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.

Michigan Thursday: Your In but Suspended

Raise your hand if your tired of Pryor news.  It has been non-stop for 4 years and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. 

Today comes the news he is in the NFL Supplemental Draft now re-scheduled for Monday.   The only catch is that Pryor will be suspended for the first 5 games of the season, which should only effect Pryor's bank account because he surly wouldn't be playing QB for any team that picks him in the first 5 weeks.   Heck, he maybe even more attractive to teams now they get a discount.   This is sort of like the NFL Draft meets TJ Maxx. 

Some have wondered if this the first step in the NFL working with the NCAA on rule breakers.  The answer is no, this is the NFL's way to try to persuade any other "Pryor's" from trying to work the system by not declaring for the NFL Draft and trying to land a better spot in the Supplemental. 

For the Pryor "shocker" of the day his "mentor" Ted Sarniak gave him and his mother money while he was at OSU.   Really?  I guess nobody thought that was important when everyone had to recruit Pryor through Ted.  Pryor's entire time at OSU should be stricken from the record.

• If you want to hear me preview the Michigan Offense please tune into the Michigan Man Podcast.  Part 1 is up and Part 2 is coming.   (I'm a little long winded)  Mike does a great job, so please check it out on a regular baiss or download it on your Ipod phone pad, etc. 

• If you haven't heard Mike Hart is done with the NFL and is a quality control assistant at Eastern Michigan for Ron English.  I expect Mike to be Michigan's RB coach as soon as Fred Jackson retires or moves to another offensive coaching position at Michigan.  On a side note, I like what Ron is doing for former Wolverines.  He also helped Tyrone Wheatley get his coaching career going, he is now with Syracuse.   Here is Mike talking about camp:  "I love it, and I have a lot more fun coaching in camp than playing in camp," Hart said, laughing. "Camp is camp. It's a grind for the coaches, it's a grind on the players, but my body isn't taking a beating. I just love working with young men and having an impact on them. I'm definitely having a lot of fun." Having Mike in and around Ann Arbor is a great thing!  It will be very strange for him to be on the other side of the field on 9/17.

Wolverine Wednesday: I always feel like somebody is watching me...........

News is pretty slow today, unless your connected with the University of Miami.  After reading the Yahoo Sports investigation, my reaction was "that has been going on since the days of Michael Irvin".   I can't believe it took this long to get out.   (yes, I know about Luther Campbell)

Couple of thoughts on Miami.   #1 As Michigan fans lets all be happy that is was the Freep that was on a "witch hunt" a couple of years ago in Ann Arbor and not Yahoo Sports.  If I'm David Brandon, I'm not sure I would grant a press pass from anyone from Yahoo Sports for the Michigan - ND game.   Memo to college AD's and head coaches, if Yahoo sports comes knocking you better not answer the door.  You might just want to resign now.   They have taken down Minnesota Basketball, Ohio State Football and now Miami Football (I am sure there are other examples). 

#2:  Anyone want to speculate, how would Tate Forcier would have done in the Miami environment?  That is a scary thought. 

I wanted to see if some "football" guys had any reactions to Miami, this is what I got: (thanks to Mgoblog and TheWolverine.com for the pictures)

Danny Hope, Head Football Coach Purdue


BHB: Coach Hope, any reaction to the Miami situation?
Hope:  I hate Michigan

BHB: Why are you looking at me like that?
Hope: Because I hate Michigan.

Hope: This doesn't effect my starting QB Robert Marve who transferred from Miami does it?
BHB: Dude you are looking right through me.  It's sort of creepy.


Al Borges, Michigan Offensive Coordinator


BHB: Coach Borges, Did you hear about Miami?
Borges:  Denard is learning the offense and we haven't found a RB back.  I prefer 1 RB step up but  we have a lot of depth at that position.

BHB:  Coach are you ok?
Borges:  Denard was under center in High School and he is adjusting to the pro style offense.   It's a process and we are gaining ground every day. 

BHB: Coach I am asking about Miami and the Yahoo Sports story?
Borges:  I hope to retire there someday.  I would like to take my talents and my firm hat to South Beach.

BHB:  Thanks coach

Stephen Hopkins, Michigan Running Back


BHB: Stephen do you have any friends at Miami?
Hopkins: Do you see how big Wisconsin's defensive lineman are?

BHB: Sure they are big but I am asking about Miami?
Hopkins:  Wait, those guys over there are trying to tackle me?

BHB:  I believe that is correct, back to Mia...
Hopkins:  Is that a 6 foot party sub over there?

BHB: Wait a second, where is that sub?

Antonio Brown, NFL Pittsburgh Steelers
BHB: Antonio Brown, your a former Central Michigan Chip and now with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
You played for a Rich Rodriguez disciple Butch Jones and you grew up in Miami, what is your take on the U?

Brown:  I am focused on training camp and making a big impact for the Steelers this season. 

BHB:  Did the University of Miami recruit you?
Brown:  Did Mike Tyson knock out Michael Spinks?

BHB: Yes, he did.  Are you surprised what happended at Univeristy of Miami?
Brown: NOPE

BHB: Ok, lets change subjects, you were always open at CMU.  How did you get that open?
Brown:  I showed the MAC CB's this look.   I was always open by 5 yards.

BHB: I bet

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 Tuesday: Thinks There is a 30 - 30 Documentary at WVU

So how is that West Virgina Football Program doing these days?  The Bill Stewart hire after RR left for Michigan has to be considered  a very poor decision after he blew out Oklahoma with RR's players in the Fiesta Bowl.  I remember a prominent booster said something to the effect, "they just hired the JV coach" when Bill took over the program.

Back in December, I predicted the 1 year coach in waiting would not work.  In fact, it was the most bizarre college coaching situation I have ever seen.  The first day of business school they tell you partnerships don't work.  This one didn't even last 6 months before Bill tried to go project "National Enquirer" on Dana Holgorsen.

Well done Bill!  Your first head coaching job you got fired for a racially-insensitive comment.  You get fired from your second head coaching job because you tried to air your coach-in-waiting dirty laundry in the media. 

I see now why the WVU fans were so upset when RR left.   It set the the program back years.    He is available for hire if the Mountaineers current coach goes on another casino bender.

Think about all the drama this program has had the past 3 years. 

• A healthy QB thump (or finger I don't remember) away from the NC game
• RR takes the Michigan Job
• The RR shredding documents thing
• WVU blowing out Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl
• Bill Stewart gets the head coaching job
• RR fights the buy out
• Michigan pays most of the buy out
• NCAA investigates RR practice schedule at Michigan and WVU
• RR fails at Michigan
• Dana Holgorsen is hired to replace Bill Stewart in 2012 and will be coach-in-waiting in 2011
• Bill Stewart releases "dirt" on Holgorsen to the media
• Bill Stewart gets fired  resigns

This has to be a 30/30.

• Pryor signs with Drew Rosenhaus.  Shocker, I guess Rob Pelinka wasn't available?

• Kyle Dodson a 4 Star Offensive Line prospect spurns the Buckeyes and committed to Wisconsin last night.  Michigan was also recruiting Kyle.  Many had thought he was a Columbus lock.

• Love this quote from new Wolverine Erik Magnuson on taking other visits:  “I’m not sure. I will definitely be going to Michigan for an official visit, and if coach is ok with me taking an official visit to place where I have friends at, then I might do that, but if not then it’s not a big deal to me. I’m going to Michigan. I don’t care about any other school.”

Michigan Tuesday: What is Denard's NFL Position?

Denard loves playing QB and came to Michigan because RR wanted/needed him to play QB.  I have to say, as a Michigan fan I love watching him play QB.  I'm actually more excited to see Denard in Al Borges offense then Rich Rods. Why you ask?

Because I felt Denard took too many hits on running plays during the year.  The Michigan offense needed him healthy and every time he ran, I held my breath that he may score or separate a shoulder.  If you put a more dynamic passing game with some planned runs, how to you defend Denard and the Michigan offense?  If it's 3rd and 7 and Denard drops back to pass and everyone is covered, he could bust a scramble for 15 yards.  The one thing Denard didn't do much of last year was scramble on passing downs.   If he adds that to his game, look out. 

Even with these skills added to his game, is he the next Andrew Luck?  Nope and ESPN's Todd McShay agrees:   “We have a long way to go, but my initial impression is he’s just a phenomenal athlete so you have to find a way to get him on the field as an athlete,” said Todd McShay, who’s director of college football scouting for ESPN Scouts Inc. "He’s not going to play quarterback in the NFL.


“There have been a lot better dual-threat quarterbacks (who have changed positions), Pat White for example. I’m not saying Pat White is a better athlete (than Robinson). But Pat White is a better passer, better quarterback. And (Pat White’s) playing baseball.”

You know what, I don't care.  I just want to spend the next two years watching this great athlete play at Michigan and if he gets to touch the ball every snap at QB, then that is where he should play.  This kid works everyday to be a better QB and is just a great kid.  A kid who stops to sign every autograph and every picture.  He is rock star with a third string special team player's attitude.

Denard Robinson is 100% what's right about Michigan Football and if he wants to kick field goals, I think Coach Hoke should let him.   I hope he stays healthy and leads Michigan to 1 or 2 Big Ten Championships and has a long career in the NFL.  I don't care if he plays WR, returns kicks, or plays cornerback in the NFL.  I just hope he has a long NFL career and makes the money he will deserve at the next level.    This is a special kid and we should be thankful everyday that he is a Wolverine.

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 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!  

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 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.”