MSAC announces more than 100 artist awards

The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has announced that $246,000 has been awarded to 105 Maryland artists through the 2019 Individual Artist Awards (IAA). 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/msac-announces-more-100-artist-awards/

Michigan Tuesday: I Was Close But Picked the Wrong Guy

Prior to the draft, I predicted the Green Bay Packers would take Chase Winovich in the second round give him #52 and have an able replacement for Clay Matthews (who signed with the Rams).    I was close, they actually used their 1st round pick on a former Wolverine DE Rashan Gary, who now is expected to wear #52.

Good luck to Rashan and Chase in New England.

• Speaking of former Wolverines, TE Ian Bunting is getting a shot in the NFL with a UDFA with the Chicago Bears.  Ian did a grad transfer to CAL this past season. 

• Michigan finally has a better QB room then OSU.  Case in point, OSU has just accepted a grad transfer from UK QB Gunnar Hoak.   He is from Columbus and will have 2 years to play or actually back-up.  The kid gets free grad school, so you can't blame him. 

• The Michigan Football Team leaves for Africa this week.  Photo below is an example of the Jordan gear they will be wearing on the trip.  

• Peppers sponsored an Adidas shopping spree in NYC yesterday. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-tuesday-i-was-close-but-picked.html

Michigan Monday: Wolverine Draft and Free Agent Signings in Review

We know what happened Thursday night in the first round, so we will skip the success Devin Bush and Rashan Gary had.

It really started Friday night when Chase Winovich gets picked by the Patriots in the 3rd round and then a few picks later David Long by his hometown Rams.  Both locations are really good situations for both players.  Chase will get a chance to compete at DE right away in New England and the Rams have some high price talent at CB that won't be there for long :).   Getting drafted by both Super Bowl teams is a home run in the 3rd round!

Then the draft slowed down for the Wolverines with only Zach Gentry going to the Pittsburg Steelers in the 5th round, joining his first round teammate Devin Bush.  I'm happy for Zach as he had a terrible Combine but a much better pro day in Ann Arbor.  Mike Tomlin was in attendance for Michigan's Pro Day and drafted 2 Wolverines.   The Steelers love a big TE and if Zach can catch the ball, he should have a great shot of making a roster that is trying to get younger.

If Gentry was the only Wolverine drafted on Saturday, that means RB Karan Higdon went un-drafted.  I know many of you will be upset he skipped the Peach Bowl Exhibition but I personally won't blame a player for trying to stay healthy after watching Jake Butt a few years earlier.    Higdon said on social media that many teams where concerned about his health and a surgery.   I wasn't aware of any recent surgeries.

After the draft ended on Saturday, the flood gate offers for Michigan's un-drafted players opened up.   Some will argue that being an UDFA is better than being drafted in the 7th round because as an UDFA you have options on the team you sign with.

Here is the run down of the Wolverines that signed UDFA contracts:

• Higdon - Signed with the Texans.  Which is a good spot of him and team where he will get a legit shot to make the team.  
• Kinnel with the Bengals 
• Watson with the Jaguars 
• JBB to the Redskins
• Marshall to the Bears
• Mone with the Seahawks 
• Former Michigan QB Wilton Speight to the 49'ers

Now the question remains, who has the best shot to make a roster?  Higdon has the best shot with the Texans but I also like Mone's chances with the Seahawks.  

Good luck to all the former Wolverines in their pro careers!  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-monday-wolverine-draft-and.html

Renovated historic property promotes tourism and luxury on Tilghman Island

Guests of the Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island may find themselves questioning whether they are at a destination vacation spot like Martha’s Vineyard or the Hamptons. The white wrap-around porches and balconies of the 1989 original buildings offer stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and all who voyage out on her waters for commerce, pleasure, or sport. The Wylder’s nine acres on Talbot County’s Tilghman Island are deeply entrenched in Eastern Shore fishing history, a story that attracted Wylder’s CEO and founder, John Flannigan, to the property.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/renovated-historic-property-promotes-tourism-and-luxury-tilghman-island/

Meet the Marylanders: Lauren builds a strong cybersecurity career here

Great STEM programs at UMBC originally attracted Lauren Mazzoli to Maryland for undergraduate education. And it’s the state’s the great STEM ecosystem that kept her here after graduation. The two-time UMBC alumna and Northrop Grumman Systems Engineer recently talked with us about her decision to live and work in Maryland. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/meet-marylanders-lauren/

Michigan Friday: Happy For #10 & #3

If you asked me to rank Michigan's defensive players on performance last year.   This is how I would have ranked them:

1. Devin Bush 
2. Chase Winovich 
3. David Long
4. Rashan Gary 

The NFL Draft research coverage is getting much better.   I used to scratch my head when it came to Wolverines in the Draft.  It seemed the analysts didn't watch enough tape on the Wolverines and had strange takes on former Michigan players.   I have also been wrong, I never expected Frank Clark to sign a $100M contract.   

The reviews on Gary is spot on, he didn't have the production numbers he should have, but he commonly was double teamed (which freed up Winovich) but he also played through a shoulder injury that he injured in that disastrous practice prior to the ND game that also took out Black.    Green Bay is considering playing Gary at LB in what I expect is the Clay Matthews role.   Gary is still an athletic freak and I can see him doing big things in Green Bay.  

Devin is just a missile and a great pick for the Steelers who pride themselves on great LB play.  He is a perfect fit for the Steel City and Chase Winovich's home town.

Congrats to both Devin and Rashan on getting drafted by legendary NFL franchises. 

I expect we hear Winovich and Long's name in the second round tonight.

• I wasn't surprised about Haskins dropping but was surprised that Daniel Jones went #6.   The Giants have had a head scratching off season. 

• Coach Gattis and Coach Brown are traveling this week visiting recruits in the 2020 and 21 classes.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-friday-happy-for-10-3.html

Michigan Thursday: Important Day For Rashan and Devin

Good luck to Rashan Gary and Devin Bush tonight.   Both are expected to be taken in the first 20 picks of the NFL Draft.  

Time to keep an eye on the Transfer Portal...………….

Michigan still has too many guys on scholarship right now.  I have heard Michigan currently has 92 to 87 players currently on scholarship which clearly puts them over the 85 limit.   Some are walk-ons that received a scholarship (which are usually just for 1 year) and others are taking a spot when they probably have a foot out the door.

These numbers don't give the Michigan coaches a ton of flexibility with transfer portal and trying to fill needs for next season.   The two areas we all know too well are DT and RB.    The breaking news is that 5 star RB Tavien Feaster is planning a graduate transfer and has put his name in the portal.  He is expected to graduate at the end of the summer.   Of course, there isn't any rumors yet if Michigan is looking at him.   He of course would have interest in the Wolverines and the academics to get admitted to graduate school.

We will see what happens but this new process could get Michigan a chance at a new contributor.

• Port Huron Northern DE Braiden McGregor is expected to visit A2 again this weekend.  He continues to be a top prospect for the Wolverines in the 2020 class. 

• 4 star NJ RB Jalen Berger from Don Bosco (Peppers old HS) is also expected to visit this weekend. 

• 4 star Daniyel Ngata RB from California will also visit  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-thursday-important-day-for.html

Wolverine Wednesday: A Very Deep Poole

24/7 sports

Jordan Poole hit one huge shot as a freshman and the expectations went through the roof.  

I've watched a ton of Michigan Basketball the last two years and my eyes don't lie even though my head wants it to.   I believe many Michigan fans feel this way about Jordan Poole.   He hit a historic shot in the NCAA Tournament, that sprung the Wolverines to the Final 4 and the National Championship game and will always be remembered for that shot. 

Jordan is a great kid, full of emotion and swag.  His videos are funny and is the prefect guy for this social media world.   It's hard not to like him as a person and a basketball player. 

What gets lost is Jordan Poole didn't have a strong freshman year, he averaged 6 points per game in 12 minutes per.  Everyone expected a break out sophomore year for the talented shooter.   This season he averaged 33 minutes but only scored 12.8 per game.  He almost tripled his time on the floor and only scored 6 more points per game.   

Jordan recently decided he was declaring for the NBA Draft and would get the information on his draft status.  The NBA season isn't over and ESPN ranks Jordan very late in the second round prospect.  He may or may not get invited to the NBA Draft Combine, which is still to be determined.  ESPN even recently had a 2020 draft projection and had Jordan late in the first round after next season.   

You would think this points to signs that heading back for his junior year might make sense.  Not for Jordan or his father, as Jordan announced he was staying in the draft after he signed up for a $40 video greeting service.  Which would make him ineligible to play college basketball.  

Jordan's father has been very critical of Michigan's offense and the use of the Zavier Simpson as the primary ball handler and not putting his son in enough pick and rolls.  He also wanted Jordan to show his ball handling skills more often in the offense.   He recently gave an interview to the Athletic on why Jordan is leaving the program.  

Jordan's father isn't a 100% wrong, but he is watching his son through his fathers eyes and not an NBA Scout or Coach.  Michigan's offense was poor at times this year and changes need to be made this off season.   It's clear Jordan's camp feels Jordan won't develop with those new changes under Coach B.   I'm also sure they are informed on Jordan's NBA rankings, which means there is a strong possibility he ends up in the G-League or in Europe.  Which is professional basketball obscurity.    Yes, players have come out of that process but not many.  

My eyes this year, saw a player that was still developing his game.   I saw his shot to be very inconsistent and his ball handling needing work.   He was starting to develop his dribble drive game which looked promising.   I'm not going to knock his decision of trying to make a living playing basketball, I just hope it was an informed decision rather than an emotional one.   I also hope it was his and not his fathers.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/wolverine-wednesday-very-deep-poole.html

Michigan Tuesday: Look At All These Rumors

With the NFL and NBA Drafts coming up, there are many rumors out there about players and even some about former Wolverines.

Rashan Gary - Mel Kiper called him Polarizing yesterday and that might be an accurate account for this talented DE.  Why?

1. Lack of production at Michigan
2. Rumors of a lingering shoulder injury 
3. Leaked low Wonderlick score 

Rashan once was considered a top 5 player in this draft and now he might have fallen to the mid to late first round.   The leaked score of 9 on the Wonderlick is not a fair assessment if Rashan truly is dyslexic.   Many folks that have a learning disability would do terribly on a test that measures fast thinking.   Rashan being dyslexic is just a rumor and I don't believe has been verified anywhere.  

We also have to stop thinking Iggy and Poole are coming back to school.   I don't believe that is happening.  There was some fluff on Twitter that Poole is now doing $40 celebration messages for people that are interested.   Which is another sign he is gone. 

Latest ESPN NBA Mock is:  Iggy 45, Poole 55, Matthews 60.  There are 30 teams in the NBA which puts all the Wolverines deep into the second round.  Which doesn't include guaranteed money or a roster spot.   In my opinion, you don't leave for a second round rating but maybe these guys have their own reasons to turn pro.  

• Nico Collins was able to participate in the last Spring Practice last week.  

• 2020 4 star S Jordan Morant is intrigued by playing with Dax Hill at Michigan.  He was in for a visit last weekend. 

• 2020 QB commit JD Johnson falls in love again with Michigan after his visit this weekend. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-tuesday-look-at-all-these.html

Help save a life: April is Donate Life Month

April is National Donate Life Month, a month-long dedication to encourage organ donation registrations, and a celebration of those that have saved lives through donating. Last year, more than 36,000 organ transplants were performed throughout the country, with more than 800 happening right here in Maryland.

Unfortunately, while the vast majority of Americans support being a donor, only 58% are registered. In Maryland, the number of registered donors drops to almost 50%. This means, on average, 22 people die every day waiting for a lifesaving transplant. 

To commemorate this month of awareness, we sat down with Donate Life Maryland's executive director, Jim Ford, to learn more about the importance of organ donors in Maryland and across the nation. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/help-save-life-april-donate-life-month/

Visit Maryland’s 18 National Park sites this week

National Park Week, taking place from April 20 – 28, is a celebration of America’s 419 treasured sites throughout the country.

Here in Maryland, there are 18 sites managed by the National Park Service—including historical parks, scenic trails, national battlefields, and a national seashore—providing a unique experience for every type of traveler.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/visit-marylands-18-national-park-sites-week/

Michigan Monday: NFL Draft Week

This Thursday marks Round 1 in the primetime NFL Draft with the follow rounds the following days.  Here are a few of my thoughts regarding draft-able Wolverines and a few other players.

• Devin Bush - Was Michigan's best player last year.  This guy really is a "missile" at the LB position and should be taken early on Thursday night.   1st round lock!

• Rashan Gary - The hype never matched the production at Michigan but there are a few reasons for that.  Like often being double teamed and playing through a few injuries.   One of the best things about Rashan is he seems like a great guy.  I think he will work hard and have a nice NFL career, but not a JJ Watt type of player.   1st Round Lock! 

• Chase Winovich - I think could be the steal of the draft.  He might be a second round player but could have more sacks then the higher ranked Gary.    If Chase stays healthy I expect will be an impact player in the league.  Expected 2nd rounder. 

• David Long - Is a special CB but is getting zero buzz.  Someone playing attention will get a really good CB probably the 2nd round.  The Ohio State game is hurting all Michigan DB's right now.  Which I put more on Don Brown that David Long.   Another steal in round 2 or 3.

• Karan Higdon - Is probably a day 3 pick up.  Most rankings I have found have him around #9 RB in the draft.   The NFL doesn't love picking RB's high and I expect Higdon will get drafted but not in early rounds.  

• Zach Gentry - is a solid TE in a deep TE draft.  He is not seen as elite and had a stinker of NFL Combine, even though he improved his numbers at Michigan's pro day.  The deep TE draft will hurt Zach and I expect him to be picked on day 3.  

I love Winovich and Bush in this draft.   If you pick Gary, your picking him for his upside, as his best football could still be in front of him.   David is going to be one of those 10 year vets that doesn't talk much and just makes plays.   Higdon runs hard but see him maybe in the league for 3 years or so, Zach needs some luck finding a team due to his lack of speed. 

QB Draft:

I don't like this QB draft at all.  I wouldn't take Kyler Murray #1, I think he is too short and too skinny for the position.  I think he is one hit away from retirement in the NFL.   I'm also not a fan of Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins.  He has a rifle of an arm, but was throwing to super fast WR's that were wide open most of the year.  He only has one year starting and think will struggle in the NFL similar to Cardale Jones.  Come to think of it, Urban Meyer hasn't had a ton of success putting QB's in the NFL.  Best one Alex Smith?

Murray and Haskins are good college football players but it will be interesting to see how they translate to the league.   I think Murray made a poor decision dropping baseball as his career could have been much longer in baseball if he made the MLB.   I don't think he is a Drew Brees,  Russell Wilson, or even Baker Mayfield.  

Will be a fun end of the week and good luck to all the former Wolverines. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-monday-nfl-draft-week.html

Crofton coffee company wants to clean the bay, one cup at a time

If there’s one thing Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company (CBRC) is more passionate about than coffee, it’s the environment. 

We all know how important clean water is for our health and for the earth—but imagine producing a product, like coffee, that is made up of 98 percent water. That’s just one reason why CBRC is doing their part to help clean the bay, one cup (of joe) at a time.
 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/crofton-coffee-company-wants-clean-bay-one-cup-time/

Michigan Friday: Transfer Portal Impact

Michigan has benefited from transfers since Jimmy has taken over the program.  Jake Rudock started the trend when he transferred from Iowa and turned that decision into a NFL backup role.   Michigan's most famous transfer of course, is current QB Shea Patterson from Ole Miss.    Michigan also had 2 DB's transfer to the program but hardly see the field.

The Big Ten, had a few high profile guys enter the portal yesterday:

• Former 4 Star CB from Michigan Myles Simms 
• Penn State (expected) Starting QB Tommie Stevens 
• Ohio State back-up QB red shirt freshman Matthew Baldwin

I'm not crying for OSU who lost 1 QB to the NFL, another to a transfer to Miami, and now Baldwin is leaving.   They of course got a 5 star from Georgia and another transfer from West Virginia.   OSU only two QB's on the roster are from other programs.  

Penn State of course will now start seeing what life is like without Moorhead, Barkley, and McSorely.   Tommie has waited a long time for the starting gig and now prefers to leave.   

This is the new norm for college football.  I hope Jimmy is using his staff to look for a defensive tackle and maybe a RB.  He mentioned on the podcast that they have a grad transfer long snapper coming in.   Also keep an eye for others to enter the portal, like one time starter Brandon Peters.  

My top concern right now is a inexperienced defensive line against the top 25 Army triple option in September. 

• Remember Kurt Taylor?  That RB from Georgia that was in the program for a couple of years and decided to transfer to a community college in January.  Can't help to wonder if he wouldn't have gotten his shot to impress the coaches this spring.  

• Sam Webb reports that 3 star DE Kenny Mesitdor is expected to make a decision soon.  He has offers like a 4 star which includes: Michigan, UCLA, Florida, BC, MSU, UK, USC, CAL and more.  

• #1 Safety in the country 2020 4 star Jordan Morant is currently on campus. 

• Also  2020 QB commit JD Johnson will be taking his a visit this weekend. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-friday-transfer-portal-impact.html

Michigan Thursday: Heading to Germany and Spider Gone

If I was Coach B, I would make sure I was recruiting a European player every year and then extend the trip a week or so. Franz Wagner brother of Mo will get a visit from Coach B very soon.  Franz still has a few weeks left in his season and is then expected to make a decision.  Rumor mill is Mo and Mom are pulling for Michigan.   Well will see what Franz has to say.   I would also recruit guys in Hawaii.

Michigan Basketball still has an important visit this weekend with graduate transfer William and Mary transfer Justin Pierce.

The big news today is that Miles "Spider" Simms a 4 star red-shirt freshman from Georgia has entered the Transfer Portal.  The WOTS was that Simms was way too skinny and not gaining weight and was getting passed by 3 stars and walk-ons.   He also didn't participate last Saturday which means he is gone or was hurt.

Local kid Vincent Gray got a ton of Spring Buzz and is a borderline starter. Even walk-on and former WR Hunter Reynolds was getting pushing people.   Spider found himself behind a lot of people and was probably clear he didn't see a way to get on the field.

Being in the portal doesn't mean you are 100% transferring but in this case there is a very good chance he is gone.  

Brandon Peters news has to be coming soon.   His planned destination, Purdue got some news today that quarterback Elijah Sindelar got another year granted by the NCAA.






from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-thursday-heading-to-germany.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Has Dax Hill News

It has pretty much become recruiting season for Michigan's top 2 sports.   Football is looking for superior talent for the 20 and 21 classes, Basketball is trying to fill 2 holes left by the NBA Draft.  

Jimmy sometimes drops nuggets on his podcast.   The latest nugget is that Dax Hill is planning to be in Ann Arbor enrolled and working out with the team on 6/1.   Jimmy also said, that was important because the plan is to play him early.   The news is really being Dax coming up on June 1st, which will give him about a month lead time on the guys arriving this fall.   Which means more time working out with the DB's and more time in the S&C program.  

• Brock Mealer will be studying at the Ross Executive MBA Program. 

• Devin Bush is visiting the Raiders today

• 4 star RB Blake Corum tweeted out he is announcing soon.  He plays for Biff and his CB predictions is 100% Maize and Blue. 

• Michigan Basketball transfer prospect Justin Pierce who is visiting this weekend will also take a visit to North Carolina. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/wolverine-wednesday-has-dax-hill-news.html

Maryland launches new tourism ad campaign

The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has unveiled a new ad campaign built around the tagline ‘Maryland – Open For It.’ The campaign encourages prospective visitors to stay overnight and enjoy a range of the state’s water and culinary-based experiences, including sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, fishing in Western Maryland, eating the state’s famed steamed crabs, and visiting the beaches of Ocean City. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-launches-new-tourism-ad-campaign/

Michigan Tuesday: Some Recruiting News Basketball and Football

With Michigan Basketball probably losing two players to the NBA draft, Coach B has to fill a few holes in the offense.   One option is William and Mary graduate transfer Justin Pierce.  Justin averaged 14.9 points per game and 8.9 rebounds this past season. He just visited ND last weekend and will get a chance to see Michigan this weekend. His decision could come after that.
Not sure if these guys are on the radar, but brothers Sam and Joey Hauser announced they are transferring from Marquette.  Sam is a 6-foot-8 junior that averaged 15.1 points, 7.2 boards and 2.3 assists this past season. Joey is a 6-foot-8 redshirt freshman that averaged 9.8 points and 5.2 boards. They both shot better than 40 percent from three this season.  These are Coach B type of players but would need a waiver to play next season.  No word yet, if Michigan is interested in the talented brothers.

Speaking of brothers, Franz Wagner is still out there if he decides to come to the US and recruit Harlond Beverly committed to Miami yesterday, so he is off the radar.

---
We know, Michigan got a 2020 de-commitment just as the Spring Game was ending.  Which is strange timing and pretty good sign the coaches wanted to go in another direction.


-Michigan is looking strong for the top QB in the 2021 class QB J.J. McCarthy from Illinois. J.J. says Jimmy told him that he is the Wolverines top priority for the 2021 class/ -Michigan also leads for 3 star 2020 Tennessee RB Jabari Small who visited last weekend.
-The Wolverines made the top 8 for 2020 DE Antwaun Powell who visited Ann Arbor in March. -Michigan also made the top 5 for Bay City WR 2020 three-star wide receiver Devell Washington.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-tuesday-some-recruiting-news.html

Maryland sports tourism generated nearly $200 million in FY18

Youth and amateur sports generated more than $194.6 million in economic impact in Maryland last fiscal year, according to a new report from Maryland’s Sports Commission.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-sports-tourism-generated-nearly-200-million-fy18/

Michigan Monday: Spring Game Thoughts

Michigan on Saturday held a practice/scrimmage at the Big House.  It wasn't really a game and more of a scrimmage but it was more entertaining then I expected.   I wasn't there live but did watch it on BTN to Go while also keeping an eye on the Masters.

Here are a few of my thoughts:

I like it! 

• Speed in Space is for real and Michigan showed tempo getting to the line of scrimmage.   They are going to catches the defense with too many men on the field or get them tired.   The pace wasn't warp speed but it was much better than what we have seen.   Michigan still has some work to be done, but I like version 1.0.   
• Rember when OSU had 3+ QB's better than Michigan's starter?  The Wolverines have 3 very good QB's that could play right now.  Shea is clearly #1 but its a nice luxury to have 3 guys competing to be the best.  
• Tarik Black is healthy and looked pretty good on a couple of throws.  
• Ross didn't play but the LB's look fast and physical. 
• Like the depth on the offensive line, that looks like a solid unit 
• Barrett had a nice pick and looks to be the advertised athlete he was recruited to be
• The secondary looked good without Hill
• Michigan has 2 very good kickers
• McCaffrey is sneaky fast

Going to Need Some Work

• There are two areas that concern me.  The first is the RB position.  I know about the injuries and the projections about being ready by Fall.   Still, this is an issue and Michigan didn't have a scholarship RB on the field on Saturday (Yes, I know Tru earned one as a walk-on - Ok,  VanSumeren is a scholarship recruited RB but I consider him more of a FB then a TB).  Chris Evans getting his academics cleared up and his suspension lifted is very important for this offense.  
• The defensive line concerns me.  The first unit is pretty good but it doesn't seem to have any depth.  Michigan needs to hit the transfer portal after Spring Ball to look for a big run stopper.  I think the DE position will be ok with the CMU transfer and Michigan's younger guys.  Ben Mason is a physical guy, but I don't believe is the answer.  Dwumfour was dressed and looked like he has lost some weight.  
• Injuries - I know Spring injures aren't a huge concern but Michigan is missing a lot of guys that are trying to learn a new offense.  

I had very little expectation on Saturday and thought the Wolverines were pretty open about their play calls and new offense.   Yes, it still needs work and Michigan has pretty much all of its skill positions hurt.   I also thought it was a little funny that the defensive could hit the walk-on running backs but not Tru or VanSumeren.

Michigan also suffered a de-commitment from Columbus, OH WR Kalil Branham.  Kalil committed to Pep Hamilton who is now running an XFL team and the thought is Gattis has some other ideas for WR's in the 2020 class.   Kalil's brother signed to play at EMU in the 2019 class.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-monday-spring-game-thoughts.html

Michigan Friday: What To Watch During The Spring Game

I don't expect it to be a game and more of a padded practice.  It also won't be on TV, so many of us will have to rely on social media and TV highlights.

If your attending this is what I would look for:

1. Speed in Space - What does the offense look like?  Is it pass heavy and does Michigan show tempo.  
2. Is RB a disaster?   Yes, its Spring but this position has little to no depth.
3. DE - This position took a huge hit this off season.  Are the guys able to rush the passer?
4. LB - Who will replace Bush?
5. Ambry Thomas - Is he ready to be a superstar?
6. Tarik Black - Is he healthy and ready to dominate the Big Ten?
7. Oliver Martin - Does he have a role on this team?
8. Where is Ben Mason playing? I actually think its really bad news that he is playing DE and is a huge red flag that Michigan is lacking depth at that position. 

I don't have any concern at the QB's and expect them to look good and bad as they still have under 15 practices learning a new offense.   You might want to wish Brandon Peters "good luck", as this is probably the last time we see him in a Michigan uniform.

If you make it out, have fun and I hope the weather holds.  

• You have to love this:  Chris Partridge who has been on Michigan's staff 5 years or so, said this:

“I’ve got blood in my mouth,” Partridge said. “There’s no qualms about it. So yeah – for me, the motivation is how (it ended) last year. I don’t wake up a day and not think about it, that’s for sure. I know Don feels the same way.

“I want to be candid: those guys left, and it was another shot. It’s wasn’t okay! That’s how I feel, I’m not speaking for anyone else. I’m ultra-motivated. I make sure my guys that I get in front of, that they hear it, and they know that every single day when I wake up, I’m motivated. I want to take this thing, I want to hit it in the mouth, I want to go get it.

“I just think each person is motivated their own way, but I just know my personal opinion: I’m going to coach harder than I ever imagined I can coach. I’m going to be more aggressive than I ever have been before, and we’re going to try to make sure that scoreboard never looks like it did last year.”

Deep Thoughts:  If Michigan is "the team up North" - Does that make Jimmy the King of the North?  

Enjoy the game, the Masters, and the Game of Thrones on Sunday.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-friday-what-to-watch-during.html

Michigan Thursday: Salutes Masters Day

To me this is the first day of Spring, the start of the Masters.   I really wish the club would open more TV coverage as it starts at 3:00 today.   They should start at Noon or earlier and go through until the last player is on the course.  

Of course the top story continues to be if Tiger can win another Masters.  I don't believe he will be in serious contention this weekend, as he had a recent neck injury and hasn't played a ton this season.    I expect Rory McElroy to be there on Sunday if his mind will let him.   Mickelson's mental block is the US Open and Augusta is Rory's.   We will see if he can get bye that.

If you haven't been to this tournament, it really is a special place.   The food prices are stuck in 1972 and you won't find anything without the Masters logo.  Even the water bottles have it.

TV doesn't do the slopes on the green any justice at all.   They are crazy and borderline unfair.  If you get a chance to go, I would recommend a practice round.  Which is easier to get in and the players are much more relaxed.   Today through Sunday is all business.   This trip is a must for any golf fan.  

• Sam Webb expects both Iggy and Poole to stay in the draft process.  There had been some buzz about Poole not being exactly happy with his role, so maybe he is gone either way.   As I mentioned yesterday, both have a second round grade so they have some ground to make up to make this decision worth while.  

• Coach B was out to see William and Mary graduate transfer Justin Pierce who is a 6'7 wing who averaged just under 15 points a game, with 9 rebounds.   Pretty much every other team wants Justin as well.  

• Having both Iggy and Poole headed to the draft, hopefully is good news for potential freshman Franz Wagner who is considering playing pro ball at home or coming to the States to play college basketball.  As you know, Franz is Mo's brother.

• Michigan NBA Day #2?

DJ Wilson: 18 PTS, 17 REB, 4 AST
Caris LeVert: 10 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST
Duncan Robinson: 15 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL
Glenn Robinson III: 9 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST
Trey Burke: 6 PTS, 3 ASTAlso Caris put Duncan Robinson on a poster.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-thursday-salutes-masters-day.html

Meet the Marylanders: Kerrie Loves Baltimore’s Openness

When you talk to Maryland executives about why they chose Maryland for business, they almost always mention the state’s incredible talent pool. So in order to keep attracting great talent, we set out to find what attracts the best minds to Maryland. Over the past few months, the Commerce team has been hearing the stories of people who intentionally moved to Maryland, and how it has shaped their careers and their lives. In a new video series, we’re introducing some of these Marylanders. 

We first sat down with Kerrie Carden, Director at Student Ventures at Johns Hopkins University’s FastForward U. Kerrie has lived in Boston and San Francisco, but recently relocated to Baltimore—a move she does not regret.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/meet-marylanders-kerrie-loves-baltimores-openness/

Wolverine Wednesday: Didn't Know It Was Michigan NBA Day?

I checked the calendar and didn't realize Tuesday was Michigan NBA day.   In the afternoon, Iggy and Poole decide they are going to try the NBA.   Maybe this is the new norm and I just need to get used to it, but I don't think either is ready for that level of basketball.

Iggy

Pro:

• Freshman of the year in the Big Ten
• Is older for a freshman 
• Has an NBA upside 
• Strong for his age  

Cons:

• Outside shot is not consistent 
• Ball stopper and doesn't pass 
• Tended to disappear in the biggest games 
• Needs to improve defense and rebounding 

Poole

Pro:

• Had one of the biggest shots in Michigan and NCAA Tournament history.
• Defense improved this season
• Had a few big scoring games 

Cons:

• 3 point shooting was a disappointment this year 
• Overall game needs improvement: shooting, ball handing, defense, and dribble drives.
• Had a very uneven year with overall shot selection and 3 point shooting percentage

ESPN ranks Poole as the 14th SG and #68 player in the draft, which means he is on the fringe of not getting drafted.   2nd round guys are not guaranteed money and probably heading to the G-League.   His upside would be to get invited to the combine and to impress there.   If you remember, Charles Matthews was not invited to the combine last year.  

Iggy has a similar ranking to Poole, he is consider the 15th PF and ranked 48th overall.    Which is also a second round grade.  

If your wondering Charles Matthews is ranked #16 SF and #69 player overall.  

None of those rankings give me any comfort that these guys will be drafted in the first round.  

Other Michigan NBA Day examples:

-Duncan Robinson signed a new deal with the Miami Heat.  He was on a 2-way this season.  

-Jamal Crawford scored 50 last night as a 39 year old. 

-Mo played 17 minutes off the bench for the Lakers and had 7 points

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/wolverine-wednesday-didnt-know-it-was.html

Michigan Tuesday: Better Than Expected

I wonder how Vegas did on Monday's night National Championship game?   The over under was at 118 and both teams blew that number away.  It seems most folks were considering the under.  The game started slow but finished fast with good defense and some strong outside shooting.

I know Coach B was at the Final 4 receiving a leadership award, but not sure if he stayed the entire weekend.   I hope he was able to watch the game and consider the differences between his team and Virginia or even TT.   Michigan lacked consistent three point shooting all year long.   The Wolverines would go on long slumps of offense and it finally caught up with them against Tech.  Michigan needed that guy that could hit a 3 to get them out of the slump and re-start their confidence.  I hope they figure that out over the summer as the defense is good enough to play on the final day of the season.

Per Coach B: “One of the things they have to do is — we only get four hours a week with them going forward — they've got to play good, old fashioned one-on-one, three-on-three and they have to learn how to score and get their own leverage,” Beilein said on WTKA’s “The Michigan Insider” on Friday. “We have to work on it more now. It's the way the game is going.”

“I'm sure every coach across the country sees this trend of not only was Texas Tech going to switch every screen, not just ball screens, and so was Gonzaga,” Beilein said. “You're going to see it. Michigan State has never done that and that's what they did three times to us. They saw that we had to get more guys who could score in isolation, so it's exactly what we'll work at."

Michigan is expected to be a pre-season top 5 team in the nation, so there could be a lot of good things on the horizon.

• Remember the Tennessee Football head coach search a few years ago?  How everyone turned it down?  The same thing is happening to UCLA right now.  Ironically, Tennessee's head coach Rick Barnes is the latest to turn it down. 

• Ben's brother 2022 ATH Alex VanSumeren got offered by Michigan.  

• Sad to hear the Spring game won't be on BTN.  It also sounds like it won't even be a game.   On the positive side, at least it hasn't been cancelled yet!  :-)

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-tuesday-better-than-expected.html

Michigan Monday: Open Practice Deep Thoughts

I wasn't there but I have aggerated some thoughts from the folks that where.  So here we go:

• Practice was not padded 
• Michael Dwumfour was dressed and did participate some
• Clearly missing Michigan's better players at WR, RB, and CB
• Shea Patterson is clearly the #1 QB.  Which is interesting because there were reports on Friday from MgoBlog that they were hearing Dylan McCaffrey was a couple snaps away from beating Shea out.   Most that went to practice didn't see it that way. 
• Ben Mason was working mostly with the DL 
• Jeter looked in great shape 
• Stueber was the RT with the 1's
• Hutchinson looks impressive 
• Sainristil is turning heads at WR and has a nice opportunity with DPJ and Nico out. 
• Ambry Thomas is ready to be the #2 CB 
• Oliver Martin made a few nice catches but also had a drop.   The buzz on him this Spring has been quiet.  

The offense showed a lot of crossing routes and there was some grumbling that the QB's didn't have a great day.  Shea fumbled a snap and others missed some open guys on big plays. 

Your not going to get much from an open practice without any pads.  So that was about it.  More should come out after the Spring Game.  Only 5 practices left. 

Final 4 Thoughts:

• I thought both games were just ok, besides the final minute in the UVA - Auburn game.   I did catch the double dribble in the back court, but thought the ball was drippled off the defensive player since they didn't call it.   Tech's defense must be elite because both Coach B and Izzo had a week to prepare for it and neither could find the weakness.   

• The game tonight has to be a nightmare for CBS.   The game will be a race to 50 points.   A few people have asked me what is the difference between TT and Michigan?  TT has a NBA lottery pick and a knock down shooter.   That is the difference.  

• Congrats to Jerry Stackhouse on getting the job at Vandy! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-monday-open-practice-deep.html

Michigan Friday: Help Wanted: Running Back

I have a friend that runs a small Gelato business in North Carolina.  For fun, he started to bake cookies as a small side for his customers.  A local company that owns a number of restaurants tasted the cookies and ordered 300 pounds of cookies a month.   He doesn't know the cookies business, he knows the Gelato business and now needs to invest $100K to bake 300 pounds of cookies every month.  He has to solve his problem by buying new equipment and hiring more people. 

The Michigan Football team also needs help.  The running back position as been ravaged by injuries and suspensions since last season.  

#1 Expected RB Chris Evans is no longer on the team as he works through some academic issues.  

#2 RB Christian Turner a red-shirt freshman has a hamstring  injury that he suffered on the second day of practice. 

#3 RB Tru Wilson is healthy 

Top incoming freshman Zach Charbonnet is out with a knee procedure in January.

Hassan Haskins who moved from defense has a meniscus injury.

Lucas Andrighetto hyped walk-on from California that was getting a ton of press last week, tore his ACL last weekend.   Talk about a roller coaster week for Lucas.  

Which leaves the Spring Practice depth at RB #1 Tru Wilson and #2 Ben VanSumeren who was moved from TE.   Michigan really needed a second RB in the last recruiting cycle.   The loss of 4 star Eric Gray hurts right now.  

• There continues to be "smoke" around Jordan Poole considering at transfer to another program.  I don't believe the NBA would be an option at this point.   I hope Jordan stays as he had a very inconsistent year last year.  I hope he works on this game this summer and comes back next season as one of the best shooters in the Big Ten.  
• 
  
  from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-friday-help-wanted-running-back.html

Michigan Thursday: 2 Injuries That's Causing Concern

Jimmy did another Spring Practice press conference yesterday and to prove he is turning over a new leaf, talked about injuries and even gave us some details.  

“Two guys – Donovan Peoples-Jones, Mike Dwumfour – looks like they have more serious injuries than we previously thought,” Harbaugh said. “Both have not participated very much in any practice or all winter. Concern is, and the worry really, is that it’s more serious. That they can get back to their previous form and level.”

“They could (miss time this fall),” Harbaugh said. “I’ve always been the kind of coach, but also when I played, I put a lot of stock on what a player – how their body feels, how they respond. That’s the feedback. All indications we’re getting is they can’t really do much at all.”

“Donovan’s has been a soft-tissue injury, a groin injury,” Harbaugh said. “Michael, he had a torn plantar fascia right before the bowl game. Just start to worry when injuries start to linger longer than previously thought. Longer than the time it usually takes. I think nobody knows their body better than the actual athlete.”

As you know, that is a ton of detail for Jimmy to give during a press conference.   Mike even gave us some more detail on Social Media yesterday. 

I did not tear my planta fascia in the bowl game I tore it against Maryland and still played did not miss any games I don’t know where this false information is coming from. Rehab is going great I will be back healthy very soon in Jesus name!!

If these injuries don't heal prior to the season, that is trouble for the Wolverines.  DP-J is Michigan's top WR target even thought there is plenty of depth at the position.

Mike will have a major role this year on a defensive line which needs as much depth as they can get.   I really don't care who starts on the D-Line as Michigan in the past rotates many players during the game.   I expect Shaun Nua will continue that strategy as he takes over for Greg Mattison. 

The Wolverines had many more injuries that weren't publicly known during that end of the year exhibition in Georgia. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-thursday-2-injuries-that-are.html

Spring cleaning: Donate to the local workforce

With the spring season in full swing, it’s time to put spring cleaning on your to do list. Here in Maryland, there are a number of non-profits that accept professional clothing for members of the community who are entering or re-entering the workforce. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/spring-cleaning-donate-local-workforce/

Wolverine Wednesday: Coach Wheat Does Something Nice For a Former Wolverine

As you know, Coach Tyrone Wheatley is now the head coach at Morgan State.  He recently added another Wolverine to his staff in Derrick Alexander as the Passing Game Coordinator/WR Coach.   Will Carr the former Wolverine defensive lineman is also on Wheat's staff as the Dline coach.

Love to see these former Wolverines players coming together to coach college football.

• Iggy was named to the Honorable Mention All-American Team. 

• Love this quote from Coach Gattis and his influence from Coach Moorehead while at PSU “He’s a brilliant offensive mind, one of the smartest coaches I’ve ever been around. He had a great impact and teaching me about how to gain a plus-one number on the defense.  You have to keep adapting"

• Jimmy has another spring practice presser today at 11:00. 
  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/wolverine-wednesday-coach-wheat-does.html

Michigan Tuesday: Who is this Jim Harbaugh?

Jimmy hired an offensive coordinator and has completely given him the keys to the offense.  

That offense is expected to be a no-huddle spread.

That offense will probably de-emphasis the fullback position.

Now Jimmy has given us a verbal depth chart for Spring Practice.

What the hell have you done with our coach?  Has there been an alien attack at Schembechler Hall?

Let's recap what Jimmy said on his podcast.


*please note DP-J, Nico Collins, Lavert Hill, and Michael Dwumfour are out this spring and are starters.  

Starters:

TE: Called Sean McKeon "Elite" this spring, Nick Eubanks also doing a good job.  Backup: Muhammad

DE: Hutchinson and Paye - Backup: Luiji Vilain

DT: Jeter at 3-tech and Kemp at Nose - Mazi Smith is Kemp's backup

LB: Viper = Hudson, SAM = Uche, Mike = Ross and Anthony back-ups: McGrone and Gil

CB: Right: Thomas - Left: Gray - Nickel: Brad Hawkins (moved from safety)  back-up nickel is JK-P

Special Teams:

Long Snapper: Cheeseman - Michigan also has a Grad Transfer coming in as well (no name given). 

Punt Return:  Ronnie Bell backup Mike Sainristil 

Kicker:  Nordin and Moody in competition


Guys that are making some noise this spring include:  Mike Sainristil at WR, they even let some practice video out on social media.  He looks really good and fast.   

Erik All:  Per Jimmy:  "The new guy on the scene at tight end is Erick All. Doing an unbelievably great job. Doesn’t always know what he’s doing, but he’s always doing it full-speed – you love that.”

• The new pro football league the AAF looks to be days away from folding.  They are hoping for support from the NFL and that doesn't seem to be on the horizon.   I believe the NFL needs a minor league to develop players, coaches, rules, and officials.    If not now, when?  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-tuesday-who-is-this-jim.html

Smithfield Foods to create more than 200 jobs in Maryland

Smithfield Foods, Inc., a U.S.-based global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer, is opening a new distribution center in Cecil County.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/smithfield-foods-create-more-200-jobs-maryland/

Michigan Monday: Hat Tip to TT and Sparty

Texas Tech and MSU both did something I didn't think they would be able to do, they beat #1 seeds Gonzaga and Duke.   Michigan lost to both TT and MSU a combined 4 times,  which makes me wonder about my own intelligence for not picking them to go further in the tournament.

Michigan's Football Depth Seems to be a Topic This Spring

Good:

• QB
• Offensive line
• TE's 
• WR's (when healthy) 
• LB's

Lacking:

• Defensive Line including DE's
• CB's 
• Safety 
• RB's 

Michigan is set on the offensive side of the ball, the only question remains at RT and which TE's and WR's will start.   RB concern is lack of experience and questions marks if Chris Evans is able to come back.  

The defensive line is a concern on what Michigan has to replace. 

The CB and Safeties have talent and but are a bit un-proven.  

The spring will help the answers but it seems to be some of this position battles won't be finalized until Fall Camp when all the freshmen get here.  Like a certain 5 star safety. 

The Jason Witten Hair conspiracy continues...……………

Witten at ESPN

Witten this weekend at the Texas Hall of Fame:

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/04/michigan-monday-hat-tip-to-tt-and-sparty.html

From apprentice to employee: How Maryland is redefining job training

A business is always more successful when it has good employees to rely on, which is why Maryland residents and employers are taking additional steps to improve the local workforce. With help from the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) and Apprenticeship Maryland, adults and highschool juniors and seniors are gaining experience and learning skilled trades in the automotive, electrical, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and biotechnology industries, among others. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/apprentice-employee-how-maryland-redefining-job-training/