One departure.......unexpected...

Submitted by umbig11 on
Unfortunately we have one near term departure and maybe a second. As much as I hate the off-season things happen. TE Devin Asiasi has some family issues to attend to. He is currently in California and may not return. Even if he does, there may be eligibility issues due to not attending classes. The second player in doubt along the OL has been extremely quiet. Still waiting to see how it plays out. Perry will likely return. So far so good.
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huntmich

February 4th, 2017 at 12:19 AM ^

What does "The second player in doubt along the OL has been extremely quiet." mean? Is it that he wasn't expected to play, a benchwarmer?  Or does it mean that the player is keeping his mouth shut about leaving the team?

Joined: 10/18/2015

MGoPoints: 18173

Bp6

February 4th, 2017 at 2:22 AM ^

No, bc on the roster you have Eubanks, Bunting, Wheatley Jr, McKeon, Gentry, and even Khalid Hill can play TE in certain packages if need be. Certainly, this is a big hit bc Asasi is clearly a beast and losing a guy of his quality is never good. Thankfully our options at TE are many, and hopefully after things clear up for Devin at home he can come back. The Kaiju package needs you Devin!!!! I expect big things from Eubanks. If Eubanks has put on the proper weight, he is going to be a matchup nightmare. I also think Bunting will surprise some people next season. Our offense has a lot of speed and athleticism now. Can't wait to watch these young men next season.

Joined: 01/14/2017

MGoPoints: 536

Wolfman

February 4th, 2017 at 8:00 AM ^

going into last season, Asiasi was my second favorite get in last year's haul, and although I didn't see his career make the dramatic jump that I see Gary's making in one season, I expected steady improvement throughout. Regardless of whether we are stocked at that position or not, I just hope the reason he is pulled back home finds a rapid resolution that is favorable. If it doesn't work out for him to be able to continue his career at UM, I hope whatever the pressing issue is works out as well as possible for the young man. 

Although wishing that he remain with the UM sqaud is not selfish; its just natural for any fan to wish for the same. At the same time, I think to a person, we all hold his best interests to be of paramount importance. 

There is so much talk by our players of the family like atmosphere that exists here; in fact, it's probably the chief reason that many of them opt for M in recruiting battles that came down to the wire. With that said, and realizing it is a real thing, i have no doubt, JH and staff, will do all they can to assist the young man during this period, as well as making all possible effort to seeing that he finish his career here. If such is not to be, even though losing a special talent hurts from a fan standpoint, as so many others have correctly pointed out, being a football fan takes second place to so many other things in life. 

Joined: 07/23/2008

MGoPoints: 8259

mjagger

February 4th, 2017 at 10:49 AM ^

The Welfare of the athlete and what's best for he and his family should be the priority. It appears that Asiasi really enjoys UM but if there are factors that warrent his return to Cali then the staff, UM, teammates and fans should support him all the way. Good luck to him in making his decision and going forward regardless if it's at UM or in Cali somewhere.

Joined: 10/11/2011

MGoPoints: 1131

flinttc

February 4th, 2017 at 12:00 PM ^

We are sending a lot of prayers to Asiasi and his family without knowing what we are praying for.  I hope everythig is okay and he can still play this fall.  

Joined: 10/16/2014

MGoPoints: 289

OneBadMutha

February 4th, 2017 at 8:05 PM ^

For those looking for something more official. Good luck to the kid. More 4 receiver sets are incoming...

On that note, was there any thought that Michigan's change of coordinators and offensive philosophy helped push him in this direction?  Not doubting the family issues but wondering if multiple factors played into it. 

Joined: 11/27/2016

MGoPoints: 1510

Ronswanson13

February 4th, 2017 at 9:33 PM ^

I highly, highly doubt the coordinators/offense is the reason. I've seen this a few times lately as if TEs are suddenly non existent in spread attacks. There will always be a place for a TE if Harbaugh is your head coach. Asiasi played significantly as a true freshman on a team with a returning AA senior TE. He would touch the ball even more this season. I could see him developing into multiple roles in the future. I could even see him being a goal line weapon similar to Hill.

Joined: 02/11/2016

MGoPoints: 10264

Yessir

February 4th, 2017 at 8:23 PM ^

Hope he gets everything squared away at home. 

I think we'll miss his roadgrading more than pass catching. 

Joined: 12/22/2015

MGoPoints: 7270

bamill010

February 11th, 2017 at 1:24 AM ^

I had high hopes for Asiasi. He was definintely one of the few recruits I thought would have a immediate impact and llenghty career from last year's class. So that sucks. But any OL we're losing will be very tough to overcome. :(

Joined: 03/25/2009

MGoPoints: 173