Michigan Monday: Santa to the South Pole?

Michigan President Santa Ono after a short 3 years stint in Ann Arbor has decided to take his talents to the University of Florida.  For Michigan Football and Basketball fans, Santa was a guy we had all hoped would change Michigan's NIL policy and admissions restrictions.   He did make some progress even though the Harbaugh negotiations seemed strange and disjointed at times.  I'm not close to the situation to understand what happened, but John U. Bacon is and he said this on Twitter:

This is a surprise - but maybe it shouldn't be. I can't recall any UM president starting higher, nor falling faster. I'm not hearing from anyone who regrets his leaving - and his resignation letter seems rather insincere, given his abrupt departure. He leaves as a footnote.

Ono seemed like a genuinely nice guy, and his public enthusiasm for UM/Ann Arbor was received as a breath of fresh air after Schlissel. But Ono quickly seemed overwhelmed by the scale of the job, the conflicts that come with it, and an unusually tumultuous era.

I've since heard from insiders that now-former Michigan President Ono had pursued Oxford and Harvard -and didn't get close on either - but was pursued by U-Florida in October. Offer was too low, but when they upped in January, he interviewed. A surprise to Regents.

There you have it.  

So I finally watched the Spring Game.  Nothing like giving insights into a game that was played two weeks ago, I know.  

• I liked the active role Biff was playing.  He was on the field with Sherrone.  He is going to be a great help to the program and Sherrone. 

• Michigan will have the best RB room in the country. 
• I like the different formations that Chip was running on offense.  
• Bryce is very talented and raw, needs more time and live game situations.  Still very good for a true freshman. 
• Davis windup is really bad.  He does well on short timing throws but him dropping the ball down at his waist is really bad. 
• I think the defense is going to be really good next year.  I might have been wrong about Wink. 
• #13 the IU transfer is going to be a star in Ann Arbor, best WR by far. 
• TE room might be sneaky good.  Hoffman had a really good game.  I hope he sees some time. 

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• Former Wolverines: Vlad, Wolfe and maybe a future Wolverine Yaxel invited to the NBA Combine. 
• Michigan Baseball beat Ohio State 23-1 on Saturday 
• Giles Jackson signed with the Eagles 
• Devin Bush was arrested on Sunday on assault charges. 

Michigan Monday: 2nd Hand Recap

I did not make it up to Ann Arbor to watch the Spring Game and will have to wait until this Saturday when the game will be shown on TV.   With that said, there were plenty of consistent recaps available on the Internet. 

2nd hand summary:

• Bryce looked good for his first time playing any type of college football (Raw but good)
• WR still could be an issue 
• The Defense is way ahead of the offense at this point 
• The Defense line could be elite again 
• Jadyn Davis windup could be an issue 
• Justice Haynes impressed on a couple of runs 
• Offensive line was split up but was shaky against Michigan's strong DL 

Bryce is going to make freshman type of mistakes, it's going to happen in the Spring Game and if he starts, in the regular season as well.  We have been hearing about Davis's accuracy in camp but with 2 picks and some poor throws there seems to be some concern there.  A long windup is not good for a QB, because it means he drops the ball down at his waist (easy for edges to knock it out) and it takes him longer to throw the ball which could lead to more sacks or poor timing throws. 

Michigan might need a backup QB in the portal.  With Davis Warren's ACL, Keene's mystery injury, and Jadyn Davis lack of experience.  

Michigan seems solid with the IU transfer McCully at WR but there could be concern regarding depth at that position.  I would like to see Michigan grab an experienced WR and 2 CB's in the portal right now.  Should they also be considering an offensive lineman?

Speaking of Portal News, Michigan was busy this weekend as well. 

• Luke Bauer a punter transfers from Missouri to Michigan 

• UMass RB CJ Hester transfers to Michigan.  He started his career at Western, then to UMass, and now to Michigan.  CJ was a 3 star RB out of Cincinnati a few years ago. 

• Congratulations to the Michigan Men's Gymnastics team for winning the National Championship!

• Michigan is starting to get predictions for 2026 Rivals 5 star QB Brady Smigiel who was committed to Florida State. 

Michigan Friday: News and Notes Prior to the Spring Game

For those attending the Spring Game enjoy! 

News and Notes 

• Michigan seems to be active in the portal for another RB.  How does that pitch go?   Would you like to be the 3rd string back up? CJ Hester from UMass will make a visit for the Spring Game.  He played very well against UGA after they let go Don Brown. 

• Bryce buys a car for a high school security guard that meant a lot to him.  Class act! 

• Former Michigan Basketball player who now been at 3 schools in 3 years Sam Walters picks Mississippi State for his next stop.  He needs to stay healthy and work on his defense. 

• Oregon's Putter is in the portal, he punted 9 total times last year.  

Happy Easter to all that celebrate! 

Michigan Thursday: Spring Game Does It Make Sense?

Some programs are getting rid of the Spring Game for many reasons.   You're showing future opponents your strengths and weakness. Your risking injury and your showing other teams players they could possibly poach with a larger NIL offer.  

Sherrone is in favor of the Spring Game but this guy comes from the Harbaugh tree.  Jim for example was not in favor of publishing a two deep depth chart and injury report.   So Michigan's Spring Game will not be shown live on BTN and be broadcast a week later after the Portal has closed.   You can attend for free, someone keep an eye out for Ryan Day. 

1. This is a great idea to stop the NIL roster poaching 

2. I hope they cut out all the 65 yard dimes that Underwood is going to throw! 😀

"We don't know how the Blue team advanced the ball down the field so quickly and there is a hand off to the RB!"

• Michigan Basketball is practicing today in Atlanta 

• Anyone catch JJ playing in the NFLPA Scramble on the Golf Channel?

Michigan Friday: New Transfer Numbers

 We have a breaking news on information you need right now!  3 Transfers have their numbers! 

• Trey Williams DT #0
• TJ Metcalf S #7
• Tevis Metcalf CB #24

Now you can enjoy your weekend and Valentines Day!

• Some programs are electing to not have a Spring Game and moving to an NFL OTA model where they do mandatory practices in the off season.  It helps lower injuries and maybe from guys hitting the portal.  Not Michigan which Spring Game is scheduled for April 19th. 

• Michigan Basketball Travels to C-Bus on Sunday, 1:00 Tip.  Is this the Roddy Gale game?

• YouTube and Paramont have come to a short term agreement to keep its channels on the Streamer.

Michigan Friday: Spring Game Primer

Saturday marks the first time Sherrone Moore will lead the Michigan Wolverines out of the tunnel at the Big House as the full time Michigan Head Coach.   That is a little dramatic for the Spring Game but we are talking the National Champions here folks!  Damn, that is fun to write.  

Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: FOX
Admission is Free!

Weather: Will be chilly in the low 40's or Football Weather
 

What should you expect: 

• Stars on the sideline - No need to risk injury. 
• The defense way ahead of the offense 
• Saying at least 5 times, "who the hell is that?"
• Having someone shine and then not seeing him in the regular season. 

What answers are we looking for?

• Is Orji accurate in throwing the ball?
• Is a QB going to step up?
• Does Michigan have viable WR's?
• What does a backup RB look like?
• Does Michigan need to look at CB in the portal opposite of Will?
• Are we going to get a boost from any true freshman?

Best Outcome:

• No injuries 
•  A freshman star in the making 
• At least 1 QB looks comfortable in the pocket and throws accurately 

Enjoy!

Michigan Monday: Happy For the Wagner's

Franz and his brother Mo are both proud former Michigan Wolverine Basketball players.  They also play together for the Orlando Magic.  Last night they got to celebrate together as the Magic secured the #5 seed in the NBA Playoffs.  The Magic will face the Cleveland Cav's in the first round.  Congrats to the Wagner's and Michigan's professional team, which also includes Jett Howard and Caleb Houstan. 

Today is Tax Day and the Master's is over.  I always get a little sad when Masters week comes to an end.  It's such a good event, Scottie Scheffler plays some incredible golf, but I was really hoping for a large playoff when there were like 4 guys tied at -6. 

• This is Spring Game week for the National Champions.  The thing everyone will be watching is who steps up at QB. 

• The Spring Game is also the best recruiting day of the Spring.  Let's hope we get great visitors and even some commits. 

• Speaking of recruiting, Dusty continues to be very busy, but no commits yet. Oakland star Trey Townsend was expected on campus on Sunday. 

• Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles are both making over $2M at year.  Those contracts won't be worth 10 cents if they don't beat the Wolverines this season. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Easy Warde

Warde did a good job of hiring Dusty May the top available coaching candidate in the NCAA this year.  A job well done.  

He also took a shot at his social media critics yesterday.  Warde you have done some good things as AD at Michigan but also some head scratching mistakes.  We don't need to list them as its a decent size list.  With maybe the highest profile, not locking down Jim Harbaugh over the past two years.  Yes, he was always interested in returning to the NFL but your lack of relationship and management allowed him to leave.   Good leaders don't take shots at its critics when the sun shines on them, bad leaders do.  

• Dusty said he is going to hit the portal to rebuild the roster in his introductory press conference.  

• Frankie Collins is on the move again, this time leaving ASU

• JJ continues to move up draft boards, many believe its not realistic to think he will still be there at 11.

• Surprised Michigan hasn't hired a DL coach yet.  Maybe the AD is busy hiring a Basketball Coach and Sherrone is busy with Spring Practice.   I guess they will hire one after Spring Ball. 

• Ohio State's Spring Game will also be on Fox.  Not sure its a good idea showing Spring Games on national TV. 

Michigan Thursday: Joe Moore and Moore Recruits

I've followed Michigan Football longer than I want to admit.  Before last year, I had never heard of the Joe Moore Award and now after Michigan's Offensive Line has won it in back-to-back years, probably have heard it mentioned at least 500 times.   The success Michigan has had in developing offensive lineman seems to be having a direct effect on offensive line recruiting.  How many years have we said this offense could be good if they can only figure out the offensive line? That is no longer a problem.  

Michigan has 2 offensive linemen committed in the 2024 and might looking to take a bunch more:

• Luke Hamiliton 4-Star OG from Ohio - Verbal Commit 
• Ben Roebuck 4-star OT from Ohio - Verbal Commit 
• Blake Frazier 4-star OG/OT Texas - trending to Michigan in predictions 
• Max Anderson 4-star OG from Texas - trending to Michigan in predictions 
• Michael Uini 4-star OT from Texas - No predictions yet but Michigan looking good 

Please bring us Moore 4-Star offensive lineman! 

• Mike Rhoades from VCU has taken the Penn State Basketball Head Coaching job. Zeb and Brandon John's were at VCU last season. 

• It's Opening Day.  Still feels like Spring Training. 

• Here are your April 1 Spring Game Teams.  This is not an April Fool's Day Joke!

Michigan Monday: Spring Game in Review

My favorite Spring Game of all time was the one where Tate Forcier put on a show.  Michigan had spent RR's first year without a QB and Tate came in and gave the fan base hope.  We know the ending to that story for QB and Coach, so let's continue on.  

Saturday might have been my 2nd favorite.   It had surprises, it was competitive, everyone was hit-able except Cade, Jimmy was calling penalties, Spike Lee was shooting a documentary, and it even had a mini-Pro day at halftime.  Here is what caught my eye.  

1. Davis Warren - Looked like a Big Ten starter.  I didn't know his story (being diagnosed with Leukemia in high school) and his talent. 

2. The Defense - played very well and I thought the defensive line held its ground.   Wasn't a ton of edge pressure but liked the speed and toughness the defense showed. 

3.  Corum and Edwards look Elite 

4.  New grad transfer Center Olu Oluwatimi is legit (holding call wasn't a great call)

5.  Freshman WR's are going to make an impact.  Darrius Clemons is going to be a star! 

6. Sainstril can really play DB! 

7. Super Twin Powers with the Green Brothers 

8. Cade played a little, wasn't impressed by Bowman, and thought Warren locked in the #3 role

9. Orji has a huge arm and is very athletic.  Could contribute at QB or another position. 

10.  Michigan did keep the offense vanilla and even adjusted their signs.  No free lunches for Michigan opponent's next season.   Also, no injuries!!!

• Michigan lost a TE commit on Sunday.  3-star Andrew Rappleyea flipped to Penn State.   Michigan did host the #1 TE in the nation on Saturday as well. 

• Zeb Jackson picked VCU as his next school.  Good luck Zeb!

• In sad news, former Michigan OC and QB Coach Stan Parrish passed away on Sunday.  RIP

• UCF DT Cam Goode is visiting Michigan today as a transfer candidate. 

Michigan Friday: What To Look For @ The Spring Game

Saturday at noon (BTN), Michigan Football will be dressed in uniform and playing football in Michigan Stadium.  Yes, its an intersquad scrimmage and free for fans but anytime Michigan plays in the Big House, its a good day. 

Jimmy is not going to spill any tea for any competitiors on next years schedule, so this game will be so Vanilla, Baskin Robbins will consider being a sponsor.  (for those that have been fans for a really long time, Baskin Robbins used to have a small ice cream factory, next to the Big House, my Grandfather took me in there once).  If anyone remembers this, please let me know in the comments.  I want to make sure I remember this correctly. 

Since we all watch with a different set of eyes, here's what to look for:   👀

• Is Offensive line dominat?  How about the transfer center Victor Oluwatimi?
• Does Michigan have good DE's to replace our NFL Draft Duo?
• Early enrolled Freshman:
• Will Johnson 
• WR's 
• DLine 
• Is Cade sharp?  JJ won't play, who is next?
• I don't expect much from our All American RB's who may or may not play 
• Is Donovan Jeter there?
• DB's and LB's 

Again, we are not going to see much in game strategy and I expect some of the "stars" won't play much.  So it might be a bit boring but I hope we see a few guys take a leap towards stardum.  My biggest thing is the defense and how it looks compared to last year.  

• Zavier Simpson had a triple double last night in the G League 

• A Michigan Basketball Recruit Yohan Traore picked Auburn last night

• Wisconsin guard Brad Davidson is back for his 16th year of college 

• Reports are that Michigan will start practice at 11:30 - 11:45 for fans that are attending

• Butler has let go former Michigan assitant coach LaVall Jordan as head coach

Michigan Thursday: Spring Game Captain and The GOAT's New Coach

I must have been asleep at the wheel last night becuase I missed two decent size stories until I woke up this morning.  

1. Bruce Arians is moving to the front office and turning over the keys to a very good team to Todd Bowles.

2.  Jimmy names Colin Kapernick the honorary captain of the Spring Game. 

Lets discuss Bruce Arians first.  He has always been a unique guy and if I had to read the tea leaves, he wanted to give Todd Bowles a great team, instead of a bad one after Brady is gone and the roster is gutted for a rebuild.   How does this effect Michigan fans, other then Tom Brady?   Well, I expect Larry Foote will be named Defensive Coordinator and probably one of the reasons he wasn't instrested in coming back to Ann Arbor.  It's also intresting they picked Bowles over Leftwhich who is the team's OC and was reportabdly a finalist for the Jacksonville head coaching job, but had issues with the current GM (who also had issues with Harbaugh). 

I don't have a problem with Jimmy naming Colin Kapernick the honorary captain on Saturday.  His story can be a great lesson to all of the players and Jimmy has a long history with Kap.   Loyality between player and coach is always talked about, but its great to see real proof of it.  

• BTN will cover the Spring Game at Noon.  One of our favorites Jake Butt will be on the call.  I hope this is the first step on him getting a role as a regular anaylst on BTN. 

• Jett Howard was named to the Iverson All Star Round Ball Classic.

Michigan Friday: What To Watch During The Spring Game

I don't expect it to be a game and more of a padded practice.  It also won't be on TV, so many of us will have to rely on social media and TV highlights.

If your attending this is what I would look for:

1. Speed in Space - What does the offense look like?  Is it pass heavy and does Michigan show tempo.  
2. Is RB a disaster?   Yes, its Spring but this position has little to no depth.
3. DE - This position took a huge hit this off season.  Are the guys able to rush the passer?
4. LB - Who will replace Bush?
5. Ambry Thomas - Is he ready to be a superstar?
6. Tarik Black - Is he healthy and ready to dominate the Big Ten?
7. Oliver Martin - Does he have a role on this team?
8. Where is Ben Mason playing? I actually think its really bad news that he is playing DE and is a huge red flag that Michigan is lacking depth at that position. 

I don't have any concern at the QB's and expect them to look good and bad as they still have under 15 practices learning a new offense.   You might want to wish Brandon Peters "good luck", as this is probably the last time we see him in a Michigan uniform.

If you make it out, have fun and I hope the weather holds.  

• You have to love this:  Chris Partridge who has been on Michigan's staff 5 years or so, said this:

“I’ve got blood in my mouth,” Partridge said. “There’s no qualms about it. So yeah – for me, the motivation is how (it ended) last year. I don’t wake up a day and not think about it, that’s for sure. I know Don feels the same way.

“I want to be candid: those guys left, and it was another shot. It’s wasn’t okay! That’s how I feel, I’m not speaking for anyone else. I’m ultra-motivated. I make sure my guys that I get in front of, that they hear it, and they know that every single day when I wake up, I’m motivated. I want to take this thing, I want to hit it in the mouth, I want to go get it.

“I just think each person is motivated their own way, but I just know my personal opinion: I’m going to coach harder than I ever imagined I can coach. I’m going to be more aggressive than I ever have been before, and we’re going to try to make sure that scoreboard never looks like it did last year.”

Deep Thoughts:  If Michigan is "the team up North" - Does that make Jimmy the King of the North?  

Enjoy the game, the Masters, and the Game of Thrones on Sunday.  

Michigan Tuesday: Spring Game Date and Time

Michigan Football last year decided not to do a Spring Game.  I'm pretty sure it was due to the weather but Harbaugh famously prefers to keep his opponents guessing.    I did watch the ND spring game and they looked terrible, so maybe looking bad on tape is a good thing?

This year Michigan will be rolling out, somewhat of a new offense that Josh Gattis likes to call:  Speed in Space.  Michigan will only have two weeks of Spring Practice prior to the scrimmage, so I'm guessing we will see only a few changes.

The scrimmage is on April 13th at 5:00 and there will also be Fan Fest on April 6th.   Jimmy enjoyed having an open practice during fall camp and it looks like he will be doing it again this Spring.

• Michigan will get to see former Saline and VA Tech QB Josh Jackson .  The son of former Michigan RB coach has transferred to Maryland.  

• Mel Kiper believes that the Raiders might take Gary.  They are trying to build the Michigan Defensive line with big Mo Hurst as well.   Take Chase in the 2nd round and hire Greg Mattison.   

Wolverine Wednesday: Some Spring Game Notes

Update:  The Michigan Athletic Department has now cancelled the game due to weather concerns.   I wonder what Ford Field has going on Saturday and if that was ever an option?


The Spring Game might be more of a practice on Saturday at the Big House.  They will do some scrimmaging but don't expect a full game.   I hope we don't get 45 minutes of punting like we did during Brady Hoke's time running the program.

The time is 5:45, sounds like the BTN coverage will be on tape delay at 7:00 PM for those not local or don't want to sit in the cold and rain.   The forecast around 5:00 pm should be about 40 degrees with 90% of rain.

• A person you won't see in uniform on Saturday is FB/LB Ben Mason.  He has a torn meniscus and will have surgery.  He will be out of football activities for about 6 weeks, so he will be good to go for Fall Camp.   Ben is expected to play FB and LB next season.  

• A guy that is getting a ton of buzz is Michael Dwumfour at DT.  Many who have seen practice are saying he is similar to Mo Hurst.   That would be great and even more depth to maybe the best D-Line in the country.   Yes, Byran Mone will be back for his 12th season at Michigan on the defensive line as well.

• The offensive line will also be interesting on Saturday.  Reports are that Ruiz and Bredeson are the two best lineman and the rest of the spots are up for grabs.   Ruiz is expected to be a lock a center and Bredeson at left guard.   Who are going to be the tackles and right guard spot seems to still be open.   Battle Royale with JBB, Runyan, Hudson, Filiaga, Stueber, Onwenu and Spanellis.

Michigan Friday: No April Fools Jokes Today - Michigan Spring Game Day/Night!

Any time Michigan is in their game jerseys and playing in the Big House it's a good day.  Yes, it's just the Spring Game but we will take it in the middle of the off season. 

Today is a bit of a unique experience for the Wolverines, they will be playing on a Friday and with a 6:00 start.   The Big Ten Network will cover the first hour on TV live and then move the rest of the broadcast to the internet. 

I'm very interested in watching a few things:

• QB play, who is standing out?
• LB play, are they going to be a negative in this very good defense?
• Is the offensive line dominate, can they build on the Citrus Bowl performance?

I don't think you can get a ton out of watching the Spring Game but hopefully a few guys step up at our needed positions and NOBODY gets hurt.

A side note:  it will be interesting to see how they use Peppers today, LB, Safety, CB?  I don't expect to see him on offense at all. 

I expect we will see a little bit of Don Brown's defense but pretty basic stuff.
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Michigan received a commitment from Jacksonville Trinity Christian FB/LB yesterday in Chase Laster.  Chase is pretty much an under the radar type of player and not ranked by Rivals or any of the other services at this point.    Chase is 6'2 and 238 pounds and sounds like another hybrid player that Jimmy can look at for a couple different positions. 

More information to come on him as the recruiting services look to catch up. 

• Michigan has also added another PWO, this time a QB/WR/Athlete from California named Peter Bush.  Pete is 6'1 and 215 pounds and played his ball at Corona Del Mar in Newport Beach.   He is expected to join the team this summer.      

Enjoy the day and I will be interested in reading your take on "what your eyes told you" in the comments section. 


Happy Birthday Bo! 

Wolverine Wednesay: QB Battle Continues

With all the media attention and access to Spring Practice this year, it seems some things are getting clearer:

• This team is getting better all over the field. 
• Michigan's defense continues to be its strength
• The offensive line is looking to build on the Florida game and continues to improve
• The LB's are still a question mark but with the now healed Mike McCray could be fine
• None of the QB's have separated themselves and each continues to make at least one big mistake a practice.

It seems its a three headed race between O'Korn, Speight, and Morris.  The pre-spring practice buzz was all O'Korn but it seems he hasn't separated himself from the pack.  Morris continues to have a rifle for an arm but still doesn't see the field like he should.   I was impressed how Speight won the Minnesota game last year and seems like a big QB that would be steady but not a superstar.   It will be interesting to see what happens on Friday. 

• I posted this late yesterday but Ricky Doyle is transferring from Michigan's basketball program.  He had a nice freshman year, but struggled this past season.   Michigan has a number of big men coming in and Wagner has a very nice upside.  The program is now at it's scholarship limit for next year.

• Basketball transfers seems to be something that is happening all over.  OSU is losing 4 or more players from their large freshman class.

• IMG Academy 2017 OLB Jordan Anthony is expected to be at the Spring Game on Friday.

• Michigan has two RB's in this class already but 2017 Warren (MI) De La Salle ATH Allen Stritzinger who plays RB or CB is still very interested in the Wolverines.

Spring Game Cheers and Jeers

There is nothing like Michigan Football and for a day in April, I will take full team scrimmage.   It's great to see a real Spring Game and how the coaches and players were into the game.  Of course, there were good things and bad things and I will do my best to let you know what my eyes saw. 

Cheers

• As expected the defense is ahead of the offense.
• Joe Bolden is going to be an All Big Ten and maybe a shot at an All American LB
• I love Michigan's Defensive Line: Hurst, Henry, Wormley are going to be hard to run on
• Lawrence Marshall might be special
• Have to love that Norfleet played both DB and WR
• Shane Morris showed flashes of being a starting QB
• I loved the focus on throwing to Jake Butt
• Peppers doing pushups when he dropped that pick
• I thought Malzone looked pretty good for a HS senior
• The trick plays were fun
• Congrats to a crowd that was estimated near 60,000
• No major in game injuries reported

Jeers

• The offensive line on both sides didn't look very good
• RB's weren't great outside a couple of runs (could be the line)
• The offense was very vanilla (as expected)
• Shane seems to struggle with touch, accuracy and the deep ball
• Neither QB looked great in the pocket
• We didn't see Speight and Isaac due to injuries.  Isaac is a hamstring.
• The WR's didn't look good as a group, too many drops

Jimmy is not going to show future opponents too much during this game as there were a ton of RB dives and slat passes.  The defense has been seeing these plays for a couple of weeks,  as they were easy to spot and stop.  Shane looked the best at QB but his only comparison was what should still be a HS senior.  It seems to me that Ruddock is going to start this fall for sure.   With that showing, I also don't expect Shane to redshirt (unless Ruddock takes 100% of the snaps during the season).

I also loved the coverage nationally.  ESPN had a reporter at the game and there was plenty of updates on SportsCenter during the day before the Final 4 games.   The LB's were reported to be struggling during practice but I didn't see that at all during the game.   I'm also thinking that Butt and Bunting could cause some serious miss-matches at TE.

This defense could be special and will need to be as the offense finds it's identity during the year.  I thought the offense looked much better in the second half, then they did in the first.   I know we don't like to compare Michigan to MSU but the Spartans team two years ago should be what the goal is for the Wolverines in 2015.    MSU had a good defense and a game manager at QB, the offense struggled early and the defense won games for them.  The offense got better during the year and they won the Rose Bowl.  

All in all it was a great day and a nice re-start for our program.

Wolverine Weekend Update: Off To A Good Start

Proud to say that I am officially committed to Michigan university! #Fab25 #GoBlue〽️〽️
— Brandon Peters (@Bpeters2118) April 4, 2015

I'm sure he noticed the mistake as soon as he tweeted it.  Congrats Brandon and welcome to Ann Arbor.  

Brandon is rated 4 stars.

I will do a huge round up on all the recruits that committed (fingers crossed) on Monday!

#Fam〽️〽️ pic.twitter.com/oooCSL3VKe
— Brandon Peters (@Bpeters2118) April 4, 2015

--Instate LB David Reese has also committed!

Michigan Friday: Spring Game Visitors and Thoughts

In recent memory, I have a few Spring Games that really stood out in my mind.  Going back a few years was RR's first spring game at Saline HS when everyone was excited about the new offense we were going to see at Michigan. 

Next, was when Tate Forcier arrived in town and lite up the Big House during the Spring Game.  We had found a new QB!.  Of course, neither of those games ended up being a long term solution for our historic football program.

Now, it's Jimmy's turn and Michigan fans finally have got what they wanted, one of the best coaches in the country and a true blue Michigan Man.   Saturday is somewhat historic in nature and hopefully will be fun to watch.    It's also a real game, so I hope we don't have to watch an hour of field goal kicking or punting to get to 10 or so plays in.   It's a real game with separate teams. 

The rosters are set but there are a few guys missing:

#	Player	Pos.	Ht/Wt	Elig
8	Joe Hewlett	QB	6-0/192	RS Fr.
9	Mike McCray	LB	6-4/242	RS So.
15	James Ross III	LB	6-1/232	Sr.
20	Drake Johnson	RB	6-0/207	RS Jr.
33	Taco Charlton	DE	6-6/273	Jr.
39	Sione Houma	FB	6-0/243	RS Jr.
53	Mario Ojemudia	DE	6-3/252	Sr.
56	Ondre Pipkins	DT	6-3/317	Sr.
59	Noah Furbush	LB	6-4/217	RS Fr.
64	Michael Wroblewski	LB	6-2/241	RS So.
73	Chris Fox	OL	6-6/303	RS Fr.
79	Leon Johnson	DL	5-10/258	RS So.
80	Khalid Hill	TE	6-2/252	RS So.
99	Matthew Godin	DT	6-6/287	RS Jr.

Are these guys banged up?  A few we know are out due to injury like Johnson and Hill, but what about the other guys?  I guess we will keep an eye on the sidelines to see what their status is.

There is also a lot of talk about a domino effect this weekend for instate recruiting.   Those weekends are hard to predict but a few services are starting to hint that something to that effect might be possible.   I'm not ready to discuss 2017 guys yet, so lets keep to the 2016 players expected at the Spring Game:

In-State

• WR Desmond Fitzpatrick
• LB/FB David Reese
• OG/DT Michael Onwenu
• OT Michael Jordan
• WR Donnie Corley
• RB Matt Falcon
• DE Khalid Kareem

Out of state

• AL RB Kingston Davis
• MD OG Terrance Davis
• TX S Chris Brown
• TX OT Austin Anderson and TX OT Riley Anderson (twins!)
• TX ILB Dontavious Jackson
• IN QB Brandon Peters
• Lakewood (OH) St. Edward CB Tony Butler was in town on Thursday (not expected to stay the weekend)

The highlighted guys are the ones I would put on commit watch for this weekend. 

Side Note: Steve Schilling who was expected to re-sign with the Seahawks has decided to retire from football.   Enjoy the next chapter of your life Steve!!

Enjoy the weekend!!!!