Michigan Monday: Shakes Fist at NFL GM's

Arthur

I enjoy watching the NFL draft, its a fun experience to watch teams make decisions on their current and future needs.   I didn't have fun this year watching Mo Hurst drop from a 1st round pick to the 5th round and 140th pick.   There is no way there are 139 players better then Mo Hurst in college. 


So it seems the NFL will pick guys that are have committed a number of crimes, but a strange reading on an EKG is a deal breaker.  Mo Hurst was rated one of the top players in the entire draft by Pro Football Focus and he dropped to #140 because of that EKG.   Mo has been cleared by not only Michigan doctors but the doctors at Harvard as well.   It still scared NFL GM's and some took him off the board completely. 


I understand when a guy like Jake Butt drops from a first or second round TE because he tore his ACL in the Orange Bowl, but for Mo to drop after the senior year he had is just completely wrong.   Mo has even said, that Michigan found his condition his freshman year and have monitored it ever since with no problems.  


Either way, at least Gruden was smart enough to take him and even traded a couple of picks to do it.  I'm willing to bet Mo plays with a chip on his shoulder for his entire long NFL career.


In good news from the draft, Mason Cole was selected late in the 3rd round to the Arizona Cardinals.  Mo and Mason were the only two Wolverines drafted.   So that means a number of guys signed free agents deals or got invited to camp:

• Mike McCray to Miami
• Khalid Hill to Seattle  
• John O'Korn to Detroit

No word on RB Ty Isaac. I wonder if he is healthy?

• The Knicks are going to interview Miami Heat assistant and former Fab 5 member Juwan Howard for their head coaching position.  My hope is that he would be a candidate for the Michigan job once Coach B decides to retire. 

• In a name Wolverines fans will remember, DeShawn Hand got drafted by the Detroit Lions.  I hear the Lions have a great hurricane simulator.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-monday-shakes-fist-at-nfl-gms.html

Celebrate National Small Business Week in Maryland

It’s National Small Business Week, and in Maryland that means we’re celebrating the companies that form the bedrock of our economy.

Maryland has more than 580,000 small businesses, which means our small business community makes up more than 99 percent of all the businesses in the state. More than 1 million people are employed by Maryland small businesses—that’s more than half of the state’s private workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Small businesses are everywhere, providing every kind of service: construction firms, retail stores, manufacturers, health care providers—you name it! They also include our thriving community of ground-breaking startups, so it’s no wonder Maryland has been named one of the top states in the country for innovation.

Our larger firms and institutions depend on our small businesses community to provide essential services and supplies, and they’re one of our most important reasons that we can say Maryland is “Open for Business” as we show companies from all over the world why they should locate here.

Thank you to all of our small businesses for everything you do!

The post Celebrate National Small Business Week in Maryland appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/celebrate-national-small-business-week-in-maryland/

Michigan Friday: Reports are Shea Will Be Eligible Immediately

diehardsports.com

Rivals first reported it and 24/7 confirmed that the NCAA has granted Shea Patterson immediate eligibility.   The official announcement is expected today or early next week.


I'm always a little worried about these type of reports with the NCAA, but all signs point to a decision in Michigan's favor here shortly.   The funny part is, Shea and the team will get to celebrate in Paris as they landed there yesterday. 


The Michigan coaches gave all 3 QB's equal time with the one's during spring practice as Shea's eligibility wasn't clear.  I now expect he will take more 1st string snaps in fall practice and will have to pick up more of the playbook during the summer.  I believe the coaches can't be on the field coaching but can meet with the players, which should help Shea prepare for next season.


This is great news, I hope it becomes official today.  


Quick update: There is some paperwork that needs to be signed and some language changed but its close to being completed. 


Shea it with me:  GO BLUE!!

• Mo didn't get taken in the first round and lets hope he is picked up early tonight as rounds 2 & 3 are this evening.   If you're wondering, Mike McCray is expected to go in day 3 in rounds 5-6.  If either guy gets drafted, Michigan will have 80 years in a row of players being drafted by the NFL.

• I'm not a fan of the way Cleveland handled the draft last night.   I think they could have gotten Barkey and a top QB.  I like Mayfield but don't believe he was the best QB or the best player in the draft.    (I would have liked Mayfield around #10 or so) I also don't believe you can pass on Chubb at #4, even though they drafted Myles Garrett last year.  If they went with Barkley at #1 they could have gotten Mayfield at #4. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-friday-reports-are-shea-will.html

Michigan Thursday: Nebraska AD and Ibi Picks A Team

Nebraska is loving them some Scott Frost right now.  It's sort of the same feeling we had when Jimmy joined Michigan.  Remember that feeling?  All the recruits would flock to Ann Arbor and we would be beat Ohio State every time we saw them. 


That was a great feeling but it wasn't based on reality.   The reality was the offensive line and QB cupboard was pretty bare and it was going to take time for Michigan to do anything news worthy as it got further and further away from the Hoke and RR era's. 


Nebraska is in the "honeymoon" period, they sold out their spring game and Scott Frost has the fan base excited because his undefeated run in the American Athletic Conference last year.   The reality is Nebraska is coming off a coach well past his prime and never should have gotten the job and I expect it will take a few years before Nebraska is back.   With that said, it didn't stop the Nebraska AD Bill Moos from drinking the kool-aide:  “We’re going to run that up-tempo offense we saw (at the spring game), and we’re going to get the Blackshirts back to being Blackshirts. And that’s extremely important,” Moos said on Tuesday, via the Omaha World-Herald. “You’ve got Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh thinking, ‘We better put a little more into that Nebraska game coming up." "And that’s the way we want it. They’re running a little bit scared right now. And they won’t admit it. We’ll leave that at that.”

Reality is neither coach has even given Nebraska a second thought this off season.   I'm sure both are focused on their programs and getting better.  The reality is, it takes years to turn these programs around and get the right players in your system. 

• Ibi Watson picked Dayton has his next college.  Dayton is a very strong basketball program and we wish Ibi all the luck in the world as he continues his education and basketball career.

• In bad news, ESPN's Todd McShay has said that many teams have taken Mo Hurst off their board due to the combine EKG and he now may fall to day 3.   What a shame and a huge mistake for teams if its true.   Big Mo would be a steal for any team in the second round. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-thursday-nebraska-ad-and-ibi.html

On-demand Mobile App Development

On-Demand mobile App is absolutely booming in the market with several services and solution. Nowadays many companies started their business with on demand apps and connect with people with their real time on demand like Restaurant, Transportation, Taxi, Laundry Services that allow startups to build an On-Demand Mobile App faster and better services and increase goal and conversation.

The post On-demand Mobile App Development appeared first on Baltimore Tech.

from http://baltimoretech.org/news/on-demand-mobile-app-development/

International cybersecurity companies vie for iCyberCenter spots

There was no Mr. Wonderful, no dramatic music, and no national television coverage, yet in Venable LLP’s 38th floor conference room with an expansive view of San Francisco, the tension was palpable.

Ten cybersecurity companies – from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom – made three-minute pitches to a panel of expert judges during the Maryland RSA Pitch Competition hosted by iCyberCenter@bwtech and the Maryland Department of Commerce. Unlike Shark Tank, though, each contestant walked away with prizes, including free or discounted access to workshops and programs offered by iCyberCenter@bwtech.

London-headquartered Ruggd, represented by CEO Brittany Greenfield, took home first place in the competition. Along with second-place winner iProov and third-place finisher Cog Systems, Ruggd won a free spot in the iCyberCenter’s two-day workshop in June, as well as three free months in the bwtech@UMBC incubator in Catonsville, Md. Deep Secure and Reponsight each won a free spot in the iCyberCenter’s June workshop. The other competitors – SIEMonster, Cogito Group, Aleron Security, Immersive Labs, and RedShield – each received a $500 discount for the workshop.

“bwtech@UMBC’s iCyber Incubator was delighted to co-host an international pitch competition during the RSA conference with Maryland Commerce,” said Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of bwtech@UMBC. “Maryland is an excellent place for international cybersecurity companies to enter the U.S. market, as evidenced by the strong international applicant pool for this pitch event.”

Hemmerly welcomed contestants, judges, and guests and emceed the program. Prior to the presentations, Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill and Silent Circle CEO Gregg Smith spoke about the advantages and opportunities of doing business in Maryland.

“The Maryland RSA Pitch Competition was a terrific opportunity to tell international companies about Maryland’s outstanding assets, resources, and business culture,” said Gill. “Our state has drawn some of the best talent and technology in the world, and we’re looking forward to adding these businesses to our robust cyber sector.”

In addition to Smith, judges included Preston Frazier, chief technologist (cyber), Northrop Grumman Mission Systems; Jeremy Grant, managing director of technology and business strategy, Venable LLP; Ken McCreedy, director of cybersecurity and aerospace, Maryland Commerce; Christopher Steed, managing director, Paladin Capital Group; and Steven Witt, co-founder and investment board member, DataTribe.

The iCyberCenter’s June workshop will provide information about the U.S. cyber market, introductions to successful entrepreneurs and investors in the sector, and access to experts who have helped companies win more than $4 billion in U.S. government contracts. Held in conjunction with the workshop, a “Meet the Buyer” event is designed to connect international companies with CISOs and CTOs, as well as integrators and U.S. resellers. Three months’ free access to iCyberCenter@bwtech will give companies access to the co-working facility’s unique resources and programs, as well as the nation’s premier cybersecurity talent pool.

“We were gratified to find so much interest from the high quality companies that pitched at the competition,” said McCreedy. “Our message was clear: Maryland is the international gateway to the U.S. cybersecurity market.”

Even Mr. Wonderful and Shark Tank would have been impressed.

The post International cybersecurity companies vie for iCyberCenter spots appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/international-cybersecurity-companies-vie-icybercenter-spots/

Wolverine Wednesday: Where Will Mo Go?

USA Today

The NFL Draft 1st round kicks off tomorrow in Dallas.   Michigan's only hope for a first rounder is defensive tackle Mo Hurst.  During the year Pro Football Focus couldn't stop talking about Mo and expected him to be a top 10 pick.   Then the NFL combine happened and NFL doctors found an irregular electrocardiogram reading.  Big Mo decided to not participate in the combine and went back to Michigan for further testing.   He has now be cleared and ready to get drafted.


With his heart condition and maybe not participating in the combine, there has been little to no buzz about Mo.  He is not going in the top 10 and maybe not even in the first round.  Mel Kiper has a high second round grade on him and Todd McShay has him as a late first round or early second round position.   CBS Sports has 3 mock drafts and only one has him in the first round.  


So Thursday might be a long day for the 6'1 293 pound defensive tackle from Michigan.  If scouts watched tape from last year they would have seen a player that deserves a first round grade.  He is very quick off the ball and will spend a ton of time in the backfield.   He has been coached his entire time at Michigan by Greg Mattison which should account for something as well.  He is NFL ready! I'm very confident that Mo will be a very good NFL player if he stays healthy.


Good luck Big Mo!

• 2019 CB from GA DJ Turner enjoyed his last visit to A2 and was really impressed by the academics.

• Michigan and ND are on top for 2019 St. Louis athlete Kyren Williams

• I think Ohio commit Gabe Newburg brought his entire extended family up for a visit to Ann Arbor last weekend, which is really cool!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/wolverine-wednesday-where-will-mo-go.html

Michigan Tuesday: Recruiting News and Notes

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

— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) April 22, 2018

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

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

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

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

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-tuesday-recruiting-news-and.html

Maryland’s National Parks generate $234 million

From historic battlefields to a national seashore, there are a variety of Maryland locations to visit in honor of National Park Week.

Held April 21 – 29, the National Park Service is celebrating the more than 400 sites protected under the National Park System. Here in Maryland, our 18 NPS sites generate an economic impact of more than $234 million in park tourism. And with more than 6.5 million visitors every year, our small state packs quite the punch in culture, recreation, and conservation.

If you’re looking to visit one of Maryland’s sites this week, our top choice is one of the state’s newer NPS members – the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad. Take time to explore Tubman’s home and landscape while learning about her journey to freedom. While visiting this national historical park, enjoy the Eastern Shore’s spring weather and stop by the adjacent visitor center and the surrounding Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The visitor center – which opened last spring – surpassed 100,000 visitors during its first year in business.

The National Park Service was created in 1916 to conserve the scenery, historic objects, and wildlife across the country. President Woodrow Wilson signed the act in order to protect the nation’s natural landmarks and provide enjoyment for future generations. Today, the sites cover more than 84 million acres in the U.S.

See the full list of National Parks in Maryland on the NPS website. Commemorate the occasion by joining NPS on social media with the hashtag #FindYourPark.

The post Maryland’s National Parks generate $234 million appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/marylands-national-park-sites-generate-234-million/

Michigan Monday: Way Too Early Look At ND

I was channel surfing this weekend and saw the ND Spring Game on the guide and decided to take a quick look at what ND has this season.    I watched about an hour as Spring Games when they are not your favorite team is like watching grass grow. 


The Bad News:


Winbush is clearly the #1 QB and is a good athlete.  He has a strong arm and can scramble for extra yards, which we know can give the Michigan defense a ton of problems, see JT Barrett. 


ND's wide receivers (Myles Boykin) are huge and athletic, they will be a handful for the talented Michigan CB's.


ND's running backs also seems very good and can get chuck yards when the offense doesn't throw. The Kelly offense looks like it will score plenty of points.    Lots of RPO's.


Drue Tranquill at LB is very good.


The Good News:


Winbush tends to make mistakes in the throwing game and his offensive line looks shaky.   Getting pressure on him with the nation's #1 DL shouldn't be a problem.


It's hard to know how good the defense is in a spring game, but it looked like ND has issues on defense.  The DB's seemed to get beat often and there was a ton of WR's running open most of the game.  


Field goal kicking looking a little shaky and didn't seem to have a ton of range.



"Footwork" Freddy Canteen got in for a few plays but had a red non-contact jersey on.  

• The word on the street is that we might get a decision from the NCAA later this week on the Shea Patterson eligibility.   We will see!
• Charles Matthews will take a shot at the NBA Draft.  This comes as a bit of a surprise, but he says he won't hire an agent and could decide to come back.  The mock drafts don't have him in the first two rounds and unless he just kills the NBA combine, there seems to be a good chance he comes back for another year in A2.
• Elysee Mbem-Bosse apologizes for his threating Harbaugh tweets.   Which most people do when they have crossed the line and the police start to investigate.  Let's hope this is the end to this story.
• Pep on Peters this Spring: “Just taking command of the huddle, making quicker, faster decisions,” Hamilton said. “That’s all the result of having played in games and getting a true sense of how bad the defensive players and their intentions are with regard to hitting the quarterback.”
• Here is an interesting recruit:  2019 Columbus (Ohio) DeSales Joey Velazquez plays both baseball and football and has a scholarship from OSU in baseball.  He is considering playing both sports at Michigan.  He probably would be a DB and plays CF on the diamond.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-monday-way-too-early-look-at-nd.html

Michigan Friday: Just Coach Football

I was reading a Mgoblog post yesterday, where they were discussing the state of the program after the coaching changes this spring.   We have heard about the new focus of the new coaches, the younger guys they brought in like Gant and Roundtree, and even the new attitude of head coach Jim Harbaugh.   This paragraph from the article was very interesting to me:


What it means: There’s a sign on Harbaugh’s desk this year that reads “Just coach football” and there’s a strong narrative emanating from Schembechler that his focus has shifted back to the program instead of positioning it (and himself) nationally/globally. I believe that’s being framed so positively by those around the program because that’s their perspective, but that both are worthwhile pursuits. For this year I think it’s a good thing, since the headlines did their jobs and there were some important things being overlooked on the home front.

So the head coach of Michigan's program forgot to coach football?  It happens.   We pay these guys a ton of money and they become CEO's.  Coaching in college is 24/7 and 365 days a year job.   Recruiting never stops, there are alumni events,  charties, golf tournaments, and so on.


Brian Kelly went through the same things two seasons ago at Notre Dame.  He re-focused on football and his team played better last season.  It's hard to fathom that the head coach at Michigan forgot to coach football, but I guess it can happen.    People seem to be saying the right things this spring, but they say the right things every spring.   The proof will be in the results on the field in September. 

• Breaking News: Speaking about coaching football.  OSU former coach Earl Bruce pasted away this morning.  RIP Coach!

• Ole Miss, pretty much told the NCAA we don't have anything more to add, to Shea Patterson's response to NCAA request for new information.  My guess is Ole Miss is done paying for this situation and just wants to move on.   Which we all should do, once the NCAA grants the waiver!

• 2019 Instate OL recruit Karsen Barnhart was expected to announce today and it was expected to be a Michigan decision, has delayed that announcement.

• Alabama and ND signed a new home and home contract. Alabama will open the 2028 season in South Bend with a return visit to Tuscaloosa in 2029.

• Speaking of Bama, there is plenty of "smoke" around the Jalen Hurts might transfer "fire" story, if he is not named the starter.

• Michigan has offered NJ 2019 defensive end David Ojabo.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-friday-just-coach-football.html

Celebrating Earth Day in Maryland

Earth Day is April 22, and we are looking at Maryland’s energy and sustainability industry and highlighting companies throughout the state that are working towards smarter energy use and greener living.

In Maryland, our more than 1,200 energy and sustainability firms generate an estimated $8 billion in gross state product. Through numerous state resources, we are looking to ensure that number keeps growing for years to come.

In the coming months, the Maryland Green Registry Leadership Awards will honor local companies celebrating environmental successes. This annual event focuses on the achievements of Maryland Green Registry members that are committed to continuing sustainable practices. Businesses can become registry members for free and have until the end of the month to apply for a green leadership award.

Three-time award winner Thermo Fisher Scientific believes improving environmental sustainability is an ongoing process. With offices in Frederick and Walkersville, this biotechnology company has been a member of the Maryland Green Registry since 2011, with a strong focus on conserving resources, minimizing waste, and reducing greenhouse gases. The company has also been recognized by Frederick County, The National Conference on Citizenship, and the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for its impact on the community.

Newer to the program is Hamilton Associates, an Owings Mills-based parent company of three manufacturers. Hamilton pulls the three businesses together with one shared vision: to improve the world through responsibly manufactured products. The company received a leadership award last year for reducing its energy usage by 20 percent—upgrades to HVAC systems, fixing air leaks, and retrofitting LED lighting all helped the company become more energy efficient. Hamilton also encourages its employees to participate in reusing materials and hosted a demonstration on creating garden planters out of leftover wooden pallets.

Other registry members all throughout the state are working towards reducing their carbon footprint, including GM Baltimore, Habitat for Humanity, Linganore Winecellars, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and various hotels, government agencies, universities, and state parks. Read the full list of members by clicking here.

Companies outside the registry are also looking to make eco-friendly changes in Maryland. Based out of Linthicum, The Wilburn Company is a commercial cleaning service dedicated to not only cleaning buildings and businesses, but also making sure they help keep the environment clean. The company recently received a new GS-42 certification from Green Seal®, which ensures that Wilburn’s services meet the certifier’s impressively high standards. The company must reduce chemical waste and solid waste, as well as continue workforce training for employees, to keep its certification.

“We are not just janitors, we are environmental hygienists,” said Robert Baldwin, vice president of The Wilburn Company. “We are impacting people’s lives by directly affecting their health, their economics, and their work performance all while protecting the environment.”

It’s not only up to the business community to help keep our planet clean. If you’re an individual looking to make an environmental difference outside of the workplace, check out these volunteer opportunities compiled by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Read more about energy and sustainability in Maryland.

The post Celebrating Earth Day in Maryland appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/celebrating-earth-day-in-maryland/

Perdue celebrates 50 years of legendary brand

Wolverine Wednesday: Too Many Cooks In The Kitchen

The Michigan offense has been a mess since Jedd Fisch left the program.  When Jimmy got hired, he was clear on roles and from the outside it seemed to be working well and guys stayed in their swim lanes.   The offense last year looked disjointed and sometimes (looked like it was) lacking a true game plan. 


Jimmy needed to fix that, while still bringing in top coaching talent.   He hired former Gators head coach and former National Championship OC Jim McElwain and former OSU OC and former National Champion Ed Warinner.   Both are coaching positions groups that is getting a 100% of their time and focus.   Jim McElwain did his first press conference yesterday and has been happy how the WR's have developed this Spring and he is just learning the offense.  Even though Michigan doesn't have an official Offensive Coordinator it seems Pep is running the show on that side of the ball.   Let's hope that clarity and focus, gives Michigan the uplift on offense they need.

• Elysee Mbem-Bosse left the Michigan program in November and it seems he is holding a grudge against Coach Harbaugh.  The police are even looking into some threats.  This is very sad if its true. 

• Newest commit Jack Stewart has a comment for those concerned he is just a 3 star:  "I've never been to a camp. Ever," said Stewart. "A lot of people are coming at me because I'm only a three star. Well, I've never been to a camp. My dad didn't want me to go to camps. He said, 'they'll find you if you're good.' And that's what happened. I never went to a camp. I never went to a combine. And they ended up finding me.  Sounds like Coach Ed Warinner also made a huge impression on Jack when he visited last weekend. 

• Per ESPN Michigan Basketball has moved up to #15 in the country with it's incoming recruiting class.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/wolverine-wednesday-too-many-cooks-in.html

Michigan Tuesday: Wonders If We Should Call Him Jackie?

Here is an interesting thought (at least it was for me):
Did the cancellation of the Spring Game actually help recruiting?

Michigan landed another commitment last night in Jack Stewart, which we will get to in a minute.  What's interesting is some thoughts from Instate OL prospect Karsen Barnhart's mom on not having the game and getting more personal time with the staff and the other families:

“This one was probably one of my favorite visits because the spring game was canceled, so we were in a close environment,” she said. “You got to mingle with a lot of the parents during the practice. And Coach Mattison’s wife found me right away when we got there and started introducing me to several different moms and telling me about their son (Bryan Mattison, who was an All American offensive line recruit in the early 2000s).


“Every visit we’ve had has been great there,” Mrs. Barnhart said. “One of the things that I like about every visit (to Michigan) … and it’s not that we’re not very special at other places… but we are treated top notch at Michigan. Someone is always there to guide you. We always have someone that if we need something, they pretty much stick with us throughout the day. Some of these other schools we’ve been on visits to, it’s like you’re kind of left hanging and you don’t know what to do next.”


Side note: We have always known that Coach Mattison is one of  the best recruiters in the country, maybe its really his better half who's the top notch recruiter!

Karsen is expected to announce on Friday and it looks like Michigan has a great chance to make this week a hat trick of commitments. 


Speaking of commitments, Michigan landed another talented offensive lineman recruit in Jack Stewart last night. 

Jack is rated a 3 star prospect and a bit under rated because he plays in "Don Brown" territory out East in Connecticut.  As you probably already know, CT is not known as a football state which means prospects really don't get scouted much.  Which in the past has meant great pick ups for the likes of UConn, BC, ND, and others. 

Jack is 6'5 and 275 as a Junior and has offers from the likes of Arizona, ASU, BC, UK, IU, TCU, Texas AM, Baylor, Maryland, and Ole Miss.  Michigan didn't even offer until April 6th.   I wouldn't be surprised to see his stock and ranking go way up now that he is committed to Michigan.   ESPN for example doesn't even rank him.  

His high school coach likes the player Michigan is getting:

"He has all the ingredients Michigan looks for in a football player," New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli said. "The face he is going to go out there with (Michigan defensive coordinator) Donnie Brown and coach (Jim) Harbaugh and that program, they're going to force him to him be as good as he can possibly be.


"He's a road grinder kind of offensive lineman."


"Jack Stewart is one of my best football players, no doubt," Marinelli said. "He's a big, strong, tough, athlete. He's a heavyweight wrestler."


Two things to point out: 

1. He called Don Brown, Donnie which I love and shows the long relationship.
2. He is a heavyweight wrestler which is great for offensive lineman

If we call him Jackie does that mean he will get off to a great start and play fast?

Welcome Big Man!





from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-tuesday-wonders-if-we-should.html

Paint the town on the Eastern Shore

Guest feature: Barbara Vann is with the Kent County Office of Tourism Development. Follow Kent County on Facebook and Twitter.

After a brutally cold winter, what better way to savor the warmth and beauty of spring than the RiverArts 9th Annual “Paint the Town,” April 26-29, where more than 50 talented artists will paint Chestertown and the surrounding countryside and waterways.

Artists come from throughout the mid-Atlantic region and as far away as Washington, D.C. and New York. In fact, Chestertown has been voted the “best place to escape” in Maryland. Many artists paint scenes of historic Chestertown and the surrounding small towns and countryside, while some arrive a day early to scout out Kent County, looking for something special. The result is a wonderful range of paintings that include historic buildings and street scenes, gardens, rural expanses, seascapes, nautical views, and more.

The artists will paint for three days: on Thursday and Friday they will paint throughout Kent and upper Queen Anne’s Counties, and on Saturday, artists are encouraged to paint in downtown Chestertown while one of Maryland’s most popular Farmers’ Markets is in town.

The paintings are framed and will be available for sale at the free “Wet Paint Reception and Sale” on Saturday, April 28, 5:30-8:00pm at RiverArts, 315 High Street. The artists will have their own say by voting “Best in Show” and “Best Body of Work.” Sales tend to be brisk so visitors are encouraged to make their choices during the reception. However, if more time is needed, the paintings can be viewed on Sunday morning.

On Sunday there will be a “Quick Draw” where artists have two hours to paint a scene. These paintings will also be for sale 11am-12pm and will be shown in Fountain Park. In case of inclement weather, the paintings will be moved to the breezeway near RiverArts.

Click here for more information.

The post Paint the town on the Eastern Shore appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/paint-the-town-on-the-eastern-shore/

Michigan Monday: Spring Practice is a Wrap and A New Commit

Michigan cancelled the Spring Game due to weather concerns but that didn't stop them from bringing in a number of recruits and doing a private scrimmage on Saturday.   One recruit, 2019 four-star cornerback Te'Cory Couch even flipped his commitment to Michigan from Tennessee.  Couch is rated as a 5'10 athlete and around 160 pounds.   His offer list included, LSU, Illinois, UK, KSU, Louisville, Miami, MSU, NC State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and many more. 


Couch said that Don Brown told him, he was the #1 CB on his board and that he really wanted Te'Cory to come to Ann Arbor.  Don who usually likes taller CB's must really love Te'Cory's athleticism and his ability to cover.  TCC is the first CB commit in the 2019 class.


Couch was on a visit with his Hollywood, FL 4 star teammates S Keontra Smith and WR John Dunmore.  Both guys are expected to stay in-state.


TCC is Michigan's 8th commit to the 2019 class that currently ranks #5 in the country and #1 in the Big Ten on 24/7.




What we know about Spring Practice


We didn't get to see it with our own eyes, so we have to go on what is written and some insider reports.

• QB - As expected Patterson is clearly the #1, Peters and McCaffrey are battling for #2.  Milton was impressive and turned some heads in the scrimmage.
• OL - Is improved and deeper with Ruiz and Bredeson the only starting locks, the rest of the positions are too close to call and will be figured out in Fall Camp.
• RB - Higdon #1, Evans #2
• WR- Black is back! DPJ is improving and the rest of the young guns played well
• TE's - Are bigger and stronger due to the new S&C guy

Defense

• DL/DE - Maybe the best in the country - Jeter and Dwumfour got plenty spring practice buzz
• LB's - Bush and Hudson are the clear starters, Ross and Gil in a battle. Singleton is healthy and playing well
• CB's - Ambry Thomas has had a good spring with Hill out with an injury.  Very deep position group.
• S - Kelly-Powell had a good spring and is expected to compete with Utah transfer Hughes when he gets on campus. 

K- Quinn Nordin - Lock
P - Continues to be open and the expectation is Brad Robbins will improve




I know that is not breaking news, but this Spring was all about improvement and fixing the issues from last season.  Let's hope the players and coaches accomplished that goal. 



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-monday-spring-practice-is-wrap.html

Tech company of the week: Trinity Cyber

Last May, Governor Hogan announced the Excel Maryland Initiative at the inaugural Maryland Business Summit in front of more than 700 business, education, and community leaders in the state. The initiative’s goal is lofty – to launch a comprehensive, statewide economic development strategy focused on developing new collaborative techniques to accelerate growth in the life sciences and cybersecurity industries.

With more than 35 incubators and research parks and a number one ranking in STEM job concentration, Maryland is fertile ground for entrepreneurs in life sciences and cybersecurity, industries where Maryland already leads. Excel Maryland, the latest tool in the state’s toolbox, is designed to propel these industries to even greater heights.

MDBizNews sat down with a few local businesses that are thriving in the state’s cybersecurity sector and giving the Commerce team plenty to brag about at the upcoming RSA Conference.

Trinity Cyber, based in Bowie, operates a business-to-business cybersecurity service for clients based on a three-pronged approach of being proactive, adaptive, and invisible when it comes to securing valuable networks.

Founders Steve Ryan and Neill Sciarrone come from top-level government security backgrounds – Ryan previously served as Director of the National Security Agency’s Threat Operations Center and Sciarrone was Special Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Senior Director of Cybersecurity at the White House. Steve Wagner, Trinity’s director of external affairs, said Maryland was a natural fit for starting an-up-and-coming cybersecurity business.

“Maryland has a great reputation for supporting both small and local businesses, from state representatives to the governor’s office to county and city officials, all of whom have exceeded our high expectations,” said Wagner. “Additionally, as an education-rich environment with several top-tier institutions offering degrees in digital security, Maryland offers access a rich pipeline of talent in the cybersecurity field.”

Trinity’s approach to security utilizes their patented Proactive Threat Interference^TM service that works with a client’s existing cyber defense infrastructure to prevent malicious Internet traffic from reaching corporate networks. Wagner says that the proactive nature of Trinity’s cybersecurity service breaks the mold of most reactive defense services.

“Cybersecurity products and services tend to focus internally on the corporate network, helping to identify malicious traffic, investigate potential events, and minimize damage from incursions,” Wagner said. “While these functions are very important to securing networks, they are also inherently reactive to events that have already occurred. Trinity Cyber’s service complements these existing functions by operating outside the corporate network, between our customers and cyber adversaries, to stop attacks before they even reach our clients.”

As Trinity grows rapidly in this ever-expanding industry, the company plans to tap into talent pipelines from the University System of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Maryland’s other leading higher education institutions to expand their team and meet demand.

“As a growing business, we are constantly searching for top cybersecurity talent,” Wagner said. “Proximity to Maryland’s strong educational institutions provides us with a strategic advantage as we continue to scale our operations and execute on our mission.”

For more information visit trinitycyber.com.

Click here for more Tech Company of the Week profiles

The post Tech company of the week: Trinity Cyber appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/tech-company-of-the-week-trinity-cyber/

Michigan Friday: At Least He Can Play In The Rose Bowl Now

sporting news

Wilton finally pulled the trigger on his transfer yesterday.   He decided to run the Chip Kelly offense at UCLA.   Which at first looks like a round peg in a square hole.   Maybe the time in the NFL has changed Chip and he is going to run more of a pro offense.   If not, it will be interesting to see Wilton run the football a bit.   (If you didn't know and I'm sure a majority of you do, UCLA plays its home games at the Rose Bowl)


That wasn't the only transfer news we got yesterday, since Michigan is now a basketball school I probably should have led with this story.   Ibi Watson announced that he plans to transfer from Michigan.  Ibi got passed up by Jordan Poole at the 2 and Adrian Nunez and Iggy Bazdeikis will be coming in as true freshmen. 


Ibi saw more playing time early in the year but was pretty non-existent in the Big Ten season and in the tournament.  This transfer was expected as Michigan was over the scholarship limit for next year and could be one under if and when Wagner pulls the trigger on the NBA draft which is also expected. 


In fact, Coach B has been rumored to be talking to South Dakota grad transfer Matt Mooney who plays point and shooting guard positions.   Which pretty much guarantees that Mo has told coach he is gonzo as well.   Mo was rated a 2nd round pick before Michigan's NCAA run, it will be interesting to see what the tournament did for his draft status. 

• Sounds like Roy Roundtree is starting to make a difference with the young WR core at Michigan.  Great hire by Jimmy!  I'm sure Roy will be able to turn this role into a WR coaching position in a year or two.  Michigan fans are looking for a huge year from this position group next year. 

• Michigan will look to sign about 3 WR's in the 2019 class.  They just offered SC 2019 wide receiver Jacoby Pinckney and Michigan hosted Connecticut receiver Cornelius Johnson this week.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-friday-at-least-he-can-play-in.html

Port of Baltimore breaks nearly 40 year record

Guest feature: Richard Scher is the director of communications for the Maryland Port Administration. Follow the Port on Facebook and Twitter.

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore’s public and private marine terminals handled 38.4 million tons of cargo in 2017, the most since 1979 and the third-highest tonnage in its history. This record comes on the heels of a record 2017 year for the Port’s state-owned public marine terminals.

“The Port of Baltimore continues to be a leading economic engine for our state, supported by tens of thousands of hard-working Marylanders,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The Port is a great example of our Administration’s commitment to ensuring that Maryland remains Open for Business.”

The 38.4 million tons of cargo handled last year was valued at $53.9 billion. The cargo tonnage fell just behind the record of 40.9 million tons in 1974 and 38.5 million tons in 1979.

The Hogan Administration recently announced that last year the Port’s public marine terminals, managed by the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration, had a record year by handling 10.7 million tons of general cargo. It was the second consecutive year for more than 10 million tons of general cargo from the public terminals. General cargo includes autos and light trucks, containers, roll on/roll off (farm, mining and construction equipment), forest products (rolled paper and wood pulp) and breakbulk cargo. Included in the general cargo number was a record 596,972 containers, an 11 percent jump from the previous record set in 2016.

Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 13,650 direct jobs, while about 127,600 jobs in Maryland are linked to Port activities. The Port is responsible for nearly $3 billion in personal wages and salary and more than $300 million in state and local tax revenues. Learn more.

The post Port of Baltimore breaks nearly 40 year record appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/port-of-baltimore-breaks-nearly-40-year-record/

Michigan Thursday: Jimmy Speaks and No Spring Game

We don't love the Spring Game for the action or the great game play, we love it because we love Michigan Football and we get an early look at the Maize and Blue in the Big House. It's just a little taste before September, when Michigan starts the season on the road.   How does that keep happening?  That is a rant for another day.


We love it for glimpses of new QB's and new position players.  It was magical when Tate Forcier was hitting Roy Roundtree for long touchdown passes.   We hope that something fun happens so we can be excited about a TE or LB for the entire summer.


Due to weather and injuries, the Wolverines have shut down Saturday's scrimmage or public practice.   I hope the BTN gets some practice coverage, so at least we can see Shea throw a couple throws to DPJ and Tarik Black.  


We will see.


Jimmy spoke on the Big Ten conference call and had a few call outs:


"Individual players that are asserting themselves, that are going to find a lot more playing time -- as you can see it in spring practice, you get very excited about them. Probably the No. 1 guy who's in that position of really having a great spring is Mike Dwumfour, defensive tackle, Ambry Thomas, defensive corner, and Josh Ross, inside linebacker -- those three I would highlight on the defensive side of the ball.


"And, offensively, again, just staying with guys that are poised to have a good season. Contributed some last year, but expect a bigger role this year -- the receiving corps is really coming on fast. Tarik Black is back up to to speed. Donovan Peoples-Jones continues to be an improving, ascending player -- very good. Nico Collins -- there's a name for you. Really doing a great job. Tough blocking and making tough catches. Oliver Martin is asserting himself on the scene, as well as Nate Schoenle. Another improving, ascending player -- Nick Eubanks, doing a fantastic job.

• Speaking of injuries - Aubrey Solomon had a appendectomy yesterday.  I'm sure that will keep him out of football activities for a number of weeks.   I hope he can still make the European trip at the end of the month.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-thursday-jimmy-speaks-and-no.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Some Spring Game Notes

The Spring Game might be more of a practice on Saturday at the Big House.  They will do some scrimmaging but don't expect a full game.   I hope we don't get 45 minutes of punting like we did during Brady Hoke's time running the program.




The time is 5:45, sounds like the BTN coverage will be on tape delay at 7:00 PM for those not local or don't want to sit in the cold and rain.   The forecast around 5:00 pm should be about 40 degrees with 90% of rain.

• A person you won't see in uniform on Saturday is FB/LB Ben Mason.  He has a torn meniscus and will have surgery.  He will be out of football activities for about 6 weeks, so he will be good to go for Fall Camp.   Ben is expected to play FB and LB next season.  

• A guy that is getting a ton of buzz is Michael Dwumfour at DT.  Many who have seen practice are saying he is similar to Mo Hurst.   That would be great and even more depth to maybe the best D-Line in the country.   Yes, Byran Mone will be back for his 12th season at Michigan on the defensive line as well.

• The offensive line will also be interesting on Saturday.  Reports are that Ruiz and Bredeson are the two best lineman and the rest of the spots are up for grabs.   Ruiz is expected to be a lock a center and Bredeson at left guard.   Who are going to be the tackles and right guard spot seems to still be open.   Battle Royale with JBB, Runyan, Hudson, Filiaga, Stueber, Onwenu and Spanellis.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/wolverine-wednesday-some-spring-game.html

Tech company of the week: Contrast Security

Last May, Governor Hogan announced the Excel Maryland Initiative at the inaugural Maryland Business Summit in front of more than 700 business, education, and community leaders in the state. The initiative’s goal is lofty – to launch a comprehensive, statewide economic development strategy focused on developing new collaborative techniques to accelerate growth in the life sciences and cybersecurity industries.

With more than 35 incubators and research parks and a number one ranking in STEM job concentration, Maryland is fertile ground for entrepreneurs in life sciences and cybersecurity, industries where Maryland already leads. Excel Maryland, the latest tool in the state’s toolbox, is designed to propel these industries to even greater heights.

MDBizNews sat down with a few local businesses that are thriving in the state’s cybersecurity sector and giving the Commerce team plenty to brag about at the upcoming RSA Conference.

Contrast Security, based in Baltimore City’s Canton neighborhood, provides software protection for businesses by making their existing programs “self-protecting,” so they can defend themselves against vulnerabilities and attacks. Founders Arshan Dabirsiaghi and Jeff Williams launched the company as a spin-off of Williams’ successful consulting firm in Columbia, knowing that they wanted to stay in Maryland for this new venture.

“From a business side, Silicon Valley is where a technology company is ‘supposed’ to be,” said Dabirsiaghi. “Culture is so important for a company and we have a very balanced technology culture here in Baltimore.”

Contrast Security’s technology is different from the traditional software protection products on the market because it is tailor-made for every customer’s program. Dabirsiaghi compared it to getting an MRI instead of having a doctor simply ask questions. One allows you to get an inside view of what’s really going on, while the other makes educated guesses from an external perspective.

“In the same way, our agent technology analyzes and protects from within our customers’ software, rather than just scanning its code,” said Dabirsiaghi.

For Contrast Security, pioneering the field of software protection is the end goal. With high-profile hacks like Equifax, the company feels they are in a position to vastly improve how businesses maintain security for their customers.

“The sky is the limit. We’re hiring all the time, so tell your friends,” said Dabirsiaghi. “Companies continue to invest more and more into software. We hope to fundamentally change the way software is built, and secure the next generation of technology.”

For more information visit contrastsecurity.com.

Click here for more Tech Company of the Week profiles

The post Tech company of the week: Contrast Security appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/tech-company-week-contrast-security/

Michigan Tuesday: Has Ole Old News

We have known for weeks that Ole Miss had recommended that Shea Patterson and his other former teammates (that have transferred) not be eligible immediately.   Many had expected that Ole Miss wouldn't object to the players being eligible since they did under estimate the NCAA penalties.   Per the rules, seniors that were on Mississippi could transfer freely without penalty.  The issue is Shea Patterson had two years of eligibility remaining and wasn't covered under that rule.


At this point, Ole Miss stance is just that, an opinion on a decision that the NCAA needs to make.   The NCAA is considering letting all players transfer freely, my guess is they would support players transferring (without penalty) when their program is hit with major NCAA sanctions. 


The NCAA after receiving Mississippi's response, also contacted Michigan and asked for more information which many believe to be a positive sign for the Wolverines.


From what I have been reading and heard, it seems the coaches are still pretty confident the NCAA will support the immediate eligibility, but with any NCAA decision, nothing is guaranteed.


Michigan fans will get their first look at Shea Patterson in the Maize and Blue on Saturday night's spring game. 

• It seems the news about MSU covering up sexual assaults continues to become public knowledge.   A new report about an assault in 2015 was just released yesterday.     MSU needs to make some major changes and it starts with the men leading the basketball and football programs. 

• Alexandria (Va.) Episcopal 2019 safety Litchfield Ajavon will visit for the Spring Game.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-tuesday-has-ole-old-news.html

Michigan Monday: Goes Off The Board Today

If you have followed this blog for years, you know a couple times a year I go off the board and talk a little golf. 


With Michigan Football in Spring Practice and Basketball now over, I'd thought I would talk a little Masters and what we saw this weekend. 


Coming into the Masters, all I heard was a Tiger vs. Phil match-up on Sunday again.  I thought that would be difficult as this was really Tiger's first major on his comeback and Phil is always an all or nothing guy in majors.   Starting on Sunday, Phil was in 50th place and Tiger was in 40th.  After both barely made the cut.   They both played well on Sunday but not enough to make any noise.   


I watched many of Tiger's shots this weekend and he is still struggling with his game.  Yes, it was great that he could get through 4 rounds with out pain but his game still has a ton of rough edges.  His driver is killing him, his irons are not consistent, and his short game which had been great coming into the Masters was not sharp.    He had been pretty good on the flat Florida courses and the slower bermuda, but I believe he still needs to play 3 or 4 majors before he sharpens the knife for that type of competition.


I think its great that Patrick Reed won, he has been quietly one of the better players on tour for a few years now.  His game really doesn't have any weaknesses and he showed that this weekend.   About 10 years ago, I got to attend two rounds at the Masters.   TV doesn't come close to doing the place justice, the greens look like a carnival ride (the slopes are borderline unfair).  I don't believe you would ever have a flat putt.   Experience is so important there and Pat finally found that right formula. 


US golf is in great shape.   When Jordan Spieth gets it going like that, he is clearly the best player in the world.  He had been struggling a bit this season but it looks like he has finally found his game again.  Ricky Fowler has always been talented but many had wondered if he was Sergio 2.0 (a talented kid that could never win a major), Sergio won the Masters last year and it looks like Ricky is about to win a major very soon. 


The golf industry took a big up turn when Tiger was in his prime and dominating the tour.   With Jordan, Ricky, Phil, DJ, Brooks Koepka, Day, Reed, and many more the game is in great shape.   I doubt we will ever see an uptick like we did during Tiger's run but golf might be making a quiet comeback and kids have plenty of good guys to look up to. 



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-monday-goes-off-board-today.html

Spring Showcase: Made in Maryland Festival

From Chesapeake Bay seafood, to Smith Island Cake, to many of the home brews and wines crafted by the state’s local breweries and wineries, it would seem impossible to be able to sample Maryland’s vast food and drink options all in one day. But the Made in Maryland Festival is making it easy to sip on some Layton’s Chance wine from Dorchester County while indulging in Baltimore’s favorite crab cuisine from Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, at one convenient location.

In its second year, the Made in Maryland Festival is building off the huge success of last year’s debut, with even more vendors and entertainment for people of all ages to enjoy on Sunday, May 6, at Kurtz’s Beach in Pasadena.

This completely Maryland-themed festival will feature artisans, crafters, live jousting, food vendors, local wineries and breweries, live music, and children’s activities. The event supports The Chesapeake Bay Trust, a 501c(3) nonprofit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Coastal Bays, and Youghiogheny River.

Event coordinator, Hayley Bowerman, said the scale of this year’s event is directly a result of 2017’s success.

“Last year’s inaugural event was met with an overwhelming response. The number of attendees that showed up at the gate needing tickets on the day-of was more than double what we anticipated,” Bowerman said. “We’re most excited for our overall lineup of entertainment and activities this year. This is really an all-ages festival that offers something for everyone, whether you’re planning to attend with small children, your significant other, or a group of friends.”

From the entertainment headlined by local 80’s tribute band The Reagan Years, to beverages from Baltimore-based Patapsco Distilling Company and Ocean City’s own Hoop Tea, as well as local authors and artists, appearances by Natty Boh and the Baltimore Hon Hive, and a fresh plant market just in time for Mother’s Day, every aspect of the festivals highlights its Maryland roots.

Even the Kurtz’s Beach location is a Maryland staple that has been family-owned and operated in Anne Arundel County for nearly 85 years. Owner John Mason says the festival is a perfect way to celebrate that anniversary.

“This festival is kind of bringing everything together because we’re a Maryland institution that has relied on the bay and its health as part of our business,” said Mason. “We always wanted to do something to really celebrate the state. My family and I are simply stewards of this magical place among nature and we’re honored to invite everyone here to see what Anne Arundel County has to offer.”

Bowerman says this collaboration of Maryland-based businesses is what fuels this unique festival.

“Our ultimate goal is to create an event that perfectly incorporates all the things that ‘Maryland’ brings to mind,” said Bowerman. “We already have a great combination of offerings and eventually we’d love to bring in all the businesses, brands, sporting teams, and more from all corners of our state.”

“For now, our immediate goal is simply to create a fun atmosphere that celebrates all the great aspects of our state, while also promoting The Chesapeake Bay Trust.”

For more information and to purchase tickets visit madeinmarylandfest.com.

The post Spring Showcase: Made in Maryland Festival appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/spring-showcase-made-maryland-festival/

Michigan Friday: Been A Tough for Wolverine Fans

We know what happened on Monday and then last night, Michigan lost to ND in the Frozen 4 with a goal with 3.7 left.   Let's just pretend this week never happened.  Erase it from your memory!

• Michigan offered 4-star Klein Collins RB Isaiah Spiller yesterday.

• Michigan Basketball has offered 2019 five-star small forward Keion Brooks

We have been talking about positive changes with the program since the Outback Bowl.  I huge new asset is the acquisition of offensive line coach Ed Warinner.


He met with the media for 15 minutes yesterday and I came away every impressed at his knowledge, coaching, and approach. 


Some highlights I picked up:

• He is here to work with the offensive line but will also lend his experience and knowledge to the overall offense. 
• Best 5 will play
• Grant is in every meeting and coach says he is the smartest guy in the room.
• Spanellis is working at Center & Guard
• Stueber is working at Guard & Tackle
• James Hudson is not a starter right now but has a very high celling and could be in the two deep.
• Cesar is doing a great job at center and could be an NFL center if he continues to improve.
• Coach knows Bredeson very well and recruited him hard.  Really has enjoyed coaching him this spring.

We know this unit could make or break the Wolverines next season.  They are playing against the defense line 1's, so they should be ready for ND and the rest of the schedule. 


It's great to have one coach focusing on their success everyday!






from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-friday-been-tough-week-being.html

Tech company of the week: Immuta

Last May, Governor Hogan announced the Excel Maryland Initiative at the inaugural Maryland Business Summit in front of more than 700 business, education, and community leaders in the state. The initiative’s goal is lofty – to launch a comprehensive, statewide economic development strategy focused on developing new collaborative techniques to accelerate growth in the life sciences and cybersecurity industries.

With more than 35 incubators and research parks and a number one ranking in STEM job concentration, Maryland is fertile ground for entrepreneurs in life sciences and cybersecurity, industries where Maryland already leads. Excel Maryland, the latest tool in the state’s toolbox, is designed to propel these industries to even greater heights.

MDBizNews sat down with a few local businesses that are thriving in the state’s cybersecurity sector and giving the Commerce team plenty to brag about at the upcoming RSA Conference.

College Park-based Immuta serves algorithm-driven enterprises in order to accelerate their development and control machine learning, as well as other advanced analytics. They are, in essence, a data management company that can provide fast and personalized data access to clients that will improve creation, deployment, and auditability of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Immuta’s team has deep Maryland roots – many built their IT careers in the state and a number are proud Terp alumni. Steve Touw, chief technology officer for Immuta, said the company has found immense value in the resources here in Maryland.

“With proximity to the nation’s capital, Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland’s full of amazing opportunities, which is why we’re so excited to call the ‘Old Line State’ our home,” said Touw. “We’ve found an incredible talent pool here with deep experience in technology and a real passion for data privacy.”

Customers can use Immuta’s software platform to connect to any information storage technology, using any tool, while enforcing the strictest privacy controls. This allows data science programs to easily and quickly turn their data into insight. According to the company, this is a groundbreaking platform that has gone untapped by their competitors.

“We’re made up of data scientists, software developers and lawyers with combined decades of experience helping large organizations move at the speed of A.I.,” said Touw. “By drawing on our incredibly unique backgrounds, our team has built a platform like no other — allowing for the fastest, most reliable access to data and data policy enforcement, all in one intuitive product.”

The future looks bright for Immuta as more and more organizations invest in powerful data science tools while governments continue to enact stricter regulations, a challenge that the company is eager to take on.

“Data science is becoming more important, but also much harder in practice,” said Touw. “Immuta allows companies to easily adapt to both of these major trends — making better use of their data while complying with any data regulation.”

For more information visit immuta.com.

Click here for more Tech Company of the Week profiles

The post Tech company of the week: Immuta appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/tech-company-of-the-week-immuta/

ID Agent moves to Maryland

ID Agent, a provider of Dark Web monitoring and identity theft protection solutions, recently opened its headquarters in Maryland.

The company relocated from Washington, D.C. to Bowie and selected a 3,000 square-foot space in the Melford Business Park that it plans to expand within the next two months. With this move, the company will bring 10 jobs to Maryland and anticipates doubling its workforce in the coming year.

After operating for 14 years as part of Winvale, located in Washington, D.C., ID Agent strategically moved to Maryland for its direct access to a specialized and talented workforce, affordable cost of living, and central location.

“This move made critical sense to our growth plan and recruitment efforts. There are thousands of commuters who travel along Route 50, and we can attract the best of the best of those seeking a 20- minute drive, as opposed to an hour on a good day,” said Kevin Lancaster, chief executive officer. “Maryland is a great place to be, especially when it comes to cybersecurity.”

ID Agent has experienced exponential growth over the past year, which Lancaster said was another determining factor in making the move to Maryland.

“With a strong cybersecurity industry supported by 115,000 technology warriors and an array of business-friendly tax credits and programs, our administration continues to ensure that companies have the resources they need to grow and thrive in Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan.

READ MORE.

The post ID Agent moves to Maryland appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/id-agent-moves-maryland/

Michigan Thursday: Don't Point The Finger

There was a ton of problem/issues with Michigan's Football program after the Outback Bowl.  I left that stadium and felt like I had just got swindled out of my money as the team that was playing was one I didn't recognize. 


Changes needed to happen and they did.  One of the hardest changes that needed to be made was by the head coach himself.  Football coaches are hard headed, if they have been successful doing things their way, then it will work over and over.   That is why it's so rare to see coaches change their philosophy or approaches even though the game around them changes. 


Jimmy after the bowl game got very personal with the team and asked them what they needed from him.   He tore down his wall and asked very simple questions to 100 or so young men.


Higdon says that after the team’s bowl game loss, Harbaugh came to the team and simply asked what he needed to do differently. What did he need to change?


Players gave him feedback, which Higdon opted not to disclose, but the changes have been noticeable.


It's easy to point fingers at Tim Drevno and Pep Hamilton because their offense was terrible last year, but its hard to look at yourself and see if changes need to be made.   As fans we are not close to the everyday doings in Schembechler Hall, but even we noticed a change in coach.    So far this year, Jimmy has looked deep inside and started to make changes of his own.


“He’s been more personal with the guys and more approachable, and that’s definitely been helping,” Higdon said. “Coach is a football guru, and he’s been so focused on the game. Taking a step back from that and continuing to build stronger relationships with the players, changed our culture and changed the atmosphere around this facility.”


Congratulations Coach on you making positive changes!


Another change that seems to be paying off is the new S&C guy Ben Herbert from Arkansas and Wisconsin.  Here are some thoughts from Viper Khaleke Hudson:


“There’s more energy in the weight room,” the junior insisted. “Everyone is happy to work out and just to be there — it’s a different feeling in there now.


“Personally, I feel stronger and faster. I also know more about my body now, like how I should be eating right, sleeping well and training the right way. I weigh 215 now, and played at 208 last season.
“Coach Herbert has us doing a lot of upper body stuff and new workouts we’d never even seen before. We all want to out lift each other and do more reps than the other guy. There’s a competition in there and it’s bringing out the best in all of us.”



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-thursday-dont-point-finger.html

Maryland’s again represented in RSA’s Innovation Sandbox finalists

Maryland entrepreneurs are keeping their streak alive in RSA’s Innovation Sandbox competition. For the fifth time since 2014, one of Maryland’s cybersecurity start-ups has placed among the contest’s 10 finalists, beating out competitors from across the globe. In recent years, in fact, the Innovation Sandbox has attracted applications from more than 700 emerging U.S. and international companies.

RSA recently announced the finalists for this year’s competition and ReFirm Labs, located in Fulton, Md., is among them. The company was founded just last year by Terry Dunlap and Peter Eacmen, each of whom is an elite NSA offensive cyber operator with nation-state levels of expertise in firmware security.

If you drive a car, use a digital camera, have a cell phone, or use an ATM, ReFirm can play an integral role in your daily activities. The company protects the underlying firmware (the “guts”) that runs the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices, ensuring that the firmware is secure from hackers and nation-state actors. With more than eight billion IoT-connected devices in existence today – and with the number of these devices expected to reach 34 billion by 2020 – the need for such security is great.

ReFirm’s Centrifuge security platform exposes vulnerabilities in the firmware that, if left unaddressed, could cause significant damage. Centrifuge bridges the gap between firmware protection and IoT security – and it does so quickly and efficiently, allowing companies to respond in time to thwart intrusions.

“Each of us comes from the National Security Agency,” said Dunlap, who serves as CEO of the company. “We know how to find vulnerabilities.”

ReFirm got its start in an unlikely manner. Speaking at a tech breakfast event in Baltimore, Dunlap was approached by Franz Henggeler, entrepreneur-in-residence at DataTribe, a start-up studio in Fulton, Md. At the suggestion of Henggeler – and with the encouragement of cyber guru Ron Gula – Dunlap met with DataTribe’s leadership and was sold. He spun off ReFirm from Tactical Network Solutions, which he’d founded in 2007 after leaving NSA, and set up shop in DataTribe.

“So far, I haven’t regretted it!” said Dunlap.

Already, ReFirm is supporting IoT devices of Disney and AT&T. The company received $1.5 million in funding from DataTribe and expects to raise a Series A funding round late this summer. Over the next two weeks, though, Dunlap’s focus will be on RSA and the Innovation Sandbox.

He credits DataTribe execs with encouraging him to submit an application to enter the competition. “They saw the vision in a much broader light than I did,” said Dunlap. And on Monday, April 16, he’ll face a packed house and an expert panel of judges to make the pitch that ReFirm is the conference’s Most Innovated Company.

Our money’s on ReFirm.

Previous Maryland companies in the Innovation Sandbox finals include:
Sourcefire – 2005 winner
Light Point Security – 2013 finalist
RedOwl (now Forcepoint) – 2014 winner
SecurityDo (now Fluency Security) – 2015 finalist
EnVeil – 2017 finalist and 1st runner-up

The post Maryland’s again represented in RSA’s Innovation Sandbox finalists appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/04/maryland-again-represented-in-rsa-innovation-sandbox-finalists/

Wolverine Wednesday: More Nuggets From The Shea Patterson Case

ESPN and Shea's lawyer Thomas Mars are reporting that the NCAA Case Manager has asked Michigan and Shea Patterson for more information after Ole Miss response back to the NCAA.


Mars said there's no specific timetable for when they expect a final answer, but it's clear "the NCAA isn't dragging their feet on the waiver request and won't take any more time than is necessary."


"I'm encouraged by this particular request," Mars said. "From my perspective, the questions Shea's case manager asked are the right ones to be asking."


Lets hope this is good news and Michigan and Shea can provide the information they are requesting and we can get a decision in the next month or so.

• One of my favorites that didn't ever materialize, TE Ian Bunting has transferred to CAL.

• There is talk about a Coach B extension, how about you just give him a lifetime contract and call it a day?

• Roswell (Ga.) Blessed Trinity Catholic 2019 four-star ATH Steele Chambers called Michigan "one of his top schools" after his visit last weekend.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/wolverine-wednesday-more-nuggets-from.html

Michigan Tuesday: Monday's News Wasn't All Bad

Michigan fans started Monday night with some good news for the "other" program on campus.   I'm told the Wolverines also play a little football and they added another piece of the 2019 puzzle on Monday night with the commitment of 3 star DE Gabe Newburg.  


Gabe is a rated a 3 star DE prospect and is from Clayton, Ohio.  Gabe had offers from the like of Cincinnati, Harvard, Iowa, and Michigan State.  He is 6'5 and 230 pounds and has been a life-time Michigan fan.  Gabe is also new coach Al Washington's first victory at Michigan on the recruiting trail.   This is Michigan's 3rd DE in the class, which they may need as Stephen Herron has been rumored to be leaning more toward Stanford then Michigan lately.   If Herron stays in the class, I expect the Wolverines are probably done with DE's.


"That’s a dream offer man. I've been a Michigan fan my whole life," Newburg told 247's Brice Marich upon the offer. "My whole family is actually. I just told him how long I’ve been waiting for this one and showed him pictures of my house on game day and the 'M Den' inside my house. He stood up gave me and my parents a huge hug and said, ‘You guys are my kind of people.' My mom and dad were with me. My dad was very pumped up and my mom got tears in her eyes (when I got the offer).”


Here are a few thoughts from his head coach in high school:


"I knew Gabe was going to be a special player the first time I saw him play in 8th grade. I was the defensive coordinator at the time, I hadn’t taken over the program yet, and literally, without exaggerating, he made every tackle in the game," Northmont head coach Tony Broering told Allen Trieu of 247Sports in February. "It was something I hadn’t ever seen before and I’ve coached 27 years. I’ve coached 27 years, coached players who have played major college football, played in the Big Ten and had the Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year before and it was something I hadn’t witnessed. I knew he was special. I knew he had motor and drive, but didn’t know how he would grow and develop, but then he started as a sophomore for us. He was thrown in a little bit, and then this year, as junior, he just was dominant. He’s very long, he has the length everybody likes, he’s a very strong kid who likes the weight room, likes to work out, and is dedicated to his craft on as a defensive lineman."

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-tuesday-mondays-news-wasnt-all.html

Michigan Lost The Battle of The 6th Men

Villanova's 6th man: Donte Divincezo 31 points
Michigan's 6th man: Duncan Robinson 0 points


Ball Game


Villanova was the better team, Michigan missed 20 attempts from the 3 point line, couldn't get defensive boards, and wasn't able to come back from foul trouble with about 3 minutes left in the first half.  Michigan had to put out a lineup with very few options for offense and Villanova took advantage and built a 9 point lead at the half.   Villanova is too good a team and you can't play from behind and expect to win.


Michigan shut down the player of the year, he was in foul trouble and finished with 9 points.  Outside of Bridges 19, the game was won by the unconscious 6th man and his 31 points.   Sometimes there is nothing you can do about a hot shooter.  


Michigan continued to struggle with its offense and this time it was the Forwards with the poor play on both sides of the ball.  Matthews had 6 points and struggled to guard Divincezo and Robinson finished his basketball career with posting a goose egg.   Michigan's guards played well, MAAR had 23 and Simpson added 10 points (and shut down the #1 player in the nation).   The only other person to really score was Wagner's 16 points. 


That was not a winning formula and it showed in the second half. 


With all that said, this team very much over achieved this year and it just showed the great development by the coaching staff and the heart of the players.   I know this loss stings, but Villanova has been the best team all year and it showed again tonight.  They have little to no weakness on either side of the floor.   Michigan left its best basketball in Madison Garden and struggled to find it again and still made it to the Final 4.   That alone is quite the accomplishment!  Well done guys and keep your heads high!



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-lost-battle-of-6th-men.html

Michigan Monday: It's National Title Game Day!

15minutenews.com

This team is unbelievable, they have fought and scratched their way to the National Championship game.   They were clearly the better team on Saturday against Loyola but struggled with their shot for most of the game.   I guess a tiger can't change their spots because Michigan had a huge advantage in the post and continued to shoot the 3 ball unsuccessfully.   Thank goodness for Wagner and Matthews who kept the Wolverines in the game.   Loyola midway through the second half started their turnover streak and Michigan took advantage and won the game. 


Michigan can't play like that tonight and win the National Championship.   The joy and relief of winning the Final 4 game was quickly lessen after Villanova shot Kansas out of the building.  Villanova looked like Michigan in the Texas A&M game and we know that type of streaking shooting can come and go quickly.  Every person on the Villanova can shoot and this game will be the toughest Michigan has had all year. 


If Michigan is going to stay in the game, MAAR and Simpson have to play better then they did against Loyola and Robinson will need to score 16 or more points.   MAAR's shooting is the key for this game, if he struggles again from the field, it could be a long night for the Wolverines. 


Simpson's turnovers and forced shots seemed a bit strange against Loyola.  He will have open looks again tonight and I hope he looks to drive and dish rather then shoot the 3.  I also expect he will run the offense better then he did on Saturday.


One of the hero's from Saturday was Jordan Poole.   He came off the bench and gave the Wolverines a lift on some dribble drive layups and his unlimited swag.   Michigan will again need him tonight and I hope he can impact the game, #belikeSpike tonight!


Michigan is an underdog tonight and should be.  The Wolverines have only shot the ball well once in the tournament and will need to find their range tonight.  It's important they continue their defense and shoot the ball to be competitive in this game.  Villanova is a very good deep team and will score even if they don't shoot like they did on Saturday.   Michigan has to shoot the 3 to be in the game in the 2nd half. 


Michigan also has to have solid performances from every player:


Simpson - Run the offense, play your elite D, limit turnovers
MAAR - Play like a senior, shoot the 3 well, lead the team through the storm
Wagner - Stay hot, get looks in the post, limit your 3 attempts, stay out of foul trouble
Matthews - Be athletic on both sides of the ball, rebound, dribble drives, limit the 3
Robinson - Be confident from 3, don't miss this opportunity, play like there is no tomorrow
Poole - Keep up the swag, play smart, keep everyone up!
Teske - Don't forget your 7 feet on defense!, rebound, get 3 blocks!
Simmons - This is why your transferred! stay in the moment, play smart
Livers & Watson - Play smart, get boards and loose balls


Whatever happens tonight, this has been a great run and it feels so good to have your team play at a championship level.  Coach B and Team you have made your fan base very proud.   Have fun, play with a clear mind, and compete tonight.  We have your back no matter what!  Enjoy the night! 


Coach B is one win short of 800 wins.  I'm just saying!

• Insiders are saying that Ole' Miss has actually responded negatively on the players that transferred being eligible right away.   This is a complete reversal on what Michigan and the lawyer representing the players were expecting.   The expectation was that Ole Miss would stand down due to the NCAA Violations and support the players being eligible with the NCAA.  That didn't happen and now Patterson's eligibility could be in question.   The NCAA has the final verdict and they don't need Mississippi's support, but many believed it was a slam dunk with it. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-monday-its-national-title-game.html