Mike Farrell: Michigan and Hokies tied in lead for Da'Shawn Hand
Mike Farrell just tweeted this about Hand's recruitment (yes, we are recruiting players not named Jabrill Peppers, just in case anyone forgot).
I think #Michigan and #hokies are tied in lead for Da'Shawn Hand with #gamecocks behind them at this stage.
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) May 25, 2013
This is a definite shift from before, as for a while he seemed pretty set on VT leading us for his recruitment. And with Mike Farrell's annoying habit of being very accurate with his predictions, this bodes very well for us, giving us a great chance to get the #1 and #2 players in the nation (at least according to Rivals).
...but have YOU seen VT?
They're not that good.
Yes because Michigan so dominated them in the Sugar Bowl 2 years ago. Yeah the game everyone acknowledges "we stole". Yep VT is not that good.
They went 7-6 last year, so the jury is out
What does the 2011 version of VT have to do with the 2013 team?
Many of the players who were starters on the 2011 team have probably graduated and it is entirely possible that VT could have a lousy year in 2013; it's also possible that they could have a great year, but the 2011 team has no bearing either way.
That made absolutely no sense whatsoever. VT was BAD last year, and looked just as bad this spring. I saw them 4 times last year, and I saw their spring game. What does the Sugar Bowl have to do with any of that?
I saw part of the VT spring game too, I think Loeffler has a lot of work to do with Logan Thomas and their o-line. I'm pulling for Scot to succeed but this may be a tough year.
It seems like everyone things McDowell is more or less coming to Michigan but I really don't hear much about him for a kid everyone assumes is coming here.
http://michigan.247sports.com/Article/DaShawn-Hand-Update-132081 though I am not subscribed to 247, and can't read it, but I assume that there is something here that might be changing some minds.
I saw the same partial article about Hand and Michigan but like you I am not subscribed to 247. I am trying to find someone I know that is so I can read the rest of that article. I do think that if the information was that important, that someone on this board would have posted bits and pieces of the article on there already though.
...but can they Handle the truth that he's Blue?
Having Da'Shawn on our DLine will really come in Handy.
I've gotta Hand it to our coaches, they know how to recruit.
Hands down, he's the #1 DE in the country.
Give me a Hand in welcoming Da'Shawn to the 2014 Michigan recruiting class.
Damn, I'm board. "Working" on Memorial Saturday sucks.
Having the #1 de recruit in Hand will only help with the rest of the class.
He looks like the best de in the country, Hands down
He would give us a hand in more ways to pepper the opposition.
UTL II is our chance to blow him away. You know all the recruits will be in his ear!
Add in TomVH's positivity. Definitely looking much more positive.
There is no better job than at Michigan so not an issue. This is Michigan fergodsakes.
that Bud Foster isn't going anywhere. Like Mattison, he isn't looking for a promotion.
Bud Foster and Greg Mattison aren't going anywhere...Foster has been at VT forever and will continue to be there. He's had plenty of chances to leave and remains loyal to the Hokies. GMat has said a million times that he's retiring from UofM. So I understand your thoughts, but there is no barring in this instance. Hell, same for the head coaches, Hoke and Beamer aren't going anywhere.
Originally Posted by NDPhilly
I still don't understand how all these Mid Atlantic players like Michigan so damn much.
I've never understood it. At all. Obviously, there are a ton of transplants out here from the midwest in general (especially Michigan) because of the economy shifts of the past few decades. And I think Mattison's connection to the Ravens is big. In general, from Virginia up through NY there are basically no major football programs except Virginia Tech and Penn State pre-sanctions. There is no Alabama or Florida or LSU or Texas to keep you in state. So I understand why lots of those kids take a long hard look at Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. The difference is the "SEC" mentality kids from that area tend to look at Michigan/Ohio State but not give ND the time of day. Blame the Big Ten network? I dunno. Just the way it is. You get an awful lot of OSU/Michigan grads in addition to the transplant subway fans in the Mid Atlantic too.
Anyone who cannot comprehend why people love Michigan has clearly not seen our helmets.
I actually feel really good about this. If it was coming down to us or Alabama, I'd be a lot more nervous. But if VT and M are his top choices, I think our chances are good if not excellent. And it's kind of a win-win because even if Hand doesn't pick us at least he's going to a classy program like VT and not Alabama or OSU or some SEC school. I think Frank Beamer is a class act and if Hand had to pick any other place besides Michigan, I'd rather it be VT.
That said, obviously I would love it if he picked Michigan! But let's focus on Jabrill Peppers first, guys...
Why should we focus on Jabrill Peppers first?
haha true. I mean emotionally. but whatever, DASHAWN HAND COME ON DOWN!!!!
I don't give a shit what he says about recruiting, I want to know his Kentucky Derby and stock market picks.
Movin' on up - Jefferson's style.
about Hand until this news...I had heard he might come up during the summer AND the UTL game? Anyone know his visits coming up?
so...many...puns...can't...resist...
I've been a primary nay-sayer of our positivity on Hand, but I think I might have to rescind that skepticism. The fact that three higher ups in 247 (CEO, Publisher, & Editor fwiw) all predicted Hand to Michigan within 30 minutes of each other makes me think someone got a good piece of information at 247, why else would all three suddenly make a prediction at almost the exact same time?
UTL II might be a huge chance for us to actually land a commitment from him. Especially if the current commits (hopefully including Jabrill) are all in his ear that weekend
Edit: Also, FWIW Gerry Hamilton has rescinded his prediction that Jabrill is going to Rutgers as of 5/24. Now 100% predicted to Michigan on 247. Lets go