Breaking News; Michigan Loses Another True Freshman - Chris Barnett takes the next train back to Texas

TE Chris Barnett just left a message on his Twitter and Facebook account that he is no longer at the University of Michigan.  Chris joined Michigan's 2011 class on signing day and was coming off a knee injury. 

If Chris leaving happens to true, this would be 3 players gone from the 2011 class before a game is played.

It is now official, as U of M has confirmed his departure.  This departure hurts next year due to depth.  Ricardo Miller is now a TE, but he is a pass catching guy not exactly a blocking TE with his transformation from WR.  

Brandon Moore hasn't really ever played at Michigan and will be a 5th year senior.  After that it will be nothing but true freshman.  

This departure confuses me because it seems Chris was trying to recruit other kids to Michigan and he seemed really interested in playing in Ann Arbor.  He did have a strange recruitment when he was committed on and off to Arkansas and was connected to Baron Flenory, co-founder of Dallas-based New Level Athletics and BadgerSport Elite 7-on-7 camps that the NCAA is looking at in the Oregon" pay for recruits" allegations.   Does his departure have anything to do with that?  I don't know.
Chris signed with Michigan on National Signing Day in February. 

This development might open a spot for 2012 recruit Ron Thompson.

  

Breaking News: Another Transfer

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

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

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

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

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

*Picture from Touch The Banner

Breaking News: Robert Tractor Traylor is Found Dead

Robert "Tractor" Traylor, the former Michigan basketball star, has been found dead at age 34, according to a Facebook posting by the team for which he played in Puerto Rico. (freep link)

It seems his death is due to an apparent heart attack.

This is terrible news.  My favorite memory is watching him live shatter a backboard at Crisler Arena or him and the Wolverines beating Duke at Cameron Indoor.

RIP Big Man.  RIP.

Michigan Monday: Wolverines Adds 1 More Big LB - Total Now 4!

Wow, I guess Greg Mattison and Brady Hoke wanted to recruit a few Linebackers this year.  This morning the Wolverines got another LB to add to the 3 they already had verballed from in the 2012 class. 

It all started a couple of weeks ago when Ohio 4 Star LB Kaleb Ringer committed to the Wolverines.  As soon as that happened the flood gates opened for the LB and the Wolverines.  Soon after the Spring Game, Instate  4 star LB Royce Jenkins-Stone gave his word to the Wolverines.   Then on Friday, Cincinnati 4 Star LB Joe Bolden jumped on board.   

So with 3 four star LB's, the Wolverines are done right? Nope. 

This morning, James "Biggs" Ross became the 4th LB commit to the Wolverines and 8th player to join the 2012 class.  James is part of the Michigan Big 3 recruits which includes Jenkins-Stone and Terry Richardson.  The Wolverines now have 2 of the 3 in the fold for the 2012 class.

James is a 4 star recruit to Scouts and 24/7.  He is ranked as the #2 MLB in the nation by both Scouts and 24/7.  He is on the top 150 watch list for ESPN and 250 watch list for Rivals.  His offer list as you might expect is a strong one; Penn State, Ohio State, MSU, Nebraska, USC, Notre Dame, Arizona State, Mizzu, and many others.

So Michigan is done now at LB recruiting, right?  Yes, they have to be.  I don't recall this strong if a LB class for the Wolverines, maybe ever.  I know the class with LaMarr Woodley was a pretty good and might be the only class in memory that comes close. 

The priority of the class now is DT, Safety, CB, 1 QB, and Offensive line.

Breaking News: Strong Rumors Around Another DB Loss

Mgoblog is reporting sources that Cullen Christian a soon to be sophomore and former Army All American CB will be asking for his release from the Michigan Football Program today.  Cullen struggled last year at DB and the rumors were he had a back problem and that is why he didn't play in the Spring Game. 

This would be a big loss for the Wolverines in a few years.  Not so much this year with Woolfolk and Floyd coming back from injury.  CC should re-think his transfer and take a redshirt year if he needs it.  He won't find a better opportunity at playing time then he currently has at Michigan.   If you put together the losses of CC and Ray both this Spring, there really could be a big hole in the depth chart in the next few years.

Another one gone?   RR sort of took a flier scholarship offer a couple years ago on a track star more then a football player from Ohio named DJ Williamson.  There are also strong rumors that DJ might look to spin his records at another school next season.  I would consider his loss a minor one for contribution now and in the future.   

At this point both are rumors and things can change quickly.  Greg Brown earlier this year was rumored to had gone home for good and ended up playing pretty well in the Spring Game.  So you never know how these things will play out.  Carlos Brown was always rumored to have a foot out the door as well. 

Transfers after the Spring Game are not uncommon and in fact very common after a new coaching staff takes over.   Clear example, I wonder if Mike Cox would have been listed as a transfer candidate if RR was still the head coach.

Max is Blue!

Max Bielfeldt 6'8 220+ pound forward from Illinois has picked the Wolverines, just seconds ago. 

He is a 2011- 2012 recruit and will be playing for the Wolverines next year.  He felt comfortable with the coaches and players in Ann Arbor. 

Welcome Max!  Too early for the Mad Max nickname?  Michigan Max?  :)

Breaking News: Michigan Gets its first Commit for the 2012 Class

It seems like years since signing day when it really has only been a couple of months.  But if you follow recruiting closely,  two months seems like a long time since Michigan got a commitment.  Today that streak was broken when Brady Hoke and staff landed a local Michigan prospect to it's 2012 class. 

That prospect is Ben Braden from Rockford, Michigan.  Ben is a 6'6 280 pound offensive tackle and is rated 3 stars by Scouts and hasn't been rated by Rivals yet.   Ben has a nice Big Ten offer sheet which includes MSU, Wisconsin, and Syracuse from the Big East.  Ben camped at Michigan last year and seems to understand the opportunity he has to playing time at U of M.

24x7 Sports: “He’s just a big boy and hard worker, very unassuming, very coachable and very aggressive,” Munger said. He also coached current San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Joe Staley.

“He’s been blessed with size, strength and speed. He’s the right kind of guy. He’s been raised by a wonderful family and believes in the values his family taught him. For us, he’s an awfully good offensive lineman and he’s raw. He’s coming into his own.”


Didn't locate any video out there for Ben.  

I hope Ben is the first lineman in a long list of 2012 commits on the offensive and defensive lines for the Wolverines.

2 for Tuesday: Michigan Gets a Cincinnati LineBacker in the 2011 Class

Breaking News: Michigan lands another commit tonight in 4 star LB from Winton Woods outside of Cincinnati in Antonio Poole.  He just announced during halftime at the Winton Woods basketball game. 

Poole is 6'1 and 225 pound outside LB and ranked the 13th OLB in the nation to Scouts. He had just been down to Miami, FL last weekend and was considering new offers from Pitt and Michigan.  He decided last night when Greg Mattison visited him at home to become a Wolverine.  Antonio had a nice offer list which include Michigan State, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Louisville, Kansas, Kentucky and others.  Nebraska and Miami were showing interest. 

As we all know, LB play has been a problem for Michigan for the last 3 years and with these new group of athletes lets hope that problem will soon be over.  Antonio is expected to be in A2 this weekend for his official visit.  The former Michigan staff was recruiting him but he didn't receive his Michigan offer until recently.

More News and Recruiting Briefs

With Some New Updates as of 4:30  today:

Seems Tate Forcier visited Montana to see if he was a good fit to be their next QB.  If Tate transferred to Montana he could have played next season.  Reports say he is more interested in a Division 1 program where he would have to sit out a year.  More on why Tate was kicked out of Michigan per his dad: Michael Forcier said last week. "Tate didn't flunk out, but he had two incomplete grades. If he was given a chance by at least one professor to make up the work and get a grade, he would be eligible." The schools he is looking at are: Miami, Washington, Baylor, San Diego State, Middle Tennessee State and New Mexico are among the FBS schools he is considering transferring to. Forcier said he is also considering lower-division schools such as Montana, South Carolina State and Florida A&M.


The Michigan coaches seem interested in quarterback Tim Byerly. What's more interesting is what the Michigan coaches told Tim's head coach:  "They really liked him on film. Michigan said they had another quarterback visiting this week who felt like would commit to them. But if that did not happen, then they are going to really look at Timmy.”  I guess it's looking good for Texas QB Russell Bellomy who is on campus right now.

There was some thought that Teryl Austin might come back to Michigan to coach the DB's.  That seems out now, as it looks like he will be coaching the DB's for the Baltimore Ravens.

In the low blow of the week:  It seems Rutgers is blocking freshman QB Tom Savage from talking to Michigan about transferring.   The other schools they blocked are Miami FL, Florida, and Florida State.  This is such a "jerk" move by Schiano, none of those schools are on his schedule.

Brady Hoke will be visiting Jake Fisher on Thursday at his high school.

RR gets a gig with CBS College Sports for Signing Day.

New visitors for this weekend include: RB - Thomas Rawls, OL - Ryan Nowicki (a PSU commit), FB- Trayion Durham, LB- Antonio Poole, TE-Chris Barnett.

Greg Mattison in home with DT, Darin Cooper tonight.  Trying to get him on campus for a visit this weekend.

Breaking News: Hoke to Meet Brandon in LA

Brady Hoke will be meeting with David Brandon near LA late this afternoon.   Hoke is in the LA area recruiting.

One of the things that was in question was why David would be flying to the LA area when Brady is in San Diego.  That mystery is now solved. 

After David signs Brady, maybe they can take a tour of celebrities homes or spend his new signing bonus on Rodeo Drive.    They should sign the paperwork at the Rose Bowl. 

Well Done, Mr. Brandon.   This is not going to end well.

***Update: The Detroit Media is all over the above report and saying that Brady Hoke is the guy.  Since the Detroit Media hasn't been right for 3+ years about anything related to Michigan football, I'm guessing Michigan must be looking elsewhere.  :-)

Confirmed Meeting Between Les and Michigan Will Happen

Les said himself that he will meet with David Brandon tomorrow in Dallas.  He said, that he is happy at LSU.

This is either a smoke screen and Les and David has already spoken and just dotting the I and crossing the T's and having a public meeting to address the 24 hour rule regarding notifying the LSU AD.   Or David isn't really interested in Les and is just checking the box with the Michigan faithful that really wants Miles.

It's hard to tell what the hell is going on right now.   I don't believe that if Les is a serious candidate that they haven't had a discussion yet. 



HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Breaking News: Rich Rod is Fired

Sources are saying Rich Rodriguez has been fired.  Now is the time to panic, if your into panicking.

Bartender, please make it a double!

****It seems the firing is not official yet and that maybe someone at Fox 2 pulled the switch a little early.  David Brandon has not made an announcement and Rich Rodriguez has not notified his staff yet.  Sources are saying they are still meeting.


Brady Bunch?  I am starting to hear it's Brady Hoke and it might already be a done deal.  Again nothing offical just a rumor at this point.  

Breaking News: Michigan adds a Army All American on Defense!

Michigan has added Army All American cornerback Blake Countess.  This is the person I hinted to earlier this morning.  I just fell in love with the school, the facilities, and everything the University has to offer really.

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.

Breaking News: Help Wanted in Minnesota

If you are a head football coach, I would suggest networking the greater Minneapolis area with your resume.  Now both football programs (Vikings and Golden Gophers) in Minneapolis are without head football coaches. 

Breaking News: Michigan Expected to Hear the NCAA Findings on Thursday

The initial reports are that the NCAA will report the findings on Michigan tomorrow.  The source also said that Michigan won the argument against the NCAA that Rich Rodriguez did not fail to promote an atmosphere of compliance.  Which would be a huge win in favor of Michigan. 

I expect to hear that the NCAA will accept the self imposed penalties that Michigan levied against itself.  The source close to the situation said it's "positive news for Michigan football.".

We will see the details on Thursday but this is the positive news that Rich Rodriguez needed this week.  Mostly after 3 losses in a row.

I wonder if U of M will take any legal action against the Freep for the loose allegations and poor research/reporting in their story against the football program.  I believe Michigan has invested over half a million dollars in this case and it would seem that the Freep could be responsible for some of that cost.  David Brandon should just send them a bill.

The latest update is that the NCAA added a 3rd year of probation.  3:00pm we will know the details.

Breaking News: Mark Dantonio Has a Heart Attack

After a fake field goal that takes a lot of "guts" to call to beat ND in overtime late last night.  Mark Dantonio, head coach of the Michigan State Spartans apparently suffered a heart attack and had a stent put in for a blocked artery early this morning.

The "word" is he is resting comfortably and that offensive coordinator Don Treadwill will take over while Mark recovers.   We wish the coach well and hope he is back on the sidelines soon.

Michigan State visits Ann Abor on October 9th.

Breaking News: Another Michigan Transfer

I guess you know which teammates are "All in for Michigan" this year and which are not.  I don't understand young guys wanting to jump ship when they are in the first few years of eligibility.  Michigan lost a young safety last week and this week it's another defensive player.

DE Anthony LaLota has decided to leave the Michigan program.  Anthony was a highly recruited guy out of NJ.  He was very raw coming out of high school (and thin like 250 lbs) but had a high upside and a big frame to earn his 4 star status.  Another example of guys like that are Roh and Lewan.  So far Anthony has not seen the field and I think he is way too young to put the 'bust" tag on him, but he watched his classmates get playing time while he is on the sideline.

I guess that was just too much for him and he has decided to leave.  Which is too bad for the young man.  He is up to 270 pounds and you never know when your number is going to be called as a redshirt freshman.   These young man seem to be getting some bad advice and looking for short term gains and not the long term effect for transferring.  Not everyone is successful like Ryan Mallet after they leave Michigan, in fact most aren't successful at all (regarding football). 

This transfer won't effect this years team but it's just a shame to see him throw away his free Michigan degree and chance to play in a year or two. 

• LB Mike Jones has a broken leg which will require surgery.

• Brandon Herron sprained his ankle and is listed as day-to-day. JB Fitzgerald, Mark Moundros, Kenny Demens, and Kevin Leach all will see action at LB.

Breaking News: Vlad Emilien To Transfer From Michigan

What is the deal with the Michigan Secondary?  Whether it's injury, academics, transfers, crime, or heading to the NFL early the Michigan secondary has taken more then it's fair share of losses lately. 

Now comes another one, sophomore safety Vlad Emilien has requested his release from Michigan and will transfer to another school.   Your first reaction might be:  What?  Why? Because it was mine. 

Vlad got a little playing time last Saturday and the guy that was ahead of him on the depth chart, walk on Jared Van Slyke is out for the year and he is one snap away from being the starter if Cam Gordon goes down.

Doesn't seem to make sense does it.  So why transfer?

The first clue might be getting beat out by a walk-on.  The second one might be the long pass from Denard to Roy Roundtree in the Spring Game.  Vlad didn't exactly catch Roy and looked pretty slow chasing him.   The rumor mill is saying that he lost a few steps after his knee injury his senior year which  hasn't healed properly. 

Either way, this is another loss to at thin secondary.  Any more attrition to the secondary could kill this season.


See the 1:05 mark for my example above