Jim Harbaugh Is Changing The Paradigm

Jim Harbaugh is changing the paradigm of today's college football.  His return from the NFL not only heralds in a new era of excitement at Michigan but bodes well for the NCAA.

Jim Harbaugh's track record speaks for itself and based on his sucesses everywhere it should be understood that his most important trait is his ability to think differently.

His schemes and the way he utilizes talent is different.  He uses social media differently than those before him.  He builds excitement organically through his personal magetism and out of the box recruiting vis a vie various camps.  He connects with these kids in a way that I'm not sure any other coach in America can.  He has actually been a star player in CFL AND the NFL...how many coaches can truly say they have walked the talk they are asking of their players?

Harbaugh is evaluating talent with his own eyes and is building the foundation for a program.  Some of the recruits may not work out or end up with our team but most will.  The individuals he looks for are athletic, teachable and would contribute to the chemistry of the team.  This can't be understated.  High caliber players who don't fit or aren't willing to be taught will not make Michigan better.

Finally, I suspect the quality (as reflected by 4 & 5 star ratings) will go up very quickly for several reasons that I'm not sure some of you guys understand.

-Spots are filling up and that will spur kids (and their parents) to get on board before the train leaves the station

-Many of these kids want to play in the NFL for BIG MONEY.  Setting aside Michigan's chances at being a national power again (which seem good) these kids will be coached by an NFL staff with connections in the NFL.  If you want to play in the NFL and be a millionaire who do you want to coach you?  

-Connections:  Harbaugh and his staff have deep relationships with many NFL teams.  Don't think for a minute these kids are not aware of the possibility of his relationships helping them to get exposure with NFL teams.

-Training:  These kids are going to be trained and have a leg up for the NFL over many college teams.  When your coaches know what the NFL wants how can this not be to your benefit?

I remember Saturday afternoons being excited for Wolverine Football...finishing up yardwork and rushing into the house to settle down for a few hours of great football.  I haven't had that feeling in a long time and I'm beside myself waiting for the season to start.

Michigan won't win big overnight but the program is being built properly and we will see competent and well executed football come September.  I also suspect Harbaugh's team will do things on the field and surprise us all the way he has in the off season.