Wolverine Wednesday: Ronnie "Ring the" Bell

Toledo Blade

There are many reasons why players "are under the radar" on the recruiting trail.   They could play at a small school in a small town, they could excel as a senior when most recruiting takes places during their junior year, or there was an injury that kept a talented player on the bench in high school.

That wasn't the case for Ronnie Bell.  He was a basketball commit and had verbally agreed to play at Missouri State.  So instead of doing summer football camps he was playing AAU basketball.   Schools didn't take notice of a talented WR that had 89 catches and 21 TD's.  That was ranked on the All State Team or won a award for the best football player in Kansas City.  Or even one whose father was a former college football coach at Missouri Western.

In fact, Jimmy wouldn't have even known about Ronnie if not for his brother-in-law who had mentioned him during a conversation.

Just to re-cap Ronnie had the following things that most top schools look for:

• Father who coached football
• Good Grades 
• Multi-Sport Athlete
• All State Performer
• Big School in a Big City 
• Top Player in KC 

No Power 5 offers - None.   A complete miss by all other schools, even Michigan.   If Jimmy's brother-in-law doesn't mentioned Ronnie, he is at a Missouri directional school right now and maybe not even playing football.   

Fast forward to fall camp, where he becomes friends and roommates with Grant Perry, learns the offense very quickly, and is now contributing with two TD's as a true freshman.   On Saturday night, he will be playing in a national TV primetime game with millions watching.   

Tom Brady's draft spot motivates him everyday.   Ronnie uses being the basketball guy and not being recruited everyday.   He wants to prove he belongs and that motivation will take him a long way.  

Michigan Monday: Has Tru Tears of Joy & An Early Look at Wisconsin

This is GD beautiful.

Tru Wilson is a bulldog.
He picks up the blitz to free Shea, then goes and pancakes a D Lineman, *then* gets up and looks for more.

That's winning the play, friends. pic.twitter.com/hxN3DgybXd

— Due# (@JDue51) October 7, 2018

That was some beautiful blocking and is like water to a fan base that has been consistently running a marathon for the last 10 years.   Tru Wilson for President!

It's easy to see to how Tru made an impact on this team since Spring Ball.   Yes, he had a holding call on a beautiful TD pass (which was a very questionable call) but that video might be just as pretty.

• As you probably have heard by now, ESPN Gameday is heading to Ann Arbor for the first time since 2015, which is hard to believe.   I guess most Michigan Gamedays have been on the road.  
• Michigan is now ranked #12 in the nation

• 5 star Quavaris Crouch will be visiting Ann Arbor this weekend.  With the UTL and Gameday, that should be some experience.  

•  No word yet on Michael Dwumfour or Carlo Kemp.   Mike tweeted out that he is good, but it looks like a serious injury.  We hope Carlo can play this week.  

Too Early Look at Wisconsin:

- Run game: #4 at 287 yards per game

- Pass game: #102 193 yards per game

- Points allowed: #12 16 points per game

- Points scored: #44 33 points per game 

Best win: @ Iowa 

Worst loss: Home against BYU 

Its always impressive to go into Iowa and get a win in a night game.  With that said, Wisconsin really hasn't played anyone and has a head scratching loss to a 3 loss BYU team. 

This will be Wisconsin's biggest test of the season, on the road, against a top defense that loves to stop what you do best, run the ball.   

Michigan Memorial Day Monday: New 2018 PWO Offensive Lineman?

Side Note:  I will be taking some time off this week, so you will be treated to some of Michigan's 2017 season game highlights each day this week.  I will pick only the wins, because nobody wants to revisit the loses again.   Special thank you goes out to parkinggod on YouTube for all the hard work on the highlights and the great job he does after every game!


Since today is Memorial Day, I thought it would be fitting to start with Air Force.


Before we do that there is a unique situation about a potential new PWO for the 2018 class, offensive guard recruit Griffin Korican.  Griffen was a 2 star prospect and has signed to be a PWO at Oregon State but has been in discussion with Coach Warinner.   Griffin is from Seattle and is 6'5 and 295 pounds.  Per Land of 10:


“I signed a preferred walk-on with Oregon State and during my spring break [in April], I visited Michigan and talked with Coach [Ed] Warinner and he told me I could do a PWO [preferred walk-on] if they could get me into the school,” Korican said. “Long story short, they got me into Michigan and now I’m making a decision on where to go.”


The 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive lineman said he is “pretty much” committed to Michigan, but is taking a visit on June 2 to solidify his feelings for himself and his family.


“It’s more for my parents, honestly,” Korican said. “They want to meet and talk with the coaches and I want to meet with some of the players and talk with the coaches again to make sure I’m making the right choice.”


As a 2-star prospect, Korican had offers from San Diego and the Colorado School of Mines before taking the walk-on offer from Oregon State. However, he thinks Michigan gives him a better chance to be successful.


“I feel like Michigan is the only opportunity I have earned where I will compete against the best every day, which will make me into the best player I can become,” he said. “I also really like Coach Warinner because of his old-school mentality and toughness he instills in his players.


Welcome Big Man!

• Congratulations to former Michigan Wolverine Quinton Washington who is on the Pit Crew of Indy 500 Champ Will Power!

Michigan Tuesday: Recruiting News and Notes

Michigan OL commit Trente Jones @trentejones01 in drills at Under Armour pic.twitter.com/oa3Tj2QZZs

— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) April 22, 2018

• Walled Lake QB Sam Johnson has Michigan in his top 5 with BC, Syracuse, Mizzu, and Iowa.

• Zeeland (Mich.) West lineman Connor Burrows has accepted a PWO spot in the Wolverines 2018 class.   Connor is 6'2 285 pounds and had offers from D2 and D3 schools.

• Remember the name George Karlaftis?  He is the highly rated defensive lineman from Purdue's backyard that committed to Purdue.  Well, it seems Michigan is continuing to recruit him like crazy and is expected to get an official visit from George and family this fall.   George and family took an unofficial to Ann Arbor just a few weeks ago and he really enjoyed his visit. "They have great facilities and they have a great coaching staff. Everything is nice and new and they have a really good football history.” His brother is also a highly regarded Freshman that Michigan offered on his visit.   George says he is still 100% committed to Purdue but Michigan is starting to make some progress.  “If I had to pick between the two right now, it would be a tough decision,” Karlaftis said. “They want me equally and the pros and cons are the same for both.

• Elite 2020 all-purpose back Chris Tyree visited Ann Arbor this past weekend and seemed to have enjoyed his trip.

In a fun story, this monkey took a selfie of himself and PETA took the photographer to court over who owns the copyright.  The court decided the photographer does.  It seems the monkey agrees with the decision.

Yahoo

Michigan Thursday: Michigan Basketball Plays This Afternoon

Michigan will play Iowa this afternoon at 2:30 at MSG in NYC.  Iowa will be playing less then 24 hours after beating Illinois last night.  Michigan is 2-0 against Iowa this year and has scored 75 and 74 points against them. 


Coach B has the team playing well again late in the season and looking to make another run in the Big Ten Tournament.   Michigan usually plays well in NYC, so lets hope they continue the streak today and through the weekend.  Game is on BTN if you can catch it.  

• Insider Sam Webb pens a article that makes Shea Patterson immediate eligibility a strong possibility.  Ole Miss must respond to Michigan's request and decide to support or not support Shea's immediate eligibility.   After that is completed it goes to the NCAA for a final decision.

 

• Michigan Basketball commits David DeJulius and Brandon Johns both made the final 5 for the Michigan Mr. Basketball Award.

Michigan Thursday: Harbaugh At A Cross Roads

Things have not been going well for Jimmy and Michigan's program lately. Things we thought we knew about Jimmy have not really materialized as Michigan head coach.  For example:

• Perception was that Jimmy was one of the best developer of QB's.  He hasn't been successful doing that at Michigan yet and has relied on 3 QB transfers from other programs.
• Michigan would win its rivalry games - Jimmy has yet to beat OSU and has one win over MSU.
• Michigan's power run offense would attract top level offensive lineman - that unit has under preformed and the 2018 class has two tackles and one could end up as a TE.
• With his NFL experience, recruits would flock to the Ann Arbor to be prepped by the former Super Bowl coach.  I would give him a push on this one, his other classes have been pretty good, the 2018 was a bit disappointing. 
• Jimmy's offense and play calling would be an advantage - In his presser he said, they were self-auditing their offensive strategy.   The last two years have been very disappointing on that side of the ball.

With his top choice at QB TBD if he can even play this year and the toughest schedule in the nation.   Jimmy and staff have their work cut out for them this off season.  


Don't get me wrong, things are not on fire like they were with Rich Rod or Hoke but Jimmy is starting to question his offensive approach and making some good moves like hiring Ed Warinner  former OSU and Minnesota OC as an offensive analyst.  Jimmy couldn't stop talking about Ed at his presser yesterday.


He also has to hire a 10th coach to replace Enos and I hope he makes a good hire for that role.  I'm strongly against the hire of shark lover Jim McElwain.   His offense was terrible at Florida and he couldn't develop QB's either. 


I do tip my hit to Jimmy hiring Warinner and University of San Diego OC Tanner Engstrand.  Those guys will bring some new ideas and approaches to the offensive side of the ball.  Time to make some changes and right now that doesn't seem to be letting go Drevno or Pep.   Jimmy also mentioned he was having interviews on NSD for the 10th assistant role. 


I know we can all be prisoners of the moment, but for Michigan to strike out on offensive lineman or defensive linemen between the signing days is very disappointing and just continuing the narrative of Michigan Football losing the off season.


-------


How did Michigan finish in ranking for the 2018 class?


24/7: #21
Rivals: #25
ESPN: #20


This is one of the lowest ranked classes for Michigan since the Hoke - RR transition year. 

Welcome To National Signing Day

Potential Drama: Otis Reese to Michigan or Georgia - Nicholas Petit-Frere is trending to OSU.  I don't have any faith that he is heading to Ann Arbor.  So hopefully he doesn't pick Columbus.


Expected to Sign: Ronnie Bell, Vincent Gray, and Mike Barrett


News: There were reports that Shark Lover Jim McElwain was in Ann Arbor yesterday to meet with Jimmy to discuss an assistant coaching role.  Don't love this move if it happens.  Also, Jimmy is expected to hire University of San Diego offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand as an offensive analyst.  Rather see him get the assistant role for some young blood and a new approach.   Michigan Basketball lost to Northwestern last night.


Not happening this year: Signing of the Stars


Let's hope a couple things go Michigan's way today. 



Updates:
10:30: Jarrett Patterson to ND. Trending seems to be Otis to GA, we will see soon.
10:40: Nicholas Petit-Frere to OSU
10:45: Otis Reese to Georgia
10:53: Michigan reporting 0 LOI's in
11:00: Things have gone as bad as possible for the Wolverines this morning
11:30: Michael Barrett LOI is in
11:45: Vincent Gray is in
12:10: Ronnie Bell is in


Those are all the recruits Michigan is expected to sign today.  By all accounts, not a successful close to the class.  


Some info on Otis Reese - Otis picked the Bulldogs over the Wolverines and Georgia is signing (including Reese) 4 LB's in this class.   Michigan has one in Cameron McGrone in this class.


Georgia's LB in this class
Adam Anderson is a 5 star rated #18 in the country by 24/7
Quay Walker is a 4 star and rated #31 in the country
Otis Reese is a 4 star and rated #89 in the country
Channing Tindall is a 4 star and rated #103 in the country


Anderson and Walker play the same position as Reese and Michigan couldn't make a better case for him. 

Michigan Tuesday: A Day Before NSD

Things seem very quiet on the recruiting trail right now for the 2018 class.  The coaches and recruiting services are very focused on 2019 and it's almost a surprise the National Signing Day is tomorrow.   Can Michigan flip a DT or OT?  I wouldn't hold my breathe.   This has been a strange year all around.   Biggest drama is Otis Reese and what he is planning.  Hail Mary is a commitment from Nicholas Petit-Frere.  Let's hope Jimmy has a surprise up his sleeve.

• James Ross III is back in Ann Arbor and will join Jimmy's staff, I believe as an analyst.

• Rumor is saying that OSU DC Greg Schiano might back fill Matt Patricia as the Patriots DC.

• Sounds like this might be the next public Michigan Jordan release:

Michigan Monday: Michigan vs. Michigan Super Bowl Crime

Yahoo Sports

Last night in the Super Bowl the difference in the game was a Brandon Graham strip sack of Tom Brady.   That play stopped the New England offense and with a field goal pushed the lead to 8 with less then a minute and no timeouts.  Game over.   That play sort of reminds me of the time Charles Woodson stripped sacked Tom Brady in the snow but it was ruled an incomplete pass.   That call went the Patriots way, the one last night didn't.  Congratulations to the Eagles and Brandon Graham, he deserves to be a Champion after some of the poor Michigan teams he was on.

• Hutchinson and Law didn't get into the Hall of Fame with the latest vote.

• I felt this might be coming.  QB Kevin Doyle de-commits this weekend.   His recruitment had gone completely silent and I wondered if he would be part of the class weeks ago.   The word on the street is that Michigan wanted him to take a prep year or Gray Shirt and he said, "No thanks".   It will be interesting to see where he signs on Wednesday.   Seems Arizona is now in play for Kevin.

• Lose one get one - Instate QB Max Wittwer has accepted a PWO to play at Michigan next season.  Max was committed to Air Force and had other scholarship offers to EMU and other smaller schools.  A solid commitment here.

• Michigan has also accepted a Gray Shirt commitment from instate kicker Jake Moody.   That means he will have to pay his own way for a year and then Michigan will provide him a scholarship for the rest of his time in Ann Arbor.

NSD is two days away and there seems to be no buzz on Michigan signing anymore players to the 2018 class.   Right now the only drama is whether Otis Reese stays in the class or goes to Georgia. 


Including Otis, here is the rest of the 2018 class that are still un-signed in the early period:

• WR Ronnie Bell is expected to sign
• CB Vincent Gray is expected to sign
• Athlete Michael Barrett is expected to sign

Michigan Friday: Roy is Back and The Ole Miss Transfers Make Thier Case

Roy Roundtree is back in Ann Arbor as a Graduate Assistant.  He of course will focus on the Wide Receivers.    We will see if/when Jimmy adds another coach to his coaching staff that might focus on that position group on the field. 

• The Ole Miss transfers are stating their case to the NCAA.  No new news here, just a little more coverage as the process begins. 

• 2018 RB Tariq Reid has been offered a preferred walk-on spot.

• Insider Sam Webb believes that Tim Drevno and Pep will continue to be on staff, even with the potential huge offensive line misses in this class. 

For a few days before NSD and the final official visit weekend, things sure are quiet around this program right now.   Not getting more offensive and defensive lineman in the class in my opinion is a huge miss that will hurt this program in a couple of years. 

Wolverine Wednesday: More Bad News

Michigan Football is continuing with this new theme of losing the off season.   As most of the new news continues to be bad.   Yesterday was no exception as Ian Bunting is transferring and CA 2018 offensive tackle Jarrett Patterson is no longer considering Michigan. 


I'm at a loss when it comes to Ian Bunting.  My eyes tell me he is an NFL TE and walking miss-match for defenses.  I thought Ian would take over for Jake Butt and be one of the best TE's in the nation last season.   How did my prediction go?  Ian had one catch all year. 


Ian barley played the last two years and his best game was the Orange Bowl after Jake went out with an injury.   His decision to transfer for his 5th and final year is not a surprise as any new program will give him more opportunities then Jimmy has the last two years.   So what's the issue?  I can only guess he had trouble blocking, which kept him off the field.   I wouldn't be surprised if Ian lands on his feet at another program and ends up in the NFL Draft in a year.


That news was expected, this one wasn't.  As Jarrett Patterson is no longer considering Michigan per his father and is down to UCLA and ND. 


Remember when I said yesterday that NSD could be boring, now it could be a shut out for the Wolverines.   Michigan also took a preferred walk-on spot from kicker Adam Culp which probably means that gray shirt candidate kicker Jake Moody might be looking at some other opportunities. 


Now what?  Michigan has a week to flip some offensive or defensive lineman from other programs.   If they can't, NSD will be about trying to hang on to Otis Reese.  If Michigan doesn't add any lineman that will be a huge loss and more speculation about Drevno is not preforming in his role. 


Please note: Calvin Anderson the Rice transfer can make a decision before or after NSD and really isn't on a deadline. 

• Michigan has offered a preferred Walk-On spot to 2018 OG/DT Kraig Correll and he has accepted.

Michigan Tuesday: This Could Be a Very Boring NSD

With most of Michigan's class already locked in during the early signing period in December.  This National Signing Day could be pretty boring.  Michigan has 5 verbal commits left to sign next week and in play for only a couple more guys.


The biggest drama might be keeping 4 star LB Otis Reese in the class and away from Georgia.  He visited the Bulldogs last weekend and has spent a number of weekends there over the season.   The school is close to home and of course they just played in the National Championship game vs. Michigan losing the Outback Bowl. 


WR Ronnie Bell is expected to sign
CB Vincent Gray is expected to sign
Athlete Michael Barrett is also expected sign
QB Kevin Doyle is also expected to sign - but his recruitment has been very quiet of late


Which new recruit might be in play?


Michigan would love to get 5 star Tampa OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, but he is not coming to Ann Arbor and probably heading to Alabama or Florida.


The next big recruit is California OT Jarrett Patterson. The latest is Jarrett is down to Michigan, ND, and UCLA.   This is the Wolverines best shot at getting a 4 star offensive lineman to finish the class.


WR LaMarr Chase is expected to go to LSU.


Northville Kicker Jake Moody has been offered a Gray shirt by the Wolverines.  Meaning he would have to pay for his first year but would be on scholarship after that.   Depending how the above recruits go, Jake might have a full ride offer on NSD from the Wolverines.


That's it folks!  Of course, Jimmy is usually good for a surprise recruit, like he pulled Julius Welschof in December.  If that doesn't happen, it really comes down to keeping Reese and getting Patterson next week.   Michigan continues to need offensive and defensive lineman.


*The wildcard is Rice OT graduate transfer Calvin Anderson who just visited last weekend.  Michigan has a good shot here but many believe he will end up close to home at Texas. 

• Reports are that Brady Hoke has accepted a job as the Defensive Line coach for the Carolina Panthers. 

• Michigan Basketball got a win over Northwestern last night at Crisler.

Wolverine Wednesday: Michigan Gets An Athlete Commit

Many insiders believed Michael Barrett and Michigan had gone their separate ways.   Michigan already has two talented RB's in the class and is looking to fill its remaining spots with offensive lineman or defensive lineman.   Michael it was assumed wanted to play QB in college and was a better fit for Georgia Tech or Nebraska's offense. 


Michigan wants Barrett has a running back/slot WR at 6'0 215 pounds.   They love his athleticism and believe he can do a ton out of the backfield to help move the chains and score points.  He is a 3 star prospect to all the services but has a very nice offer sheet that includes:  Georgia Tech, LSU, Maryland, Michigan State, NC State, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, UCF, USF, Virginia, and West Virginia.


Michael took his time to make a decision and did that very thing last night when he committed to Michigan as it's 21st recruit.

#sorryforthewait..🙇🏾‍♂️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ksZGR1dlpo

— MB1️⃣ (@mikebarrett_MB1) January 24, 2018

The buzz on Michael and what he could do in Ann Arbor was pretty strong when we thought he was a lock to commit a few months ago.   After the time passed, we all thought this was not going to happen.  It did last night and hopefully Michael can have a big impact on the field.


With only a few spots left, Michigan will want to add some offensive lineman through the 2018 class or transfer and lock down Otis Reese.

• The NCAA is going to investigate MSU and how it handled the Larry Nassar terrible situation.

• Former LSU OC Matt Canada is expected to be named Maryland OC

Michigan Tuesday: Partridge Can Now Afford A Pear Tree

Chris Partridge has done a great job for Michigan as a coach and analyst.   He helped secure Gary to Ann Arbor and is now a coach on defense.   His new role at 500K a year is Safeties and Special Team coach.  He will also be the recruiting coordinator.   Chris was getting the full court press from Alabama and Jimmy was able to get him to stay with a raise and some new responsibility.


Congrats Chris and thank you for staying.

• OSU OC Ryan Day will be staying in Columbus and won't be the OC for the Titans.

• Michigan QB Alex Malzone is transferring to Miami of Ohio, best of luck to Alex!

• Ronnie Bell had a great visit last weekend and I believe he is a lock to stay in the class.

• Michigan Basketball is now #25 after the Rutgers win and Nebraska loss last week.

Michigan Monday: Bring Me All Your Defensive Backs

I love that Michigan might have two of the best defensive minds in college football on the same staff in Don Brown and Greg Mattison.   Those two have been earning every bit of their big salaries.   What confuses me is why we need more defensive backs?


Michigan picked up two this weekend. 

• Vincent Gray is a 3 star instate sleeper that has a nice frame and was getting offers from the likes of Mizzu and WVU.   He committed to Michigan this weekend.  

• Michigan also picked up Casey Hughes a graduate transfer from Utah.  He is 6'1 and 185 pounds and can run a 4.4.  The kid can fly and played in 11 games this season.

There are a few rumors floating around that Brandon Watson is considering taking a graduate transfer year at another program.   Michigan right now is stacked at DB and has plenty of depth next year. 


How about a Offensive Tackle or Two?

• Rice OT Calvin Anderson is expected to visit Ann Arbor this weekend.

• There are reports that Jimmy has offered former OSU OC Ed Warinner for an analyst job.  No word yet if he has accepted.   So we could have a former MSU QB and former OSU OC on the staff?  Interesting.

• Wilton has picked a transfer location yet (because Jedd Fisch doesn't have a job yet)

• Michigan basketball beat Rutgers on Sunday.

• TB12 Back to the Super Bowl!

Michigan Friday: Some Important Offical Visitors This Weekend

1. Otis Reese - Michigan "soft" commit and a 4 star LB.  Otis also has eyes for instate Georgia Bulldogs who had a nice season last year.  Georgia has been recruiting at an elite level and Otis might see the field faster in Ann Arbor.   He also has a brother at CMU which should help.   This will be a Don Brown full press this weekend.
2. Ronnie Bell - WR from St. Louis and new Michigan commit.   He seems like a lock to stay in the class and is very excited about being a Wolverine.
3. Olaijah Griffin, 4 star CB from the same school at Jarrett Patterson in California.  Former UCLA commit, which is also Michigan's competition for Patterson.
4. Ryan Hayes, Michigan commit
5. Vincent Gray, CB from Rochester with a recent Michigan offer.

Above list is for the 2018 class.  Brian Bresee from the 2020 class will be taking an un-official this weekend as well.

• There are some reports that Michigan might be interested in Utah graduate transfer DB Casey Hughes.

• I promise you I didn't watch - Michigan Basketball lost to Nebraska last night by 20. 

Michigan Thursday: New S&C Coach and a New Workout Facility

Jimmy made an off handed comment that his team needed to get stronger after the OSU game.  Most thought he meant mentally, he actually meant physically.   U of M Football is quickly investing in that very thing.


First Jimmy has hired Ben Herbert from Arkansas and Wisconsin.  He is known as one of the best S&C guys in the business and his new approach and nutrition philosophy is expected to make a positive impact on the Wolverines.  What other tools will he have?..........


Now the Wolverines have a new place to workout:

New digs. 💪💪

Who wants to work out here?#GoBlue #ThisIsMichigan pic.twitter.com/nejGwKygI8

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 17, 2018

That basketball court might have a few heated games in there!

• Otis Reese is expected to be on campus this weekend for an official visit.  Michigan will roll out the "maize and blue" carpet for him.   Side note, Otis's brother plays at Central Michigan, where he visited last weekend.  Having family a few hours away, doesn't hurt Michigan's chances.  

• Shea Patterson's lawyer told Land of 10 that Michigan hasn't submitted paperwork to the NCAA yet on a Waiver for Shea to become immediately eligible.  That is expected soon and a decision could come as quickly as late February.  (but probably longer)

• Speaking of transfers, there is talk that the NCAA might remove the one year penalty for all transfers.  That could be a mess, so I'm sure they are going to think long and hard about approving that across the board.

• Michigan Basketball is at Nebraska tonight. 9:00 BTN -Don't worry I won't watch, but you can! :)

Wolverine Wednesday: Strange January For Recruiting

This is a strange January for coaches and recruits.  In the past, this was probably one of the busiest months of the year as teams tried to secure their class prior to Signing Day in the first week of February.   It's different this year as many recruits signed in December and many programs have moved on to the 2019 class. 


Michigan still has needs on the both lines and still trying to secure LB Otis Reese from heading to Georgia.   Otis was the first commit to the 2018 class and the Wolverines continue to try to keep him solid in his commitment.  Otis will be taking a number of official visits before signing day and the Wolverines will have to hold on to their commitment for the talented LB.


Michigan seems to have two 2018 offensive tackles they are interested in.  CA Jarrett Patterson (Jimmy in home visit yesterday) and FL OT Nicholas Petit-Frere are both highly recruited and has a ton of options.  Michigan is in the mix but its always tough to pull kids across the country.  Jalen Gross another prospect on the offensive line, just committed to Greg Frey and FSU this week.


Michigan had been leading for DT Tyler Friday from NJ for many months but that has changed.  Tyler was expected to announce his decision last week and made a commitment video.   Insiders started to flood the crystal balls that it was an Ohio State decision.   Tyler held off and will now make his announcement on Friday.  There is some hope that Tyler was concerned about Chris Partridge leaving Michigan and with him staying might help Michigan's chances.  Recruiting insiders are staying with their OSU pick .


Jimmy of course is also interested in Rice graduate OT Calvin Anderson.  Ronnie Bell and Kevin Doyle are both commits and are expected to stay in the class.


Who is left as a possibility outside of those guys?

1. JaMar Chase, WR from LA.   Michigan is in the mix but Louisiana isn't exactly a Michigan recruiting hot bed.
2. Michael Barnett, Athlete from GA.  Buzz on this recruitment has fallen off a cliff.   Michael is deciding between playing QB at Georgia Tech or RB/SWR at Michigan. 
3. Vincent Gray, CB Rochester, MI.  Michigan doesn't really need anymore CB's but Don Brown does love tall corners.  Gray is 6'2.

Surprises?
Jimmy and staff are always good for a surprise or two down the stretch.  The new coaches are already making some noise on the recruiting trail and I expect a couple new names to pop out before February.   If Patterson, NP-F and Friday go to other schools.  I expect some late offers to an offensive tackle prospect and a defensive tackle.  Don't forget Willie Henry was a late add and he is now playing for the Baltimore Ravens.


Side note: Are there anymore Glasgow's available?  We could use more please!


There is 3 weeks to NSD and Michigan needs to do some serious work if they are going to finish this class with a couple strong additions.

Michigan Monday: Farewell to Keith Jackson and Chris Partridge Stays in A2

pasadenanow.com

"Let me tell you about Keith Jackson".   By know you have heard about the passing of legendary college football play by play man Keith Jackson.   Many of us grew up on Keith calling college football and Michigan Football games.  I get frustrated with todays announcers, because in my eyes nobody can come close to Keith Jackson.  In fact, he is attributed to naming Michigan Stadium - The Big House.   Which of course, is the name of this blog.    Thank you Keith for a mountain of memories and rest in peace greatest of all time!

• Michigan was able to keep and sign one its hottest assistants in Chris Partridge on Sunday.   Chris is considered one of the best recruiters in the country and was being recruited by a number of schools to join their staff.   Chris has been coaching LB's, but is expected to move the open Safeties coaching position.   Alabama came hard after Chris, but he is very loyal to Jimmy and Michigan and they were able to get a new deal done. 

• One of Michigan's top targets on the board, DT Tyler Friday was expected to announce his decision last Friday.   The NJ prospect had been a strong lean towards Michigan but was trending hard to OSU in the final few weeks.  One of the reasons on the quick change was the potential loss of Chris Partridge from Michigan's staff.   Tyler did not commit on Friday and has delayed his decision for a couple of weeks.   Maybe Michigan has another chance?  We will see.

• Michigan Basketball had a great win over Sparty on Saturday.  Beating the #4 team in the nation on their floor is no easy task.  Congratulations to Coach B and his entire squad!

• Trey Burke had been ripping up the G-League and is now back in the NBA with the Knicks.

• Sam McGuffie former Michigan and Rice tailback has been selected to US Bobsled Team and will participate in the Olympics.

• Speaking of Rice, Jimmy is expected to have lunch with Rice OT Calvin Anderson today to discuss playing his 5th and final year of eligibility in Ann Arbor.   Calvin is looking at graduate transfer situations and many schools are in need of a talented OT.  Calvin is a smart kid and graduated from Rice with a Mathematical Economic Analysis degree.  Wow!

Michigan Friday: Wolverines Add Coach #10

As mentioned here yesterday, one of the candidates for the 10th assistant job seems to have been hired.   It's Sherrone Moore from CMU who is expected to come in and coach the TE's and be the Recruiting Coordinator, which is the role he filled at Central.

• Been a coach at CMU for 4 years
• Prior to that he was at Louisville for 5 years, 3 as a grad assistant and 2 as a the TE coach
• Played two years at Oklahoma on the offensive line

Sounds like a solid hire, but not a splash big name.  Having a younger guy that can recruit, isn't a bad thing at all. 

• There seems to be some mystery on what the heck is going on with Kareem Walker.  It seems Kareem broke some team rules and the rumor mill was spinning that he might be off the team.  A number of Michigan reporters responded last night that he is still on the team.

• FSU has hired it's second assistant from MSU as Mark Synder current DE/Special Teams coach has left for Florida State.

• Alabama to hire Texas A&M's Jeff Banks as Special Teams Coordinator.  Why is that important? Because that was probably the spot that Saban wanted Chris Partridge for. 

• Scott Turner is going to be the QB coach for the Carolina Panthers.  He was on Jimmy's staff this past year, hard to say he did a super job with Michigan's QB's this year.  (he was not able to coach the QB's on the field or in practice).

• Rice OT Calvin Anderson, a 2 time all-conference USA player is looking to take a grad transfer 5th year.  We will see if Jimmy kicks the tires.

• 2018 Rochester 3 star CB Vincent Gray is expected on campus this weekend.  I would put him on commit watch.

• Past Michigan visitor Athlete Michael Barnett has been offered by Nebraska.  It seems Michigan let him know that his scholarship spot has been filled.