That is my emotion right now. First David Brandon fired Michigan's high profile coach with out having another head coach signed up. Then he cancels the official recruiting weekend that was due to kick off today. Now he is starting a coaching search in early January when Michigan's head coach should be finishing up his recruiting class, not filling out his W4 form.
Here is the latest:
Jim Harbaugh - reports was he was expected to sign a contract with the Dolphins and now that isn't happening. Reports now are saying that he is expected to either stay with Stanford or go to the 49ers. What the hell is happening here? He turned down $7M plus to coach the Dolphins? Now he may get over $5M from Stanford? He doesn't want to coach in the NFL now? This is crazy stuff. There is a book that could be written on the happenings with Jim between Monday and Friday of this week.
Pat Fitzgerald - seems to been a candidate but now he isn't. Wants to stay in his home town and coach his college football team the Northwestern Wildcats. Ok, I get that but its too bad.
Brady Hoke - is just wanting for the call to jump on a plane.
Bo Pelini - likes to tie his name to every major opening so he can get a raise from Nebraska.
Les Miles - probably won't know if Michigan contacted him or not. He is also preparing to play in the Cotton Bowl (when do they play that game? Sometime in February? - It's actually tonight)
Gary Patterson - No News
Kirk Ferentz - please! his entire team was just busted for selling pot. I have heard that most of the team was involved in the "ring".
David Brandon basically has this weekend to name a new head coach. If it goes beyond this weekend, Michigan is in huge trouble with this recruiting class. Hell, if gets past this weekend you might has well just hire Gary Moeller for a year. (that is a joke)
This search right now looks like a huge "cluster". I might not even order Domino's Pizza this weekend!
The Army All American Bowl which was set up to be a big recruiting day for Michigan, now is highly in doubt. Here are a list of guys that had some Michigan interest at some point in their recruitment: Blake Countess, Dee Hart, Kris Frost, Sammy Watkins, Avery Walls, Wayne Lyons, Ray Drew, DeAnthony Arnett, and Lamar Dawson.
Showing posts with label Army All American Game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Army All American Game. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Some Reactions to the Day
Mike Martin: "It's something not in my control or our control as players," Martin said. "It's just something we have to deal with as a team. It's really hard on all of us. "He's my coach and he's been here since I've been here. I've built a relationship with him off the field as well as on the field so I'm always going to be with coach (Rodriguez)."
Thomas Gordon: "Definitely I'm surprised," said Gordon. "I have a lot of love for Coach Rod. He's the guy who brought me here. He's a guy I definitely respected and I loved him as a coach."When asked what his future plans are, Gordon replied, "I'm here. I came to school for Michigan."Said Gordon: "Yes it is surprising, but it is what it is. You've just got to move on."
Denard's HS Coach Art Taylor: "It just happened, so I haven't had time to talk to him," Taylor said. "I would advise him to wait and see who's coming in (as head coach)."
2011 recruit Dallas Crawford: “(Michigan) is still number one right now, but I have to open back up and explore my options,” Crawford said.“Officially I haven’t talked to the coaches yet,” Crawford said. “In my mind, I am decommitted.”
Army All American Wayne Lyons: "I'm still considering them because you have to pick the school and not the coach and Michigan is still a great school and a great program," Lyons said. "They're still in it. (The firing) is not a surprise. I kind of expected it. It's a great learning lesson because a lot of top schools for me like Stanford might get a new coach, Florida has a new coach and Michigan is getting a new coach so it goes to show the school is more important than the coach."
Army All American Kris Frost: "It has a big impact," Frost said. "With him being fired of course it's going to make me think twice about it but at the same time people go to colleges for colleges. "I love Rich Rod and I love what he did offensively and defensively with the defensive coordinator. I feel like given another chance, they had so many young players, it would have helped out more to give him another chance. It's a business and we understand that."
"I'm going to rethink some stuff but at the same time the ultimate decision won't change on where I've been thinking about going or where I was planning on going with Auburn, LSU and Michigan," Frost said. "I have to reevaluate things when my mom and dad get here (Wednesday) and I'll make my decision from there.
Army All American and Verbal Commit Blake Countness: "Right now I'm worried about winning this game, I'm going to focus on this game and then go back home and talk to my parents and see how things go but right now I'm sticking with Michigan," Countess said.
"I fell in love with the school so right now I'm staying with Michigan because of the school but hopefully I can build a relationship with the new coach. I'm just going to focus on this game and then evaluate what's best for me and my family."
"I don't eliminate them. Just the bond I had with the school, not the program, I don't eliminate them but you have to think about that kind of thing because it is about college and the education at Michigan is going to be great. At the same time, I don't want to waste four years of my football career."
Army All American LB Lamar Dawson: "It just eliminates them," Dawson said of the Wolverines. "I was going to take my official up there but since he's not up there I'm not going to do that anymore. "If he got fired I wasn't going to consider them. If he stayed I was going to consider them and take my visit up there."
How can a bad day get worse for RR and family? Today they were notified they are being sued over the sale of their home in West Virgina. I guess one room has a water leak and Rich Rod's boat wasn't included in the deal. Well maybe they now can just move back in to the $1.3M home. I would fix the water leak with his new check from U of M.
Thomas Gordon: "Definitely I'm surprised," said Gordon. "I have a lot of love for Coach Rod. He's the guy who brought me here. He's a guy I definitely respected and I loved him as a coach."When asked what his future plans are, Gordon replied, "I'm here. I came to school for Michigan."Said Gordon: "Yes it is surprising, but it is what it is. You've just got to move on."
Denard's HS Coach Art Taylor: "It just happened, so I haven't had time to talk to him," Taylor said. "I would advise him to wait and see who's coming in (as head coach)."
2011 recruit Dallas Crawford: “(Michigan) is still number one right now, but I have to open back up and explore my options,” Crawford said.“Officially I haven’t talked to the coaches yet,” Crawford said. “In my mind, I am decommitted.”
Army All American Wayne Lyons: "I'm still considering them because you have to pick the school and not the coach and Michigan is still a great school and a great program," Lyons said. "They're still in it. (The firing) is not a surprise. I kind of expected it. It's a great learning lesson because a lot of top schools for me like Stanford might get a new coach, Florida has a new coach and Michigan is getting a new coach so it goes to show the school is more important than the coach."
Army All American Kris Frost: "It has a big impact," Frost said. "With him being fired of course it's going to make me think twice about it but at the same time people go to colleges for colleges. "I love Rich Rod and I love what he did offensively and defensively with the defensive coordinator. I feel like given another chance, they had so many young players, it would have helped out more to give him another chance. It's a business and we understand that."
"I'm going to rethink some stuff but at the same time the ultimate decision won't change on where I've been thinking about going or where I was planning on going with Auburn, LSU and Michigan," Frost said. "I have to reevaluate things when my mom and dad get here (Wednesday) and I'll make my decision from there.
Army All American and Verbal Commit Blake Countness: "Right now I'm worried about winning this game, I'm going to focus on this game and then go back home and talk to my parents and see how things go but right now I'm sticking with Michigan," Countess said.
"I fell in love with the school so right now I'm staying with Michigan because of the school but hopefully I can build a relationship with the new coach. I'm just going to focus on this game and then evaluate what's best for me and my family."
"I don't eliminate them. Just the bond I had with the school, not the program, I don't eliminate them but you have to think about that kind of thing because it is about college and the education at Michigan is going to be great. At the same time, I don't want to waste four years of my football career."
Army All American LB Lamar Dawson: "It just eliminates them," Dawson said of the Wolverines. "I was going to take my official up there but since he's not up there I'm not going to do that anymore. "If he got fired I wasn't going to consider them. If he stayed I was going to consider them and take my visit up there."
How can a bad day get worse for RR and family? Today they were notified they are being sued over the sale of their home in West Virgina. I guess one room has a water leak and Rich Rod's boat wasn't included in the deal. Well maybe they now can just move back in to the $1.3M home. I would fix the water leak with his new check from U of M.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Michigan Tuesday: Keeps an Eye on the Clock
First the latest news: The Freep (which I wouldn't even trust with a weather forecast) is saying that Harbaugh is not likely to go to Michigan. ESPN and Chris Mortinson also confirmed that was the buzz before and after the game. That Jimmy is more interested in going to the NFL and competing with his brother.
RR and DB are meeting this afternoon at 2:00: Will a decision be made? There is also a meeting today with the players scheduled at 7:00 PM. This meeting was set up before the Gator Bowl.
The Miami Dolphins might be looking for a Michigan man? The Miami Dolphins are owned by Michigan man Stephen Ross (whose name is on Michigan's Business School). It seems they might have put a horse in the Harbaugh race. Michigan owner, coach, QB, and #1 draft pick Jake Long. Ann Arbor South?
Recruiting Decisions and Visits:
As you know there are only a few more official weekends left in the 2011 recruiting class. Michigan could be expecting these visitors this weekend: S Sheldon Royster, ATH Raymon Taylor, WR Devin Lucien, DT Darian, Cooper, WR Shane Wynn (tentative) QB Cardale Jones (tentative), TE Frank Clark DE Deion Barnes, TE Tanner McEvoy.
Army All American Game Decisions from Kris Frost and Wayne Lyons. Dee Hart and Avery Walls are also playing in this game who were both high on Michigan at one point in their respective recruitment's.
Michigan does not have a lot of prospect is the Under Armour Game.
RR and DB are meeting this afternoon at 2:00: Will a decision be made? There is also a meeting today with the players scheduled at 7:00 PM. This meeting was set up before the Gator Bowl.
The Miami Dolphins might be looking for a Michigan man? The Miami Dolphins are owned by Michigan man Stephen Ross (whose name is on Michigan's Business School). It seems they might have put a horse in the Harbaugh race. Michigan owner, coach, QB, and #1 draft pick Jake Long. Ann Arbor South?
Recruiting Decisions and Visits:
As you know there are only a few more official weekends left in the 2011 recruiting class. Michigan could be expecting these visitors this weekend: S Sheldon Royster, ATH Raymon Taylor, WR Devin Lucien, DT Darian, Cooper, WR Shane Wynn (tentative) QB Cardale Jones (tentative), TE Frank Clark DE Deion Barnes, TE Tanner McEvoy.
Army All American Game Decisions from Kris Frost and Wayne Lyons. Dee Hart and Avery Walls are also playing in this game who were both high on Michigan at one point in their respective recruitment's.
Michigan does not have a lot of prospect is the Under Armour Game.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wolverine Wednesday: Zettel's Decision leaves The Michigan Nation Unsettled
By now you know instate OL/DE 4 star prospect Anthony Zettel picked Penn State last night over long time favorite Michigan. Michigan had been Anthony's leader since his recruiting process started and AZ had been to just about every Michigan home game this year and a number of other events like the Big Chill and Barbecue at the Big House.
So what happened? How did he pick Penn State over Michigan during the quiet period when he had publicly stated his announcement was coming in January just days ago?
This is what AZ had to say about Michigan after his last visit earlier this month: "I felt really good with the players and really enjoyed all the people," Zettel said. "They gave me insight on all of it and I asked every question I could about the school, whether it was a good fit for them, what they like about the school and what they don't like."
As you know, I like to do a Tale of the Tape when it comes to previewing a Michigan opponent. Let's use that same format to weigh some the "recruiting factors" into Anthony decision between the 2 schools.
Zettel's Tale of the Tape: Michigan vs Penn State:
Head Coaching Stability: Push. One program is run by an 84 year old figure head that was rumored to be in the hospital all week. The other program has a coach the needs AD David Brandon to "Lift him up or out" after the Gator Bowl.
State of the Program: Push. Yes, Penn State handled Michigan in Happy Valley this year but both finished 7-5. Depending on what happens with the Bowl Games, I expect them both to be improved next year.
Location: Advantage Michigan. U of M is hours from home and of course in Ann Arbor, ranked one of the best places to live in the US routinely. Penn State is in a Valley of happiness that got nearly 2 feet of snow this week or to quote the widely known wordsmith Terrelle Pryor, "The middle of nowhere".
Academics: Both are good schools but the advantage has to go to Michigan if that was an important factor to Anthony. Some recruits talk about academics being a key factor but truly it isn't that important.
Playing Time: Advantage Michigan: Michigan is losing seniors on the defensive line (rumored to be where he wants to play) and would probably looking at a redshirt if he picked the offensive line. I'm not familiar with PSU's depth chart but from a quick count of their roster they have 14 DE's or DT's that are currently Juniors or below. There are also 2 other DE's in the 2011 class.
2011 Recruiting: Advantage Michigan. Penn State got off to a very slow start but has benefited from a coaching change at Pitt. It should be a close race to signing day. Tim at Mgoblog ranks the Big Ten recruiting classes and currently has Michigan at #4 and Penn State at #12 (he includes ND in the rankings due to ND fishing for the same pond as many Big Ten schools).
So to net it out, Anthony picked Penn State over a place that is closer to home so his family could attend every home game, has a quicker path to playing time, been a lifelong fan of, and currently has a better 2011 recruiting class. Makes sense to me, does it to you?
I'm guessing the status of Rich Rod and staff played a big role in his decision, that couldn't have waited 7 more days. Which is too bad. Maybe after the coaching situation clears up the Wolverines can take another run at the young man. Penn State we are now even for Michael Shaw.
Another alarming trend is that 4 top instate prospects (Thomas, Arnett, Zettel, and Showers) all have either gone out of state or Thomas to the Spartans. Michigan has 5 instate kids in it's 2011 recruiting class including Rivals #84 player in Justice Hayes and 4 star prospect Brennen Beyer.
So what happened? How did he pick Penn State over Michigan during the quiet period when he had publicly stated his announcement was coming in January just days ago?
This is what AZ had to say about Michigan after his last visit earlier this month: "I felt really good with the players and really enjoyed all the people," Zettel said. "They gave me insight on all of it and I asked every question I could about the school, whether it was a good fit for them, what they like about the school and what they don't like."
As you know, I like to do a Tale of the Tape when it comes to previewing a Michigan opponent. Let's use that same format to weigh some the "recruiting factors" into Anthony decision between the 2 schools.
Zettel's Tale of the Tape: Michigan vs Penn State:
Head Coaching Stability: Push. One program is run by an 84 year old figure head that was rumored to be in the hospital all week. The other program has a coach the needs AD David Brandon to "Lift him up or out" after the Gator Bowl.
State of the Program: Push. Yes, Penn State handled Michigan in Happy Valley this year but both finished 7-5. Depending on what happens with the Bowl Games, I expect them both to be improved next year.
Location: Advantage Michigan. U of M is hours from home and of course in Ann Arbor, ranked one of the best places to live in the US routinely. Penn State is in a Valley of happiness that got nearly 2 feet of snow this week or to quote the widely known wordsmith Terrelle Pryor, "The middle of nowhere".
Academics: Both are good schools but the advantage has to go to Michigan if that was an important factor to Anthony. Some recruits talk about academics being a key factor but truly it isn't that important.
Playing Time: Advantage Michigan: Michigan is losing seniors on the defensive line (rumored to be where he wants to play) and would probably looking at a redshirt if he picked the offensive line. I'm not familiar with PSU's depth chart but from a quick count of their roster they have 14 DE's or DT's that are currently Juniors or below. There are also 2 other DE's in the 2011 class.
2011 Recruiting: Advantage Michigan. Penn State got off to a very slow start but has benefited from a coaching change at Pitt. It should be a close race to signing day. Tim at Mgoblog ranks the Big Ten recruiting classes and currently has Michigan at #4 and Penn State at #12 (he includes ND in the rankings due to ND fishing for the same pond as many Big Ten schools).
So to net it out, Anthony picked Penn State over a place that is closer to home so his family could attend every home game, has a quicker path to playing time, been a lifelong fan of, and currently has a better 2011 recruiting class. Makes sense to me, does it to you?
I'm guessing the status of Rich Rod and staff played a big role in his decision, that couldn't have waited 7 more days. Which is too bad. Maybe after the coaching situation clears up the Wolverines can take another run at the young man. Penn State we are now even for Michael Shaw.
Another alarming trend is that 4 top instate prospects (Thomas, Arnett, Zettel, and Showers) all have either gone out of state or Thomas to the Spartans. Michigan has 5 instate kids in it's 2011 recruiting class including Rivals #84 player in Justice Hayes and 4 star prospect Brennen Beyer.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Michigan Tuesday: It's the Recruiting Quiet Period
That means the recruiting news should be pretty light the rest of the year. Michigan's next big official recruiting weekend will be January 7th. Don't forget January 8th is the Army All American game and Michigan has a number of prospects in that game including: Dee Hart, Ha'sean Clinton-Dix, Wayne Lyons, Kris Frost, and Blake Countness.
It will be key to have RR status "cleared up" by 1/3 for Michigan to save players like Dallas Crawford and Dee Hart in this class.
- Past Michigan visitor 2011 WR Hakeem Flowers just visited Oregon and is also looking at MSU, NC State, UCLA, and GA Tech.
- I know there has been alot of questions regarding a QB in class after Kevin Sousa changed his mind and elected to go to Wake Forrest which had a better path to playing time. One of the QB targets is QB Tanner McEvoy from NJ who just visited South Carolina this past weekend and will visit Ann Arbor on January 7th as well. Tanner won't list a leader until after all his visits are completed. He is also visiting North Carolina and Rutgers. Spurrier seems pretty high on this kid and has already done a in-home visit with him.
- Other visitors expected on 1/7 include: WR Devin Lucien, TE Frank Clark, DB Sheldon Royster, DB Dallas Crawford, and DE Deion Barnes.
- 2011 TE prospect Jack Tabb from NJ might announce his decision this week, as of right now I don't expect a Michigan decision.
- Roderick Ryles, a 2011 safety and teammate of Dee Hart's at Dr. Phillips has been talking to the Michigan coaches and might make a visit to Ann Arbor in January. A dream scenario for the Wolverines would be Hart, Clinton-Dix, and Ryles. I know, I said it was a dream scenario!
- Michigan 2011 Verbal RB Justice Hayes will be playing in the Offense - Defense Bowl in Myrtle Beach on 12/31.
- Former Michigan LB Doug Mallory was named co-defensive coordinator for Indiana yesterday.
- It is clear the Michigan coaches want one TE in this class. The latest guy to be offered is Dallas, TX TE Andrew Peterson who is rated a 2 star prospect from Rivals but has a nice offer list which includes: Tennessee, Utah, Texas AM, Nebraska, and Arkansas.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Breaking News: Michigan adds a Army All American on Defense!
This his a huge commitment for Wolverines and a solid 4 star corner to all 3 services. Here is his write up from the Army All American game: Countess has the smooth hips and backpedal ability to be the prototypical cover corner. Despite his size, he loves to hit and is strong enough to jam a receiver at the line or come up and assist in run support. Countess has the speed to stay with receivers in man-to-man coverage and has an advanced understanding of zone defenses. Countess’ speed is also an asset in the return game.
Countess is an intelligent player who does a great job of reading the quarterback’s eyes. He throws his weight around, playing aggressive against the run and displaying excellence in bump-and-run coverage. Countess is superb at quickly diagnosing run versus pass plays.
Blake is 5'10 and 171 pounds and a huge pick up after the loss of Avery Walls. Michigan seems to be gaining some ground on the recruiting trail with this huge pick up and both instate CB's Raymon Taylor and Valdez Showers at practice on Saturday.
This is the 13th 2011 verbal commitment for the Wolverines. Which should leave 7 more spots available.
More on BC at Mgoblog.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Michigan Thursday: 1/8/2011 is a Make or Break Date for the Wolverines 2011 Recruiting Class
Why you ask? Well, first of I assume that the Michigan coaching situation will be decided by then. Michigan plays in the Gator Bowl on New Years Day and Stanford plays in the Orange Bowl on 1/3.
So what's so special about the 8th? January 8th is the day of Army All American Game where top 2011 recruits like to pick a hat for their school of choice on National TV. By this game, Michigan should know if RR will continue his head coaching duties or another head coach has been hired. If RR is retained Michigan has a legitimate shot at these following Army All Americans:
"I can see from all the guys their legs are fresh, and Denard is obviously the healthiest he's been since the season started," Rodriguez said. "He's running a little faster, which you'd expect."
Austin in Austin? There are rumors that former Michigan assistant coach Teryl Austin will be Texas's new defensive coordinator. I have also heard Randy Shannon former Miami head coach name as well.
Hands off the MAC! In less then 2 weeks, three BCS programs have picked off coaches from the MAC. First it was Jerry Kill going to Minnesota, then Al Golden at Miami and now it's another coach from Miami but this time it's Miami of Ohio. Pitt has hired Mike Haywood who turned around the Miami program from a 1 year win season a year ago to MAC Champions this year. Mike was a former assistant under Charlie Weis at ND. In a related story the MAC is looking for some good young coaches.
Does anyone else think that the situation at West Virgina next year is going to be awkward? Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen has been hired as WVU's OC and "coach in waiting" for current coach Bill Stewart for one year. Bill is planing to resign or retire after the 2011 season. Does this make any sense to anyone? I'm guessing they had a small window to hire Dana or they were going to lose him to Pitt. So they put this plan together so that Bill could coach the bowl game and step down after. I don't see any upside for Bill Stewart to coach next year. Pay him his salary and let him go find another job or head to Florida. There are a couple of openings in the MAC.
Max Issak a 6'3 240 DE from NJ and current Pitt commit is re-thinking his verbal and might be interested in re-considering Michigan.
Information about Miami's coaching search: It seems they contacted Jim Harbaugh and he wasn't interested.
So what's so special about the 8th? January 8th is the day of Army All American Game where top 2011 recruits like to pick a hat for their school of choice on National TV. By this game, Michigan should know if RR will continue his head coaching duties or another head coach has been hired. If RR is retained Michigan has a legitimate shot at these following Army All Americans:
- RB Dee Hart of course
- Safety Wayne Lyons
- WR/LB Kris Frost
- CB Blake Countess
"I can see from all the guys their legs are fresh, and Denard is obviously the healthiest he's been since the season started," Rodriguez said. "He's running a little faster, which you'd expect."
Austin in Austin? There are rumors that former Michigan assistant coach Teryl Austin will be Texas's new defensive coordinator. I have also heard Randy Shannon former Miami head coach name as well.
Hands off the MAC! In less then 2 weeks, three BCS programs have picked off coaches from the MAC. First it was Jerry Kill going to Minnesota, then Al Golden at Miami and now it's another coach from Miami but this time it's Miami of Ohio. Pitt has hired Mike Haywood who turned around the Miami program from a 1 year win season a year ago to MAC Champions this year. Mike was a former assistant under Charlie Weis at ND. In a related story the MAC is looking for some good young coaches.
Does anyone else think that the situation at West Virgina next year is going to be awkward? Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen has been hired as WVU's OC and "coach in waiting" for current coach Bill Stewart for one year. Bill is planing to resign or retire after the 2011 season. Does this make any sense to anyone? I'm guessing they had a small window to hire Dana or they were going to lose him to Pitt. So they put this plan together so that Bill could coach the bowl game and step down after. I don't see any upside for Bill Stewart to coach next year. Pay him his salary and let him go find another job or head to Florida. There are a couple of openings in the MAC.
Max Issak a 6'3 240 DE from NJ and current Pitt commit is re-thinking his verbal and might be interested in re-considering Michigan.
Information about Miami's coaching search: It seems they contacted Jim Harbaugh and he wasn't interested.
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