Michigan Friday: News and Notes

• 2016 WR signee Nate Johnson who was thrown off the team last September for a domestic abuse charge (he was sentenced to 4 days in jail and 6 months probation in December) will continue his football career at Arizona Western which is a junior college.

• The Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL have signed Michigan QB Devin Gardner.

• Michigan QB commit Cade McNamara is planning to recruit at the Opening this weekend.  A great performance from him could attract some skill players to Ann Arbor.

• Michigan will pay $4.6M to play and not play non-conference games this season.  Michigan was scheduled to play Arkansas in the season opener before cancelling to restart the rivalry against the Fighting Irish. Michigan paid Arkansas $2 million for cancelling.
  
  The Wolverines athletic department, led by athletic director Warde Manuel, is set to pay Southern Methodist $1.4 million for the game on Sept. 15 and Western Michigan $1.2 million for the Sept. 8 in-state showdown.  I love the ND rivalry but to force it and to pay Arkansas  $2M for a $400,000 game seems like a bad business move. I also hate opening on the road against a big time opponent.

• 2019 3-star athlete Giles Jackson has Michigan in his final 4 including USC, Oregon, and Oregon State.  I would guess the Beavers are an under-dog at this point.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-friday-news-and-notes_29.html

Michigan Thursday: Basketball Has A Big Time Prospect On Campus

Michigan's Basketball program is hosting 2019 5 Star point guard DJ Carlton on campus on Wednesday and Thursday.  Michigan offered a month ago and DJ is very interested in the Wolverines:


“The most significant factors in the choice are just… getting me to my future,” Carton said. “Who can develop me the most (to) become NBA ready, winning, and just the relationships. I want a team that I can call my brothers and stuff like that… that I can go back in like 60 years from now and still know those guys and still talk to them. So, I want my team to feel family-like, and get me to my dream.”
“What I like about Michigan is they’re a very successful team and I feel like Coach Beilein is one of the best coaches in college basketball,” Carton added. “He’s really good at developing guards. They’ve had a lot of guards come through Michigan and stuff like that, and then they win. I want to win in college. I want to be successful and I want to help my team win. So, I feel like they have a really good chance of putting me in a spot to be able to win, play good numbers and good minutes, and help me individually as a player for my future.”


After DJ's visit to Ann Arbor, he will head down to IU and check them out for two days.   Then the AAU season and dead period starts, so he is planning a Fall announcement. 

• Yesterday, I mentioned that that Michigan would like to add another RB to the 2019 class.  The one that seems to be tops on their board is 4 star RB from Tenn. Eric Gray.  He has over 20 offers and seems to have boiled down his tops schools to Michigan, PSU, Alabama, Stanford, Ole Miss, Miss State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee.   On a side note, another 4 star RB committed to Alabama on Wednesday, which seems like a positive sign for the Wolverine chances. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-thursday-basketball-has-big.html

Wolverine Wednesday: No Commits on Tuesday?

Commit-a-Palooza is over for now, but Michigan of course is not done with this class.    Michigan has 5 offensive lineman committed and would still like to add a one more high profile tackle.


Michigan has 3 DE's committed with Herron's commitment still a little shaky with a potential Stanford flip still possible.   I expect the Wolverines would want at least one more and two if Herron does jump.   Mazi Smith is the only DT and Michigan for sure needs another one. 


LB is another area where the Wolverines could add a player, both Thomas and Velazquez are listed as LB commits but Velazquez is a Viper/Safety.  Michigan will need one more LB with some size.


WR depth is deep right now on the team but there is only one slot guy (GJ3) committed, wouldn't be surprised if Michigan added a couple outside WR's to the class.


QB is probably done, but we know how Jimmy likes QB depth.  I still believe the Wolverines will stick with just one. 


TE and RB seems to be in the same spot, Michigan picked up both spots this weekend and will probably add one more each.


Michigan has 16 commits right now, with the estimate of 9 spots left.  Here is what I believe the Recruiting Board looks like:


OT = 1
DT=  1
DE = 1
WR = 2
TE=  1
RB = 1
LB = 1
DB = 1

• Safety Quinton Johnson who was a visitor last weekend and is also heading to Nike's Opening this weekend. Has decided he will commit while he is there. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/wolverine-wednesday-no-commits-on.html

Michigan Tuesday: 2 More Commits Jump Into the 2019 Class

It was predicted and pretty much a lock that 2 more 2019 guys were going to join the class.   A great sign for any visitor is when they set an announcement date a day or two after visiting a school.   That is what both DJ Turner and George Johnson III did.  They both extended Commit-A- Palooza by one day.


DJ Turner was the first guy to drop on Monday.  He is 6'0 and 170 pounds DB from GA and rated anywhere from 3-4 stars per the services.  ESPN has him as a 4 Star and 24/7 as a 3 star.   24/7 dropped DJ from a 4 star to a 3 after he moved to safety last year.  Many expect him to move back to CB this season and expect his ranking to go back up.  DJ has long arms, which makes him a good CB prospect.


“Every time I went there it just got better and better,” Turner told The Michigan Insider. “It never dropped off. It never made me look back and say, ‘well, I wonder if I should (go to school here).’ I went up there four times and none of that ever happened. The relationship with the coaches got better and better every single time. I love all of them. Coach Partridge and Coach Brown were there together when they offered me. After I went up on my first visit, Coach Z and I (began) connecting and have had a good relationship ever since. We all just connected so easily, and it’s just so easy to talk to them. I have a good relationship with all the coaches (including) Coach Harbaugh.”

DJ has an impressive list of offers including: Alabama, Florida, ND, Auburn, Clemson, CAL, Clemson, FSU, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Miss State, NC State, UNC, Penn State, Wisconsin, and many more.   DJ had 32 major D1 offers. 


When Michigan lost that CB to Miami a couple weeks ago, nobody panicked because the coaches felt really good about DJ heading to Ann Arbor.  Welcome DJ!


The next guy to drop was 3 star Athlete George Johnson III from Stuart, FL.  GJ3 was also up for a visit this past weekend and was ready to make a decision with Michigan and FSU his finalist.   GJ3 is a wildcat QB in high school but is projected to be Slot WR and kick returner in Ann Arbor.   He is just under 6'0 and 180 pounds. 


On why he picked Michigan over FSU:

“The academics, the atmosphere and the coaches,” Johnson said.

“The academics is probably the best part about it. If I were to early and my dreams were to come true, I always have Michigan to lean back on when I’m 40 years old. Michigan honors the degree no matter when you want to finish up the degree.”

“The atmosphere, how they pack out every game even if it’s not a big game. It’s always going to be packed.

“The coaches, their enthusiasm.”

George's offer list included: FIU, FSU, Georgia, GA Tech, UK, NC State, Nebraska, Oregon, USF, Utah, and Virginia.


Welcome George!


These are the 15th and 16th commits to the 2019 class, that is expected to be around 24.  It was interesting to see during Commit-A-Palooza that many of the commits had offers from FSU, Nebraska, and Oregon.   Michigan is clearly trying to recruit speed and guys that can play multiple positions.   Michigan is now back into the 24/7 top 10 and currently at the #5 class in the nation.


We don't expect any new commits today, but you never know!  Michigan is looking good for NJ LB Aeneas Dicosmo (he was #17 in the photo from yesterday).





from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-tuesday-2-more-commits-jump.html

Michigan Monday: Commit-A-Palooza

Wow! What a weekend for the 2019 and 2020 class. Getting all these guys on campus at the same time was a great strategy.

Lets re-cap how they dropped.

First commit came from Cincinnati Football/Baseball star Joey Velazquez who will play both sports at Michigan.  He is a great athlete and will play Viper or Safety at Michigan.  He was committed to OSU for baseball and really wasn't on the radar for many football programs.   A great pick up for two sports!  Joey is a 3 star 2019 prospect.

2nd: Erick All committed.   Many thought the Wolverines were "All done" on Sunday after this talented TE committed.  :-)  Erick is 6'4 and 225 from Ohio.  He is rated as a 3 star prospect and had offers from BC, Duke FSU, Iowa, UK, Louisville, Maryland, MSU, Minnesota, ND, Pitt, Syracuse,  Wake, and Wisconsin.   That is a strong offer list and he is clearly a smart kid who picked a school that highlights the use of its Tight Ends! 

3rd: 4 star RB from California Zach Charbonnet.  Zach was also in town for an official visit and really connected with Ann Arbor and the Harbaugh's (his position coach Jay and of course Jimmy).  Reports are that Zach was the Wolverines #1 target at RB and he felt the love this weekend. 24/7's Barton Simmons is very high on the talented RB:    "Zach Charbonnet out of Oaks Christian in California caught my eye," Simmons wrote. "He’s got the prerequisite production having topped 2,000 yards as a junior against elite competition. At first glance a 11.2 100 meter time in track may restrict him from that elite future first rounder tier until you realize that Saquon Barkley and Rashaad Penny had similar track times in high school. His listed height at 6-foot-2 can be seen as a positive or a negative. Certainly he can carry the big back label but considering the ‘busts’ of Ty Isaac and Chris Warren, the late-round brand on Bo Scarbrough and the still-pending fate of Jalen Hurd, is a 6-foot-2 frame too big? Turn on the film and I see great feet, suddenness and twitch out of Charbonnet and I lean towards optimism on his trajectory."


His offers include: Pretty much the PAC 12, BC, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma,  MSU, ND, Nebraska, PSU, TCU, Tennessee, and more.  As mentioned Zach is 6'2 and 215 pounds and is in the 2019 class.  What a huge pick-up for the Wolverine offense!


4th:  4 star instate DT Mazi Smith picked the Wolverines around 10 PM last night.  Mazi is from Grand Rapids and a top DT in this class. He is rated 4 stars, 6'3 and 290 pounds and has been to Ann Arbor a number of times.  He has a great relationship with G-Matt and new S&C guy Ben Herbert.   If your wondering, he is #3 in the photo above.  He is standing next to 5 star Zach Harrison (Yes, please).  Mazi "and Blue" is a beast and ranked 123 in the country by 24/7 and #7 DT.  ESPN is very high on him and ranks him #29 in the country.   His offer list included: Alabama, Georgia, ND, MSU, PSU, OSU, Oregon, Wisconsin, and many more.   Mazi was always a strong lean to the Wolverines and it was great to get him in the boat this weekend. 

So that was a pretty good weekend!  We all can take a breath now and relax right?  Nope!

This worked so well this weekend, lets bring him back! Commit Watch



These two guys are on commit watch today: DJ Turner and George Johnson.  Both guys visited this weekend and could drop as early as today.  DJ is a CB from GA and in the first row and the last player on the right in the photo above.  George is a WR from Florida with offers from FSU, Georgia, NC State, Oregon, Utah, GA Tech, and many more.

With the new rule, players can take officials in June, but after this weekend they will have to wait to until football season.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-monday-commit-palooza_44.html

Michigan Friday: Mo Goes To Hollywood and A Big Recruiting Weekend on Tap

Congrats to Mo Wagner who got drafted #25 in the first round to Lakers.  Could he play with Lebron next season?  If not, he should get a ton of minutes with a young team that is re-building.  If they build a super team through free agency this summer, then probably much less minutes.   A Michigan Man Rob Pelinka drafted a Michigan Man.   That is 7 first rounders since 2013 for the Wolverine Basketball program. 


Side note, Duncan Robinson was invited to Miami Heat's Summer League team. 


Weekend Visitors: 2019 class

• Erik All - 3 star TE from Ohio
• Karsen Barnhart - 3 star OT commit
• Zach Carpenter - 3 Star OG commit
• Lewis Cline - 4 Star S from Texas (official)
• Arneas DiCosmo - 3 Star DE from NJ (official)
• Eric Gray -  4 star RB from TN (official)
• Zach Harrison - 5 star DE from Ohio (official) 
• Chris Hinton - 5 Star DE commit (official)
• Danielson Ike - 4 Star OT from KC
• Giles Jackson - 3 Star RB from California (official)
• George Johnson III - 3 Star WR from FL
• Trente Jones - 4 Star OT commit
• Trevor Keegan - 4 Star OT from Michigan
• Josh Miamen - 3 star TE from IL
• Tre Mosley - 3 Star WR from Michigan
• Wandale Robinson -  3 Star RB from KY (official)
• Nolan Rumler - 4 star OG from Ohio commit
• Mazi Smith - 4 star DT from Grand Rapids
• Charles Smith - 4 star LB from FL commit (official)
• DJ Turner - 3 Star CB from GA (official)
• Kyren Williams - 3 Star RB from St. Louis

Hat tip to Touch the Banner
As you can see, this is a very busy weekend for the coaches hosting these players who could round off the 2019 class.   Chris Hinton will also have his brother a top 2020 prospect with him on the trip.   Zach Harrison is a big time prospect that most folks believe will end up at OSU, keeping Michigan in the race will be also key.  


Many have been predicting a couple commits this weekend and I believe the entire Big House Blog community should be on commit watch. 





Update: To start off the weekend, 2019 two sport star and former OSU baseball commit Joey Velazquez has committed to Michigan to play Football (LB) and Baseball.



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-friday-mo-goes-to-hollywood.html

Michigan Monday: Commit-A-Palooza

twitter - AKA Goon Squad 2019



Wow! What a weekend for the 2019 and 2020 class. Getting all these guys on campus at the same time was a great strategy.

Lets re-cap how they dropped.

First commit came from Cincinnati Football/Baseball star Joey Velazquez who will play both sports at Michigan.  He is a great athlete and will play Viper or Safety at Michigan.  He was committed to OSU for baseball and really wasn't on the radar for many football programs.   A great pick up for two sports!  Joey is a 3 star 2019 prospect.

2nd: Erick All committed.   Many thought the Wolverines were "All done" on Sunday after this talented TE committed.  :-)  Erick is 6'4 and 225 from Ohio.  He is rated as a 3 star prospect and had offers from BC, Duke FSU, Iowa, UK, Louisville, Maryland, MSU, Minnesota, ND, Pitt, Syracuse,  Wake, and Wisconsin.   That is a strong offer list and he is clearly a smart kid who picked a school that highlights the use of its Tight Ends! 

3rd: 4 star RB from California Zach Charbonnet.  Zach was also in town for an official visit and really connected with Ann Arbor and the Harbaugh's (his position coach Jay and of course Jimmy).  Reports are that Zach was the Wolverines #1 target at RB and he felt the love this weekend. 24/7's Barton Simmons is very high on the talented RB:    "Zach Charbonnet out of Oaks Christian in California caught my eye," Simmons wrote. "He’s got the prerequisite production having topped 2,000 yards as a junior against elite competition. At first glance a 11.2 100 meter time in track may restrict him from that elite future first rounder tier until you realize that Saquon Barkley and Rashaad Penny had similar track times in high school. His listed height at 6-foot-2 can be seen as a positive or a negative. Certainly he can carry the big back label but considering the ‘busts’ of Ty Isaac and Chris Warren, the late-round brand on Bo Scarbrough and the still-pending fate of Jalen Hurd, is a 6-foot-2 frame too big? Turn on the film and I see great feet, suddenness and twitch out of Charbonnet and I lean towards optimism on his trajectory."


His offers include: Pretty much the PAC 12, BC, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma,  MSU, ND, Nebraska, PSU, TCU, Tennessee, and more.  As mentioned Zach is 6'2 and 215 pounds and is in the 2019 class.  What a huge pick-up for the Wolverine offense!


4th:  4 star instate DT Mazi Smith picked the Wolverines around 10 PM last night.  Mazi is from Grand Rapids and a top DT in this class. He is rated 4 stars, 6'3 and 290 pounds and has been to Ann Arbor a number of times.  He has a great relationship with G-Matt and new S&C guy Ben Herbert.   If your wondering, he is #3 in the photo above.  He is standing next to 5 star Zach Harrison (Yes, please).  Mazi "and Blue" is a beast and ranked 123 in the country by 24/7 and #7 DT.  ESPN is very high on him and ranks him #29 in the country.   His offer list included: Alabama, Georgia, ND, MSU, PSU, OSU, Oregon, Wisconsin, and many more.   Mazi was always a strong lean to the Wolverines and it was great to get him in the boat this weekend. 

So that was a pretty good weekend!  We all can take a breath now and relax right?  Nope!

This worked so well this weekend, lets bring him back! Commit Watch



These two guys are on commit watch today: DJ Turner and George Johnson.  Both guys visited this weekend and could drop as early as today.  DJ is a CB from GA and in the first row and the last player on the right in the photo above.  George is a WR from Florida with offers from FSU, Georgia, NC State, Oregon, Utah, GA Tech, and many more.


With the new rule, players can take officials in June, but after this weekend they will have to wait to until football season.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-monday-commit-palooza_25.html

Michigan Monday: Commit-a-Palooza

twitter - AKA Goon Squad 2019



Wow! What a weekend for the 2019 and 2020 class. Getting all these guys on campus at the same time was a great strategy.

Lets re-cap how they dropped.

First commit came from Cincinnati Football/Baseball star Joey Velazquez who will play both sports at Michigan.  He is a great athlete and will play Viper or Safety at Michigan.  He was committed to OSU for baseball and really wasn't on the radar for many football programs.   A great pick up for two sports!  Joey is a 3 star 2019 prospect.

2nd: Erick All committed.   Many thought the Wolverines were "All done" on Sunday after this talented TE committed.  :-)  Erick is 6'4 and 225 from Ohio.  He is rated as a 3 star prospect and had offers from BC, Duke FSU, Iowa, UK, Louisville, Maryland, MSU, Minnesota, ND, Pitt, Syracuse,  Wake, and Wisconsin.   That is a strong offer list and he is clearly a smart kid who picked a school that highlights the use of its Tight Ends! 

3rd: 4 star RB from California Zach Charbonnet.  Zach was also in town for an official visit and really connected with Ann Arbor and the Harbaugh's (his position coach Jay and of course Jimmy).  Reports are that Zach was the Wolverines #1 target at RB and he felt the love this weekend. 24/7's Barton Simmons is very high on the talented RB:    "Zach Charbonnet out of Oaks Christian in California caught my eye," Simmons wrote. "He’s got the prerequisite production having topped 2,000 yards as a junior against elite competition. At first glance a 11.2 100 meter time in track may restrict him from that elite future first rounder tier until you realize that Saquon Barkley and Rashaad Penny had similar track times in high school. His listed height at 6-foot-2 can be seen as a positive or a negative. Certainly he can carry the big back label but considering the ‘busts’ of Ty Isaac and Chris Warren, the late-round brand on Bo Scarbrough and the still-pending fate of Jalen Hurd, is a 6-foot-2 frame too big? Turn on the film and I see great feet, suddenness and twitch out of Charbonnet and I lean towards optimism on his trajectory."


His offers include: Pretty much the PAC 12, BC, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma,  MSU, ND, Nebraska, PSU, TCU, Tennessee, and more.  As mentioned Zach is 6'2 and 215 pounds and is in the 2019 class.  What a huge pick-up for the Wolverine offense!


4th:  4 star instate DT Mazi Smith picked the Wolverines around 10 PM last night.  Mazi is from Grand Rapids and a top DT in this class. He is rated 4 stars, 6'3 and 290 pounds and has been to Ann Arbor a number of times.  He has a great relationship with G-Matt and new S&C guy Ben Herbert.   If your wondering, he is #3 in the photo above.  He is standing next to 5 star Zach Harrison (Yes, please).  Mazi "and Blue" is a beast and ranked 123 in the country by 24/7 and #7 DT.  ESPN is very high on him and ranks him #29 in the country.   His offer list included: Alabama, Georgia, ND, MSU, PSU, OSU, Oregon, Wisconsin, and many more.   Mazi was always a strong lean to the Wolverines and it was great to get him in the boat this weekend. 

So that was a pretty good weekend!  We all can take a breath now and relax right?  Nope!

This worked so well this weekend, lets bring him back! Commit Watch



These two guys are on commit watch today: DJ Turner and George Johnson.  Both guys visited this weekend and could drop as early as today.  DJ is a CB from GA and in the first row and the last player on the right in the photo above.  George is a WR from Florida with offers from FSU, Georgia, NC State, Oregon, Utah, GA Tech, and many more.


With the new rule, players can take officials in June, but after this weekend they will have to wait to until football season.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-monday-commit-palooza.html

Michigan Friday: Mo To Hollywood and A Huge Recruiting Weekend

spox.com

Congrats to Mo Wagner who got drafted #25 in the first round to Lakers.  Could he play with Lebron next season?  If not, he should get a ton of minutes with a young team that is re-building.  If they build a super team through free agency this summer, then probably much less minutes.   A Michigan Man Rob Pelinka drafted a Michigan Man.


Side note, Duncan Robinson was invited to Miami Heat's Summer League team. 


Weekend Visitors: 2019 class

• Erik All - 3 star TE from Ohio
• Karsen Barnhart - 3 star OT commit
• Zach Carpenter - 3 Star OG commit
• Lewis Cline - 4 Star S from Texas (official)
• Arneas DiCosmo - 3 Star DE from NJ (official)
• Eric Gray -  4 star RB from TN (official)
• Zach Harrison - 5 star DE from Ohio (official) 
• Chris Hinton - 5 Star DE commit (official)
• Danielson Ike - 4 Star OT from KC
• Giles Jackson - 3 Star RB from California (official)
• George Johnson III - 3 Star WR from FL
• Trente Jones - 4 Star OT commit
• Trevor Keegan - 4 Star OT from Michigan
• Josh Miamen - 3 star TE from IL
• Tre Mosley - 3 Star WR from Michigan
• Wandale Robinson -  3 Star RB from KY (official)
• Nolan Rumler - 4 star OG from Ohio commit
• Mazi Smith - 4 star DT from Grand Rapids
• Charles Smith - 4 star LB from FL commit (official)
• DJ Turner - 3 Star CB from GA (official)
• Kyren Williams - 3 Star RB from St. Louis

Hat tip to Touch the Banner
As you can see, this is a very busy weekend for the coaches hosting these players who could round off the 2019 class.   Chris Hinton will also have his brother a top 2020 prospect with him on the trip.   Zach Harrison is a big time prospect that most folks believe will end up at OSU, keeping Michigan in the race will be also key.  


Many have been predicting a couple commits this weekend and I believe the entire Big House Blog community should be on commit watch. 









from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-friday-mo-to-hollywood-and.html

Michigan Thursday: Another 2020 Commit and We'll Throw In an Edwards

Michigan continued two trends yesterday, getting 2020 commits and taking famous family walk-on transfers.  Let's start with the commit first.


2020 CB/Slot WR prospect Andre Seldon Jr. from  Belleville committed to Michigan yesterday.  Andre probably will be CB at the next level as that is the position he has been running at during camp season.   He is still a young man but right now is 5'9 140 pounds.  He still has two years of HS football left, so he has some time to fill up and out .   Reports are that he ran a 4'3 at Michigan's camp this week.  So here is another example of Michigan recruiting speed in the future. 


His early offers were from the MAC, UK, Iowa State, and Syracuse.   Same thought from yesterday, it's so early in the process, I don't put a ton of stock into the current offers as he still has two years of HS football to play. 


The positive is that Seldon plays at Belleville which has two highly rated 2019 guys but the rumor mill had been spinning that both coaching staffs were not seeing eye to eye.   Maybe this helps?


Insiders are also expecting more commits this week, so stay tuned!




Another Edwards will suit up for the Wolverines.   We know that Stan and Braylon Edwards starred at Michigan, now the long journey for Berkley Edwards will come to an end in Ann Arbor.   Braylon was upset when Michigan didn't offer the 3 star RB from Chelsea 5 years ago.  So Berkley took his talents to Minnesota for a few years, then transferred to Central Michigan.   He sat out a year and then returned kicks last season for the Chips.  He was just granted a 6th year by the NCAA and will play a graduate year as a walk-on at Michigan.   Many expect that he will be a kick returner, with an upside of being the #3 RB.   Good luck to him and get ready for more Braylon takes.

• Good luck to Mo Wagner tonight in the NBA Draft.  Hopefully, he will be taken in the first round.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-thursday-another-2020-commit.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Michigan Picks Up a 2020 Commit

So 2020 is a few years from now and I expect all recruits in this class will have perfect eye sight.   Yes, these kids still have two years to play high school football but building relationship and getting an early commitments is a good thing. 


Columbus, OH WR/RB Kalil Branham decided he couldn't wait any longer and pulled the trigger on a commitment to the Wolverines yesterday.   Kalil is rated a 3 star right now and of course lives in the home town of Michigan's top rival.  Per his twitter, it seems Kalil's grandfather was a big Michigan fan.  I'm sure no longer having his grandpa and getting a Michigan offer moved the young man to jump at his Michigan offer.   The Michigan called him on Tuesday to offer him and he followed up with a quick, "Yes!".   Coach Washington is leading his recruitment.


Kalil is 6'1 190 and listed as a WR right now but might end up a RB at Michigan. His early offer list included mostly MAC teams along with Cincinnati, Wake Forest, BC, Kentucky, and Kansas.   I'm not worried about his offer list as its still very early and plenty more will arrive in the next two years.


Like the title of his highlight video, Kalil is fast!





from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/wolverine-wednesday-michigan-picks-up.html

Michigan Tuesday: New Turf is In!

I like the blue end zones.  Let's hope they are easy to find for the home team and difficult to find for the visitor.


Michigan offers are flying out of Schembechler Hall right now after Monday's camp day:

• 2019 DE Tyrece Woods
• 2021 C Davion Weatherspoon
• 2020 Athlete Ian Stewart
• 2020 CB Andre Seldon
• 2020 WR Devell Washington

All the above offers are for in-state players.


These guys recruitments are trending Blue:

• David Ojabo, DE from NJ (he released his top 15 yesterday) 
• Quinten Johnson, S from Washington DC
• Rodas Johnson, DT from Columbus, OH (PSU, Michigan, and Wisconsin)
• Denver Warren, DT 2020 Aurora (Ill.) West Aurora

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-tuesday-new-turf-is-in.html

Maryland works towards Nipah virus vaccine

Michigan Monday: Blue End Zones at The Big House

As many of you know, Michigan is going to get new turf and its getting installed as we speak.   For the first time ever, Michigan will now have blue end zones in the Big House.   Which sounds good to me.  


Here is a twitter video on the removal of the old turf:

The turf at Michigan Stadium and Schembechler Hall are being replaced this summer.

Watch this week's time lapse of The Big House turf removal. 👇#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/qrgriVQxBw

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) June 14, 2018

• Today is another camp day and a chance for prospects to catch the eye of the Wolverine coaches.  Expected to attend today include:

- 2020 ATH Michael Drennen II
- 2019 TE Erick All
- 2021 DE/TE Jack Sawyer
- 2019 LB Joey Velazquez (OSU Baseball commit)
- 2019 DT Rodas Johnson from Columbus, Ohio
- 2019 DE  David Ojabo
- 2019 WR Demontae Crumes
- 2020 RB Darvon Hubbard
- 2020 DE Braiden McGregor
- 2021 OL Raheem Anderson
-2020 TE Wesley Bailey (from Canada)

• Next weekend is also shaping up as the biggest recruiting weekend of the summer.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-monday-blue-end-zones-at-big.html

Michigan Friday: Jimmy Is Clearly Sending A Message

Summer is the time of year where teams can either come together or break apart.   Coaches are not allowed to coach and freshman are arriving on campus.   Team leaders need to organize unofficial practices and all players need to continue to hit the weight room. 


With this dead time for the coaches, they have to do anything they can do to send messages to the players to get better or get passed by.  Jimmy seems to be doing it with all the walk-on talk.


Jimmy this week speaking on the roster:  "We posted it for the squad, so they know who was in the 110 as of June 1 and who is not in the 110.  There already are scholarship players who aren't in the 110 and there are walk-ons, preferred walk-ons and tryout guys who are in the 110."


At Stanford, he posted results of guys working out, showing up to watch tape, and doing drills on their own.  Jimmy gives everything a scoreboard, which he feels is the difference between winning football and 8-5. 


He is now clearly doing the same thing for these next couple of months with talking about walk-on's non-stop.   We have heard about Tru Wilson as the 3rd string RB who is going to play a lot.   Jeff George's son just walked-on as QB for two years (with no clear path to playing) and WR Jake McCurry has been getting a ton of buzz from the coaches.  Jimmy has also mentioned senior TE Joey Files from Cranbrook as being a guy that the coaches love because during Spring Practice he played 3 days with a broken collarbone before finding out it was broken.  I'm sure these are solid players but my guess is, he is trying to reach a few players at these positions.  


Insiders are saying that Jimmy personally took Jeff George Jr. around campus on his visit last weekend.   Of course, he probably knows his dad well, but Jimmy is really pushing this competition thing  hard at all positions.   Brian at Mgoblog feels that Jeff is coming in to learn how to be a football coach for two years, I think Jimmy wants as many QB's he can get his hands on to continue to push his top guys.  Bo was sort of like this, I think he would of had 200 players on the team if he could have.


It was clear that Jimmy wanted to focus on the walk-on program when he arrived in Ann Arbor and bringing in guys that could contribute to the program and winning football.   That means providing depth in practice, being able to have good players on the scout team, playing on special teams, etc.  We might be starting to see the results of that project pay off.


Happy Fathers Day to all the Big House Blog Dad's! 





from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-friday-jimmy-is-clearly.html

Michigan Thursday: Weekend Visitors and a New Jordan Release

Before we get to the fun information lets do a quick re-cap of the two new NCAA rules that were approved yesterday. 


#1: Freshman 4:  Freshman now will be able to play in 4 games a year and not lose their eligibility for a redshirt.   Some of you might remember RR's last game at Michigan in the Gator Bowl.   Tate got sent home due to grades, which left only Denard being able to play.   If Denard got hurt, that would have meant Devin Gardner a true freshman would have burned his redshirt for playing in a bowl game.  Now, that won't happen and freshman can still save their redshirt year and get some game experience. 


#2: Transfer rules have been reduced:  from the NCAA...…….


The Division I Council adopted a proposal this week that creates a new “notification-of-transfer” model. This new system allows a student to inform his or her current school of a desire to transfer, then requires that school to enter the student’s name into a national transfer database within two business days. Once the student-athlete’s name is in the database, other coaches are free to contact that individual.


Conferences could still limit inter-conference transfer but no longer can coaches restrict a players school options.


These are good changes, well done NCAA!


Michigan will be hosting some important 2019 visitors this weekend including:

• 5 Star RB Quavaris Crouch from NC
• 4 star S Lewis Cine from Texas
• 3 star WR Demontae Crumes
• Teammates from Columbus Rodas Johnson 4 star DT and Joey Velazquez LB - Joey is the prospect that is committed to OSU Baseball.

The Jordan brand released a Michigan Jordan 12 Player Edition that was designed by PSNY a Michigan Alumni designer for the team only.  We expected that same shoe would be released this summer and it's coming a week from Saturday with a twist. 


The PSNY branding has been removed and here are some official looks at the shoe that will release in about a week.


Cost is $225
Release date: 6/23/2018







from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-thursday-weekend-visitors-and.html

Wolverine Wednesday: What?

This one came out of the blue and I'm not sure I understand it.   The Land of 10 is reporting that graduate transfer Jeff George, Jr.  will transfer to Michigan.   Jeff will be eligible right away and has two years of eligibility left.   I assume Jeff and Jimmy are friends or have some type of relationship from their playing days. 


The Land of 10 speculates that Jeff is joining the Wolverines as a walk-on and that would make sense.  Michigan has plenty of QB's on the depth chart and I don't see why they would use a scholarship on another transfer QB.   Jeff is a 6-foot-3, 205-pound pro-style quarterback who threw for 1,743 yards, 11 touchdowns and 15 interceptions for Illinois.  I believe he got his first game action against Michigan in 2016.

• 2020 quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has been at Michigan's camp this week.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/wolverine-wednesday-what.html

Michigan Monday: The 2019 Class Loses a CB This Weekend

When Hollywood (FL) Chaminade cornerback Te'Cory Couch committed to Michigan it caught many insiders off guard.  He was not expected to commit and was assumed to be staying in Florida. 


To refresh your memory, TC is a 5'9 150 pounded 4 star CB.  He is clearly a talented CB but his size had worried some recruiting insiders.   As we know, Don Brown like taller CB's that can run.  TC's frame didn't allow for a ton of good weight to be put on. 


As before, its now expected he stays at home and commits to Miami.   The next couple CB's that Michigan is recruiting are Akeem Dent and D.J. Turner.  Akeem is currently committed to FSU, where of course Harbaugh has relationship with head coach Willie Taggert.

• Looks like high touted OT from Illinois Four star Trevor Keegan  recruitment is going to come down to a Michigan - OSU battle.

• Dwane Casey has signed a contract to be the Pistons next coach.

• Ken Griffey Jr. was at Michigan's camp on Saturday.  He was there with his son, who is a 2020 CB who Michigan offered after the camp.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-monday-2019-class-loses-cb.html

Michigan Friday: News and Notes

• Son of former Michigan RB Coach Fred Jackson and starting Virginia Tech QB Josh Jackson seems to be in some sort of academic trouble.  A verdict on what happens to Josh is expected in the next few days.   Josh was the QB of Saline HS and did not get a scholarship offer from Michigan. 

• Land of 10 has a nice article about the Green Twins that are heading to Ann Arbor to join the football program as true freshman.

• #2 Ranked DB in 2020 class from Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Elias Ricks has a Michigan offer and plans to visit A2.

• MSU Holiday Bowl rings has the score of the Michigan game on it.   I'm guessing Holiday Bowl rings won't bring big dollars at the Pawn Stars.

Visitors this weekend include:

- 2019 Florida DB Briton Allen
- 2019 Alabama WR George Pickens
- 2019 CT DB Tyler Rudolph



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-friday-news-and-notes.html

Michigan Thursday: Wonders Why There Are 40 Rounds In The MLB Draft?

I guess they have to fill a ton of spots in the minor leagues, but you would think there would be a better way of selecting players then 40 rounds of a draft.  How long does the draft take?  A week?   


Many of you might be wondering why in the world would I be talking about the Major League Baseball Draft?  Michigan's starting QB Shea Patterson was drafted in the 39th round yesterday by the Texas Rangers.


Here we go again!  A Drew Henson situation!  Shea is going to take the hundreds of dollars a 39th rounder is going to make and play in the instructional league.  He is going to leave the Michigan Football Program and follow his dream of eating at Denny's and riding buses all over the country.   


No worries Wolverine fans, Shea hasn't played baseball since his junior year of high school and is a much better football prospect then baseball.   This was just a way for the Rangers to waste a pick in what must be a very long process of drafting baseball talent.

• I was joking about a Drew Henson situation above, but the Oklahoma Football team has that exact issue.  QB Kyler Murray was drafted #9 by the Oakland A's and will receive around a $5M signing bonus.   Both sides are expected to agree to let Kyler play football at OU and play baseball in the summer.   If your wondering, this is completely legal in the eyes of the NCAA.

• Coach B's new contract is expected to have a "rolling" extension clause, so that he can coach as long as he wants in Ann Arbor.  

 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-thursday-wonders-why-there-are.html

Maryland Father’s Day Favorites

For many Marylanders, memories of dad are scattered across the state. Casting a line into the Chesapeake Bay, the first bike ride without training wheels at Patterson Park, snow carving down Wisp’s bunny slope, or a white-knuckled highway driving lesson around I-695 come to mind.

These reminiscences are just some of the reasons to celebrate dad this Father’s Day. If you’re struggling with how to tell your father figure how much he really means, we are here to help. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions.

Fathers Seeking Adventure
Give dad a thrill this Father’s Day at Terrapin Adventures in Savage, Maryland. Bond over zipline rides, a high ropes course, climbing tower, terrapin flyer, and giant swing. Book three or more participants for the day to enjoy a 33% discount.

Hit the high seas with dad aboard the Spirit of Baltimore for great food, music, and interactive games. Spirit Cruises is offering two-hour Father’s Day Brunch Cruises from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. as well as a dinner cruise from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 17. Cruises start at $59 per ticket. See the city skyline from Spirit’s rooftop lounge for a meal he will never forget.

The Stylish Dad
Homegrown in Baltimore City, Treason Toting’s line of handmade leather goods and apparel is perfect for the stylish dad. Featuring beautiful backpacks, totes, duffle bags, and home goods, you’re sure to find his unique style – along with free shipping.

Located in historic downtown Annapolis, Capital Custom Clothiers prides itself on crafting tailored pieces that provide style, substance, and comfort without breaking the bank. Treat dad to a suit, shirt, or outerwear that will last a lifetime. Give a gift certificate or go for a fitting and enjoy the day in Maryland’s beautiful capital.

The Competitor
Take dad to the green at The Golf Club at South River in Edgewater, Maryland. From PGA professional lessons to an HD Golf Simulator, South River has everything the golf-loving dad could want. To give dad a membership gift, or to purchase the gear he’s always wanted, visit their website for more information.

Take dad to watch the Orioles take on the Marlins at Camden Yards on Father’s Day at 1:00 p.m. and score a free Father’s Day Neck Tie if you’re one of the first 20,000 fans to enter the stadium.

A Toast To Dad
In Historic Sykesville, Patapsco Distilling offers vodka, gin and seasonal spirits made with only local, Maryland grains by Towson University graduate Scott Jendrek. Take dad to the historic, 4,000 square-foot space for a taste of this Maryland made product or to pick up a bottle for him as you explore Carroll County’s quaint main street.

The Flying Barrel, located in downtown Frederick, is a one-stop-shop for home brewers and wine makers. Since 1980, the company has provided brewing supplies, on-site beer brewing and wine making, and lessons on how to get started in this unique hobby. Flying Barrel is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sundays. Bring dad for a brew lesson or pick up unique hops for his next blend.

Located at Harford County’s historic Highland Heights Farm, Falling Branch is a small farmhouse brewery dedicated to creating Belgian-style and American ales using homegrown ingredients. Take dad to sip on different pints bubbling with character as you enjoy the farm’s scenic rolling hills and barns. The taproom is open on Saturdays 12 to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays 12 to 6:00 p.m. Food vendors are on site with snacks available for purchase at the bar. The Beer Garden is open from April to November and features corn hole, a petting zoo, fire pit, and a kid’s game area.

Take a trip to Crofton for Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery’s Father’s Day Beer Release on Sunday, June 17 from 12 to 5:00 p.m. The Triple Mango Milkshake NEIPA is a thick, hazy, and delicious draft-only limited brew curated especially for dad. Chesepiooc’s taproom is open from 1 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.

The post Maryland Father’s Day Favorites appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/06/maryland-fathers-day-favorites/

Michigan Tuesday: Coach B In Final 3

Coach John Beilein and his Michigan Basketball program is no stranger to the Final 4 these days.   Today, he finds himself in a reported 3 man race for the Pistons head coaching role.   The top 2 candidates seems to be current NBA Coach of the Year Dwyane Casey and Coach B with the third being San Antonio Spurs assistant Ime Udoka.  All 3 are expected to meet with Pistons owner Tom Gores this week. 


With this news, the probability of Coach B leaving for the Pistons and the NBA seems to grow by the minute.   AD Warde Manuel must not be sleeping very well as there doesn't seem to be a clear replacement if Coach B jumps.   Warde did a good job hiring a hockey coach to replace Red but this will be his toughest hire yet if he has to replace Beilein.


At the end of the day, I still think Coach B would elect to stay, but there is clear interest on both sides and this could very well happen. 

• When asked on Sunday about RB depth, Jimmy called out expected co-starters Chris Evans and Karon Higdon.  He also mentioned walk-on Tru Wilson as doing well.   A player he didn't mention was Kareem Walker which of course leads to plenty of transfer speculation. 

• An under the radar player to keep an eye on is River Rouge DE Ruke Orhorhoro.  He is a 6'5 and 250 pounds and has only been playing football for a year after moving over from basketball.  He currently has some nice offers that include Michigan and Clemson.   Ruke was at the Best of the Midwest at Grand Valley this weekend.

• Big Mo Wagner worked out for the Lakers on Sunday.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-tuesday-coach-b-in-final-3.html

Michigan Monday: Coach B and The Pistons

When I first heard the news about Coach B getting an interview with the Pistons, I had a little laugh and thought the Pistons are trying to interview every basketball coach in American before they make a decision. 


Then the Athletic's Brandan Quinn reports this truly could happen.  That Coach is not doing this for more money at Michigan and both sides are interested in continuing the conversation. 


Now that doesn't mean this is a done deal by a long shot, but it also doesn't mean they had a cup of coffee at Starbucks to discuss basketball either.  We know coach just put down new mulch, this is no time to leave!   :)


Coach is 65 and this might be his last and final shot at the NBA.  I'm a little surprised that he even wants to go to the league in the first place.  I guess the NBA bright lights out weighs the "hired to be fired" circumstance.   We will see what happens, but Warde better put together that new contact quickly and pay his assistants what they are worth. 

• Michigan QB Cade McNamara has been at the Elite 11 Camp all weekend and continues to rank in the top 10.

• Jimmy spoke yesterday and said that they are a little below the 85 scholarship limit and 2 people have left.  Some insiders are saying that number could be 3.   It's not uncommon for players to leave after Spring Ball when the signs don't show a path to playing time.   I expect we will hear this week who the players are.  The internet is predicting that it's probably a RB and WR for the first 2 that are leaving. 

• Remember former Michigan commit Vic Viramontes?  He recently joined Minnesota and now has decided to leave and head back to California.  That leaves the Golden Gophers with 1 scholarship QB.  Speaking of guys that have been with a few programs TE Chris Clark has also left Pitt this Spring.

• Michigan makes the top 5 for 2019 Instate Viper/LB Lance Dixon.  His other schools include: Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-monday-coach-b-and-pistons.html

Michigan Friday: A Look Back at The Purdue Win

This was John O'Korn's shinning moment!  I hope he saved this game tape!










from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/06/michigan-friday-look-back-at-purdue-win.html