship.

Ohio State was out to see one of his basketball games and has asked him to visit Columbus.   He visited Minnesota a couple of weeks ago and now he will be visiting Ann Arbor this weekend.  Graham's OL coach is former Wolverine Kurt Becker and Kurt feels that Graham could easily be a starter in the Big Ten.   Ohio State is offering him as a preferred walk-on.  Michigan might as well, but the Wolverines have two scholarships in their back pocket and could offer this young man if they like what they see.

A sleeper?  Graham does not have any offers and is not rated by either Rivals or Scouts.  Chris Pool from ESPN seems very high on the kid.

Michigan Friday: Wolverines in the Super Bowl and Other Michigan News

It's hard to believe that this is the last football game of the season.  It seems like Michigan and UConn just kicked off a few weeks ago.  Wow, a lot of things have changed since that game.   It's hard to believe that Denard Robinson was a Heisman leader for a few weeks and then ends up winning the Big Ten MVP award.   Rich Rod is currently un-employed with a $2.5M check and living in Saline and Brady Hoke is now in charge of the Wolverines program.  Yes, things have changed in Wolverine land. 

So on to the game this weekend.  For Wolverines fans, there are 6 players and coaches that have Michigan ties playing in this game.  On Green Bay, of course there is our Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson and DL coach Mike Trgovac (who was my initial pick for DC at Michigan - I am very happy at the Mattison pick up).  On Pittsburgh, there are of course LaMarr Woodley and inside linebacker Larry Foote and safety Ryan Mundy who also played a year for RR at WVU.  Harold Goodwin is also the offensive line coach for the Steelers.


So who do you have?   I am sure some of you are Steelers fans and others are Green Bay fans.  I'm not a fan of either team, but I will be pulling for Green Bay on Sunday and the only reason is Charles Woodson.   Chuck got to a Super Bowl early in his career but this is probably his last shot.   He is one of the greatest Wolverines of all time and donates a ton of money each year to Motts Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor.   I want Charles Woodson to get his ring.  Having a National Championship, a Super Bowl win, a Heisman Trophy, and a NFL Defensive Player of the Year award  is a pretty good career.  In fact, I'm not sure how it could be any better.

Woodley and Foote already have their Super Bowl rings.  It's time for Woodson to get one.

Something to think about:  The last time Green Bay was in the Super Bowl, Who was the MVP of the game?  Michigan's other Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard.  

• I didn't know TE Chris Barnett very well before he visited Michigan last weekend but this kid has made a big impression on me and other Michigan fans.  This kid was recruited by pretty much every major program in the country and picked the Wolverines on signing day.  Here is an article from Dallas:  "You have to really try to be the best at everything," Barnett said. "If you're going to brush your teeth, you have to be the best at brushing your teeth.  "If you're a true athlete, and you really want to go out and push yourself and be the best that you can be as a football player, a student, and as a man and eventually as a family person, they're going to teach you how to be that."    "I don't think I could be any happier right now," he said.

• There has been some buzz that Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison didn't hire Corwin Brown for the DB coaches.  Corwin reportedly petitioned for the job and was turned down.  Some of Michigan's former players felt that Corwin might have been disrespected by Michigan by not discussing the job with him and then hiring Curt Mallory.   I thought Corwin was qualified for the job and would have been a good fit. But, maybe Brady and Greg thought Curt would be better.   Corwin replaced Greg as the DC at ND so maybe there is some history there.   Either way, it's too bad but this shouldn't be played out in the media.

• Attention Grey Shirts in the SEC (specifically Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, LSU).  If your a linebacker, offensive lineman, or a defensive tackle and your coach is asking you to take a Gray Shirt.  Tell him, no thanks and call Brady Hoke at Michigan.  The Wolverines have 2 available scholarships in this year class and we could use a some good players at the for mentioned positions.  Come to Ann Arbor - our helmets have wings! This also goes for USC or Tennessee players who might be caught in the NCAA wave that is Lane Kiffin.

• Bob Griese is retiring from broadcasting.  Good luck to him.

• Iowa Football - Can someone explain to me how they didn't lose one recruit and were able to add a couple high profile players?  What are these parents thinking?  High profile players were arrested for running a "Drug House" (some of those charges were dropped) and 12 kids were sent to the hospital for getting overworked by the S&C guy in a program that they have run for years.     

• Speaking of Lane Kiffin, he is something isn't he?  Fanhouse is reporting that the NCAA will be coming down on Tennessee and Lane for past recruiting violations. With that said, let's discuss the first USC NCAA penalties when Lane was on staff.   I guess they are  accepting certain penalties by the NCAA (like not going to a Bowl Game) and not others while they appeal their ruling.  USC signed 25 guys to this years class when they were supposed to be only signing 15 players for 3 years.  The recruiting ban has been "suspended" until a verdict is reached on their appeal.   If the new Tennessee charges are accurate, USC will have a hard time appealing their decision with Kiffin in charge.   This new news should make all the kids that signed with USC and Tennessee on Wednesday feel comfortable that their program is headed in the right direction.  If the NCAA comes down hard on Kiffin personally, I believe new AD Pat Haden will have a hard time keeping him in role.  USC's class ranked #4 by Rivals and Tennessee was ranked #12.  Tennessee wouldn't have held the NCAA letter until after signing day would they? No, I'm sure that didn't happen.

• One thing to consider when you think about Michigan's 2011 recruiting class; is how did Michigan do compared to other teams that made late coaching changes as well.  I will use Scouts Rankings as recruiting service for these rankings (Rivals only ranks the top 50):  #21 Florida,  #22 Stanford, #27 Michigan, #37 Miami, #55 Pitt, #71 Minnesota, #79 UConn .  I know some of these schools don't directly compete against Michigan in recruiting.  For those that didn't make a change: #21 Nebraska, #26 Iowa, #29 MSU, #33 PSU, #34 Illinois and #40 Wisconsin.  If you compare Michigan to these other Big Ten teams, they did pretty well.