Michigan Thursday: Recruiting is Heating Up

From the out of nowhere file:  Michigan plucks a 4-star OT from the 2020 class that has 4 years remaining to play and has been on a religious mission.   You might remember the name Andrew Gentry who picked Virgina over Michigan in the 2020 class.  Coming out of HS Andrew was a 6'8 310 pounds, a top 100 player, and 8th OT.   He has been working in a Spanish speaking area part of Utah for two years and hasn't watched a minute of TV and gets to workout 1/2 an hour a day.   Virgina just lost their head coach Bronco Mendenhall and Jimmy and staff was able to speak to Andrew and his father by phone.  Andrew committed on the spot.   His dad says he is not in football shape or weight but he has done a decent job of keeping weight on.   What a get for this class that needed another OT!  You think he might be surprised how good Ted Lasso is? 

Future is Bright file: Comes Raylen Wilson a 4-Star LB in the 2023 with offers from everyone.  He is rated the 74th player nationally and the 6th best player in Florida.   It was a Michigan vs. GA decision and he picked the Wolverines last night.   Welcome! 

We have a chance file: Comes these 2022 visitors who are expected in A2 between today - through the weekend:

Deone Walker DT Cass Tech - There has been some rocky road in his recruitment to Michigan but he is planning to be on campus today and Friday before heading to UK.   Michigan needs him, but most believe he will head out of state.  I hope the coaches work some magic.

Derrick Moore DE from Baltimore St. Frances - He obviously played for Biff and there was some thought he might not be able to come to Michigan due to the rule about hiring the HS coach.  He was committed to Oklahoma before Lincoln logged out of there.  He is a high 4-star DE with a ton of offers and would be a huge get at the bell.   If he is visiting, I'm sure Michigan has everything worked out with the NCAA and Biff.  

Darrius Clemons is a 4-star WR from Oregon:  He visited A2 in June and is one of those guys that loves every stop his been at.  Most thought he was going to be a "Duck" before Mario went to South Beach.  Would love to get him on campus this weekend and see if Gattis can work some magic.   This would be an unofficial so he would be flying out on his own dime which would be a good sign if it happens. 

Alex Orji QB from Texas who is committed to VA Tech, who also has gone through a coaching change.  He is 6'2 226 and had crazy stats in high school.  He is rated as a 3-star but could fit nicely into a QB room with a ton of talent.  

• Hutch adds more hardware - Winning the Lombardi Award last night.   All along I thought Rocky might win that at NIU? 😀

• Seems Oakland/Las Vegas is sniffing around Jimmy again.  Get out of here and get yourself a good haircut! 

• Nebraska has hired former Pitt OC Mark Whipple - Don't squeeze the Charmin

Wolverine Wednesday: Looking Back At 2020 Class

2020 has been a terrible year for many reasons.   So its really good news that Michigan picked up a very strong recruiting class in 2019 before 2020 even started.  With freshman reporting and Michigan slowly re-opening its doors, this class started to get me re-excited about its potential.

All American Potential:

• Braiden McGregor is coming off an injury as a senior and might have to redshirt this year but I have a great feeling this guy is going to make a huge difference.  Winovich 2.0

• AJ Henning and Roman Wilson could be Michigan's next two star WR's.   If these guys have great years, it could push Josh Gattis into a head coaching role sooner rather then later.   I expect both players to see limited time as freshmen. 

All Big Ten Potential

• I'm going to pencil in Zak Zinter into the Ben Bredeson role.  Multi-year starter on the offensive line and mid round NFL draft pick.  

• Morant and Moten are going to rule the defensive backfield for many years.  Both are very good athletes.  I also thought they were the same person for about 2 weeks last summer. 

• DG-W is one of the best CB we have recruited in a few years and might find himself on the field as a freshman. 

There is plenty of speed a LB but not sure which one is going to show out and be an impact player yet.  

I'm sure others in the class will become starters but will have to sit for a few years.  The above guys are the ones I expect will see the most time as freshman.    This class if fast and full of athletes which I love, I hope it starts to close the divide with OSU and other top programs like Alabama and Clemson.  

Wolverine Wednesday: Basketball Recruiting Is a Dirty Animal

So that was a hell of a 12 hours on Wednesday.   Michigan loses a 5 star SG recruit to the basketball power house Arizona State and it's 5 star Forward commit to professional basketball not named the NBA.  

I know all is fair in recruiting and I have no problem with what Christopher did.  If he wants to go Tempe to play with his brother for a year, so be it.   What I can't stand is what Todd did.  

Now, I'm assuming he did all of this yesterday and told the coaches on Tuesday.  (the Michigan coaches could have known this for awhile and it wasn't public, if that is the case the following is not as accurate)

• Todd had been committed to Michigan for months 
• He decides the day before signing day (today) that he is playing in Europe
• Why the timing? Was it because JC is now going to ASU?  

This is one of the most BS situations I have seen in awhile if the above happen yesterday.   When you lose a football commit on NSD it's tough but you have 20+ other players in the class.   When you lose a basketball player the day before NSD, that is a kick in the nuts you can't recover from.   Most years there are only just a few basketball recruits a year, this year Michigan still has 3 commits in this class (4 if you include Jace who now maybe on scholarship). 

I don't believe Todd just decided yesterday he was going pro, so if he told Michigan on Tuesday that is a real BS move.  

If your wondering, Michigan's class on 24/7 went from 4 to 12 in one day.  

I know Coach B didn't recruit many 5 stars and I think we learned yesterday why he didn't.

Did you know that ASU is an Adidas school?  We  know they have paid players in the past to go to different schools. 

Dirty F'ing Animal 

• I don't know what happened with DD last year but he seems to be intent on leaving Ann Arbor as fast as he can.  He did his social media farewell yesterday as the Todd news was breaking.  

• Devin Gil is going home and transferring to USF, good luck to him.   They have a new head coach, the OC from Clemson and will join former Wolverine Eddie McDoom. 

• There seems to be some positive buzz about Markus Allen committing to Michigan Football.  He is a 3 star WR from Ohio.  Name checks out.  

• Did you know Michigan has maybe one of the best high school basketball prospect in its own backyard since Zion?  Ypsi/Lincoln Emoni Bates won the National Gatorade Player of the Year as a high school sophomore.   Want more bad news?  He is probably headed to MSU or Duke, if the NBA rules changes he will head straight to the league. 

Michigan Tuesday: Done Before One

If your just waking up to this news, 5 Star Josh Christopher picked Arizona State over Michigan last night.  Josh's brother plays on ASU and the midnight announcement meant he was conflicted or even changed his mind on Monday.

The insiders were wrong as all the crystal balls were to Ann Arbor, but the kid ended up staying on the West Coast.  When we reflect on this recruitment, we forgot two hard and fast rules regarding Michigan recruiting:

1.  It's very difficult to pull California kids out of the West Coast even if they love Michigan.  
2.  Michigan always finish 2nd in high profile basketball recruits. 

Is this a loss?  Sure it is, but Josh was clearly a one and done so he wasn't going to be in Ann Arbor for more then a cup of coffee anyway.   Michigan still has a very strong roster and if Livers comes back there won't be a log jam for starter minutes.   

PG: Smith 

SG: Wagner 

F: Livers 

F: Todd 

C: Davis/Dickinson

Breaking News Noon:  Todd just de-committed a day before signing day and will head overseas.  He is signing with an agent.   Does anyone else feel like this is a set up?  Great day for Michigan Basketball. 

That is still a pretty potent lineup and now Michigan has another scholarship to spend on a grad transfer or for Jace Howard.   I know DD is still transferring and I have no idea if the door is still open, but there seems to be plenty of minutes on this roster for him.   The schools that are interested in David are Maryland, Missouri, Iowa State, Cincinnati and Marquette.   I wouldn't be surprised if we hear his choice this week.  Maryland has a former Michigan assitant on the team and could be the best fit.  

• The Mississippi State defensive tackle Fabien Lovett who was looking at Michigan, picked FSU to transfer to. 

Michigan Monday: Josh Christopher Announcement Day and New OL Commit

Let's hit the latest commit first.  Michigan Football on Easter received a commitment from another instate top prospect.   This time it was 4 star and #3 ranked Center to 24/7 Raheem Anderson from Cass Tech.

Raheem is 6'3 and 300 pounds which is a really nice frame for a Center.  His is ranked the 211th player in the country by 24/7 composite.  Raheem's offer list is pretty unique, it has a bunch of MAC teams, Georgia, Colorado, Iowa State, LSU, Memphis, Louisville, Nebraska, MSU and others.

This is a very solid pick up and guy that could be a center at Michigan for 3+ years.  Having Ruiz that will be a NFL Draft late first rounder or a early second, won't hurt future center recruiting.  

Michigan's instate focus remains high on Donovan Edwards and Rocco Spindler.

Welcome big man!

Now to Basketball...…………...

Juwan Howard has the #4 recruiting class in the country behind Duke, UK, and UNC and today it could get a lot better.  Today is the day we hear about 5 star SG Josh Christopher, his decision seems to be down to Michigan and ASU and all signs point to the good guys.

If the news today goes in Michigan's favor, Juwan will have pulled in two 5 star players (Todd and Christopher) and three 4 stars (Jackson, Dickinson, Williams) and one 3 star in Juwan's son Jace.

Michigan of course also got Columbia PG transfer Mike Smith on Friday.  The Wolverines should be loaded for a Big Ten Championship run next season.

• Michael Onwenu met with the Patriots and Dolphins prior to the lockdown. He has also facetimed with Lions, 49'ers, Jags, Eagles and Giants.

• A week ago, MSU didn't have any 2021 football commits.  Today they have three 3 star recuits.  

Michigan Thursday: The Story Is Coming Together

Yesterday, I started wondering out loud if we had the full story regarding the basketball transfers and recruits coming to Ann Arbor.  The dots in that situation are starting to connect.

Leaving

David DeJulius is in the transfer portal

Colin Castleton is also in the portal.  CC has some nice upside, but his frame and strength was always going to be a concern.   

X and Teske are seniors and out of eligibility. 

Coming?

Jace Howard is a solid commit and will now walk-on 

Isaiah Todd announced on IG live last night that he will be a Wolverine 

All reports seem to be positive that 5 star SG Josh Cristopher is heading to Ann Arbor, official announcement on Monday. 

A transfer?  Bryce Aiken is announcing today, his pick is not expected to be Michigan

Coming Back?

Austin Davis will be back for a 5th year.   That was not expected at the start of the season.  

Isaiah Livers will look at the NBA but says if he can't get a guaranteed contract he will come back.  Right now, many mock drafts have him listed between 80-100 which leads to Livers being back.


There can be 13 basketball scholarships, here is how I estimate the slots (highlighted):

Freshman
Todd
Christopher 
Dickinson
Jackson 
Williams 
Howard 

Sophomores
Wagner 
Bajema
Wade 

Juniors
Nunez 
Johns 

Seniors
Davis 
Brooks 
Livers

Transfer?

There you go!  I hope the above happens.

• Remember 2020 DT Denver Warren who decommitted from Michigan?  He is headed to prep school.  

• Michigan is looking at Miss State DT transfer Fabien Lovett, he played for Bob Shoop at MSU.   Did I mention he is 330 pounds?  Yes, Please!!!   Michigan's defense needs a big nose tackle run stopper. 

• 4 star CB from Dallas Ishmael Ibraheem has Michigan in his top 10

Michigan Monday: Super Bowl Steals A Play From Fritz Crisler

U of M had plenty of influence on the Super Bowl Champions KC Chiefs, with Chad Henne as a back-up QB and Frank Clark as the starting DE.   (Yes, I understand how Frank's time in Ann Arbor ended).  

What was more interesting to me was the play that KC OC Eric Bieniemy stole from the 1948 Rose Bowl and Fritz Crisler.   The play was the 4th and 1 full house backfield, 3 spin move and direct snap to the RB.   The play worked for a first down and ended up on the 1 yard line.   Here are both plays if your interested.  

I tip my hat to the Super Bowl champs and to Eric going old school and plucking a heck of a good play from the Mad Magicians.  I remember when Michigan's head coach would run old school unique plays in his first year at Michigan.  

• X came back and Brandon Johns went for 20 as Michigan got a nice home win in NYC on Saturday over a ranked Rutgers team.  I agree there are a lot of confusing statements in that sentence.  Michigan did play a home game at MSG and Rutgers is ranked 25th in the country.   This was a brilliant move for Coach B who scheduled this game as Michigan plays it best basketball at neutral sites.   The Wolverines get to play Ohio State and Michigan State this week.  

• Cade McNamara's brother Kyle has committed to Michigan.  Kyle is a 5'8 170 pound WR.  I assume this is a PWO offer as Kyle is ranked as a 2 star to 24/7.   Kyle reports two offers to CMU and Ohio State.   I'm guessing the OSU offer wasn't committable.  Welcome Kyle!  

• Michigan did get a confirmed PWO commit from Traverse City QB Peyton Smith. Peyton is a 2 star QB and the 153rd Pro Style QB in the 2020 class. 

• Former Wolverine Stephen Spanellis is transferring to Vandy.  Congrats Stephen and get that Vanderbilt graduate degree with your Michigan degree.

• Former Wolverine offense lineman Steve Hutchinson was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Congrats Hutch! 

Michigan Thursday: Welcomes a New Kicker to the 2020 Class

Michigan struggled at times last year to kick field goals.   Even with two scholarship kickers on the team, its important to add a kicker probably every other year.   In 2020, it looks like 5 Star (Kohl Kicking) Cole Hussung will be joining the Wolverines class.   Cole is coming to Ann Arbor right now as a walk-on but Harbaugh has offered him the first opportunity to get on scholarship, as soon as one comes available (I assume for a special teams player).

From the Courier Journal: Hussung’s career long field goal in a game is 49 yards, along with multiple connections from 46, 47 and 48 yards. This season, 41 of his 63 kickoffs were touchbacks. At practices, his career-long field goal off a tee is 70 yards. On the ground with a kicking stand, he’s hit from 65. He’s connected multiple times from beyond 60 yards from a live snap and hold. As a punter this past season, he pinned 12 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

Welcome Cole and hit those field goals and extra points! 

• Wisconsin Basketball loses its 2nd leading scorer as Kobe King has left the team and wants to transfer. 

• Tony Romo is going to be the top free agent in NFL Broadcasting this off season.  ESPN is expected to offer him something north of $10M a year and CBS is now reporting that they will also be competitive.   I think Tony does a great job, but I don't think he is a good match with Jim Nantz who is well past his prime and should focus on just golf.   ESPN has been struggling to find a good MNF booth since Gruden and Tirico.   CBS or ESPN should also use Tony for golf, maybe as a walking reporter.  

• ABC News has suspended reporter Matt Gutman for reporting inaccurately that all of Kobe's children were on board the helicopter that crashed. 

Michigan Tuesday: Did Don Misuse Josh?

When I think back at the stars Michigan had on defense a couple years ago, I get sick.  Gary, Winovich, Bush, Lewis, the list goes on.  These guys are playing regularly in the NFL and Don Brown couldn't find a way to win big games while they were at Michigan.

Did Michigan miss another opportunity to have a dominating player?  Josh Uche for all accounts was not blockable during Senior Bowl week.   He displayed that in game and even had a mental lapse when he "two hand touched" Oregon QB Justin Herbert during the first drive, instead of sacking the highly ranked QB.

PFF (Pro Football Focus) yesterday came out with their highest graded performer all week at the Senior Bowl, you guess it:  Josh Uche.   According to PFF Josh had 11 pass-rush snaps and five QB pressures in the game. 

Per SI: According to the scout, “He (Uche) won me over during Wednesday’s practice. He doesn’t have the typical edge-rusher build but likely projects as an outside 'backer who can sustain pass-rushing downs in certain situations." The talent evaluator added, “Loved how explosive his lower-body movement showed up in individuals. Great bend. They’ll call him a tweener in every draft profile you read, but he’s so versatile that every NFL team could find a role for a guy like this."

Draft experts are now saying Josh probably jumped up a round from the 3rd to the 2nd round with his Senior Bowl week performance.

Don used Josh all over the field as a SAM LB at his time at Michigan, which lead to some pretty good numbers.  Josh finished his career with 16.5 Sacks, with 8.5 coming last season.  He also had 11.5 tackles for a loss and 2 forced fumbles during his senior year.

So now the question remains, should have Josh been lined up more at DE?  During the Senior Bowl your not able to blitz, so when Josh rushed the passer he was in the traditional DE position.

If Michigan is going to improve, it has to put its best players in the best position to win games.   The Wolverines have done a very poor job of that on both sides of the ball during the Harbaugh rein.

• Michigan Basketball is imploding due to injuries, poor play, and bad decisions.  Zavier Simpson has been suspended by Coach Howard for breaking team rules tonight against Nebraska.   The length of the suspension is still unknown.   Just like their run through the best teams in the country in the Bahamas, I didn't see this coming either.  

• With the final signing day next week, Michigan fired off a late 2020 offer to 5'11 175 pound athlete Chayce Bishop.  His offer list includes Vandy, VA Tech, Purdue, Northwestern, Memphis, Mizzu, and Ball State (where his dad played).   He is ranked a 3 star and the #87th athlete in the country.   As you can tell, Chayce is not a DT or OT but does seem to be a good student. 

Michigan Friday: News and Notes

• Michigan Basketball will finally have a recruit in the McDonalds All American Game, Isaiah Todd was selected to the team.   So was Josh Christopher who has Michigan in his final group along with Greg Brown who is also considering Michigan.  Who was the last Michigan player in the game?  Daniel Horton hears a who.  The year? 2002.  Yikes! 

• Shea is having a very bad senior bowl experience: "He struggled with accuracy and had no zip to power through wind when throwin into it," draft analyst Matt Miller said on Day 1. "I don't think he's draftable". And then there were the muffed exchanges early on Day 2, which ground practice to a halt.  That does not sound good for the former 5 star QB and experiences Michigan fans can relate to.  

• Good feedback on Ben at the senior bowl:  One player Bears fans should highlight as a name to watch is Michigan offensive lineman Ben Bredeson. He looked the part on Tuesday. He has strong hands and the kind of powerful playing style that tends to lead to success in the NFL. He showed pretty good feet, too. He has a chance to rise up the board if he stacks two more positive practices together.

• Michigan seems to have offered Cade McNamara's brother in the 2020 class.  He is 5'8 and 170 pounds WR. Its unknown if its a scholarship offer or a walk-on.   24/7 reports two offers from Ohio State and CMU.   I can understand the Central offer but I'm pretty sure the OSU offer is no longer available.   He is rated a 2 star and #3195 player in the country.  Best guess this is a walk-on offer. 

• Where in the world is Anthony Campanile? He was not announced with the new coaches hired by the Miami Dolphins last week and is not on the team's website list of coaches.   Is this a timing thing or has AC cost himself his current job, two DC's offers, and an NFL gig for some reason?

• Shaq's son Shareef is transferring from UCLA, he has played limited minutes this season after sitting out last year with a heart condition.  Reports are that Josh Christopher and Shareef are good friends.   Shaq of course knows Juwan from his time in the NBA. 
  

Michigan Tuesday: Another Howard and a Transfer to Rutgers

Jace Howard made it official last night, as he will be joining his father for the 2020 class.   Jace is an athletic forward at 6'7 and 205 pounds.   He is rated 3 stars to all basketball recruiting services and 24/7 places him at #250 in country.

At this point we don't know if its a scholarship or a walk-on and probably depends on if Todd goes overseas and Josh Christopher's decision.  I expect Jace to redshirt and maybe sit a few years with a stacked roster full of forwards: including Wagner, Johns, Livers, Williams (Fr), and Todd (Fr.).

Welcome Big Man!

Feels like an inside job, when Mike Dwumfour made a quick decision to transfer back home to Rutgers .  Insiders are saying this was a joint decision between the Michigan coaches and Mike to look for a new place for his graduate transfer year.   He will leave with his Michigan degree and maybe even a graduate degree from Rutgers, which is a great way to take advantage of his educational opportunity.

We wish Mike all the best and hope he can stay healthy.  '

• Transfer season: QB Franks goes from Florida to Arkansas 

• Transfer season: QB King goes from Houston to Miami 

• Kerry Coombs is heading back to Ohio State as the DC after coaching the Titans DB's.  What's interesting, I have not seen any reports that its a co-DC role with Greg Mattison.  

Michigan Thursday: Old Names - New Places

Brady Hoke is a head coach again, for a place he was a head coach before.  San Diego State where he coached for 1 year (2009-2010) before taking the Michigan job.   Rocky Long Brady's former DC stepped down as head coach yesterday and they quickly named Brady head coach.  

Brady has had a very bumpy road since being fired from Michigan.  He was at Oregon for one year,  Tennessee for one year, NFL Carolina Panthers for one year, SDSU as the DL coach last season, and now head coach again.  The only job he wasn't fired from (after 1 year) after Michigan was SDSU.   

Nick Sheridan, former Michigan QB under RR now is the co-OC at Indiana where he joins Mike Hart who continues to be the RB coach.  

Good luck to these coaches! 

• Speaking of former Michigan coaches:  There seems to have been 2 people in the world who thought Coach B would be a good fit in the NBA: John Beilein and Dan Gilbert.  He is having a terrible first year with a terrible roster.  It's going to be very strange to see him coaching at another NCAA school next season.  Maybe this was Coach B's retirement plan?

• The National Director of Recruiting for 24/7 Steve Wiltfong criticized Michigan Football's recruiting approach as un-organized, putting too much on the assistant coaches and not the norm compared to other schools.   Interesting take:  Michigan seems to do well in recruiting every year with a top 10 class, though its clear OSU and Alabama have better athletes on the field.  Matt Dudek recruiting coordinator is also very well respected in the industry.   I would say Michigan has to find top tier athletes, top trier students, and guys that aren't interested in "getting paid" which has to be a pretty rare combination in todays market.   This goes to my take that Michigan, ND, Georgia Tech, Stanford's of the world is not going to be able to compete with other schools breaking the rules.   Case in point, The University of Miami has some of the best talent in the nation in a 20 mile radius.   They have been down because after getting in trouble, they have changed their "recruiting investment policy" and kids are electing to go to other schools.  

• There continues to be positive buzz about 2020 5 star guard Josh Christopher to Michigan.  I would pump the breaks a bit, but things seem to be heading in the right direction.  

• Georgia is losing a number of players lately.  Including it's QB to the NFL, Offensive lineman, and a 2020 5 star RB who just got let out of his LOI.   Cade Mays' father (one of the offensive lineman transfers) had a part of his pinky amputated when a folding chair at a UGA event failed.  That is one hell of a story and seems to be accurate as the Mays are expected to be suing the chair manufacture and UGA.   Sam Pittman the former OL coach has also left to coach  Arkansas.  Former Michigan commit LB Otis Reese is now officially in the transfer portal as well.  No word if Michigan is interested as its really not a position of need like the DL or OL with the loss of Ruiz and Spanellis last week. 

• Michigan takes on Purdue tonight at Crisler. 

• Michigan DB Jaylen Kelly-Powell has entered the Transfer Portal 

Michigan Monday: Looks Like I Picked The Wrong Week To Stop Sniffing Glue

Wow, that was some week we just had has Michigan fans.  I'm glad its over and we can start anew today.  I know you don't want me to re-cap but I will for our readers that might have watching nothing but Netflix for the past week:

1. ↓ - Wednesday -  Alabama flexes its muscle in the 2nd half and beats the Wolverines.  
2. ↑ - Wednesday-  Michigan Basketball gets 2020 4 star forward Terrance Williams. 
3. ↓ - Thursday - Chris Partridge goes to Ole Miss 
4. ↓ - Thursday - Stephen Spanellis enters the transfer portal 
5. ↓ - Friday - Michigan's talented center Cesar Ruiz announces he is headed to the NFL 
6. ↑ - Saturday - Michigan receives the public commitment of 4 star CB DGW (he is already signed)
7. ↓ - Saturday - DPJ announces he will also go to the NFL 
8. ↓- Saturday - The greatest Wolverine QB is knocked out of the playoffs and could retire  
9. ↓- Sunday - The media is reporting that BC and Rutgers are in a bidding war for Michigan assistant Anthony Campanile as its DC. 
10. ↓ - Sunday - A short handed Michigan Basketball squad gets run in East Lansing.
11. ↑ - Sunday - Nico Collins decides to stay for his Senior Year.

That is a hell of a lot of news between Wednesday-Sunday.  It's strange that Michigan lost its top 2 centers on the depth chart in two days.  There was some reports that Zach Carpenter was taking 2nd team snaps in Bowl Practice.   Talk about the depth chart opening up for him! 

DPJ's decision was and wasn't surprising.  I was hoping he would stay and kill it as a senior, but he decided to head to the NFL.  Right now ESPN has him as the 10th WR in the draft, I'm sure he will climb the rankings with a good NFL combine and team workouts.   It is a very deep WR draft class. 

The commitment of DGW was not a surprise as he signed last month and asked the team to keep it quiet.  He will be enrolling early and might be on campus already.   CB was a  position of need in this class.  

Deep thought of the day:  If Michigan's defense has been the difference in this team going from good to great?  Then why are other programs coming for Michigan's defensive assistant coaches every off season?  This includes Michigan's biggest rival Ohio State, who took two last off season and now OSU DC who is the head coach at BC is going after another.  

The best news of the weekend was that Nico is staying, he said he wanted to get his degree and had unfinished business.   

Michigan Basketball probably wasn't going to win in East Lansing even with Livers, but his scoring is really missed when this team is on the road and it sounds like won't be ready anytime soon.  It also doesn't seem like Michigan runs any offense for Wagner and they really need him to score more.  

• Former Michigan commit who flipped from Michigan to Georgia on NSD, Otis Reese is rumored to be heading to the transfer portal.   Michigan doesn't really need LB's/Vipers.  There is also a chance that Ed Warriner's son makes history and transfers from MSU to Michigan. 

Michigan Friday: Lots of News

Juwan Howard continued his impressive recruiting skills with the commitment of Terrance Williams another 4 star in the 2020 class. Terrance is a 6'5 225 pounds combo-forward that has a very complete game for a high school senior.   He has a nice shot from 3, a mid-range game, but also loves to mix it up in the post and gets boards.   He seems like an all around player and the type of skill set we have rarely seen in Ann Arbor.   Terrance averaged just under 16 points with 5 boards in the EYBL.

With Todd, Michigan currently has the #4 class in the country just behind the blue bloods basketball programs.  Todd is still a question mark, if he will stay with college or go overseas for a few dollars.  Either way, Juwan has proved to be a top notch recruiter, with still one more 5 star guard Josh Christopher considering Michigan as well.   His son Jace will also end up in the class.

Michigan travels to East Lansing on Sunday without a healthy Livers.

• Michigan lost a good coach and even a better recruiter yesterday when Chris Partridge took what seems to be the co-DC role at Ole Miss for Lane Kiffin.   The interesting part of this hire is that Kiffin also hired DJ Durkin after his troubles at Maryland.  Don't love the Kiffin - Durkin match as they both have trouble in their past and seems a bit explosive together.   It was only a matter of time before Partridge left the Wolverines for a bigger role and more dollars, programs were trying to hire him every off season.  Coach Harbaugh found him and turned him into a very good assistant coach. (Coach Brown also had something to do with that)

• Who might fill Partridge's role? I'm willing to bet its a familiar name:  Devin Bush, Sr. 

• Rumors are that Anthony Campanile is probably heading out as well, to take a role at Rutgers.  Update - looks more like BC as its DC. 

• Former Wolverine who was dealing with depression James Hudson played his first game at OT for Cincinnati last night.  He seemed to play well in a game which had an hour 1/2 weather delay and a big UC win. 

• Nate Woody who was on Harbaugh's non-coaching staff this season, also got a promotion and will be Army's DC.  

• Blake Corum had a TD in the Under Armour Game last night

• Tarik Black is hinting at big news on Twitter, I guess he is close to announcing his new school.  My guess would be BC for former OSU DC Jeff Hafley.   Who knows something about covering Black. 

• Penn State's WR and instate product KJ Hamler is heading to the NFL Draft. 

• Michigan's OL coach Ed Warriner's son Edward (redshirt sophomore) who is a LB at Michigan State is entering the transfer portal.

• In a sign of the times, the top ranked TE picked Georgia in the UA game last night because they provide child care. 

• There seems to be some smoke around Urban Meyer and the Cleveland Browns. 

Michigan Monday: Game Week News and Notes

As everyone knows, Michigan gets Alabama on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando.  We had some news over the weekend on who and who won't be playing in the game.  

• Michael Dwumfour is out after a medical procedure earlier in the month.  Michigan's lack of depth on the DL takes another hit.   He is still in Ann Arbor and was even at the Lions game on Sunday.  Mike was injured pretty much all year and hopefully this procedure can get him back to 100%.  Mike is expected to come back for a 5th year.  
• Carlo Kemp and Brad Hawkins are both practicing and expected to play.  Brad missed the last two games of the season and Carlo played but nowhere near a 100%. 
• Christian Turner isn't with the team in Orlando but is expected to fly down, but will be held out with an injury as well.  

I will give you a little peak at my preview post for tomorrow.   Alabama has a huge advantage on both lines and will hit the Wolverines with a strong pass rush and running game.  

More news from the weekend:

• I hate to make the comparison but the difference between LSU and Oklahoma looked like a Michigan - OSU game.  

• OSU finally matched up against a team with equal talent and lost a close one.  Ohio State wins easily if they scored TD's instead of field goals early in the game when they were dominating.   After the game, I had one thought watching Urban Meyer in his catchers position watching the last few moments.  If Ryan Day took an NFL job, Urban would slide right back into that job.  

• Michigan Basketball ate another cupcake on Sunday but now the real schedule begins as they re-open the Big Ten season with a trip to East Lansing.

• Nick Eubanks has decided to come back for another year.  I think he is nowhere near his ceiling as a college TE. 

• Former Michigan Special Teams coach John Baxter was fired from USC staff. 

• Former 5 minute Michigan coach Dan Enos was fired as Miami's OC.  

• 2020 OL Micah Mazzccua still plans on signing with Michigan in February. 

• Jimmy and 2 other coaches are expected to visit Stanford's DL transfers right after the dead period. 

Michigan Monday: Hunter In and a Win!

umhoops.com

Michigan Basketball got their big man they were looking for when 7 footer Hunter Dickinson committed to the Wolverines on Friday.   He is a consensus 4 star and ranked pretty much in the mid 30's by every service.

Hunter is a back-to-the-basket prospect that hasn't been in Ann Arbor for many years.  He also has a very nice mid range jump shot.   I love these type of players because they cause a ton of problem on defense and a perfect compliant to any 3 point shooting team.   For those that don't remember, Juwan Howard had an automatic low post game when the Fab 5 needed a bucket.   My hope is Hunter that is guy for future Wolverine teams.

Michigan also got an easy win over Presbyterian on Saturday.  The news of note was Livers got hurt early in game on strange dunk attempt.  The injury seems to be in the groin area.   Hopefully, he can rest up over the holidays and it won't be an issue for Big Ten play.   Michigan does host UMass Lowell on the 29th.  

Continuing the good basketball vibes, 4 star forward Terrance Williams who just de-committed from Georgetown is planning on visiting for the UMass game.  Williams and Dickinson played on the same AAU team and are friends.    There is also a twitter rumor about a potential transfer that could be joining Juwan Howard's squad as well.

• FAU is a Harbaugh coaching tree farm!  Willie Taggart is the new head coach and he just hired Jim Leavitt as his DC this weekend.  FAU also won it's bowl game over the weekend.   

• PFF ranked all 80 college bowl QB's by pro potential :  Shea came in at #23.   Above him was Eastern Michigan's QB Mike Glass at #21. 

• TE Nick Eubanks is undecided if he will return to the team next season or try the NFL. 

• Bryan Mone got promoted up from the practice squad and played in yesterday Seahawks game.  He had one tackle and one personal foul for a late hit on the QB. 

Michigan Friday: Big Day For Michigan Basketball?

Michigan Basketball plays lowly Presbyterian who is 2-9 on Saturday at noon.  The Wolverines should cruise to an easy win.   One interesting side note is, this is Franz Wagner's first cupcake game of the year and maybe can find his groove and confidence.  He of course is coming off a 21 point effort against the Ducks last weekend.

That isn't the good news I'm hoping for today.  4 star center Hunter Dickenson out of Maryland is announcing today.  Hunter is the 34th ranked prospect in the 2020 class and the 6th center to 24/7.   His offer list includes Duke, FSU, ND, Oregon, UNC, and Louisville.   Michigan holds the crystal balls lead at 92%.

This could be the second high profile recruit to commit to Juwan Howard's Wolverines joining 5 star wing Isaiah Todd in the 2020 class.   Hunter is also friends with 4 star forward Terrance Williams who recently de-committed from Georgetown who is planning on taking an official to Ann Arbor.   

• Want to know something weird?  A few players that are enrolling early and signed their LOI's on Wednesday can practice a few days with the team during bowl prep.  They of course are not eligible to play in the game but can practice for a few days.  The 6 players who are expected to take advantage of this early practice time include: Blake Corum, Nikhai Hill-Green, Zak Zinter, Makari Paige, Andre Seldon, and Braiden McGregor who will be in town to rehab. 

• Enjoy Bowl Season as games start this afternoon. 

• Michigan Basketball Saturday Noon on BTN 

Michigan Thursday: NSD A Day In Review

Lets get to the latest news first.  When JD announced he needed to retire from football, Michigan's 2020 recruiting class took a major hit.   You have to spend probably a year recruiting a top tier QB, so when you have a couple months your in trouble.   Michigan made a run at 4 star CJ Stroud but he was tagged for OSU early and signed with the Buckeyes yesterday.

The backup plan is now a 3 star QB out of NY who was unranked just a week ago, Dan Villari.   Dan is a 6'4 and 215 pounds and is a dual threat QB.  He had offers from the likes of Fordham, UMass, Buffalo, and Kent State.  Wisconsin and Rutgers were sniffing around during the past week but hadn't offered yet.    Michigan offered in the afternoon and Dan committed last night.

Dan is a good athlete and not everyone gets the exposure of the recruiting services.   With that said, he is clearly a plan B guy and might be headed to a Zach Gentry type of position change.   Many banged on Jimmy for moving Zach to TE, but he started for the Steelers on Monday night.   It's important Michigan takes at least 1 QB every class.  They have completed that task.

Let's look at the rankings as they stand today:

24/7: 12
Rivals: 11
ESPN:  9

We also forget this class isn't over.  This is the early signing period and Michigan still has a chance to add to this class.   4 star CB DG-W will announce at an all star game and sign in February.  3 star OT from Virginia James Pogorelc will also sign in February but seems to be leaning to Stanford. 

Neither Nick Patterson or Micah Mazzccua seem to be part of this class moving forward.  

Thoughts on the class:

This is a good class but its missing something.   A 5 star headliner,  no Dax, Jabrill, or Rashan.   Michigan got some talented players and if they are going to take the next step, they will have to develop these guys into superstars.   It's possible and can be done, but you don't look at this class and think Michigan is now going to compete with OSU, Clemson, or LSU anytime soon.  

I'm also concerned with the lack of DT's in this class.  Yes, Michigan will develop some DE's into DT's but I don't really see the big man run stopper in the middle.  I wasn't a big fan of Brady Hoke but he was in a similar position and called Ted Ginn, SR. and Ted sent him Willie Henry who became an NFL player.  

Michigan needs that type of player in this class. I don't know if there are any Willie Henry's out there but Michigan better look soon.  Michigan also has 0 recruits from Ohio, the Wolverines recruit nationally like they should but they should also be getting a couple guys from Ohio each year.   This is something Jimmy and staff need to figure out.  We just saw a kid from a nowhere Ohio win the Heisman.  

I do like that Michigan is recruiting speed at WR, Roman and AJ can fly!  Michigan also probably has the best Safety class in the country with RJ, Jordan, and Makari.   The offensive line recruits look solid, but I think they still could use another OT.   There is talent and speed at LB and CB could be solid if DG-W signs.  

Here are other 24/7 school rankings:

OSU 3 
ND 10
PSU 13
Nebraska 20
Wisconsin 26
Purdue 30
Iowa  31 
Minn 32
NW 37 
MSU 42
Rutgers 67
USC 78

MSU and USC decided to keep their coaches and things don't seem to be going well at either school.  When Rutgers is out recruiting you with out a head coach, that's an issue.  

Welcome to NSD 2020!

2:30 Latest update:  Michigan seems to be pretty much done for the day, with one exception.  California QB CJ Stroud picked OSU which wasn't a surprise.  He felt OSU had a better path to playing time then through Dylan, Joe, Cade, and a 5 star on the way in 2021.

Which means non-ranked (will be a 3 star) NY QB Dan Villari who just got offered (visited last weekend) about an hour ago, will probably jump into this class.   I expect we will hear about him this afternoon or Thursday at the latest.

Mazzccua and Patterson seem to be a mystery and probably are not ending up in the class.

California 4 star CB Darion Green-Warren is announcing in January at an All Star game. 

Hail Mary's are DE Van Fillinger and OL James Pogorelc.

LOI's in:

-Roman Wilson, WR
-Jaylen Harrell, DE 
-AJ Henning, WR (highest rated recruit per 24/7)
-Jeff Persi, OL 
-Cornell Wheeler, LB 
-Kalel Mullins, LB 
-Reece Atteberry, OL
-Will Mohan, LB 
-Andre Seldon, CB
-Aaron Lewis, DL
-Makari Paige, DB 
-Nakhai Hill-Green, LB
-Kris Jenkins, DE

-Jordan Morant, Safety

-Eamonn Dennis, Athlete

-Blake Corum, RB 

-RJ Moten , Safety 

-Zak Zinter, OL

-Osman Savage, LB 

-Matt Hibner, TE 

-Braiden McGregor, DE

10:45 Update: Michigan has 19 LOI's in.  Let's look who is still pending:

• Jaylen Harrell, Florida DE - latest commit 
• Roman Wilson, WR still early in Hawaii
• JD Johnson, Retired QB who probably will sign in Feb
• Micah Mazzccua, OG who has been rumored not to be in the class 
• Nick Patterson, TE - Shea's brother who also has been rumored to not be in the class 
• Gaige Garcia, RB - who I believed signed a wresting LOI already 

9:11 Seems the morning rush has now concluded. Michigan has 14 guys signed with 11 guys still pending (included in that 11 is JD Johnson and Gaige Garcia).

Here is some interesting news: Nick Patterson, Shea's brother who has been rumored to not be part of this class, took a visit to Memphis last weekend.  Nick is a 3 star TE.

Recce is in and this is his photo card :-)

Good Morning Michigan Faithful!   No news yet on LOI's but I will start you out with a couple of news and notes:

• Longtime Iowa head coach Hayden Fry passed away last night.  He was 90.  RIP 
• Former Michigan RB Kurt Taylor will be running at Tennessee Tech next season. 

Michigan Tuesday: Early Signing Period Eve

Michigan got a future commit on Monday when DT Alex VanSumeren the younger brother of sophomore running back Ben VanSumeren committed to Michigan in the 2022 class.    So Michigan will have to wait for this talented instate player.  

Alex plays all over the field in high school but is expected to be a DT at the next level.   He is already 6'3 and 270+ pounds.   Welcome Alex and see you in a few years! 

Yes folks the early signing period starts tomorrow and lasts for 3 days.  I usually suggest you take a day off of work and constantly hit refresh on the Bighouseblog so that you can keep up-to-date on which commits have officially signed, surprises, and ones that are waiting for February.   I don't expect too many surprises or drama tomorrow.   So I suggest going to work and hitting refresh all day on your phone.   I will post all the commits as they officially become Wolverines.   Its traditionally the highest traffic day here all year. 

• 4 star and Elite 11 QB CJ Stroud will make his announcement on ESPN tomorrow.  He visited Ann Arbor two weeks ago and OSU last weekend.   All crystal balls point to OSU at this point, but the Buckeyes do already have a 4 star QB in the class.   If Michigan has a shot here it will be to convince CJ that he would be the Wolverines only QB in 2020.   Most expect a Buckeyes decision but this could be solid W for the Wolverines if they can change his mind today.  

• If you want to be confused tomorrow here is a good possibility.  Michigan has two 4 star safety commits from NJ.  One is named RJ Moten and the other is Jordan Morant.  Jordan had actually been taking some official visits including one to USC in November.   Both are expected to sign tomorrow with the Wolverines, unless new Rutgers coach Greg Schiano pulls a rabbit out of his hat.  

• Speaking of Rutgers head coaches, Chris Ash who got fired during the season is going to Texas to be their new DC.  Chris was the DC at OSU with Tom Hermann. 

• A coach that had plenty of offers, USC OC Graham Harrell has signed a new contract with USC.