Michigan Tuesday: Denard gets a New Job and Paging Mr. Paige

Denard Robinson has taken at offensive analyst role at Jacksonville University.  Similar to roles on Jimmy Staff, this is a paid non on-field coaching position.  Which means his duties will include: scouting, working on game plans, and also working with the players off the field.

As you know, Denard participated in the short lived AAF and it looks like he has no interest in trying out for the XFL.  We wish Denard good luck in everything he does, including becoming a full time football coach!

Hopefully, the Wolverines "Safety Dance" continues today as 4 star Makari Paige from West Bloomfield announces his commitment (5:30 PM).

Makari was a visitor this past weekend with his head coach and former Wolverine Ron Bellamy.   Paige will pick his school over his final 4 of Ohio State, PSU, Kentucky, and of course the Wolverines.  He also has offers from Oklahoma, ND, Northwestern, Wisconsin and 16 other schools. The 24/7 Composite has him ranked the #243 player in the country.  

Paige is 6'3 185 pounds and Allan Trieu best comparison is Jarrod Wilson who is now in the NFL playing for the Jaguars.  Lots of news today about Jacksonville!

If Makari picks the Wolverines he would join safeties Jordan Morant and RJ Moten in the 2020 class.   My guess is Don Brown has at least one of these guys pegged for the Viper role.






from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-tuesday-denard-gets-new-job.html

Online and at its new center, Lurn fosters a community of entrepreneurs

Not long after launching his digital marketing business in 2004, recent University of Maryland, College Park graduate Anik Singal noticed something: there weren’t enough resources for young entrepreneurs like himself. The problem was also an opportunity, and lead Singal to broaden his focus.

 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/online-and-its-new-center-lurn-fosters-community-entrepreneurs/

Michigan Monday: Safety Dance

Don Brown and Jimmy got their pick on Saturday, when 4 star NJ athlete RJ Moten picked the Wolverines over many other major programs.   RJ could play offense or defense in college, but many insiders expect that he will end up as a Safety at Michigan.   He is also a strong baseball prospect and will suit for the Michigan Baseball team as well.

This was a great pick-up for the Wolverines as "rooms are filling up" fast in the 2020 class.  He is the 22nd commit in the class that is expected to be 24-25 tops.    RJ can bring some elite coverage skills and could also change sides if Michigan ends up with issues at the WR or RB position.  

RJ is a 4 star to all services minus Rivals which has him as a NR 3 star.  Seems they haven't seen him play yet.   RJ is 6'0 and 200 pounds and could grow into the Viper role as well in the future.

RJ picked the Wolverines over ND, PSU, UK, VT, Duke and others.  

Is Michigan done at the Safety position now fort the 2020 class?

It doesn't look that was as instate Bloomfield Hills 4 star Safety Makari Paige is planning on committing tomorrow at 5:30.  If RJ is the cover Safety, Makari is the one that will hit you.  

• Michigan also picked up a commitment this weekend (probably a PWO) in Long Snapper in Greg Tarr.  Welcome Greg!

• Former LB recruit who went to Alabama over Michigan, Eyabi Anoma has left Alabama and entered the transfer portal.   The rumor is Eyabi's mother is sick and he is looking to be closer to home.   Michigan will probably call but he is most likely going to Maryland to play for his former position coach at Bama. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-monday-safety-dance_29.html

Coming soon to the Port of Baltimore: Faster-moving freight

A faster, more cost-effective way to move cargo is coming to the Port of Baltimore, Governor Larry Hogan announced on Tuesday. Maryland will receive $125 million as part of the federal INFRA (Infrastructure For Rebuilding America) Grant Program. The funding will allow the state, in partnership with CSX, to double-stack shipping containers in the Howard Street Tunnel in order to break the rail bottleneck before the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/coming-soon-port-baltimore-faster-moving-freight/

Michigan Friday: BBQ Visit List

Jimmy and Staff will be hosting most of the 2020 committed class at the BBQ this week, in fact the only guys not in town will be J.D. Johnson, Roman Wilson, Jeffrey Persi, Kris Jenkins, and Nick Patterson.

What I like to focus on is the guys not committed but will be at the BBQ:

2020

• Darion Warren-Green a 4 star CB from California (maybe tentative) 
• RJ Moten 4 star athlete/Safety from NJ expected to commit to Michigan on Saturday. 
• Makari Paige 4 star instate Safety could be on commit watch. 

2021

There could be 25+ guys from the 2021 attending.  Here are some highlighted guys:

• Garrett Dellinger, 4 star Instate OT from Clarkston
• Donovan Edwards, 4 star Instate RB from West Bloomfield 
• TreVeyon Henderson, 4 star CB from VA
• Yanni Karlaftis, 4 star OLB brother of 5 star DT now at Purdue 
• Drew Kendall, 4 star OT from MA
• Corey Kinder, 4 star RB from Cincinnati 
• Ryan Linthicum, 4 star C from MD
• Tywone Malone, 4 star DT from NJ 
• JJ McCarthy, 5 star QB committed to Michigan 
• Damon Payne, 5 star Instate DT from Belleville 
• Rocco Spindler, 4 star Instate OG from Clarkston

Side note: How good is Clarkston's offensive line?  

2022

Will have 6 or 7 guys attending including legacy recruits Will Johnson, son of
Deon and Alex VanSumeren brother of Ben. 

This event is now clearly for future classes and for the current class families to bond with coaches and other players families.  Michigan seems to be doing very well in the 2021 class right now with some big time guys on campus this weekend.  

We all expect good news from RJ but there is another rumored commitment as well.  Could it be Makari?  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-friday-bbq-visit-list.html

Michigan Thursday: Free Taylor Lewan

Former Michigan OT and current Titans OT Taylor Lewan is facing a 4 game suspension for PED use.  Taylor denies taking any banned substances. 

"I just wanted to make it clear to them that I didn’t take anything knowingly,”. Lewan said regarding his message to his teammates. “I know what the policy is and I know people will have their split opinions on it, but I’ve never done anything knowingly that would cheat the game. I’m getting all my supplements tested right now and doing all that but for the most part what I said in the video is true.”

Taylor as we know is an "excitable" person and likes to live a bit dangerously.   He famously push or hit an OSU fan after a Michigan loss in Ann Arbor while he was still a student.  He is also a common guest at the NHL Nashville Predators slamming beers and having a good time with his teammates.  Taylor in the NFL as been a very good Pro Bowl OT and is really the key to the Titans offensive line.  
Taylor denies taking anything knowingly but that won't matter if his B sample shows the same banned substance.

We wish him good luck, but its highly probably he is going to miss some games to start the season.  The expectation is that Taylor will appeal any suspension.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-thursday-free-taylor-lewan.html

Wolverine Wednesday: BBQ Update - RJ Moten Has A Decision To Make

Michigan Football will host its annual BBQ at the Big House this weekend and the headliner at the event will be RJ Moten, a 4 star athlete that is expected to play DB if he commits to Michigan.

RJ is 6'0 and 200 pounds and ranks the #93 player to 24/7.  He plays both ways in NJ at RB and at Safety.   He is known for his pass catching skills out of the backfield on offense.   Here's the catch, he is also a star centerfielder on the baseball team.   If he comes to Ann Arbor its expected he will play both Baseball and Football.   The issue is, he could get drafted by Major League Baseball and could take the money and run.

This seems to be a risk Don Brown and Jimmy are willing to take to get this talented athlete on campus.  You know Jimmy loves that RJ plays baseball.  RJ is expected to announce his decision later this week, so the timing seems strong that he will be a Wolverine. 

Michigan will also host instate Safety prospect Makari Paige this weekend.   Makari is another 4 star Safety from West Bloomfield who has offers from the likes of Ohio State, UK, PSU, Arizona and others.   Paige is known as big hitter and could even grow into the Viper role on his 6'4 185 frame.  I would also put Makari on commit watch.

Michigan could land 2 Safeties this weekend! In a 2020 class that is getting pretty full.

I also expect there will be many 2021 guys in town for the BBQ as well.





from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/wolverine-wednesday-bbq-update-rj-moten.html

Baltimore County lands Maryland’s first offshore wind center

The transformation of Sparrows Point continues, with the state’s first offshore wind energy center officially locating in Baltimore County. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/baltimore-county-lands-marylands-first-offshore-wind-center/

Michigan Tuesday: Hey Coach, Maybe We Should Meet?

Franz Wagner and Juwan Howard has never met face to face.   Franz took his official to Ann Arbor the week Coach B took the Cavs job.   Juwan worked for the Heat at the time.   Franz with his brother Mo was hosted by the Michigan assistant coaches which included Saddi Washington who is still on staff.

Then Franz commits to Michigan and still no face to face with the head coach.  Yes, they have facetimed and spoken on the phone but nothing in person.  Until this weekend, when Coach is flying to Greece to watch the FIBA U18 and get to meet Franz in person.  I hope this is the start of a long partnership!

• Juwan's recruiting is starting to pay off as 5 star guard Nimari Burnett has Michigan in his top group. 

• ESPN is not known as a strong recruiting service but they released a new top 300 which has Braiden McGregor listed #26 in the country.  He missed being a 5 star by 8 slots. 

• Speaking about ESPN Mark Sanchez has retired from the NFL and will join ESPN. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-tuesday-hey-coach-maybe-we.html

Michigan Monday: Jimmy Talks and People Over React

Jimmy took the mike at the Big Ten Meetings on Friday and over reaction occurred.   Slow news days and a thirst for football news will make headlines.

• He didn't back down on his Urban comments and said there wasn't anything new.  

• He said every student athlete should have one automatic transfer waiver without having to sit out a year.  If that player transfers twice, then they would have to sit a year.  He also said that proving a player is depressed would be difficult to be prove and could be abused as a reason to transfer.    

The transfer idea was first grabbed on to and then the narrative started that Jimmy wasn't serious about mental health with his players.   Himself, former players, and current coaches all took to social media to back Jimmy and his mental health approach.   So another nothing to see here. 

Jimmy also said they would be playing on foreign soil in the future.   I don't love this idea when you have one of the best homefield advantages in all of sports.  I don't like what it does to the season ticket holders and I believe it takes away many advantages Michigan has to gain a win.   If another school wants to spend a home game doing it, I'm all for it.    I think it would be fine to play Rutgers in Toronto or Illinois in the Bahamas.   I don't think its a big deal about basketball as there are so many games in a season.   Michigan announced they would play Rutgers at MSG which would of been a Michigan home game. 

Here is a link for new Michigan Nike's if you want to pick up a pair! There is also a Women's pair in gray as well. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-monday-jimmy-talks-and-people.html

Eastern Shore businesses team up to expand this summer

Three Eastern Shore business leaders are teaming up and moving into a 16,000 square-foot shared space in the Gateway to Easton development this summer.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/eastern-shore-businesses-team-expand-summer/

Michigan Friday: It's Can't Be A Shot, If It's True

Slow news weeks, means the media will latch on to anything dumb.   The latest Remora Fish to a Shark is Jimmy's quote about Urban Meyer on a Podcast.   "Urban Meyer had a winning record. A really phenomenal record everywhere he's been," Harbaugh said. "But also, controversy follows everywhere he's been."   

This is not a swipe or a shot at Urban Meyer it's the truth.  If Urban said, "Jim has beats everyone but Ohio State"  Is that a true statement?  Both are accurate and I'm sure neither are proud of it.  Let's move on please.  

With Fall Camp just a few weeks away, I thought I would share a few thoughts on some of the biggest questions that needs to be addressed in practice:

Offense:

• Is everyone healthy? 
• Who is the starting RT?  
• How quickly are the guys picking up the Speed in Space offense?
• Who is the starting RB?

On offense, I believe the biggest concern is health.  At RT it will either be Stueber or Mayfield and both seem capable.   RB will most likely be Turner with super walk-on Tru Wilson and true freshman Charbonnet as back ups.   Speed in Space is more aggressive play calling then an entire new offense. 

Defense:

• Pass Rush? 
• Is Mike Danna the real deal?
• Is Dax Hill ready to play?
• Can Michigan play a zone?
• Is Don preparing to play Army?
• Is Don preparing to play Ohio State?

On defense, Michigan took some big losses to its defensive line pass rush to the NFL.   Josh Uche clearly showed he could rush the QB from the LB or DE position and we won't know about Danna until he gets some gameday snaps.  

Why I'm I so concerned about Don preparing for Army and OSU?  

Don Brown has one head scratching game each year, where he is clearly out coached.  The last two years its been Ohio State and then Penn State the year prior.  Army will be a difficult match-up with it's triple option and they will be ranked in the top 25.  Ohio State spends every practice and off season work out preparing to beat the Wolverines, Michigan needs a similar focus to stop this alarming trend.   We all know the reason about needing a be able to run an effective zone defense.  

Sorry for the light content this week, enjoy your weekend. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-friday-its-cant-be-shot-if-its.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Playing Catch-up on News and Notes

• Juwan has added a couple of guys to his staff: Jay Smith leaves Kalamazoo College to come back to Michgian and Jaaron Simmons will be a graduate assistant. 

• Jerry's son Brandon Rice continues to trend towards Michigan.   His decision though is not expected for a few months.  

• Shea Patterson is already on a few awards pre-season lists including the Davey O'Brien and Maxwell. 

• After a great Summer League Duncan Robinson's contract has been picked up by the Miami Heat.  What a great transition to the NBA he has made. 

• Michigan commit Micah Mazzccua will play in the Under Armour All American game

• Juwan is working hard on the 2020 class, he just offered 4 star fowards Henry Coleman and Lance Ware.

• Jimmy has said that Lloyd Carr, Gary Moeller, and Al Glick will be honorary captains for the Army game. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/wolverine-wednesday-playing-catch-up-on.html

Sorry

Sorry BHB family, I’m traveling this week and had very little time.  Will get a post up soon!  Thank You!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/sorry.html

International trade supports more than 740,000 jobs in Maryland

The Business Roundtable, a national association of the country’s largest companies, has released a study reporting that international trade supports one-fifth of all jobs in Maryland.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/international-trade-supports-more-740000-jobs-maryland/

Maryland renews MOU with Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Governor Larry Hogan recently joined Governor Yuji Kuroiwa of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan to renew an MOU highlighting the regions' commitment to academic and business partnerships in the life sciences.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-renews-mou-kanagawa-prefecture-japan/

Michigan Friday: Does Michigan Have a Secret Weapon on Defense?

We know this Michigan team pretty well.   Yes, we hope the offense is more open with Josh Gattis calling the plays but we know the players and their ability.

The same for the defense, except one player.   Graduate transfer Mike Danna from Central Michigan.  He is been on campus for a couple weeks and already impressing the coaches and seems very happy to be in Ann Arbor.

"I've only been here for about two weeks so far, but it feels like I've been here for years because of how nice everyone has been," Danna said. "I can't even imagine what that feeling will be like coming out of that tunnel and onto the field for the first time."

"It wasn't a long decision process, because it's always been a dream of mine to play football at Michigan," Danna said, noting that his family appreciates the shorter drive from Detroit to Ann Arbor. "My eggs were all in one basket when U-M came calling, and it's an honor and a pleasure to be here." "I pride myself on being a hard worker and separating myself from the pack — on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom," Danna said, stating that he did think about the NFL as a possibility after graduating from Central Michigan this spring. "I figured one more year of college football at a prestigious program like Michigan would be icing on the cake."

Just to remind you Mike, had 9.5 sacks and 15 TFL's last year alone at Central.  Yes, you never know how a graduate transfer will fit, but so far so good!  Even Jimmy seems impressed so far.

"We knew he was good – we really did,” Harbaugh said. “But it’s a pleasure to introduce him to the Michigan fans, because he’s doing better than advertised. His work ethic has been outstanding. He carries himself like he’s on a mission to make Michigan great and make himself great. That has been noticed by everybody on the team and the coaching staff. The workouts ... he’s a dude, Don Brown would say. Moving exceptionally well, which we really thought, but then there’s been some of the sled work and some of the things where you come up and physically punch and hit. He’s got a lot of power – more than we thought. 

"He’s under-promising and over-delivering right now. Really excited about Michael Danna.”
"(Excited) by his talent, by his work ethic – he’s the only player that we brought in as a transfer in this class,” Harbaugh said. “Every other player was a player right out of high school. We thought Michael was really special and would really help our team. Really happy that he chose to be a Wolverine.”



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-friday-does-michigan-have.html

Michigan Thursday: 0-2 on Commits on Wednesday

Michigan Basketball and Football both took a donut on the 2020 recruiting trail yesterday.

Michigan Football lost out on 4 star OT/OG Andrew Raym to Oklahoma and Michigan Basketball lost 4 star Forward Jabri Abdur-Rahim to Virginia.   Neither was a surprise.

Andrew visited during commit weekend and went home Oklahoma and committed to his instate school.  Jabri was a Michigan lean until Coach B headed to the NBA and the National Champions swooped in.

On to the next one!

• Glenn Robinson III is officially a Golden State Warrior now

Now I have to wonder which team we will tie this year? Being a Michigan fan is never easy! 

Caesars Palace Over Under Win Totals for my Projected AP Top Ten teams
1 Clemson 11.5
2 Alabama 11.5
3 Georgia 11
4 Oklahoma 10
5 Ohio State 10
6 LSU 9
7 Florida 9
8 Notre Dame 9
9 Michigan 10.5
10 Texas 9
Others
Utah 9.5
Washington 9
Miami, Oregon Nebraska, Penn St 8.5

— Phil Steele (@philsteele042) July 11, 2019

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-thursday-0-2-on-commits-on.html

Maryland designates new enterprise zone in Garrett County, redesignates others

The Maryland Department of Commerce has designated a new Enterprise Zone in Garrett County to include the Keyser’s Ridge Business Park, approved an expansion of the existing Harford County Enterprise Zone, and redesignated the Route 220 South Enterprise Zone in Allegany County. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-designates-new-enterprise-zone-garrett-county-redesignates-others/

Wolverine Wednesday: Thinks About JR Smith and Coach B

GQ

Have you ever met two different people then JR Smith and John Beilein?  As of right now, JR is on John's team and is carrying around a $4M salary.  Both sides agreed in early July to push back his guaranteed salary due date while they search for a trade.   So far no luck.

JR was asked to leave the team last November and sent home while making his money.  The Cavs figured he was less of a distraction paying him at home then having him play basketball.   He showed up this week at the Cleveland All Star Celebrity Softball Game where he hit an inside the park home run with his shirt off.  Of course he did, that is 100% JR!

The Cavs are looking to trade the shirtless shooting guard so they can stay under the luxury tax as they re-build and learn Coach B's system.   Trading JR won't be easy and there is part of me that would love to see the interaction between Coach Beilein and JR, but it probably will never happen.   Somehow JR will end up on the end of the Lakers bench or as an official scorekeeper somewhere.

• 2020 Small Forward Jabri Abdur-Rhaim is expected to pick UVA over Michigan today. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/wolverine-wednesday-thinks-about-jr.html

Volvo reinvests in Hagerstown facility

Volvo is investing $43 million and expanding its powertrain facility in Hagerstown, Maryland.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/volvo-reinvests-hagerstown-facility/

Michigan Tuesday: Being Malik McDowell

Malik McDowell has been on a wild ride for the last 5 years.  It started on February 5th, 2014 National Signing Day for the 5 star DE from Southfield when he committed to Michigan State.

2/5/14:  Malik commits to Michigan State over Michigan, but his mom is not happy with the decision because she feels that that the MSU Staff and current players told him, (I'm paraphrasing) "If you come to East Lansing you can play football and not worry about school".   Mom declines to sign his LOI to Michigan State.

4/1/14:  After nearly two months, Malik gets his LOI signed and is officially a Spartan.

10/29/16: Malik named to the All Big Ten Team

12/6/16: Malik declares for the NFL Draft

12/13/16:  Malik named to CBS's All American Team

4/28/17: Malik is drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the 35th pick in the 2nd round.

June 2017:  McDowell signs a four-year, $6.95 million contract with $3.19 million in bonus money. As part of that contract, the Seahawks were to pay McDowell that bonus in four increments. 

Mid July 2017:  Malik is involved in an ATV crash and misses his entire rookie season due to injuries from the crash.  (concussion and facial injuries)

12/10/17: Malik is arrested outside an Atlanta night club after a dispute over a $600 bill

February 2018: Malik gets charged and convicted of  DUI in Royal Oak

May 2018:  Seattle cuts Malik

2/18/19: Malik is arrested and charged with driving while impaired, driving with a suspended license, obstructing justice and assaulting a police officer.  Video is now on TMZ of him wrestling with a police officer in a gas station. 

Between 2/18 and 6/27: Malik leaves the State of Michigan without permission which is in violation of his arrest. 

April 2019:  Malik is found to have a stolen Ford Truck in his garage.  He says he paid a guy $3000 for the $75,000 truck in Downtown Detroit.   The GPS pinged and the Police found the truck that was recently stolen from a Ford lot in his garage.  He is arrested for driving and concealing a stolen car. 

May 2019:  The Seahawks sue Malik for $800,00 after arbitration with the NFL Players Union where they agree to forfeit half of his signing bonus.   Seattle still believes that $800K needs to be repaid by McDowell.  

Other information from Yahoo about the case:

• Seattle initially attempted to regain everything it had paid him in the signing bonus installments. Meaning the franchise effectively tried to pay him almost nothing since he was drafted.
• McDowell’s base salary as a rookie – which was slated to be $465,000 – was reduced to $5,000 per week for 17 weeks while he was on the non-football injury list. Essentially, Seattle took full advantage of the NFI avenue to reduce McDowell’s rookie base salary from $465,000 to $85,000.
• The Seahawks are not only seeking repayment of the $799,238 that McDowell owes, they are asking for still-accumulating interest on that sum as well as repayment of their legal fees to recoup the money.

This is just crazy.



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-tuesday-being-malik-mcdowell.html

Veteran-owned businesses plan 75 new jobs in Maryland

Three veteran-owned businesses plan to create a total of 75 new jobs with financial assistance from the Maryland Department of Commerce.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/veteran-owned-businesses-plan-75-new-jobs-maryland/

Michigan Monday: Welcomes Franz and Iggy goes off in the Summer League

When Juwan got the head coaching job at Michigan he had a lot to do immediately.   Number one, he had to put a coaching staff together and number two, he had to solve the problem for next years team that lost 3 players to the NBA Draft.

Juwan moved quickly on the staff but it seemed next years team was taking another step back with the loss of Jalen Wilson to Kansas.  Over the weekend, that team took a major step forward with the signing of Mo Wagner's brother Franz from Germany.

Franz picked the Wolverines over playing pro ball in Germany.  He is a 6'7 wing and will play multiple positions at Michigan.  He also isn't done growing as some recent reports have him closer to 6'9.  Franz wasn't rated by the recruiting services but most expect he would end up in the high 4 star range and probably ranked between 30-40 nationally.

Franz was a youngster on the his German pro team that featured familiar names Derrick Walton and former Louisville guard Peyton Silva who are considerably older and experienced players.   Franz played 11 minutes a game and averaged 4 points per.  He also played for a Germany Pro-B team where he averaged 16 points per game.  He is known as a shooter and strong defensive player and many believe is farther in his development at this stage then is NBA brother.

Michigan just got a starter on next years team that now has higher expectations then it did a week ago.

• In Summer League news, Iggy went off last night and scored 30 and first round draft pick RJ Barrett struggles.

• Jordan Poole went for 21 in a Sumer League win over the Raptors on Sunday. 

• Duncan Robinson also went for 20 as he is trying to win a roster spot on the Heat.   That roster now has Jimmy Butler and could add Westbrook in a trade.

• Mo Wagner will also get some summer league touches as his trade to the Wizards is now official. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-monday-welcomes-franz-and-iggy.html

Michigan July 4th Update: Everyone Loves Kris!

The commitment train keeps rolling down the track and yesterday was no exception.   Kris Jenkins Jr. committed to the Wolverines in the 2020 class after visiting two weeks ago.  You might remember Kris Senior who played for Ypsi, went to Maryland and had a 10 year career in the NFL at DT or Kris's Uncle Cullen Jenkins who played at Central and had a 14 year career in the NFL.  

Now that is a good bloodline and makes it a little strange that Kris Jr. is so under the radar.   This is another East Coast prospect that is closer to the basement right now then his ceiling.   Even though he plays for Good Counsel a powerhouse program in the area.   His current weight might be the reason, Kris is 6'4 and 240 pounds and rated a 3 star prospect to all the services.  He currently listed as a DE but Don Brown and crew have talked to him playing anything from OLB to DT at Michigan.  
Unless Kris is crazy fast of the edge, I expect him to redshirt has he puts on a few pounds and some more muscle in Michigan's S&C program.  If he grows big like his dad or uncle and has the talent of those two, this was a complete steal.  Michigan is lacking DT's in this class and Kris getting around 300 pounds wouldn't hurt anyone's feeling.   I expect after a strong senior year, Kris will end up firmly in the 4 star range.  

Kris's offer list included the likes of Northwestern, Yale, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Iowa, Michigan State, Air Force, Duke, UNC, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple, and Vanderbilt.  With all those academic schools in there, Kris must be a strong student athlete.  

Rooms at the Inn are getting tight! 

Michigan has 21 guys committed right now with a full class expected to be at 25.   I'm not counting the wrestling guy, who is expected not to use a football scholarship at least for a couple of years.  (rule is, if the kid sees the field he automatically counts against the football scholarship count).   That leaves 4 spots with needs being DT, OT, TE, and probably another CB.

• Don Brown has also signed a new 3 year extension to stay as Michigan's DC.  Love the guy, he just needs to figure out the one game a year where he gets completely out coached.

Enjoy the holiday!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-july-4th-update-everyone-loves.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Lands More Speed in Space or Island

If you ask any person living in Michigan in January, if they rather be in Ann Arbor or Hawaii?  I think 99% would answer, Hawaii.  

Not 2020 4 star WR Roman Wilson, he picked Ann Arbor from Honolulu, Hawaii.    He is going to take his talents on an 8 hour flight to play for Coach Gattis and Coach Harbaugh.  

You want to talk about fast?  Roman runs a laser timed 40 yard dash in 4.37 seconds.  That's crazy fast!  Combined with AJ's commitment, its been a good 10 days for the Wolverines and their WR recruiting.   Roman's offer list included the likes of  Oregon, ASU, Colorado, Hawaii, UCLA, Cal, Washington, and Wisconsin.   He had 32 catches for 812 yards and 7 TD's as a Junior. 

Roman might need to put on a few pounds as he looks a bit slight on his 6'0 175 pound frame before he sees the field in Ann Arbor.   Either way he is the type of game breaker that Coach Gattis  is looking for.  

Welcome to Ann Arbor Roman, I would recommend waiting to buy your winter coat in Ann Arbor as the weather might be a little different then your used to.  

So how many coaches want to visit Roman prior to signing day?

• Former Michigan WR commit Kalil Branham from Columbus committed to UK yesterday.  Branham has had a strange recruitment, he committed to Michigan and then later Coach Gattis asked him to "look around".  He de-committed and really didn't get a ton of high profile offers, his other offers were from the likes of IU, EMU, UC, BC, Akron, Louisville, Kansas, etc.  

• Michigan also has Jerry's son Brenden Rice on their WR wish list for this class.  I would also add Instate 4 Star WR Maliq Carr from Oak Park.  He is a 4 star and 6'4 230 pounds and rated as a TE by 24/7.   Right now it seems Purdue is leading in his recruitment. 

• Michigan Basketball gets it first taste of Juwan Howard today as its the first workout for the team with its new coach. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/wolverine-wednesday-lands-more-speed-in.html

RADA Technologies plans 80 new jobs in Germantown

RADA Technologies, an aerospace and defense company, is relocating to a new headquarters facility in Montgomery County by the end of this year.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/rada-technologies-plans-80-new-jobs-germantown/

Michigan Tuesday: New Michigan Jordans and Summer League Stats

The NBA Summer league started quietly last night and former Wolverines Jordan Poole, Duncan Robinson, and MAAR all took the floor.    Lets start with first round Jordan Poole:  played 25 minutes went 3-12 and 0-6 from 3 point range, finished with 6 points.

Duncan Robinson played 20 minutes shot 5-8 and 3-5 from 3 point range, finished with 17 points.  
MAAR played 21 minutes, shot 0-4 and 0-2 on 3's, finished with 0 points.

It's interesting that MAAR is playing for Coach B and the Cavs. Jordan didn't hit any 3's, which is not ideal and Duncan who is clearly now comfortable in the NBA, played very well in limited minutes.

A few years ago after Michigan signed the Jordan contract they released a very limited friends and family release of the Jordan 5 "Fab 5".   These are highly collectable and there is one pair on StockX for $12,500.   The last pair that sold on that site was $8,000.    I think we all would like a pair of those.

A similar "Michigan Inspired" Jordan 5 will release on Saturday.   They are very similar but different.  See below:

Fab 5 Model:

Jordan's that release on Saturday:

Note, there isn't any Michigan branding on the ones releasing on Saturday.   Though sneakerheads are calling it a Michigan edition.

• Coach Gattis top remaining 2020 offensive recruits include: WR Roman Wilson, WR Brenden Rice, TE Theo Johnson, RB Lawrence Toafili, and OT Andrew Raym.  Things are looking solid for Wilson and Rice at WR.  Theo seems to be trending to Iowa, Raym trending to Oklahoma, and Toafili to FSU.   If you didn't know, Brenden Rice is Jerry's son. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-tuesday-new-michigan-jordans.html

Michigan Monday: Franz Thoughts?

Michigan recruiting basketball insiders seem to have some information on Franz Wagner and his future with the Wolverines or staying in Germany and playing professionally.    Insiders are tweeting out German flags without anymore information.   That would seem like a good sign but who knows?  I would imagine there are a few hoops and lots of paperwork when a player comes from overseas.

Fingers crossed for Juwan landing his first big recruit and a guy that can contribute to next years team.  If your wondering, the kid is the real deal, he is a 6'9 wing and was getting good minutes in a decent pro league.   With Mo now playing in the East for the Wizards, that should be easier on the Wagner's if Franz does come to Ann Arbor.

• Kris Jenkins, a 3 star DE from Maryland is expected to announce on Wednesday.   He is the son of 10 year NFL vet at DT (2 time Pro Bowler) with the same name.   His offer list includes Yale, UNC, Northwestern, Duke, MSU, PSU, Purdue, BC, Vandy, and more.   Seems Kris takes care of business in the classroom as well as the football field.  Kris is expected to Go Blue. 

• So Caris LeVert got a couple good teammates last night in Kyrie and KD.  I hope Caris has a great year as KD will be out with injury. 

• Derrick Rose to the Pistons.  I always had hopes another Rose would have played for the Pistons.  

• Congratulations to the PGA's Tour return to Detroit.   They might want to bring the fairways in a bit and grow the rough a little deeper so the players don't go so low. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/07/michigan-monday-franz-thoughts.html

The Wheaton revitalization project

Wheaton is experiencing a resurgence thanks to a revitalization project that is well underway. We talked with Casey Anderson to hear about the changes happening now and what’s on the horizon for Wheaton.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/wheaton-revitalization-project/