Michigan Friday: Welcomes 2 More and Counts the Ralphie's

The tidal wave of commitments might have come to a close as two high profile guys committing publicly on Thursday afternoon. 4 star RB from Michigan's Prep School in Baltimore (St. Frances Academy) Blake Corum pulled the trigger first and then 4 star LB Kalel Mullings did the same.

Let's hit Blake first!

Blake plays for Biff Poggi at St. Frances and will join his other 3 teammates in Ann Arbor next season.  Blake is rated a 4 star RB and the #202 player in the country to 24/7's composite.   Rivals and ESPN really like Blake and have him in their top 175, 24/7 has him ranked #454.   He is 5'9 and 180 pounds and can run through tackles and also catch the ball.

Blake's offer list was an impressive one:  Ohio State, USC, Georgia, BC, LSU, Ole Miss, UK, MSU and many more.  Blake did take an official visit to OSU and was thinking about Georgia and USC.

Welcome Blake, we need great running backs!

Michigan has been on LB Kalel Mullings from Boston for a long time.  Don Brown has been very high on him but many thought his heart was with Stanford.  Mullins is the top player in Massachusetts, rated the 9th OLB, and 148th player in the country.

Another strong offer list:  Clemson, Stanford, Wisconsin, Northwestern, ND, Duke, MSU, Ohio State, UNC, Texas, PSU and many more.

Welcome Kalel!

Ok, its been less then a week since recruiting coordination Matt Dudek posted 10 waving Ralphie's.
Let's list them!

Hello its Matt, we got another one?

1. William Mohan, 3 star Viper 
2. Aaron Lewis, 4 Star DE
3. Eamonn Dennis, 3 Star Athlete (RB or Slot)
4. Jeffery Persi, 3 Star OT 
5. Reece Atteberry, 3 Star Offensive Center
6. Jordan Morant, 4 star Safety
7. Gage Garcia, 3 Star RB and Wrestler 
8. AJ Hennig, 4 Star WR 
9. Blake Corum, 4 star RB
10. Kalel Mullings, 4 star OLB 

I would say that is a very successful official visit week prior to the dead period!  Michigan started with the #23 ranked class, they now have the #5 class in the country.   Michigan has 20 commits (depending on how you list Gage) which leaves only 4-6 spots in this class. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-friday-welcomes-2-more-and.html

State of Maryland launches regional resources team and webpage for business assistance

Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the launch of the Maryland Regional Resources team and webpage to help provide businesses with continued assistance and outstanding customer service.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/state-maryland-launches-regional-resources-team-and-webpage-business-assistance/

Michigan Thursday: Hat Tip To The Baseball Team

The Michigan Baseball Team lost last night in the National Championship final.  It was a great run and each one of those players should be proud.   A 3 game series is set to show which is the better team and that's exactly what happened.   I hope this is the first step in Michigan Baseball becoming a national baseball power.   Congratulations to the entire team on an incredible run!

Us Michigan fans are starting to feel like we are always the bridesmaid and never the bride.

• Fab 5 two NC games 
• Beilein's two NC games 
• 2 game changing questionable calls in the OSU game - PI penalty hitting Troy Smith on the sideline and JT Barrett's jump first down call. 
• Michigan Baseball National Championship run this year

I know Michigan has won Championships in other sports but these are the ones that are burned into my memory.  

Now to the good news! 

Jimmy and staff early on targeted two top recruits in this class.  The first was clearly instate DE Braiden McGregor (already committed) and second was Illinois WR AJ Henning. 

AJ Committed yesterday afternoon! 

AJ is the top rated player in Illinois and ranked the 80th player in the nation by 24/7's composite.   He is the 16th WR in the country but services don't rank Outside WR's vs. Slot WR's and AJ is clearly a slot and one of the top slots in the country. 

AJ's offer list included the likes of Alabama, ND, Georgia, PSU, Miami, BC, LSU, Ohio State, Stanford, and many more.   If your looking for a face for the #speed in space offense AJ might be it.  

He has elite speed as he runs a 4.4 forty.   Welcome AJ! 

• As expected DJ Jones committed to NC and WR Jay Brunelle went to ND. 

• Don't forget that 4 star RB Blake Corum is announcing this afternoon.  I will leave this here:

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-thursday-hat-tip-to-baseball.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Winner Takes All

Michigan Baseball has been on quite the journey the last few weeks and tonight it comes to an end with a National Championship or being the National Runner-up.   I like 3 games series but it also makes it a little different then a winner takes all.   Michigan head coach Erik Bakich had to play for a game 3 after winning game 1.   We will see tonight if that strategy pays off.

The good news is Michigan lost a crushing game in a similar situation in the regional and came back and won the final game the next day.  Michigan should have good pitching and the hopes are they swing the bats against Vandy's #3 starter.

• 4 star RB Blake Corum will announce his decision at 1:00 on Thursday.

• DJ Jones an Athlete recruit who visited last weekend will decide between Michigan and North Carolina at 4:00 Today. 

• 3 star WR Jay Brunelle is also expected to announce his decision today.  Jay is picking between Michigan, ND, and UCLA. 

With AJ announcing now and Blake on Thursday, Jay is now expected to go to ND and DJ to UNC.


Breaking News: Michigan's #1 WR Target 4 star AJ Henning out of Illinois just committed to the Wolverines! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/wolverine-wednesday-winner-takes-all.html

Streetcar 82 makes a name for Deaf-owned businesses

As Hyattsville’s second brewery, and the first Deaf-owned brewery east of the Mississippi River, Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. has made itself a neighborhood staple for Deaf and hearing customers alike.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/streetcar-82-makes-name-deaf-owned-businesses/

Michigan Tuesday: 2 Commits and A CWS Finals Win!

Congrats to the 200-1 Michigan Wolverines in taking the first game of the 3 game CWS final.  The Wolverines can close the deal tonight, but Vandy is a talented team and I'm sure will fight to take game 2 so there will be a winner take all final in Game 3.  Michigan will face Vandy starter Rocker who just threw a no-hitter a couple weeks ago.   Fingers crossed for tonight!   Go Blue!  7:00 on ESPN for those that want to tune in.

If you didn't know, Michigan's football recruiting director, Matt Dudek tweets out Ralph Wiggum from the Simpsons when there is a new commit.  This is Ralph:

Matt has tweeted out Ralphie 10 times since Sunday.  

More guys committed on Monday:

• Gaige Garcia, is two-sport athlete in the 2020 class.  He is a RB on the football field and also wrestles.  GG is not a rated recruit, so most expect him to be taking a wresting scholarship and taking a PWO to play football.  GG visited last weekend and decided Ann Arbor was the place for him.  He is a confirmed Ralphie commit. 

• Mike Sainristil is a 2019 recruit that enrolled early and made a huge impact on the Michigan coaches this spring with many WR's out with injuries.  The coaches liked Mike when they offered him and loved him after Spring Ball.  That type of play got Eamonn Dennis another New England athlete an offer in the 2020 class and he accepted and announced his commitment on Monday.  Dennis is 5'10 and 175 pounds and listed as a 3 star athlete, his offer list included Duke, GT, Iowa, Ole Miss, Purdue, Syracuse, and Mississippi State.  

• Another visitor from last weekend and a guy that also visited in April, Jeffery Persi a 3 star OT committed to Michigan late on Monday.   Jeff is a former TE from San Juan Capistrano, CA that moved to OT last year and big time programs took notice.   Jeff is 6'7 and 265 pounds which is a great frame to play college football.   He is a rising 3 star with offers from the likes of UCLA, Wash, CAL, Oklahoma, USC, BC, Arizona, ASU, WSU, TCU, Nebraska, Northwestern, and many more.  

I believe that is 7 confirmed Ralphie's.   

Some maybe concerned about the number of 3 star players Michigan is recruiting.   They are recruiting guys that fit the #Speed in Space offense and of course Don Brown's defense.   Don't forget that these players have yet to play their senior year and will likely move up in the rankings.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-tuesday-2-commits-and-cws.html

Michigan Monday: Re-caps Commitment Sunday

There are few items that can knock Michigan Baseball off the headline starting its 3 game National Championship series tonight, Jimmy and staff found one.

Michigan Football hosted a number of high impact visitors and it seems they came away with a gold mine of commitments for the 2020 class.   Insiders are saying there are between 8-9 total from this weekend with only 4 being public right now.   This reminds me of the Hoke 2012 weekend, where it seemed every kid on campus wanted to join the Wolverines and committed.

I will list them as they dropped on Sunday.

• William Mohan - 3 Star Athlete who projects to the Viper position at Michigan 
• Aaron Lewis - 4 Star DL who flipped from West Virginia
• Jordan Morant - 4 Star Safety - #1 Ranked in the US by 24/7
• Reece Atteberry - 3 Star OL - Center 

All 4 guys are important recruits of course.   I would like to highlight Jordan Morant who was an important get for Don Brown and staff.  This will be the second year in a row the Wolverines were able to add the top safety in the country.   I also know the coaches are very excited about William Mohan who fits the Viper role perfectly at 6'1 200 pounds, many have compared him to Khaleke Hudson.    

Aaron Lewis is a Strong Side DE and has a very nice offer list that includes Ohio State, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Penn State, Nebraska, BC, and many more.  Reece is an important edition to the offensive line as Center is a specialty position on offense.  He also has a nice offer list from the likes of Ohio State, ND, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Miami, and PAC 12 schools. 

So who are the other 4?  I don't know but I believe some will be silent until they are ready to announce.  

Maybe more today. 

• Michigan vs. Vandy tonight ESPN 7:00

• Franz Wagner pro team season is now complete and is expected to make a decision between Michigan and Pro Ball in Germany soon.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-monday-re-caps-commitment.html

Michigan Friday: Poole Goes in Round 1 & Iggy in Round 2

I have been wrong a lot lately when it comes to Michigan Basketball.  I was very worried that AD Warde Manuel was going to make the wrong decision for head coach.   I was wrong.

I also thought Michigan's early entrants into the NBA Draft would not get drafted in the first round.   I was also wrong.

Jordan Poole was taken late in the first round to the Golden State Warriors, who needs a few players after their injuries in the NBA Finals.  Poole and the Splash Brothers?

Iggy was taken in the 2nd round by the Knicks with the 47th pick.   This is also a good spot for Iggy who should get some time with the lack of depth on the current roster.  Of course, the Knicks hope to land a few free agents which would hurt Iggy's chances of sticking on the roster.

As expected, Charles Matthews wasn't drafted after tearing his ACL a couple weeks ago.   I hope there is some type of injury settlement he can get, as he was injured working out for the Celtics.    Maybe he can sit out next year and re-enter the draft?

• Don't forget about the big visit weekend for Michigan Football.   We hope to see a few commitments! (see Tuesday's post for expected visitors)

• Michigan Baseball also plays at 2:00 today in the CWS! 

Could be a great weekend to be a Wolverine! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-friday-poole-goes-in-round-1.html

Michigan Thursday: NBA Draft Night For 3 Former Wolverines

This is a big night for 3 former Wolverines, Charles Matthews, Iggy Brazdekis, and Jordan Poole.
I expected Charles to jump but I'm believe it was a bad decision for Iggy and Jordan to put their name in for NBA draft.

In the latest ESPN Projections: (there are 60 selections in the NBA Draft)

#51 Jordan Poole
#67 Charles Matthews
#69 Iggy Brazdekis

So ESPN is projecting Jordan Poole getting drafted late in round 2 with Charles and Iggy not getting drafted at all.

If Jordan gets drafted, they are drafting him on upside.   His shot was inconsistent and should have been a knock down shooter in his sophomore year.  I think him leaving was more of not agreeing with Coach B's offense style then anything else.   It's a coin toss if he gets drafted and will see him in G-League next year.

I feel bad for Charles.  He was making some waves as a defensive player and maybe the top defensive player in the draft.  I use the Tony Allen comparison as a player he could be in the league.  After tearing his ACL a couple weeks ago, I don't expect Charles will be drafted and will sit out next year.

I think Iggy got really bad advice on going pro after his first year in college basketball.  He has a nice game, but doesn't do anything really well.  He is strong physically but needed another year of 3 point shooting with his dribble drive game.  I think his biggest weakness is that he is a ball stopper and doesn't pass much.   There is also some defensive concerns against NBA athletic forwards. Iggy is another coin flip if he gets drafted or not.   That means he should be back at Michigan for his sophomore year.  

Jordan and Iggy are late 2nd round selections at best and will need to make a major impact in the summer league if they are going to make a roster.  The upside for both are probably a 2 way contract.

• Michigan QB commit JJ McCarthy is now a 5 star on 24/7's composite rankings

• Michigan will take on Texas Tech in the CWS on Friday at 2:00 in a rematch from last weekend. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-thursday-nba-draft-night-for-3.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Brandon Peters Transfers to Illinois

I'm happy for Brandon that he finally found a new team.  It has been clear for over a year that he was the odd man out at the QB position in Ann Arbor.  He announced yesterday he was transferring to Illinois and will have two years left and immediate eligibility for Lovie Smith.

Illinois is close to home for Brandon and his family and happy that he will get a shot at starting for the next two years.  Michigan plays Illinois next season at Champaign on 10/12.

That is the one change to the new transfer rule I would make.  If a player is immediately eligible, they should not be able to transfer to a team that is on the schedule (of the team your leaving) the next season.

Good luck to Brandon!

• Mo Wagner is in the news.  The Lakers are trying to move his contract to open up more cap room and he also mistakenly liked a tweet about George Zimmerman.  He apologized about that and tweeted out that he didn't know how his account did that.   Mo wasn't even in the states when that tragedy happened. 

• Juwan Howard continues to offer 5 star players.  He just offered the top player in the 2021 class.  I doubt he will have a ton of success offering these players, but I'm glad he is doing it.  

• Jacksonville Jaguars LB Myles Jack has a new side business selling candles: “I always take baths with candles . . . so I made my own little lavender candle,” Jack said, via Tess Demeyer of USA Today. “I lit it, and I was reading in the bath, and I was like, ‘Oh, OK. This candle’s actually all right.’”

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/wolverine-wednesday-brandon-peters.html

Maryland: The cyber capital of America

When you think “cybersecurity” you might think Silicon Valley, Calif.; Austin, Texas; or Cambridge, Mass. You should be thinking Maryland!

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-cyber-capital-america/

Michigan Tuesday: Another CWS Win and Big Visit Weekend Coming Up

Great pitching does beat good hitting.   Michigan is a clear example of that as they beat FSU 2-0 last night as they continue their run through the College World Series.   Go Blue! 

The Michigan Football program also has an important weekend coming up with official visits starting.  I'm going to list each 2020 visitor with its importance to this Wolverine recruiting class:

• AJ Henning 4 star WR - A ton of programs want this kid (29 offers) and Michigan gets his final visit prior to his announcement.  He is good friends with Michigan QB commit JJ McCarthy who will also be in A2 this weekend.  AJ expects to make a decision "soon".
• Andrew Gentry 4 star OT - This guy is huge at 6'8 and 310 pounds.  Michigan has some work to do get him away from BYU.   
• Blake Corum 4 star RB - I put this kid on "commit watch" as he has 3 teammates already committed and he plays for Bif's program. 
• Jordan Morant 4 star Safety and Michigan top Safety prospect on the board.  He doesn't want to announce until 1/4 which means he won't be signing early. 
• Theo Johnson 4 star TE from Windsor, Canada is a top target for Jimmy and Michigan's new Speed in Space offense at tight end.   
• Andrew Raym 4 star OG who was in town a couple weeks ago and also just visited Ohio State.  
• RJ Moten 4 star safety who is more of an athlete recruit.   He also excels at baseball as well, and must be enjoying the Wolverines run in the CWS. 

Other visitors expected in town include:

• Beau Brade 3 star Safety 
• Elijah Gaines 3 star CB 
• Ty Hamilton 3 star DE 
• Kris Jenkins 3 star DE 
• DJ Jones 3 star RB 
• Mitchell Melton 3 star LB
• William Mohan 3 star LB 
• Jeff Persi 3 star OT
• Brenden Rice 3 star WR (son of Jerry Rice)

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-tuesday-another-cws-win-and.html

Maryland SPCA: 150 years of improving the lives of people and pets

It’s hard to believe that what began as an animal welfare organization for Baltimore City’s work horses has become one of the busiest adoption centers in Maryland.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-spca-150-years-improving-lives-people-and-pets/

Michigan Monday: A Win In The College World Series

Michigan got a nice win in the CWS on Saturday over Texas Tech.   They play Florida State tonight on ESPN.  Lets hope they go 2-0!

• Coach Erik Bakich won the College Baseball Coach of the year.  He is due for a big raise next year.

• I had no idea that Jace Howard, son of Juwan Howard is a 2020 prospect.  Reports are he is more of a MAC type player but I wouldn't have any problem with him on the Michigan roster, hopefully as a walk-on.  

• Instate 5 Star Guard Justin Rodgers who recently committed to UK visited Alabama over the weekend.   That UK commitment is on thin ice. 

• 2020 4 star DB Malcom Greene seemed to have loved his visit to Ann Arbor this past weekend.  Reports are Greene is very high on Don Brown's recruit board. 

• 2020  MA 3 star athlete Eamonn Dennis rescheduled his visit to this weekend.

• Has anyone considered after the Anthony Davis Trade, that the Laker will only have 3 people on the roster.  AD, Lebron, and Mo Wagner?

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-monday-win-in-college-world.html

Baltimore City partners with Smart Growth America to support small-scale manufacturing

Around this time last year, Smart Growth America announced it was accepting applications for communities seeking assistance on small-scale manufacturing and neighborhood revitalization. It received applications from 64 organizations and communities in 32 different states. 

Baltimore was the first of six selected communities to be named a winner.

Now in June 2019, members of Smart Growth America, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and Recast City visited Baltimore to strategize and discuss the features of the city's maker community.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/baltimore-city-partners-smart-growth-america-support-small-scale-manufacturing/

8 perfect places for young professionals to live Maryland

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/8-perfect-places-young-professionals-live-maryland/

Michigan Thursday: The Non-Luck of Jalen Wilson

Jalen Wilson thought he had a good plan being a Michigan commit.  So much that he signed an LOI to play for John Beilein.  Then coach jumps to the NBA and Jalen opens up his recruitment.  He visits UNC and Kansas and picks the Jayhawks this week.

Decision finally over. Good for him.

Then reports start leaking yesterday that the NCAA is about to put the hammer down on 6 schools involved in the FBI sting.  The following are expected to be included: LSU. Kansas, Louisville, and Arizona.

Which got me thinking, Is Jalen's decision really over?  If the NCAA comes down hard on schools, it usually allows players to transfer without any penalty.    Jalen must be feeling pretty un-lucky at this point.

• Ron Johnson might have had plans to open a surf shop named Ron John, if so those plans will have to wait. He has decided to transfer to Rutgers for his final year of eligibility.   Good Luck to Ron, except for one week next season.  

• Anyone else surprised that Brandon Peters hasn't made a decision on a new school?

• Juwan and staff is ready to hit the road and do some recruiting.   I guess he passed his recruiting test. 

• Steelers DC Kevin Butler said, "We did a great thing moving up to draft Devin Bush."  You're right Kevin!

• 4 star CB Josh Moten has de-committed from Penn State .

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-thursday-non-luck-of-jalen.html

Roy Rogers cooks up success throughout the Mid Atlantic

For more than 50 years, Roy Rogers Restaurants have been serving quick-service meals to customers throughout the East Coast, with help from a former Marriott executive and his family.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/roy-rogers-cooks-success-throughout-mid-atlantic/

Wolverine Wednesday: Jalen Wilson to Kansas

Well it seems that Michigan Basketball did have a causality in Coach B heading to the Cavs.  Jalen Wilson quickly asked to be let out of his LOI and today committed to Kansas.

It was reported that Juwan tried to get Jalen back but it seems he had his mind set on going to Kansas or UNC and picked the Jayhawks.  We wish him good luck at this new school.   That pretty much leaves Franz Wagner or a mystery player or players to fill the holes in the in class that was left by the 3 players in the draft.  Michigan might have a light roster next year.

Michigan is a baseball school now anyway :-) !

• Speaking of Coach B he has hired University of California, Berkeley woman’s head coach Lindsay Gottlieb as an assistant coach. 

• Safety Jordan Morant is taking an official to Penn State this week

• 4 Star Maryland OL Aaryn Parks has de-committed from PSU

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/wolverine-wednesday-jalen-wilson-to.html

Michigan Tuesday: Oliver to Iowa

Michigan WR Oliver Martin in the last few weeks was out, was back in, and then out.  Now he is heading to Iowa to play for the Hawkeyes.  That was the presumed destination and it ended up being correct.  It's a bit strange for him to transfer to a place that still has Michigan on the schedule, but times are a changing and we wish him good luck.

Oliver is expected to sit out this season and have 3 more to play for the Hawkeyes.

• Instate OT Grant Toutant flipped from Penn State to Ohio State, it seems the Wolverines had little to no interest in the large OT. 

• CWS Michigan vs. TT at 2:00 on Saturday. 

• Here is a glimpse of Juwan's July:  "(July) is going to be a very busy month for us," Howard said. "Me and my staff will be out (on the road recruiting). In LA, the Adidas Gauntlet tournament. We'll be out there in Anaheim watching that. There's the Peach Jam, Nike is holding a big event that they've put on for many years. A lot of talented ball players go out there and compete in that. The Peach Jam is also located in Augusta, Georgia, let me not forget to say that. There's another event held in Atlanta, and we've got pretty lucky with that one. There's a tournament that Under Armour is hosting... It's going to be a very busy time."

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-tuesday-oliver-to-iowa.html

Frederick’s Music & Arts creates harmony across the country

For nearly 70 years, Frederick-based Music & Arts has taken pride in being the “neighborhood choice for music.” And with 17 locations in Maryland alone – from Calvert County to Washington County – you’ve probably seen or visited one of its retail locations throughout the state.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/fredericks-music-arts-creates-harmony-across-country/

Michigan Monday: A Commit and a Trip to The CWS!

Congratulations to the Michigan's Baseball team for beating UCLA 4-2 last night and punching their ticket to the CWS for the first time in 35 years!  The Wolverines now get to face Texas Tech, who ironically knocked the basketball team out in the Sweet 16.   Go Blue and Good Luck in Omaha!

Michigan Football also received a commitment from a 3 star TE out of Virginia Matt Hibner.   Matt is a bit under the radar as he is ranked the 1012 player and #42 TE in the nation to 24/7.   The Michigan coaches saw something they liked and offered him a couple of weeks ago.   Matt doesn't lack in size and is 6'4 and 230 pounds.

His offer list was full of academic schools like: Harvard, Brown, Army, Air Force, Colombia, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, Colombia. Arizona State, Georgia Tech, NC State, Vandy, VT, Pitt, Rutgers, Princeton, etc.

Let's put out the Welcome Matt!

• In terrible news, it seems Charles Matthews has torn his ACL during a workout with the Boston Celtics and won't be able to participate in the NBA Season.   This is awful news, weeks before the draft where he was projected as the 60th player taken.  I don't know if he can now, but he should consider coming back to U of M and entering the draft next year.  He could rehab maybe play in February?

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-monday-commit-and-trip-to-teh.html

For Sport Squad, table tennis is no mere game

Professional leagues. Devoted fans. Product endorsements. Millions of dollars in career earnings. Championships that draw more viewers than the Super Bowl. For much of the world, that’s table tennis. 

But here in the United States, the game is usually reduced to mere ping pong—a casual game played in basements and garages. But Richard Lee, president of the Rockville-based Sport Squad, wants to change that.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/sport-squad-table-tennis-no-mere-game/

Michigan Friday: 2020 Visitors This Weekend

Michigan has a couple prospect camps this weekend and are expecting a number of prospects for 2020-2022.

Since we are more interested in the 2020 class, here are a few guys that are expected to be in town:

• Andrew Raym - 4 star OG from OK
• Kendrick Bingley-Jones 4 star DT from NC
• Henry Gray - 4 Star CB from Miami
• Koy Moore - 4 star WR from LA 
• Ryan Watts - 4 Star CB from TX 
• Chris Scott - 3 star WR from OH
• Joe Royer - 3 star TE from OH
• Matt Hibner - 3 star TE from VA
• Jacob Garcia - LS from CA
• Nick Patterson - Michigan commit TE and brother of starting QB. 

-Michigan is now in the top 5 for this week's visitor 2020 WR Roman Wilson from Hawaii.

-Michigan Baseball takes on UCLA tonight in the Super Regional.

-Tom Brady got his 6th Super Bowl Ring last night.

-Deep thought for the day: The Cleveland Browns once had Bill Belichick and Nick Saban on staff as coaches.  Maybe the top football coaches in the NFL and College Football ever. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-friday-2020-visitors-this.html

Michigan Thursday: Oliver Heads To The Portal

Oliver Martin has been struggling with a decision.  He reported a day or two late for summer workouts, then the rumors began.

He showed up in a picture with the WR's at BW3's this weekend and the rumors starting to die down.  Sam Webb then confirmed with his parents that, "Oliver wasn't heading anywhere".   The rumors died.

He shows up for a couple days of workouts, misses one, and then ends up in the portal on Wednesday night.

I'm torn on this one.  I really was excited to have Oliver in the best WR class Michigan has ever had.  That alone fact was exciting and probably the reason he is moving on.   Black came out and was a star in a win over Florida in Dallas, then gets hurt twice.   DPJ was the star WR last year and you could see Nico skills as a future NFL WR.

Then Mike Sainristil takes the opportunity of DPJ and Nico being out and tears up Spring Ball.  I'm sure Oliver is feeling like the odd man out.   You can't blame the kid for reading the room.  

The flip side of this is Michigan's running back situation.  A year ago, it seemed Michigan had unlimited running backs on the roster.   After the NFL Draft, transfers, injuries, and suspensions all that depth is completely gone.   Kurt Taylor decided to transfer (I believe to a CC) and probably would have been the #1 RB in Spring Ball and gotten a chance to show his skills with the first team.  

I understand the transfer and wish him luck but would have loved it if he had stayed and waited for his chance. 

• Michigan continues to trend for Jordan Morant a 4-star Safety out of NJ. 

• Michigan Football is holding camps on the 8th and 10th this weekend.  Expect a number of visitors in Ann Arbor. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-thursday-oliver-heads-to-portal.html

Maryland & UK partner on life sciences sector

The Maryland Department of Commerce has joined with the United Kingdom’s Midlands Engine to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster greater collaboration in the life sciences between the two regions.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-uk-partner-life-sciences-sector/

Wolverine Wednesday: Hits You With Bullet Points

• Juwan has offered his first 5 star in 2020 guard Joshua Christopher

• Michigan is in the top 5 for instate 2020 Oak Park 4-star WR Maliq Carr

• Roman Wilson a 4 star WR in the 2020 class from Hawaii visited U of M yesterday.  Now that is a trip I would like to do in the opposite direction! 

• West Bloomfield 2021 RB Donovan Edwards is building a relationship with the Michigan coaches.

• Michigan Baseball OF and Big Ten Player of the Year Jordan Brewer got picked by the Astros in the 3rd round. 

• Michigan coach Roy Roundtree is interning with the Chicago Bears this summer.  This is part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.   Congrats to RR! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/wolverine-wednesday-hits-you-with.html

Family fun on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is quickly approaching… have you figured out a fun activity to do with dad? Here are a businesses that can help him feel extra special on Sunday, June 16.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/family-fun-fathers-day/

Michigan Tuesday: Wolverines Win With A Football Score

The Michigan Baseball team played in the NCAA Regional Final last night, scored two touchdowns and added a late field goal.  The defense was the story of the game as the Wolverines held Creighton to two field goals.   The Michigan Baseball team won 17-6 in Corvallis, Oregon and now moves to the Super Regional.

Good luck in the next round!

• The Big Ten today is expected to announce today that Minnesota Vikings COO Kevin Warren as its new Commissioner.   Finally we have a replacement for Jim Delany, who never addressed any issues the Big Ten has ever had.  Jim is also to thank for Rutgers and Maryland entrance into the Big Ten.  Let's hope this in a new and better chapter for the Big 10. 

• Juwan is starting to fill out his staff.  Phil Martelli has accepted an assistant coaching role and an offer is out to NY Knicks assistant Howard Eisely.   Many Michigan fans are praising the Martelli hire but questioning the Eisely hire as a "wildcard".  Here's the deal, the 3rd assistant is always a wildcard and an un-proven coach.  He played high school basketball in Detroit and I'm sure will work very hard for Juwan.   Yes, I would have loved Mike Miller, but Phil took his spot and he certainly wasn't coming to Ann Arbor as the #3 assistant. 

• Sam Webb confirmed with Oliver Martin's parents that he isn't going anywhere. 

• Michigan Baseball players Tommy Henry (#74 to AZ) and Karl Kauffman (#77 to Col.) were drafted last night.   Congratulations to both on a great night! 

• Oakland Transfer Cumberland picked Cincinnati to play with his cousin.   The options for Michigan to fill the open 3 spots is started to get very limited. 

• Dax Hill is on campus and ready to contribute to Defense, Special Teams, and maybe even offense. 

• Chase Winovich signed with the Pats yesterday.  4 years at $3.8M with a $1M signing bonus. 

• Jimmy is very high on 4 star TE Theo Johnson out of Windsor.  There is a story from the Midwest camp this weekend and Jimmy calling his mom from Theo's phone to get him to Ann Arbor for a camp. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-tuesday-wolverines-win-with.html

Five local picks for National Donut Day

Held every year on the first Friday of June, National Donut Day is a celebration not to be missed. This year, there are a number of stores recognizing the yearly dessert day. In addition to your local Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme stores, expand your palette and try a new bakery on June 7. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/five-local-picks-national-donut-day/

Michigan Monday: Evans and DPJ News

• Chris Evans has been suspended from the University for 1 year.   There was some hope he would be back for fall camp which is now not possible.  I hope he continues taking online classes and working out and rejoins the team early next year.   

• There was good news out of the weekend.  Coach Gattis says that DPJ is now 100%.  There was some fear he could miss the start of the season.  That is great news and I hope coach can get him integrated into the offense.  

• Michigan's Baseball team was having a good weekend in the NCAA Tournament until last night in the 9th when they gave up 7 runs.   They will play Creighton in an elimination game today. 

• There are reports out of Philadelphia that the Phil Martelli to Michigan's Basketball staff is a done deal.  This would be a great basketball hire for Juwan.   No word yet on Mike Miller or Howard Eisley (who would be great recruiting Detroit).   Juwan has 2 spots open on his staff. 

• There continues to be transfer rumors around WR Oliver Martin.  He was pictured with his Michigan teammates at a Buffalo Wild Wings this weekend.  I can see both sides of this decision, Michigan is very deep at WR right now and Oliver seems like a guy that just needs to see the field more.   I still hope he stays as I think he could be a great WR.  

• The Summer Football Camps have started and the Michigan staff was in Grand Rapids at Grand Valley this weekend working with roughly a 1000 kids in attendance.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/michigan-monday-evans-and-dpj-news.html