Michigan Friday: Which Instate Recruits is Michigan Trending Up or Down With?

Before we get to the instate recruits, lets recap some things happening around the NCAA:

• Michigan commit RB King Davis has picked up offers from Florida and LSU recently.   Sounds like he is ready to take a jump up the recruiting rankings.

• QB Golson is transferring from ND.  He sure has had an interesting career at Notre Dame, he looked like a world beater and then got suspended for academic fraud.   

• Jake Ryan signed a contract with Green Bay that should pay him just under $3M for 4 years.

• 2016 LB Brendan Ferns who is the brother of Mike Ferns who recently transferred from Michigan to WVU,  has mutually parted ways with OSU because OSU doesn't offer his major petroleum engineering.  Michigan is not a factor in his recruitment.

Now to the instate recruits Trending Meter:



• *Down* Detroit King WR Donnie Corley just received an invite to Nike's Opening and has some huge offers.  He continues to say, he really hasn't heard much from the Michigan staff lately.   Not sure why the Wolverines have cooled on Corley if that is the case.

• *UP* Cass Tech OG/DT Michael Onwenu performed will at the Opening camp but didn't receive an offer.  He continues to see himself in the Maize and Blue next year.  OSU was his early leader but it looks like the Wolverines have caught up and past the Buckeyes.

• *Hold* Farmington Hills WR Des Fitzpatrick was expected to flip from Louisville to Michigan after his teammate David Resse did during Spring Game weekend.  That hasn't happened and the longer his recruitment goes, the worse it probably is for Michigan.

• *A little Up* Daelin Hayes sure has had a few interesting years.  He is rated a 5 star prospect but has been transferring schools and really hasn't played much football the last two years.  He is now in Michigan's backyard at Skyline but hasn't moved off his USC commitment.  If you remember, he was only days away from announcing for Michigan, when other schools started offering.  He took a trip out west and loved it.   He said recently, that he had been talking to Michigan lately.   Lots of room to make up here, but being able to attend every home game probably doesn't hurt Michigan's chances.  His senior year will go a long way for him keeping his 5 star status.

• *Way Down* Plymouth Canton OT Michael Jordan surprisingly committed to Ohio State yesterday.   This was a surprise commitment and one we thought Michigan might be leading in.  It's a long way to signing day but this commitment caught many off guard. 

Michigan Tuesday: Today We Will Know Hoke's Fate

By now you have heard that Jim Hackett will be meeting with Brady Hoke at 2:00 and hour before the team meeting.  Update: Now hearing the meeting is at noon.   At 12:00 there are 3 things that can happen: 

1) Brady resigns with a compensation package
2) Brady will be fired with a comp package
3) Brady will be notified that he is staying on for another year

1 and 2 are the most probable options after this disaster of a year.  Nothing has seemed to have gone right on or off the field for this program.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention there are a few people saying that Brady will be back, as Jim sees the positive things like graduation rates Brady has improved while in role.   I think that is highly un-likely but Hackett is a wild card at this point and were not sure what he is or isn't doing.    I personally don't like it that we know there is a meeting, as it reminds me of how Brandon totally botched the RR firing that took two days and two meetings after the media had already reported that Rich had been fired.

The one thing I don't understand is how the Michigan coaching staff is out on the road recruiting.  What purpose does that make?  If they have or haven't been called back to Ann Arbor is clear sign what might happen in that 2:00 meeting.

• Jimmy's interest in Michigan seems to be a he said/she said situation.  Some Michigan insiders are saying that Jimmy is interested and could come to back to Ann Arbor.  The "other" NFL jobs are in play but so is Michigan.   Being able to contact him now, when other NFL teams can't would seem to be an advantage for the Wolverines.  Don't forget it's unlikely that the 49'ers would just let him go to another team without a trade.   He could walk to Michigan. 

• Update:  Football Scoop is saying this: Multiple sources I spoke with told me Jim Harbaugh has already told Michigan that he is not a candidate.   Yes, this is a credible web site if your wondering.   If this is the case, it's better to know right now.  Also there are reports that there is a bunch of internal conflict about hiring Les Miles, which we always knew there would be.    Could this mean that Hoke is staying???  There are two people that I believe knows what Jimmy is going to do:  Jimmy and his dad Jack.  So I'm not sure I trust these sources on what he is going to do. 

• Jake Ryan was named to the All Big Ten Team, Funchess was named to the second team.

• DJ Wilson is out a month with an injury, it seems Beilein and staff might look into a medical redshirt - which I believe would be very useful to him.   If your wondering why Andrew Dakich hasn't played this year, it's because they are redshirting him which would allow him to transfer for a 5th year after he graduates from Michigan.   He is currently a sophomore in eligibility.

• I know the news this afternoon will dominate the headlines and probably your mind, but don't forget Michigan hosts Syracuse in the Big 10/ACC Challenge tonight.

Michigan Friday: Lots Of News Coming Out of Schembechler Hall

• The Michigan - ND game will be played at 7:30 on NBC.   Not a huge surprise and usually one of the highest rated games each year. 

• Jake Ryan is moving to the SAM or Middle LB spot for next year.  Hoke believes this will free him up to make plays.  Desmond Morgan and Joe Bolden played that spot for the Wolverines last year.   I like this move and think it was way over due.

• OL Chris Bryant playing days are over.  He will take a medical hardship waiver and will keep his scholarship but can no longer play for the team.  He has had serious knee and shoulder injuries since he has gotten to Ann Arbor.  Brady says he will continue to be part of the program.

• LTT had surgery on his hand

• Drake Johnson, Darboh and Magnuson are working their way back from injuries and will be limited in Spring Ball.

Also Brady Hoke the Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach  (Brandon STOP SELLING DUMB THINGS) announced some coaching position changes.

• GMat is still the DC and will coach Linebackers
• Curt Mallory Safeties, had all the DB's last year
• Mark Smith who coached the inside LB's last year will coach the Defensive Line
• Roy Manning who coached the outside LB's last year will now coach the corner backs

"Greg and I met and felt this was the best for everyone, including him and his ability to coach a position group and run a defense from the middle. When you look at Mark's experience on the defensive line, then being able to split the secondary, where you have five positions and 20-plus guys, and with the way offense and passing has changed in college football, I think it balances our staff on that side of the ball."

There isn't any significant changes on the offensive side of the ball.

My take:  I believe in Mattison and I guess Brady Hoke either doesn't have the time or can no longer effectively coach the defensive line.   I hope Mark Smith does have experience coaching the D-Line but my concern is Roy Manning switching to coach the CB's.  He is a smart coach and good motivator but I'm guessing there will be a little bit of a learning curve with that change.  He was a LB by trade at Michigan and for two years in the NFL. (update: Manning has been working with Jon Hoke, Brady's brother who coaches DB's at the NFL level).   He did coach RB's at Cincinnati so anything is possible I guess.

Michigan Tuesday: Big Al Wakes Up and Wreck It Ryan

Toledo Blade

A simple question to the Big House Blog readers:   When did you notice Devin Funchess was a mismatch for opposing defenses?   For reference he is 6'6 and 235 pounds. 

I will answer this one for you:  During one of his first games as a freshman when he made the one handed catch from Denard for a TD.  Devin appeared in 13 games last year and caught a total of 15 balls for 234 yards and 5 touchdowns.   He was named to pretty much to every Freshman All-American team with 15 total catches. 

So pretty much everyone else knew as well.   What about Big Al?  I really don't know what he was thinking.   You would assume a team with limited depth at WR would have tried to find ways to get Funchess involved before last weekend.    Speaking of the Minnesota game, Funchess had 7 catches and 151 yards, when he played mostly WR.   So in one game he had 1/2 the amount of catches he had last year and just 83 short of his total yards from last season. 

I just don't understand why it took this long.   I guess it could be on Denard and Devin for not looking for him enough, but I think the blame has to go to Big AL.  Devin has proved to have great hands but not exactly a polished blocker.   Putting him at WR, seemed like a very logical decision and one that probably should have been made at the start of the year or even last year.     The buzz out of Fall Camp last year was that he was for sure an NFL prospect and he hadn't played one college football game yet.  

Big Al, I have another secret for you: Jake Butt is pretty good as well.  Try getting him the ball.

To drive this point home a little more, I don't understand how a guy like Mike Cox can't ever get anytime at Michigan but can make an NFL team.  He is currently on the NY Giants roster.

In positive news, Jake Ryan has been cleared to play by the Michigan doctors.   I'm very excited to have him back, because I think this defense really needs his leadership.   With that said, I am very worried about him rushing back.  I know the coaches and training staff will do the right thing and I hope he is a 100% before taking any live snaps during a game.  

“He wanted to play last week,” Hoke said. “He wanted to play the week before. What do you think he’s going to say? ‘No, coach, I don’t want to play.’

Taylor Lewan has his funny $.02:  “The way he has been playing -- Jake’s Jake,” left tackle Taylor Lewan said. “I don’t think the kid knows he’s hurt. He’s the same Jake. He just has shorter hair.”

I liked how Mattison subbed in the LB's last week.  Having Jake on the field is definitely a plus, but I also hope he finds a way to use guys like Beyer and Cam Gordon in other roles.   Cam had a great cover of a TE in a 3rd down incomplete pass against Minnesota.  

• James Ross brother a 2017 LB prospect just got offered by Oklahoma.  Reported by TomVH. Jerry Montgomery recruited James to Michigan and is now at Oklahoma.    

• I'm really sad for Pewee Pipkins, I hope he heals fast.  If his injury happened in the UConn game he could have gotten a medical redshirt.  I guess Michigan will have to file for an exception if Ondre wants another year in Ann Arbor.   With a ton of defense linemen coming in an out, I expect we won't see much of a hole in the defense but really was enjoying his improved play. 

BHB 2013 Season Defensive Preview

My hope was to break down each position group one by one.  I just ran out of time with the number of commitments and other practice news of late.   So here is a high level preview of the defense with each position group.

Defensive Line

Starters:
DE Frank Clark
DT Jibreel Black
NT Q. Washington
DE Keith Heitzman

This position groups has two basic jobs in stopping the run and rushing the passer.  This unit had trouble getting sacks last year without blitzing a LB.   Getting pressure on the QB has been a clear goal of Mattison's this off season.  Frank Clark has got some serious camp buzz since Spring Ball and Q. Washington is finally ready to dominate on the D-Line after starting his career in Ann Arbor as an offensive lineman. 



I love Ryan's reaction after the sack, "what just happened?"


This is one position group that will see a ton of subs coming in and out.   Of course Ondre "Pewee" Pipkins will be better and Wormley is back healthy and been getting some nice buzz as well.   I love all the back ups behind Clark which includes Mario Ojemudia and true freshman Taco Charlton.   I expect starter minutes from both of those guys. 

This unit is very similar to it's counterparts on the offensive line.   I expect they will do well against the run but can they get to the QB?  If this unit can pressure the QB the Michigan Defense can be really good.   Greg Mattison and DL coach Brady Hoke sure do have a lot of weapons to use to spell a guy if they get tired or under preforming.

Breakout players to watch are Taco and Wormley. 


Linebackers




The golden locks are gone, lets hope his knee is getting the extra power his hair took

Starters:

SLB Cam Gordon
MLB Desmond Morgan
WLB James Ross

Michigan's worst loss in the off season came to their best player on defense in Jake Ryan's ACL tear.  Reports are that his rehab is doing well and we might see him back on the field sometime in the Big Ten season.   I just hope they don't rush him back. 

How do you replace the best player on defensive?  You do it with speed and Michigan has some very fast LB's and maybe the fastest in the history of the program.  Poor Cam Gordon has played pretty much everywhere on defensive and now gets his chance after Ryan's injury.  He has had a great Fall Camp and I expect he will use his speed to get to the QB on blitzes and cut down runners trying to get wide.    He is a 5th year senior now and this is his platform to shine. 

We know what we have in Desmond Morgan and James Ross.  Morgan is a smart middle linebacker and we will see Ross fly to the ball with his speed.    The only thing I'm concerned with from Ross and Gordon is if they get fooled their speed will get them out of their gaps very quickly.   I expect we will see a number of subs from this position group as well, I expect quite a few snaps from Brennen Beyer (if he is healthy), Joe Bolden at MLB and RJS at WLB.    

Breakout Players to Watch:   Bolden and Ross to have big years


Defensive Backs

Starters:

LCB: Raymon Taylor
SS: Thomas Gordon
FS: Jarrod Wilson
RCB Blake Countness

Michigan lost their best defensive player to injury they lost their smartest player to graduation in Jordan Kovacs.  I think we all know Kovacs seemed to make a few game saving tackles every weekend.   That type of leadership is tough to replace and this unit is coming off one of their worst performances in the Outback Bowl under Mattison.    JT Floyd is gone and The Count is back after losing him in Dallas last season. 

I will have 3 picks, no 4 picks, 5 picks...ha ha.......

Taylor got plenty of experience last year and The Count's talent should lock down the other corner.   Avery is out for a couple weeks with a knee, so the 3 deep has a ton of young guys on it.  Delonte Hollowell has had a hard time cracking the lineup and we could see a number of true freshmen in the defensive backfield this year. 

I think the biggest question mark comes at FS where they moved Avery before his injury.   Jarrod Wilson will get the start and got playing time there last year.   He struggled most of the year and I expect to see Jeremy Clark get some time here as well.   That's the entire depth chart at the FS position.   Expect teams to test this position with a bunch of deep balls.

At Nickel, they have Blake as the starter, but I'm pretty sure he can't be in two places at one time, so I expect Dymonte Thomas will get more then his fair share of snaps

This unit like the WR, concerns me.  I like Taylor and The Count but Gordon is a run stopper and Wilson's sometimes seems lost back there.   Michigan could be open to some big plays if these guys are out of position.  QB pressure could take the pressure off this unit.

Breakout players to watch:  Channing Stribling and Dymonte Thomas


Overall take:

I think the defense will continue to be strong but without a 100% healthy Jake Ryan, I think they will be good but not great.   I like the speed and I think the DL has matured but this is a building year rather then a great year.  We will see some young guys really start to make waves for the future like, Ross, Wormley, Thomas and Stribling.   These will be the building blocks of a great defense a couple years down the line.


#1 key to success this year for the defense is a huge year by the Dline.   If Frank Clark goes crazy and becomes a guy the other teams OC has to game plan for, Michigan will be in good shape.    I also expect to see a couple alignments with the likes of Taco, Mario and Clark all on the field at the same time.  These guys are way too talented to all be locked into one position group. 


Either way, the one thing I know for sure:  In Greg I Trust!

Michigan Thursday: Wreck it Ryan and The Phone is Ringing

Have you ever had one of those days, where everything was going right?  You enter a store and all the things you need is on sale, That check you have been waiting for shows up in the mail and your work load is strangely light.   That was the day I was having yesterday and sort of the off season the Wolverines were having.   Michigan signed a great recruiting class, 6 high school seniors enrolled early in January, Gardner got his redshirt,  Michigan got a new LB coach who is a former player and Fitz/The Count were coming back from injuries.   Things were going really well, until the news of Ryan's ACL tear. 

I thought it was strange that both Ann Arbor.com and ESPN Wolverine Nation basically did the same article on Tuesday talking about how much linebacker depth Michigan has for a change.     That next day, Michigan's best player on defense goes down with a year ending injury.    I'm not worried about someone filling in, I worried about someone filling in that isn't Jake Ryan.    He is clearly a playmaker on defense and this will have a very big effect on Michigan's defense next year.   Time for Cam Gordon to become that playmaker we always hoped he would be.  

_____________________

Today is the start of the NCAA Tournament and the Wake Call is now for the Wolverines.   We don't need to re-cap the last month of the Big Ten season but here is what I think will be the formula for success for the Wolverines in this tournament. 


Big Stage for Prime Time Players:

Trey Burke needs to have one of those Player of the Year runs in the tournament.  We have seen it many times with the likes of Glen Rice, Danny Manning, Carmelo, Durant, etc.   Where one player lifts the rest of their team to the Final 4.   Trey needs to be that guy.  

So does Hardaway.  He doesn't need to be the #1 star on the floor but he needs to play like it.   If he doesn't go for close to 20 a game the Wolverines will be in trouble.


Bright Lights For Freshman:

Freshman can do two things in these type of games, play big and capture the moment or wilt under the heat.    The following guys need to play huge:

• Nik needs to get his shot on.  If he is stroking the 3 ball and gets some open looks early, that will be a great sign for the Wolverines.   Nik also needs to step it up on the defense side of the ball.

• GR3: I'm not worried about his offense as I am his defense and rebounds.   We need GR3 to be athletic around the rim and get some boards.   A few momentum changing dunks here and there won't hurt either.   Don't get lost out there kid.

• McGary:  Do what you do kid.  Play strong defense and get a ton of boards.   Bring the energy.

Lost and Found

• I'm not sure what is going on with Jordan Morgan but he has to elevate his game and start making some lay ups.  His misses are killing Michigan.   He needs to hit free throws,  hit the boards and make some layups.    His defense hasn't been too bad but he needs to make the bunnies when he gets them. 

• Horford has been playing well of late but he is a bit "hot and cold" when he gets into the game.  Horford needs effort on the boards and solid defense. 

DOA?

Michigan has been to the top of the rankings this year and pretty much a top 10 team all year long.   Now everyone thinks they are done after a grueling Big Ten season that took it's toll on the young Wolverines.   Nobody is talking about Michigan and most basketball guys don't have them making it out of Auburn Hills.   When was the last time you remember Michigan playing in the NCAA Tournament in the State of Michigan?  I can't ever remember a time. 

If Beilein has some "magic sauce" he needs to pull it out now.  I want to see pretty much every defense known to man played by the Wolverines.   I want to see 1-3-1, the 2-3, Man and everything else. I also want to see a ton of ball movement on offense (not watching and waiting Burke to do something). The expectation nationally for Michigan is non-existent..  They have the talent, the coaching, the #1 player in the nation and they are playing the first two games at home.    This is the last shot for Burke and the time is now.

The phone is ringing and it's time to Wake  (insert you own expletive) UP!!!!!

Ryan Tears ACL

My reaction and depression will come with tomorrows post.   

March 20, 2013

ANN ARBOR, Mich.  University of Michigan football senior/junior linebacker Jake RyanWestlake, Ohio/St. Ignatius) is out indefinitely with a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in Tuesday's practice, the team announced today (Wednesday, March 20).

"You always hate when anyone gets injured and unfortunately we've dealt with our share of injuries in the last 12 months," said Michigan coach Brady Hoke."We will support Jake to make sure he has everything he needs to get through this.I know he will attack his rehabilitation just like he does everything else and will be back when he's ready."
Ryan led the Wolverines in 2012 with 88 tackles, 56 solo, 16 stops for loss, 4.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

He earned All-Big Ten second team honors by the media and was the Roger Zatkoff Award recipient as U-M's top linebacker.Dating back to 2011, Ryan had tallied a tackle-for-loss in 17 of his last 19 games.