Michigan Walk On Switch

As you might remember back earlier this year Michigan and OSU were in pursuit of a walk on offensive line prospect from IL named Graham Glasgow.  He picked OSU and that was that.  I guess it wasn't it.  
Graham showed up on Michigan's Media guide roster as a walk-on.  What happened here?  TomVH reports he changed his mind back in June and nobody seemed to have picked up on it.   What a great pick up for the Wolverines, this young man is 6'6 316 pounds.  The reason he wasn't highly recruited was because he was more of a basketball player then football.  He decided he wanted to play football and a number of big programs were looking at him as a walk on prospect.   He has strong academics and could be a nice addition to the offensive line in future years. 

(I guess this would be a reverse Justin Boren, who left Michigan to walk on to Ohio State)

Other Michigan Walk On info:

• Gary Yarden's commitment was highlighted here in a former (small) post.
• Joey Kerridge is a FB walk on from Traverse City.  He is 6'0 239 pounds.  Since Michigan is looking for a true FB Joey might have a great chance to see the field faster then some of the other walk-ons.
• Dallas Williams played at Huron and is 6'3 312 pounds but I really don't have much more information on him.  He did have 3 tackles in the Pioneer game this year.

Michigan Tuesday: Old Faces New Places

We all knew that Kaleb Ringer is releated to former MSU star Javon Ringer.  Here is what Javon had to say about Kaleb committing to the Wolverines:  I tried (to get him to MSU). I definitely wanted him to do what was best for Kaleb. I wanted to make sure that he took all his visits and went to all the different schools so he could find the best fit for him and to go to a place that he could get some playing time right away.


I do not like that it is Michigan and I don’t have a problem saying that. I’m not a big fan of Michigan with me going to Michigan State. I have a lot of respect for Michigan. No matter how much you dislike them, they’re a great team.


I still know some of the players who played there. I will support my nephew. I hope that he does great. I pray that I left a good enough legacy at Michigan State and I’m pretty sure that Kaleb will do that same thing at Michigan.


Whatever happened to Michigan's Walk-on QB from Pioneer Nader Furrha?  Well, he didn't last long at Michigan.  He was a back up at Riverside City College last year and now has accepted a scholarship offer to play at Morgan State next season. “I thought I was going to get more opportunity (at Michigan), it didn’t work out so I moved on,” Furrha said. “It was hard leaving, but it was a move I had to make for myself.”

UMass rode the wave of their good performance at the Big House to a invitation to the MAC Conference.   The official announcement is expected tomorrow at 5:00.

We knew Michigan's Basketball's 2011/2012 incoming recruiting class is strong but is it really this good?  MaxPreps did their top 100 and look how Michigan did:  #62 Carlton Brundidge - PG,   #82 Trey Burke - PG, and #100 Max Bielfeldt, PF/C.  Carlton and Trey are not big surprises but Max wasn't even rated by Rivals or Scouts - zero stars and he is a top 100 player on MaxPreps!  Sounds good to me! 

Michigan Thursday: A Wolverine at Augusta National

Rarely do we get a chance to cheer for a Wolverine at the Masters.  Even if your not a golf fan, this week you can support Lion Kim a U of M golfer that will be one of six amateurs in the field today at Augusta National.  Lion earned the invite by winning the 85th U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship last summer.  "Obviously, I'm extremely excited," said Kim, who ranks second all time at U-M with a career scoring average of 73.30 strokes per round. "I feel my game is at a good place right now and I'm getting to where I can compete at The Masters. It's exciting but it's also pretty nerve-wracking to know that you're playing on the biggest stage in golf."  Lion is playing with Davis Love and José María Olazábal today.

If your a golf fan you don't need another reason to watch the Masters.  If your not, please tune in and support Lion and maybe you can see why so many of us love this sport.   Augusta National is a special place and I got chance to be at the tournament 3 years ago.  It's a perfect golf course and that pretty much sums it up. 

On a side note:  Maybe this is the guy RR kept talking about when he kept referencing the Lion King movie? :)  Good Luck Lion and Go Blue!

• From a good news to sad news:  The Michigan Men community lost a member yesterday, with the passing of Vada Murray to his fight to cancer.   Vada as you know was a Wolverine Safety from 1988-1990 and then a Ann Arbor Policeman after he graduated.  RIP Michigan Man, RIP.

• The Michigan Hockey Team is in the Frozen 4 Tonight.  Go Blue!

• Michigan Football Walk On News:  Michigan has added a new offensive line recruit for the 2011 class.  Gary Yerden has accepted a invitation to be a preferred walk-on at Michigan.  Gary is a 6'6 330 pound offensive lineman with only one year of football under his belt at Portage Northern.  Gary has a high upside with his lack of football experience but guess what?  The kid is strong!  He is the 3 time State Champion in weightlifting by dead lifting a state record 630 pounds.  Wow! Sounds like a great pick up.

• ESPN is saying Michigan's Basketball preseason ranking should be #16.  I would agree if Darius Morris stays in Ann Arbor.   

• TomVH has an interview up with 2012 TE prospect Evan Baylis.

Wolverine Wedneday: Is Michigan Recruiting The Next Andre the Giant?

Michigan Basketball Coach John Beilein was out to watch 7'4 Sim Bhullar play basketball on Monday night.  Michigan doesn't have a mid-week game this week, so coach can hit the road and do a little recruiting for the 2011 and 2012 class.

Sim is a giant of a young man at 7'4 and 315 pounds (at 17) and already has offers from Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and West Virgina of the Big East for the 2012 class.    Michigan is looking at him but hasn't offered yet.   His parents live in Toronto and Sim and his 7'2 brother (age 15) play at Huntington Prep in West Virgina.

I watched some highlights on him and he is pretty athletic for a huge man and has some touch on his jumper.   He does labor down the court and won't exactly lead any fast breaks.   I was pretty impressed and with some good coaching and skill development he could turn into a very nice D1 player.  Here is an article SI.com did on him this summer.

I know U of M isn't a carnival but how much would you pay for a summer event (for charity of course) where HokeAMania would wrestle Sim "Andre the Giant" at the Big House?  It could beat the "Big Chill" record or they could go old school at put in back at the Silver Dome. 
                                                    
                                               VS.

 

• 2012 Texas LB Jeremiah Tshimanga (6'3", 226 lbs) might take an un-official to Michigan this weekend.  His offer list right now includes; Texas Tech, OK State, Texas A&M, Baylor, and Arkansas.  

• New Walk On's on the Spring Roster:  QB Steve Wilson (Jr*), RB Jihad Rasheed (Fr*), OL Joey Burzynski (Fr*), TE Mike Kwiatkowski (Jr*), S Charlie Zeller (So*) * = Redshirt

• There were reports that early enrollee Greg Brown might have been getting home sick and headed home in January.  He is listed on the roster and his number is 35.  I hope he decided to stick it out.

•  Michigan has offered 6'9 310 pound OL from Washington Zach Banner: "Michigan is back in with Hoke, going back to the big road graders," Miller said. "Getting the offer from Michigan last week was really exciting for Zach."

Michigan Monday: Woodson Gets His Ring and Other Wolverine News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michigan Friday: Recuritng Updates

Dee Hart is a candidate for Army All American High School Player of the Year and was on ESPN's First Take yesterday.  Go Blue Dee!  I hope Dee will be able to drive a few hours and catch the Wolverines at the Gator Bowl in two weeks.  Dee got to attend the Heisman trophy presentation with a fun weekend in NYC.  He is also a Nascar fan.  (photo to the right from AJC and standing next to Dee is Michigan recruit Ray Drew)

You know how I love Walk On's.  Here is another story of what it takes to be a Michigan Man:  Lineman Zac Ciullo has been playing on the scout team, living a dream playing for the Wolverines and now heading to Law School.  Congratulations Zac, that is a wonderful story.

Here is an update from Dallas Crawford's coach from TomVH:  Dallas may take another visit to another school, but that's it. He asked me what I thought about everything, and I told him I think Michigan is an outstanding institution to play at either way. He's said in the past that he'd go there either way.


Former Indiana commit Raymon Taylor and current Florida commit Valdez Showers are both expect to attend Michigan's bowl practice on Saturday.  I would love to get both of these guys.  We need to depth at corner and they both are instate guys.  Valdez was player of the year and Raymon is a very physical corner. 

RR made an in home visit to NJ TE Jack Tabb. Monday is the start of the quiet period, where there can't be any pro-active contact from any coaching staff.  Recruits can call coaches but that is the only way that communication can take place.   

The rumor mill is churning today that Michigan might receive a defensive player commit this weekend.   I will have the news up as soon as I hear!

Michigan Tuesday: Recruiting Blitz

Walk On News:  Michigan got a verbal commitment for a preferred walk on spot for the 2011 class from Traverse City Fullback/Linebacker Joey Kerridge.  Joey is  6'1 230 pounds and runs a 4.7.  He is rated a 2 star prospects from Scouts.  He tore his ACL at the start of his senior year. Joey was expected to get some MAC offers and decided to walk on to Michigan.  From Scouts:  2009 - Junior: Started at fullback, outside linebacker and punter. Carried the ball 134 times, for 1223 yards (9 yard avg), 22 touchdowns and no fumbles.

Was named All-Conference, All-Region Free Dream Team and honorable mention All-State as a fullback, running back, linebacker and punter.


DeAnthony Arnett:  Will make his decision pubic at 7:00 PM on Wednesday of this week.  Most believe his top 3 to be Tennessee, MSU, and Michigan.   Tennessee seems to be the leader in the club house. 


Dee Hart is moving up the charts!  He jumped 20 spots in the new Rivals 100.  He is now rated #17 in nation and just outside the 5 star status.  "Dee Hart is the best back I have seen in person this season," said Every, who has seen many of the top backs in the country in games this year. "He is dangerous in space and catches the ball like a receiver. Hart is ideal for that Michigan offense, he's probably a better receiver than most of the guys they have already and he's perfect for the spread." 

Hasean Clinton-Dix a recent Michigan visitor and planning to come back to Ann Arbor with his best friend Dee Hart, is now ranked #6 in the Country by Rivals.

Karlos Williams is now ranked #11. 

Sammy Watkins is #25.

TomVH comes in for his regular weekly update on Dallas Crawford and Sammy Watkins from his head coach:  Dallas has Michigan as his number one school because of his two visits there and the atmosphere. Sammy still has Michigan in close second to Clemson. It's a little harder for me to get a read on him, but Michigan is close. They're in the hunt for both of them. I don't think it should matter, but I think it might matter how both teams finish for Sammy.

Desmond Morgan from Holland, MI visited the Big House on Saturday:  We met Coach Rodriguez and Frey, and that was the first time we've met both of them in person. We got a chance to walk around the locker room, and anytime you get a chance to walk through that tunnel it's pretty special. My dad liked it a lot.  This guy will be in the Maize and Blue next year, his family are huge Michigan fans and the rumor is he was named after a famous Wolverine. :)

2011 four star Maryland defensive back Blake Countess recently got a Michigan offer and seems interested in the Wolverines and making an official visit.

Ray Drew is a 4 star 6'5 240 pound DT that likes Michigan Academics.  “I like Michigan in the Big Ten,” Drew said. “I mostly looking at Michigan; they have a great football program but mainly looking at them for the educational standpoint.” Drew said.  “When I talk to the Michigan coaches they need me for the program and they want to turn the program around. I’m not sure If I will visit them it’s a possibility.” Drew said

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Dog III is a Wolverine

The Michigan Basketball Team got another "son" of a former star with the verbal commitment of Glen Robinson III yesterday.   Glen will be a member of Michigan's 2012 class and is 6'6 wing player that expects to play the 2 or 3 position for John Beilein.  UMHoops has a nice write up on some evaluations, offers, and upside for the next Big Dog.

On a side note, this is Coach Beilein's 4th player with an NBA blood line:  Robinson will join, Dumars, Horford, and Hardaway on the Wolverines.  No word if Jordan or Bird have any son's still in high school.

• Quick trivia question:  Where do Michigan football players from the state of New York or New Jersey transfer to if it doesn't work out for them in Ann Arbor?  The answer is Rutgers.  That is where Anthony LaLota will be playing football in mid September next year. 

• Student Try Outs:  Michigan held a student try out earlier this week and 30 kids showed up: RR: “A couple really caught our attention,” he said. “They might have a spot on the team.”  There will be a 2 week trial period to see if these guys can make the team.  Let's hope there is a really good kicker in there. 

• 2011 CB prospect from Florida, Dallas Crawford has scheduled his official visit back to Ann Arbor for the Iowa game.  Dallas came up to Ann Arbor with his teammate and friend Sammy Watkins for the Spring Game.

• Dee Hart's teammate Hasean Clinton-Dix (#1 safety in the country) is starting to think about other options outside of Alabama.  He is starting to plan a trip to USC and might take another trip to Ann Arbor.  

• One of the "thoughts" on the recruiting trial this year is if Michigan starts posting some wins more highly rated players in the class of 2011 will show interest in Michigan.  I asked TomVH from Mgoblog on who he thought might change their minds if Michigan puts up 8 or 9 wins.  Tom comes through with his list.   

• The Michigan - ND Game was the largest NBC TV audience for an ND game since 2005. 7 Million views tuned  in for the game on Saturday.

• Staying with the TV theme, ESPN Picked up the Michigan - Bowling Green game.  The game will start at 12:00 an be on either ESPN or ESPN 2.  I'm sure Michigan fans with out the Big Ten Network are pretty happy with that news.