Michigan Thursday: Spring Football Information

Brady Hoke had a press conference yesterday and updated the media mostly on injuries:

-Christian Pace is doing individual drills only.
-Molk has a hamstring tweak.
-Troy Woolfolk is doing a little group work, mostly individual.
-JT Floyd doing less group stuff than Troy.
-Mike Shaw is doing alternate conditioning things, more next week.  (broken hand)

Team Stuff:
-Need more full backs
-Stephen Hopkins will do some duty there and in a two back look
- DL he spoke about Big Will, Richard Ash, and Quinton Washington.
-Probably won't play a full game for the Spring Game.
-Practicing at 5:30 AM in the morning right now

• Ray Vinopal is transferring to Pitt which is an hour away from his home.  Also where his former Michigan coaches are at.
• Former 4 star QB recruit out of Saline Joe Boisture who committed to BC then changed to MSU has decided to retire from football due to back problems. 
• Michigan Basketball 2012 incoming freshman Trey Burke has been named Ohio's Mr. Basketball.
• Here is a Detroit News Article on Sheldon Day a DT out of Indy.
• One of the top RB's in the country Brionte Dunn and a 2012 OSU commit, is planning a visit up to Ann Arbor soon.  Brionte was an early commit for OSU but the Wolverines have been recruiting him very hard.   
• 2011 Basketball Recruit Max Bielfeldt a 6'8 220 pound power forward will announce his decision on Friday at 3:30.   Down to Michigan and Illinois. 

There are rumors that Michigan Football might get it's first 2012 commitment today or tomorrow.   I will have it when the news breaks.

Michigan Monday: Wrong Answer - Right Answer

I will try to clear up some misconceptions that are floating around regarding people and programs related to the Wolverines:

Should MSU be upset that Darius Morris made a layup to go up by 7 points with 4 seconds left in the game?

Wrong A: Yes, MSU had given up and there was no reason for Michigan to make that layup.

Right A: Izzo and Crew don't go Sparty Football on us now.  You have the better Basketball Program and yes you have been dominating Michigan for years.  Don't whine when you get beat or smack talk before the game that you will take care of business in Ann Arbor and cry that the players were smack talking back after you lose.   Last 2 points, I didn't know being up by 5 points was a safe lead?  Didn't MSU beat Michigan by 50 a few years ago? Walk off the floor keep your head up and try to win the Big Ten tournament: what's good for the goose....................


Is Ryan Mallett more like Ryan Leaf or Ben Roethlisberger? 

Wrong A:  Ryan was a great college QB at Michigan and Arkansas and should be drafted in the top 10 of the NFL draft, he will be Big Ben on the field with no off the field issues. 


Right A: I think you can make a case for both players.  I think Ryan Mallett has a lot of talent and if he gets his head on straight he could be Big Ben on the field,  if he doesn't he could be Big Ben off of it as well.   I have heard a lot of rumors about Mallett that could be right or wrong and it seems the NFL has heard the same.  Ryan has the arm and the talent, I don't think he is in great shape and I would worry about him off the field.  If I was an NFL GM I would also be concerned about his decision process and throwing picks late to lose games.  His last throw in college was a pick by Ohio State to lose the Sugar Bowl.   If he drops out of the first round, I would take him in a minute, if I had a top 10 pick, I would take a pass.  Something else to consider:  Does Cam Newton = Akili Smith?

With 100+ offers on the street and no 2012 commitments concern you?

Wrong A: It's still early and Michigan has plenty of time to fill up the class.  Nothing to worry about at all.

Right A: I am slightly concerned that the 2012 class doesn't have anyone jumping at a Michigan offer yet.  I hope the start of spring practice this month will allow recruits to attend practice and the spring game and jump on board.   Ohio State already has 5 verbals for 2012.   It will take some time with new coaches and staff to build relationships but I would feel better if we had a couple of guys locked up. 

Will Denard be effective in Al Borges Offense?

Wrong A: No, he is a runner not a passer.  Expect a step back.

Right A:  I don't expect Denard to rush out to the Heisman lead next year but I do expect that he will be more of a complete QB.  Denard is working hard in the off season taking snaps under center and working on his throws.   Having a guy that can throw accurately and can run like the wind will be very difficult to game plan for.   I think Denard will do just fine. 

Did you hear that Desmond say before the Gator Bowl that Denard should be moved to WR?

Wrong A:  Yes, that is his more natural position which will be better for him at the next level. 

Right A:  No, someone this talented needs to touch the ball as much as possible.  Denard wants to be a QB and he should be until he heads to the NFL. 

How is Brady Hoke doing so far?

Wrong A:  Great, he is a perfect fit for Michigan and the Wolverines are back!

Right A:  Coach Hoke has done well since getting the job.  Keeping Denard and hiring Greg Mattison was two huge wins.  But the real results will come September - January.  So yes, so far so good but let's judge him on how the Wolverines play on the field.

Any concerns with Tate in South Beach?

Wrong A: No, he has moxy and will sit out a year get his grades in order and play well for two more years.

Right A:  Yes.  He didn't want to go to class in winter in Ann Arbor, how is that going to work at Miami?

I'm still concerned about Michigan's Defense, Can you take me off the ledge?

Wrong A: Your right, Michigan maybe improved but still pretty poor.  These guys are not going to get good over night 

Right A:  Let's not forget that Michigan lost it's second best player on Defense before the season started.  Having Troy Woolfolk a 5th year senior at CB or at Safety will have a positive effect.  Kenny Demens playing full time at LB, getting Big Will to clog up the middle of the defense line, moving JT Floyd to safety, a year experience with the freshman CB's and improved position coaching will make Michigan an average defense.    I expect them to be ranked in the middle of pack in Big 10 defenses. 

Take out your crystal ball and tell me two players that didn't play last year that will make a difference on defense?

Wrong A:  There isn't one

Right A: Richard Ash and Josh Furman

Michigan Get's Big Win - Now the Focus is on the Big 10 Tourney

Michigan swept it's instate rival on Saturday for the first time since 1997.  That is big news for a number of reasons including: the rivalry between the two programs is clearly back, ESPN now has Michigan as an at large team in the NCAA Tournament switching places with MSU who is now on the "last 4 in" list and the Wolverines now have a bye in the Big Ten Tournament as the #4 seed.    

The team that was expected to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten is tied for 4th in the final league standings.  That is pretty impressive.

Now to the tough road ahead.  Michigan will play Illinois on Friday at about 2:30 or 3:00 EST.  If they are lucky to win that game, they will most likely face the #1 team in the nation The Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday.

Michigan has played both Illinois and Ohio State tough this year but has an 0-3 record against them.  I think Michigan still needs at least 1 win in the Big Ten Tourney to feel comfortable that they are in the Big Dance.  

So is getting the 4th seed a good thing or bad thing?  Keeping the 4th team in the Big Ten out of the tournament might be difficult but what if they have a 9-10 overall B10 record?   Playing on Thursday of the Big Ten tournament might have given Michigan a favorable match up against an inferior team.

So playing well is a blessing and a curse.  Let's hope the Wolverines don't pick their heads up and start looking around, let's hope they keep playing hard and can get a victory over Illinois on Friday.  If they do that they then can look to get revenge on the long 3 pointer from Justin Evan Turner that ended the Wolverines season in 2010.

Well done Mr. Beilein, this might be the best coaching job you have done in a long time!

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

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

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

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

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

Football Recruiting

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

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

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

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

Michigan Monday: 100 Offers Hit the Street for 2012

Recruiting still remains a hot topic at Schembechler Hall these days as it's being reported that Michigan has 100 2012 offers on the street.  These offer are all verbal at this point and fit well into Michigan's "green" initiative since written offers can't go out until 9/1/11.  

I ripped this from UMhero on Mgoblog:

The 100 includes:
7 QBs
9 RBs
13 WRs
7 TEs
21 OL
12 DEs
12 DTs
9 LBs
5 CBs
5 Ss

Among the 100, 66 are on the Rivals 250 Watch list and 37 are either 4 or 5 Star player on Scout.  57 on Offense and 43 on Defense.  Do you think the coaches are a little worried about the offensive line with 21 offers out right now?

Here is a list of all 100 offers.

• Schilling does well at the Combine.

• Cass Tech CB Terry Richardson got an OSU offer on Sunday.  Michigan has some work to do in this recruitment.

• Thought for the day: MSU will have played two games since Michigan beat Minnesota before their in-state match up next Saturday.  Will the Spartans be a bit fatigued after their 20 point loss on Sunday and their game on Wednesday against Iowa?

Michigan Monday: Woodson Gets His Ring and Other Wolverine News

Charles Woodson had a up and down day yesterday.  Of course, breaking his collarbone before halftime was "the down" and getting his Super Bowl ring was the big "up".  Like I mentioned on Friday, Chuck has had a very nice career with a Heisman, a National Championship, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, and now a Super Bowl Ring.   It doesn't get any better then that.    I hope his collarbone heals quickly.

I didn't see the Tom Harmon Icon special on BTN yesterday and hope to catch a replay.  I wonder if Tom knew that he could have won a Championship with the Green Bay Packers back in the day. Michigan's two other Heisman Trophy winners Desmond Howard and now Charles Woodson both won Championships with the Packers.   (Tom was drafted by the Chicago Bears but elected to play in the AFL with the New York Americans).

On a side note, If you get a chance to see the Lombardi documentary on HBO, I highly recommend it. 

• The Michigan Basketball team had a nice win in Happy Valley yesterday.  When Darius Morris plays well, Michigan is a very competitive team.   I also think Tim Hardaway will be a star in a couple of years. 

• Tom Brady wins the NFL MVP award by sweeping all 50 votes. 

• How about the National Anthem last night?  I thought something didn't sound right.

• MSU lost again last night.  Time for Izzo to go?  Just kidding but we haven't seen a swoon like this from the Spartans in a long time.

• Tate Forcier seems to be down to Kansas State, Miami, Montana, Washington, and Arizona.   He is planning to visit these schools in the next two weeks.   If he wants to play next year he would go to Montana.  If he goes to Washington he will be behind Joe Montana's son (Montana or playing behind Montana?).  Arizona would seem to make sense - (a lot of Michigan QB transfers go to that state to play football).   I worry about Tate in Miami. 

• Michigan's 2012 prospect list are coming out fast.  Here are two recent ones.  I will put up a 2012 watch list this week.

• David Harris is about to get paid!  Sounds like the Jets are about to put the Franchise tag on him.  I wonder how that works without a CBA?

• Michigan plans to announce the hiring today of Curt Mallory, DB coach and Jerry Montgomery to coach the D-line.

• Speaking of Desmond Howard it seems Phil Simms isn't a fan as they got into a confrontation this past week in Dallas.  Phil you are now dead to me.   Phil your in the media, you should be able to take a criticism of your son. 

• Maize N Blue Blood:  Here is an article on Michigan's 2011 walk on full back Joe Kerridge.  (Freep link) 

2 Michigan Men Get Contract Extensions

Question: If your a head football coach, how do you get a contract extension?

Answer: Be linked in anyway to replacing the current Michigan Football coach. 

It worked for Les Miles and now it has worked for Brady Hoke and Jim Harbaugh.  Both have gotten contract extensions today and both have seemed to agree to the the terms.  

Brady will get a raise and a new 5 year deal, Jim's is rumored to be getting more years and a raise.  These are clear attempts to keep both away from "other" jobs.   Harbaugh is of course rumored to be the next Michigan coach or an NFL candidate next year.   Hoke was a candidate for the Minnesota and Indiana jobs. Others had speculated that if Jim said "no thanks" to Michigan, Brady was the next Michigan Man up. 

I disagree with that.  I think Michigan's head coach next year will be Rich Rodriguez or Jim Harbaugh.  I don't believe there is a Plan B.   I believe if David Brandon wants to make a change it's Harbaugh or bust.  Brandon will not fire RR if he doesn't have Harbaugh locked up.   If Brandon wants to make a change and Jim says no, he will stick with RR.   Brady on the other hand made a good decision.  I would much rather coach in San Diego then at IU or Minnesota. 

I also believe both of these guys probably have "A Michigan Clause" that would get them out of any mega contract if they really wanted the Michigan job.


Recruiting News:

• Instate OL/DE Anthony Zettel won't make a decision until after the holidays, so the Michigan coaching situation should be resolved by then.

• Cass Tech's Delonte Hollowell is going to Michigan no matter who the coach is. 

• Instate recruit Damon Knox picked MSU today.  Michigan had offered him but there was some concerns on his academic eligibility.  It sounds like Damon wasn't feeling the love from the Wolverines and pick the Spartans today.