Monday, June 30, 2014

Michigan Daily: John Beilein's refusal to leave

Daniel Feldman writes a column about how basketball coach John Beilein hung around the NBA draft long after Stauskas, McGary, and Robinson were drafted.

Hit the jump for some ladies who are blessed in the looks department.

2014 Season Countdown: #56 Allen Gant

Allen Gant (image via Go Blue Wolverine)
Name: Allen Gant
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 222 lbs.
High school: Sylvania (OH) Southview
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #12
Last year: I ranked Gant #63 and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer. He played a little on special teams.

Gant entered the 2013 season as a distant backup at the SAM linebacker position, and he remained there. He started his career as a strong safety and was only a little over 200 lbs. during his redshirt freshman year, so it was understandable that he would not be ready. Besides his physical limitations, he was behind several upperclassmen. He played a bit on special teams but did not make much of an impact.

It looks to be more of the same for Gant in 2014. Despite the switch to the 4-3 Over defense, he remains at SAM linebacker but should be behind juniors James Ross III and Royce Jenkins-Stone. He will also have to fend off freshman Jared Wangler, who is roughly the same size despite being two years younger, and perhaps others as the coaches shuffle a glut of linebackers. Gant's best chance to get on the field once again will be on special teams, where he can use his safety/linebacker speed and decent size with some effectiveness.

Prediction: Backup SAM linebacker, special teams contributor

Recruiting Update: June 30, 2014

Nacogdoches (TX) Nacogdoches safety Brandon Jones (image via ETSN)
ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Nacogdoches (TX) Nacogdoches safety Brandon Jones was offered by Michigan. He's a 5'11", 183 lb. prospect with offers from Baylor, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Stanford, and Texas A&M, among others. He's a 247 Composite 5-star, the #1 safety, and #23 overall. As a sophomore in 2013, he made 95 tackles, 5 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown), and 8 pass breakups. He claims a 4.32 forty and is quite a solid tackler, too. Louisiana State, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M appear to be the leaders right now.


Woodberry Forest (VA) Woodberry Forest offensive tackle Clark Yarbrough was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'5", 255 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Maryland, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #16 offensive tackle, and the #156 player overall. Yarbrough's first year of organized football was as a sophomore in 2013, so he's raw, but he has some very good agility and athleticism for such a big kid.

MISCELLANEOUS
Here's a list of visitors from this past week (LINK).

Last week on Recruiting Season, I profiled Plymouth's Michael Jordan, St. John's linebacker Tanner Motz, Detroit King's Dontre Boyd, Detroit Cass Tech's Lavert Hill, and Orchard Lake St. Mary's K.J. Hamler.

Several Michigan targets will announce their college decisions this week:

  • St. Paul (MN) Cretin-Derham defensive end Jashon Cornell will announce his college decision on Wednesday. Michigan stopped recruiting him not long ago because they believe he will grow into a defensive tackle, and they are not interested in taking a 3-tech defensive tackle in the 2015 class. He seems like to end up at Michigan State or Ohio State, with Notre Dame also a possibility.
  • Cincinnati (OH) St. Xavier linebacker Justin Hilliard will announce back-to-back with Cornell on ESPN. There's a good chance that he will pick Ohio State, and if the two of them are doing this in concert, that seems to be the most likely outcome. Again, Notre Dame is also a possibility.
  • New Lenox (IL) Providence Catholic wide receiver Miles Boykin is also announcing on Wednesday. His leader has been Notre Dame, so there's a chance that all three of these guys end up in South Bend.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

SI.com: Nik Stauskas selected #8 by Kings

SI.com takes a look at how Nik Stauskas fits with the Sacramento Kings.

Hit the jump for some good looking females.

2014 Season Countdown: #57 Ian Bunting

Ian Bunting (image via Scout)
Name: Ian Bunting
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 230 lbs.
High school: Hinsdale (IL) Central
Position: Tight end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #94
Last year: Bunting was a senior in high school. He had 10 receptions for 165 yards. He was a 247 Composite 4-star, the #11 tight end, and the #315 player overall.
Final TTB Rating: 78

Bunting committed to Michigan in April 2013, shunning offers from the likes of Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon, among numerous others. He played mostly wide receiver as a junior and put up some decent numbers, but he moved to tight end for his senior year, where his receiving numbers dropped significantly. He also earned an invitation to Nike's The Opening last July.

Bunting's role for 2014 seems a little up in the air. He was recruited to Michigan as a "U-back" type who could split out, play in the slot, play a little on the line, etc. Michigan already has a jumbo wide receiver in Devin Funchess, and Bunting doesn't have quite the athleticism of Funchess. The Wolverines also have a pretty good tight end in sophomore Jake Butt, who is recovering from an ACL tear and won't be back until a few games into the season. Other options are limited with blocking specialist A.J. Williams, converted defensive end Keith Heitzman, and rough-around-the-edges Khalid Hill. In my opinion, the coaches have to get Bunting ready for the beginning of the year so he can be a receiving threat from the tight end position, which is severely lacking without Butt. However, once the big sophomore returns, Bunting should be able to take a back seat.

Prediction: Backup tight end; 4 catches, 38 yards

Saturday, June 28, 2014

SI.com: Mitch McGary selected by Thunder with #21 pick

SI.com looks at how Mitch McGary fits with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Hit the jump for some good looking girls, especially the first one.

2014 Season Countdown: #58 Mason Cole

Mason Cole (image via Michigan Journal)
Name: Mason Cole
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 275 lbs.
High school: Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake
Position: Offensive line
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #52
Last year: Cole was a senior in high school. He was a 247 Composite 4-star, the #15 offensive guard, and #126 overall.
Final TTB Rating: 87

Cole committed to Michigan in February of 2013 and stuck with the Wolverines throughout their somewhat rough season. (At one time his teammate, wide receiver George Campbell, was committed to Michigan as a part of the 2015 class, but he has since decommitted.) On-field accomplishments are difficult to quantify for offensive linemen, but he was selected to play for the East in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he was chosen by Rivals as one of the top overall performers. Cole played guard and tackle throughout the week and in the game.

Immediately after the all-star game, he enrolled at Michigan for the winter semester and participated in spring practices. With injuries to various linemen - including projected starting left tackle Erik Magnuson - Cole earned the "start" at left tackle in the spring game. While I think he projects long-term to guard, he looked athletic enough at tackle but still looked a little thin. In a normal year, I would be expecting all true freshman linemen to redshirt, but Michigan's inexperience on the offensive line means anything could happen. Kyle Bosch played as a true freshman last season, and it's possible that Cole follows suit. Magnuson is expected to be healthy for the beginning of the season, and the Wolverines have some experience at the interior positions now, so I don't expect Cole to reprise his role as a starter at any point this fall unless injuries occur. However, he could provide depth at a number of positions and be a mid-season fill-in, much like Bosch did a year ago.

Prediction: Backup offensive lineman

Friday, June 27, 2014

Welcome to the Weekend!

Start off your weekend with pictures of some lovely ladies, including a gif of a girl with a nice backside.

Ann Arbor Chronicle: The Jeopardy of Game Shows

This has nothing to do with football, but it does involve John U. Bacon's attempt to make it onto Jeopardy.

Hit the jump for some good looking women.

Attractive Michigan Girl of the Week: Elle Johnson

Hit the jump for Elle Johnson. It's probably NSFW since there's some underboob.

2014 NBA Draft Results

Nik Stauskas destroyed Florida (image via MGoBlog)
This isn't a basketball blog, but I'll certainly celebrate some Michigan basketball success when I can. Last night the program had a big chunk of success in the NBA draft.

FIRST ROUND
#8 Nik Stauskas - SG - Sacramento Kings: The selection of Stauskas earned CBS Sports' lowest grade of the top 13 picks (D+), but good for him. I have said before that Stauskas looks to me like a Jamal Crawford type of player, a guy who can be instant offense off the bench (although in different ways than Crawford). I am disappointed that he went to Sacramento because it's a small market team and we'll rarely have a chance to see him television, but that's the way it goes.

#21 Mitch McGary - PF - Oklahoma City Thunder: I don't think McGary could have found a better situation, and the Thunder got a good fit for their team, too. They have a couple established scorers, and McGary - when healthy - is a high motor player who can create some extra opportunities for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. I'm surprised McGary went this high with the questions about his health.

SECOND ROUND
#40 Glenn Robinson III - SF - Minnesota Timberwolves:
 Robinson is sort of an odd fit in Minnesota, and he's almost exactly the same size (6'6", 220 lbs.) as starting SF Shabazz Muhammad (6'6", 222 lbs.). There are all kinds of questions about whether Robinson can bring together all the phases of his game, but he's a guy who I think can have a long NBA career, even if just as a backup swing player.

UNDRAFTED
Jordan Morgan - PF - Minnesota Timberwolves: Minnesota doesn't have a lot of bigs, but the starter there is a star in Kevin Love. I don't think many people are under the impression that Morgan can be an NBA starter, but he has a chance to make a roster somewhere as a role player. He doesn't have great size or athleticism, but he found a way to get the job done in college against guys who were bigger and more athletic.

Congratulations to all these guys, the coaches, and the basketball program!

2014 Season Countdown: #59 Drake Johnson

Drake Johnson (#29) - image via Saturday Edge
Name: Drake Johnson
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 212 lbs.
High school: Ann Arbor (MI) Pioneer
Position: Running back
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #20
Last year: I ranked Johnson #63 and said he would be a backup running back and special teams player. He had 2 carries for 9 yards before tearing his ACL in the first game.

Johnson earned a little bit of buzz starting during the lead-up to the bowl game against South Carolina during his true freshman year. Brady Hoke said that he wished guys who redshirted during the regular season could play in the bowl game, and he mentioned Johnson by name. Despite having players with bigger recruiting profiles, Johnson was the #2 running back to enter the season and carried the ball 2 times for 9 yards against Central Michigan. Unfortunately for him, he blew out his ACL on kick coverage and missed the rest of the year.

Johnson was still limited this spring, but Hoke has indicated that he will be 100% by the beginning of the season. Last year's starter, Fitzgerald Toussaint, has graduated, but it seems that the two front-runners for the starting gig this year are sophomores DeVeon Smith and Derrick Green. Redshirt junior Justice Hayes appears to be the third-down back, so it's unclear where Johnson can figure into the mix. His situation could be further compromised if USC transfer Ty Isaac gets a waiver to play this year (Isaac was not in the equation when I put together the list initially). Assuming Isaac is forced to redshirt, Johnson should earn a few carries because Hoke appears to like him. However, he should not factor heavily into the rotation, and his best chance to play might be on special teams, where his speed and sturdiness can be an asset.

Prediction: Backup running back, special teams player

Thursday, June 26, 2014

MLive: Shane Morris approaching the season like the starter

Brendan Quinn talks about the backup quarterback position for the upcoming season.

Hit the jump for Dana Adiva and Michelle Lewin with a little bit of clothing on.

2014 Season Countdown: #60 Khalid Hill

Khalid Hill (image via Go Blue Wolverine)
Name: Khalid Hill
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 255 lbs.
High school: Detroit (MI) East English Village
Position: Tight end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #80
Last year: I ranked Hill #73 and said he would be a backup U-back. He redshirted.

Coming into last season, I believed Michigan would find a role for Hill as a bit player in the "move" tight end position. He lacked the size of a true tight end but showed good hands coming out of high school. However, the fullbacks did what fullbacks do, and Michigan made things work with Devin Funchess and Jake Butt as U-back types, so Hill never saw the field.

Now it appears that Hill has become a full-time, in-line tight end. That does not bode well for his future. He's short for a tight end, and he has always been more of a slot guy or off-the-line player. He was dreadful as a blocker in the spring game. I would rank him lower, but Butt's ACL injury makes him doubtful for the first chunk of the season, meaning Hill might see more playing time than anyone really wants. The Wolverines are very limited now that Funchess is a full-time wideout and Jordan Paskorz did not return for a fifth year, leaving junior A.J. Williams and redshirt junior position-switcher Keith Heitzman as the only legitimate options at tight end until Butt returns. I do not expect Hill to see much playing time, but he's possibly one injury away from being forced onto the field in certain situations.

Prediction: Backup tight end

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Rivals: U-M summer camp - tops by position, offense

Tim Sullivan runs through the top offensive performers from Michigan's summer camp that took place last week.

Hit the jump for a few pictures of good looking women.

Visitors: June 27-29, 2014

Josh Imatorbhebhe (image via NGfootball.com)
2015
Brian Cole - WR - Saginaw (MI) Heritage:
 Cole is a 6'2", 190 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #5 athlete, and the #64 player overall. UPDATE: Cole is not visiting this weekend. He will visit in late July instead.

Kieffer Longson - OG - San Ramon (CA) Dougherty Valley: Longson is a 6'7", 295 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Arizona State, BYU, Missouri, Ohio State, Utah, and several others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #22 offensive guard, and #336 overall. Despite being 6'7", Longson plays more like a guard because he lacks some foot speed and agility to be an edge protector.

2016
Josh Imatorbhebhe - WR - Suwanee (GA) North Gwinnett:
 Imatorbhebhe is a 6'2", 202 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Cal, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Vanderbilt, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #44 wide receiver, and #264 overall. He's visiting Monday and Tuesday, June 24-25. His older brother, Daniel, is a 2015 wide receiver who is committed to Missouri.


2014 Season Countdown: #61 Da'Mario Jones

Da'Mario Jones (image via Go Blue Wolverine)
Name: Da'Mario Jones
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 198 lbs.
High school: Westland (MI) John Glenn
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #10
Last year: I ranked Jones #65 and said he would be a backup wide receiver. He played most of the season on special teams.

I thought - and still think - that Jones was the best receiver in Michigan's 2013 class, and he played more than any of the other receivers (Csont'e York played in one game; Jaron Dukes redshirted). Recently, the freshman wideouts who make it on the field generally have had decent abilities and/or play with some regularity throughout their careers. That gives me some hope for Jones, who played regularly on special teams coverage and mostly did a good job. One of the most frustrating moments last year was when he lost track of a punt by UConn, only to have it bounce off his foot and be recovered by the Huskies. That play aside, he seemed like a capable athlete.

Going into the 2014 season, there will be a lot of jockeying for position as receivers will fight for the scraps left behind by Devin Funchess. Redshirt sophomore Jehu Chesson got a ton of playing experience last year, and classmate Amara Darboh was impressing people before his foot injury last summer. Freshman Freddy Canteen exploded onto the scene this spring, but Jones should be one of those guys who sees some snaps on offense to give a guy a breather or in garbage time. Canteen also said in the spring that Jones is one of the fastest players on the team, so he could surprise some teams with his speed if given a chance.

Prediction: Backup wide receiver; 2 catches, 29 yards

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

MLive: Michigan's offensive line looks toward future

Brendan Quinn discusses the offensive line for the coming year. Fingers crossed.

Hit the jump for bikinis.

2014 Season Countdown: #62 Csont'e York

Csont'e York, Thomas Rawls, and Frank Clark (left to right) - image via MDN Visuals
Name: Csont'e York
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 194 lbs.
High school: Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park Academy
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #81
Last year: I ranked York #89 and said he would redshirt. He played in one game as a backup receiver.

York came in last year as a somewhat unpolished receiver, and I was not the only one hoping he would redshirt. The coaches threw him in near the end of the blowout of Central Michigan only to put him back on the bench for the rest of the year. There's almost always at least one player who inexplicably burns his redshirt for a play or three, and York was the 2013 version.

York got a little more run in the spring game, and he looked decent. York isn't particularly speed, but he has pretty good size and has shown some good body control at various times. The top three receivers are usually the only ones that matter a great deal, and Amara Darboh's return from injury would make it seem that York will be no higher than fourth or fifth. I think York has higher upside than the likes of Jeremy Jackson, and I believe he can come in and make some chain-moving catches once in a while.

Prediction: Backup wide receiver; 3 catches, 33 yards

Monday, June 23, 2014

MGoBlog: Free Press interviews incoming freshmen

I hate the Detroit Free Press, so here's a link to an excerpted interview of several incoming freshmen, including Jabrill Peppers.

Hit the jump for some lovely ladies.

2014 Season Countdown: #63 Henry Poggi

Henry Poggi (image via Go Blue Wolverine)
Name: Henry Poggi
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 271 lbs.
High school: Baltimore (MD) Gilman
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #7
Last year: I ranked Poggi #84 and said he would redshirt. He redshirted.

That most fascinating of defensive line species, the kind with the single-digit number, spent last year on the bench. He came in as a defensive tackle or strongside end, and he was undersized for both in his first year. This spring Poggi was backing up both positions once again, and with a slightly different role on the strong side, a huge weight gain isn't necessary. Poggi won't push to start, and he probably won't be the second guy in, either, but he appears to be the #3 guy at strongside end behind Brennen Beyer and Taco Charlton. Keith Heitzman's move to offense and Chris Wormley's growth into a defensive tackle make the path to playing time a little clearer going forward. Once Beyer graduates after the 2014 season, Charlton and Poggi should be the remaining players at the position. Things are a little murkier on the inside, but Michigan has more depth there and can probably make do without Poggi.

Prediction: Backup strongside end

Recruiting Update: June 23, 2014

Fort Wayne (IN) Bishop Luers wide receiver Austin Mack (image via MGoBlog)
COMMITMENTS
Avon (CT) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark committed to Michigan (LINK).

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison quarterback Messiah DeWeaver was offered at Michigan's camp and then committed to the Wolverines (LINK).

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
La Canada (CA) St. Francis wide receiver Dylan Crawford was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'1", 175 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona State, Oregon State, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, and Washington, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #5 wide receiver, and #41 overall. Crawford is on a nationwide recruiting swing with touted quarterback K.J. Costello, who also has/had a Michigan offer. Michigan's extension of an offer to DeWeaver, who subsequently committed, almost certain dooms the Costello recruitment and may also have a negative impact on Michigan's recruitment of Crawford going forward.

Perry (OH) Perry tight end Luke Farrell was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'6", 219 lb. prospect with offers from Illinois and Ohio State. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #9 tight end, and #258 overall. Farrell earned his offers from U of M and OSU at their respective camps over the past couple weeks.

Atlanta (GA) Woodward Academy running back Elijah Holyfield was offered by Michigan. He's a 5'11", 190 lb. prospect with offers from Kentucky, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #32 running back, and #358 overall. He visited Michigan's campus this week on a swing through with a couple teammates. Holyfield is a tough, hard-nosed runner who lacks great breakaway speed, somewhat reminiscent of DeVeon Smith.

Plymouth (MI) Plymouth offensive tackle Michael Jordan was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'7", 275 lb. prospect whose lone offer is from the Wolverines, which he earned at camp last week. The answer to your obvious question is, "No, this is not the same Michael Jordan who starred in Fruitvale Station." Plymouth is the alma mater of senior defensive end Brennen Beyer.

Fort Wayne (IN) Bishop Luers wide receiver Austin Mack was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'2", 205 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, and Ohio State, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #12 wide receiver, and #78 overall. Mack is a pretty polished route runner with decent speed. I think he will drop in the rankings as more people get evaluated, because he lacks the athleticism one would expect of a top 100 player, but he's still a quality prospect.

Hit the jump for 2017 prospects, commitments to other schools, and miscellaneous bits.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

MLive: Former Wolverine Darryl Stonum on trial for threatening ex-girlfriend

Darryl Stonum had a lot of promise as a football player, but boy, has he had a lot of personal issues (LINK).

Hit the jump for a few beautiful ladies.

2014 Season Countdown: #64 Mike McCray II

Mike McCray II (image via Go Blue Wolverine)
Name: Mike McCray II
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 242 lbs.
High school: Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #9
Last year: I ranked McCray #58 and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer. He redshirted.

I thought McCray could have filled a role as a special teams player last year, but he spent the year on the bench. It was probably a good thing, because Michigan has played a lot of freshman linebackers in recent years; the only player on the linebacker two-deep to redshirt was Jake Ryan back in 2010. Last year Ben Gedeon burned his redshirt for a fairly small amount of playing time late in the season, though he performed well for a freshman once he got on the field.

McCray is ranked lower this year but will probably see some playing time. The Wolverines have considerable depth at middle linebacker, where Jake Ryan will start and probably be backed up by sophomore Gedeon. That leaves McCray to fend off freshmen Michael Ferns III and Noah Furbush for the third MIKE linebacker spot. I would expect to see McCray on the field for stretches of time early in the year and possibly on special teams, but the likelihood is small that he will be a significant contributor just yet.

Prediction: Backup middle linebacker, special teams contributor

Saturday, June 21, 2014

MLive: Hoke says Peppers will "get his feet wet" as a returner

The hype train for Jabrill Peppers is continuing to roll as Brady Hoke talks about his potential to play various positions.

Hit the jump for some tan bodies.

Visitors: June 20-22, 2014

Avon (MI) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark
(image via MGoBlog)
The following prospects have been noted by me as visitors to Michigan for the week. It's not completely clear whether some of them will compete at Michigan's summer camp this week or not. I would expect most of the ones with Michigan offers to just be visiting, but those without offers (such as Holyfield and Malone-Hatcher) seem to still be trying to make a name for themselves and will probably be participating in the workouts.

2015
Asmar Bilal - LB - Indianapolis (IN) Ben Davis:
 Bilal is a 6'3", 205 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan and Notre Dame (and lots of others, but those two are the ones that really matter). He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #7 inside linebacker, and #225 overall. As a junior in 2013, he made 106 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery. Bilal visited Michigan earlier this spring with Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - who has since committed to the Wolverines - but the presumption is that the Fighting Irish lead.

Chris Clark - TE - Avon (CT) Old Farms: Clark is a 6'6", 247 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and tons of others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #2 tight end, and #100 overall. As a junior in 2013, he caught 39 passes for 417 yards and 6 touchdowns. Clark recently performed well in the Rivals 100 Five-Star Challenge and impressed people with his receiving skills, although he suffered a minor injury. He plans to announce his final college decision during Nike's The Opening in early July, but he was previously committed to North Carolina, so any commitment at that time should be taken with a grain of salt. He thoroughly enjoyed a spring visit to Michigan and said the Wolverines led at the time, and the thought is that Michigan still leads. Whether they can hold onto that lead into July (or into National Signing Day) is another issue, but for now, things look good.

Tyree Kinnel - S - Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel committed to Michigan last August.

Shane Lemieux - OT - Yakima (WA) West Valley: Lemieux is a 6'6", 285 lb. prospect with an offer from Michigan but who committed to Oregon in May. He had originally planned to visit Michigan during this time, but that was prior to his verbal commitment. I assume he is not visiting now, but I'll leave his name on here since I haven't heard confirmation either way. He's a 247 Composite 3-star and the #31 offensive guard.

2016

Elijah Holyfield - RB - Atlanta (GA) Woodward Academy: Holyfield is a 5'11", 190 lb. prospect with offers from Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. As a freshman in 2012, he carried the ball 66 times for 645 yards and 10 touchdowns. He claims a 4.55 forty, but on film, his speed is not particularly impressive. He is the son of former heavyweight boxer Evander Holyfield.

Matt Heuerman - TE - Naples (FL) Barron Collier: Heuerman is a 6'6", 200 lb. prospect with no FBS offers at this time. He's the brother of Jeff Heuerman (Ohio State), whom Michigan offered a few years ago, but their father played basketball for the Wolverines. He attends the same high school as incoming freshman defensive tackle Brady Pallante.

Janarius Robinson - DE - Panama City (FL) Bay: Robinson is a 6'5", 230 lb. prospect with offers from Clemson, Florida State, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee, among others. He's a 247 Sports 4-star, the #5 weakside end, and #65 overall. Robinson has openly stated that his favorite team is Florida State, and that's his likely destination, but he did make almost immediate plans to visit Ann Arbor after receiving his offer from the Wolverines, so they will have a chance to sway him.

Miles Sanders - RB - Pittsburgh (PA) Woodland Hills: Sanders is a 5'10", 195 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State, Pitt, Virginia Tech, and others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #16 running back, and #182 overall. He claims a 4.39 forty, a 37" vertical, a 270 lb. bench, and a 420 lb. squat.

Clark Yarbrough - OT - Woodberry Forest (VA) Woodberry Forest: Yarbrough is a 6'5", 255 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #16 offensive tackle, and #158 overall. His sophomore year in 2013 was his first year playing organized football.

2017
Corey Malone-Hatcher - DE - St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph:
 Malone-Hatcher is a 6'3", 205 lb. prospect with no offers currently, but he will likely be one of the top few prospects in the state of Michigan for his class. He came away raving from a spring visit to Alabama, so that may be an obstacle if they extend an offer. It's still very early for 2017 prospects, though.

Jersey Number News

1 + 8 = 2
Some news came out yesterday about freshman jersey numbers, plus a couple number changes for the fall. There will surely be others (who will get Legends jerseys #11 and #21?), but these are the stories for now.

#2 Blake Countess: Redshirt junior Countess will switch from #18. This is Charles Woodson's old jersey number, so some people will be upset because Countess doesn't "deserve it." The kid was All-Big Ten and had 6 interceptions last year, including 1 returned for a touchdown. He's now #3 on the single-season interception list behind Tom Curtis and Woodson himself. You can't be much better without being Charles Woodson himself.

#5 Jabrill Peppers: Last worn by CB Courtney Avery. Will share the number with RB Justice Hayes. Peppers also wore #5 in high school.

#14 Drake Harris: Known since the spring. Last worn by S Josh Furman. Harris wore #1 in high school.

#17 Freddy Canteen: Known since the spring. Last worn by WR Jeremy Jackson. Canteen wore #19 in high school.

#19 Wilton Speight: Known since the spring. Last worn by TE Devin Funchess. Speight also wore #19 in high school.

#19 Jared Wangler: Will share the number with Speight. Father, John, wore #5 in college. Brother, Jack, is #16. Jared wore #5 in high school.

#28 Brandon Watson: Was #20 in the spring. Last worn by RB Fitzgerald Toussaint. Watson wore #20 in high school.

#32 Ty Isaac: Last worn at Michigan by S Jordan Kovacs. The incoming transfer, Isaac wore #29 at USC last year. Isaac wore #32 in high school.

#51 Michael Ferns: Known since the spring. The last scholarship guy to wear it was LB Eric Brackins in the early 2000's. Ferns wore #10 in high school.

#52 Mason Cole: Known since the spring. LB Royce Jenkins-Stone also wears this number. Last worn on offense by OL Stephen Schilling. Cole also wore #52 in high school.

#54 Brady Pallante: Last worn by DT Richard Ash. Pallante wore #52 in high school.

#58 Chase Winovich: Last worn by OG Chris Bryant. Winovich wore #15 in high school.

#59 Noah Furbush: Worn by a bunch of walk-on types recently (Jack Doyle, Mark Lawson), but also by long snapper Sean Griffin and linebacker Joey Sarantos. Furbush wore #5 in high school.

#76 Juwann Bushell-Beatty: Last worn by DT Quinton Washington. Bushell-Beatty wore #73 in high school.

#85 Maurice Ways: Last worn by WR Joe Reynolds. Ways wore #9 in high school.

#90 Bryan Mone: Known since the spring. Last worn by LB Jake Ryan when he was a redshirt freshman. Mone wore #52 in high school.

#93 Lawrence Marshall: Not a popular number at Michigan. Worn by a couple defensive linemen, walk-on placekickers, etc. Last notable person to wear it was LB Sam Sword in late 1990's. Marshall wore #12 in high school.

#94 Ian Bunting: Yes, this is still an eligibile number for a tight end. Last worn by tight end Jordan Paskorz. Bunting wore #1 in high school.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Welcome to the Weekend!

Hit the jump and look at some pictures of attractive women to start your weekend, including a gif of a girl lying down to sleep.

ESPN 300 for 2015 updated

Avon (CT) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark is
Michigan's highest rated commit (image via 247 Sports)
ESPN released an updated list of top 300 prospects for 2015. Here's what it looked like back in April (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Chris Clark fell from #104 to #108
- Garrett Taylor fell from #106 to #110
- Tyree Kinnel fell from #182 to #188
- Grant Newsome fell from #235 to #240
- Darrin Kirkland, Jr. jumped from #265 to #263

Here are the rest of Michigan's offerees:

5-stars:
3. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
4. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
6. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DE - Illinois
7. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
9. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
10. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
11. George Campbell - ATH - Florida
13. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio
16. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota

4-stars:
17. Rasheem Green - DT - California
18. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California
19. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
20. Iman Marshall - CB - California
22. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
24. Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
27. Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana
28. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
29. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
32. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
38. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
39. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas
43. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
47. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
49. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida
50. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
52. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
56. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
57. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia
58. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
59. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
63. Abdul Bello - OT - Florida
65. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas (Texas A&M)
68. Jerome Baker - LB - Ohio
70. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
71. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
74. Jaylon Lane - CB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
75. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia
77. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
79. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida (Miami)
81. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina
86. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
90. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina
94. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
97. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
98. Christian Pellage - OT - Florida
99. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
104. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
105. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
107. Tyler Jordan - OG - Florida (Florida)
108. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut (Michigan)
110. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Michigan)
122. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
135. Ty'Son Williams - RB - South Carolina
136. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
137. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan
139. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
150. Marcus Lewis - S - Washington, D.C. (Florida)
153. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan
155. Ray-Ray McCloud III - RB - Florida
157. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
159. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
161. Darian Roseboro - DT - North Carolina
164. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
187. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
188. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
223. Rashard Causey, Jr. - CB - Florida (Florida Atlantic)
233. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
235. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
240. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
255. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas
258. Cameron Ordway - CB - Tennessee
263. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Michigan)

Chris Clark, Wolverine

Chris Clark (image via MGoBlog)
Avon (CT) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark committed to Michigan on Thursday. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and numerous others.

Clark is a 6'6", 247 lb. prospect. He claims a 4.72 forty and a 30" vertical. As a junior in 2013, he caught 39 balls for 417 yards and 6 touchdowns.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 83 grade, #3 tight end, #108 overall, #2 in-state
Rivals: 4-star, #4 tight end, #146 overall, #2 in-state
Scout: 5-star, #1 tight end, #26 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 93 grade, #6 tight end, #191 overall, #2 in-state
247 Composite: 4-star, #2 tight end, #101 overall, #2 in-state

Clark was offered by Michigan this winter and set up visit plans, but he abruptly committed to North Carolina in mid-March. Almost immediately afterward, however, he stated that he still wanted to check out his other options. He visited Ann Arbor a month later and proclaimed that the Wolverines were his leader. He set a final announcement date for July 10, where he would have a national stage at Nike's The Opening. Instead, he jumped at the chance to commit to the Wolverines during an unofficial visit back to campus.

Clark is a big body with a nice frame who could probably play at whatever weight the coaching staff wants him. If they want him as a sleek downfield threat, he can do that; if they want him to bulk up and be a combo tight end, he could probably get up to 270 lbs. and do that, too. Right now Clark has good speed for the position, and he does a nice job of lowering his center of gravity to cut upfield after he catches the ball on crossing routes. He also shows an ability to high-point the football, and he makes a snazzy one-handed grab in his highlights. He does not fight the football and catches it well with his hands away from his body. Clark also shows a willingness to block and does a good job at times of moving his feet to drive block, as well as moving laterally to stay on his blocks.

One thing to keep in mind when watching Clark's highlights is that he does not play good competition in Connecticut. He looks like a man among boys. While he shows a nice stiff-arm at one point, there are other times where he runs too high and goes down easier than he should. Along the same lines, he gets away with some so-so blocking technique because he's bigger and more powerful than almost anyone else on the field. He needs to speed up his first step off the line when blocking, and he needs to be more consistent about moving his feet, both forward and side-to-side. It seems that he sometimes expects defenders to fall like bowling pins when he hits them, and it takes him a split second to realize they won't always do that.

Overall, Clark is a very nice pickup for the Wolverines. I am surprised at how high Scout ranks him, because I do not see Clark as a devastatingly effective tight end at the next level. However, I can see some Jason Witten-like skills, so if he realizes his potential, the ceiling is very high. Not many players reach their maximum potential, though. When Clark arrives on campus, he will be competing with senior A.J. Williams, redshirt senior Keith Heitzman, junior Jake Butt, and redshirt sophomore Khalid Hill, and sophomore/redshirt freshman Ian Bunting. Even with a college-ready frame, it may be a slight uphill battle for immediate playing time just because of the experience ahead of him. By his second year, though, Clark should be squarely in the mix for significant playing time.

Clark is the eighth commitment for Michigan in the 2015 class and the first tight end. The class is currently scheduled to be in the low teens, but some attrition will likely make that number grow into the mid or high teens. Michigan will also likely try to add another tight end, with Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. being the prime target there. The only other Michigan player from Old Farms was running back Michael Cox from the 2008 class.

TTB Rating: 85 (ratings explanation)

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Rivals: Five-Star Challenge Awards from Mike Farrell

Mike Farrell hands out some awards from the Rivals 100 Five-Star Challenge.

Hit the jump for Galinka Mirgaeva wearing bits of clothing.

2014 Season Countdown: #65 Michael Ferns III

Michael Ferns III
Name: Michael Ferns III
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 233 lbs.
High school: St. Clairsville (OH) St. Clairsville
Position: Linebacker
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #51
Last year: Ferns was a senior in high school. He had 144 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He was a 247 Composite 4-star, the #6 inside linebacker, #158 overall, and #6 in-state.
Final TTB Rating: 83

Ferns committed to the Wolverines in August of 2012 and became the lead recruiter for his class, developing a system where a t-shirt was sent to each new commit of the 2014 class. He kept things going on the football field, too, and was selected to the Under Armour All-America Game, though he couldn't participate due to injury. He also has a younger brother, Brendan, who is a touted recruit for the 2016 class.

When Ferns was recruited, I thought he was a MIKE/SAM tweener, but Michigan's move to the 4-3 Over defense suggests that he's probably a middle linebacker, as long as the base defense remains similar. The starter at MIKE is Jake Ryan, and the primary backup should be sophomore Ben Gedeon. However, the coaching staff will probably go three-deep, especially because Ryan graduates and they will want to groom a backup to Gedeon for 2015. Ferns will probably be battling redshirt freshman Mike McCray II to be the third middle linebacker, and one or both might get some reps at WILL linebacker behind Desmond Morgan and Joe Bolden, a position that's in the same situation with Morgan graduating after this season. Ferns could also be a special teamer.

Prediction: Backup linebacker

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

MLive: If Ty Isaac addition crowds backfield, Hoke says best player will play

Nick Baumgardner looks at the running back situation, which could get very interesting over the next year or two.

Hit the jump for three pictures of Alena Shishkova . . . and then a random girl doing her makeup.

Messiah DeWeaver, Wolverine

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison quarterback Messiah DeWeaver
Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison quarterback Messiah DeWeaver committed to Michigan today. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Louisville, among others.

DeWeaver is 6'3", 202 lbs. As a sophomore in 2013, he passed for 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns while also rushing for 6 touchdowns.

RATINGS
ESPN: Unranked
Rivals: Unranked
Scout: Unranked
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #9 pro-style QB, #244 overall, #12 in-state

DeWeaver has been visiting campus regularly for a couple years due to Trotwood-Madison's connections to Michigan. The school sent former Wolverines Michael Shaw, Roy Roundtree, and Brandon Moore to Ann Arbor, and DeWeaver's teammates Mike McCray II and Reon Dawson will be redshirt freshman Wolverines in the fall. DeWeaver will hit Michigan's campus in 2016 when they will presumably be redshirt juniors. DeWeaver has been his varsity team's starting quarterback since his freshman season.

Trotwood-Madison runs a diverse, modern pro-style offense that involves some single-back plays, some I-formation, and a lot of shotgun, five-wide, bunch formations, etc. DeWeaver does a good job of directing the offense. There's a play roughly 5:25 into his Hudl highlights where he makes and adjustment with his slot receiver, who runs a drag route across the field, catches the ball, and turns it up the sideline for a 60+ yard touchdown. DeWeaver seems to know where to go with the ball rather quickly, so he doesn't take a lot of time sitting in the pocket waiting for the rush to get to him. Accuracy is difficult to gauge from a highlight film, but he does seem to manage putting the ball in a place where only his receiver can catch it. He also is willing to take a hit in order to get rid of the football and does not seem jumpy in the pocket. The mental aspect of playing quarterback seems to be there. As for his athleticism, he keeps his feet active in the pocket but does not appear to be a huge threat on the move.

The biggest issue I have with DeWeaver is (to quote the great Trent Dilfer) his "arm talent." DeWeaver lacks a great arm, and he tends to drop his elbow, which can make the ball sail a little bit. He does not put great spin on the football, and he has a tendency to step to the left of his target, which affects the zip on his passes. I would also like to see him speed up his dropback from under center, but that is easily coached.

Overall, I think DeWeaver has considerable potential if his body and arm strength mature. It's difficult to keep in mind that the highlights available show an athlete who is entering his junior year of high school. If that arm strength matures with age, then he could be a very good college quarterback. If he does not get stronger in that area, I think he will have some serious issues completing passes against tighter coverage and quicker defenses. This will be something to watch over the next two years.

DeWeaver is the second commitment in Michigan's 2016 class, joining Downers Grove (IL) South offensive tackle Erik Swenson. The class is scheduled to be roughly 16 players strong right now.

TTB Rating: I will not release TTB Ratings for the 2016 class until the 2015 class is completed.

2014 Michigan Summer Camp Attendees

Rancho Santa Margarita (CA) Santa Margarita Catholic
quarterback K.J. Costello
The following players have been reported to be visiting at various times, although these types of plans are hard to nail down. Some of these players might not make it, and numerous others will surely roll into town. This summer camp mostly gives rising juniors, sophomores, and freshmen some exposure to coaches from U of M and other in-state programs; however, the Wolverines' coaches have also discovered rising seniors who made a splash and earned offers, such as Freddy Canteen and Brandon Watson in the class of 2014, 2013 cornerback Channing Stribling, and 2012 safety Jeremy Clark.

NOTE: New additions to the list will be placed at the top of each player's respective class, rather than continuing to place them in alphabetical order.

2015
Tyler Green - S - Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha: Green is a 6'3", 195 lb. prospect who committed to Ohio State in early June; he also has offers from Indiana, Maryland, and North Carolina State. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #31 safety, and #471 overall.

Jon Runyan - OG - Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph's: Runyan committed to Michigan in June 2013 (LINK).

Leeward Brown - OG - Hollywood (FL) Miramar: Brown is a 6'3", 338 lb. prospect who committed to Miami in February; he also has offers from East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, South Florida, and Temple. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #41 offensive guard, and #575 overall. He's lining up several visits to score more offers, so it does not appear he's 100% solid to Miami.

Cole Chewins - TE - Clarkston (MI) Clarkston: Chewins is a 6'7", 225 lb. prospect with offers from Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, and Miami-OH. He's currently unranked.

Cory Contini - WR - Dover (OH) Dover: Contini is a 6'1", 175 lb. prospect with an offer from Air Force. As a junior in 2013, he caught 88 passes for 1,468 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Cario Davison - S - Galion (OH) Galion: Davison is a 6'2", 190 lb. prospect with no offers at this time. He's the younger brother of 2014 athlete Dareian Watkins, who was on Michigan's radar but was never offered and ended up signing with Wisconsin. Davison is not the same level of a prospect as Watkins was, but he could earn some offers with a good summer camp circuit.

Austin Dorris - TE - Shadyside (OH) Shadyside: Dorris is a 6'5", 220 lb. prospect with offers from Kent State, Marshall, Ohio, Toledo, and Western Michigan. He is currently unranked. He plays quarterback and outside linebacker for his high school team, but he will likely become a tight end at the next level. He also visited Michigan back in March.

Jack Dunaway - DE - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Dunaway is a 6'3", 212 lb. prospect with no offers at this time. He's the son of former Michigan tight end Craig Dunaway. He claims a 4.68 forty. As a junior in 2013, he made 67 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 19 quarterback hurries.

Wesley French - OG - St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph: French is a 6'4", 300 lb. prospect with offers from Ball State, Buffalo, Central Michigan, and Western Michigan.

James Hill - RB - Livonia (MI) Clarenceville: Hill is a 6'1", 215 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Alex Malzone - QB - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Malzone committed to Michigan last mont (LINK).

Grant Perry - WR - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Perry is a 5'11", 170 lb. prospect with offers from Ball State, Central Michigan, and Eastern Michigan. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #140 wide receiver, and #1151 overall. He is 2015 Michigan quarterback commit Alex Malzone's top target.

John Reid - CB - Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph's: Reid is a 5'10", 180 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Rutgers, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #11 cornerback, and #109 overall. He claims a 4.43 forty. Reid is also the teammate of 2015 Michigan offensive guard commit Jon Runyan, Jr.

Justin Tranquill - S - Fort Wayne (IN) Carroll: Tranquill is a 5'11", 175 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, and Indiana, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #20 safety, and #329 overall. As a junior running back, he ran the ball 178 times for 1,475 yards and 18 touchdowns, caught 26 passes for 312 yards and 1 touchdown, and made 17 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. His brother Drue will be a freshman safety/linebacker at Notre Dame this fall.

Hit the jump for 2016 and 2017 prospects.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Happy 14,000,000th Pageview!

Thanks for visiting the site fourteen million times, everybody! Hit the jump for some good looking women to help us celebrate!

Monday, June 16, 2014

John U. Bacon: How to save the college football experience

John U. Bacon talks about how to save the experience of attending college football games before they lose popularity.

Hit the jump for Jess Fitts, who has a desirable look about her.

2014 Season Countdown: #66 Wyatt Shallman

Wyatt Shallman
Name: Wyatt Shallman
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 243 lbs.
High school: Novi (MI) Catholic Central
Position: Fullback
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #33
Last year: I ranked Shallman #85 and said he would redshirt. He redshirted.

Coming into his freshman year, there were varying reports on where Shallman would play. As expected, he redshirted, but he was seen at varying times warming up with the running backs and the tight ends (a position group that includes H-backs at times). He was listed by recruiting sites anywhere from 225 to 245 lbs., but the official roster had him at 243 lbs. this spring when he was working mostly with the tight end/H-back position group.

Not much more should be expected of Shallman this fall. Michigan's top two fullbacks (Joe Kerridge, Sione Houma) return, and Michigan should be able to make do with their other tight ends, especially once Jake Butt returns. Shallman should find himself no higher than third on the depth chart, but at his size, he may be an asset as a blocker on punts or kickoff returns.

Prediction: Backup H-back

Recruiting Update: June 16, 2014

Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy LB Dele' Harding (image via Twitter)
COMMITMENT
Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School offensive tackle Grant Newsome committed to Michigan (LINK).

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Nacogdoches (TX) Nacogdoches cornerback Jaylon Lane was offered by Michigan. The 6'1", 177-pounder committed to Oklahoma State in early May and has offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, among numerous others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #22 cornerback, and #195 overall. He claims a 4.44 forty and a 36" vertical. As a junior in 2013, he made 46 tackles, 5 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), and 1 kickoff return touchdown.

Greensboro (NC) Northern Guilford cornerback Mook Reynolds was offered by Michigan. The 5'11", 170-pounder committed to Virginia Tech in early February and has offers from North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Tennessee, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #25 cornerback, and #272 overall. Reynolds would like to visit Ann Arbor this summer and wants to make a "final decision" in August, so the Wolverines (and other schools) have a chance to move in. Both of these new cornerback offers seem to be related to the recent decommitment of Lakewood (OH) St. Edward cornerback Shaun Crawford.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy linebacker Dele' Harding was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'1", 230 lb. prospect with offers from Massachusetts, Tennessee, and USC. He's a Scout 3-star, the #26 outside linebacker, and #280 overall. Harding was a teammate of Freddy Canteen and Brandon Watson and has visited Michigan a couple times before, including last summer's camp. Steve Lorenz from 247 Sports immediately put in a Crystal Ball pick for Michigan.

Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep tight end Naseir Upshur was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'3", 232 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Maryland, Pitt, Rutgers, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a 247 Sports 4-star, the #5 tight end, and #166 overall. Upshur is a capable receiver, but his most impressive skill is his run blocking. Despite not being the largest tight end around, he's tenacious and uses excellent technique. Michigan also pursued 2013 running back David Williams (South Carolina) from Imhotep.

OFF THE BOARD
Lakewood (OH) St. Edward cornerback Shaun Crawford committed to Notre Dame. Crawford was previously committed to Michigan, just like I was previously committed to that one girl before that other, prettier girl came along. It turned out she was crazy, though.

MISCELLANEOUS
The list of lists:
  • Michigan's weekend visitors (LINK)
  • Michigan's summer camp visitors (LINK)
  • Sound Mind Sound Body participants (LINK)
Last week on Recruiting Season, I profiled Dearborn Fordson WR Jamil Sabbagh, Macomb Dakota DE Antonio Balabani, Warren De La Salle DE Mike Danna, Lansing Sexton LB Rayshawn Wilborn, and Pontiac CB Ja'Mar Antwine.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

MLive: Hoke not sure if Peppers will wear #2 jersey

There was a bit of a kerfuffle this week when an image popped up of a stall in the Michigan locker room with a "#2 Jabrill Peppers" sign over top of it. Hoke says Peppers will have to earn that Charles Woodson jersey if he wants it.

Hit the jump for some fine lookin' ladies.

2014 Season Countdown: #67 Tom Strobel

Tom Strobel (image via Scout)
Name: Tom Strobel
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 268 lbs.
High school: Mentor (OH) Mentor
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #50
Last year: I ranked Strobel #64 and said he would be a backup strongside end. He played in one game and made 2 tackles.

Strobel came into the 2013 season as a combo strongside end/defensive tackle, but he has always seemed like a guy who would struggle to put on the weight necessary to play defensive tackle. Last year he played at 262 lbs., and this year he's up to 268. That's still a little bit light for the 5-tech defensive end spot that Michigan employed when their base defense was an Under. He played in one game as a redshirt freshman but made 2 tackles against the Chippewas of Central Michigan, so he acquitted himself fairly well.

Strobel is once again listed as a defensive end going into 2014, and I think that's the position that fits him best. The strongside end in Michigan's new base defense, the 4-3 Over, is more of an edge player who doesn't require as much bulk. Senior Brennen Beyer is entrenched as the starter, and sophomore Taco Charlton looks to be the first man off the bench. Strobel would likely be the third guy in, although redshirt freshman Henry Poggi (who also has bounced between defensive tackle and strongside end) might have something to say about that. Poggi is more of a natural defensive tackle, though, so Strobel will probably see a solid amount of playing time to spell players or play some garbage time minutes.

Prediction: Backup strongside end

Saturday, June 14, 2014

USA Today College Football Countdown: #84 Illinois

Paul Myerberg looks at the Illini (LINK), who are not on Michigan's schedule this year. It will be interesting to see what new starting quarterback Wes Lunt can do, and they have a chance to pull an upset or two with a potentially explosive offense.

Hit the jump for a couple Illinois girls.

Welcome to the Weekend!

Start enjoying your weekend with some beautiful women, including a Jennifer Lawrence gif.

2014 Michigan vs. Ohio Border Classic

Noah Furbush
The State of Michigan used to have an all-star football game. Ohio used to have the "Big 33" game that pitted Ohio all-stars against those from Pennsylvania. Now Pennsylvania has been booted out, and Michigan will play Ohio today in the inaugural Michigan vs. Ohio Border Classic. The game will be played at the University of Findlay in Ohio at 1:00 p.m. Some notable players on the rosters are:

MICHIGAN
Jason Alessi - S - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Yale
Byron Bullough - LB - Traverse City (MI) St. Francis: Michigan State
Jalen Embry - CB - Detroit (MI) King: Iowa
Kenny Finley - DT - Muskegon (MI) Muskegon: Western Michigan
Corey Lacanaria - WR - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Ball State
Avonte Maddox - CB - Detroit (MI) King: Pitt
Lawrence Marshall - DE - Southfield (MI) Southfield: Michigan
Chukwuma Okorafor - OT - Southfield (MI) Southfield: Western Michigan
Kyle Rachwal - LB - Lapeer (MI) East: Eastern Michigan
Giovanni Rescigno - QB - Warren (MI) De La Salle: Rutgers
Dylan Roney - LB - Novi (MI) Catholic Central: Navy
Travis Smith - QB - Ithaca (MI) Ithaca: Wake Forest
Jared Wangler - LB - Warren (MI) De La Salle: Michigan
Jalen Watts-Jackson - CB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's: Michigan State

OHIO
Michael Barwick - DT - Cincinnati (OH) Country Day: Indiana
Noah Furbush - LB - Kenton (OH) Kenton: Michigan
Marshon Lattimore - WR - Cleveland (OH) Glenville: Ohio State
Erick Smith - S - Cleveland (OH) Glenville: Ohio State

Friday, June 13, 2014

ESPN: Returning offensive line starts in the Big Ten

Brian Bennett looks at how many starts each Big Ten team has along the offensive line going into 2014. Indiana is tops in the Big Ten, and I really think that offensive line coach Greg Frey - who was Michigan's OL coach under Rich Rodriguez - is a good one. Michigan comes in tenth this year.

Hit the jump for Genevieve Morton and a random girl wearing a bikini.

Attractive Michigan Girls of the Week


If you have any other pictures of girls wearing Michigan gear, drop me an e-mail. Go Blue!

Visitors: June 13-15, 2014

St. Paul (MN) Cretin-Derham defensive end Jashon Cornell
(image via 247 Sports)
Several of these players will be in Detroit for the Sound Mind Sound Body camp, but these ones in particular are planning trips up I-94 to see Michigan's football facilities and meet with the coaching staff.

2015
Jashon Cornell - DE - St. Paul (MN) Cretin-Derham: Cornell is a 6'4", 260 lb. prospect with a top five of Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #3 weakside end, and #37 overall. As a junior in 2013, he had 70 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries (1 returned for a touchdown). Cornell recently named Michigan State his #1, but Michigan has consistently been in his top few schools.

Javaris Davis - CB - Jacksonville (FL) Ed White: Davis is a 5'9", 173 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #45 running back, and #611 overall. He also claims a 4.47 forty. His brother Bryan was a safety at Georgia.

Jeffery Holland - LB - Jacksonville (FL) Trinity Christian: Holland is a 6'2", 230 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas, UCLA, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #4 outside linebacker, and #40 overall. He's committed to play in the Under Armour All-American Game. Holland traveled to Michigan with Davis (above).

Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central: Kirkland committed to Michigan in May (LINK).

Jacques Patrick - RB - Orlando (FL) Timber Creek: Patrick is a 6'3", 233 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, and USC, along with many others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #2 running back, and #44 overall. As a junior in 2013, he ran the ball 231 times for 2,153 yards and 30 touchdowns. Patrick's cousin is a coach for Detroit (MI) King whom Jacques visits fairly regularly. The 247 Sports Crystal Ball is 97% in favor of Florida State at this time, and chances are slim that Patrick comes up north to play football.

John Reid - CB - Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph's: Reid is a 5'10", 180 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Rutgers, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #11 cornerback, and #109 overall. He claims a 4.43 forty. Reid is also the teammate of 2015 Michigan offensive guard commit Jon Runyan, Jr.

Auden Tate - WR - Tampa (FL) Wharton: Tate is a 6'4", 195 lb. prospect with offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, and South Carolina, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #38 wide receiver, and #302 overall. As a junior in 2013, he had 49 receptions for 815 yards and 5 touchdowns. He recently released a top group "in no particular order" that had Michigan as the team listed first, which may or may not mean anything. Either way, the Wolverines are in the thick of it, and the 247 Sports Crystal Ball has Michigan with a plurality of votes.

D'Andre Walker - DE - Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes: Walker is a 6'2", 218 lb. defensive end with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, USC, and numerous others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #12 weakside end, and #161 overall.

2016
Kjetil Cline - WR - St. Paul (MN) East Ridge:
 Cline is a 6'0", 193 lb. prospect with offers from Pitt and Western Michigan. He claims a 4.45 forty. As a sophomore in 2013, he had 630 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.

K.J. Costello - QB - Rancho Santa Margarita (CA) Catholic: Costello is a 6'4", 213 lb. prospect with offers from Florida State, Miami, Michigan, and Tennessee, among others. He's a 247 Sports 4-star, the #5 pro-style quarterback, and #139 overall. Costello is one of five quarterbacks Michigan has offered so far in the 2016 class, and he seems the most likely to choose Michigan at this early juncture.

Dylan Crawford - WR - La Canada Flintridge (CA) St. Francis: Crawford is a 6'1", 175 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona State, Oregon State, Tennessee, UCLA, and USC, among others. He is good friends and will be traveling with Costello, but seems less enthused about Michigan than some west coast schools.

Jovanny Garcia - DT - St. Paul (MN) East Ridge: Garcia is a 6'3", 270 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan State and Minnesota. He's a 247 Sports 4-star, the #16 defensive tackle, and #118 overall. He's a teammate of Cline (above) and plays in the same league with Jashon Cornell.

Patrice Rene - S - Ottawa (Ontario) St. Peter: Rene is a 6'1", 180 lb. prospect with offers from Indiana, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse, among others. He is reportedly moving from Canada to Virginia before his junior year to attend Alexandria (VA) Episcopal. Rene camped at Michigan in 2013.

Naseir Upshur - TE - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep: Upshur is a 6'3", 232 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan, Michigan State, Pitt, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a 247 Sports 4-star, the #5 tight end, and #166 overall. As a sophomore in 2013, he had 8 receptions for 240 yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 40 tackles and 12 sacks as a defensive end.

2017
Jonathan Sutherland - WR - Ottowa (Ontario) Pearson: Sutherland is a 5'10", 175 lb. prospect with an offer from Rutgers.

Luiji Villian - DE - Ottowa (Ontario) Pearson: Villian is a 6'3", 230 lb. prospect with offers from Minnesota and Rutgers. He attended the Sound Mind Sound Body football camp with teammate Sutherland (above).

Craig Yeast II - WR - Fremont (OH) Ross: Yeast is a 5'11", 160 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati and Kentucky. He claims a 4.5 forty, a 36.5" vertical, a 265 lb. bench, and a 415 lb. squat. Yeast is the son of former Kentucky wide receiver Craig Yeast, who at one time was the SEC's all-time leader in receptions (208) and second-leading receiving yardage leader (2,899 yards) after teaming up with future #1 draft pick Tim Couch. Yeast went on to be a 3rd round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals and played for the Jets before moving on to the Canadian Football League.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Detroit News: Hoke misses his biggest fan, toughest critic

Here's a Father's Day piece on Michigan head coach Brady Hoke's relationship with his dad.

Hit the jump for a few attractive girls.

2014 Sound Mind Sound Body Camp Attendees

St. Paul (MN) Cretin-Derham defensive end Jashon Cornell (image via MGoBlog)
The Sound Mind Sound Body Camp will be taking place on June 12th and 13th at Chandler Park Academy in Harper Woods, MI. This event continuously attracts a lot of the top talent in the midwest and some big-time prospects from around the country, too. Lots of college coaches will be in attendance, and the two head coaches of the in-state powers (Michigan's Brady Hoke and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio) will both be speaking. Several of these prospects will capitalize on the opportunity to head up the road and see the local universities.

This list includes players who intend to visit. There are too many to profile each one, but an asterisk denotes an offer from the Wolverines.

2015
Joshua Alabi - DE - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech*
Brian Alsobrooks - QB - Livonia (MI) Churchill
Kei Beckham - QB - Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison
Avonte' Bell - RB - Lansing (MI) Sexton

Levante Bellamy - RB - Indianapolis (IN) Brebeuf Jesuit
Shahid Bellamy - DT - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park: committed to Central Michigan
Jamal Brown - S - Chicago (IL) Phillips: committed to Western Michigan
Ray Buford - CB - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Jayru Campbell - QB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: committed to Michigan State
Jordan Colbert - LB - Griffin (GA) Griffin: committed to Auburn
Brian Cole - ATH - Saginaw (MI) Heritage*
Jashon Cornell - DE - St. Paul (MN) Cretin Derham*
Daniel Crawford - TE - Macomb (MI) Dakota: committed to Northern Illinois
Anton Curtis - WR - Detroit (MI) East English Village
Paul Engram - LB - Southfield (MI) Southfield: committed to Western Michigan
Wesley French - OG - St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph
Neville Gallimore - DT - St. Catharines (Ontario) Canada Prep Football Academy
Davontae Ginwright - S - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Eric Glover-Williams - CB - Canton (OH) McKinley:
 committed to Ohio State
Alex Grace - RB - Saginaw (MI) Swan Valley
DaQuan Hawkins - DT - Atlanta (GA) Westlake
Joshuwa Holloman - RB - Avondale (MI) Avondale

Obbie Jackson - WR - West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield
Abdallah Jaffal - LB - Dearborn (MI) Fordson: committed to Western Michigan
Dior Johnson - S - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Shaq Jones - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep
John Kelly - RB - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park
Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central*: committed to Michigan
Alex Malzone - QB - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice*: committed to Michigan
Carter Masek - LB - Grand Rapids (MI) East Grand Rapids: committed to Miami-OH
Armani McNulty - CB - Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook
Tyrone Miller - S - Saline (MI) Saline
D.J. Moore - WR - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep
David Moorman - OT - Northville (MI) Northville: committed to Wisconsin
James Morgan - QB - Green Bay (WI) Ashwaubenon
Alec Murphy - RB - Nixa (MO) Nixa*
Alex Mussat - QB - Troy (MI) Troy

Riley Neal - QB - Yorktown (IN) Yorktown
Stanley Norman - CB - Junipero (CA) Serra
Michael Oliver - LB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Jacques Patrick - RB - Orlando (FL) Timber Creek*
Grant Perry - WR - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice
Kyle Pugh - LB - Chicago (IL) Bloom
T.J. Rahming - WR - Powder Springs (GA) McEachern
Reggie Rogers - S - Massillon (OH) Washington
Romello Ross - RB - Detroit (MI) Western
Matt Skibinski - OT - Livonia (MI) Churchill:
 committed to Miami-OH
Tyson Smith - CB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's: committed to Michigan State
Equanimeous St. Brown - WR - Anaheim (CA) Servite
Kyonta' Stallworth - OT - Detroit (MI) King:
 committed to Michigan State
Jayson Stanley - WR - Fairburn (GA) Creekside
Immanuel Stinson - DE - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park
Damon Terry - WR - Lansing (MI) Everett: committed to Central Michigan
Tyriq Thompson - LB - Detroit (MI) King*
Brandon Tiassum - DT - Indianapolis (IN) Park Tudor: committed to Notre Dame
D'Andre Walker - DE - Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes
Mike Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech*
Delvin Weems - RB - Tucker (GA) Tucker:
committed to Marshall
Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - TE - Canisius (NY) Manlius*
Darryl Williams - OT - Bessemer (AL) City
Preston Williams - WR - Hampton (GA) Lovejoy*

2016
Hassan Belton - LB - Blythewood (GA) Bluthewood
Messiah DeWeaver - QB - Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison
Matt Falcon - RB - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Jojo Garcia - DT - Woodbury (MN) East Ridge
Seth Green - QB - Woodbury (MN) East Ridge
Dele' Harding - LB - Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy

Mecole Hardman - CB - Elberton (GA) Elbert County
Daelin Hayes - LB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's*
Jesse Johnson - S - Detroit (MI) King
Juanye Johnson - OG - Muskegon (MI) Muskegon

Thiyo Lukusa - OT - Traverse City (MI) West*
Jalen Martin - WR - Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park Academy
Ostell Martin - OT - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech

Michael Onwenu - DT - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Kalebb Perry - WR - Mount Pleasant (MI) Mount Pleasant
Martell Pettaway - RB - St. Clair Shores (MI) South Lake
David Reese - LB - Farmington (MI) Farmington
Patrice Rene - S - Ottawa (Ontario) St. Peter

Naseir Upshur - WR - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep*

2017
Donovan Johnson - CB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Emani Mason - OT - Detroit (MI) East English Village

Donovan Peoples-Jones - WR - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Joshua Ross - LB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's*
Jamyest Williams - RB - Archer (GA)