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/