Big House Blog Quick Hitters

• Brady Hoke said that Cam Gordon is questionable for Saturday.  His back must still be bothering him.
• TWolf is doing more then expected this week and will be ready to go on Saturday.
• Hopkins will see some time at tailback and fullback.
• The Lions signed Donovan Warren to it's practice squad. 
• Je'Ron Stokes transferred to Bowling Green to play with his brother who is a freshman QB.

Wolverine Wednesday: Likes the Art

Some of you might have heard about the new ESPN Ann Arbor web site that was taking some of the best Michigan beat writers and recruiting guys.  TomVH one of the best connected recruiting guys left Mgoblog for ESPN and has already started.   The site isn't called ESPN Ann Arbor it's called WolverineNation.  There is some good video's up already with Tom interviewing Danny O and Shane Morris showing off his arm (btw the kid can throw!).   Most of the stuff will be behind the pay wall but if you subscribe to ESPN the Magazine you can get access for free.  BTW, there are deals out there on the magazine for like $4 a year for a full subscription.

The Art, The Art, The Art has done some great PC wall papers in past years.  The one for the Big House under the lights is pretty good.    If you want to download this free wall paper hit the above link and enjoy this imagine on your PC or Ipad.




Pretty Boy Al Borges and Greg Mattison did their regular coach speak yesterday, below are the highlights:

• Woolfolk is healthy and will play on Saturday.  He will also stay on special teams.
• They will cover Floyd with more then one CB.  The thought was that Woolfolk might shadow Floyd the entire game.  I vote for covering Floyd with TWolf and Marvin Robinson.
• Al Borges plans to use less shotgun.  (don't believe him)
• Barnum will start and play on Saturday.
• Hopkins (now off suspension) will get time at RB against ND.  Maybe some two back stuff with him a FB? 
• There was pretty much agreement from all coaches that the D-line did not play well against WMU. 

Check out the new seats (updated link, not sure how a mgoblue link could link to SMU Tennis)  in Crisler Arena.  Is that really Crisler?  Looks good.

It seems the visitors list this weekend is very fluid.  The latest is that WR Powe will not make it in this weekend due to his late game on Friday night in California.   Jordan Payton is still planning on coming in.  The rumor mill is saying that Michigan should have a new WR commit in the 2012 class in the next week or so.  I'm betting on Darboh or Payton.   There is also some positive buzz around Danny O, who might be on commitment watch on Saturday.  Danny and Yuri Wright seem to be the last two defensive players left on Michigan's 2012 board.

• Braylon's latest mistake cost him a $50K NFL Fine. 

Breaking News: Another Transfer

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

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

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

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

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

*Picture from Touch The Banner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michigan Thursday: Drunk Driving is a Serious Offense

There are three Wolverines with recent Drunk Driving offenses; Darryl Stonum is a current Wolverine who is suspended from the team for 2 violations, Jalen Rose who is a member of ESPN and a former Fab 5 member and of course Braylon Edwards former Michigan WR and current NFL Free Agent. 

There are whispers that Darryl is hanging on by a thread to his college career with Michigan and could face being kicked off the team to a 4 game suspension.  Let's hope he has learned his lesson, cleans up his act and gets to re-join the team some time this year. 

Jalen was just sentenced to 20 days in jail for pleading guilty to his DUI this winter.  Which seems to be a pretty harsh penalty but so was his crime.   I like Jalen a lot but what he did was serious and he is paying a high price.

Braylon won't face any jail time but will have his probation from a Cleveland fight extended one year and will serve 100 hours of community service.

I like all 3 guys and hopefully they will all learn from these serious mistakes. 

• TomVH catches up with WR Amara Darboh who visited A2 this week:  I feel a lot better with them. They all seem like really nice guys and they have a great staff there. This visit helped Michigan a lot, and it also helped with my comfort level, so yeah.

• The Big Ten Media Days start today.  Should be lots of coaches talk.  For example; We have a talented team but we also have holes we need to fill.

• New BBQ visitor is 2013 ATH Dymonte Thomas who will be there with his father and his cousin Bri'onte Dunn.   The early returns on Dymonte is he might be one of the best players in Ohio in the 2013 class and has Michigan #1 in his recruitment right now. 

• I know NFL transactions are flying around fast.  To catch you up on some Wolverines:  Mike Hart got cut by Indy,  Jonas Mouton signed his deal with the Chargers, Stevie Breaston is now with Kansas City, Martell Webb signed with the Eagles, James Rogers with Denver and  Perry Dorrestein to the Jets.   Good luck Guys!  (Obi Ezeh, Greg Banks and Adam Patterson are still looking for teams).

Michigan Monday: 4 Star WR Set to Visit Today

The end of the week could be a big deal for the Wolverines with the BBQ at the Big House with a number of current commits, 2012 and 2013 prospects will get to share some burgers and hot dogs and get to know the coaches and the Michigan program a bit better.  Guys like Wormley or Dunn could take a few steps closer to becoming a Wolverine. 

Today and Tuesday a 4 star WR from Iowa,  Amara Darboh will visit Ann Arbor. Darboh holds offers from Florida, Iowa, Iowa State, ND, Nebraska, Wisconsin and others.  I'm going up to Michigan tomorrow [Monday the 25th]. Me and my basketball coach are going. He's a Michigan fan and he was able to give me a ride, so he wanted to go. We're taking off here at 8am on Monday, staying all day Monday, all day Tuesday, and then we might be back for a little bit on Wednesday too. 

I thought I'd have a top list already but I'm not going to have it until my season starts. Hopefully when my season starts I'll have it narrowed down to a top five and then just go from there. If I take an official visit somewhere and I feel comfortable and it feels right then I'll just commit there. Right now everything changes every now and then because I haven't seen everywhere yet. I don't want to name a list until I finalize it, but I think Michigan has a good chance to be in the top five. I'll know more about them after my visit.

With Stanford's interest in Michigan starting to slip, it seems Hoke and Staff will take the first 4 star WR that wants to commit.  With one spot in this class, I expect someone will commit in the next couple of weeks.

Bad News for former Michigan recruits:

• Pryor has had a bad 8 months but now reports are coming out the NFL might not allow him or even have a supplemental draft.
• We knew about Dee Hart blowing out his ACL.
• Now comes word that Kris Frost has a dislocated elbow and needs surgery. 
• Russell Shepard who considered Michigan his leader for about 5 minutes before committing to LSU, might have some eligibility issues.
• Jatashun “Big Tex” Beachum RB/DT who was considering Michigan near signing day for the 2010 class has left Arkansas program.
• If you didn't hear, Hawaii said, thanks but no thanks to Tate Forcier last week.   I think it's fair to assume that he has serious grade issues.  I'm guessing he will end up a Community College for a year.

Michigan Thursday: Will The Worm Turn Blue This Weekend?

One of the names that Michigan fans have been tracking this year is Chris Wormely a 4 star DE from Toledo.   Chris was offered by RR and Staff and that continued with Hoke and Mattison as well. 

One of the first recruits Greg Mattison met with was Chris Wormley after he was hired and that resonated with him.  Chris has been pretty quiet in his recruitment during track season with just letting folks know that Michigan and OSU are his top two.  With all the turmoil in Columbus, Michigan has seemed to have cemented their position as Chris's #1 school. 

Even 5 star offensive linemen Kyle Kalis thinks Chris is headed to Ann Arbor:  "The biggest thing about going to Michigan would be going against Tom (Strobel) and Chris Wormley every day (in practice)," Kalis told Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts.com. "I've pretty much come to the conclusion that Wormley is going to Michigan."


Will it be this weekend?  Not sure, but I think the Wolverines chances for a commitment sooner rather then later are pretty high.

• 2013 recruiting is starting to heat up.  Mega recruit QB Shane Morris has already jumped on board and now he needs some guys to block for him.   The two latest prospects to be offered are instate recruit Steve Elmer and Colorado's Chris Fox who was just offered yesterday.  Chris was at Michigan's camp this week and must of impressed the coaches.

• 4 star offensive lineman Blake Bars is planning a decision in the next week or so.  He visited Ann Arbor last weekend and Michigan seems to be one of this top schools.  (I personally like when they list their top schools and mention Michigan first) I'm really evaluating a top five of Michigan, Penn State, Florida, LSU, and Vanderbilt. We'll just lay out all those schools and what they have to offer. --- Yeah, I'm going to make my decision within the next week. We're going to sit down and evaluate each school on a different number of levels. Talk about how I would fit in, the level of football, and what it would do for me after football. We'll just go from there and then say where I want to go. We might be taking one more visit this weekend to either Boston College or Florida, but that's if my mom can find a good flight. After that we'll be done with visits.

• Former Wolverines Maurice Williams, Amani Toomer and Drew Henson are participating in the NFL's Broadcast Boot Camp in hopes of becoming NFL or College color TV announcers. 

• Steve Breaston comes strong with his lock out poetry work.  Another clear example of a Michigan Man!  Well done Steve.

Good luck tonight Darius!  I hope you go in Round 1.

Wolverine Wednesday: Can't Keep Track of Press Conferences

Terry Richardson is a 4 star prospect at cornerback and part of the Michigan trio of 2012 recruits that I call the Michigan 3.  The other two players (Royce Jenkins-Stone and James "Biggs" Ross) are already verbally committed to Michigan.   All 3 players are 4 star recruits and all 3 are pretty close friends.  Terry was with James when he made his commitment to U of M on the radio a couple of weeks ago.  

Terry was set to announce on Tuesday but his family couldn't make the press conference, so he changed the date to Thursday.  Well, there are conflicts now on Thursday as well.   So Terry is going to Tweet and FaceBook his college choice on Thursday Morning at 8:00AM.   Will he join his friends at Michigan? We will find out soon.

Terry's offer list is a very impressive one which includes: USC, ND, Oklahoma, LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, MSU, Penn State, UCLA and many others.

• Allen Gant was surprised by his offer from Michigan before camp in June:  "I expected to go to camp, I think it was June 19th, perform there, and then I was thinking get an offer after that," Gant said. "But this offer really did shock me."Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges made the call to Gant, explaining that he had spoken with head coach Brady Hoke and to everybody else on the Michigan staff."I've been real excited seeing what the colleges are looking for," Gant said. "For me to be able to get this scholarship at the University of Michigan was an honor."

• David Brandon wants a 9 game Big Ten Conferenceschedule sooner rather then later.  I wonder if he is really considering how the MAC teams would feel about losing that pay day?

• Dhani Jones interview on being a Renaissance man
   

Michigan Friday: Show Me the Money and I will Show You a Defense

With Brady Hoke on board now many of us wondered who he would pick to turn around the Michigan defense.  Would he be fishing in the $250K pond for Greg Robinson types or would he be fishing in the $1M a year pond for Randy Shannon types.  Brady ended up getting Greg Mattison the DC for the Baltimore Ravens, so we all expected it was close to the Shannon pond.   We found out yesterday we were right. 

Most notable was defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's contract. He will be paid $750,000 annually with a chance for a bonus of up to $150,000 if the Wolverines win the Big Ten. Mattison, 61, who spent the last two seasons as defensive coordinator for the NFL's Ravens, is the Big Ten's highest-paid assistant.



"We're not messing around," Brandon told The News when asked about Mattison's contract. "I am sure he's the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the Big Ten, and I have to believe he is also one of the highest-paid in the country.

Mattison will net $900,000 if Michigan wins a Big Ten Championship.  That's pretty good money for the #2 guy and in my opinion worth every cent if he can turn the defense around.  On a side note, Mattison is now making more then Brady Hoke was making at San Diego State before his extension (Hoke made $675,000 in base pay last year).
 
The other assistants won't be staving either, Offensive coordinator Al Borges will make $350,000 a year, receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski will make $225,000 and the other assistants will make $200,000 apiece.   Calvin Magee was RR's highest paid assistant at $285K a year.  A thought to ponder:  Did RR keep all the salary for himself and was not able to get the top defensive staff that he needed?  Or is David Brandon breaking the bank on Hoke's staff because Michigan hasn't been competitive in the Big Ten for 3 years?
 
Speaking of Brady Hoke it seems it didn't take long for him to re-print the weight room walls with a quote from Mark Dantonio about beating Michigan every year.   Mark, I know you would never listen to a piece of advice from a know nothing blogger, but here it goes anyways: When you win, act like you have been there before.  Do it with some grace and don't poke the grizzly bear when it's sleeping.  Be happy what you got and be quiet about it.  Karma can be cruel the next time around.   Is it me or does Dantonio have a couple screws loose? You wouldn't see his mentor Jim Tressel act like this.  
 

• The Michigan coaches just offered Ohio OL Kyle Kalis (6'5", 300 lbs) who is already a OSU commit but Kyle's high school teammates: TE Sam Grant, DT Greg Kuhar, and OL Tyler Orlosky all have Michigan offers.  Could the Wolverines be looking to sign the entire St. Edwards team?

• Michigan's basketball season could hinge on how they play against Minnesota in the Barn on Saturday afternoon.  If the Wolverines let the "Harlem Globe Trotter Shot" beat them twice they are for sure heading for the NIT.  If they can pull a win out in the Barn and then a home win against MSU, they have a fighting chance entering the Big Ten Tournament to get to the big dance.

• If your tuned into the NFL Network this weekend, Michigan has two players at the NFL Combine in Indy.  Steve Schilling and Jonas Mouton.  Good luck to you both!  

Steven Threet to Call it a Career and Why It Should Make You Think

If you have followed the Big House Blog for a few years you know one of the topics I take very seriously are head injuries in football.  If you missed those past articles, I will re-set my stance on the topic (do a search if your interested in the past posts on this topic):

Football is changing, It used to be that if you played High School, College, and maybe even made it to the NFL you knew you might be giving up a couple of knees, probably have back problems, and maybe a shoulder or two.  Now it seems the injuries and penalties can be much worse and even devastating. 

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy commonly referred to as CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been showing up in football players as young as 18.  In Boxing, they commonly refer to this disease as being "punch drunk".   CTE is now showing up in the pre-mature deaths of many football players who struggle with depression and having a brain that is more like a 90 year old then a 50 year old.  One of the higher profile cases was the recent death of Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry who had CTE at the age of 26.  There are also studies that are showing former football players and European soccer players are also suffering a higher rate of "Lou Gehrig's " disease or ALS.  Why soccer players?  They are taking head shots from a ball traveling at a rate of 80 mph. 

Many researchers had linked CTE to concussions which is accurate but the more alarming trend is evidence of CTE in players that never had a history of concussions.  Chris Henry is an example of that theory.  Chris never had any reported concussions and clearly had CTE after his death from jumping on a moving vehicle.

This week there have been two alarming cases for football fans and football players.  The first sign was the suicide of former Chicago Bears defensive back Dave Duerson.   Dave sent a text to his family moments before his death that asked for his brain to be tested and the results sent to the NFL.  Dave was suffering from depression and was filing for bankruptcy.  

Then today we learn of the apparent retirement of former Michigan QB Steven Threet who has one more year of eligibility left at Arizona State.  Steven has had 4 concussions and suffered 2 just last year, Oct. 23 at California and Nov. 26 against UCLA . Threet told the Arizona Republic on Wednesday that he's still experiencing symptoms from the last concussion and still has headaches and has trouble sleeping.  A source told ESPN that "Doctors have told him a fifth concussion could be debilitating," a source told ESPN. "You don't want to be 35 years old and can't hold up a cup of coffee."

If you need more proof, read the story about the University of Pennsylvania offensive lineman Owen Thomas who also committed suicide in college. Owen was the first college football player to have CTE and here are the chilling words from his mother: “I knew there was a missing piece,” says Thomas’ mother, the Rev. Katherine Brearley, of Allentown, Pa. “No one has given me even a hint of an explanation why Owen, at the drop of a hat, would kill himself. It’s out of all proportion and totally out of his character.”

Below is an example of the damage on the brain from CTE:

Top row: Brain sections showing dense tau protein deposition in multiple areas of frontal cortex (boxes).Bottom row: Microscopic images showing large numbers of tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles (dark brown spots) in the areas of damage.  (photo from BU.edu)

If things don't change these type of head injuries will effect the long term viability of the sport we love.  The NFL is starting to take this seriously now after years of not believing the evidence.  It's now clearly starting to effect high school and college football as well.   Question, do you want someone you love playing football?  Steven you are making a great decision.  Good luck to you outside of football.

Wolverine Wednesday: Hosts a Mid-Week 2012 Visitor and Other Michigan News

Matt Godin is an instate DT/DE prospect for 2012.  He was being recruited by RR and Staff and had made it to Ann Arbor for a couple of games in 2010.  He was clearly excitied about playing for his home town team and wanted a scholarship offer.  Well, when the new staff took over at Michiga offers starting flying out of Schembechler Hall to other prospects but not Matt.  He clearly got frustrated as MSU had offered and coaches like Chip Kelly were calling him.  

Matt finally got his offer last weekend and it didn't take long for Matt to take his un-offical visit to his dream school yesterday.  TomVH from Mgoblog has an interview with him up.    I absolutely loved it, a lot of it was more of what the coaches were saying and how they want to bring Michigan back. Also, at some schools you don't really see the players that much, but I walked in there and all the players were in the locker room joking around. It was a good experience, especially for my dad to be there. He's a season ticket holder for 30 years, and for him to see his son get a scholarship from the University he loves is great.

Let's hope we have some good news out of the Godin camp real soon.  Michigan is still looking for it's first verbal commit for the 2012 class.   Written offers can't go out to 2012 prospects until August. 

• Looks like a couple of teams might find themselves in hot water with the NCAA:  Tennessee is expected to release the NCAA's finding on a number of their athletic programs today (including baseketball and football) and Oklahoma seems to have reported some violations that are similar in nature to Michigan's with making off season workouts mandatory instead of voluntary.  Oklahoma self correction is to take a week off from conditioning.   Also Alabama, has been a hot topic in the media lately.  First a crazy fan kills Auburn's 100+ year old tree and then calls a radio station and brags about it, Nick Saban continues to be the example of what's wrong in college recruiting by over signing players, then Nick is shown on the big screen at an Alabama basketball game with Barry Sanders and his son who Nick is recruiting.  Alabama said they didn't commit a violation and it was just an honest mistake.  That mistake must be similar to the one Dee Hart kept making when he forgot that book in his locker at his high school over winter break and just happened to wathc Alabama's bowl practices a number of times.  

• Former Wolverine QB Ryan Mallett has been dropping down draft boards lately and it seems it could have to do with lack of leadership skills and rumored drug use.  I have to admit I heard similar rumors at Michigan, again they were just rumors.   Let's hope they aren't true and Ryan answers the right questions and passes the right tests.  As your remember, Mario Manningham admitted to doing a little "pot" before the NFL Draft as well.

• The Michigan Basketball Team plays Wisconsin tonight at Crisler Arena.  As you know, Michigan is still not considered a "bubble" team but could change that with the next 3 games which include; Wisky tonight, Minnesota this weekend, and then MSU at home.  Michigan needs a signature win and Wisconsin could fit the bill if the Wolverines were able to get a win tonight.  Michigan needs a .500 record in the Big Ten and one win in the Big Ten tournament to make it's case for the Big Dance.  Let's hope the Wolverines can get a win tonight and at least one more over MSU and/or Minnesota.

• Michigan QB Recruit Zeke Pike now is up over 40 offers.

• New Jersey DB Yuri Wright (6'2", 180 lbs) has been offered by Michigan and Coach Mallory has been in discussions with NY DB Wayne Morgan (5'11", 180 lbs) and an offer soon may follow.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michigan Monday: Doesn't Feel Like a Rivalry Week

Do you remember the last time you were excited about the Michigan - Ohio State game?  I do, 2006*.   The day after Bo died.  Michigan was a personal foul penalty away from being in the National Championship game.   That was a very emotional week for many Michigan fans.    This week doesn't have the same feel and it shouldn't.  Michigan needs to be better to get this rivalry back on track, right now it's just a one sided football game.   Similar to what we watched last weekend.  (*Michigan had a chance in 2007 but Mike Hart and Chad Henne were both injured and Michigan lost 14-3 at home)

The early line has Ohio State favored by close to 3 touchdowns or 18 points.   Doesn't feel like Ohio State week does it?  I am sure Bo is pissed and Woody is smiling.  

Brett Bielema should be fined and suspended by the Big Ten:  After the game Saturday, Bielema said his offensive line -- which grinds opposing defenses into dust by pulling its guards and ramming them into linebackers downfield -- was prevented from pulling by Michigan. He used the word "tactics," which is coaching code for "holding," to describe what Michigan's defensive line was doing. "But we rectified the situation," Bielema said. When asked how, Bielema recalled a chop-block penalty that went against his team -- and took a touchdown off the scoreboard -- in the second quarter. Wisconsin lost seven points but delivered a message.

So Bielema ordered an illegal chop block on Mike Martin.  So let me understand this, your team is dominating Michigan in the first half and your about to score another touchdown and you order a chop block on Michigan's best defensive player? What a classless move. The Big Ten better come down hard on him, this type of activity doesn't have any place in college football.   I hope all the parents of Wisconsin 2011 recruits read that quote before they sign up to play for that head coach.  What an (insert your own expletive here). 

What the hell as happened to college football coaching profession?  This year alone we have seen a coach have his QB re-enter a game after a concussion, that same coach made a terrible decision later in the year to practice outside in un-safe conditions which caused a student to lose his life.  We have seen a coach let a player walk out of jail and on to the field and now we have had a coach order a potential career ending penalty in a game where they are blowing out their opponent.  This activity come after a year two coaches are fired for being too physical with a player and another coach locking a player in the closet.   None of it makes sense to me and these guys need to start to understand that they are here to teach and protect young men - not injury them. 


Quick Recruiting Updates:

• Update: Sammy Watkins has committed to Clemson. 

• Kris Frost seemed to enjoy his Michigan visit this weekend.  The Wolverines need him badly in this class and he should be Michigan's #1 priority.  They will need to beat out Auburn.

• 2011 Michigan running back Justice Hayes has de-committed from ND and has re-opened his recruitment.  He lists Tennessee, ND, and Michigan as his top group.  We will see what happens here.

• 2011 Florida LB Ryan Petro 6'3", 205 lbs. also enjoyed his visit.  He is currently one of those late bloomers to the recruiting arena and doesn't have any offers yet but is getting interest from Michigan, Nebraska, and Pittsburgh.

• 2011 TE Jack Tabb also visited Ann Arbor and has Michigan near the top of his list.  He will make his decision is a month or so.    

Former Michigan great running back Rob Lytle died on Saturday at the age of 56 due to a heart attack.   RIP Michigan Man. RIP.

Michigan Thursday: Catching Up with 3 Michigan Transfers

Editors Note: Today is a little light on actual Michigan Football news.  (The basketball team plays Bowling Green tonight!) 

At 7:00 tonight this weeks Michigan's injury report will come out and expect to see Martin and Mouton probable and Taylor Lewan and Mike Shaw questionable.   Hopefully Fitz Toussaint didn't hurt himself in practice and can go if needed. 

With that said, here is a look at how a few Michigan transfers are doing at their new schools....

As a Michigan fan we can hardly believe why anyone would ever want to leave Ann Arbor and the most storied college football program ever.  Sadly, some guys just don't "buy in" or think they will get more playing time at another institution.  There are players every year that make the decision to leave but rarely do they become successful like Justin Fargas or Ryan Mallett.    We know Ryan is doing well Arkansas and Boren is starting for Ohio State, but let's catch up on guys not on SportsCenter too often:

photo by Michael DeMocker, The Times-Picayune

Sam McGuffie, RB Rice Owls:  Sam had the best game of his career two weeks ago against Tulsa.   Where he ran for 178 yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown.   In 2010 he has had 149 attempts and 642 yards with 3 touchdowns.  He also has had 32 catches for 275 yards and 1 TD.  Sam seems to be getting better as the year goes on, but you can't say that for the Rice Owls who have only won 2 games this year.

Let's hope Sam hasn't received any concussion this year and still has a successful college career in front of him.


Steven Threet, QB Arizona State:  Trick or Threet would be a good slogan for the Sun Devils this year.   While leading the ASU offense, Steve is 207-333 with 2530 passing yards with 18 touchdowns.   The problem is, he has thrown 16 picks and been sacked 22 times.  After starting the year 2-0, ASU has gone 2-6 in their last 8 games and will have to beat UCLA and Arizona to get bowl eligible.  Steve is currently sharing first team reps with sophomore quarterback Brock Osweiler during the bye week.

Threet was also named to the PAC 10 All Academic team this week with a  3.82 grade-point average in general studies. 


Toney Clemons, WR Colorado:  Toney has had a nice season for the Buffalo's.  He has had 40 catches for 426 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He is the second leading receiver for Colorado who is just 4-6 on the year and with out a head coach that was just fired two weeks ago.    Clemons had a good game this past Saturday as he had four catches for 55 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown, as Colorado defeated Iowa State, 34-14.

Safety Vlad Emilien who recently transferred from Michigan will be joining Toney next year at Colorado as they enter PAC 12 country.

Game Day Video: Michigan vs Iowa 1994

How about some Todd Collins, Mercury Hayes, Amani Toomer, Wheatley, Timmy B. and some terrible Iowa uniforms?  How do you stop a backfield of Wheatly and Biakabutuka?

You can watch a time when we had really good linebackers.  Morrison was everywhere!

Michigan Thursday: CC with RR

As we know, Colin Cowherd was in A2 yesterday to do his radio show and his ESPN TV show.  He had a good interview with Rich Rod that can be found here.  

• Dee Hart is visiting Arkansas this weekend.  Per his mom, he is supporting his teammates and not really interested in The Hogs.  Of course, if Ryan Mallett beats the #1 team in the nation this week, that could have a big effect on changing his mind. 

•  David Molk is the only Michigan guy right now on Mel Kipers 2011 Draft Board.

• Brian Griese will be calling the Michigan game this weekend for ESPN 2.

• In a Michigan fan's strange game of the week: West Virgina visiting LSU.  I wonder if Bill Martin will tune in or maybe he is on his sailboat.

 

• Former Michigan WR Ron Bellamy is now the head coach of West Bloomfield High.

• Good article from A2.com on Darryl Stonum's good game and his grandmother in the stands last week:

At age 87, Nettie Stonum boarded an airplane for the first time in her life last week for a flight from Houston to Detroit. That experience was nothing compared to watching her grandson play for the Michigan football team in Michigan Stadium.

“A lot of the people in the stands were trying to calm her down, because they didn’t know if she was going to have a heart attack or what,” said junior wide receiver Darryl Stonum.


“From what I heard, she was screaming and jumping out of her wheelchair in the stands, and just having a good time.”

Wolverine Wednesday: Is There a Dr. Phillips in the House?

Today is Shoelace Birthday!  Denard turns 20 today.

We mentioned yesterday that Dee is supporting a number of his teammates on trips to places like Arkansas and Auburn.    Today, we list the pure number of Division 1 prospects currently on Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida.  I have to tell you this is pretty impressive:

Dr. Phillips Senior Prospects with verbal commitments:

• DB Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix: Alabama
• RB Dee Hart:  Open
• OL Darius Johnson: Colorado State
• LB Darryl Monroe: Washington State
• LB/S LaQuentin Smith: Arkansas
• CB Jared Singletary: Arkansas
• CB Roderick Ryles: Arkansas
• DE Chris Curtis: Starting to get offers
• Kicker/Punter Sean Moffitt: Starting to get some interest
• WR Chris Gallon: Starting to get some interest with 4 TD's catches this year (cousin of current Wolverine Jeremy Gallon)

I know I mentioned that Auburn might be gaining ground on Dee because they are recruiting some of his teammates.  With the list above, it looks like Arkansas might be trying to recruit the entire team.   I'm guessing Dr. Phillips has a good shot at winning the state title this year.  That is a lot of talent for one high schools senior class.  As I'm sure your also aware, current Wolverine Ricardo Miller played for Dr. Phillips before transferring to Ann Arbor Pioneer for his senior year.

Concussions

As you know, concussions in football is something that concerns me.  So when I find new research about this topic, I want to share it with my readers.  The latest comes from a study from University of Illinois.  They study the longer term effects for young children that get concussions.  Here are some excerpts from a NYT article today:

Many of the concussions had occurred years earlier and at the time of the testing, none of the students felt lingering symptoms. Each was performing adequately in college. In the testing itself, the concussed students scored just as well as the uninjured athletes.

But when researchers looked at the electrical activity of the students’ brains, they found that the concussed athletes showed noticeably less activity in portions of the brain associated with attention. ‘‘They had suppressed attentional resources,’’ said Steven Broglio, a professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois. He and his colleagues speculated that, as a result, the injured athletes most likely were devoting a greater percentage of their total mental reserves to each task than the uninjured athletes in order to achieve similar intellectual results. The effort wasn’t obvious. ‘‘These were high-performing college students,” Dr. Broglio said. ‘‘They were succeeding in school.’’


Trouble:

• I'm sure we all know by now that Braylon got a DUI the other night.  I was worried when Braylon got traded to the Jets that NYC might fit him too well.  It's a city that never sleeps and it seems neither does Braylon.  I expect him to get suspended and he maybe in more trouble with the law from his fight in Cleveland.  Let's hope this is a wake up call for him. 

• Dion Sims a former Michigan recruit and current MSU football player has been charged with being part of a ring that stole a number of lap tops from the Detroit Public Schools.  I expect that Mr. Sims football days will be over if he is found guilty.

Recruiting

• 2011 RB DeVondrick Nealy will visit A2 on 10/8.  He is a 3 star prospect and has offers from Auburn, Arkansas, Michigan, and Minnesota.  

• 2012 prospect from Michigan James Ross, LB is going to be one of the top players in the state for the 2012 class.  James has always been a Michigan fan and attended the UConn game.  There are a number of big name programs that are recruiting him.  Names like Alabama, Penn State, and others.   Michigan will push pretty hard to get him to commit early to the Wolverines, since it's a big position of need.    Robert Bolden his former teammate is the starting QB for Penn State.

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Dog III is a Wolverine

The Michigan Basketball Team got another "son" of a former star with the verbal commitment of Glen Robinson III yesterday.   Glen will be a member of Michigan's 2012 class and is 6'6 wing player that expects to play the 2 or 3 position for John Beilein.  UMHoops has a nice write up on some evaluations, offers, and upside for the next Big Dog.

On a side note, this is Coach Beilein's 4th player with an NBA blood line:  Robinson will join, Dumars, Horford, and Hardaway on the Wolverines.  No word if Jordan or Bird have any son's still in high school.

• Quick trivia question:  Where do Michigan football players from the state of New York or New Jersey transfer to if it doesn't work out for them in Ann Arbor?  The answer is Rutgers.  That is where Anthony LaLota will be playing football in mid September next year. 

• Student Try Outs:  Michigan held a student try out earlier this week and 30 kids showed up: RR: “A couple really caught our attention,” he said. “They might have a spot on the team.”  There will be a 2 week trial period to see if these guys can make the team.  Let's hope there is a really good kicker in there. 

• 2011 CB prospect from Florida, Dallas Crawford has scheduled his official visit back to Ann Arbor for the Iowa game.  Dallas came up to Ann Arbor with his teammate and friend Sammy Watkins for the Spring Game.

• Dee Hart's teammate Hasean Clinton-Dix (#1 safety in the country) is starting to think about other options outside of Alabama.  He is starting to plan a trip to USC and might take another trip to Ann Arbor.  

• One of the "thoughts" on the recruiting trial this year is if Michigan starts posting some wins more highly rated players in the class of 2011 will show interest in Michigan.  I asked TomVH from Mgoblog on who he thought might change their minds if Michigan puts up 8 or 9 wins.  Tom comes through with his list.   

• The Michigan - ND Game was the largest NBC TV audience for an ND game since 2005. 7 Million views tuned  in for the game on Saturday.

• Staying with the TV theme, ESPN Picked up the Michigan - Bowling Green game.  The game will start at 12:00 an be on either ESPN or ESPN 2.  I'm sure Michigan fans with out the Big Ten Network are pretty happy with that news. 

Michigan Tuesday: Updates on Former Wolverines

Sometimes you might be sitting in the Big House and think to yourself, "Whatever happen to the small RB from Texas?  What was his name? McDuffie or something?".  Actually it's Sam McGuffie at he is now at Rice.   So this year, I will track some former Wolverines or former recruits we thought were going to be Wolverines at their new school to see how they are doing.  Sure these guys are no longer "Michigan Men" but many of us still hope they succeed in college, football, and life. 

Steven Threet, Starter QB Arizona State:  Had a good first game at his third school.  Was 14-21 for 239 yards in the air, with 2 touchdowns and 1 pick.

Russel Sheppard, LSU:  Russell was the #1 dual threat QB in the country in the 2009 and was interested in the Wolverines before he quickly committed to LSU early in his recruitment.  Sheppard is now at WR for LSU and had 2 catches for 12 yards.  He also had 5 rushes for 68 yards.

Sam McGuffie, RB Rice:  Sam and his teammates got to open at Texas and Sam had 14 carries for 47 yards.   He had 1 catch for 7 yards.

Kevin Newsome, QB Penn State:  Kevin was once a verbal commitment to Michigan and then changed his mind.  Kevin is a sophomore QB and lost his job to Michigan true freshman QB Robert Bolden.  Kevin did play in Penn State's blow out win and had 3 rushes for 21 yards and one touchdown.

Shavodrick Beaver, QB Tulsa:  Same situation as Kevin above.  DNP in Tulsa's lost to East Carolina on Sunday.

Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas:  A serious Hesiman candidate this year.  Threw for 301 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 44-3 win over Tennessee Tech. 


Something to ponder:  If Michigan has Newsome and Beaver on it's roster right now, they don't have Forcier and Robinson.