Something to keep an eye on WRT Malzone

Submitted by Libertine on

Earlier this week 4* QB recruit Brandon Wimbush decommited from Penn State and committed to Notre Dame. And now, according to Tom VH, Penn State has now reached out to Malzone. Previously, the only other two schools courting him were Wake and UNC.

Given our current QB problems and the future looking fuzzy, we absolutely need to keep Malzone! He needs to be the #1 priority for this class, if that already hasn't been made clear to him. Given his propensity to win under all circumstances, I believe he's the future of our program.

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winterblue75

October 8th, 2014 at 10:48 PM ^

I understand this sentiment....to a point. We are still going to be playing intercollegiate football for the foreseeable future. In order to be successful at it, we need to recruit quality kids, and hold on to the ones we have committed. So while it's easy to say right now, "eh, recruiting, let's focus on getting rid of DB and Hoke", let's just remember the tire fires of the 2010 and 2011 recruiting classes and hope that history doesn't repeat itself.

Joined: 09/05/2009

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MGlobules

October 9th, 2014 at 7:58 AM ^

to fire Brandon or Hoke mid-season. There could be plenty of good reasons--to send a signal to recruits being just one.

But I think that something subtler is going to happen. . . it will become clear that a housecleaning is in train, quiet recruiting of coaches and ADs will begin, and recruits will be given some subtle signals, too. May not always work out, but. . .

Anyone who thinks that Brandon isn't making his own quite phone calls is nuts. The handwriting is on the wall.

Joined: 11/17/2008

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Don

October 8th, 2014 at 10:49 PM ^

While there's no such thing as absolute certainty when it comes to recruiting, Sam has a pretty good feel for Malzone and has basically said he is as solid as you can get out of all of the verbal commits.

Joined: 06/30/2008

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603_GoBlue

October 8th, 2014 at 10:52 PM ^

Not all that concerned with recruiting. Less concerned with malzone being vultured away. He seems solid in the same way newsome is. I think I saw something about him still reaching out to other recruits to stay with the program. Some people want to be part of the solution not just avoid the problem.

also he could look at the qb situation and feel that he can compete next year.

Joined: 01/08/2014

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Mr Miggle

October 8th, 2014 at 11:15 PM ^

recruit how important they are to the class? The fans? A lame duck coaching staff? Recruits are going to decide whether to be patient and see who's hired, stay because their dream of playing for Michigan is more important, or choose a place they're comforfable with. Options elsewhere close faster for QBs than most others.

Joined: 10/07/2010

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asquared

October 8th, 2014 at 11:20 PM ^

Any new coach will have to re-recruit all the commits to varying extents. If they don't like what we get, they'll be gone (inc. Malzone). This being the case, all of the commits will want to keep their options open.

Joined: 06/30/2008

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varsity

October 9th, 2014 at 8:03 AM ^

He may not have the measureables and cannon arm some of the other guys have, but the intangible he does bring is just being a winner.  Doesn't necessarilty translate to college, but he's been finding a way to get it done, winning a lot for a few years, and he has love for the program --  a kid to look forward to in a couple years.

Joined: 06/29/2010

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Libertine

October 8th, 2014 at 11:46 PM ^

or trying to be overdramatic, and hopefully Shane will finally throw a TD or Speight works out, but I think Alex is the best/most complete HS QB prospect we've had since Mallett.

So I just asked Sam about this directly and he basically said, he's committed for now, but if/when Hoke leaves, Alex very likely could explore his options. I just would hate to see the kid who could potentially be All-Conference for us in the next few years wind up playing against us every year.

Not saying it would happen or is even likely, just something to keep an eye on.

Joined: 01/04/2011

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Mr Miggle

October 9th, 2014 at 7:02 AM ^

I'm being sarcastic, just in case you can't tell.

If his priority is winning, why on Earth would he come here? This team is bad and the recruiting class is crumbling around him. Who is going to convince him they're going to turn things around? This unknown savior may not even want him, may run a system ill-suited to him, etc.

Granted, things don't look good if Hoke stays, but at least there is someone to sell him on the future. There could also be a sense of loyalty to the coaches and the future classmates he's helped recruit. I think that's something most of us do value in our players.

 

Joined: 10/07/2010

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clarkiefromcanada

October 9th, 2014 at 12:12 AM ^

Step 1. Fire this guy (too much brand, not enough wins)

Step 2. Fire this guy also (nice guy, just in over his head)

Step 3. Hire this guy (he's qualified), or his brother, or a guy named Les Miles

Step 4. Profit with 110k + crowds

Step 5. Watch recruits commit

Joined: 11/20/2008

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TESOE

October 9th, 2014 at 12:24 AM ^

Schlissel is the only guy who can start to make this better at this point.  Many of the recruits commit to the school - but the commitment to excellence starts at the top.  Schlissel can show that now.  He is really the only one at this point who can do this IMO.  The season will remain open until he does.

Regardless it's going to be a bumpy road until the next coach is in place.

Joined: 09/21/2009

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Steve in PA

October 9th, 2014 at 9:09 AM ^

Even 2 years ago ND was the place where 4 and 5 star recruits went to fade away.  Not so much now.  They are ranked in the top 10.  Without looking when was the last time Michigan was ranked in the top 10 during the season?

They also finished last year in the top25 and the year before in the top 10.

We can continue to look at other programs and snicker but Michigan Football has become in many ways the Notre Dame of Davie/Willingham/Weiss.  Michigan Football has been returning to glory since 1997.

Joined: 08/10/2009

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Inflames

October 9th, 2014 at 5:58 AM ^

At this point I think the commits are no different than us fans. They too are on a wait and see. If Michigan does land a Jim/John Harbaugh or a Miles type of candidate you have nothing to worry about with recruits. I may be speaking for myself but from what I've seen here at Michigan and at other schools like State sign me up for a great coach over the amount of stars next to a recruits name. If the current recruits stay that's great if not we will find others that want to be here and hopefully make them champions..... Stars be damned.

Joined: 03/06/2009

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Mr Miggle

October 9th, 2014 at 7:07 AM ^

and the commits. We have no real choice but to wait and see what happens with the coaching situation. They have the choice to explore other options that are available to them now, some of which won't be available if they wait.

Joined: 10/07/2010

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maize-blue

October 9th, 2014 at 8:48 AM ^

Malzone is an in state kid currently living his dream, being offered a scholarship for QB at the University of Michigan. The only way he doesn't end up in the winged helmet is if the football program is disbanded.

Joined: 01/10/2013

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bronxblue

October 9th, 2014 at 8:52 AM ^

Considering how hard Malzone pushed to get an offer at UM,  he's absolutely one of those "I'm committing to the University of Michigan, not the University of Brady Hoke" kids.

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