Thursday Recruitin'
Don't forget, The 2011 Michigan Football Recruiting Board is your headquarters for recruiting updates.
Your Weekly Breathless Dee Hart Update
The Gridiron Kings event in Florida last weekend brought out a ton of big-name talent, including top Michigan target FL RB Demetrius Hart (with an enormous HT to MGoShoe, who was all over this topic). ESPN's Jamie Newberg:
Hart, a small and compact running back who is ultraquick and explosive, was impressive in each game for the Southeast. He made a ton of big plays and some great catches.
"It was a couple of great days," Hart said. "I think the key was that we, as a team, bonded early. I was just happy I got to contribute the way I did."
The Orlando Sentinel says:
Hart, who earlier in pool play had nine receptions in one game for 99 yards and six receptions for 91 yards in another, had a 15-yard touchdown reception in the championship game.
Hart merely fell in SoFlaFootball's "Other Players to Catch My Eye" category:
Running back Dee Hart (Dr. Phillips) excels catching the ball out of the backfield and has some shake to him with the ball in his hands. I can see him being very versatile running back lining up both in the backfield and in the slot at the next level.
For more on Hart's performances, check out MGoShoe's stream-of-Twitter-consciousness on mgoboard. In recruiting updates, Hart has now dropped Auburn from consideration, and is willing to go on the record that Michigan leads for his services. A neutral party putting that in writing is a big deal:
"I would say Michigan is 75 percent," Hart said. Leaving the possibility that he might commit to Alabama at 25 percent. "I like the area at Michigan," Hart said. "You know I'm from Florida, so I've never really had all four seasons and I like that. I like the fans. They have a great fan base up there. They also have great programs up there, like their business program and that's what I want to go into is business management."
A decision on his visit for the UConn or Iowa/Michigan State is possible. Dee was recently interviewed by local news. The most important quote:
"Football means the most. Girls gonna come and go, but football, that's something forever. Football; hands down."
So I guess that's what Rich Rodriguez means when he says he wants guys who "love football." Dee also gives a shoutout to FL QB commit Kevin Sousa in the interview.
Other Camp and Combine News
A bunch of other targets, some of them surprising, were also in attendance. FL S Karlos Williams may visit Michigan, potentially with Hart (and Clinton-Dix?!), which would be a major coup for the Wolverines. FL S HaSean Clinton-Dix still maintains that he is solid to Bama:
"Still 100 percent. I'm committed to that," he said. "I respect the fact they still recruit me and I give them my full attention when they call. You never know what can happen and I might need something back on."
Though Clinton-Dix says he's solid, you never know what can happen if you get these kids on campus. MI WR DeAnthony Arnett, who has dropped Michigan, also impressed at Gridirion Kings.
In other camp/combine/competition news, Florida's annual Friday Night Lights summer camp happened over the weekend as well. FL QB Commit Kevin Sousa showed up to compete, and the Gainesville Sun's Edward Aschoff says he looked good:
Yeah he looked real sharp liked him a lot RT @varsityblue @EdAschoffGSUN Did you see#Michigan commit Kevin Sousa at FNL? How did he look?
Victors_Valiant and Scout.com's Chad Simmons also liked Sousa's performance. VV noted that his footwork was good, and Simmons said he threw some good passes.
Visits and Decisions
MI RB Justice Hayes announces tomorrow at 11am, as I told you in last week's Recruitin' post. Michigan and Notre Dame are the top contenders, but I think he'll pick the Irish.
IL OL Chris Bryant had a positive visit to Ann Arbor over the weekend, as he told Tom. Tom predicts that a commitment may be coming soon, so keep an eye out for Hello: Christ Bryant. IN OL Nick Martin was on campus at the same time, though no commitment is expected.
FL OL Tony Posada should be announcing a college choice soon, along with his teammate, FL QB Phillip Ely, and possibly FL RB James Wilder. Posada blew off FNL camp last weekend, and the Gators picked up a couple linemen, so the Florida offer that he covets won't come. Michigan should to be Tony's choice:
The word is you really like Michigan.
They're one of my top four but I haven't made my final decision on them yet. Right now, until about two weeks from now, it's going to be an open game, an open game for anyone.
He claims to be open-ish, but his preference for Michigan shines through.
In upcoming visit news, TX LB Kellen Jones should be hitting campus this weekend. He's a top Michigan linebacker target, and a lifelong fan. If the visit goes well, there's a chance he'll commit to the maize-and-blue. Either way, he'll make a commitment before September.
Etc.
The Oakland Press's Kosmo says that MI WR Commit Shawn Conway's Seaholm team should be vastly improved this year - if he's eligible to play. Hopefully he'll get to play some high school ball for the Maples this fall. Brian talked a bit about Conway (and his disciplinary issue this spring) yesterday.
FL WR/S Sammy Watkins has been spending lots of time at Clemson lately, but he's still feelin' the Wolverines:
[Watkins's coach Grant Redhead] expects Watkins to take his official visits from the group of Clemson, Miami, Florida, LSU, Alabama and Michigan. "I know he loved Michigan when he went up there. I’m thinking mid season he’ll commit. He’ll probably take at least three officials to his favorites. If not mid-season, then after the season."
An official visit before his decision would be a very good thing, especially if the Wolverines can get his teammate, FL CB Dallas Crawford, in town at the same time.
Michigan is in the top two for FL WR Prince Holloway ($, info in header).
Local fluff on PA OL Paul Gaughan, who Michigan has looked at.
Michigan has offered NJ OL Josue Matias.
GA S Avery Walls enjoyed his Michigan visit a while back, and now, thanks to California Golden Blogs, we know how much:
"Yes sir, because I'm talking to a couple players that are being recruited by Michigan, like Avery Walls. I've had a chance to befriend him. We've been talking about them and he's been talking about how Michigan is a place I need to check out, and maybe set up an official with him so we can get up there at the same time. We're good friends now and we talk on the phone. He's trying to recruit me there I guess (laughing)."
That's elite GA DE Ray Drew. It sounds like Avery Walls is likely to end up in this class as long as the year goes according to plan, and he'll do everything in his power to get some other top prospects to commit. Drew said he'll be receptive to Walls's overtures should he commit to Michigan (H/T touchdown chad henne).
I've added FL LB Ramik Wilson to the board, as GBW finds him relevant enough to post his Youtube highlight:
He's a run-stuffer, but he doesn't look his listed 6-3, 220 on the tape.
I forgot to mention this last week, but according to ESPN, CA CB/RB DeAnthony Thomas, a USC commit, plans to visit Michigan and Ohio State. Tom confirmed that he'll take on official if Rich Rodriguez offers, and once you get a kid on campus etc etc.
VA CB Demetrious Nicholson holds a Michigan offer.
Mini-Happy Trails
Though he said last week that he hasn't eliminated any schools, SC DE Gerald Dixon wants to stay in the Southeast.
FL WR Tacoi Sumler narrowed to a top 5 that does not include Michigan and then picked Oregon.
2012
Dorial Green-Beckham isn't the only wide receiver Michigan's looking at in Missouri. MO WR Jehu Chesson is also "high on Michigan" ($, info in header).
Local fluff on MI OL Kelby Latta, who already holds offers from Michigan State and Wisconsin.
MI CB Terry Richardson has received offers from Alabama and LSU ($, info in header). The hometown Wolverines have yet to offer the Cass Tech prospect, because he didn't make it to Michigan's summer camp. Once the coaches get the chance to evaluate some junior film, don't be surprised if he get an offer.
Kelby Latta, is my best friends cousin. I keep telling my friend to push Michigan, however it sounds like he really likes Wisconsin.
Ross School of Business FTW
This part hurts a little, goes back to what Harbaugh said, we know that if he really wants to major in business his best bet is go to a different school. He probably won't get into Ross and the coaches probably don't want him to.
Am I missing something on his grades? How would you know he wouldnt get in? As someone who works in the field of finance in NYC and didnt go to Ross, a Michigan degree still opens many doors.
Never said I knew anything about Dee, I said probably. As you know you can say probably that about most students at Michigan, let alone scholarship football players. I didn't say he wouldn't be better served by going Michigan, I only said if he really wants to get a business degree there are other places that are much more likely to get one.
You are right, you didnt mention Dee. I guess because we were discussing Dee, that was my basis for the wrong assumption. I think there are athletes that can do it. I remember seeing James Voskuil in a engineering class right before he headed out to the final four. Although not probable, its not impossible which is why I didnt neg you.
Whether there is truth or not in your statement, it's just a douchey thing to say. Use your inside voice wesq.
I'm a Ross graduate, it's a difficult program, but if you're committed you can be both an athlete and a scholar at the University of Michigan. Let's not assume Dee Hart isn't the special person who has the bandwidth to accomplish whatever he puts his mind to.
In summary, I'm not calling you a douche. I'm just saying that's a pretty douchey thing to say.
Fair enough, I just hope these kids are told exactly what they are in for and the chances of doing it. Currently there is no scholarship players enrolled in Ross, I did find that Patrick Omameh is engineering student which is to me is an even more time intensive program, probably my new favorite player.
I have no idea whatsoever whether or not Dee Hart will be able to get into Ross. Plenty of people from every background apply there, and don't get in. I doubt if I would have been able to.
As for your assertion that "the coaches probably don't want him to," I'd be interested in what facts you have at your disposal to indicate that Rich Rodriguez would tell Dee Hart "No, I don't want you to get a degree from one of the most prestigious business programs in the country."
I'm going to go out on a limb and predict you have no such facts, and that you pulled that assertion out of your own dumb ass.
I neg people very infrequently around here; I believe in husbanding them for just the right occasion. This is just such an occasion.
If I recall, U-M has a pretty good sports management program under the School of Kinesiology -- not sure how hard that would be to get into, but perhaps a good fit for this kid?
Picture Dee Hart in a Michigan uniform making that Heisman pose after scoring a TD vs. OSU
I'm sure TR Saunders could MSPaint us up a nice pic of that.
Let's hope we get one non-tornado day for Kellen Jones this weekend.
He probably sees his fair share of "twisters" every Summer.
Cass Tech: where CBs sprout like grass of prarie.
"It was a couple of great days," Hart said. "I think the key was that we, as a team, bonded early. I was just happy I got to contribute the way I did."
The team. The team. The team.
I like this kid more and more every post.
It's a good thing Dee isn't too concerned about women. If he were, Bama would have an edge on us in that department.
This meme is horribly outplayed. I don't know about you, but I knew more than enough beautiful and smart women while living in Ann Arbor. And I met most of them on North Campus to boot.
On the whole, Michigan women are relatively ugly. You're in denial if you think otherwise.
You must have been hanging out with the wrong women
You are in denial if you think that a star RB is going to have any trouble finding lots of attractive females at Michigan. It might be harder for the average freshman at UM vs. MSU but get real, football players will get plenty of attention from some very nice women at UM.
while there is quality, there is no denying the quantity advantage that many southern schools have over us in the attractive women department
Well it's a pretty good thing I didn't say that then. Thanks for putting words in my mouth, though.
Edited.
I've been to both campuses, and Bama blows us (and most schools) away. I do agree that women in AA are better looking than most guys give them credit for. Still, we aren't like Bama.
I've never been to Bama and I wasn't saying anything bad about the female students there. I just get sick of hearing just how ugly everyone things the girls from Michigan are when this is 100 percent not true.
Doesn't matter for an athlete. Football stars have their pick of the top 1-2% anywhere they go, and that top 1-2% is super high quality at every university, including Michigan.
I think something that is going to help RR in recruiting that was brought up in another forum, is that RR seems like he keeps his promises to his recruits. This is shown mostly with his recruitment of D-Rob who everyone expected would move to the slot, but was given the chance to prove he could play QB. I'm not sure of Hart has specified whether he wants to play RB or Slot, or if it matters to him as long as he's on the field, but if he wants to play RB and RR tells him he will get that chance, then you better believe he knows that he's going to get that chance. Saban seems like the type that promises the world only to do what's best for him in the end.
Beyond that, its great to hear recruits talk about the academic oportunities they will get as well. Sounds like Hart is going to do well no matter what he choses to do in life.
honestly stunned how many of these top recruits seem to really like M? Granted, we're Michigan and we should get the best of the best, blah blah blah...
We see the light at the end of the tunnel because we're fans, but frankly I wouldn't expect recruits to see it that way, especially after the last 2 years and the negative recruiting that's assuredly coming with it. In any case, this makes a fast start to this year all the more important.
I think it's similar to the success USC is having in recruiting even after heavy sanctions. Michigan football is an extremely powerful brand. It sells t-shirts and jerseys all over the country. It gets on national tv even when it plays Western Michigan or lesser conference opponents. It can be coupled with one of the best educations in the world.
As these kids grow up, they gravitate towards a select few programs who draw attention no matter what: schools like Ohio State, USC, Texas, Notre Dame, and Michigan. Not to say the brand is indestructable, but it's close
....very elite programs. The lions eat first and leave whats left for the wolves. But, I do not see USC's class holding together. I may just be saying this because of DeAnthony Thomas (wants to visit MIchigan!!), although a solid verbal, wants to keep options open. Doubts in the stability of the USC program could create a maelstrom of events causing them to lose key prospective student-athletes. This news of Kiffin making a shady hire might set off the dominos. I don't know, just speculation....
Another interested prospect that attended Gridiron Kings with Dee Hart is DeVondrick Nealy. "DV" is totally an under-the-radar guy who currently has Mich as three (or four), behind Arkansas, Ole Miss and tied with Auburn. Just thinking about Dee Hart at running back and DV in the slot gives me chills. Check out DV's highlight film ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqTnbYC1dbk ), this dude is straight up nasty.
the Michian BBA program is one of the best and most respected in the country. As a grad from 2000, I can honestly say that it has opened more doors that I ever thought possible.
Go Blue.
I agree. Flood won't even describe it.
More like a deluge holding hands with a torrent riding on top of a tsunami.
Maybe it is because I have followed off-season recruiting more closely this summer than any other time of year, but it seems that this may turn out to be one of RR better recruiting classes? I know it is impossibly early to tell, but I enjoy seeing highly anticipated recruits coming on campus and having a taste of what Michigan can offer.
Honestly, it was like this the last couple years as well, but the wins didn't come and therefore neither did the 5-stars.
If only we could be that lucky.
I'll be really bummed if we don't get Zettel, but he's being kind of mysterious. Just commit Anthony!
...about getting off to a good start this year. If that happens, Zettel will commit. A top ten recruiting class is brewing if we start strong and keep the media away from the Hot Seat Topic. Trust me when say this: WE DO NOT WANT TO BE ON ESPN THIS YEAR
I really like the majority of the players that we're recruiting or have picked up this year. If RR does okay this year and manages to stick around, I think this class will do big things for him.
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