Michigan Friday: CB's Are Coming In For Michigan

I really don't enjoy discussions on whether Michigan and other Big 10 Universities are opening up this Fall or not.  I'm pretty sure we are still in a state of confusion where nobody knows sh*t.

This leaves us recruiting discussions, which many of us enjoy.  😃

Michigan has clearly had a good week in adding three 4 star defenders in the last 5 days.   Seems the good will on the recruiting trail continues has many top candidates are taking notice. 

• Rocco Spindler commented that Michigan Football has the best edits this week.   This has been an area where many have been critical of Michigan's recruiting strategy.  Seems the right people are enjoying them.  

• Donavan Edwards is starting to see a trend of new crystals balls in Michigan's favor. With a 5 star QB and all these 4 stars jumping on board, I think it's starting to make a difference to Edwards and staying close to home.

• Quentin Somerville is a 4 star DE from Arizona that is announcing on 6/20.  He is trending hard to Michigan right now.  

• George Rooks, is a 4 star DT (Yes a DT) from NJ is starting to trend to Michigan.  He is 6'4 and 260 pounds.  

• Drew Kendall is a 4 star OG from MA that has 85% CB's to Michigan

Donovan and Rocco are expected to be the top two players on Michigan's board as both are instate recruits.   I'm also excited about the latest defensive recruits as they coming in at needed positions.  

• 5 star QB JT Daniels who was down to USC and Michigan in his original recruitment is transferring to Georgia.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-friday-cbs-are-coming-in-for.html

Michigan Thursday: Donnie Is Having a Good Week!

Before Sunday, Don Brown 2021 class had a lot of "high ceiling" guys on it.  Which in recruiting circles means 3 star guys who mostly project to late career starters or special teams roles.  Each class needs these type of players but you hope to add the high star guys first.   Since Sunday Don has added three 4 star prospects with the latest coming last night. 

Kechaun Bennet is a 4 star DE out of CT.  He is 6'4 220 pounds and rated the #1 player in Connecticut.   His clearly also a good student as his offer list included the likes of Duke, ND, Cal, GT, Miami, Pitt, PSU, Nebraska, Purdue, BC and many more.   24/7 Composite has KB ranked as the 21st SDE in the country. 

“I am super excited right now,” Bennett said. “This is actually crazy with me going to Michigan, especially being from Connecticut. This is wild.”

"I was always leaning toward Michigan from the jump," Bennett said. “I kind of always knew I wanted to go to Michigan so I committed. They stood out because of the culture they have, and a couple of people from Suffield, they said I could go to Michigan and do well.”

KB clearly needs to put on a few pounds and probably is not playing against top talent in CT.  I see a redshirt year heading his way, so he can add some weight and muscle on that 6'4 frame.    We give Don the business for loading up with guys from the North East but this seems like a very good fit for the Wolverines. 

Michigan now has the 5th ranked class in the country, which should make it a little more interesting for guys like Donovan and Rocco.  Spindler seems to be down to Michigan and ND and Edwards seems to be more open in his recruitment. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-thursday-donnie-is-having-good.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Does Michigan Have A Recruiting Problem?

Michigan Football has a 99 problems, is recruiting one?  

The answer is yes, but not as big of a problem as we might think it is.  Everyone was worried about this current class and now they're ranked #6.   Touch the Banner has a new post up on how to fix Michigan recruiting and I agree with many of his points.  

Here are my thoughts:

Michigan has a talent gap between Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State.  It was very clear at the Big House against Ohio State and Alabama in Orlando.  Michigan out played Alabama for the first half and everyone knew in the stadium Bama was going to win the game.   Why?   Talent.  

I don't believe Michigan is at a coaching disadvantage over those 3 schools.   Bama loses its entire staff every year and they just keep winning.  Saban doesn't have a magic elixir, he just recruits top talent every year.   I do believe Don Brown freezes up in big games and doesn't come up with anything new, but now Jimmy has put 2 very experienced former DC's around him.  

So now what?

Michigan has to recruit the freak athletes and recruit them hard.   When I watch OSU, Clemson, and Bama they have freaks 3 or 4 deep.   When Michigan loses a starter, many times the backups aren't ready for the bright lights.   For years, Michigan had zero options at back-up QB.  BTW, I'm not talking about nothing but 5 star prospects, I'm talking about taking a chance on a 3 star 5'8 kid that runs a 4.2.  Find the freaks! 

Recruit Ohio and Detroit better - Michigan lost Detroit when Wheatley left for the NFL again.  He is now a head coach, so that move worked out for him.   Michigan needs someone from Detroit to recruit Detroit and probably should bring back a former Wolverine to do it.    Ohio kids will always go to OSU because they don't have a choice.  Still Michigan needs to win a small percentage of those battles.   

Get the ball to the talent - Jimmy's biggest weakness in my mind, is that he doesn't get the most of the talent that he has.   Michigan needs to find more ways to get the ball to their game breakers.  DPJ didn't have the Michigan career he should have.   Hell, the NFL continues to question the way Michigan used Josh Uche the last couple years.   This is another Saban and Meyer strength, OSU always beats Michigan with their best athletes and it doesn't take a genius to know Ruggs and Jeudy were going to kill Michigan in Orlando.  

When Texas was on top of the college world, they would invite the top 50 players in Texas to a camp, pick 20 guys to offer and their recruiting was done.   Bo could fill his roster with 100+ scholarship kids from the Midwest.  Things have changed and Michigan will always recruit well even if they didn't leave campus to talk to kids.    Still they need to find more ways to close the gap between the top schools if they are going to compete for Championships.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/wolverine-wednesday-does-michigan-have.html

Michigan Tuesday: Jimmy Flips Over Southern 4 Star Linebackers

Don Brown hasn't had too many good weekends since last Thanksgiving.  Memorial Day Weekend finally put a smile on the embattled Michigan DC's face as he landed two 4 star LB's from south of the Mason-Dixon line.  On Sunday, Michigan landed 4 star TN LB Junior Colston, whose mom grew up a Michigan fan which clearly translated to her son.   On Monday, Jadon Hood followed suit and made his own pledge for the Wolverines.   Jimmy, Don, and BJ-M all did summersaults in Jaydon's video. 

Junior Colston is Michigan's first 4 star defensive player in this class.  He is rated #116 in 24/7's composite and the 8th OLB in the 2021 class.  Junior who will be a Freshman in 2021 and is currently 6'2 and 228 pounds.  He also had a ton of offers from the likes of USC, Auburn, FSU, LSU, Tenn, Ole Miss, MSU, PSU, Oregon, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and more.    This was a great get out of Tennessee who has been killing it this year on the recruiting trail and has the #2 ranked 2021 class behind OSU.

Junior received his Michigan offer a year ago when he attended a Michigan Camp and his mom was clearly emotional when that offer came through.   Junior's story is a special one as he is adopted from Haiti after the Earthquake hit that killed 250,000 people.  He was actually in an orphanage when the tragedy happened as his father had recently passed away when he was only 7 years old.  He lived through 2 tragic experiences and now will be a Wolverine.   I have a strong feeling that Michigan fans will embrace this young man and make him a fan favorite. 

Welcome Junior!

Jaydon Hood didn't let Junior stay the only 4 star in the class on the defensive side of the ball for long as he became the second in 24 hours.    Jaydon is out of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas and Michigan's 2nd commit from that school in the 2021 class.  This recruitment is a little different due to the virus and Jaydon not seeing Ann Arbor yet.  Though his uncle knows Joe Milton's dad and was able to get plenty of information on Ann Arbor and the rest of the football program. 

“It was actually a very hard decision between Michigan, Miami, and Minnesota,” Hood told The Michigan Insider. “It just came down to what scheme I liked, what things I like, and where I feel most comfortable. And the biggest thing for me was coaching stability. That’s very important to me. (So too are) coaching relationships, culture, tradition, atmosphere, and good campus life because I’ve got to be able to live there. And that competitive atmosphere. I definitely want to play in the biggest games. I want to be a part of that. And I just looked at it… I went pros and cons with every school, and Michigan checked off on everything I wanted.”

Jaydon is rated 298th player on 24/7 and the 11th ILB in the country.   His offer list included Alabama, FSU, UK, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Minn, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and others.   His is 6'1 and 212 pounds.  

Welcome Jaydon! 

Michigan's "poor" 2021 recruiting now has the Wolverines with the #6th ranked class in the country.   Michigan is done with LB's and now needs DT, DE, WR, TE, OT, and CB's in this class. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-tuesday-jimmy-flips-over.html

A businesswoman's vision for an entrepreneur ecosystem thrives in Maryland

Stephany Yu, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Sunwater Capital, has developed more than 40 million square feet of residential, commercial, and retail property in the United States and China. So, when she came to North Bethesda, Maryland, she did it again but on a larger scale—creating a 103,000-square-foot innovation center.
 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/businesswomans-vision-entrepreneur-ecosystem-thrives-maryland/

Michigan Friday: Commit Watch This Weekend

Michigan LB recruiting looks to be very strong this year.  Michigan already has gotten commitments at LB from IL Tyler McLaurin and MA Casey Phinney.  Now they are leading for Florida 4 star LB's Jaydon Hood and Junior Colston.   Junior is planning to announce his college choice on Sunday and the Wolverines are the presumed favorite. 

Many of us were upset when the great recruiter Chris Partridge left for Ole Miss but new LB coach Brian Jean-Mary is clearly a strong recruiter and seems to be opening the state of Florida recruits back to Ann Arbor. 

Don Brown had this to say:

“Once again, the Ohio State game was a huge negative for us,:” Brown said. “I’m not going to live in that world. And I don’t want the players to live in that world. We acknowledge it. We move on from it. And hopefully I do a better job. I don’t blame players for anything. You blame the old guy right here. I got to do a better job getting our guys ready and I promise you I’m going to."

Don, we have heard that before and we have zero proof you can beat a good offense.   You better start using the expertise on your staff (Shoop and Jean-Mary) to find new ways to beat the Buckeyes or other good offenses.   I'm tired of hearing how your going to be doing a better job, because you haven't. 

• Seems the next "Last Dance" type documentary from ESPN/Netflix will be on Tom Brady in 2021.   

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-friday-commit-watch-this.html

Michigan Thursday: News and Notes

• DPJ sings with the Browns 4 years $3.4M

• Don Brown says that Michael Barrett is 220 pounds and runs a 4.5 at Viper 

• Jimmy prefers football with no fans vs. no football at all

• Ty Law and Tripp Welborne are among 6 inductees for Michigan's Hall of Honor in 2020

• Seems NCAA Schools are going to try to open slowly on 6/1. I'm interested if football programs can get their 2 weeks of Spring Practices back.

• Florida 2021 LB Jaydon Hood has Michigan in this top 10

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-thursday-news-and-notes.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Welcomes Chaundee Brown

Transfer season is open for business at Stadium and Main.   Wake Forest SG Chaundee Brown committed to Juwan Howard's program on Tuesday.   Brown playing in the ACC is a little different then taking a talented player from Colombia or Harvard.   Brown will need a waiver to play right away, which could be an option with Wake changing coaches and then of course the COVID situation.   Welcome Mr. Brown!

There is a little bit of other news, its been reported by Rivals that Eastern might not enroll at Michigan if he doesn't get a waiver and could go overseas to play pro ball.   So right now Michigan is full if Livers comes back or could still be down one if Eastern goes elsewhere. 

This reminds me of the story on how Graham Glasgow got to Michigan.   Graham was a no star player from Illinois that for about 3 weeks during 2011 became a very hot preferred walk-on recruit.   Both Michigan and Ohio State were going after him.   Now with some recruiting interest, Graham was taking in this new status and started to weigh his options.   After some thought, he announced he was heading to Ohio State.   When Michigan open fall camp that year, Graham was there and the rest is history with his 2 other brothers following him to Ann Arbor and all 3 getting drafted.    There is an ESPN 30 for 30 here for sure. 

Bob, great story but how does that related to Michigan basketball taking transfers?  When Michigan Basketball starts back up, I think coach should post that practice is starting and whoever shows up, shows up. 

• Michigan is trending for 2021 4 Star TN LB Junior Colson, who will be a HS Senior next season and a college Freshman next.  His name is very confusing!  Junior will be announcing his decision this weekend. 

• Michigan recruiting Belleville might be over.  It seems Jimmy and the Belleville coach are not seeing eye to eye and have a pretty good feud going.   This is bad for a number of reasons, as Belleville has become a state power and is turning out D1 prospects and of course this limits kids local scholarship options.   This reminds me of a line in the old Tom Cruise movie, "All The Right Moves":  "You're not god, Nickerson. You're just a typing teacher".    

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/wolverine-wednesday-welcomes-chaundee.html

Michigan Tuesday: Transfer Season Continues

Transfers continue to happen all over the place.  Michigan's 5 star QB commit in the 2021 class announced yesterday that he is transferring to IMG for his senior season.   JJ will join Greg Crippen (Michigan OG commit) at IMG next season.  

This transfer is good for Michigan in 2 ways.   JJ getting college level coaching and playing with other 5 stars.  He will now be able to enroll at Michigan in January (which was an issue at his other school).   A third factor might be getting other top recruits to Ann Arbor next season. 

Michigan Basketball continues to shop in the transfer market and will hear shortly from ACC transfer Chaundee Brown from Wake Forest.   Brown is a 6'5 SG and averaged 12 points  and 6 boards per game last season.  He is expected to have to sit out a year (without a waiver) and will have one year to play.   Wake recently changed head coaches and due to the virus, he might qualify for a waiver.  

Brown is expected to announce today and Sam Webb believes he will pick Michigan.  His final 5 includes:  Michigan, Gonzaga, LSU, Iowa State and Illinois.

• Jimmy is going to be on ESPN's Get Up with Greenie on Wednesday morning. 

• ND and Florida's Public Universities are planning on opening this fall.

• 2021 OT Tristan Bounds visited Michigan yesterday during the dead period.  I assume this was on his own and that he didn't interact with coaches.  I love this and means he is really serious about U of M. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-tuesday-transfer-season.html

How Maryland businesses are keeping up with COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes and disruptions to daily life all across the country, and some of those impacted the most are our very own small and local businesses in Maryland. Many companies are coming up with innovative ways to increase or pivot production and provide support to those in need while keeping up with the coronavirus. 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/how-maryland-businesses-are-keeping-covid-19/

Michigan Monday: Off Season Should Now Be Called Transfer Season

If the NCAA adopts the Harbaugh rule that every kid gets one no penalty transfer then College Football and Basketball Free Agency is on.   It already seems to be underway:

• Michigan's Basketball team has taken in two transfer this off season, 1 from Columbia (Smith) and 1 (Eastern) from Purdue.  

• Michigan Basketball lost 3 guys to transfer: 1 to Cincinnati (DD), 1 to Florida (Castleton) and another (Bajema) to Washington.  

• Michigan Football has seen more players leave rather then head to A2 lately.   The latest headliners to leave are WR Black to Texas and DT Dwumfour to Rutgers.   Shea Patterson Michigan's starting QB the last two years was a transfer and DE Mike Danna transferred from Central Michigan last season and got drafted.   The only transfer this year is special teams player and son of OL coach Edward Warinner from MSU.  Others leaving this year include:  RB Wilson to Northern Colorado, OG Spanellis to Vandy, LB Gill to USF, and S Woods to Duke.  

• Guys like TE Muhammad, LB Anthony, and CB JK-P have yet to announce where they are going to play next season.   

Even Juwan's son Jett Howard a 4 star SG in 2022 is transferring high schools and will play at IMG next season.  Tua's brother left Alabama last week to play at Maryland.

When you think the last 3 Heisman Trophy winners were transfers, its clear this is the new normal.   

• Michigan is trending for 4 star 2021 CA WR Christian Dixon

• CB Andre Seldon and WR Giles Jackson will be the first Wolverines to wear #0 at Michigan. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-monday-off-season-should-now.html

Michigan Friday: Purdue's Nojel Eastern Transfers to Michigan not Eastern Michigan

kokomotribune.com

I made a joke earlier this week that Nojel Eastern should transfer to EMU.   Instead, he picked another Washtenaw Country University and will play for Juwan Howard.

Eastern is known has a huge guard at 6'7 225 and a lockdown defender.  He was been on the Big Ten Defensive team for two years.  He also has a good handle and solid on dribble drives.    What he is lacking is a jump shot, he was 0/3 from the 3 point line last year. 

What's in question is, if Eastern will be immediately eligible next season?  Most experts believe he will have to sit out a year if he doesn't get a waiver or some special COVID-19 transfer policy. 

Does this transfer make sense for Michigan's basketball program? Hell yes, because he is a lockdown defender and the other option was nothing.  Sure it will be better if Eastern can play next year but either way, Michigan needs some upper classman leadership and hopefully he will be able to fill that role. 

If he wants to fill a Dennis Rodman role (from his time with the Pistons ) I'm all for it.   Welcome Nojel!

• Josh Gattis says there isn't a leader right now for starter at QB.  That is coach speak and wanting both guys to work hard prior to camp (whenever that happens).    I have no doubt they know who all the expected starters are.   The 2019 class will really need to step up at WR as the roster lost 2 upper classmen to the NFL and Texas.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-friday-purdues-nojel-eastern.html

Michigan Thursday: The Clarkston Combo

This year the State of Michigan might have better senior high school top tier talent then the State of Ohio.   Which is saying something.

Part of that talented group is 2 prospects from Clarkston, Michigan: 4 star OT Garrett Dellinger and 4 star OG Rocco Spindler.   Garrett is 6'6 and 280 and just released his final 4 yesterday.   Rocco is 6'5 and 295 pounds and plans to release his top 5 next week.  

Garrett who insiders believe is leading towards LSU, also included Michigan, PSU and Ohio State as his finalists.   Most of Rocco's crystal balls are leaning towards the Wolverines.  

Jimmy and staff have their work cut out for them, as these two talented offensive lineman and the #2 rated RB in the country Donovan Edwards are seen as must wins for the Wolverines.   Can Michigan keep these talented player home?  Time will tell.


Recruiting Coordinator Matt Dudek, takes us through how a normal visit would go for a prospect vs. what is happening today:

“Let's go through a visit, for example, when they come to campus, they're greeted by me and my staff, as well as the coaching staff. We take them around the building for a building tour or a photoshoot, meeting with Herb, meeting with nutrition, meeting with academics or campus tours to the stadium, we sit down with your position coach, sit down with the head coach and all those things are roughly an hour each. You got to keep the day moving because, at the end of the day, they leave. They got to go to the next school, they got to go home, whatever the case may be.

“So an eight-hour visit, you get about an hour of everything. Then you're not doing that follow up call to get on a Zoom or FaceTime and do more chalk talk with Don Brown. Has it happened? Sure, of course it's happened. Would it happen twice a week three times a week at 9 pm? Probably not. Because, again, Don's on the road at this time. I say Don, every one of our 11 coaches are doing exactly the same thing. It's just he called me after his nine o'clock last night that's fresh in my mind. It's one of those deals that I think that building and layering that communication and that relationship, I would say it's just it's building a better Michigan communication and relationship."

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-thursday-clarkston-combo.html

Wolverine Wednesday: The Unknown

This is strangest time in history for sports.  Nobody knows if and when their favorite sport will come back.   The NBA is trying a way to do their playoffs, MLB is trying to squeeze in their season, the NFL doesn't know when they will start, and college football doesn't know if they can play if there isn't any students on campus.  

The California State Schools closed their doors for the fall semester and will continue with virtual classes.   What does that mean for UCLA or CAL football?  We don't know.  

The MAC has cancelled a number of sports end of the year tournaments for the next 4 years already.  Florida Tech has completely closed their football program. 

The NCAA is not going to mandate any return to sports.  It will be up to the State Government, the University Presidents, and large organizations like the Big Ten.  

I don't have the answer but I'm not loving the outlook for sports in 2020.  

• Purdue Guard (basketball) Nojel Eastern is in the transfer portal.  He clearly should head to EMU.  

• One year ago today, Coach B left for the CAVS.   What a bad decision that was and I can't believe he didn't know that before he took that role.  

• Did you know that Jimmy has hired a former Navy Seal to help players become better team leaders? I didn't and love that.  

• Don Brown went on Jon Jansen's podcast and talked about current players stepping up.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/wolverine-wednesday-unknown.html

Maryland organizations promote environmental education while restoring the Chesapeake Bay

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has partnered with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and the Living Classrooms Foundation to launch a pilot education program that encourages activities aimed at reducing and preventing pollution in Maryland waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-organizations-promote-environmental-education-while-restoring-chesapeake-bay/

Michigan Tuesday: Dylan Staying Sharp

Freep

During this Pandemic imagine you are the presumed starting QB at Michigan.  How are your going to stay sharp?  How are you making sure you don't lose your job?

Dylan has an un-fair advantage.   He has a home full of a former NFL WR/College head coach, a current All Pro RB in the NFL, and another Big Ten QB.    That seems to be a good group to stay sharp, all he needs is a neighbor that is a pro bowl cornerback!

Ed, 51, often will put Dylan and Luke through passing drills while Christian warms up. Ed also will run routes. He's well qualified, having made 565 catches for 7,422 yards and 55 touchdowns in 13 NFL seasons.

"It's awesome," said Dylan, the heir apparent to Shea Patterson as Michigan's starter. "It allows me to train at the highest level I possibly can, which is tough for a lot of people during this time."

When Christian joins the group, he'll work on routes from his new playbook provided by first-year offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who helped make LSU quarterback Joe Burrow the Heisman Trophy winner and first pick of the 2020 NFL draft, by Cincinnati.

The brothers are keeping their playbooks separate, even though I would love to grab a few Joe Brady plays for next season. Nebraska is not on Michigan's schedule if your worried about any Big Ten play leakage.  

• Michigan HS Football is planning to have a full season this fall.  Let's hope so!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-tuesday-dylan-staying-sharp.html

Michigan Monday: Double Commit Weekend

Michigan this past weekend picked up two 2021 commits on defense.   The first was a 3 star LB from Illinois and the next was a 3 star Safety from Ohio. 

The first to drop was Tyler McLaurin a LB from Bolingbrook, IL.   He is a 6'2 210 LB in the mold of Devin Bush.  Even McLaurin's name sounds fast.  Tyler is currently the 26th OLB in the country. 

His offer list includes: Iowa, BC, Illinois, MSU, Nebraska, Missouri, UK, Syracuse, GT and others. 

Welcome Tyler and please be like DB! 

Next is Rod Moore from Clayton, Ohio.  It's always nice to pull guys out of Ohio and Rod is a borderline 4 star 5'11 180 pound safety.  Rod is also a teammate of recent WR commit Markus Allen.  

Rod has a nice offer list that includes: Duke, GT, IU, Iowa, UK, Maryland, ND, Pitt, and Wisconsin.  

I expect we might see a rise in Rod's ranking as the recruiting season matures.  With the loss of summer camps, we might not see a ton of movement until next football season.  Rod is currently ranked at the 22nd Safety in the country. 

• 2 Wolverines were in last nights ESPN's "Last Dance"  Glen Rice and current head coach Juwan Howard. 

• Michigan now has the 10th ranked 2021 class on 24/7

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-monday-double-commit-weekend.html

Michigan Friday: Jimmy Pens Open Letter

When I think of Jimmy, I think of this verse from an old Billy Joel song:

♪ You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for
Turn out the light
Don't try to save me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right ♪

Hell yes I wish Michigan would win more football games and beat Ohio State once every 5 years (at least!) or so but the late Lee Iacocca might have said it the best, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way".   Jimmy is trying to lead and it's making an impact.  

Jimmy did something similar a year ago, saying that all kids should have one transfer available to them without penalty.   The NCAA is now reviewing that and that might take effect later this summer. 

To summarize Jimmy's latest letter:

• Players can go pro if they are ready after 1 year of playing college football.   For example why is Trevor Lawrence still at Clemson?
• Players should have greater access to the NFL, agents, and lawyers to determine their Pro potential. 
• Players not drafted with eligibility left can return to the college football
• Players entering the draft early, can still have scholarship options at the school he left 
• He also continues to support the 5 year rule and getting rid of redshirting 

I don't love the one and done rule  and think kids should stay for at least 2 seasons in college football.  Though I do understand Jimmy's point but only a few elite prospects should be affected.  My fear is that too many players would think they are ready, sign with an agent, and close the door on college football way too early.   

The rest of the rules make sense to me.  The return if your not drafted is clearly aimed at Sean McKeon who left early with a season to play and didn't get drafted.   



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-friday-jimmy-pens-open-letter.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Cole Bajema Enters The Transfer Portal

Remember when Michigan Basketball was under a scholarship crunch?  Was Juwan's son going to walk-on?  What happens if both 5 stars come?  Well, we know what happened and currently if Livers stays in the draft, Michigan will have 3 open scholarships as Bajema wants to leave.  Which seems to be a positive for Keith Wade's son who is currently a walk-on. 

Cole just wasn't playing at Michigan and was formerly a Beilein recruit.   I did believe he now had a new opportunity but I'm guessing he wasn't seeing it that way.   The other clue is that Juwan was playing Nunez over him last season.   Either way, he has a foot out the door and we wish him good luck in what seems to be college free agency now. 

I would assume Michigan will continue to look for transfers, as other players decide to do what Cole just did. 

Either way, Michigan will be young and fun for the next few years.   Hopefully, Livers comes back and gives the team some senior leadership. 

• Sam Webb has CB'ed Jaydon Hood from Florida to Michigan.  He is a 3/4 star LB at St. Thomas Aquinas.   (seems Jimmy made a great hire in Brian Jean-Mary as he seems to be recruiting the Sunshine State very well)

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/wolverine-wednesday-cole-bajema-enters.html

Don’t forget to treat your loved ones this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day will be here very soon, though this year might look a little different than in years past. Although the state continues to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marylanders are still focused on making moms feel appreciated on their special day. Some local businesses are serving up great gift ideas and alternatives to treat loved ones this holiday!

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/dont-forget-treat-your-loved-ones-mothers-day/

Michigan Tuesday: News and Notes

• JJ McCarthy as been throwing to AJ Henning to keep sharp.  Let's hope they continue this trend in Ann Arbor.  The person shooting the video was Rivals EJ Holland.   So EJ filmed JJ to AJ.  

• Michigan had another Victory ripped from them as 4 star DT Victory Vaka picked Texas A&M over many other schools. 

• The KC Chiefs has released former OSU RB Mike Weber.   As you know, Andy Reid was just quoted as saying, "you can't have enough Michigan guys". Which is true. 

• Funny how Pitino gets a new college job and then the NCAA hits Louisville with another notice of allegations with a possible show clause for Rick.  The block was clean and Michigan should be named 2013 National Champions. 

• The Big Ten shuts down any team activities until at least 6/1.

• Doug Nussmeier former cup of coffee OC at Michigan, son Garrett commits to LSU.  Garrett is a 4 star QB in the 2021 class.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-tuesday-news-and-notes.html

Michigan Monday: Shea Gets Picked Up

I feel bad for Shea Patterson, prior to last season I was hoping for a Joe Burrow type of season for the Ole Miss transfer at Michigan.  Seems Joe and Shea played a round a golf  last summer and Joe won for the Heisman, NC, and 1st pick in the draft (and you thought Jordan played for high stakes?).     That of course is a joke, buts its hard not to draw parallels between the two players. 

• Both players were transfers 
• Both players had two years to play 
• Both had to beat a high profile divisional rival (Alabama-OSU)
• Both guys had new OC's

One will start for the Bengals next season the other will be lucky to make the roster of the Super Bowl Champs.    Shea signed a UDFA contract with the KC Chiefs this past weekend.   They also recently signed Jordan Ta’amu from Ole Miss, who Shea competed against in college.  

Last season, the Chiefs roster already had a former Michigan QB Chad Henne on it and former retired QB Matt Moore as back-ups.  They did draft Michigan DE Mike Danna in the 5th round and also just signed Taco Charlton.  So it seems to be a smart organization to win a Super Bowl and sign Wolverines.  :-)

Good Luck Shea! 

• JBB signed a free agent contract with Carolina, he was last seen in the XFL. 

• If your a Star Wars fan today is May the 4th - be with you.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-monday-shea-gets-picked-up.html

Michigan Friday: Former and Future Wolverines Changing Teams

After the NFL Draft general managers now have to figure out how to pay for their new college players.  This means vets get cut and that is the case for the former Michigan DE Taco Charlton who got released from the Miami Dolphins yesterday.

Taco led the Dolphins with 5 sacks last year and was a healthy scratch for the last 4 games.   He is young and still talented and shouldn't be punished for Dallas over estimating his draft status in 2017.   The healthy scratch is concerning and hope he gets another shot with another team.

• Former Michigan OC Pep Hamilton is hired by the Chargers to be their QB coach. 

• Former Wolverine OL Michael Schofield has left the LA Chargers to join the Carolina Panthers. 

• 2022 CB Myles Rowser de-commits from Michigan.   Myles is the brother of soon to be freshman Andre Seldon.   Myles has transferred to IMG and wants to visit other schools before making a final decision on his University.   Seems like a smart decision to me. 

• ESPN do me a favor and burn the tape of the Michigan - OSU game in 2016.  This helps me feel better:  2016 CFP Fiesta Bowl: Clemson 31 OSU 0 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-friday-former-and-future.html

Navigating uncharted times in Maryland: Buying local made easy

As Maryland continues to navigate the realities of social-distancing and local businesses face uncharted territory, the quest to maintain normalcy is at the top of everyone’s list. Keeping healthy and fresh food on the table has never been more important. While access to food products and restaurants have become more limited, and trips to the grocery store have become a bit intimidating, numerous alternatives have started to “sprout up” all over the state! 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/navigating-uncharted-times-maryland-buying-local-made-easy/