Michigan Monday: Jimmy Is Offering Everyone in the 2017 Class

Things are quiet in Schembechler Hall these days. Which is something new for Jimmy after arriving in Ann Arbor.   He has been everywhere and making noise while doing it.  

The 2017 class might make it to 20 spots but it should be a relatively small class.   With that said, Jimmy and staff have an estimated over 200 offers on the street right now for 2017 class, some have estimated it might be closer to 250-300 offers.    Here are a few new ones:

• 2017 Flint DE Deron Irving-Bey
• 2017 Walnut Creek (Calif.) WR Isaiah Hodgins
• 2017 Buena Park (Calif.) CB Elijah Gates

Remember when Braylon got upset that Michigan hadn't offered his brother Berkley?  He ended up going to Minnesota and had a nice freshman year.  After that he was very quiet.  We just learned this weekend that he transferred to Central Michigan.   Berkley will run track and play football for the Chips.

• Khaleke Hudson is featured in this Big 33 Football Classic article

Hudson signed with Michigan in February, and Harbaugh played a big part in getting him to choose the Wolverines.

"He's the best coach in college football," Hudson said. "You can't dislike him. He's just a great coach. When I first met him, it was like I always knew him.

"That is the relationship that he has with you."

It wasn't just Harbaugh that got the McKeesport standout to Michigan, however.
"I love the school," he said. "Academic wise, football wise ... everything played a part, and the football team is just like a family."

• Dan Wetzel of Yahoo calls out spending in College Football.  He references Michigan a couple of times:

In 2011, the University of Michigan athletic department employed 253 people, according to state records. Four years later, in 2015, it was 334, up 32 percent.

During that period, the average salary grew 22.4 percent, to $89,851. Over a seven-year span, the number of athletic department employees making six figures went from 30 to 81.

Michigan is hardly unique. It's on par with its peers. Critics point to the salaries of big-name coaches, but it's everything that is growing in college sports

Michigan Friday: BBQ Q&A Answered

I've gotten a few questions on the BBQ this weekend and I will reply to them here today along with a few maybe your thinking:


Who are the most important guys at the BBQ this weekend?  There are really 3 guys that are high on the Michigan coaches board.   In no order of importance: Leonard Fournette the #1 RB in the country, Malik McDowell 4 star DT and #1 ranked WR in the 2015 class, George Campbell.   Malik is still a maybe for attending this weekend.  Update:  It seems Leonard did not make it to A2 yesterday as planned, the rumor is there is a problem with a sick family member.  So the visit this weekend could be in doubt.

Will it be strange to have running backs Fournette and Hilliman on campus at the same time?  The latest reports are that Hilliman has cancelled.   He is an OSU lean anyway.  Not a big surprise that he changed plans.  Seems to be Fournette or bust for a RB in this class.  

Should we expect any commits this weekend? I doubt it, but if I had to pick one guy it would be Shaun Crawford  from Lakewood, Ohio/St. Edward.  He is a 2015 CB prospect who grew up a Michigan fan.

What happens at the BBQ?  There are campus tours, academic presentations and tour of the Big House.  Of course there is a BBQ where the coaches and their families can spend some relaxed time with recruits and their families.   Every year it's been a great event for the Wolverines and their recruiting.  Michigan has to charge a small amount for each person attending so not to break any NCAA rules.   It's a invitation only event.
 
Will there be any current commits attending?  Yes, there are 10 expected.  Which includes: Bunting, Ferns, Speight, Cole, Ways, Harris, Winovich, Marshall, Canteen & Watson.

What about local 2015 kids attending?  Of course Cass Tech will be sending a couple of guys:  DE Josh Alabi and RB Mike Weber both have offers and will be attending.  QB Jayru Campbell is also expected but doesn't have an offer yet.

Any guys attending that could be Big Time recruits next year?  Keep an eye on offensive lineman Sterling Jenkins from Pittsburgh.  He is 6'8 and 300 pounds and a 2015 class recruit.

• Braylon signed with the Jets for the 3rd time.  He was signed to help while Holmes is recovering from an injury.  I hope he makes the team and is on the roster when the season starts.

• Taylor Lewan gives you more insight in buying a pig for two weeks.

Wolverine Wednesday: Recruiting Briefs

There are rumors a committed (to another school) defensive player is planning on visiting Ann Arbor this weekend.   Many times visitors committed to other schools don't like to make the news public they are visiting a different school for obvious reasons.   One being they will get a 1000 phone calls from recruiting services. 

• A new name/visitor that is expected in this weekend is Tennessee commitment OL Dan Skipper from Colorado.   Dan is a 3 star prospect to Rivals and is 6'10 295 pounds.  Yes, that's right 6'10 and he looks skinny carrying almost 300 pounds.   In other news, John Beilein is mad he is going to be in New York this weekend and won't get a chance to meet Dan.

• Here is the official visitors list for this weekend from Tremendous.

• David Dawson is expected to re-visit Ann Arbor this weekend and there will be a bit of pressure from many of the 2013 class to re-commit to the Wolverines.  At this point, David says he wants to make his decision in January and has booked an official visit to C-Bus on 1/18.  I wonder if he will change his mind this weekend?

• Braylon Edwards tweeted that the Jets decision makers were idiots and was cut Seahawks, those same idiots just claimed Braylon off waivers.    

• There was a video interview posted on Mgoblue.com with Jordan Kovacs where he is quoted as saying he has been working with some of the young safeties like "fleet".   Which means Dennis Norfleet, Michigan's dynamic kick off return specialist.   For those that are wondering, Dennis is 5'7 and 161 pounds.   Are we really saying we can't find a place for him on the offensive side of the ball?  He seems to be pretty good is open space.   Maybe at the slot or specialty RB position? 

• Just to prove I'm not 100% against Big Al.  There is a nice story about he and his family on ESPN today.

• The 126 year old Sporting News is shutting down.  Sad to see such a long time sports magazine close it doors.  Times they are a changing.

Wolverine Wednesday: Hey Coach, Need a Job?

NCAA Coaching searches are funny things.   We haven't heard anything about the coaching vacancies and who schools might be looking at for about a week.  Gruden's name always comes up and a few blogs run with the story he is seriously considering something and then it goes away.  

The first shoe to drop was a shocker to me in Bret Bielema leaving for Arkansas.   Let's be clear, Arkansas is not a better job then Wisconsin.   Then why would he leave?  Because of money.   I bet Bret felt that Wisconsin didn't respect him and kept his salary pretty low when the school was cashing big bowl and BTN checks every year.  He had to recruit against the likes of Michigan, ND and Ohio State and it wasn't going that well.  He took this job for money, plain and simple.  He thinks recruiting was hard at Wisconsin?  Now he has to recruit against the likes of Bama, LSU, Florida and Texas.  Good luck with that decision.  3-4 years tops in this role.  

Then the breaking news, Auburn hires their former Offensive Coordinator Big Al Borges to be their next head coach!   I can't believe it. 

Brain: Hey Bob

BHB:  Hi Brain

Brain:  Auburn did hire their former OC but it wasn't Big Al,  It was Gus Malzahn.

BHB: Sh...........




Purdue hires Darrel Hazel the former Kent State coach after Butch Jones turned them down for maybe the worst coaching situation in college football at Colorado.    I don't know if this is a good move or not.  I do know Darrell doesn't have the "big name" Purdue was looking for to turn around their program.

Tennessee is focusing their effort on Louisville's Charlie Strong and it looks like Charlie might stay at UL.  Which is probably a smart move with the Cardinals heading to the ACC, I'm not sure Tennessee is a better job at this point.

It seems Wisconsin wants their former OC Paul Chryst who just finished his first year as the headman at Pitt.   Paul as of know is staying at Pitt.

Big Al your not sending out enough resumes!

• John Beilein got his 650 win last night against WMU. 

• Braylon Edwards got cut by the Seahawks yesterday.  Braylon needs to stay off twitter and catch a few more balls.

Michigan Friday: Bowl Game Rumors and Recruiting Information

The rumor mill is spinning that the Capital One Bowl wants a Shoelace vs. Johnny Football match-up.   We will see what happens on Sunday, but I think this is pretty close to a lock no matter what happens in both championship games.


Recruiting Update:

David Dawson Update:  Guess who got re-offered last night?  Yes, it's David Dawson and he is expected to take another visit to Ann Arbor on 12/14.   That weekend will be huge for offensive line recruiting.  There could be 3 four star prospects in town that day.  (Dawson, Hunt and Na'ty Rodgers).

So what is with the change of heart with Dawson and maybe the Michigan coaches?  Don't know yet, but I thought this could happen after Dawson visited Florida and thought it was too far away from home.   If David wants to play at a program on the rise, with a top recruiting class and a short drive from home.  His only choice is U of M.  We will see if these bridges can be repaired.  The visit on the 14th won't be for a tour, I'm betting it's for a sit down with the coaches.

Michigan just offered 2013 3 star LB (to Rivals) Jamieon Moss yesterday. Jamieon is a Virginia Tech commit and is 6'3 210 pounds.  This is a strange offer and gets me wondering why the Wolverine coaches think they need another LB in this class.    This could be a sign there is an issue with the current roster (Poole and Ringer are hurt) or with a LB commit in the 2013 class.  Moss has mostly offers from Southern schools like NC, NC State, Maryland, Wake and so on.

• Monte Kiffin is out at USC.  Not a surprise here, must have been fun firing your dad.  Any effect on Leon McQuay?

• Ty Isaac can no longer enroll early at USC due to his HS rules.  More time to get cold feet being so far away from home.

• New 2014 offer to defensive end Lawrence Marshall from Southfield.

• Berkley Edwards has committed to Minnesota.  Braylon melt down in 4,3,2.................

• Michigan has been talking to WR JaQuay Williams who was originally a 2012 recruit who went to prep school for a year.  He committed to Auburn last year but decided to go to prep school. 

Here is sentence you thought you would never say:   Michigan is playing in Peoria, Illinois on Saturday.  The basketball team plays Bradley on ESPN U at 3:00.

Michigan Thursday: Walk On News and Food Related Items

The Mgoblog message board broke some walk on news that seems pretty accurate.   Michael Jocz a TE/WR for Novi High School looks like will get a chance to attend fall camp for the Wolverines. 

Mike is 6'4 and around 210 pounds and not ranked by either Rivals or Scouts.  So he didn't have any scholarship offers.  Mike is attending Michigan for his education and has already been accepted.  He planning to attend the engineering school.

Looks like a decent athlete and could help out on Scout Team and maybe even Special Teams.  Good luck and welcome Mike!

• 2014 CB from Cass Tech Damon Webb preformed well at the Sound Mind/Body Camp yesterday.  Damon is 6'0 and already holds a Toledo offer.   Could he be the next Cass Tech corner at Michigan?

• Both Brady Hoke and Urban Meyer were together at the Sound Mind and Body camp yesterday to talk to the kids and watch some of the drills.   There is a picture of both Brady and Urban enjoying some ribs.  

• Looks like (maybe one of the most important recruits for the 2012 class) Ondre "Pewee" Pipkins is already on campus and enjoying his new football player meal plan.  I'm sure his mom is happy that Ondre is eating his veggies.

• Braylon's brother Berkley now has a Minnesota and Iowa offer.  I'm hoping there is a way to get him into Michigan's class.  Berkley is a 3 star prospect to Rivals.

Michigan Thursday: BHB Bullets

• Braylon's brother gets an offer from Cal.  Could Berkley play in Berkeley?

• Michigan Softball takes on Alabama in the NCAA Tournament tonight.  

• Michigan has offered Florida WR Jordan Cunningham.  There is also interest in his teammate defensive tackle Maquedius Bain who is already committed to FSU.   This seems like a back plan to Poggi and Treadwell.  It will be hard to pull either out of state.

• Looks like OSU has more secondary NCAA violations to report.  Seems the NCAA should open a new office in Columbus. 

Michigan Monday: Likes West Coast Tacos

Michigan 2013 commit Taco Charlton was out in LA visiting some family last week for Spring Break and found out there was an LA Nike Camp so he signed up.    From two accounts from Scouts and ESPN he did very well and was clearly one of the top 2 DL's at the camp.   I guess he only lost one 1 on 1 battle with some highly ranked offensive lineman.  Some reports have Taco being "un-blockable" most of the day.   The #1 DL and MVP at the camp was Joe Mathis who is planning a visit to Ann Arbor next weekend.  Joe is related to one of the top Safeties in the country Su'a Cravens.  Yes please to both of those guys! Greg Mattison work your magic!

I expect Taco might be moving up the rankings a bit.  He is currently rated a 3 star prospect on Scouts. 

• DB Devin Butler is planning on making his announcement on Wednesday.  I predict either ND or PSU. 

• TomVH from ESPN is reporting that Logan Tuley-Tillman is expecting to move to Michigan to play his senior year and enroll at Michigan in January.    LTT's family has not picked a city or school to move to yet.  Needs to be a place where he can graduate early. 

• I know many of you are interested in keeping track of the recruitment of Braylon's brother, Berkley Edwards.   He is planning on taking a visit to Nebraska but doesn't have an offer yet.  I still feel like he will get a Michigan offer but maybe late in the process like January.  

Wolverine Wednesday: Michigan Needs One More LB

McCray is committed to Michigan and the Wolverine coaches have told them they are taking a total of 2 LB's in this class.   Michigan currently leads for 3 more highly ranked LB's.  We know about Ben Gedeon from Hudson, Ohio that is close to a decision, Dorian O'Daniel is visiting for the Spring Game and Michigan is leading for EJ Levenberry who is expected to visit soon and won't make a decision until the Army All American game.  EJ is considered one of the top players in the country and Michigan might hold a spot for him.   Those are 3 very good players for one spot.  (what a great problem to have!)

• This is another big visit weekend for Michigan's Football program.   Maybe the most important visitor is RB Ty Issac  Who is expected to be a 5 star player to Scouts.   Ty is 6'2, 220 pounds and plays HS football in Joliet, Illinois.  He has offers from pretty much everyone:  USC, ND, Clemson, Penn State, Oklahoma, OSU, Auburn and many more.   Ty is expected to be one of the top RB prospects in the country and Michigan has a very good shot at securing his commitment.  But probably not this weekend as he has a trip scheduled out to see USC.

 

• Michigan Basketball will play WVU next season (12/15) in a new tournament in NYC.   It will be in the Net's new Arena.  John Beilein will get a chance to play against his old school.  

• Roy Roundtree made a minor mistake on Twitter yesterday.   He tweeted Mike McCray (who is from his HS) about his commitment to Michigan.  Players are not to contact recruits through social media.  Of course, this rule is probably broken about 10,000 times a day through out D1 football.  I also believe today is Roy's Birthday.

• Braylon Edwards is upset his brother Berkley hasn't been offered yet by Michigan.  Berkley is a very fast kid and plays for Chelsea.   He doesn't have his brother size and is 5'8 and 176 pounds.  He is considered an all purpose back.  His chance to go to Michigan might have taken a hit with the 2012 recruitment of Dennis Norfleet and Drake Johnson.   I still would like Berkley to end up in Ann Arbor to return kicks, punts, etc.   Maybe Michigan will offer him late in the process if they have some spots.  Berkley right now only has a CMU offer.

Wolverine Wednesday: Likes the Art

Some of you might have heard about the new ESPN Ann Arbor web site that was taking some of the best Michigan beat writers and recruiting guys.  TomVH one of the best connected recruiting guys left Mgoblog for ESPN and has already started.   The site isn't called ESPN Ann Arbor it's called WolverineNation.  There is some good video's up already with Tom interviewing Danny O and Shane Morris showing off his arm (btw the kid can throw!).   Most of the stuff will be behind the pay wall but if you subscribe to ESPN the Magazine you can get access for free.  BTW, there are deals out there on the magazine for like $4 a year for a full subscription.

The Art, The Art, The Art has done some great PC wall papers in past years.  The one for the Big House under the lights is pretty good.    If you want to download this free wall paper hit the above link and enjoy this imagine on your PC or Ipad.




Pretty Boy Al Borges and Greg Mattison did their regular coach speak yesterday, below are the highlights:

• Woolfolk is healthy and will play on Saturday.  He will also stay on special teams.
• They will cover Floyd with more then one CB.  The thought was that Woolfolk might shadow Floyd the entire game.  I vote for covering Floyd with TWolf and Marvin Robinson.
• Al Borges plans to use less shotgun.  (don't believe him)
• Barnum will start and play on Saturday.
• Hopkins (now off suspension) will get time at RB against ND.  Maybe some two back stuff with him a FB? 
• There was pretty much agreement from all coaches that the D-line did not play well against WMU. 

Check out the new seats (updated link, not sure how a mgoblue link could link to SMU Tennis)  in Crisler Arena.  Is that really Crisler?  Looks good.

It seems the visitors list this weekend is very fluid.  The latest is that WR Powe will not make it in this weekend due to his late game on Friday night in California.   Jordan Payton is still planning on coming in.  The rumor mill is saying that Michigan should have a new WR commit in the 2012 class in the next week or so.  I'm betting on Darboh or Payton.   There is also some positive buzz around Danny O, who might be on commitment watch on Saturday.  Danny and Yuri Wright seem to be the last two defensive players left on Michigan's 2012 board.

• Braylon's latest mistake cost him a $50K NFL Fine. 

Michigan Thursday: Drunk Driving is a Serious Offense

There are three Wolverines with recent Drunk Driving offenses; Darryl Stonum is a current Wolverine who is suspended from the team for 2 violations, Jalen Rose who is a member of ESPN and a former Fab 5 member and of course Braylon Edwards former Michigan WR and current NFL Free Agent. 

There are whispers that Darryl is hanging on by a thread to his college career with Michigan and could face being kicked off the team to a 4 game suspension.  Let's hope he has learned his lesson, cleans up his act and gets to re-join the team some time this year. 

Jalen was just sentenced to 20 days in jail for pleading guilty to his DUI this winter.  Which seems to be a pretty harsh penalty but so was his crime.   I like Jalen a lot but what he did was serious and he is paying a high price.

Braylon won't face any jail time but will have his probation from a Cleveland fight extended one year and will serve 100 hours of community service.

I like all 3 guys and hopefully they will all learn from these serious mistakes. 

• TomVH catches up with WR Amara Darboh who visited A2 this week:  I feel a lot better with them. They all seem like really nice guys and they have a great staff there. This visit helped Michigan a lot, and it also helped with my comfort level, so yeah.

• The Big Ten Media Days start today.  Should be lots of coaches talk.  For example; We have a talented team but we also have holes we need to fill.

• New BBQ visitor is 2013 ATH Dymonte Thomas who will be there with his father and his cousin Bri'onte Dunn.   The early returns on Dymonte is he might be one of the best players in Ohio in the 2013 class and has Michigan #1 in his recruitment right now. 

• I know NFL transactions are flying around fast.  To catch you up on some Wolverines:  Mike Hart got cut by Indy,  Jonas Mouton signed his deal with the Chargers, Stevie Breaston is now with Kansas City, Martell Webb signed with the Eagles, James Rogers with Denver and  Perry Dorrestein to the Jets.   Good luck Guys!  (Obi Ezeh, Greg Banks and Adam Patterson are still looking for teams).

Game Day Video: Michigan vs Michigan State 2004

If you have time today with the late afternoon kickoff, enjoy this "classic" Michigan comeback when the Wolverines go "Braylon" on the Spartans in 2004.  Watch Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Braylon Edwards in this great great comeback victory.  This has to be the closest thing the Big House has seen to a night game. 

What a memory and a perfect video to get you ready!  Enjoy.

Go Blue! 

Michigan Monday: Time for the #1 Jersey Again

Dear Rich Rodriguez and Braylon Edwards;

These are troubling times for the Maize and Blue. We know change is difficult and can be very frustrating. We have had two losing seasons and due to some sloppiness the Michigan Program maybe looking a some major or secondary NCAA violations later this summer.

The Spring Game is a few weeks away and I believe this is a great opportunity to bring some positive news back to the program by dusting off the #1 jersey and giving it to a wide receiver. As all the know, the #1 jersey became famous when Anthony Carter wore it for Bo Schembechler. Bo was a big fan of running the ball and when Anthony came to Ann Arbor from Florida and became a star WR, many football fans were surprised. How could a WR be so effective in Bo's 3 yards and a cloud of dust offense?

That tradition has lived on through the years, with the most recent member being Braylon Edwards. Braylon has even set up a "scholarship fund" that goes along with the #1 jersey. So even though Braylon doesn't make the final decision on who gets it, he does get to put in his $.02 (or thousands of dollars). Like we all found out when RR was hired and promised the jersey to JT Floyd on the recruiting trail.

Why now? Because Michigan needs it and they haven't had anyone wear it since Braylon was at U of M in 2004.

Is someone ready for that honor? That is a great and fair question. The answer is probably no, but Michigan needs a spark and it's time to have a #1 back on the field. This is a make or break season for the Wolverines.

Who then?

The Candidates:

#1 for #1 is Roy Roundtree. Roy was the star of the 2009 Spring Game and didn't see much time in games until mid to late season. He still finished as Tate's #1 target with 32 catches for 434 yards, with 13.6 yards average and 3 touchdowns. Roy is the famous "Snake Oil" recruit and a redshirt sophomore in 2010. Roy has a nice upside and many expect him to have a big year as a regular starter in the slot. If anyone deserves #1 it's Roy.

#2 Ricardo Miller. What? This guy hasn't even taken a practice snap for the Wolverines yet? Are you crazy, he hasn't earned the right. I agree with you, but hear me out. AC was a guy from Florida that came to Michigan and spread the field with the passing game. Ricardo is a 100% Michigan Man already. He was living in Florida and moved up to Ann Arbor before his senior year to be closer to the Big House. Played his final high school year at Pioneer and enrolled early to participate in Spring Ball. He has already said, he is very interested in the #1 jersey. If Ricardo, doesn't redshirt this year, I think it would be a good investment for the next 4 years. Yes, it's a long shot but what an honor it would be for him.

#3 Darryl Stonum: Coming in 2008 Darryl was one of the best WR prospect in the country. He has shown flashes in games on why he was rated that high and has made a positive impact in the kickoff return game for the Wolverines. Like a lot of young WR's, Darryl has been inconsistent and many of us expect him to have a big 2010 in catches, yards, and kick off returns for TD's. DS's numbers in 2009 were 13 catches for 199 yards. Could be a good pick due to his return yards and upside as a WR.

#4 Junior Hemingway: Junior has shown to be a deep threat when he is healthy. The problem is, he isn't always healthy. He only played 11 games in 2009 after coming off a medical redshirt in 2008. In 2009, he caught 16 balls for 268 yards (that was a good game for Braylon) and 2 touchdowns. Junior is a skilled wide out but he needs to stay off the sidelines.


#5 Je'Ron Stokes: was a signing day signature for Rich Rod and staff in the 2009 class. Je'ron was an Army All American and was ready to make an impact for the Wolverines. He saw a little bit of the field in 2009 in 6 games with 2 catches for 16 yards. He could be another good "future" investment for the jersey.

The other receiving yards went to running backs, Odoms, and tight ends. I expect Roundtree to take some time from Odoms in 2010 at the Slot position.

So are you Buying or Selling this? Feel Free to vote in this week's poll on who you believe should wear or not wear the jersey.

Michigan Tuesday: A little Recruiting News

• State of Michigan DT recruit Johnathan Hankins is expected to pick the Buckeyes today over Michigan and Florida. The "inside" word is his high school defensive coordinator is not a big fan of the Wolverines and would send his prospect just about anywhere else. Michigan was a little late in the game in offering Hankins after he showed up to summer camp out of shape.

• California Safety recruit Sean Parker is not expected to announce his final college decision at this weekends Army All American game. He is still planning on announcing on signing day between Michigan, CAL, and USC.

• There is a rumor flying around that Adrian Witty might not be academically eligible to join the Wolverines, which would end his recruitment to Ann Arbor. Let's hope it's just a rumor.

• Joe Dumars son Jordan has transferred from South Florida and has enrolled at U of M. He is planning to join the basketball team as a walk on next Fall when he is eligible again.

• The Michigan Regents are planning to vote this week on putting $20 million into Crisler Arena to update the facility. The vote is expected to pass and is being supported by new AD Dave Brandon as well.

• Braylon Edwards and his dad have come out and said that Braylon was not taking a shot at Rich Rod on Monday night. That he comes back to Ann Arbor in the summer and works out with Barwis. "Last night during my pre-taped introduction, as a way of paying tribute to Coach Carr, I indentified myself as being from 'Lloyd Carr's University of Michigan,'" Edwards said. "I had no intention of showing any disrespect to Coach Rich Rodriguez.
  
  "I love the University of Michigan and will always be loyal to its coaching staff past, present and future."
  

Hey Kid, Do you Want to be Michigan's QB?

Last year, Michigan had a redshirt freshman 4 star pro style QB, a local walk-on QB, and David Cone who had been a back up most of his life at Michigan for good reason. The walk on and the 4 star QB split time most of the year which resulted in a 3-9 record.

So fast forward to April 2009: The 4 star QB has transferred due to competition, Michigan has two high profile freshman available for the 2009 season with one enrolling early so he could play in the Spring Game, the walk-on is still here but broke his leg during spring practice. We also can't forget, Michigan has gotten a verbal commit from one of the top dual threat QB's for the 2010 season as well.

As reported here on Monday, Jason Forcier a former Wolverine and Stanford QB, will be enrolling in graduate school this fall in Ann Arbor. Could he be available to play in 2009? The NCAA recently rescinded the rule that if you have graduated from your current school you can play at a different school without sitting out a year (see Ryan Mundy at WVU or that guy from Utah that played CB at Florida). So most likely 2010 if it works out.

There have been others that have been interested in the role of QB at Michigan recently, including former Miami Hurricane QB Robert Marve, but he decided that there were too many options in Ann Arbor for the 2010 season already. Even walk on (former President :-)) Jack Kennedy took some snaps at QB during the Spring Game. Now maybe comes the most shocking news: DUKE's Point Guard, Greg Paulus is interested in playing QB for Michigan and Michigan might be interested in him.

Your first reaction, might be what? I know Rich Rod's spread is like a basketball fast break, but this is ridiculous right?

Well, maybe or maybe not. It seems Greg could play right away and he does have a pretty nice football background. He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year as a standout quarterback at Christian Brothers Academy in New York where he threw for 11,763 yards and 152 touchdowns in 45 career games. In fact, Fox is reporting that he has already had a try out for the Green Bay Packers and about half a dozen NFL teams have contacted him.

It was also reported that Greg was in Ann Arbor on Tuesday to watch Michigan's final Spring Practice and to talk to RR about the possibility of joining the team.

I would have loved the idea last year, but don't like it at all this year. Sure the kid might have talent, but he would be coming in cold and hasn't really touched a football in 3 years (does anyone remember how that worked out for Drew Henson after he gave up baseball?). Sure it would give Michigan depth this year, but how does Greg coming in give Michigan any better chance then having Tate Forcier playing? The answer is none. The future of the position is in the hands of guys named Tate, Denard, and Devin.

The idea is interesting but not very practical.

• As expected, reports are that Brandon Smith has moved to LB from Safety due to size and lack of coverage skills.

• Rivals did unofficial stat's for the spring game: Tate Forcier: 11-13, 141 yards, 4 TD's, Carlos Brown 10 carries for 146 yards and 1 touchdown, Roy Roundtree 3 receptions for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns.

• Ryan Van Bergen Spring Game knee injury is not believed to be serious and he shouldn't need any surgery.

• Braylon Edwards might join Mario Manningham as a WR on the Giants. Memo to the Giants: David Terrell is available.

• Some quotes from Recuits from the Spring Game: "It was very exciting being in the Big House and seeing a large crowd for the spring game," Miami Northwestern offensive tackle Torrian Wilson said. "There was over 60,000, so I can't imagine how it is for a real game.” ---"I love the Michigan fans and I love the support they give their players," Columbus (Ohio) Brookhaven defensive end Derrick Bryant remarked. “I was thinking some college stadiums don't have that many people that come for a regular game and they had that many people for a scrimmage.” --- “It was definitely a great environment to see all the people there supporting Michigan,” added Livonia Stevenson running back Austin White.

Braylon is still #1 in our Hearts!

Pro Bowl Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver and former Wolverine great Braylon Edwards is not happy about his old #1 jersey. As we all know, the Wolverines have a long tradition where Michigan's best receiver wears the #1 jersey. The Tradition goes back to the great Anthony Carter, (if you want to know who AC is, check out the side panel for the video of the best play ever!).

As we know Braylon wore that number at Michigan along with many others. Braylon in fact has a 1/2 a million dollar scholarship fund for the jersey. So what's the problem?

Braylon has been going on national radio shows and saying that Coach Rod has promised the #1 jersey to an incoming freshmen defensive back JT Floyd and Braylon isn't happy. I agree with Braylon and maybe Coach Rod didn't know or understand the tradition. I'm sure this can be resolved with a quick phone call from Braylon.

Speaking of tradition: It's time Michigan started to retire numbers or at least give some type of recognition to Michigan's great former players. I would like to see the Heisman trophy winners numbers retired, not sure what number Tom Harmon wore, but #21 for Desmond Howard, and #2 for Charles Woodson should be considered for retirement.