Michigan Friday: RR and WVU

The press is all over the recent WVU NCAA allegations and Rich Rodriquez.  Let me try to bring some thought instead of "throwing stones" at this situation. 

At most schools, compliance responsibility falls under the compliance department.  For example the compliance department responsibility is to make sure all the coaches understand what they can and can't do.   A great example is both the Michigan and WVU examples; both alleged situations happen before and after Rich was there.   It was happening at Michigan before RR was hired and continued happening at WVU after he left.    Which in my mind means that both institutions felt they weren't breaking the rules or didn't understand the rules properly. 

Let me give you example: if graduate assistants or support staff are involved in practice or non-practice activity.  The compliance department would have to "sign off on it" or agree they were not breaking the rules.  The "rub" is if you believe that Rich Rodriguez knew using the support staff was wrong and did it anyway.  That is where the NCAA could come down hard. 

Here is what RR had to say:  "I have always taken compliance seriously and have sincerely felt our program was very open and transparent. I regret any mistakes that were made or rules that were misinterpreted.


Any errors certainly weren’t made intentionally. I openly discussed my past practices with NCAA investigators and will continue to cooperate fully during this process.

I have redoubled efforts with my staff and our compliance team to improve several processes, strengthen communications, and work to ensure these mistakes won’t happen in the future.


We have a tremendous program and an exceptional group of student-athletes, and I look forward to an exciting and successful football season."

I maybe looking at this with "maize and blue" colored glasses, but I don't find the WVU allegations damning to RR, I believe it is an example that RR and staff believed what they were doing was in line with the rules.   An example is that things didn't change when Bill Stewart tool over the program.  I also believe if you have the NCAA go over your program with a fine tooth comb, you will find that 90% of the programs out there would be guilty of the same thing.  (if you have a friend that played major college football, ask him if there were GA's there for summer 7 on 7's?  Or if a player broke the rules was punished by running the stadium stairs during the summer?  I betting the answer would be Yes, most of the time).  Another side point:  I remember when Adrian Arrington broke team rules and had to run the stairs at the Big House every morning under Lloyd Carr.  There was a coach or GA there every morning at 6:00 AM to let him in and make sure he completed it.  That's a violation right there.  (NCAA if your reading this - that never really happended).

The best thing the NCAA could do is slap both programs on the hand and let the rest of the Universities out there know what the rules are regarding these situations.   Then move on to playing real football games.

Love or Hate RR, that is your choice but be careful before you throw stones.

•  Like I predicted the Big Ten picked Indy for the Big Ten Championship next year.  I think this was a good and safe decision. 

• Michigan needs to break in the turf at the Big House.  Rain and play is the best way to do it.

• Boubacar goes from one Big House to another.  This is a sad story. 

• BG is getting good reviews so far at Eagles camp:  "He looks like he's going to be a good football player," coach Andy Reid said recently. "Does he have some things he has to learn? Absolutely. He is an explosive guy. That you can see, and he's got very good athletic ability and instincts, and now it's just a matter of mastering a few of the different techniques that you need to play at this level that you don't necessarily need to use at the college level."

• Guess who the focus is for the Rice Owls on offense this year?  Your correct, Sam McGuffie.

• Tim from Mgoblog gives us an update from Michigan Basketball practice.  Your first reaction might be: What? Football practice hasn't even started yet?  Michigan is going to be playing some games in Europe later this month and can have up to 10 practices to prepare for the trip.  This is something a team can do once every 4 years.  These practices and games will give the young Wolverines much needed experience and practice time heading into the season.

Are you intrested in how the legendary Michigan Football helmets are prepared every year?  I knew you where!




Since I wasn't expecting this story to break, I will have a bonus Weekend Post up early on Saturday Morning for you reading pleasure.

Michigan Monday: A Lesson in Leaving Early: Donovan Warren

If you follow this blog you know I have a few topics that I burn on regularly; concussions and Wolverines leaving early for the NFL or NBA Drafts. Now don't get me wrong, if your a first or second round player, I don't have any problems with you leaving early for the professional ranks. I agree the risk of injury and your window to make Millions is too hard to pass up.

My problem lies with these young men who are getting terrible advice on where they are projected in the draft and make a poor decision to leave early. My first example was Adrian Arrington who left Michigan early two years ago after one of his best games of his career in the Citrus Bowl win over Florida.

He was drafted in the 7th round by the Super Bowl Champs New Orleans Saints and has basically just been hanging on to a roster spot via the practice squad. He hasn't sniffed the field in two years in the NFL. He does have a Super Bowl ring, which his is only bright side of his professional career so far.

The most recent example of leaving early is Donovan Warren who was not drafted this weekend and reportedly signed with the Jets as a free agent on Saturday. There were 33 cornerbacks taken in the NFL 2010 draft including the likes of Jeremy Ware of MSU and Ray Fisher from Indiana. Were there really 33 cornerbacks better then Warren in 2009? No, IMO there was not. The problem is Warren was rated a 3rd or 4th round draft pick when he announced and then he ran a poor 40 yard dash at the combine. When your a first round talent and then you run a poor 40 you drop to the 3rd or 4th round. When your a 4th round talent and ran a poor 40, you drop out of the draft. That is what happened with Donovan.

Was it his ankle? I don't know but if the people close to Donovan gave him really good advice he should have stayed another year, worked with Barwis and improved his draft stock. If his ankle wasn't 100% that is another reason to stay in school. Either way, good luck DW with the Jets. I understand his godfather Mark Carrier is a coach on the Jets staff. We are all pulling for you to make the team!

Other Michigan Draft News:

• Zoltan gets drafted by Patriots in the 5th round. Many experts thought it was a reach but how can you pass up a punter with the name Zoltan? Brady and Zoltan on the same team is pretty intriguing. I wonder who will sell more jerseys?

• Stevie Brown got drafted in the 7th round by the Raiders. Congrats Stevie!

• David Mooseman signs with Cardinals as a free agent.

• Carlos Brown signs with the Saints as a free agent.

• The Chicago Bears sign both Greg Mathews and Brandon Minor as free agents.

• Mark Ortmann signs with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent.

• BG will wear #94 for the Eagles.

Wolverine Wednesday: Heading To The Clubhouse

There is a saying in golf, when your playing poorly and you "magically" start playing well on 17 and 18 that "you must have seen the clubhouse". Meaning that your round is close to being over you are relaxed for the first time today and starting to hit good shots. It is also said, that the "golf gods" want you to play well on #18 so you come back next time.

That is what the Michigan Basketball team did last night in a blow out win over Minnesota 83-55 at Crisler Arena. Michigan is currently at 14-15 and 7-10 in the Big Ten. They also have one more trip to East Lansing scheduled for this weekend. This is a team that lost two walk on's from last year from their NCAA Tournament team and not even heading to the NIT. There is no other way to put it but a very disappointing year.

• ESPN is saying the Michigan Spring Game will be on the Big Ten Network. I hope so. I am going to try to make it in person. Things to watch for in Michigan's Spring game will be Devin Gardner, Justin Turner, Running Back Position, and Linebackers.

• I was very critical of Adrian Arrington when he went pro after his junior year, saying he wasn't ready and wasn't rated high enough to make that decision. My opinion ended up being correct, he was drafted in the 6th round and barley made the team the last two years. I had mixed feelings about Donovan Warren, I thought he was a better pro prospect but could have used another year. It seems others believe he should have stayed in school after running a 4.56 in 40 in Indianapolis at the combine. My rule is, if your not projected as a first round draft pick you should stay in school.

Michigan Football Friday: Getting close to the Finish Line

We are just over a week away from college football opening weekend. The University of Michigan football team is starting to fill out the depth chart on who is going to be where.

• Kelvin Grady (former point guard) is listed as the #2 slot WR behind Odoms. Beating out Roy Roundtree and Terrance Robinson. I think Roundtree is a better fit at outside WR, but that's just me.

• It seems Terrance Robinson has separated himself in the punt return game.

• Former MSU football player Kyle Rasmussen is joining the WWE to start a new career as a professional wrestler.

• Thursday was the final two a days before Michigan's first game next Saturday

• Michael Shaw continued to preform well in practice on Thursday with a pair of touchdowns, a 22 yard run and a 45 yard pass from Tate.

• Odoms had a 50 yard return on a kickoff and 14 yard touchdown catch from Denard.

• What have seemed to been missing from these practice posts are good news from the defense. Well today is a new day: The defense held twice on the 90 second drill from the home 40-yard line, but the offense scored twice as well.

• The defense also got a turnover from a big hit by linebacker LB Fitzgerald

• Dex Jones a linebacker from the Wisconsin Badgers has transferred to Western Michigan and will have to sit out a year.

• Ben Axon a former South Carolina commit has transferred to Eastern Michigan. Ben was pulled over in May and was charged with a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Ben will now try "to right his ship" under Ron English.

• Adrian Arrington after being out most of the year last year due to an injury, has been impressive at Saints camp this summer.

To Stay or To Go? Many Jr.'s make the wrong decision

High School players used to get drafted right into the NBA, why not? It happens in Baseball and Hockey all the time. Now there is a new rule that you have to be one year past HS graduation to play in the NBA. So the elite players light it up in the NCAA for one year and then head for the big money in the NBA. This hasn't helped college basketball at all and many will argue it's worse.

In college football, you have to be 3 years past HS graduation to get drafted by the NFL. So when you get a HS recruit, you know you have at least 3 years with him on your football team (unless he transfers of course). This is a good rule because, football is a physical demanding sport and there isn't a HS senior on earth that is ready for the NFL. As an FYI, the red shirt year counts, so even if your player has only played two years with one red shirt year he can still go to the NFL.

There were many college JR.'s that left at least one year of eligibility on the table to go to the NFL and most of them were the wrong decisions. If your not a 1st or 2nd round guy you have NO business heading to the NFL. Stay in school, get your degree, get stronger, faster, smarter, become your own agent, there are a thousands of reasons to stay in school and only one to go pro. We all know they do it for the money, but if they stay in school the money and the draft position could be much higher. Ask Jake Long if you need proof.

We all know Adrian Arrington made a mistake by leaving early and you can now make a case that Mario should have stayed as well. Here is a list of players that left their schools early.
I can make a case that only a few made the right decision (Darren McFadden, Jarrod Mayo, Rashard Mendenhall, etc)

Here is the code: Blue is "congrats!" you made the right decision, Orange is you should have stayed in school , and Red is what the Hell where you thinking!

Branden Albert, g, Virginia, Kansas City-first (15)
L.J. Anderson, g, Central Florida, not selected
Adrian Arrington, wr, Michigan, New Orleans-seventh (237)
Earl Bennett, wr, Vanderbilt, Chicago-third (70)
Martellus Bennett, te, Texas A&M, Dallas-second (61)
Davone Bess, wr, Hawaii, not selected
Demario Bobo, db, Mississippi State, not selected
Calais Campbell, de, Miami, Arizona-second (50)
Jamaal Charles, rb, Texas, Kansas City-third (73)
Ryan Clady, ot, Boise State, Denver-first (12)
Anthony Collins, ot, Kansas, Kansas City-fourth (112)
Johnny Dingle, de, West Virginia, not selected (The NFL would only consider him with team-mate Berry)
Franklin Dunbar, ot, Middle Tennessee, not selected
Jermichael Finley, te, Texas, Green Bay-third (91)
Brandon Flowers, db, Virginia Tech, Kansas City-second (35)
Jeremy Geathers, de, UNLV, not selected
Vernon Gholston, de, Ohio State, N.Y. Jets-first (6)
Ryan Grice-Mullen, wr, Hawaii, not selected
Letroy Guion, dt, Florida State, Minnesota-fifth (152)
James Hardy, wr, Indiana, Buffalo-second (41)
Derrick Harvey, de, Florida, Jacksonville-first (8)
Geno Hayes, lb, Florida State, Tampa Bay-sixth (175)
Erin Henderson, lb, Maryland, not selected
Jack Ikegwuonu, cb, Wisconsin, Philadelphia-fourth (131)
DeSean Jackson, wr, California, Philadelphia-second (49)
Josh Johnson, lb, Marshall, not selected
Felix Jones, rb, Arkansas, Dallas-first (22)
Malcolm Kelly, wr, Oklahoma, Washington-second (51)
Justin King, cb, Penn State, St. Louis-fourth (101)
Xavier Lee, qb, Florida State, not selected (He was rated #1 QB prospect out of HS - FYI TP)
Curtis Lofton, lb, Oklahoma, Atlanta-second (37)
Selwyn Lymon, wr, Purdue, not selected
Mario Manningham, wr, Michigan, New York Giants-third (95)
Jerod Mayo, lb, Tennessee, New England-first (10)
Darren McFadden, rb, Arkansas, Oakland-first (4)
Rashard Mendenhall, rb, Illinois, Pittsburgh-first (23)
Phillip Merling, de, Clemson, Miami-second (32)
DaJuan Morgan, db, North Carolina State, Kansas City-third (82)
Lamar Myles, lb, Louisville, not selected
Sean Penix, wr, Arkansas, not selected
Kenny Phillips, db, Miami, New York Giants-first (31)
Chilo Rachal, g, Southern California, San Francisco-second (39)
Darius Reynaud, wr, West Virginia, not selected
Ray Rice, rb, Rutgers, Baltimore-second (55)
Orlando Scandrick, db, Boise State, Dallas-fifth (143)
Pat Sims, dt, Auburn, Cincinnati-third (77)
Steve Slaton, rb, West Virginia, Houston-third (89)
Kevin Smith, rb, Central Florida, Detroit-third (64)
Reggie Smith, cb, Oklahoma, San Francisco-third (75)
Jonathan Stewart, rb, Oregon, Carolina-first (13)
Aqib Talib, cb, Kansas, Tampa Bay-first (20)
Devin Thomas, wr, Michigan State, Washington-second (34)
Mario Urrutia, wr, Louisville, Cincinnati-seventh (246)

Totals: 23 Blue, 14 Orange, 17 Red's. 31 guys should have stayed in school and only 10 out of the Blue's were in the first round. You can make a case that 13 other Blue's could have stayed in school and earned first round money next year.

Buckeyes add more nuts and Jamar likes to tee it up!

• Buckeyes add more 5 & 4 Star Nuts: The Vest is putting together another top top 10 recruitng class and like last year he is getting it done early and often. Yesterday, The Vest got verbal confirmation from 5 Star LB from PA Dorian Bell and 4 Star RB from Terrell Pryor High, Jordan Hall. These gentlemen join 4 Star verbals: DB CJ Barrett, WR Chris Fields, DB Darell Givens, ATH Strom Klein, DT John Simon, LB Jordan Whiting, and DB Jordan Wood. They also have two guys who are not rated as of yet. For those of you keeping score at home that is 11 verbal commits for the class of 2009. Whatever the vest is selling the top talent in the Midwest is buying!


• Marvin Robinson a DB from Florida (class of 2010) and considered a Michigan lean attended the OSU Spring Game last Saturday.


• Jamar rather get in 18 holes then watch his NFL future unfold: Jamar Adams can't stand watching the 2 days of draft coverage on ESPN or the NFL network. He rather play golf while his family takes in the Draft. I assume Jamar will have his cell with him.


• A hint at where Kevin Newsome might play is college ball? As we know, Kevin is Michigan's top 4 Star Dual Threat QB from Wash. DC. who visited during the Spring Game. On his my space page, he has a song playing called I'm Blue. It's either a hint or the guy enjoys a techno beat. 2 Michigan coaches were at Kevin's High School yesterday. Yes, this is the guy they want.


• Can anyone tell me why Adrian Arrington left school? Was being the number 1 receiver on the team a bad thing? Who is giving this guy advice? He is being projected as a 5th or 6th round guy and maybe even a Free Agent. Bad decision my man.


• Mario right now is being projected anywhere from 1st round to day two. Mario please don't let the ESPN cameras into your home. Better yet go play golf with Jamar and stay off "the chronic" for a couple of hours.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Coach Rod confirmed yesterday that Ryan Mallett, Mario Manningham, and Adrian Arrington are leaving the program. The WR's are turning pro and Ryan is looking to take his act to another school.

My view on the departures of Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington and Ryan Mallett:

Ryan Mallett: This kid has huge upside but has a maturity problem. He got a ton of snaps this year and his experience would have been nice in his second year. If Pryor comes to Michigan, we won't miss Ryan at all. If Pryor goes to OSU or somewhere else, we have a major problem at QB. Looks like it could be Steven Threet the transfer from Georgia Tech next year. Overall: This is a knucklehead move, he could start for Michigan even if Pryor comes to A2 next year or sit out at UCLA or somewhere else. Dumb move. The rumor mill is he can't cut it in the classroom in Ann Arbor.

Mario Manningham: At the beginning of the year, I thought he would be a lock to turn pro. He started off the year very poorly, got suspended for a game, and played very well in the middle of the year. He had a terrible OSU game and the Citrus Bowl was average. I hear he is still considering going pro or staying. From a skill set stand point he is ready to go, his mental meltdowns this year may cost him a few spots in the draft. Should stay for one more year but I doubt he will. OK move will be a fine pro on the right team.

Adrian Arrington: Adrian was Michigan's most consistent receiver this year and showed some great hands. He had a terrible Wisconsin and OSU game but had a highlight reel worth of catches in the Citrus Bowl. Considering he wasn't even on the team last spring, I doubt his stock will ever be higher then after the Citrus. Smart Move but we will miss you.

Hail to Lloyd!

I love it when I'm wrong, wrong about which Michigan team would show up on New Years Day. In a day of last times, Michigan showed that they were the team we were looking for all year. They showed up as a double digit dog against the 12th ranked Gators in a game nobody gave them a chance to win (even me).

The Wolverines played aggressive on both sides of the ball. The offense ran a "throwing" spread formation and the line protected Henne like Fort Knox. In turn Henne, ripped apart the Florida Defense like Japanese Chef with a Ginsu knife, throwing for a career high 373 yards. Even Coach Myer was surprised; “I am very disappointed in the pass coverage. We have to do a lot better and we have to get some things corrected. This was a defense last year that held Ohio State to 82 yards."

Adrian Arrington looked like a first round draft pick by catching everything thrown his way. Even an unbelievable catch for a 36 yard first down on Michigan's last touchdown drive with just over 4 minutes left. That catch by the way made ESPN's best play of the Capital One Bowl Week.

The Defense pressured Heisman Tim all day and gave up some long running plays, but in the end they stayed aggressive for their head coach and departing Defensive Coordinator Ron English.

See today was the last time for a lot of things including:

• Mike Hart's non-fumbling streak


• Michigan laying down for better coaches and better teams in bowl games


• Jake Long in a Michigan jersey


• Chad Henne in a Michigan Jersey


• Mike Hart in a Michigan Jersey


• Shawn Crable in a Michigan Jersey


• Lloyd Carr on the sideline leading the Maize and Blue.


• Michigan's bowl losing streak

In a year of up and downs, of retirements, coaching searches, sailboats, lost expectations, the Michigan Seniors, the Michigan Head Coach, and the departing Michigan Assistants all left as winners. Team you made your Alumi, Fans, and the Big Ten proud. Well Done! and Go Blue!

Cheers:

• The play calling on offense. Debord you have been thrown under the bus all year (as you should have been). You called a heck of game today.


• The Spirit - This team was ready to play and play hard for their retiring head coach.


• Chad Henne - played like robo quarterback. With a healthy shoulder he played his best game in a Michigan uniform. Congratulations on the game's MVP.


• The Michigan WR's- Both played a great game. Adrian and Mario, I know the NFL is calling but we would love to see you stay one more year.


• The Michigan Offensive Line - You protected Chad and gave him time to throw the ball.


• Michigan's speed was equal or better then Florida's.

Jeers:

• Mike's lost fumbles cost us 14 points and the difference between a close game and a blow out. Doesn't matter. A win is a win.


• The Defense did give up a ton of long runs.

In a day where Wisconsin lost to Tennessee, The Juice and Zook got embarrassed by USC, the Michigan Fan Base was able to smile and hold it's head high, as they won a game they were supposed to lose. New Years Day was a good day.

Ask the Warden

A new feature at BighouseBlog is ask the Warden. Today's topics will focus on what's next for some important Wolverines:

Will Ryan Mallett Transfer?

Maybe. Ryan would you like to weigh in?: "It gets old when people keep asking me about it; we're trying to beat Florida," said Mallett, who likely would have to play next year without his quarterback coach, Scot Loeffler, who recruited Mallett and was fired by Rodriguez last week.
Carr has had multiple discussions with Mallett and his family. "It's a career decision for him," Carr said. "I will support whatever he does. The Warden's take: Ryan gives Michigan the best chance to win next year with the experience he gained this year, he did run a throwing spread in High School. If Pryor commits to Michigan, I think the likelihood of Ryan transferring is high.

Will Mario go Pro?

Yes. Mario what's your take: "The stuff that matters: Am I ready? Who's coming out next year? And this year?" Manningham said. "Stuff like that."What about Rodriguez? What's his role in Manningham's thinking? "Nothing," Manningham said. "He has nothing to do with my decision." The Warden's take. Mario is a great talent and was a 2nd team All American this year. I think he had a very "up and down" year last year and couldn't catch a cold against OSU on National TV. I think he could use another year but they say his draft grade was high during a the recent NFL grading process for Juniors. If he as a good Capital One Bowl he is gone for sure. High probability he is gonzo

What about Adrian Arrington?

I think he stays. A2 your thoughts?: "Of course, I applied for the papers and I'll get back and talk with Coach Rodriguez and make my decision," said Arrington, who smiled and added the NFL feedback "looks good." The Warden's Take: A2 has matured since his off the field problems and I believe he would like to get his degree and be Michigan's #1 option next year. High probability he stays in Ann Arbor (A2 in A2).

How good is recruit Terrelle Pryor?

Really, Really Good. He was just named USA Today's Offensive Player of the Year. He is the first Pennsylvania high school player to pass for more than 4,000 yards (4,249) and rush for more than 4,000 (4,250) in his career. Led his team to the state’s AA title and a 16-0 record as it scored a state-record 860 points. He can throw a football 75 yards, or 50 yards on his knees. Passed for 23 TDs and ran for 34. Also a top basketball recruit. The Warden's take: Damn, that boy has some serious skills! He will announce his choice on 1/5 during the Army All American Bowl. Michigan, Florida, OSU, and Penn State is his final choices.

Does Michigan State have a shot against BC on Friday?

Nope. Mostly with the loss of Saint-Dic and some other Spartans. Does anyone think it's ironic that Saint-Dic was declared academically ineligible on Christmas? I guess making all those gifts doesn't allow a lot of free time for classes and home work.

What is the status of Texas 4-Star WR Darryl Stonum?

Darryl has graduated early and is excited about Coach Rod's offense. Darryl is expected to enroll early at Michigan and be in class at the start of next term. A lock to be on the team next year.

Should Coach Rod hire anymore Michigan Assistants?

The Warden's take: Yes, I would like to see quarterback coach, Scot Loeffler retained. I would also keep a few others but I think Scot has the best shot of staying on with the new staff.

On Friday: Look for the preview of MSU vs BC and enjoy the Holiday Bowl.

My prediction was correct for the Motor City, I just got it backwards. CMU faded early and came on late. Look for CMU HC Butch Jones to get an offer from WVU today or Friday. I can't help but think this isn't one of their top 5 choices, since he has 1 year of head coaching experience.