Michigan Thursday: Donovan Edwards and Michigan

Donovan Edwards is the #2 RB in the country and a high 4 star prospect on 24/7.   He also lives in-state (#1 player in Michigan) and plays his football at West Bloomfield.   He has offers from all the top programs and should be the top recruit on the Wolverines board.

Having such a highly rated RB in-state is pretty rare and Michigan has been recruiting Donovan for a long time.  Many Wolverine fans have been watching this recruitment very closely and there was even an OSU scare earlier in the year (before the Buckeyes took commitments from 2 RB's).

Donovan says his recruitment is still open and that Michigan is a player in that recruitment.  I had believed that until I read this Detroit News article this morning:

Edwards said he’s been a fan of Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan State while growing up, and he has teammates from West Bloomfield – linebacker Cornell Wheeler and safety Makari Paige – who will be playing this fall at Michigan.

While Edwards wasn’t a Michigan fan growing up, he is a fan of the program now, especially with his former teammates following the footsteps of his West Bloomfield coach, Ron Bellamy, to the Wolverines. Bellamy played for Lloyd Carr at Michigan from 1999-2002.

Donovan continues in the article talking about how it would be cool to play with friends at Michigan.  If that is the only reason your considering U of M,  then he probably isn't coming to Ann Arbor.

He wasn't a Michigan fan growing up, was a fan of Michigan's rivals, almost committed to OSU, and wants to see a bunch of other school across the nation.    I could be wrong but that doesn't seem like a winning combination on getting the state's #1 player to commit.   My best guess is he heads out of state to a football power.

Hope I'm wrong.



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-thursday-donovan-edwards-and.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Black To Texas and Markus Allen To Ann Arbor

Tarik Black finally picked his next school, he left the program in December and we hadn't heard a peep from him until last night when he announced he was going to be a Longhorn.   Black's career jumped off the field when he was catching bombs against Florida in Jerry's World and then took a bad turn when he broke both feet.

When he did see the field last year, he seemed a bit slow and uninterested.  A play that sticks out in my head, was a 3rd and 7 in red zone and Black runs his route 5 yards.   Gattis just lit him up coming off the field.

Still this guy has a huge ceiling and losing him and DPJ is going to hurt Michigan's offense next season.  Texas is getting a guy that could be a first rounder or a college back-up, its all depends on him and his health.   If Black can graduate, he will be eligible immediately and have 2 seasons to play.   On a side note, Black did play his best football in the State of Texas.

Marcus Allen is in the NFL Hall of Fame and a Heisman Trophy Winner, he is also 60.  Markus Allen is a 3 star WR Ohio and the #20 prospect out of Ohio.  If Markus can get to 50% of what his name sake did, this will be a win for Michigan.

Markus committed to Michigan last night and is a 6'2 190 pound WR.  His offer list included the likes of Army, Air Force, BC, MSU, UK, Purdue, Pitt, Syracuse, WVU, and Wisconsin.   Markus is rated the 494th player in the country and 83rd WR to 24/7.

Josh Gattis led this recruitment and he must of seen something he loved in the Ohio WR.  This recruitment will not help the Michigan 3 star Mafia that feels this type of player might be talent but not the type of player that will beat OSU or get Michigan into the Big Ten Championship game.

The other side of this discussion is that the Michigan coaches have much more information then we do and know talent when they see it.  That is where we have to have faith and let the coaches earn their salary by identifying and adding the right talent.   Now they need to earn that salary by winning some big games.

• UCLA loses a 5 star guard that signed an LOI to the G-League and its new program. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/black-to-texas-and-markus-allen-to-ann.html

20 Maryland companies receive grants to produce PPE in response to COVID-19

Twenty Maryland companies have received a combined total of more than $1.6 million in a first roud of grants for pivoting to or expanding production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/20-maryland-companies-receive-grants-produce-ppe-response-covid-19/

Michigan Tuesday: New Commit JaDen McBurrows

This news was a bit under the radar on Friday when JaDen committed.   There was a lot of reasons for that, the NFL Draft was happening and Michigan's fan base rarely gets excited about a 3 star commit.  If I could put the Michigan's fan base thoughts on recruiting into one sentence it would be this:  "OSU is stealing recruits from the NFL, Michigan is stealing recruits from the Ivy League."

Another thing to remember is not all 3 stars are the same.  Basically, 3 stars is now where everyone gets pooled if your clearly not a 4 or 5 star talent.  That is the case I make to you for JaDen McBurrows.

• McBurrows plays for a one of the best high school programs in the nation in Florida's St. Thomas Aquinas. 
• Recruited by new LB coach Brian Jean-Mary who clearly has strong relationships in Florida. 
• McBurrows has been flying up recruiting boards for many top tier programs since January. 
• Offer list included:  Alabama, LSU, OSU, Miami, FSU, PSU, and many more.  

So why still a 3 star?  His head coach explains:

“Ja’Den didn’t play significant time prior to the 2019 season,” Aquinas coach Roger Harriot told The Michigan Insider. “As a result, he didn’t receive much attention or recognition. Last season was his debut as a starter, and he performed exceptionally well. He exceeded expectations on defense and special teams as a returner.”

“Ja’Den is an extremely talented player and an even better person,” said Harriot. “From a football standpoint, he’s a student of the game with elite football acumen, and great instincts between the whistle. On defense he can shut down an entire side of the field and is also a dynamic returner on special teams. As a person he is a brother to his teammates and leads by example. The strengths he possesses as a player are love for his team, passion for the game, intelligence, size, athleticism, physicality, and speed.”

Welcome JaDen! 

• Michigan is trending for 2021 4 star OT Drew Kendall from MA. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-tuesday-new-commit-jaden.html

Michigan Monday: NFL Draft In Review

Michigan had 10 players taken in the NFL draft (which was #2 only behind LSU)  and there was a couple of surprises on guys getting drafted and others that didn't.  Let's take a look:

Pick #24:  Ruiz - Congratulations to the top rated Center in the draft.   A great fit for New Orleans.
Pick #60:  Uche - Is going to New England and will be able to rush the QB with Chase.
Pick #143: Bredeson - Will go from Harbaugh to Harbaugh, I'm glad the NFL saw the value in this talented offensive lineman.

Pick #162:  Hudson to Washington, many insiders had Kheleke as a free agent, I'm glad the Redskins saw how this talent LB can play in the NFL .

Pick# 177: Dana to KC, talk about a great fit.  Mike is going to work hard and make the Super Bowl champs.  I think he will be a really solid NFL player in a year or two.

Pick#182: Onwenu to KC, the NFL Champs going Wolverines back to back.   Love Big Mike and hope he powers his way to a roster spot.

Pick #187: DPJ to Cleveland,  I actually don't love this selection and don't believe DPJ will be successful with he Diva WR's in Cleveland.   Should have stayed another year.

Pick #192: Runyan to Green Bay, If John can stay healthy I think he could have a 10 year NFL career ahead of him.

Pick#205: Metellus to Minnesota, I'm also concerned here about Josh making this roster.  The Vikings have a solid defense and Metellus will need to find a spot on special teams.

Pick#213: Glasgow to Indy, what a great story of 3 brothers all walking on at Michigan and then getting drafted.  

Free Agents:

Shea Patterson - this was not a surprise as his Combine and Senior Bowl didn't impress.   Probably should consider CFL or another line of work.

Sean McKeon - Is a talented and tall TE and signed with the Cowboys as a FA,  but you also have to wonder why he left with another year of college available.  (Sean played in 4 games as a Freshman and was considered a Senior but could have applied for another year due to the redshirt rule changing).  

Levert Hill - This one is shocking to me, I thought he was one of the better corners last year in the Big Ten.  I was concerned about Michigan CB's NFL Draft status after guarding OSU and Alabama's WR's back to back .   I think Hill's Junior year was better then his Senior year but I still think he should have been drafted.  Levert has signed with the Chiefs as a FA.

• Colin Castleton is transferring to University of Florida.  Good for him, close to home and a good basketball program. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-monday-nfl-draft-in-review.html

Michigan Friday: Hail Cesar

In a night that lacked surprises, failing technology, trades, and bad picks the NFL Draft pretty much went off as planned.   It was great to see Cesar Ruiz go to the Saints with the 24th pick in the first round.   As the draft was pretty much a recruiting tape for Ohio State Football, the Wolverines got some good publicity of its own with Ruiz being the only Center in round 1.

Ed Warinner will use Ruiz development and 1st round selection for years to come on the recruiting trail.  As its clear he has been the reason Michigan has turned its offensive line around.

With Round 2&3 tonight, I hope we see Josh Uche and even maybe DPJ.  With 6 WR's taken in the 1st round that should help DPJ move up a few draft boards.  DPJ is considered the 13th ranked WR in the draft.

• The other big news yesterday came from basketball as Franz Wagner is planning on coming back.   This is the smart decision and great for Juwan's program.  I thought Franz really was set back by missing a handful of games to start the year last season.   Hopefully, he will be healthy and ready to play whenever sports start again.  

• Speaking of healthy, Austin Davis had shoulder surgery and is expected to be back next Fall. 

• SG transfer Justin Kier doesn't have Michigan on his final list. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-friday-hail-cesar.html

Michigan Thursday: The NFL Draft Starts Tonight - Michigan Predictions

Michigan has some talented players in this years draft but only one or two will go in the early rounds. The highest player drafted is expected to be Cesar Ruiz at the end of the first round.   This will also cement that Ed Warinner might be the best coach/coordinator on Jimmy's staff.   

Without further delay, lets get to the Big House Blog NFL Draft Predictions:

Cesar Ruiz - late 1st/early 2nd:  Ruiz is known as a smart talented offensive lineman that can play either Center or Guard.   I expect to hear his name announced tonight.   

Josh Uche - 2nd/3rd Round - Josh lite up the senior bowl and edge rushers are always wanted by NFL teams.   I'm a bit mad at Don Brown because I don't think he used Uche the right way through his Michigan career.   I'm more confident in Josh then I was with Taco rushing the QB in the NFL.  

DPJ - 4th round - Most mock drafts have DPJ as the 13th ranked WR in this class.  NFL GM's will love his upside but concerned about injuries and his lack of production last season.  I think he could of used another year under Gattis offense.   He is an athletic freak that a scout could love. 

Levert Hill - 5th round - Sort of the forgotten man in this draft from Ann Arbor.  I think teams are concerned with his speed but he is physical corner and could be a fit at Nickel in the NFL.  

Josh Metelllus- 5th/6th Round - Same as Hill, Josh is more of hitter then a cover guy.  The deep ball coverage will concern NFL GM's but he will lay the wood and could be a great player on running downs.

Ben Bredeson - 5th/6th round- Could be the steal of the draft.  Ben is a talented offensive lineman that can play Guard or Tackle at the next level.   I see Ben starting very soon for an NFL team.  

Jon Runyan 6th/7th round - This big men approved every year at Michigan under coach Warinner.  He also played well against the #2 pick in draft from OSU.  Jon's dad is an NFL VP and in charge of suspensions, someone will pick him up just for that!

Sean McKeon - 7th/FA - Someone will take a 6'5 TE, but Sean only caught 13 balls last season.  This is another guy that could have used an extra year in A2.  

Mike Danna - 7th Round/FA - Reports are the Giants are looking at Mike on the 3rd day of the draft.  Edge rushers are a always in demand in the NFL.  Someone will take a chance on Mike,  I know his tape was limited at Michigan but I thought he played well when he got them.

Michael Onwenu - 7th Round/FA - Big Mike is huge and strong, but that also means slow.  He will be a guard at the next level and could push over a car.  My guess is someone will take this huge offensive lineman. 

Khaleke Hudson - Free Agent -  Hudson is the classic tweener in the NFL.  He is to small for a LB and to big as a safety.  If he finds the right program, he could make a roster.   The kid can play but it will take a special situation and fit.  

Shea Patterson - Free Agent - After a poor performance at the Senior Bowl, Shea is looking at becoming a free agent and picking a team where maybe he can show out for a back-up role.    I actually think he ends up in the CFL or takes a shot at baseball.  

Jordan Glasgow - Free Agent - Best bet for Jordan is to be a special teams star in the NFL.   I would expect Miami to sign him as a FA. 

Good luck to all the former Wolverines!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-thursday-nfl-draft-starts.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Is Clearly Running Out of Content

• New England South?  Tom is trying to get the band back together in Tampa for a Farewell Tour.   I wonder if Randy Moss got a call?  

• CBS latest NBA Draft Rankings doesn't have Livers in the top 75 players.   I think there is a high probability he is back.

• Michigan is looking at grad transfer Justin Kier from George Mason. He is a 6'4 guard and considering the likes of Michigan, Georgetown, NC State, Georiga, Minnesota, and Arkansas.  He averaged over 14 points per game at George Mason. 

• It will be nice to see more sports related content tomorrow when the NFL Virtual Draft takes the stage. 

• Tarik Black tweeted he might wear the #0, he has yet to announce his new team.   With the loss of DPJ, I wish he would come back and get on the same page with Jimmy and Gattis.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/wolverine-wednesday-is-clearly-running.html

Michigan Tuesday: Wonders About Spring Practice?

Jimmy clearly believes that Spring Practice is more about the 14 practices then playing a scrimmage in front of a few thousand people in the Big House.   This year is no expectation with Michigan breaking in a new starting QB and many on the offensive line.   So now what?

Hopefully, Michigan will be able to get those 14 practices in sometime this summer.   Maybe a summer camp or something?  Or they could just extend Fall camp an extra 14 more days.

Here are a few questions I was hoping would be answered during Spring Practice:

•  M vs. M:  McCaffrey vs. Milton for the starting QB role.  My guess is there is a plan in place to play both QB's a ton during the season.  
• Welcome back Chris Evans.  How does he fit into Gattis offense?
• How is the new OL working out, are they jelling?
• Is the D Line any better?
• Pass Rush?
• Which freshman will make an impatct?

In Don Brown I don't trust, so I hope some of the new voices in the room make a difference like Ed Warriner has made on the offensive line.  

• Ben VanSumeran is moving from FB to LB.  This is a good move as Ben has a hard time holding on to the ball.       

• Michigan AD Warde Manuel is taking a pay cut due to the Virus.   This should of happened after he negotiated that ND home and home contract. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-tuesday-wonders-about-spring.html

Michigan Monday: Gets a Guy That They Hope is a Dude

Don Brown grabbed another under the radar defensive line recruit from New England this past weekend.  TJ Guy is 6'4 220 DE 3 star prospect from Mansfield, MA.   TJ has offers from BC, Pitt, Nebraska, UConn, Syracuse, and Virginia.

TJ didn't start playing football until high school so he is closer to the basement then the ceiling with his football skills.  TJ is a basketball player and was averaging nearly 14 points per game.   He clearly checks one of Harbaugh's boxes having a multi-sport athlete on his roster.   Having a potential freak athlete in clay that Coach Nua and Brown can mold into a freak DE or DT is very appealing to the coaches.   The fans may question fishing in a 3 star lake when OSU is fishing in a 5 star puddle, but this is our new normal.  

Welcome TJ we hope Don Brown calls you a dude.

• Jake Ryan signs a one year deal with the Ravens 

• Joshua Burnham a 24/7 4 star 2022 LB from Traverse City is getting a ton of crystal balls lately to Michigan. 

• Former Michigan walk-on RB Tru Wilson has transferred to Northern Colorado.  Good luck to one of the best blocking RB's ever at U of M.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-monday-gets-guy-that-they-hope.html

Michigan Friday: Basketball Class Locked?

Juwan Howard had a very good first class, it was almost great.  That is the life if your going to recruit 5 star's and not named Duke or UK.  With the G-League now offering an NBA development program and $500K, recruiting a ton of these guys is going to be a fools errand.

The 2020 Class:

• Hunter Dickinson C 7'2 255 #32 player in the nation 
• Zeb Jackson PG/SG 6'2 160 #69 player
• Terrance Williams F 6'6 215 #86 player 
• Jace Howard F 6'8 210 #351 player 

The latest news is Hunter has signed and Jace is now a scholarship player.  So Juwan just got a raise. 🙂

Is the 2020 class completely done?  Probably, there are two Hail Mary's that could still happen.   5 Star Greg Brown has yet to commit anywhere and might be headed to either Texas or G-League.  I wouldn't hold my breath on this one.   Another one with a low probability is 4 star Illinois SG commit Adam Miller who is close to Juwan due to his Chicago connections.  Adam has not signed yet.  

• DD is transferring to Cincinnati, good luck to him and enjoy the Skyline Chili. 

• Former Michigan recruit USC QB JT Daniels has entered the transfer portal.   I don't see him interested in the Wolverines crowded QB room. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-friday-basketball-class-locked.html

Michigan Thursday: Did DPJ Make a Bad Decision?

Sporting News

The NFL Draft is a week away and with no sports its a nice distraction from reruns on the History Channel.  As I watch some of these pre-Draft shows, I continually think about DPJ and wonder if he made the right decision.

The 2020 draft might be one of the deepest WR's drafts ever with headliners Jerry Jeudy who burned Don Brown's secondary for over 200 yards in Orlando and CeeDee Lamb who looks like Antonio Brown clone.   That is just touching the WR talent in this draft has you have to mention, guys like Tee Higgins from Clemson, Henry Ruggs who also burned the Wolverines secondary, Justin Jefferson who lite up the NC game from LSU, and Laviska Shenault from Colorado.

So where does that leave Donovan People-Jones?   Most rank him as the 13th WR in this draft.  He did help his stock at the combine as he is a freak athlete but his best year on the football field was as a sophomore.   The virus probably hurt his chances to pop up a couple rounds as meeting him and seeing his talent live on team visits would have helped his stock.

ESPN's Mel Kiper has a 4th - 5th round grade on the former 5 star.   Which is not the news he was hoping to hear.   Still it only takes 1 team to love his upside and Scout's Inc. believes he could step into a kickoff and punter returner role as a rookie.  

I don't love his decision coming off a injury plagued year.  With his parents both being doctors, I assume it isn't a family financial need.   Of course, we don't now how he got along with Coach Harbaugh or Coach Gattis but playing well this season could of put him into the 1st or 2nd round range.

Either way, we wish him well and hope he has a long NFL career.

• 2021 DE TJ Guy is planning to commit on Friday.  Seems to be down to Michigan or BC. 

• Former OSU guard DJ Carlton is transferring to Marquette 

• DD is also announcing his new destination today, I believe Marquette was on his finalist list.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-thursday-did-dpj-make-bad.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Basketball Recruiting Is a Dirty Animal

So that was a hell of a 12 hours on Wednesday.   Michigan loses a 5 star SG recruit to the basketball power house Arizona State and it's 5 star Forward commit to professional basketball not named the NBA.  

I know all is fair in recruiting and I have no problem with what Christopher did.  If he wants to go Tempe to play with his brother for a year, so be it.   What I can't stand is what Todd did.  

Now, I'm assuming he did all of this yesterday and told the coaches on Tuesday.  (the Michigan coaches could have known this for awhile and it wasn't public, if that is the case the following is not as accurate)

• Todd had been committed to Michigan for months 
• He decides the day before signing day (today) that he is playing in Europe
• Why the timing? Was it because JC is now going to ASU?  

This is one of the most BS situations I have seen in awhile if the above happen yesterday.   When you lose a football commit on NSD it's tough but you have 20+ other players in the class.   When you lose a basketball player the day before NSD, that is a kick in the nuts you can't recover from.   Most years there are only just a few basketball recruits a year, this year Michigan still has 3 commits in this class (4 if you include Jace who now maybe on scholarship). 

I don't believe Todd just decided yesterday he was going pro, so if he told Michigan on Tuesday that is a real BS move.  

If your wondering, Michigan's class on 24/7 went from 4 to 12 in one day.  

I know Coach B didn't recruit many 5 stars and I think we learned yesterday why he didn't.

Did you know that ASU is an Adidas school?  We  know they have paid players in the past to go to different schools. 

Dirty F'ing Animal 

• I don't know what happened with DD last year but he seems to be intent on leaving Ann Arbor as fast as he can.  He did his social media farewell yesterday as the Todd news was breaking.  

• Devin Gil is going home and transferring to USF, good luck to him.   They have a new head coach, the OC from Clemson and will join former Wolverine Eddie McDoom. 

• There seems to be some positive buzz about Markus Allen committing to Michigan Football.  He is a 3 star WR from Ohio.  Name checks out.  

• Did you know Michigan has maybe one of the best high school basketball prospect in its own backyard since Zion?  Ypsi/Lincoln Emoni Bates won the National Gatorade Player of the Year as a high school sophomore.   Want more bad news?  He is probably headed to MSU or Duke, if the NBA rules changes he will head straight to the league. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/wolverine-wednesday-basketball.html

Michigan Tuesday: Done Before One

If your just waking up to this news, 5 Star Josh Christopher picked Arizona State over Michigan last night.  Josh's brother plays on ASU and the midnight announcement meant he was conflicted or even changed his mind on Monday.

The insiders were wrong as all the crystal balls were to Ann Arbor, but the kid ended up staying on the West Coast.  When we reflect on this recruitment, we forgot two hard and fast rules regarding Michigan recruiting:

1.  It's very difficult to pull California kids out of the West Coast even if they love Michigan.  
2.  Michigan always finish 2nd in high profile basketball recruits. 

Is this a loss?  Sure it is, but Josh was clearly a one and done so he wasn't going to be in Ann Arbor for more then a cup of coffee anyway.   Michigan still has a very strong roster and if Livers comes back there won't be a log jam for starter minutes.   

PG: Smith 

SG: Wagner 

F: Livers 

F: Todd 

C: Davis/Dickinson

That is still a pretty potent lineup and now Michigan has another scholarship to spend on a grad transfer or for Jace Howard.   I know DD is still transferring and I have no idea if the door is still open, but there seems to be plenty of minutes on this roster for him.   The schools that are interested in David are Maryland, Missouri, Cincinnati and Marquette.   I wouldn't be surprised if we hear his choice this week.  Maryland has a former Michigan assitant on the team and could be the best fit.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-tuesday-done-before-one.html

Aphena Pharma to add 100 jobs in Talbot County

Aphena Pharma Solutions is planning to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in the Town of Easton and add 100 jobs over the next two years.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/aphena-pharma-add-100-jobs-talbot-county/

Michigan Monday: Josh Christopher Announcement Day and New OL Commit

Let's hit the latest commit first.  Michigan Football on Easter received a commitment from another instate top prospect.   This time it was 4 star and #3 ranked Center to 24/7 Raheem Anderson from Cass Tech.

Raheem is 6'3 and 300 pounds which is a really nice frame for a Center.  His is ranked the 211th player in the country by 24/7 composite.  Raheem's offer list is pretty unique, it has a bunch of MAC teams, Georgia, Colorado, Iowa State, LSU, Memphis, Louisville, Nebraska, MSU and others.

This is a very solid pick up and guy that could be a center at Michigan for 3+ years.  Having Ruiz that will be a NFL Draft late first rounder or a early second, won't hurt future center recruiting.  

Michigan's instate focus remains high on Donovan Edwards and Rocco Spindler.

Welcome big man!

Now to Basketball...…………...

Juwan Howard has the #4 recruiting class in the country behind Duke, UK, and UNC and today it could get a lot better.  Today is the day we hear about 5 star SG Josh Christopher, his decision seems to be down to Michigan and ASU and all signs point to the good guys.

If the news today goes in Michigan's favor, Juwan will have pulled in two 5 star players (Todd and Christopher) and three 4 stars (Jackson, Dickinson, Williams) and one 3 star in Juwan's son Jace.

Michigan of course also got Columbia PG transfer Mike Smith on Friday.  The Wolverines should be loaded for a Big Ten Championship run next season.

• Michael Onwenu met with the Patriots and Dolphins prior to the lockdown. He has also facetimed with Lions, 49'ers, Jags, Eagles and Giants.

• A week ago, MSU didn't have any 2021 football commits.  Today they have three 3 star recuits.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-monday-josh-christopher.html

Breaking News: Michigan Basketball Picks Up a Grad Transfer

Michigan has picked up an Ivy League grad transfer PG from Columbia.  Mike Smith averaged 22.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists a game for the Lions last year.

Mike will fill the Zavier Simpson role and will compete against Eli Brooks for the starting PG spot.   This is a clear replacement for DD who entered the transfer portal earlier in the week.   

Castleton's spot will hopefully be filled by 5 star Josh Christopher early next week. 

You never know how a transfer from the Ivy League will preform in the Big Ten, but Mike won't have to average 22 a game in Ann Arbor and will only need to distribute the ball and play some defense.   We know he can shoot and distribute the only question mark will be his defense.   

Michigan has grabbed transfer guards before and they have had a hard time getting minutes.  We hope that won't be the issue for Mike Smith.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/breaking-news-michigan-basketball-picks.html

Michigan Friday: The Instate Offer Cannon

Michigan hasn't dipped into the St. Mary's well in awhile.   The latest football recruits from St. Mary's are the Ross's and it will be great to see Josh back on the field this fall.   I also believe James "Biggs" is a defensive coach for the Wolverines.   The Wolverines have now offered Jordan Cannon a 2022 LB from St. Mary's, which is another example of the deep talent in-state the next two recruiting classes.  

• Michigan also received a PWO commitment from Detroit 2020 athlete Jerome Nichols a 6-foot-1, 225-pound H-back and linebacker.

• Ruiz and Uche are going to be part of the NFL Virtual Draft.  Both are expected to go in Day 2 in Rounds 2-3.  Ruiz has a chance of sneaking into Round 1. 

• Wisconsin has decided to not give their Spring Sports seniors another year of eligibility. 

• John Harbaugh is worried about his home Internet and Zoom connection being hacked during the draft.  Just pick Ruiz and be done with it! 

• It seems Castleton is getting a ton of interest from other programs, reports are that South Carolina, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Stanford and Virginia Tech have already reached out.  Good luck to him on picking a new program.  

• Same for DD as Maryland, Missouri, Marquette and Cincinnati have reached out already. 

• Donovan Edwards, #2 rated RB in the country 24/7 Crystal Balls are now 45% Foggy and 45% Michigan

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-friday-instate-offer-cannon.html

Michigan Thursday: The Story Is Coming Together

Yesterday, I started wondering out loud if we had the full story regarding the basketball transfers and recruits coming to Ann Arbor.  The dots in that situation are starting to connect.

Leaving

David DeJulius is in the transfer portal

Colin Castleton is also in the portal.  CC has some nice upside, but his frame and strength was always going to be a concern.   

X and Teske are seniors and out of eligibility. 

Coming?

Jace Howard is a solid commit and will now walk-on 

Isaiah Todd announced on IG live last night that he will be a Wolverine 

All reports seem to be positive that 5 star SG Josh Cristopher is heading to Ann Arbor, official announcement on Monday. 

A transfer?  Bryce Aiken is announcing today, his pick is not expected to be Michigan

Coming Back?

Austin Davis will be back for a 5th year.   That was not expected at the start of the season.  

Isaiah Livers will look at the NBA but says if he can't get a guaranteed contract he will come back.  Right now, many mock drafts have him listed between 80-100 which leads to Livers being back.


There can be 13 basketball scholarships, here is how I estimate the slots (highlighted):

Freshman
Todd
Christopher 
Dickinson
Jackson 
Williams 
Howard 

Sophomores
Wagner 
Bajema
Wade 

Juniors
Nunez 
Johns 

Seniors
Davis 
Brooks 
Livers

Transfer?

There you go!  I hope the above happens.

• Remember 2020 DT Denver Warren who decommitted from Michigan?  He is headed to prep school.  

• Michigan is looking at Miss State DT transfer Fabien Lovett, he played for Bob Shoop at MSU.   Did I mention he is 330 pounds?  Yes, Please!!!   Michigan's defense needs a big nose tackle run stopper. 

• 4 star CB from Dallas Ishmael Ibraheem has Michigan in his top 10

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-thursday-story-is-coming.html

Maryland companies innovate and donate in the face of COVID-19

In the era of COVID-19, reading and watching the news can be overwhelming. But among the serious updates that scroll across our screens every day, we also see stories of companies and the people behind them uniting and innovating to protect our citizens. Here are just some examples of Maryland companies stepping up in the fight against COVID-19.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-companies-innovate-and-donate-face-covid-19/

Wolverine Wednesday: A Lost Commit and DD in The Portal

It's strange and a bit weird that I missed a football commitment last weekend when LB Casey Phinney became a Wolverine.  Casey is a low ranked LB out of MA and is ranked 1002 in 24/7 composite.   Cleary, this a Don Brown recruit and we hope he sees something that other major programs didn't.  Casey is clearly a good student as his offer list is full of Ivy League schools with Army, Georgetown, and UMass.   I sometimes wonder if Don gets confused and thinks he is recruiting for BC.  

With recruiting and transfers it always seems like we don't have the full story.  Quick example, Tarik Black hasn't picked a new school yet.  What is going on there?  The most I have heard is rumors of Miami or BC.   But that was months ago.  

With that premise in mind, David DeJulius has decided to enter the transfer portal and leave Michigan's Basketball program.  He was expected to be the starter at PG next year, with hopefully a nice mix of veteran and freshman players.  This is another example of not knowing the entire story.  Michigan Basketball has been looking at PG transfers for a few weeks and they are currently over the scholarship limit with 5 Star guard Josh Christopher to still make a decision.   If your wondering, Josh is considered more of a shooting guard then point.  

• There has been some nervousness that Isaiah Todd removed some Michigan stuff from his social media.   This one won't be done until he signs. 

• Livers said he will come back to A2 if he doesn't have a guaranteed contract from the NBA.   He is still ranked between 80-100 in the draft, which means a return is likely.  

•  2021 OL/C Cass Tech Raheem Anderson names Michigan to his top 11 list 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/wolverine-wednesday-lost-commit-and-dd.html

Maryland brewery launches online platform for beer delivery

Rockville’s True Respite Brewing Co. has launched an online platform to help brewers sell their products to customers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Brendan O'Leary, co-founder of True Respite, says the brewery had discussed delivering to consumers in the past, but they never thought it was a possibility—until now.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-brewery-launches-online-platform-beer-delivery/

New economic activity measure available for each Maryland county

Following its inaugural release last year, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has once again released economic activity data for every county in the nation. 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/new-economic-activity-measure-available-each-maryland-county/

Michigan Monday: Michigan Recruiting Honey Holes: Instate and Baltimore

Michigan has done very well in both places.  Instate there're a plethora of highly ranked prospects in the 2021 class.  With the question mark at MSU, the Wolverines have a chance to grab a lot of local talent that wants to stay close to home.

Michigan was also able to land 3 players from Baltimore last recruiting class which includes Blake Corum, Osman Savage, and Nikhai Hill-Green.  We also know what a program ally that Biff Poggi is in recruiting top talent in Baltimore. 

• Baltimore 4 star LB Aaron Willis from Baltimore named Michigan to his top 7. 

• 4 Star WR from Baltimore Dont'e Thornton has Michigan in his top group with Penn State, ASU, Oregon, and ND. 

• Instate 2021 OT/DT Caleb Banks has also named the Wolverines his top 11.  Its a bit questionable if the Michigan staff has made Banks as a high priority or not.  

• Michigan did not make the final list for 2021 CA TE Brock Bowers 

• Michigan did make the final 8 for 2021 OH WR Markus Allen, who is expected to be a Michigan lean. 

• Congrats to Rudy T and his family for making the Basketball Hall of Fame.  KG was also planning to play at Michigan before he headed to the NBA straight out of high school.   KG at Crisler would have been crazy! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-monday-michigan-recruiting.html

Michigan Friday: Bartender, Give Me a Tight End with a Kicker!

My grandmother always said that bad news comes in 3's, I guess good news comes in 2's for Michigan's 2021 class.  Last week Michigan grabbed 2 more recruits and Thursday they did the same thing.

First:

Louis Hansen is a 4 star TE to 24/7's composite and rated the 8th TE in the country.  He is 6'5, 225 and from Needham, MA.  Michigan continues to have a strong presence on the East Coast and Sweet Lou (Too Early?) is another example.

Lou's offer list included the likes of BC, Colorado, Duke, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Iowa, Ohio State, MSU, Penn State, Princeton, and others.

Michigan clearly wanted more TE's in 2020 which means they will take 2 in this class.  Lou is the first shoe to drop, Michigan also would like to steal Iowa's Thomas Fiodone from the Hawkeyes backyard.

Welcome Sweet Lou!

Second:

The standard recruiting services don't do a very good job in ranking kickers or punters.   It doesn't drive clicks and not really worth their time.  So when you look to recruit a kicker you go to the high profile kicking camps/services like Kohl's and Kornblue Kicking.

Tommy Doman, Jr. committed to the Wolverines yesterday over the Air Force, BC, Colorado State, Army, WSU, and others.   Tommy is ranked the #3 kicker and #4 punter in the country to Kohl's and Kornblue ranks him as the #8 kicker and #2 punter in the 2021 class.  Having a guy that can do both is a steal and easily makes Tommy a scholarship worthy special teamer.  

Welcome Tommy!  

• MSU's Tom Izzo continues to be in hot water as it seems he was too involved with a witness in a sexual assault case.  

• 2021 4 star LB Jamari Buddin from Belleville tells Sam Webb he is moving up his decision date.  His finalist seem to be Michigan, Penn State, and Minnesota.  You might have noticed the State of Michigan has plenty of talent in this class. 

• 2021 4 star LB Julien Simon has Michigan in his top 8 

• 2021 3 star LB Kobe King has Michigan in his top 7

• 2021 2 star LB Joe Linebacker has Michigan in his top 6 😄

Have a good weekend and stay safe

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-friday-bartender-give-me-tight.html

Michigan Thursday: Recruiting Dead Period Extended to May 31st

Some Michigan fans might be wondering what the heck is going on with Michigan's 2021 recruiting class?   The Wolverines top rival has the #1 class in the nation with 15 commits and out of those 15, 13 of those recruits are 4 or 5 star athletes.  

Michigan has 4 commits total to the 2021 class and 50% of the class committed last week.

So this virus and net new dead period is not working in Michigan's favor to get kids on campus.  The NCAA is allowing texts and phone calls, so recruiting continues just no in-person or Ann Arbor visits.  

Michigan continues to recruit hard and hopefully will start to see some good news coming in soon.  Below is my best guess at a Top 10 recruits board in Schembechler Hall.

1.  Donovan Edwards, 4 star instate RB - This is a must get for the Wolverines after OSU lands the #1 RB in the country along with another 4 star RB.  Edwards is the #2 ranked RB in the nation. 
2. Rocco Spindler , 4 star instate OG, another must get for the Wolverines.  You can't let talented prospects like this leave the state.   
3. Garrett Dellinger, 4 star instate OT who plays with Rocco in Clarkston.  See above for reason. 
4. Victory Vaka, 4 star DT from CA, Michigan needs a few DT's!
5. Donte'e Thornton, 4 star WR from Baltimore, Top 50 player. 
6. Thomas Fiodone, 4 star TE from Iowa.  The Hawkeyes don't let too many of these talented TE's out of the state. 
7. Louis Hansen, 4 Star TE from Mass.  This is Don Brown country and you might want to put Lou on commit watch.  
8. Rayshaun Benny, 4 star instate OT, have to lock down the state.    
9. David Davidkov, 4 star OT from IL, he is a David David!  
10. Josh Simmons, 4 Star OT from CA, he de-committed from Oregon the day he received a Michigan offer.  

Both lines, RB and TE are major needs in this class.   Harbaugh's staff seems to prefer to recruit kids during the Spring and Summer months so this new calendar might be a bit of a challenge on getting kids on campus and to get them to commit.  

• Tom Brady is expected to live in Derek Jeter's Tampa Bay mansion.  Love the Michigan connection! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/04/michigan-thursday-recruiting-dead.html