LSU's OC, Mike Denbrock, leaving for ND. Any implication for Underwood's recruitment?
Mike Denbrock is leaving for ND. First, I completely understand it. Who wants to work with that purple guy? Second, fuck Notre Dame. Third, is this going to help us with Underwood's recruitment?
December 22nd, 2023 at 6:16 PM ^
It’s a bit of both in #2.
Some kids dream of stats and Heismans’ and some kids dream of teams and Championships.
I lean towards stats are less important because I would rather win and play with a bunch of guys I liked for coaches I liked. But that’s my bias.
JJ is having no trouble getting publicity and NFL interest.
December 22nd, 2023 at 7:13 PM ^
I concur. My statement was really to highlight both viewpoints. Its to each their own on what is important to them.
I too am more of a team guy and winning championship over personal stats. To me, if your good enough, the NFL will find you. There is little need to draw personal attention to yourself as long as your doing what your suppose to do...
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:26 AM ^
I’d say that if a “generational” talent like most analysts are saying BU is, and is in the hometown of UM, front money should be included. So, if they’re not doing it for BU given those two circumstances, I’m willing to bet they’re not going to budge on this whole pay for players up front at all.
December 22nd, 2023 at 1:33 PM ^
I think my definition of “generation” or “generational” might be different than the media / public uses.
Looking backward, it seems like Starr, Montana, and Brady fit the “generational” - about once every 20 years - definition. Certainly, Brees and Luck aren’t too far behind - and Manning would be up there too. Mahomes / Lawrence probably fit that best in the League today.
I think this year’s generational model is Caleb Wilson - though, time will tell - the same was said of Ryan Leaf.
Perhaps generational should be redefined to every three or four years…
December 22nd, 2023 at 3:04 PM ^
Name a blue blood that would lose a number one recruit to another, out of state, school?
USC losing an LA kid to Bama or Georgia maybe? Seems like a rare thing.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:31 AM ^
Pay guys up front for basketball, I say. It's worth it.
For football, I'd let it ride with Harbaugh. If it ain't broke, don't fix it (sorry Dave Brandon). If it stops working, then adjust at that point. If Harbaugh leaves, it might stop working.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:36 AM ^
Athletes still have to take classes right? OSU used to give credits for golf. I looked it up. Michigan never has. Sure there might be easily "athlete" classes but to get 120 credits you're gonna need to take real classes with real students. At LSU those are gonna be very different than at Michigan. It's an issue 100%.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:46 AM ^
A school year (two semesters, three quarters) of PE is (or was, maybe they got rid of it, I ain't gonna look it up) actually required for all colleges in Ohio, I think it was pretty common to get credit for it. You did have to show up, at least where I went. Although I also think you could get it waived if you were a varsity athlete for a year.
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:19 PM ^
PE should be included in the curriculum. Maybe not at the university level, but our country has a huge problem with physical fitness. If we could inculcate physical wellbeing into our daily lives, the health benefits leading to reduced health care costs would be shocking.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:44 AM ^
Michigan should not and will not change its positive culture of recruiting good athletes who are also team-oriented, willing to compete for playing time, good students, and not demanding ridiculous amounts of upfront pay-for-play cash. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Name 1 other team than Michigan that has won its conference championship AND a spot in the national championship playoffs for 3 consecutive years? You can’t, there is none.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:49 AM ^
lol this tune will change quickly if UM gets kicked to the curb by Bama and then falls behind Oregon OSU PSU in talent come next year.
JJ, Johnson, Edwards are 5 star players and are architects of recent dominance. We haven’t gotten anyone since Johnson remotely in the same stratosphere as those players.
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:01 PM ^
No, they aren’t. Cade, Sanistril, Zinter, Keegan, Olu, DJ, Moore, Aidan, Ojabo, Corum, Haskins, Bell….these are the core guys who got Michigan to where it is today.
Aidan Hutchinson, a four star, is the single most important Michigan player since Woodson. He led the change.
JJ and Will are both phenomenal players, but to say they are the “architects” of this dominance is factually incorrect. Are they part of it? Absolutely. But both stand upon the shoulders of giants.
What did Peppers, Gary, and Shea win? All were five star recruits in high school. None beat OSU or won the conference. It wasn’t for lack of trying.
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:13 PM ^
As a lot of people (myself included) said on the Signing Day main page post, the most stable model going forward seems to be having a top 25 class of incoming Freshman paired with select portal additions. This allows for consistent player development while also giving the opportunity for plug and play guys right away. Star-chasing with incoming Freshman, while sexy, is unstable and unpredictable. Plus, with the shifting landscape of CFB (NIL/Portal), those high 4* and 5* kids don't necessarily need to be landed straight out of HS.
December 22nd, 2023 at 2:30 PM ^
I agree with most of what you’ve said. The key position - IMO - that’s bit more distinct is QB. And, does that QB have “enough”.
What do I mean by “enough”? Accuracy, elusiveness, decision making, speed, intelligence (to recognize what a defense / coverage allows him to do), etc.
There are a few position groups that require more time - the OL and QB come to mind. My view is - signing a high school prospect in comparison to a portal transfer - the high school prospect can learn the “system” and fundamentals from the ground up.
Which factors are most important to me - as a fan - do they fit the culture and have the work ethic / determination / effort?
I’m supportive of NIL - and, am the last person to suggest how anyone spends their money. This being said - seeing Michigan players support those in need - the community - Mott - Thanksgiving dinners - Christmas gifts - autograph signings - etc… as they drive around A2 in a Camaro - is fine with me.
I honestly hope to never see a Michigan player driving into the Schembechler Hall parking lot in a Lamborghini. (Again, they can spend / buy as they wish - my preference is to demonstrate accountability / responsibility - balance your saving and spending - and, with a multi million $$ NFL contract - after you’ve put some away for you / your family’s future - get the wheels you’ve always dreamed of.)
December 22nd, 2023 at 3:11 PM ^
There is only a couple questions to ask.
-Did the coaches get (mostly) their first choices? If so no need to change a thing I trust them 100% in evaluation. If not well??
-Who did we beat out if we had to go to 2nd or 3rd choices? Mizzou? Kentucky? Maryland? Those athletes long term arent going to stand up to Georgia and Bama.
What still shocks me is we have yet to win a playoff game or beat Bama or Georgia but most are saying recruiting is just fine. Maybe it is. I'll let the next two seasons of payoff games decide for me. Most wont consider the results of the last two playoff games but it has to factor as well. You can "if and but" your way OSU style but 2 is pattern and 3 is a problem, just like we would tell them concerning "The Game".
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:55 AM ^
“What still shocks me is we have yet to win a playoff game or beat Bama or Georgia…”
If the postseason results of the last few seasons is a shock, wait till you examine the entirety of Michigan’s bowl record since 1-1-70.
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:11 PM ^
When is the last time we were at OSU's level on recruiting? That's not new.
Also, let's not pretend that Edwards is the key to the last three years. Not trying to minimize his value or his role (as the "next man up") vs. OSU in 2022. But he is not at all one of the architects of recent dominance.
Reminder: Won the Big Ten in 2021 with Cade McNamara as the QB. JJ had a few plays a game.
I understand your point and your concern, I do. But I think this is a situation where the program has earned the benefit of the doubt for a couple years. The portal really changes things. And let's see what Jadyn Davis turns into in a few years.
December 22nd, 2023 at 1:38 PM ^
We need to selectively pay players up front.
Are we not #1 in the country at the moment?
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:22 AM ^
I still feel like JJ showing out in this CFP this year and Michigan beating Bama will pay a lot of dividends going forward, that’s assuming Harbaugh stays. Everyone is waiting to see what Michigan does against the Big Boys. If we had beat TCU last year but lost to Georgia, the narrative would be the same as it is now. Can you beat the best of the best or not?
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:23 AM ^
Won't help us but yes
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:26 AM ^
Joe Sloan vs Kirk Campbell.
More importantly what happens with Harbaugh is going to be a major factor. Uncertainty(again) at the top spot can’t help. This is why something needs to be announced sooner rather than later.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:29 AM ^
We've said that for 4 straight years
December 22nd, 2023 at 3:15 PM ^
We will 1 up the NCAA with a 50/50 announcement of "Jim's decision part 4" on the late signing day.
Nobody out kicks our own nuts! Nooooobody.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:28 AM ^
They still have the money. Can't imagine why else he'd want to play for Kelly
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:36 AM ^
His QBs stat line and heisman trophy could have something to do with it.
December 22nd, 2023 at 3:06 PM ^
Jaden Daniel was putting up video game numbers while we’re running 21 of 22 plays against Penn St. I like Moore as an OL coach and potentially as head coach but his OC tenure has been underwhelming stylistically.
December 22nd, 2023 at 3:21 PM ^
Jaden Daniel's season and college career is done thanks to 3 losses. At some point his offensive firepower couldnt keep up with 3 other teams offensive firepower. Say what you will about the LSU defense but its alternating possessions. His offense had a chance to match every score and couldnt do it. Moore and JJ led an offense that never let another team take a lead in the second half. Not once, statistics be damned.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:31 AM ^
Not unless he was personally putting the money up
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:42 AM ^
Likely he gone. But if the kid just wants to leave home and go to college somewhere else than his own backyard, you really can't fault him for that.
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:53 AM ^
Duly noted
December 22nd, 2023 at 11:54 AM ^
Selfishly, I want us to win with a modified version of the PSU game offense - more than 8 passes but enough running from Blake, The Don, Mullings, and JJ to wear down the Bama D. And not enough for those NFL scouts to move JJ up any higher in the draft.
Just a few years ago, a lot of people were bummed CJ Carr had chosen ND, and now I don't even hear his name as ND's going with the Duke transfer.
It would be perfect to have JJ back and Davis get some designed plays like JJ got in 2021.
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:00 PM ^
It will be interesting to see the impact Denbrock has on ND's awful offense. This is the area ND needed to improve the most. CJ Carr should be over the moon. This is a solid hire by Marcus Freeman.
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:23 PM ^
After watching Carter Smith’s junior year highlights, I feel pretty damn good moving forward with him. Rivals has him as the #55 player in the country and On3 has him as a borderline top 100 guy. On tape, this kid just full of raw talent and is a pure athlete. Has got a ways to go mechanically, but he’s an elite runner, isn’t afraid to throw a lead block, has great arm strength, gets the ball out quick and is just a play maker. There’s some throws on there you need to watch multiple times to see how impressive they are. Multiple 40 yard bombs off his back foot while on the run. Get him under the tutelage of Kirk Campbell and he’ll be scary. Reminds me Bo Nix or Max Duggan. Would love to have Underwood and Smith obviously, but people need to stop sleeping on Smith
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:50 PM ^
Smith will probably be a high four star/borderline five star by this time next year.
December 22nd, 2023 at 1:22 PM ^
Yep, he needs to work on his pocket presence, footwork, and mechanics, but the pure talent and athleticism is definitely there
December 22nd, 2023 at 4:00 PM ^
Thanks for posting this. There’s a lot to like there — glad I watched.
December 23rd, 2023 at 7:06 AM ^
“He’s got a ways to go mechanically”
No shit. I’ve never seen a QB do a little hop in the air as he releases the ball the way Smith does.
His skills running with the ball are what impressed me the most.
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:39 PM ^
Smith most likely ends up being ranked right around where JJ was and Smith is actually more athletic. He’ll be a player for sure. I honestly think most guys out of Michigan are ranked about 50 spots too high. Very poor competition.
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:30 PM ^
If anything, it would help Notre Dame's recruiting efforts. I don't think it changes anything for Michigan.
December 22nd, 2023 at 12:58 PM ^
Let’s goooooo brochachos
December 22nd, 2023 at 1:22 PM ^
We all want Underwood to come here but LSU passes the football, is putting together an elite recruiting class, and have won a championship in his lifetime. ALSO they will pay him.
December 22nd, 2023 at 1:27 PM ^
I'm happy with Jaydn... Underwood went to LSU because of the bag, not because of the OC.
December 22nd, 2023 at 1:30 PM ^
As long as LSU is still willing to pay him a boatload of cash upfront, and they most assuredly are, I don’t see this ending any way other than Michigan being its typical bridesmaid self.
December 22nd, 2023 at 2:30 PM ^
Definitely (maybe)
December 22nd, 2023 at 3:31 PM ^
Enough of this waffling. I'm willing to state, right now, that this makes Underwood a lock for Michigan.
FWIW.
December 22nd, 2023 at 3:49 PM ^
I like the way you think
December 22nd, 2023 at 4:57 PM ^
It's my understanding that Jim Harbaugh is the key to landing Underwood. I'm sure he'll do an in home visit right after we finish blowing Bama out.
I have no inside info but I personally think beating Bama is our only shot at landing him. The perception that the SEC is the major league is real. I mean the (B1G bullies=Mich/OSU) have gotten blown out last few times they've played Bama/UGA in bowl games.
I live in SEC county and I can tell they have no issue giving Michigan credit just as long as we all understand that they plays in a weak conference. I don't even argue anymore.
We must win vs Bama....that is all.
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:37 PM ^
I have no clue what game you watched last year but Ohio State was the better team between them and Georgia, if Harrison doesn’t get absolutely rocked. Even though, you do understand they lost on a last second field goal that should have been made…..right? Clearly you saw that. I do not know what you consider to be a blowout, but I promise you it’s not that.
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:34 PM ^
Brian Kelly will only be at LSU for two more years. Maybe 3 if he’s really lucky.