Monday Recruitin' Hits The Road
Today's recruiting roundup surveys the landscape as several coaches are fired and the rest prepare for in-home visits, recaps Michigan commits in their state playoffs, and more.
One Final Note From The Game
Massillon Washington DB/WR Gareon Conley was in Columbus for #THEGAME today, we are being told
— 11W Recruiting (@11WRecruiting) November 25, 2012
There's no official word on Conley's status, but don't expect him to be considered a commit for much longer. The question of whether or not he could find himself back in the class eventually is more difficult to answer; his situation isn't the same as David Dawson's or Pharaoh Brown's—Conley was up-front with the coaches about his desire to take visits. We'll have to wait and see if the coaches decide to treat his case differently.
And Now Let's Never Talk About The Game Again
Good? Good.
In-home visits with recruits begin this week, and some very interesting names have emerged as players who will host Michigan coaches, including one we haven't seen in a while:
How bout this for blast from the past? Hearing #Michigan will drop in on Joliet (IL) RB Ty Isaac this week
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) November 26, 2012
Yes, that Ty Isaac, one-time top running back target and current USC commit. While there's no indication that he's wavering on his commitment, Lane Kiffin's job security has come under fire—especially in the wake of a derp-tacular finish to the Notre Dame game—and it's worth noting that recruits must approve of a visit before a coach can drop by; Isaac is at least willing to listen to Michigan's latest pitch.
Does that mean anything in regards to VA RB Derrick Green? I doubt it. Green's other presumed top choices, Auburn and Tennessee, have now both fired their head coaches—in Auburn's case, they just cleaned out the entire staff. That leaves Oregon, Miami, and Ole Miss as Michigan's top competition. Oregon doesn't fit Green's stated desire to play in a pro-style offense and Miami has the Nevin Shapiro cloud looming over their program. It's possible Green chooses Ole Miss out of a desire to play in the South, but that's a major step down in program quality compared to Michigan.
[For more planned in-home visits, a wrapup of last weekend's playoff action, and more, hit THE JUMP.]
New O-Line Names Emerge
Michigan is also targeting a couple of committed offensive linemen to fill the hole left by David Dawson. Tremendous caught up with UCLA commit Kenny Lacy, who will get an in-home visit and plans to take an official to Ann Arbor in December. Lacy, at 6'5", 270, could slot in at guard or right tackle—he's a four-star, top-250 type to Rivals and Scout and a three-star on ESPN and 247.
TomVH reported last night that Michigan was in contact with another lineman committed to a California school($), and a little poking around indicates that prospect is Cal pledge Cameron Hunt. Hunt will also get an in-home and, given that the Bears just fired coach Jeff Tedford, could be very open to looking around. He's more of a pure guard at 6'4", 267, and is rated as a four-star on every service save 247.
Cass Tech Goes Back-To-Back
For the second straight year, Cass Tech upended Detroit Catholic Central in the MHSAA Division I state title game; this time around, the Technicians won 36-21, and Jourdan Lewis opened the scoring with an 89-yard touchdown catch on CT's first play from scrimmage. Lewis would finish the game with two catches for 101 yards, while junior standout Damon Webb caught two passes for 53 yards, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, and had an interception. Wyatt Shallman finished with five tackles and 0.5 TFLs for Catholic Central and was limited to just six yards on three carries.
In the OHSAA Division II state semifinals, Mike McCray recorded a team-high 11 tackles and recovered a fumble to lead Trotwood-Madison to a 33-32 victory over New Albany. The Rams will take on Toledo Central Catholic, led by OSU commit Jayme Thompson and 2014 QB prospect DeShone Kizer, in the state title game on Friday.
Three other Michigan commits advanced in the playoffs: St. Clairsville's defense, led by Michael Ferns, held defending champs Norwayne—averaging over 50 points per game heading into the state semifinals—to 27 points, advancing to the Division IV title game and preserving an undefeated season. Channing Stribling's Matthews Butler squad will play for its third state championship in four years after taking down Mallard Creek in the semis, 27-0. Patrick Kulger and North Allegheny defeated Woodland Hills, 21-14, to become the first team to win three straight WPIAL Class AAAA titles; they're two games away from a second state title in three years.
Jake Butt and Pickerington North weren't so lucky, as Northwestern commit Godwin Igebuike fumbled just shy of the goal line on fourth down with 32 seconds left in a 26-21 state semifinal loss to powerhouse Cincinnati Moeller. Butt finished the season with single-season school records for receptions (68), receiving yards (907), and receiving TDs (12), as well as several career records.
Etc.
Senior-year highlights are now available for Ross Douglas (LINK) and Dymonte Thomas (LINK)—a lot of very impressive two-way play from both commits.
The #1 overall recruit in the class of 2014, VA DE Da'Shawn Hand, named Michigan to his early top ten.
2014 FL WR Artavis Scott told Sam Webb that he and HS teammate OL Mason Cole "know for a fact" that they'll attend the same college ($, info in header). That's good news for Michigan, which emerged among Cole's early leaders and has also offered Scott—both prospects were on hand for the Michigan State game.
Standout 2015 KY RB Damien Harris has Ohio State and Michigan essentially running even atop his leaderboard after visiting Columbus last weekend, according to Allen Trieu ($, info in header). Michigan may hold a narrow edge, but it's a close race at this point (obviously, with a very long way to go).
November 26th, 2012 at 2:18 PM ^
I would have to think our chances with Green have taken a big boost with the news at Auburn and TN. Can't wait to hear any news after the Michigan/Ty Isaac meeting.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:24 PM ^
Unless, of course, one or both hire coaches he likes.
November 26th, 2012 at 3:27 PM ^
So long as Auburn and Tennessee don't fire their boosters, I'm sure not too many players considering those schools care much who is coaching.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:18 PM ^
How are we supposed to know that there's no new information about Laquon Treadwell if you don't explicitly tell us?
November 26th, 2012 at 2:18 PM ^
Not sure I'd write Auburn or Tennessee off, especially if they hire big name coaches. I hate recruit psychoanalysis, but it does seem like he's very much looking for a reason to go somewhere other than Michigan.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:25 PM ^
Yeah, TomVH touched on the coaching situations in Tenn and Auburn during his recruiting chat. They may make it more difficult if either makes a splash with big name hire. A big name coach will probably do more harm then good in either of those locations.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:23 PM ^
Man I would LOVE that Artavis Scott/Mason Cole Hello post. It would be TREMENDOUS!
November 26th, 2012 at 2:51 PM ^
Yes, it goes without saying that Scott/Cole would be an incredible combo pick up.
Which is why I'm saying it. After you already did.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:24 PM ^
FWIW, on the Scout free board they have posters from the Buckeye site saying Conley visited, but left early and didn't interact much with the coaches or other recruits.
November 26th, 2012 at 3:33 PM ^
November 26th, 2012 at 4:20 PM ^
One of the respected posters there did speculate it may have been to get him away from M: have him visit, force decommit, have UofM fill the spot, then tell Conley no thanks (or at least hold off and see if their other higher priority targets fall through).
I'm hoping Hoke would see through that and let him come back to good guys. But given this is all speculation, the real story could be and likely is something completely different.
November 26th, 2012 at 5:18 PM ^
November 26th, 2012 at 2:25 PM ^
On another note..Which 2013 O-Lineman would you rather have? Dawson? Hunt? Lacy?
November 26th, 2012 at 2:41 PM ^
Dawson.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:48 PM ^
but most definitely Dawson. He's a top-100 type player who may well regret burning that bridge. I hope we can figure out a way to get him back.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:50 PM ^
Yeah, probably Dawson, but both of those guys are certainly solid replacements.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:50 PM ^
As a football player, probably Dawson.
As an addition to this team, probably Kenny Lacy.
November 26th, 2012 at 3:38 PM ^
November 26th, 2012 at 4:08 PM ^
Everybody raves about his technique and athletecism, and says just needs to gain a little inevitable weight. I'll take that over a big kid that needs to learn technique, and gain athletecism any day. Its no wonder the coaches are visiting him when his pad level, proper leverage, footwork, punch, and use of hands, speed, pass protection against all types of edge rushes, drive blocking, downfield blocking, finishing, and nasty streak are all basically at a college level. Sounds like Kugler all over again. Only criticism of him I heard was when he went to the Opening he had more difficulty with the jumbo sized recruits. Won't be a problem after a redshirt year.
I know this is a fluff piece but analysts outside the Cal guys have all been saying the same things:
http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2012/7/11/3144156/cal-football-rec…
November 26th, 2012 at 4:30 PM ^
November 26th, 2012 at 2:25 PM ^
Damien Harris how could you?
November 26th, 2012 at 2:28 PM ^
Gotta wonder more about how D. Smith feels about this. I look at these backs as more of his niche rather than Shallman who will have a role because of his size. If they are looking for 2 more backs maybe there's something to be said about the stable that is the program right now. Certainly could spread 4 backs out with redshirting.
On another note, caught the D1 finals. Jordan Lewis is a heck of a player but you don't see the "wow" when he's on defense. CC got him a number of times. Standout on offense in this game however. First time I've watched Shallman in person in a long time. He is quick-twitch big time, and agile. A littel bit of coaching and grooming and Michigan will have a good player no matter where they put him. Both of these players will be great additions. Dawson - I would say was good but not dominant. Spent a fair amount of time jaw-boning and it looked like Wilcher had to get in his grill about it on a few occaisions.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:52 PM ^
Michigan has been pursuing Ty Isaac and Derrick Green while DeVeon Smith has been committed. It's really not anything new for Smith. If Michigan got both Isaac and Green to commit (which isn't going to happen), then I think Smith might reconsider. But if just one of those guys commits, then I think that's probably within the range of reasonable expectations.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:33 PM ^
The possibility that UM could lose it's top two remaining targets at positions of need to Ole Miss is tough. We need to get Charles Robinson down to Oxford quick.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:55 PM ^
I do not think Ole Miss is a serious contender for LaQuon Treadwell. Green, maybe. But I've always thought that Treadwell would be best served by picking one of the Oklahoma schools, frankly.
November 26th, 2012 at 4:39 PM ^
Re: OKL. Yeah, but for Treadwell, was that when U of M was barely throwing to Gallon and Roundtree or more recently with Gardner at QB when those two seem to be getting many more chances. And with Roy leaving and Gardner looking like he will be here for two more years, it seems that U of M presents a very good opportunity for a 5 star WR, no?
November 26th, 2012 at 6:04 PM ^
I don't think Michigan is a bad choice, but Oklahoma and Oklahoma State would likely be better choices.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:45 PM ^
I am extremely excited for Jourdan Lewis. Hoping we're able to get Damon Webb and Jayru, as well. CT has some unreal talent coming through!
November 26th, 2012 at 2:50 PM ^
I have lost track after all this time since it has been mentioned, but Ace used to say how many scholarship slots were open and I have not seen it stated for awhile. So are we still sitting at about 3 spots left barring any unforeseen attrition?
November 26th, 2012 at 2:54 PM ^
The coaches reportedly want to take 25, and right now we have 23 (including Conley). So there are 2 or 3 spots left, depending on Conley's status.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:55 PM ^
If you're ever wondering, go up to Useful Stuff and click Depth Chart by Class.
Right now we have 23 openings, 24 if (when?) Mike Jones doesn't get a fifth year to commit stupid special teams penalties, 25 if Lewan doesn't come back, and so on.
Since we often get a little attrition after the season ends, 25 and maybe 26 is a safe number.
November 26th, 2012 at 3:09 PM ^
November 26th, 2012 at 3:13 PM ^
Per Big Ten rules, we can never go above 28, even with early enrollees. Since we have enough EEs, it's possible for us to sign 28, if enough guys leave.
November 26th, 2012 at 2:55 PM ^
November 26th, 2012 at 2:55 PM ^
Please, please don't neg bomb me into oblivion for this. Please. I did a quick search of the site and didn't see any mention of Logan Tuley-Tillman having interest in TCU, good or bad. A scout alert dated 11/16/12 mentions interest and a possible visit. Alert is paywalled, and I don't pay. So, can anyone, nicely, update me on the validity or lack of validity to this claim? Again, please and thank you. Link below:
November 26th, 2012 at 3:04 PM ^
Tuley-Tillman has refuted the idea that he plans to go to TCU. He says he's 100% committed to Michigan.
November 26th, 2012 at 3:13 PM ^
multiple sources have gotten in touch with LTT and he's said there is nothing to these rumors. He remains committed to Michigan and is planning on being an early entree.
November 26th, 2012 at 3:18 PM ^
Can we offer the kid in the white suit to be drum major starting in 2020?
November 26th, 2012 at 3:20 PM ^
Thanks guys. That was easy. And fast. And positive. I found this while reviewing the list of recruits to make myself feel better after Saturday. And, I do feel better. Still one hell of a class!
November 26th, 2012 at 3:25 PM ^
November 28th, 2012 at 3:29 PM ^
November 26th, 2012 at 3:26 PM ^
Lets bring in some big names to finish out with the #1 class..D Green or Iaasc, Treadwell, and Cam Hunt..
November 26th, 2012 at 3:43 PM ^
Treadwell. A must have and if Gardner gets his redshirt it will only help.
McQuay - this kid has beast written all over him and w him and Dymonte trolling the back we w be hard to beat.
Green - my favorite recruit besides McQuay and I think he steps on campus next year and starts from day 1. Kid has NFL size body and speed and is nasty! He has to see that UofM is bleeding for him and this spot is ideal for him
Wild cards
Isaac - plain out stud. Just don't know why he picked SC anyway IMo....
Dawson - he only gets back in if he goes and speaks w Hoke himself
Conley - I assume he is gone until further notice.
Lacy - back up plan....
November 26th, 2012 at 3:49 PM ^
LOL@ the twitter post for Da'Shawn Hand. One VT fan says academics are a big deal for Hand, who wants to major in engineering, and VT has the best engineering on the list.
Someone else (presumably UM fan or other rational human) comes in and wuts him into place.
November 26th, 2012 at 3:51 PM ^
November 26th, 2012 at 4:20 PM ^
Anything new on Fl WR Corey Holmes?
November 26th, 2012 at 5:02 PM ^
Just curious, what "big name" coaches are currently out there for these teams to hire? (And please don't say John Gruden) I seriously can't think of any big name/hot commodity that would be big enough to lure a potential recruit. Sure, there is probably a mid-level guy that would make the jump up to a BCS-level school (Louisiana Tech coach comes to mind) but who else? Tressel has a show cause. Petrino still has some baggage.
These aren't big names by all means, but Narduzzi might be looking to get out of EL. Fickel might want to capitalize on the 12-0 season.
November 26th, 2012 at 6:06 PM ^
Charlie Strong, Gus Malzahn, Bobby Petrino...
November 26th, 2012 at 6:20 PM ^
Not to mention all of the guys coming from the NFL - either coordinators looking for an upgrade like Bill O'Brien was, or a recently fired HC like Jim Mora Jr. was. Those guys are always popular choices.
November 26th, 2012 at 11:00 PM ^
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