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Recruiting Update 5-22-09

2010 Michigan Wolverine QB Commit Devin GardnerJosh Helmholdt fluff in the Free Press about MI QB Commit Devin Gardner‘s recent performance at the Midwest Elite Camp. The article masterfully spews a couple hundred words without actually talking about performance at the camp. The biggest conclusion you can draw is “Devin Gardner is a dual-threat quarterback, and was present,” which, like, duh. There’s also a rather brief mention that his mechanics need work before he’s able to contribute at the next level, which anyone who follows Michigan recruiting in any capacity already knew. MI QB Robert Bolden was also there, but the boilerplate discussion doesn’t give much of a scouting report or recruiting vibe on him, either.

IS QB AJ Derby is back from an Elite 11 camp and campus tour on the west coast, and is talking a little recruiting. He’ll narrow down to a top 8 or top 5 sometime over the summer, and make all of his official visits. Michigan offered him as a QB a couple weeks ago, and is likely to make at least his first cut.

CA RB Malcolm Jones has a top three of Stanford, UCLA, and Oklahoma (info in header). Michigan doesn’t seem to be particularly interested in him, so his presence on the board may be starting to head towards an end.

SC RB/CB Jerrell Priester says he’ll camp at Michigan this summer. He doesn’t have an offer yet, but that might be a good opportunity for him to earn one. Of course, Michigan’s chances for a guy who comes out with a quote like this:

“Notre Dame is at the top of the list, but it’s open,” he said. “I’ve got to go where I’m wanted and do the best for me.”

are probably not superb.

Though it was reported last week that FL WR Fred Pickett had committed to West Virginia, both he and his coach say that is not in fact the case. Though Pickett’s likelihood of landing in Ann Arbor is approximately zero, this is still somewhat relevant to Michigan fans. Pahokee head coach Blaze Thompson says he’s now instructing his players (several of whom Michigan has offered, including WRs De’Joshua Johnson and Chris Dunkley, CB Merrill Noel, and others) to take their time in the recruiting process, and not rush into a decision that they’ll change later. This follows last year’s saga of Nu’Keese Richardson, who committed to Florida, then was snake-oiled away by Lane Kiffin. Speaking of the Pahokee boys, DT Antonio Ford plans to visit Michigan next month. And let the Pahokee fluff keep on coming, as Sam Webb discusses Michigan’s connection to the tiny Florida town in the Detroit News. Included is a scouting report of LB Zachery Allen:

“The thing with Allen is upside,” Vogt said. “More and more schools are intrigued by him. Right now, he’s maybe a little bit undersized for the positions that colleges are recruiting him for, but he has an outstanding frame, he can run, and he’s very physical at the point of attack. He’s one of those players who projects well at the next level because when he gets into a college weight training program they are going to sculpt him. He’s going to be an outside linebacker at 6-2, 230 that can really get after it.”

…and the information that Michigan probably has a good chance with Noel, DT Richard Ash, Allen, and even Dunkley.

General defensive recruiting fluff by Josh Helmholdt in the Free Press. Of note: the Wolverines lead for PA CB Cullen Christian and FL CB Rashad Knight still.

Michigan has offered NC S Keenan Allen. He hails from the same high school as DT prospect Gabe King (though King will not be eligible to participate this fall). They have also offered another teammate, 6-6 LB Chris McCain, according to the article.

Michigan zipped an offer to OH S/Ath Bobby Swigert (info in header). It’s one of his first high-BCS-level offers, along with Pitt and Colorado, and the Wolverines are looking to figure prominently in his recruitment.

Michigan has offered TX S Marquis Flowers (info in header).

MD S Lorenzo Waters plans to make a visit to Ann Arbor this summer (info in header).

FL CB Lorenza Wood has a list of four favorites: Notre Dame, Michigan, Stanford, and Ole Miss. Michigan was his heavy favorite early in the recruiting process, but a visit to South Bend has changed the wind. After chatting with Notre Dame DC (and former Wolverine DB) Corwin Brown, the Irish are now considered to be on top. Wood plans to decide in July.

Re-removed MD CB Louis Young, who reaffirmed his commitment to Stanford. Young had stated that he was interested in other schools earlier this spring, but now says he’ll stick with the Cardinal.

And in class of 2009 news, The Big House Blog brings the scoop on a new walk-on punter who plans to enroll in Ann Arbor this fall. Kristopher Pauloski, from Indianapolis Pike High School was first-team all-area last year.

Posted under Football, Recruiting

Late Start; Recruiting Update Later Today

My apologies. For the time being, allow me to remind of the NCAA Softball Super REgional taking place at the Wilpon Complex 8PM tonight, and entertain you with a keyboard cat video:

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News Roundup

You have the offseason to thank for these essentially content-free posts.

The Rimington Award, given to the nation’s top center, has released its watch list for the 2009 season. At this point, it’s basically little more than a list of returning starters at teams of note, bu David Molk is on it, so pay attention we will. Molk is one of only 5 sophomores on the list, and if the offensive line makes the huge leap that most Michigan fans are expecting (more on that next week), he could stand a chance to make it through a couple rounds of cuts. (HT: DocSat)

Rivals gives a little fluffery on incoming freshman running back Teric Jones. Jones’s track exploits (10.99 100m) are discussed, along with his efforts to bulk up with past-and-future teammate Thomas Gordon, using workout techniques that they learned from Mike Barwis. Jones will be a slot/RB at Michigan.

As was expected, outgoing WR Toney Clemons will transfer to Colorado, where he is a better fit for the offensive system. Clemons was put in a really tough spot last year, forced to play a slot role that he didn’t really fit in. Best of luck to him in the future, and may he find other white rappers with whom to make dorm room videos.
D.Cone Goin In For Life.

I encourage all who can to make it out to the Softball Super Regional tomorrow at Alumni Field. The game takes place at 8PM, and tickets are available at the Michigan Ticket Office. If you’re unable to make it out, you can watch on ESPN.

Posted under Football, Other Sports, Personnel

Pending Recruiting Board Exodus

In the name of paring down the board a bit, I’m going to put out notices for a few guys, and if I don’t hear anything about them sometime soon, they will be removed as well:
QB Trett Hardman. Listed on Rivals as a pro-style guy without any offers. There’s still news about him every so often, but nothing indicating a Michigan-level prospect (save nomination for the Army Game, along with everyone else in the country).
QB Willie Ballard. There is almost never any news on him, and it doesn’t seem like he’ll be a Michigan prospect at this point. He’ll get the benefit of the doubt as someone who might help keep a pipline (Trotwood-Madison) open.
QB Derek Roback. So far, only holds MAC offers, and doesn’t seem to be a Michigan-level prospect.
QB Detchauz Wray. See above.
QB Santez Emory. Hear verrry little about him, and even less with regards to a Michigan connection.
RB AG Middlebrooks. No rumblings of Michigan interest, and there are already offers out to plenty of other guys.
RB James Gillum. See above.
RB Malcolm Jones. Most consider him a USC lock.
WRs – take your pick. I doubt Michigan needs another in this class, so I’ll start paring them down, on the basis of Michigan interest. Soloman Patton, Ted Meline, Devonte Stamps, Markeith Ambles, Eric Dungy, Tyron Williams, Steven Green, CJ Bostic, Quincy Newson, BJ Chitty, and others are all on notice.
OL Aleon Calhoun. Hear very little about him.
OL Timothy Jones. I’ve heard literally nothing on this kid since he’s been on the board.
OL Dakota Anderson. Haven’t heard of any Michigan connection.
OL Malcolm Bennell. Heard next to no news on him.
OL Clint Shepherd. No news of a Michigan connection.
DT Jeff Lynch. I hear very little news on this kid.
DT Michael Thornton. Never hear of any Michigan connection.
DT Sean Herron. No news at all.
DE Keevon Newsome. Hear surprisingly little recruiting news, and methinks the relationship with Michigan is frosty at best.
DE Martaze Jackson. Don’t hear much news, and he’s expected to stay in Alabama.
DE Ty Cline. No news.
DE Geneo Grissom. After initially expressing a ton of interest in Michigan, he’s been silent for quite some time.
LB Rickey Simpson. Have heard nothing on him.
LB Chase Williams. Hear nothing.
CB Derek Owens. The other day, I postulated I should add his WR pal to the board, since they intend to be a package deal. I probably should have gone the other way, and removed Owens.
CB Torrey Cordell. I hear nothing about him.

I’ll give most other guys the benefit of the doubt (and am willing to listen if there’s a specific reason you think I should do the same for any of these guys), however, the leash is getting shorter as I get sick of hearing about guys who don’t stand a chance of ending up Blue.

Posted under Football, Recruiting

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2009 Opponent Preview: Notre Dame

More extensive previews coming as the season approaches, and this preview is a way to get a first look at the team, and also be corrected on anything I might have wrong. Highlighted players in the charts below are returning for 2009. Notre Dame’s website is poorly designed, plus they’re too good to “redshirt” they “grant 5th-year eligibility” which is the exact same thing under a more pretentious name.

Notre Dame Offense

QBs
It’s unclear whether Evan Sharpley will return for his redshirt senior year, since he’s bigger into the baseball than football, in my recollection. Fear not though, incoming freshman Dayne Crist is expected to be the new 5-year Heisman winner for the Irish, and he might end up being the backup over Sharpley.

Statistics

Notre Dame QBs Passing 2008
Name Comp Att % Yds TD Int Yds/Att
Jimmy Clausen 268 440 60.91 3172 25 17 7.21
Evan Sharpley 3 5 60.00 18 0 0 3.60
Notre Dame QBs Rushing 2008
Name Rush Yds TD Yds/Rush
Evan Sharpley 4 1 0 0.25
Jimmy Clausen 54 -73 0 -1.35

Analysis
Clausen took a big leap forward last year (partially a product of a functional-ish offense), and if he continues that, he might finally live up to about a third of the hype he got coming out of high school. If he gets hurt, however, it’ll be either a true freshman (Crist) or a guy who has never participated in spring practice because he’s busy playing baseball (Sharpley) backing his up.

RBs
Like many positions on this team, the Irish return everyone of note at the running back position. Expect Gray to get a little more action this year, as he’ll no longer be a true freshman. Allen and Hughes will likely still carry the load, however.

Statistics

Notre Dame RBs Rushing 2008
Name Rush Yds TD Yds/Rush
Armando Allen 134 585 3 4.37
Robert Hughes 112 382 4 3.41
James Aldridge 91 357 3 3.92
Jonas Gray 21 90 0 4.23
Asaph Schwapp (FB) 1 2 0 2.00
Notore Dame RBs Receiving 2008
Name Rec Yds TD Yds/Rec
Armando Allen 50 355 2 7.1
Robert Hughes 14 93 0 6.64
Asaph Schwapp 2 13 0 6.50
James Aldridge 3 1 0 0.33

Analysis
This is a definite position of strength for the Irish – at least as much as it can be, since they’ve run the ball pretty inconsistently ever since Weis has been around, and much more so in the past couple years. How much of that is offensive line play, and how much should be on the backs? We’ll see.

Receivers
Golden Tate was a star-in-the-making last year, and he’ll certainly start all of 2009. His best fit might be at the slot in 3-wide (or 4-wide) sets, giving other players a chance to step up on the outside as well. Floyd is a big reeiver in the Braylon mold, and Rudolph will try to bring some playmaking back to the tight end position, which the Irish haven’t had consistently since Anthony Fasano left.

Statistics

Notre Dame Receivers 2008
Name Rec Yds TD Yds/Rec
Golden Tate 58 1080 10 18.62
Michael Floyd 48 719 7 14.98
David Grimes 35 321 3 9.17
Kyle Rudolph (TE) 29 340 2 11.72
Duval Kamara 20 206 1 10.30
Robby Parris 9 50 0 5.56
George West 1 6 0 6.00
Will Yeatman (TE) 2 6 0 3.00

Analysis
Tate is a great deep threat, as Michigan fans are all too aware. The other guys were good last year, but not particularly exciting. Caveat: This was a very young unit last year, and with another year of experience under their belts, they should be able to do more in the offense.

Offensive Line

Lineup
Paul Duncan, a fifth-year senior, is expected to start at left tackle, after taking an injury redshirt last year. He should be backed up by highly-touted and very-ugly junior Matt Romine. At left guard, 5th-year senior Eric Olsen will start, with redshirt sophomore Andrew Nuss behind him. At center, redshirt junior Dan Wenger will be backed up by Braxton Cave. Chris Stewart, a redshirt junior, will be right guard, with Mike & Mike spawn Mike GOlic Jr. moving from center to back him up. At right tackle, junior Sam Young, who has been awful in each of his previous campaigns, despite lofty #1-overall-recruit status, will be spelled by Lane Clelland.

Analysis
The Irish offensive line has been crap for the past couple years. They were slightly better last year, and Notre ame has canned the offensive line coach in an attempt to make things at least adequate. They return several starters, and there is no excuse (not that there was last year, and there was only a limited one the previous year) for yet another terrible performance. Paul Duncan struggled at LT before being replaced (an injury expedited this move) last year.

Offensive Analysis
The Notre Dame offense finally has some experience after the past couple years oscillating between terrible and mediocre. Still, you have to wonder exactly how shrewd Weis is, since he’s supposedly an offensive genius, and his teams have mostly been utter crap the past two years. Spare me the “Willingham’s last two classes sucked” mantra as well. Weis’s 3-8 year was with players from HIS recruiting classes that would have been juniors at the time. Sounds like his first 2-3 recruiting classes must not have been all that great either. For someone whose motto is “no excuses,” making excuses seems to be all that Weis does. If Clausen can make another step forward in ’09 (and, sadly, Weis’s track record implies that he will), the Irish offense should be able to move the ball fairly well.

Notre Dame Defense

Defensive Line
This all depends on whether the Irish make up their mind with regards to the 4-3 v. 3-4 debate. With Tenuta likely gaining clout within the staff (and with good reason – he’s a bigname coordinator), I would expect the 3-4. Pat Kuntz and Justin Brown are both gone, and Ethan Johnson will step up to fill one of the DE spots full-time. He’s put on a ton of weight (Michigan wanted him as a 4-3 DE coming out of high school , when he weighed around 240), and Irish fans are hoping he’ll be able to occupy a couple gaps. Ian Williams and Morrice Richardson should be the other starters. Behind them, there is scary little depth.

Statistics

Name Tack TFL Sack Int Fum
Patrick Kuntz 42 8 3 1 1
Ian Williams 40 2 0 0 0
Justin Brown 24 4.5 0 0 0
Ethan Johnson 17 4 3.5 0 0
Morrice Richardson 11 0.5 0.5 0 0
Emeka Nwankwo 2 0 0 0 0

Analysis
If the starters can’t step up into full-time roles, the Irish DL could be in trouble. This is especially troubling in the 3-4 defense, where the DL is absolutely vital to keeping the playmaking linebackers unblocked. Still, the starters should be adequate, if not better. Johnson excelled at getting to the QB last year, so it’ll be interesting to see how he is utilized in ’09.

Linebackers
Maurice Crum is gone, but the Irish had plenty of linebackers get some experience and playing time last year. Brian Smith and Darius Fleming will play big roles for the defense, along with Kerry Neal. Toryan Smith and Steve Quinn should compete to be the 4th linebacker starting for the Irish. Incoming freshman Manti Te’o is the most exciting player (at least based on guru ratings), so expect him to play as well.

Statistics

Notre Dame Linebackers 2008
Name Tack TFL Sack Int Fum
Maurice Crum 65 5.5 3 0 0
Brian Smith 54 4 2 0 1
Darius Fleming 25 2.5 2.5 0 0
Kerry Neal 25 4 2 1 0
Toryan Smith 18 0 0 0 1
Steve Quinn 14 3 3 0 0
Scott Smith 12 1 1 0 0
John Ryan 7 0 0 0 0
Steve Filer 1 0 0 0 0
Kevin Washington 1 0 0 0 0

Analysis
Crum wasn’t so much a star as a guy put in position to make plays and making them. None of the replacement players are flashy either, but they should be able to step in and make the plays that Crum did. That said, they won’t do anything that makes you say “wow,” either. They’ll just be a group getting the job done. Te’o brings the flair some, and he may leave on a Mormon mission, so don’t be surprised if the Irish play him early, to get as much as they can out of the guy.

Defensive Backs
The Irish lose Davis Bruton, who was a pretty good player at one of the safety positions. Harrison Smith will replace him, and Kyle McCarthy will return at the other safety spot. Raeshon McNeil will return at one corner position, and Robert Blanton was a pseudo-starter at the other spot by the end of the year, so he’ll probably man the other position. Terrail Lambert, the player he is replacing, was oft-maligned by Irish fans, so I don’t think they’ll lament his departure, except in terms of depth.

Statistics

Notre Dame Defensive Backs 2008
Name Tack TFL Sack Int
Kyle McCarthy 110 3.5 0 2
David Bruton 97 1.5 0 4
Harrison Smith 57 8.5 3.5 0
Raeshon McNeil 41 0 0 2
Robert Blanton 33 3 0 2
Terrail Lambert 33 0 0 0
Sergio Brown 28 2 1 0
Mike Anello 23 0 0 0
Ray Herring 17 0 0 0
Gary Gray 15 0 0 2
Leonard Gordon 5 0 0 0
John Leonis 1 0 0 0

Analysis
McCarthy is a safety in the “hey look we have a white safety” Tom Zbikowski mold, and he’s similarly… adequate. Losing Bruton could be a pretty big hit for the Irish, as he was their best ballhawk, in addition to being the guy who made a lot of plays for the Irish. Harrison Smith was more of a designated blitzer than a true safty often last year (think Brandon Harrison), so he might struggle to make a transition to playing deep. The corners should be decent, but the depth there is not great.

Defensive Analysis
The 3-4, assuming the Irish plan to use it as their identity full-time now, really relies on defensive linemen to occupy the offensive line, leaving the linebackers free to make plays. In that light, losing 2 defensive linemen is a pretty huge question mark, especially when the leading tackler at linebacker is gone. Another interesting note is that the linebacking corps didn’t make a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage, which is one thing that the 3-4 defense is designed to allow them to do. Is that a scheme matter or just a lack of good enough bodies? If they switch back the the 4-3 fulltime, they still are very weak along the defensive line, but the linebackers are less of an issue. The secondary should be pretty good, though without a ton of depth. It seems as though Michigan’s run-game strength should be able to run the ball fairly well against the Irish. Will it be enough?

Special Teams

Punter Eric Maust returns, as does kicker Brandon Walker.

Statistics

Notre Dame Kicking 2008
Name XPM XPA % FGM FGA Long %
Brandon Walker 39 39 100.00 14 24 48 58.33
Notre Dame Punting 2008
Name Punt Yds Yds/Punt
Ben Armer 50 2032 40.64

Analysis
Walker was money on extra points last year, but boy, is that field goal percentage scary. He doesn’t have a great excuse either, as it was his second year as the starter (he went 6/12 as a freshman). He has the leg, nailing a 48-yarder last year, he’s just frighteningly inconsistent. In fact, that led, in part, to the Irish’s demise against GERG last year, as he missed 3(!) of his 6(!) field goal attempts.

Overall Analysis

The Irish return enough talented players to take a huge leap forward in 2009 – though we were saying the same thing last year. This is a definite make-or-break year for Weis, and if he can’t win with this team, it just shows that he isn’t cut out to be a head coach at the college level. The Irish will be strong on offense, which should really drive this team. The question remains: which was the real Irish offense, the one we saw against BC or the one we saw against Hawaii? I’d lean more towards BC, since the Warriors had a pitiful defense last year.

Posted under Analysis, Football

All BigTen Baseball Awards

The BigTen released their All BigTen, POTY, and Sportsmanship awards today.  Michigan has a few showing up on the lists.

FIRST TEAM
1B – Mike Dufek, MICH
SP – Chris Fetter, MICH

SECOND TEAM
OF – Ryan LaMarre, MICH

THIRD TEAM
No one

ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
No one

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD HONOREES
Kenny Fellows, MICH

I’m don’t think there was anyone who was skipped over in this list.  Lorenz stood no chance against Penn State’s Steranka for All Freshman third basemen.  McLouth had no chance against Freshman of the Year Dickerson of Indiana.  Cislo wasn’t as good this year.  Fellows probably just missed being on the third team. Berset missed too much time and would have needed a strong full campaign to overtake the 3rd team catcher.  None of our pitchers deserve all conference representation.  It was a down year, here’s hoping next year will be better.

I’ll work on getting a end of season post out tomorrow. I’m furiously packing for a trip to New York next week.  I’m also contemplating taking a couple days to float the river north of San Antonio.  So it’s probably good Michigan didn’t make the tournament, I’d be out of posting capabilities for way too long.

Posted under Baseball

Domination

helmet-logoThe Michigan lacrosse team was utterly dominant for the second year in a row during the 2009 season. They went undefeated en route to their second consecutive national championship. Margin of victory could tell one story about the way they manhandled opponents, but it only tells part of the story. The point in the game at which Michigan scored the goal that would eventually prove to be the game-winner can show just how much control they had over their opponents after all (and shows that they could have put up much higher numbers, if not for a hesitance to run up the score).

Michigan Lacrosse 2009
Total Score Shutout Ended Michigan’s Winning Goal
Opponent Mich Opp Margin Time Score Time Score Scoring after
Arizona 14 3 11 13:11, 3rd Q 11-1 Mich 3:25, 1st Q 4-0 Mich 10-3 Mich
#11 UCSB 7 5 2 8:03, 1st Q 1-1 7:31, 4th Q 6-4 Mich 1-1
#1 Chapman 13 10 3 12:40, 1st Q 0-1 Chap 1:26, 3rd Q 11-10 Mich 2-0 Mich
#12 Colorado 13 4 9 9:13, 1st Q 2-1 Mich 11:09, 2nd Q 5-2 Mich 8-2 Mich
Minnesota 17 5 12 6:57, 2nd Q 10-1 Mich 13:50, 2nd Q 6-0 Mich 11-5 Mich
Eastern Michigan 33 8 25 6:37, 1st Q 6-1 Mich 0:26, 1st Q 9-2 Mich 24-6 Mich
Central Michigan 21 4 17 2:27, 2nd Q 10-1 Mich 9:37, 1st Q 5-0 Mich 16-4 Mich
#4 Brigham Young 14 11 3 9:11, 1st Q 2-1 Mich 1:49, 3rd Q 12-6 Mich 2-5 BYU
#7 Minnesota-Duluth 18 10 8 11:51, 1st Q 0-1 UM-D 12:27, 3rd Q 11-6 Mich 7-4 Mich
#8 Colorado State 16 3 13 4:46, 2nd Q 9-1 Mich 0:51, 1st Q 4-0 Mich 9-3 Mich
Western Michigan 15 4 11 11:10, 1st Q 0-1 WMU 1:27 1st Q 5-1 Mich 10-3 Mich
#20 Illinois 12 5 7 13:01, 1st Q 0-1 Ill 7:29, 2nd Q 6-3 Mich 6-2 Mich
#14 Michigan State 21 9 12 9:55, 1st Q 0-1 MSU 12:34 3rd Q 10-5 MIch 11-4 Mich
Central Michigan 20 6 14 12:56, 1st Q 0-1 CMU 14:07 2nd Q 7-2 Mich 13-4 Mich
Buffalo 16 2 14 1:51, 2nd Q 4-1 Mich 13:36 2nd Q 3-0 Mich 13-2 Mich
#16 Texas 11 5 7 14:00, 1st Q 0-1 Tex 6:05, 2nd Q 6-3 Mich 5-2 Mich
#9 Sonoma State 22 6 16 9:15, 1st Q 3-1 Mich 0:24, 1st Q 7-2 Mich 15-4 Mich
#5 Colorado 17 7 10 11:06, 1st Q 2-1 Mich 0:05 2nd Q 8-4 Mich 9-3 Mich
#3 Chapman 12 11 1 13:35, 1st Q 0-1 Chap 9:00, 1st Q 12-10 Mich 0-1 Chap

Only in 6 games this year did Michigan not outscore the other team’s final score – in the first half. Throw in the fact that most teams scored a garbage goal or two at the very end, and… wow. And just for good measure, Michigan’s leading scorer against the other team:

Michigan Individuals 2009
Opponent Score Mich leading Score
Arizona 3 Anthony Hrusovsky 3
UCSB 5 Trevor Yealy 3
Chapman 10 Trevor Yealy 5
Colorado 4 Trevor Yealy 5
Minnesota 5 Trevor Yealy 4
Eastern Michigan 8 Trevor Yealy 8
Central Michigan 4 Anthony Hrusovsky 4
Brigham Young 11 Trevor Yealy 4
Minnesota-Duluth 10 Trevor Yealy 11
Colorado State 3 Trevor Yealy 4
Western Michigan 4 Trevor Yealy 4
Illinois 5 Trevor Yealy 5
Michigan State 9 Trevor Yealy 8
Central Michigan 6 Wes McGowan 4
Buffalo 2 Trevor Yealy 4
Texas 5 Peter Vasher 5
Sonoma State 6 Trevor Yealy 5
Colorado 7 Riley Kearns 3
Chapman 11 Kevin Zorovich 3

Even if Michigan was only allowed to count one player’s goals in each game, they would have gone 4-9-6 against one of the toughest schedules in the country. Considering that there are 35 members on a lacrosse team, and not just one, this was indeed a dominant team.

Posted under Other Sports

Recruiting Update 5-18-09

I hadn’t heard quite the pessimism on TX QB Jeremy Johnson that Brian apparently had, which was deemed enough to remove him from the recruiting board, but “Michigan Back in it for Johnson” certainly implies that 1) Michigan wasn’t in it recently, and 2) that he’s not someone Michigan fans should forget about quite yet.

SC QB Ker’Sean Wilson is still drawing some Michigan interest. He’s obviously quite far down the list of prospects.

SC RB Marcus Lattimore talks his favorites in a (free) diary on ThebigSpur.com:

Nothing has really changes as far as my leaders, but I am going to North Carolina and I have a feeling I am going to really like it there. Auburn is still at the top, followed by Florida State and Georgia.

After stating in absolute terms that he would be giving Michigan an official visit this season, this is a big step back. However, if Michigan still wants him (and there’s no indication that they wouldn’t), there’s plenty of time to get back in his recruitment, especially if he makes it to campus in November.

You may remember from last year that the coaching staff held a “Barbecue at the Big House” recruiting event in the spring. They plan on holding that event again, and so we’ll hear names trickle in of guys that plan to attend (and we can assume that most players within reasonable driving distance will show up). Add a confirmation from NJ RB/Ath Tony Jones (info in header). I assume that the staff is looking at Jones as an athlete/slot/defensive back rather than a ballcarrier, but that’s my opinion based on numbers and nothing more.

Removed FL WR Fred Pickett. The transfer to Pahokee has given a verbal commitment to West Virginia.

OH TE Alex Welch is adding to his offer list, picking up Oklahoma and Notre Dame recently. Michigan was among the earlier of his bigtime offers, and they didn’t take a tight end in the last recruiting class, so perhaps they’ll have a pretty good shot with him.

MI DT Tremondae Branch is feelin’ Arkansas. He doesn’t report offers from bigtime schools closer to home, but Michigan and MSU are allegedly “showing interest.” A camp appearance is likely the soonest that Branch would see an offer come through.

Entirely non-informative ESPN fluff on MI DE William Gholston. The only potentially relevant snippet is that he still intends to be kept at linebacker in college. Michigan will afford him that opportunity, and State probably wouldn’t, which is a big bonus for the Wolverines. Gholston will participate in the Under Armour All-American game. One bonus bit of fluff:

Tom Lemming of CBS College Sports has rated high school football prospects for 30 years. His magazine, Prep Football Report, is well respected throughout recruiting circles. He said the class of 2010 in Michigan is one of the best he’s seen in this state.

“It’s a very good year,” he said. “I’ll probably have two players from Michigan in my top 10. (Quarterback) Devin Gardner (Inkster) is the real thing. He has an NFL body. William Gholston (Detroit Southeastern) has long arms, quick feet and a good burst. It’s a good year for defensive ends and he’s right there with the best of them.”

His national top 10? That would be crazy, not that I’m complaining.

IN DE Blake Lueders has officially narrowed his list of suitors to a final 5. Michigan is not on the list (Stanford, Wake Forest, Boston College, Notre Dame, and Northwestern are), so he’s been removed from the recruiting board.

As mentioned above, the “Barbecue at the Big House” is going to be a fairly large recruiting event, and per mgoblog’s Tom Van Haaren, PA DE/LB Ken Wilkins plans to attend. Better yet, he may have his mind on committing, if the Wolverines will have him. I’ve added him to the board, though I’ve seen no indication of whether he’s been offered.

WA LB Zach Fogerson received a Michigan offer last week, and it seemed to open his mind to a decommitment (info in header). However, he’s apparently firmed up his commitment to the Huskies since then. Since the offer from Rich rodriguez seemed to mean so much to him, I would be surprised if his recruitment is completely wrapped up. I’ll add him to the board for now, but be wary of him if he continues saying he won’t take other visits.

More fluff on FL LB Christian Jones. HIs work ethic is praised, though there are still the signs that Florida State probably has an insurmountable lead for his services. It appears at this time as thought the Gators might be the only team capable of catching FSU.

MD DBs Jeff Knox and Michael Coley are both holding MIchigan offers, and they both intend to make a visit to Michigan over the summer. The Wolverines have also offered a couple of their teammates, so don’t be surprised if there is a DeMatha contingent on campus something this summer (for summer camp?).

OH S Latwan Anderson runs track:

The Tarblooders were without ailing but almost healed junior sprinter Tony Foster, but were aided by the recent addition of junior Latwan Anderson, a transfer from St. Edward. He was fourth in the 100 (11.4), won the 200 (21.3) and ran on the winning 4×100 and 4×200 relays.

“He asked to come out for the team on Monday,” Glenville coach Tony Overton said. “Latwan is a little out of shape, but he’s working hard.”

Hurray track updates.

Speaking of track updates, OH WR/DB commit DJ Williamson is fairly accomplished himself:

“This title means a lot because it’s the last one,” said junior Deaver Williamson, who tied the league record in the 100 (10.6) and broke the 200 mark (21.40) to tie classmate Marvin Logan for the points title. “We wanted to come out and win both sides, boys and girls, and put our names in history forever.”

I’m still schocked that Rivals and/or Scout haven’t bumped him at least up to three stars on the basis of size and blistering speed.

More track? More track. Dior Mathis is one of Southeast Michigan’s best sprinters, with a new personal best 100m time of 10.71.

I’m not ready to call PA CB Cullen Christian a lock (hell, I’m barely ready to call committed players like Marvin Robinson locks), but he certainly doesn’t seem interested in other offers:

As the far as the Colorado, Christian adds “its very exciting for me to get an offer from the Big 12.”

Can that be interpreted realistically in any other way than “I have no interest in your school, but the situation requires that I say something nice.”? I think not.

Re-removed MD CB Louis Young, who recommitted to Stanford, after decommitting earlier this spring.

Posted under Football, Recruiting

Kurt Wermers Leaves Michigan

Rich Rodriguez announced to the press at the Griese and Hutchinson Charity Golf event that Kurt Wermers will no longer be a member of the Michigan football team. The Personnel HQ has been updated accordingly.

Rodriguez also mentioned that “a couple guys” might be leaving the team soon, a statement that most people assume to refer to Kevin Grady, who has to serve 7 days in jail for violating the terms of his probation.

Posted under Football, Personnel

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Big Ten Recruiting Class Rankings 5-17-09

Compare to the previous edition of the recruiting class rankings. Rivals released an updated Rivals100, so most of the previously-committed guys have at least some form of ranking. I think when the next set of rankings come out, I may switch the Rivals scores from stars to their “RR” grades, whatever the hell they mean. Thoughts on the potential switch?

5-8-09 Indiana gains commitment from Andre Kates.

#1 Michigan – 10 commits
Name Pos Rivals Scout ESPN
Ricardo Miller WR **** **** 150*
Devin Gardner QB **** **** 150*
Marvin Robinson S **** **** 150*
Jerald Robinson WR **** **** 77
Jeremy Jackson WR *** *** 150*
Stephen Hopkins RB *** *** 77
Antonio Kinard LB *** *** 77
Tony Drake RB *** NR 77
Drew Dileo WR *** NR 75
DJ Williamson WR NR NR NR

Nothing new for Michigan. I’m still surprised a guy with Williamson’s speed and size doesn’t get at least 3-star status. ESPN still lists Travis Williams as committed to Michigan because their recruiting coverage is incompetent.

#2 Ohio State – 5 commits
Name Pos Rivals Scout ESPN
Andrew Norwell OL **** ***** 150*
Jamel Turner DE **** ***** 150*
JT Moore DE **** *** 78
Scott McVey LB *** *** 77
David Durham LB *** NR 150*

David Durham picks up a 3-star rating from Rivals.

#3 Penn State – 5 commits
Name Pos Rivals Scout ESPN
Paul Jones QB **** ***** 150*
Adrian Coxson WR **** **** 150*
Silas Redd RB **** **** 79
Mike Hull LB **** **** 77
Luke Graham OL NR *** NR

Penn State passes Notre Dame, as their commit list is far more impressive overall at this time.

#4 Notre Dame – 3 commits
Name Pos Rivals Scout ESPN
Chris Martin DE ***** ***** 150*
Christian Lombard OL *** **** 150*
Daniel Smith WR *** **** 78

Notre Dame has been stagnating with these three commits for quite some time.

#5 Minnesota – 4 commits
Name Pos Rivals Scout ESPN
Jimmy Gjere OL **** **** 79
Lamonte Edwards Ath **** *** 76
Antoine Lewis WR *** *** 76
Tom Parish QB *** NR 73

Antoine Lewis gets 3-star ranking from Rivals.

#6 Illinois – 3 commits
Name Pos. Rivals Scout ESPN
Corey Cooper CB **** **** 150*
Chandler Whitmer QB *** *** 150*
Shawn Afryl OL *** *** 69

Nothing new for the Illini.

#7 Michigan State – 1 commit
Name Pos. Rivals Scout ESPN
Max Bullough LB **** **** 150*
Tony Lippett WR NR NR 78

Lippett still unrated. ESPN ranks him higher than most of Michigan’s commits, which like, wow, you’re dumb.

#8 Iowa – 3 commits
Name Pos. Rivals Scout ESPN
Austin Gray LB *** *** 77
James Morris LB *** *** 74
Jim Poggi LB NR NR NR

Gray and Morris each get 3-star ratings from Rivals.

#9 Wisconsin – 2 commits
Name Pos. Rivals Scout ESPN
Konrad Zagzebski LB *** *** 76
Marquis Mason WR *** NR NR

Zagzebski and Mason still the only Badgers holding it down.

#10 Indiana – 1 commit
Name Pos. Rivals Scout ESPN
Andre Kates CB NR NR NR

Indiana grabs JuCo Andre Kates to get on board.

Northwestern, Purdue – 0 commits.

Posted under Football, Recruiting