Michigan's Spring Game Deep Thoughts

photo by John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

The format of the scrimmage was pretty much what I expected. The coverage and technical problems by the Big Ten Network was far worse then I expected.


The wind was whipping with the cold weather made the play pretty sloppy at times. Neither QB did very well and completions seemed to be far and few in between. The only bad snap was when the center didn't get the ball back on the right count.  I didn't see any injuries which is really good news and Michigan picked up a huge instate commitment from Royce Jenkins-Stone, so Saturday was a successful day.

 

The Michigan defense I thought played well. They gave up a couple of big plays but pretty much played tough most of the game. I enjoyed watching Big Will with the first team and causing problems for the offensive line.

 

Denard started the game with a big run but seemed to struggle after. Devin showed flashes but was pretty inconsistent as well.  Thier play might concern some fans but  I could care less about how they played.  These guys have all summer to work with the WR's on timing and of course Michigan didn't want to show any future opponents anything. I thought Devin's best throw was the touchdown to Stokes.  (loved the way Stokes seemed to pick the ball out of the air)

 

All the running backs played well. Mike Cox found the end zone on a long run (we saw that way too often from the Michigan D last year), Fitz Toussaint ran hard, Smith had a nice run on a short pass and Mike Shaw did well with one hand. I hope one or two of them will really stand out next Fall.

 

I really enjoyed watching the improvements on defense. I thought the D-line held it's own and the Michigan DB's seemed to play pretty well. I think Courtney Avery is going to be a player. I liked the blitz packages and the pressure the Michigan D was putting on both Devin and Denard. I hope they can continue that type of pressure when the season starts.  Michigan didn't have 4 starters on defense available with JT Floyd, Kenny Demens, RVB, and Woolfolk all out with injuries. 

 

Michigan's only hope in field goal kicking is incoming freshman Matt Wile. It seems the two current kickers on the roster are not any better and went 0-2 on Saturday.

 

So we learned a little but not too much.  I saw promise from our defense which seems to be the work of Greg Mattison.  Greg could be the most important hire of Brady Hoke's entire head coaching career.  I also liked how Coach Hoke gathered the entire team at the end and said a few words.   Is it me or does it feel like Brady and staff have been in charge at Michigan for a couple of years?  He just seems like a natural fit for the job. 

 

Now to the news you have been waiting for, who are my MVP's of the game:

 

Offense: Where was #21 or #12? They had a pretty quiet day. The offense had a couple good plays but the drives as a whole mostly fizzled out. So my MVP goes to a guy who has been waiting for his chance to play and busted a 60 yard+ run for a touchdown early in the scrimmage. Congratulations Mike Cox, I hope you can work some similar magic during the year.

 

Defense: I thought there were a number of players I could have picked. The defense seemed to be flying around the field and always near the ball. Carvin Johnson had two interceptions (one was called back) and Big Will was stuffing up the middle. Did anyone happen to see Big Will and Mike Martin drop in coverage a couple of times? Good stuff! My defensive MVP is very clear cut winner in Jake Ryan at LB. He had 1 1/2 sacks a couple QB pressures and a pick 6. It was a no brainer and maybe RR did find a diamond in the rough with Jake. I hope that was just a sneak peak of whats to come.

 

I would like to thank everyone for entering, we had hundreds of entries and I loved reading your kind words and picks. Some picks included Zack Novak and Ray Vinopal. Those made me laugh!

 

Many of you seem very high on Cam Gordon and Big Will. They will be an important part of the defense next year. A couple of you picked Carvin Johnson and he was a very good choice as well. Lots of Fitz, Hopkins and Cox.

 

Nobody hit the daily double of Mike Cox and Jake Ryan. So I had to pick the first entries with Mike and the two guys that picked Jake.

 

Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed the contest.

 

*Winners of the Tressel T Shirts:

1. Evan B. (Cox & Avery)
2. Scott P (Cox & Big Will)
3. Cody D (Cox & Gordon)
4. Kai M (Cox & Black)
5. Drew Y (Fitz & Ryan)
6. J Wilson (Fitz & Ryan)

 

*If you are on this list email me your address and your shirt size again and I will send you the shirt. I will do my best on the sizes. I only have L-XXL (2 each).

Michigan Friday: Spring Game Wish List

I like the Michigan Spring Game, just because I really enjoy seeing the Maize and Blue on the field for another Saturday and know it's my last chance until September.   I don't really love it because it's a glorified practice which can give us some insight on who and where your favorite players might be next year. 

So if I was 6 years old and really wanted my wish list to come true on Saturday, here it is:

• No major injuries of any sort
• Denard looks comfortable under center
• Denard has some nice completions
• No fumbled snaps from anyone
• The recruits are impressed and want to commit on the spot
• The defense looks improved since the nightmare I had on 1/1/11
• A couple of running backs look like good options this fall
• Linebacker play is much improved with new players
• Another starting safety whose name doesn't rhyme with "throwbacks"
• WR's and TE's that catch the ball consistently (don't forget Michigan struggled with that last year)
• A couple made field goals
• A couple young DB's who show they can play
• A Big Day for Big Will!  I want a QB pressure and a ton of stops of RB's for no gain or -2 yards.
• Devin to play with confidence and throw the ball well
• A 3rd String QB to stand out - Mr. President?  The Pioneer kid? 
• #1 wish: That the right building blocks are in place to make this a championship team in the next couple of year.

Enjoy the game and I will do my MVP on Sunday Morning.   We just have 6 shirts so the first 6 with the right prediction will get them.   I have received hundreds of emails.

Don't forget, Michigan should get a 4 star LB recruit tonight at 6:00 PM!

Go Blue!

Michigan Thursday: 2012 Recruiting Offer Blitz

Michigan continues to hit the 2012 recruiting trail hard.  Which is good because they probably have a year to 6 months to make up in relationships with these kids.   Michigan does have an ace in the hole and that guy is Greg Mattison.  Urban Meyer recently called Greg the best recruiter in the business and running the Baltimore Ravens Defense doesn't hurt either.  Stewart Madel from SI.com also believes that Greg is one of the new coordinators in college football that could make a major impact..

• Royce Jenkins-Stone was offered by Oklahoma this week and he called it his most impressive offer so far but that he is still open.  This obviously is not the greatest news for Michigan fans.  He is not expected to make an early decision so there is a lot of time for him to drink the maize and blue kool-aide.
• Jordan Diamond was expected to participate in the Best of Midwest combine this weekend on Michigan's campus.   He has decided not to participate but will be coming up to Ann Arbor with his teammate and future Wolverine Chris Bryant for an un-official visit.  The buzz around Jordan is that he is a high 4 star or 5 star recruit.  
• Michigan has offered one of the best RB's in the country in North Carolina Keith Marshall. 
• Canton RB Bri'onte Dunn is verbally committed to OSU already but Michigan has high interest and might have offered him yesterday.  Update: It has been confirmed that he was offered by Michigan. 
• Ohio State has now offered DE Ifeadi Odenigb from Centerville and DE Sevon Pittman from Canton McKinley, both have Michigan offers as well.
• Florida DB Deon Bush another Big Time prospect was offered by Michigan this week:  I just got off the phone with the defensive coordinator, Greg Mattison, a few minutes ago. He said he liked my film, and they liked me so they offered me. This is a real big offer for me. Michigan, that's a great school. They have the Big House, a great fan base every year that's there no matter win or lose.
• Canton Safety prospect Jarrod Wilson was offered by the Wolverines yesterday as well.  Jarrod is ranked in the top 20 players in the State of Ohio and a number of recruiting insiders love his game.  As you know, Michigan need more "true safety" prospects.
• TomVH from Mgoblog has interviews up with WR Corey Smith and OL Kyle Murphy. 
• The expected Michigan 2012 Class is estimated to be around 17-20 players.

Other Michigan News:

• Michigan Basketball lost a close one at Illinois last night.  They got two shots up at the buzzer but neither dropped.  Iowa is now a must win if they are going to make a bid to make the NCAA tournament.

• Devin Gardner tweets that there isn't any new news about his medical redshirt status. 

Michigan Friday: Updates Rumor Mill and A Few More Offers

The rumor mill is spinning that Devin Gardner might have had his medical redshirt application approved.  This rumor started at an alumni event in Florida.  So it has not been confirmed by anyone at the Michigan program yet. 

This would be big because Denard is a junior now and this approval would make Devin a redshirt freshman.  This could also give Bellomy (incoming freshman for 2011) a redshirt year to learn the offense.   Either way, I would expect Devin to get a number of snaps next season.  With Tate gone to South Beach, Devin is now firmly in the #2 role and will spell Denard if he gets nicked up running the ball.

Devin played in two games in 2010 (UConn and Bowling Green) and was 7-10 for 85 yards.  He also ran 6 times for 25 yards and 1 TD.

• Recent Michigan offer Ron Thompson TE from Detroit has a relationship with Devin Gardner and Michigan might be the team to beat in his recruitment.

• Michigan has offered 2012 California WR Derrick Woods. DW is 5'11 180 pounds.

   

• Michigan Basketball team takes on Indiana at 4:00.  Please go to the game and support this team. 

• Do you think it took Michigan a long time to fill their assistant coaching spots? Well we could be Indiana who has lost 4 assistant coaches who had only been the job a couple weeks under the new staff,  UCLA which seems to be a complete mess with  Neuheisel just hiring two position coaches yesterday and they are still without DC,  Maryland is trying to hire Randy Shannon as their DC.

Tuesday Night Lights: Finds a QB

We all know how Texas loves it's high school football.  Today Michigan got a 6'3 185 pound QB from Arlington, Texas in Russell Bellomy.  Russell is a 3 star prospect (to Scouts) with offers from Purdue, Boise State, Michigan State, Colorado, Minnesota, South Florida and others. 

Russell was on a mid-week visit to Ann Arbor and it seems the Wolverines made a big impression on the young man and he committed to the 2011 class.  With only two scholarship QB's on the roster, Michigan needed a QB in this class and they picked Russell.   He has been committed to Purdue for sometime, so I'm sure Danny Hope "love" for Michigan will continue to grow. 

I had never heard of Russell before this week but I am impressed how athletic he is.  Check out the tape for yourself.  He throws very well on the run outside the pocket.





Stayed tuned I believe I will have information on another commit in an hour or so.

RR's Gator Bowl Press Conference Notes

News from RR's press conference this morning:

- Devin Gardner is the #2 QB for the Gator Bowl

- Tate is back in Ann Arbor and his status as a U of M student is unclear. 

Breaking News: Tate Forcier Ruled Ineligible for Gator Bowl

If your a Michigan fan, I wouldn't suggest going to Vegas with Rich Rodriguez any time soon.  He is really un-lucky when it comes to this team and program.  Michigan got dealt another blow this evening as Tate Forcier has been ruled ineligible to participate in the Gator Bowl and most suspect its due to academics. 

Tate has had an interesting year; seeing Denard take over his limelight as he has struggled on and off the field with issues during summer work outs and threatening to transfer after the UConn game.  He has also seen the highs of leading Michigan in an overtime win that qualified the Wolverines for this very bowl game. 

What now is the question for the team and player?

For team, what happens if Denard goes down? Like he has in pretty much every game this year.  Do you burn Devin's possible medical redshirt to save the game and maybe his job?  Or do you play 4th string QB Jack Kennedy?  Or maybe it's Jeremy Gallon who has been running the scout team these past two weeks so the Wolverines could prepare for MSU's offense?  All of those plans stink.

For the player, have we seen Tate in a Michigan uniform for the last time?  Is this the last straw and Tate is heading to D1A school like Montana or maybe another D1 school because he still has his redshirt available?  Does his academic issues make it more difficult for him to transfer?  I guess that has been the problem with Tate this year, there have been more questions then answers. 

I really thought Tate would be important in the Gator Bowl because I expect MSU to focus on stopping Denard running the ball and would be wide open to a passing attack.  I guess all that rides on Denard now and his ability to play the full game.  

Michigan Thursday: Could 2 De-commits have Saved Rich Rodriguez Job at Michigan?

For those of you that don't care for RR you have a laundry list of reasons why: 

• Weird new offense
• Really bad defense
• Not a Michigan Man
• Paying him too much money
• Stretching too long before practice which lead to NCAA Violations
• A bad record
• Recruiting kids that are borderline academically
• Piped in music at the Big House
• Transfers
• De-commitments

I'm sure you can list many more.  What's strange is maybe two QB de-commits could have saved his job.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?  The time is August 2008.  Michigan will be starting a season where a walk-on and a non-mobile red shirt freshman are Michigan's only options at QB.   Though help was on the way through recruiting for the 2009 class.  Michigan had two 4 star QB's verbally committed to that class:  Shavodrick Beaver a 6'3, 180 pound QB out of Wichita Falls, Texas and Kevin Newsome a 6'2 225 pound QB from Portsmouth, Virgina. 

Both of these guys had solved Michigan's future QB depth problems and now the Michigan coaching staff could focus on recruiting Offensive Line and Defense.  Well, that good feeling at QB didn't last long as Kevin decided to de-commit from Michigan on August 19th and Shavodrick did the same in December.  From a comfortable feeling to a really bad feeling. 

Michigan went 0-2 on their QB recruits for 2009 but help was on the way, Tate Forcier a long time Michigan fan gave his verbal during the season and things were back on track.    Michigan still had only one QB recruit until signing day when Denard Robinson signed up.   So you could say that Shavordrick and Kevin's decision to not join the Wolverines gave the opportunities for Tate and Denard to.

So that is one interesting point.  The other is what has happened to all four players since then. 

• Shavodrick Beaver is a back up at Tulsa and in two years has completed 5-9 passes for a total of 41 yards.
• Kevin Newsome is 3rd string at Penn State and 14-24 in two years for 144 yards.
• Tate was 165-281 for 2050 yards in 2009 and 30-39 for 349 yards in 2010
• Denard was 14-31 for 188 yards in 2009 and 97-143 for 1319 yards in 2010

Ironically, Michigan on Saturday could face (he is questionable due to a concussion) Robert Bolden a true freshman QB from the State of Michigan that picked Penn State after Devin Gardner verbally committed to the University of Michigan in the 2010 class.  My understanding is that Kevin Newsome is third string behind walk-on redshirt sophomore Matt McGloin.  Tulsa on the other hand plays Notre Dame this weekend and "The Beaver" might see a few snaps.

It was clear that RR and staff did a great job in recruiting both Tate and Denard.  Will that recruitment save his job?  I think the next 3 weeks will go a long way in answering that question.

Michigan Tuesday: Clarifies Medical Redshirts

This is game week and after a week off it's hard to find news worthy stuff out of the Wolverines.  So I will do my best today on getting you the most interesting "stuff" out there.

Funny Quotes from the Michigan Press Conference Yesterday:

-A camera man asked a question to Coach Rod about facing JoPa head to head.  RR responded jokingly: “Joe and I aren’t going against each other, I might be able to take him, if it is just me and him."

-Stephen Schilling on Big Will Campbell playing on the Offensive line:  Sometimes he played the defensive line like an offensive lineman.  He was more interested in finishing blocks then making the tackle.

• The Daily Gopher profiles a "Michigan Man" Brady Hoke for their open head coaching position.  I didn't realize the job he has done at San Diego State.  He is currently 5-2 with a win over Air Force and played Missouri within 3 points and was leading in the 4th quarter. 

• Kelvin Grady was interviewed  for ESPN's GameDay on Monday for his twitter use.

 

• Denard is a semi-finalist for Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award.  There are 15 other semi-finalists as well.

• I know many of you have questions on what qualifies for a medical redshirt for Devin Gardner.  #1 he can't play more then 30% of the games in a season, with all participation being in the first half of the season.  His last snaps were in the Bowling Green game.  #2 He also has to have a documented injury.  Currently, he has a documented back injury.   At the end of the year, they have to file paperwork to the NCAA requesting a medical redshirt.  I fully expect Michigan to file for the medical redshirt also commonly known as a medical hardship at the end of the season.

• The other situation is that it seems Ricardo Miller played on special teams for the UMASS game this year.  Let's hope that stat is a mistake.  You lose your redshirt eligibility if you play one play. 

• Yes, Michigan is recruiting a place kicker.  They were looking at guys in California and Maryland last week.

Wolverine Wednesday: Is this Team Different Then the 2009 Sqaud?

Everywhere a Michigan player or coach goes these days, there is one question on the mind of Michigan fans:  Is this team better then last years team?  It gets asked by every media member to every player or coach at Michigan. 

Coach Rod doesn't look back and uses his favorite line from the Lion King about the Monkey hitting the Lion and the Lion asking, "Why did you do that?"  The Monkey:  "It doesn't matter it's in the past".  That DVD must be stuck in his player because he dusts that line off a couple times a year. 
The players say, this is a different team.  They have had another year in the system and they are just a lot closer family this year. 

The reason the question gets asked is Michigan has had a lot of similarities between the two years, both teams: started 4-0, had wins over ND, had an early season Heisman trophy candidate, and had higher expectations then before the season started.  The bottom fell out of the 2009 season and Michigan could only muster one more win against a very poor FCS team.  That memory is still fresh in the minds of Michigan fans and many are scared that history could repeat itself.

All of the above is true, but I will give you the real reasons Michigan is better in 2010 then 2009:



#5:  Greg Robinson is coaching the linebackers.   Take away the UMass game and the linebacker play has improved from 2009.

#4: Michigan already has a road win.  Michigan has struggled the past two years on the road under RR and only had one win in two years.  Michigan played well at ND which should give them confidence to play on the road at IU, Penn State, Purdue, and OSU.

#3: Speed on offense.  Remember when Michigan had two QB's that ran a 40 in about 6.0 flat?  The running backs were beat up and Michigan didn't have a deep threat at WR?  Well times have changed and Michigan has depth at all the skill positions and many have contributed in a positive way.  Roy Roundtree is on his way to earning the #1 jersey next year and Darryl Stonum is running by CB's down field.  You get Junior Hemingway back catching the ball and this is one dangerous unit.  (we haven't even mentioned the WR in the freshman class or the true sophomores either)

#2:  Michigan's offensive line is playing very well and there is depth at each position.  Taylor Lewan has had one start under his belt and is already being compared to another famous #77 Jake Long.    David Molk is healthy and leading the charge from his center position.

#1:  Surprise!  It's Denard.  Who has taken college football by storm and is so humble he acts like he doesn't even notice.  He is the perfect combination for a RR QB.  He has personality, fast feet and a strong arm, a defensive coordinators nightmare.   What's interesting about this team is, it's just not Denard.  Michigan has two backups ready to play and play well.  Devin Gardner is a true freshman but has looked good so far and we all know Tate has one of the most accurate arms in all of college football.  Michigan has three guys that can beat you at QB and that is a great feeling for Michigan fans who remember the Sheridan and Threet days.

Sounds good!  What's the catch?

I can't type here and say the defense is better in 2010 with the losses of Brandon Graham, Donovan Warren, and Troy Woolfolk.  Michigan will have to out score some opponents in the Big Ten season and some games might look more like a track meet then a football game.  What I can tell you is, that Greg Robinson does know what he is doing and will do his best putting the Michigan personnel in the proper position to make plays.  Michigan is young pretty much everywhere on defense but I don't feel like we will get out coached on that side of the ball.

Special Teams is a big concern:  Punting has not been good and the field goal kicking has been terrible.  Missing field goals in Big Ten play will cost Michigan a game or two.  The good thing is RR knows this and will be more aggressive in getting first downs then settling for field goals.  Look for Michigan to go for it on a number of 4th downs.  

So there you have it.  Agree or disagree with me, but I now fully expect a bowl game and to be very competitive in games I thought were losses before the season started. 

Michigan vs UMass Preview

Time: 12:00 EST
TV: Big Ten Network
Location: Big House
Weather: Isolated Thunderstorms, high 74
Line: None


I will start the preview with this line:  Don't Sleep on the Minutemen. 

When I looked at this schedule I thought UMass would be an easy win.  Similar to Delaware State last year - It's not going to be that easy.  This UMass team can play and is 2-0 and ranked #16 in FCS.  They have wins over two quality FCS opponents so far this year in the #3 ranked William and Mary and Holy Cross.  They have a senior JUCO transfer at QB and have picked up a number of kills players from Northeastern and Hofstra after their programs folded last year.   Greg Robinson should recognize a number of Syracuse transfers that are now starting for the Minutemen.

UMass runs a pro style offense with a power run game.  They like to lead with the full back and run between the tackles.  Which should run right into the strength of the Michigan strong defensive line and senior linebackers. UMass had to replace all 4 starters on the defensive line but the strength of their defense is their linebackers lead by Tyler Holmes an FCS All American.  UMass doesn't have any players that hail from the State of Michigan.

Let's go to the Tale of the Tape:

All levels of Michigan vs All Levels of UMass = Michigan

That was easy.  Let's hope the game is that easy as well.


What I'm looking for from the Wolverines this week:

• Less Denard and more Running Backs:  I would like to see Fitz Toussaint and Mike Cox get some snaps.  A running back with a 100 yards please. 

• Less Denard and More Tate:   I am still holding out hope they can redshirt Devin.  I know he has played and might have burned his redshirt but it's only been 3 plays and this game will go long way on that plan.  If Devin gets a lot of snaps my redshirt theory will die for sure.  I think it's very important for Tate to play and play a lot.  I have a feeling that Tate will need to win some games for the Wolverines this year during the Big Ten season.  He needs the reps.

 

• Less Mike Martin more Big Will:  We all know Mike is a great player.  I would like to see more snaps for Big Will because I think we will need him during the year.  This is a great team to have him in there against.  He is a big body run stopper against a team that likes to run.

• More experience for the DB's:  I would like all the freshman DB's to get snaps in this game.  The next two weeks is time to get some experience.

Sing Hail to the Victors if.......

• Michigan isn't thinking about Big Ten play.
• The defense stops the run and puts a ton of pressure on the QB.
• A running back steps up and gets a 100 yards
• If it's out of reach by the 3rd quarter
• Lots of play from the 2 and 3 deep players
• Michigan makes a field goal

Worry if...................

• UMass is App. State
• Michigan is just to vanilla on both sides of the ball which keeps UMass in the game
• Michigan has been watching ESPN and reading the newspapers all week
• It's still close in the second quarter
• Michigan thinks this is a bye week after UConn and ND

I expect Michigan to play hard on Saturday as the coaches have reminded the team about Toledo two years ago and what happened to Virgina Tech last week.   I also expect the coaches to remind the players that they have been home for Christmas the last two years because they didn't take care of business in games like this.  I want Denard to run only if he has to and more from the Michigan running backs and wide receivers in the passing game.  (sure his numbers might take a hit and there might be a few: what happened to Denard stories on Sunday?) UMass should not be able to stop Michigan's offense at any point during the game.  No line on game.  Michigan 42 UMass 7 


Go Blue!