Does anyone know if Michigan actually has a chance on Jai Eugene or Jonas Mouton? It seems like they both really like Michigan however USC is also a strong possibility for both.

Mouton is a strong possibility as a lot of people believe it's down to USC and UM and USC already has 2 very highly ranked safeties, and are still in it for another. If you look strictly at depth charts, UM should win this battle, but Mouton is supposedly enamored with SC anyways, so I would put the chances at getting him at 50%. Eugene is tougher as he told a lot of people how great his visit was, better than most of his others. The thing with Eugene is he has a kid and will probably stay close to home wtih his child. If the kid was out of the picture, Eugene might be at 75%, but with the situation as is, I'd say 20%.

Mouton is a strong possibility as a lot of people believe it's down to USC and UM and USC already has 2 very highly ranked safeties, and are still in it for another. If you look strictly at depth charts, UM should win this battle, but Mouton is supposedly enamored with SC anyways, so I would put the chances at getting him at 50%. Eugene is tougher as he told a lot of people how great his visit was, better than most of his others. The thing with Eugene is he has a kid and will probably stay close to home wtih his child. If the kid was out of the picture, Eugene might be at 75%, but with the situation as is, I'd say 20%.

Same shit that I have been hearing. That damn child. I wish someone would put a hit out on that SOB! lol jk. I really like what Jai could bring to the table. Ahh well..hopefully the michigan boosters will take care of the kid for him lol

I am hearing that Jonas is a strong possibility and could announce at the Army ASG.

Petey told Jai that if he came to California, they would make sure the kid was taken care of if he came too.

I say we are 60/40 to get Mouton USC non withstanding.

Below 50% and running 3rd with Jai.

Schilling the OG from Washington is a strong possibility. He didnt go to his USC visit and that has us in very good shape.

Sam Young (our most important recruit) a huge T, ranked #1 is looking strongly at ND right now, but if OSU spanks ND, then we could pull it out. One of my boards has a personal friend of Sam Youngs and while he doesnt ask Sam straight up, he thinks UM has a legit shot at Sam.

Michigan also in on a couple of sleepers from Michigan in Gant from OLSM and Woods from Saginaw. This Woods kid didnt ply soph or junior years and so know one knew about him but he had like 80 tackles and 18 tackles for loss a the DE position and is like 6'7" and runs very well.

Thad Gibson at 4-5* LB is also a strong possibility for UM.

It looks like Slocum might not make it into Michigan int the fall if ever. He needs to take the ACT and SATs again. There was hope he could be a january enrollee, but it looks like that is not happening.

The word on Slocum is a mean nasty kid with a chip on his shoulder. Has the skill of a Gabe Watson, but the attitude of a DT of Alan Branch. If Slocum makes it in by fall, Slocum and Branch will be the two best DT we have had since well just about ever, they are in the mold of FSU and Miami DT, who get after it and not just plug up holes.


Art

Anybody else impressed/surprised at the job that Charlie Weiss is doing for the Domers? That guy is tearing it up and it sure as hell didn't take him long.

They beat no one. They had a nice season, but when your best win is against a 4 loss Michigan team how can it really be that good?

While ESPN is sucking on the knob of USC, they got their right hand massaging the prostate of ND.

Also they lowered the standard for players to get into ND, as it was when Holtz was the head coach.

BTW does anyone else find it ironic that ESPN hired Holtz who has been caught cheating at 3 different universities, but yet he still gets all this credit for being a good coach.

Weis was on ESPN more than Chris Berman was the last 8 months, which has a huge impact on things.

ND was not a top 10 team this year. They lost to MSU for crying out loud.


Art

I was talking about Notre Dame's recruiting, not their season.

That team this year is way overrated.

Very important for Michigan to keep the OLSM pipeline running strong. They'll need it for 2 juniors - one basketball star Kalin Lucas, but the other is super-stud DB Dionte Allen. Kid can flat-out play and we'll be in serious need of corners for that class. Getting him and Ronald Johnson would be amazing!

As stated Allen is as close to a lock as you can have. When he talks about things, he is talking as if he is a Wolverine already. Like when he talks about getting Lucas and Gant to come to Michigan with him.

BTW got a report that Sears is now 6'2" and 200 pounds and looks like CW on and off the field. He is going to be a good one.

Art

Some rumblings -

Ohio State is making a strong push for Gant and having some success.

Jai Eugene narrowed his list to 4, dropping Tennessee and USC. That's huge for Michigan. The remaining competition is LSU, in his home state but he hasn't had an official visit scheduled - and both Florida and Miami, which he has visits scheduled late in January.

Gant will be a Wolverine. OSU misquoted Gant when it said he would commit there if he visited and got offered.

He is going to make his decision the week of the 13th of Jan. Michigan has some huge pluses OLSM is pipeline for UM. Gant is very good friends with Alex Legion. His cousin is DIonte Allen, who is considered a strong Michigan lean.

Not worried about Gant in the least, not saying he wont go to OSU, but it looks great for UM.

Eugene is going to LSU. I am about as sure of that as I am that Gant is going to Michigan. Eugene loves Michigan, but his son is there and I cant see him going any other place. He also stated that he wouldnt pick USC because of distance, well Miami and Michigan both have the same problem. Florida is the only other place I can see him going because it wouldnt be too far away.


Art

Apparently, Eugene has made his decision but will not announce until next week. According to Eugene himself these were his final 5 teams.

"Miami, Michigan, USC, LSU and Florida," said Eugene who had previously been rumored to have eliminated USC. "I didn't say they were not in the decision, but I did say they were kind of far away from home because I have a child."

With a quote like that, expect him to pick LSU. Dank, I thought we had a good shot for him, Tom Lemming has him as the #1 CB in the country.

That is a bitch. I would really have liked to see him donning the Maize and Blue..I am sure the game last night really didnt help much either lol

For being the top corner in the class, he certainly couldn't "cover" when it mattered most, if you know what I'm saying. Fella has a kid in high school. Smart move.

LOL...and he looks like a duck.

Big news for Michigan.

Sam Young has set up his offical visits. He already went to USC.

He has ND, PSU and Michigan in that order.

If he doesnt commit to ND after that visit....Michigan will be in great shape for him.


Also, there are supposedly a couple of silent commit(s). I have no clue who they are or how many, but they are there. Just remember, no matter how much a verbal they are when they are silent, it isnt offical until Feb.


Art

I don't belong here being a MSU fan, but I thought I would contribute on the green recruiting front. I don't know that it matters, but MSU got its 5th 4 Star recruit this past week. 5 Four Star recruits is very impressive regardless the program.

Many of these are Juco guys that big time programs wanted, but grades weren't there (ala Plaxico Burress). Looks like John L. understands that he needs to win NOW.

I love the guy offensively, but enough is enough. I want a team that I can be proud of. A team that's not one loss from total destruction. Hopefully these talented Juco's can play on D and help MSU surprise in 06. I'll be rooting for it. But, don't wait for me to bet on it. My days of optimism are done.

I don't belong here being a MSU fan, but I thought I would contribute on the green recruiting front. I don't know that it matters, but MSU got its 5th 4 Star recruit this past week. 5 Four Star recruits is very impressive regardless the program.

Many of these are Juco guys that big time programs wanted, but grades weren't there (ala Plaxico Burress). Looks like John L. understands that he needs to win NOW.

I love the guy offensively, but enough is enough. I want a team that I can be proud of. A team that's not one loss from total destruction. Hopefully these talented Juco's can play on D and help MSU surprise in 06. I'll be rooting for it. But, don't wait for me to bet on it. My days of optimism are done.

...at least you nailed it with JaVon Ringer last summer :wink:

Nice committment for Michigan State.

After committing two years ago to Connecticut coming out of high school, four-star cornerback Ken Tinney found himself in New Berlin, N.Y. at Milford Academy to improve his grades. Since then the 6-foot-0, 185-pounder with 4.3-second speed has improved his stock and re-opened his recruitment. Today the cornerback finally ended all speculation on where he's going and committed to Michigan State. He had offers from Michigan, Maryland, Florida, Syracuse and Connecticut amongst others.

JLS is putting together a pretty good class that's probably gooing to be top 25 before it's all said and done.

:alien:

Hey, thanks for the props Muhme!

For the first time this offseason I'm actually excited about something going on with Spartan football. Last season was sort of a last straw with me in terms of defending their program and such. But, the committment of Ken Tinney has got me excited. Everybody knows we need DB's and to get a 4 Star DB with 4.3 speed is absolutely huge!

I honestly can't believe MSU's class already. It is dominated by JUCO's, but that is exactly what they need. Some solid true freshman mixed with JUCO's that can play NOW. 6 Four Star Recruits is flat out great. It's hard to believe they were able to pull in that many highly touted players after the season they just had.

It's just too bad that we've got OSU, Michigan, and Penn St. to deal with next year. :(

It is good to see that at least some of the MSU elitests are excited for a new year of Spartan football. The MSU die hards I talk with are very upset with the recruiting job that JLS has done. They have the feeling like he has almost waived the white flag when going up against the big boys and is SETTLING for the mediocre JUCO talent...Tre, what are your thoughts on that?

I hate you...

I don't think it's a matter of settling with John L. Muhme. I think it's a matter of being worried about his own job. John L. knows that another bad season will undoubtedly lead to a pink slip, therefore he needs to plug holes for next season and try to make a decent bowl. JUCO's are the only way he can fill defensive needs immediately. And the defense has TONS of holes. The offense will be stellar, but we all saw what a terrible D will get ya-an extended off-season.

He does need to get in with some of the big boys though. MSU can draw top talent as we've seen in the past (Rogers, Duckett). He needs to get a couple like that every once in awhile until (if possible) he brings the program back.

Hey, thanks for the props Muhme!

For the first time this offseason I'm actually excited about something going on with Spartan football. Last season was sort of a last straw with me in terms of defending their program and such. But, the committment of Ken Tinney has got me excited. Everybody knows we need DB's and to get a 4 Star DB with 4.3 speed is absolutely huge!

I honestly can't believe MSU's class already. It is dominated by JUCO's, but that is exactly what they need. Some solid true freshman mixed with JUCO's that can play NOW. 6 Four Star Recruits is flat out great. It's hard to believe they were able to pull in that many highly touted players after the season they just had.

It's just too bad that we've got OSU, Michigan, and Penn St. to deal with next year. :(

It sucks having to deal with all those elite teams, doesn't it?

I dont follow high school recruting, so tell me if MSU gets a stud, Tre.

I dont follow high school recruting, so tell me if MSU gets a stud, Tre.

Don't hold your breath.

I dont follow high school recruting, so tell me if MSU gets a stud, Tre.

Don't hold your breath.

Actually, do hold your breath. Hold it until you pass out. Repeat. Over and over again.

Moodini31 Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 10:42 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steve wrote:
I dont follow high school recruting, so tell me if MSU gets a stud, Tre.


Don't hold your breath.

Funny, just checked out mgoblue.com and noticed the number 6 next to 4 star recruits headed to Michigan. Just happens to be the same number I found next to four star recruits on msuspartans.com.

It's cool though, Michigan will get a better class than State. Much better in fact. Then they'll go 7-5 with their Top 3 recruiting class.

http://florida.scout.com

you'll find a real recruiting class there.........im gettin hard just thinkin about it

I dont follow high school recruting, so tell me if MSU gets a stud, Tre.

Don't hold your breath.

Actually, do hold your breath. Hold it until you pass out. Repeat. Over and over again.then when I'm done I will spit in your face.

By the way Steve, you still have my quote in your sig. Have you STUILL not figured out that douche is both a noun and a verb. Yes, that's right, not only is it a fun word for 6th graders who think they've discovered the greatest new word while having no clue what it means. (pssst, here's a little headstart - next year the secret word will be clit for your class). Yes, it is a verb. Do you still think it's retarded or are you starting to realize how stupid you look. And actually I wouldn't mind your cadaver spitting on me, because at least it would be a cadaver. Sorry, now you probably have to look up two words. This is why I'm going to teach high school and not elementary. I'm not capable of dropping my conversation level low enough.

Back to recruiting.

I just got word that Jai Eugene #1 CB out of Louisiana is deciding between LSU and Michigan and word as of right now is Michigan is the hat he pulls, but shit happens. I am not guaranteeing, but it looks real good.

Right now Jonas Mouton top 5 safety is looking like he will come to UM also. Half of the Army All American West defensive backfield starting the game could end up at Michigan.

Steve Brown on the East DB is already committed.

S. Young (OT) is the real deal down there. Right now I am hearing 50/50 with UM vs ND. Michigan having the last visit is a good thing. Weather will not decide anything with him.

Schilling is a guard and word is he probably is going to Cal.

Any questions pm me and i will be happy to copy and paste the place I got this stuff from.

Art

Latest word is that Eugene is 90% in the fold as a Wolverine, but remember he has a kid and they live in Louisania and that is always a factor.

Mouton is a harder get. He wants to go to USC, but with 2 5* S in the fold and 3rd expected to announce to USC tomorrow at the Army game, his head tells him Michigan. He really like English, the DB coach at Michigan and he has developed a strong relationship with a player on UM. He has been drilling people about how much snow and crap AA gets. Not a done deal, but if Bradford goes for USC like expected, Jonas could be Michigan's too.


Art

I just got my first issue of The Wolverine. Great read. I spent 45 minutes on the toilet just reading the few pages about recruiting. It certainly has a little spin to it, making Michigan look likely to get a number of people, but the heaviest emphasis is on:
William Griffin - don't know why we need the #53 RB at this point
Brandon Minor - the top fullback in the country
Andrew Quarless - down to us and Penn State for the #13 TE, likely a Penn State win here
Daren Rose - #4 OT in the country, Michigan and Florida State are top 2. Hard to pull a Florida kid away from Florida State.
Steve Schilling - Michigan vs 3 Pac 10 schools for this Washington native. It would be an amazing upset for us to pull him from the West Coast. Art referenced him as a Guard, yet Rivals has him as the #1 Tackle.
Sam Young - you've read above everything about the #2 OT.
Jai Eugene - it's all about the kid still. I would have to think LSU holds a strong advantage, but I like any report to the contrary.
Aaron Gant - Only a 2 star but a definite sleeper and an important recruit for Michigan in order to keep the OLSM pipeline open. The commitment of hooper Kalin Lucas to State better not shift the pipeline to E. Lansing.
Mouton - Has his top 3, Michigan USC and LSU. Rumors have swirled mentioning each as a favorite. Likely to announce during the game tomorrow.

Bottom line - about a third of this list is impacted directly or indirectly by commitments that will be made tomorrow. Look for this thread to blow up over the next 18 hours.

Strong reports that Eugene is coming to Michigan. Never know for sure...Nic Harris, Cam Clovin, Justin King, just to name a few who went to bed Wolverines and woke up with another hat on their head.

BTW Nic Harris wants to come to UM, 10% shot of a transfer.

Schilling is going to Cal from all reports. Quarless is giving Michigan major consideration.

If we offer Griffen this weekend, he will commit. He has publicly stated this. Supposedly the best RB in Lousiana this year.

Mich has real shot with Minor, but if Griffin gets offer and commits, I cant see him staying.


Martin is defintely gone and it looks like Gutz is transferring to DII school to get a shot at starting.

No one else otherwise is transferring as of right now.


Art

Mallett the QB from Texarkana had Loeffler and Carr at his B-Ball game tonight.

He is now 6'8". He can throw the ball 100 yards. This is no bullshit. All fact.

Last fact ,after the game he was wearing a Michigan hat..:)


Art

I think Michigan has a better shot at Daron Rose than most people think. Lloyd Carr visited his school on Jan 4 and Rose came away very impressed. Listen to Rose's comments.

"It meant a lot because, according to Coach [Erik] Campbell, this is the first time they really recruited anyone out of this area. It means a lot when the head coach of one of the greatest programs in the history of college football comes all the way from Michigan to Tampa, Fla."

That sounds pretty good to me. Apparently Rose dominated at the CaliFlorida Bowl and some believe he should be a 5 star prospect. Another tidbit that might help Michigan is that he recently eliminated South Florida because he said they were "too close to home". He could just be saying that because they're South Florida but who knows.

On to Eugene......I really like M's chances for him. I heard that he has been looking at daycares in Ann Arbor.....no BS. Stay tuned........

Art.....Is Mallett really 6'8"? :shock: That's frickin sick! Let's hope he has more mobility than 6'6" John Navarre.

Jethro......you gotta love poop reading The Wolverine. I was on my "throne" for about a half hour today too.......hahahahaha. :laughing5: I don't know why I don't just get off the john and go read it on the couch. :scratch:

I really hope what you guys are saying is correct. Talked to my UM mole today that tipped me on the Max Martin deal way before it was even announced and his words about Jai were "dont hold your breath" ... So I dont know.

This stuff all from Scout.com Michigan guys that cover the team and they very rarely are wrong.

They are not always right, but this is what they are hearing inside the Fort. Nothing is ever offical until Feb and the LOI is signed.

My info is 3rd hand at best, but good 3rd hand..:)


Art

Mallett the QB from Texarkana had Loeffler and Carr at his B-Ball game tonight.

He is now 6'8". He can throw the ball 100 yards. This is no bullshit. All fact.

Last fact ,after the game he was wearing a Michigan hat..:)


Art

My guy inside tells me this dude is unreal. The coaches are drooling over his talent. Loeffler thinks this guy has a stronger arm then Henne has right now. Michigan wants this guy bad.

Mallet loves Lefty.

Carr better not fuck this up and make Debord OC, as the rumors are suggesting. Lefty better be the next OC at UM.

Ark is the only comp, because Mallet grew up an Ark fan, but Michigan is a serious player in this guy's recruit.


Art

I am hearing Jai Eugene is 99% coming to Michigan.


Art

I am hearing Jai Eugene is 99% coming to Michigan.


Art

I will go fucking nutty if he pulls the Michigan hat. I still remember how pissed I was when Ginn pulled the OSU hat...after blowing his wad over how much he loved woodson...

Only one other thing. Pray that Bradford pulls a USC hat out of the bag. Because it will mean that Mouton is coming to UM also.



Art

With everyone drooling over Mouton and Eugene how much do you think it will elevate UMs class if they both sign...ya think top 4

Young is the most important recruit in this class. We need an OT VERY VERY badly.

BTW Jai is announcing in the 1st quarter 3rd in line to do so.

NBC 1 est.

I dont think we can get top 5 unless we get Mouton, Young and Eugene.


Art

Any chance of Gibson ya think? I cannot wait for this damn game to come on. I am sick of watching Michigan Basketball fuck my bets up today!

No. Michigan is done at LB. They got 3 in the fold. Gibson might not make the grade anyways.

They have backed off.

Young, Schilling, Mouton, Eugene, Griffin, Gant, Woods, Patterson (new name) and Rose are the guys pretty much left.


Art

I thought that schilling was already a lock?

He is more of a lock to Cal than to us. He still has a USC visit on the 20th of Jan.

But word is he will decide between UM and Cal, but a lot of people think he stays on the West Coast.


Art

There you go. Choose Michigan.

Great get best CB in the country.



Art

YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Giddy up boy! Feel it! You gotta love Steve Brown there cheering him on. Next up.....

Hey Art, do you have a list of the order in which guys are announcing?

No. Just TomBeaver at Scout given the heads up.

They put up the 10 guys who are committing at the game. Most the rest going to sothern schools except AJ Wallace to PSU and ROse to OSU.


Art

No Mouton announcement today? I was hoping Michigan could get the double dip on new DB's today. Wonder if his fellow backfield mate Eugene was able to sway him any this week.

Mouton is not announcing as far as I know.

Bradford going to USC will be huge in order for Mouton to come to UM.

Hearing it is an uphill battle, but 50% right now.


Art

Ok, looking ahead, might the commits of Eugene and Brown hurt Michigan's chamces of landing the instate duo of Dionte Allen and Ronald Johnson next year? Or can they pull a USC and get amazing commits from the same position year after year in spite of such depth?

YEEEEEEEEAH BOOOOOOOOY! :headbang:

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Camper/PHOTO/JAIEUGENENIKE200.JPG
The #1 CB in the nation will be wearing maize and blue. :thumbright:

With the commit from Eugene, Michigan's DB depth is going to be incredible for next year and the near future. Leon Hall, Morgan Trent, Johnny Sears (who M loves), Brandon Harrison, Brandent Englemon, Eugene and possibly Mouton and Nic Harris transferring fom OU. Jethro, I don't think these commits will hurt us because Hall will be a senior and Mundy may not return so there will be some neeed.

Ok, not to crap all over this, but Eugene hasn't looked all that impressive in this game. He's given up some plays where he looked completely ridiculous in the coverage. That will have to change for sure.

He didnt play much CB this year. Mostly had to play QB and to keep him healthy, they kept him from CB too much.

As far as Allen and Johnson. Allen I am not worried about. Also Hall is a Senior next year so that opens up one CB to competition, plus when Johnson comes in as a S (I cant remember which one plays which position) the guys in front of him will be either. Plus you have to take guys who want to come, not guys who might want to come.

I think it hurts more with Eugene Clifford a 5 star S who goes to the same school as Mixon in Ohio. Plus there are some good DB in Penn and such.

Worry about them next year...ND will be the guys we fight it out with, except now with Lucas at MSU, they could step in, but Allen has been telling everyone he is going to UM.

Art

Hearing good things about Mouton.



Art

You know what has been going through my mind? I'm really hoping Mitch Mustain commits to Arkansas. There are several reasons.
#1 - He's a big Notre Dame fan but they have too many QB's commited already - keep the Parade player of the year away from the Irish.
#2 - It makes no sense for the #1 QB in the country to commit to a school that got the #1 QB in the country the previous year. Translation, Mallett would be pretty much a sure thing for Michigan.

Art...now I'm not calling you out at all, but could you please stop acting like a UM Insider. All the information you present is directly from the Rivals MB. If you are just passing along info, that's fine, but when you present it like it's your knowledge, it king of gets annoying to me. If for some reason you are an Insider, please tell the board in what capacity your are associated with the program.

Sorry not trying to come off as an insider. I have an account at Scout.com and instead of saying every time where my info comes from, I just put what I heard. I have posted in some thread about having a premium account.

Also Scout > Rivals.

Rivals gets most of its information from Scout and tries to pass it off as their own..:)

I am not an "insider" of the Michigan program.


Art

Mustain is probably going to ND. I have no "inside" information about this just stuff that I have been reading. He could recommit to Ark just because his high school coach is now the O coordinator.

If Mustain doesnt go to Ark, I think they fire there coach and it wont matter at that point. Snead going to Texas was huge for Michigan.

Mallet is a huge fan of Lefty's. He is going to commit early to get a jump on recruiting for his school next. I like Michigan's chances a lot with him.

Eye witness account of throwing it 100 yards...not that it matters on the field, just the arm strength that it takes.


Art

I won't debate the Scout vs Rivals, but I do know that Rivals is cheaper, and that is why I chose that alternative. I subscribed to both at one time, and I enjoy the MB at rivals a ton more than at Scout. I don't know if it's changed in 2 years since I went to Rivals.

I think the maturity level at Scout is 100x higher than Rivals, hence me thinking Scout is better.

Should read some of the crap that is said on the LSU abotu Jai and his family. Nice.


Art

I think the fact that Mallett can come in and play right away at Michigan is huge for him. Depending on Henne's season next year, he'll either leave or stay for his senior year. That means Mallett would have a shot at the starting job as either a true freshman or a redshirt freshman. Everything I hear about this kid says he has no problem beating out the Jason Forciers and David Cones of the world.

Henne is going to come back for his senior year unless A. they win a national title and he is just amazing. or B. he wins the Heisman

I didn't really expect Henne to leave next season, especially with guys like Brady Quinn and Chris Leak entering the draft that year, just mentioning it as an outside possibility. I really want him to stay so Navarre doesn't hold so many Michigan records.

Spartans got another 3 Star Wideout. This class is impressive.

I found out this weekend courtesy of Moodini's Insider Rivals that 4 Star DB Spartan Commit Ken Tinney had offers from Michigan and Florida. Not bad.

He never had an offer from UM. Kids say that stuff to make themselves look more attractive.

MSU 3 star recruit was taken by MSU because Clemson dropped his recruit when he couldnt make the grade, thus MSU got themselves a 3 star recruit (I am not trying to disparge MSU, good get for them).

I have heard (scout) that Michigan has 2 more committs. I dont know who yet, but I am betting one is Mouton. Not sure on the other one.

UM plays Vandy next year as its 12th game.

For some very bad news....Woodley is probably going to go pro.


Art

Woodley has yet to fully realize his potential. Going pro now will hurt his draft position in a big way - not quite as much as Shazor, but possibly by a full round or two. Probably worried about injuries.

For some very bad news....Woodley is probably going to go pro.


Art

WTF? :scratch: After the season was over, Woodley himself and his mom both said he was coming back. Wierd.

Wrong Art. Tinney did have a UM offer.

You are right, kids do say those things. But, rivals and scout get their offer information directly from the schools so that their information is accurate. According to Rivals and Scout, UM offered Tinney.

Well he wasnt high enough on Michigans radar to merit much thought and Scout and Rivals are wrong a lot on who gets offers.

BTW I am hearing that the 2 commits re Mouton and Quarless (TE from Penn, who PSU fans think is a lock to them).


Art

I haven't been hearing great things about Quarless lately. (I'm considered about how close his name comes to Scoreless). Apparently he had a VERY disappointing senior season.

Ok, this is a general football recruiting question. What factors go into how many guys a team can sign? I look at Michigan and since 2002 (I can't find stuff yet going back further) they haven't had a class bigger than 23 recruits. Meanwhile I see some classes that sign a ton (Nebraska had 31 last year). Do they end up cutting more kids or are their down years just way down? Any experts in this area?

Wrong Art. Tinney did have a UM offer.

You are right, kids do say those things. But, rivals and scout get their offer information directly from the schools so that their information is accurate. According to Rivals and Scout, UM offered Tinney.

Wierd, I've read every single recruiting article posted on The Wolverine over the last 8 months and I've never heard one thing about that cat.

Well when new coaches come in there is generally a lot of turnover. So they get rid of players that are unwanted plus you get those who dont want to play their and transfer out. Plus you can oversign by 3 every year.

Michigan does not oversign, they might this year, but it is doubtful. Also remain schools like Nebraska take Jucos and they have anywhere from 1-3 years of time left to play.

Also some coaches get rid of players every year who do not have a future with the program and thus they can bring in a high number every year. Michigan does not get rid of kids just to get rid of them.

We should have around 20/21 without oversigning this year. Depending on if anyone else transfers and who goes pro.


Art

Wierd, I've read every single recruiting article posted on The Wolverine over the last 8 months and I've never heard one thing about that cat.

Well, you saw it yourself Moodini on your insider. It said in two different places that Michigan offered him. Regardless, a 6 ft. corner with strength and 4.3 speed gets me hyped. He'll be the best corner on the team the day he steps on campus. Not that that is saying much.

If he takes over for Hayes your team just got A LOT better. Damn, If I take over for Hayes your team just got better.

Agreed. :D

And the world of recruiting turns.

Young may have dropped PSU and UM or just UM.

He may have canceled his UM and PSU visits.

This is all rumor and nothing firm has taken place, but usually with smoke...yada yada.

UM board is graced by a close friend of Young's who will give us the lowdown at some point if this is true or not.

Art

Brandon Minor 4 star RB from Va. He is coming to UM, around 99% sure.



Art

Brandon Minor 4 star RB from Va. He is coming to UM, around 99% sure.



Art

#1 fullback in the country. I'd feeeeel it! :headbang:

Haha. He is not a fullback. He is coming to be the Atrain type back.


Art

A big Wolverine insider in "The Fort" has revealed that M&Ms makes LLLLoyd Carr smile. :D There has been a lot of speculation as to what this might mean. :scratch:

Could it be commitments from (4 star on Rivals and 5 star on Scout) saftety Jonas Mouton and 4 star and #1 FB in the country Bradon Minor?

Could it be a commitment from 3 star DE Mackenzie Mathews?

Could it possibly be a surprise change of heart from 5 star QB Mitch Mustain?

Or could it just be that LC has given up on his New Year's Resolution already and has begun pounding the peanut M&Ms?

I believe and hope that it is Mouton and Minor. Stay tuned.

Right now it is Minor and Mouton.

We lead for Mathews and Woods.

Gant is going to OSU it seems.

The QB we are recruiting is a guy named Stephens who has committed to Ole Miss, but it seems that he is looking around and Tenn got a visit last week and he is coming to UM this weekend.

Young is gone. Schilling and Rose remain, but not getting my hopes up.

We also in it for a 3rd DE in Patterson.

Art

Well as the world of recruiting turns. It seems like UM might have an outside chance at Young after all.

Supposedly he was asked what schools were in it and he said USC and ND, but he said there was a chance another school might jump into it.

Carr had a visit, so who knows. After this is all done, a guy who is real close to Young visits our board and is a UM fan and insider. He will give us the scoop on what happened good or bad and I will share.


Art

At thia point I'm just ready for signing day. Let's get our commits in the fold for good and as for the others, if we get them we get them. It's fun to speculate but I can only drag it out so far before it starts to get to me, then things start to bug me a lot. Examples:
Michigan LOCKS going elsewhere. OLSM is a Michigan pipeline, right? Well, Dionte Allen being a lock next year is looking worse and worse. With Lucas going to State and Gant, most likely, going to Ohio State, I'm getting frustrated.
Now we're freaking and offering another QB. IMO that hurts our chances for Mallett.

OLSM is a Michigan pipeline, right? Well, Dionte Allen being a lock next year is looking worse and worse. With Lucas going to State and Gant, most likely, going to Ohio State, I'm getting frustrated.
Now we're freaking and offering another QB. IMO that hurts our chances for Mallett.

It's still an Ann Arbor pipeline without any doubt but MSU is definitely making a push towards creating some in-roads there. Kalin Lucas is a hugely popular and well-respected kid at that school and it appears that his commitment may have swayed its' first...

OLSM linebacker Jonathan Misch.

State beat out Northwestern and Washington.

Hopefully Kalin and Jonathon are extremely tight with Dionte.
:D

2 weeks until signing day. That's how long I'll have to wait. A lot can happen in that time. Historically that's when Florida State has gone from a #22 class to a #3 class. I'm not sure who is going to take the jump this year, but there are sure to be some surprises.

Now we're freaking and offering another QB. IMO that hurts our chances for Mallett.

Mallet knows the situation and if we take another QB, he is strictly for depth purposes. Mallet would know that he is the chosen one going in to recruiting next year and would have first crack to replace Henne when he leaves. IMO, this does nothing to hurt or help our chances with Mallet.

Q. Woods just commited to UM. DE. 6'7".


Art

I just went to Scout.com and they have a story about a DE Junior College guy named Ervin Baldwin. They've got him as a 5 Star recruit and they say he's ready to commit to State. Then I go to Rivals and they have him as a solid verbal to Kansas State. And they onlyhave him as a 3 star. Generally Rivals is more generous with stars then Scout is so this confused me. Why does one site have going to State and another already listing him as a verbal. If anyone knows more about this I'd appreciate it.

Regardless, the dude looks like a flat out retard. Looks like a cracked out dude from the "Grills" video. But, most Miami guys look like this so he can pry play.

Brandon Minor 4* RB just committed to UM from VA.

6'2 210. 4.5 speed. Could be TB or FB, depending on how big he wants to be.

Was injured most the year, but had 2k yards as a junior and had 500 yards or so in 3 games this year with 10 TB.


Art

Brandon Minor 4* RB just committed to UM from VA.

6'2 210. 4.5 speed. Could be TB or FB, depending on how big he wants to be.

Was injured most the year, but had 2k yards as a junior and had 500 yards or so in 3 games this year with 10 TB.


Art

I like it.

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Camper/PHOTO/BRANDONMINORNIKE1150.JPG http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Camper/PHOTO/BRANDONMINORACTION200.JPG http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Camper/PHOTO/BRANDONMINORACTION6200.JPG

Here's the link to his profile.
http://michigan.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=28202

Why did you pick the Wolverines?

"I picked Michigan because it was the best thing for me in all areas, athletically and academically. They were my team growing up ... I dreamed of going there."

Are you coming in as a running back, or a fullback?

"I'm coming in to play running back." "I know one of their running backs left. But Michigan was my leader anyway. I've got to work real hard to get ready to come in and help them next season."

Is there anyone that you style yourself after?

"People tell me I remind them of Willis McGahee."

So when did you actually make your decision?

"I actually made my decision about a week and a half ago, when Coach Campbell and Coach Jackson came in to see me. I told them I was coming then."

In case it wasn't clear, that quote was with Minor.

Minor + Brown = Thunder and Lightning, Michigan version.

Thunder and Lightning, Michigan version.

Heard the exact same thing going into last season.

Believe it or not, the Spartans are actually making some serious recruiting noise again. Now, we can put 10 G's on the Spartans tanking it next year and feel comfortable, but you gotta give John L. some credit.

He is doing exactly what he needs to. He has a stellar offense returning and he knows that he basically needs an entire new defense to go with it. So, he's gathering every top notch juco defensive player he can find.

It is going to be crazy. There will probably be like 6-7 new guys starting on defense that weren't even on the team. That's great news to me because obviously their D sucked. It can't get much worse.

Anyway, the Spartans signed Ervin Baldwin DE. Rivals has him as a 4 Star recruit and Scout has him as a 5 Star. That makes 7 4 Star recruits according to rivals for the Spartans and they are defensive players. I'm not going to get all optimistic, because 25 years of experience with Spartan Football tells me not to. But, 7 4 Star recruits is pretty damn impressive.

Well I dont know where you were hearing Thunder or Lighting with regards to Hart and Grady. Neither is fast. Hart is quick and cuts as well as anyone and Grady needs to lose 15 pounds so he doesnt have to put his head down on every play and try to run people over.

Grady would he benefited from a RS.

Congratz on the recruiting class Tre, might be #5 in the Big Ten.


Art

Tre, you can bet that any time a JUCO player is coming in with 4 or 5 stars, he's looking to play one year and leave. That's part of why some schools don't recruit JUCOs. In the case of State's D, I'm sure they're more than happy to take that one year, because without it they're strugglin.

Anyhow, Thunder and Lightning going into last year - not sure what you were hearing or who from. When they signed, some guru's were saying that about Hart and Martin, obviously one was often hurt and the other didn't know how to hold on to the ball. The backfield should be deep enough now that there will always be a speed guy and a hitter available. There wasn't much need for both when Hart was healthy, because he can bring a little bit of both but not the extreme of either.

Well I dont know where you were hearing Thunder or Lighting with regards to Hart and Grady. Neither is fast. Hart is quick and cuts as well as anyone and Grady needs to lose 15 pounds so he doesnt have to put his head down on every play and try to run people over.

Your boy Moodini was talkin' thunder and lighting all preseason.

Not really thunder and lightning, cuz Hart lacks blazing speed. I may have said "thunder and lightning" but I meant more like Hart was the quick juker and Grady is the bruiser that will run you over (well, that's what I thought before the season. [smilie=confused.gi:

And oh yeah, Tre, JUCO's don't count. Who wants guys who come in, they take a year to adjust to the elite level of play, and they're decent as a senior and then graduate? [smilie=huh2.gif]

Not really thunder and lightning, cuz Hart lacks blazing speed. I may have said "thunder and lightning" but I meant more like Hart was the quick juker and Grady is the bruiser that will run you over (well, that's what I thought before the season. [smilie=confused.gi:

And oh yeah, Tre, JUCO's don't count. Who wants guys who come in, they take a year to adjust to the elite level of play, and they're decent as a senior and then graduate? [smilie=huh2.gif]

Aaron Rodgers = JuCo
Tuasi Lutui (USC's LG this year) = JuCo

Many more, but those are just off the top of my head.

Thomas is a 3 year guy (only one year at JuCo), and Baldwin is a stud where we need a stud, and can't wait as much, the DLine. Those are the 4 star ones.

OG is a DT, and its not like we can passon any right now, and Warrick is a safety, a need, and a talent with chemistry built in with Addams(HS ball).

I agree that JuCo's shouldn't be the base of a program, but if they are either superior talent (Balwin, Thomas), or in a need, where you need an immediate impact (OG, Warrick) they make TONS of sense, and shouldn't be discounted.

Not really thunder and lightning, cuz Hart lacks blazing speed. I may have said "thunder and lightning" but I meant more like Hart was the quick juker and Grady is the bruiser that will run you over (well, that's what I thought before the season. [smilie=confused.gi:

And oh yeah, Tre, JUCO's don't count. Who wants guys who come in, they take a year to adjust to the elite level of play, and they're decent as a senior and then graduate? [smilie=huh2.gif]

Hart is bigger and slower than Grady, so I'm confused.

Hart is bigger and slower than Grady, so I'm confused.

From MGoBlue.com...


20 Mike Hart* RB 5-9 193 So. Syracuse, N.Y. (Onondaga Central)

3 Kevin Grady RB 5-9 227 Fr. Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Grand Rapids)

Still confused grasshopper?

Mouton is slip, slipping away.

Texas is the major player now.


Art

My guy inside the UM program thinks Mouton is a HUGE stretch...I got the same word yesterday Art about Texas...

The reason Mouton doesnt come to UM is because he is afraid of the weather. I want Mouton bad, but the silver lining to all this is that we are in the lead of a bunch of DBs from cold state, Ronald Johnson and D. Allen from Mich, Clifford from Cincy, same school is M. Simpson and C. Mixon and a DB in Penn.

Mouton is great and what this class needs, especially if English becomes DC, but next year could be a banner year for DBs, plus getting Eugene and Brown this year only should keep us in the mix with the above 4.

Schilling is looking good, if we make the next cut (which we are expected to do), I think we go a tad over 50% for his services. OT is our biggest need in this class still, so Rose is a huge need to.

Might have a guy from Cali come in as a preferred walkon at QB to give us depth. I get something up on him later.


Art

And oh yeah, Tre, JUCO's don't count. Who wants guys who come in, they take a year to adjust to the elite level of play, and they're decent as a senior and then graduate?

JUCO's don't count? I'm sure they'll count next year when they are starting. A couple of the JUCO's State got are considered good enough to even leave for the NFL after one year. With State's D, I'll take a great defender for a year.

State got a big commit today from Florida DB Ashton Henderson. 6'0 and runs a 4.4. Committed to State over Ohio State and UCLA. 3 Star DB's are huge for State, especially if they are coming in as Freshmen. I'm liking it.

State got a big commit today from Florida DB Ashton Henderson. 6'0 and runs a 4.4. Committed to State over Ohio State and UCLA. 3 Star DB's are huge for State, especially if they are coming in as Freshmen. I'm liking it.

And I'm loving it. Spartans have really gotten after it with the defensive recruits this off season. It gives me a glimmer, and I mean sliver of hope that John L. has an idea of what needs to be done. Get the D coming. [smilie=2thumbsup.g:

Hart is bigger and slower than Grady, so I'm confused.

From MGoBlue.com...


20 Mike Hart* RB 5-9 193 So. Syracuse, N.Y. (Onondaga Central)

3 Kevin Grady RB 5-9 227 Fr. Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Grand Rapids)

Still confused grasshopper?

Yeah, but Hart is taller that Grady (watch them on the field), Hart has added 20-30 lbs, Grady either stayed the same or got thinner.

Hart runs a 4.6 from what I've heard, Grady a 4.4-4.5.

Especially after seeing Hart's first year(at that point), Hart was obviously more of a bruiser, and less of a speed guy.

Hart is bigger and slower than Grady, so I'm confused.

From MGoBlue.com...


20 Mike Hart* RB 5-9 193 So. Syracuse, N.Y. (Onondaga Central)

3 Kevin Grady RB 5-9 227 Fr. Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Grand Rapids)

Still confused grasshopper?

Yeah, but Hart is taller that Grady (watch them on the field), Hart has added 20-30 lbs, Grady either stayed the same or got thinner.

Hart runs a 4.6 from what I've heard, Grady a 4.4-4.5.

Especially after seeing Hart's first year(at that point), Hart was obviously more of a bruiser, and less of a speed guy.

What? [smilie=wtfgun.gif] Do you have some wierd from of dyslexia where a #20 looks like a #3 and vice versa? To me, Grady about twice the size of Hart. [smilie=youcrazy.gi:

Neither Hart nor Grady is much more than 5'7". Grady needs to lose 15-20 pounds.

He has hart in weight by around 20 pounds and it is not all muscle.

Neither is very fast 4.5-4.6 speed.


Art

Hart runs a 4.6 from what I've heard, Grady a 4.4-4.5.

I don't care what you've heard. If you ever once in your life watched a UM game, you would know the difference.

Hart reminds me of Barry, quick cuts and fast at accelerating, but top end speed is not there.

Hart is no where near Barry. They both about the same height and have huge swivel legs. Hart does a much better job of not taking a loss and Barry was Barry.


Art

Anyone hear about the DB/ATH, Ashton Henderson commiting to MSU?

http://michiganstate.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=44782

Guess he had offers fom UCLA, Ole Miss and Ohio State.

Nice. [smilie=2thumbsup.g:

It has been a trying time for the talented youngster, but one thing has been constant. He has always claimed to have a favorite, though that school has never been publicly announced. "The Texas trip didn't really change anything in that regard," he said.


That is from Mouton. Anyone want to guess who his favorite has been?



Art

It has been a trying time for the talented youngster, but one thing has been constant. He has always claimed to have a favorite, though that school has never been publicly announced. "The Texas trip didn't really change anything in that regard," he said.


That is from Mouton. Anyone want to guess who his favorite has been?



Art

I will go out on a limb and say meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeechigan

Actually probably USC, but Michigan still in it. His Mom wants him to go away for school.


Art

Damn, this is killing me. Signing day - get here already so I can just know if we got these guys or not and quit worrying about it. I shouldn't have so much stress over it, but I do. And I'm freaking tired of losing players to USC. The past few years leads me to believe USC will get both Mouton and Schilling. That would suck ass.

Well Schilling is announcing tomorrow. BTW he is going to be an OT in college not OG, as many have suspected. He is legit 6'4" with long arms.


Art

Hell, I wouldn't mind having him at either position, but we need OT more, so that works. If we can get him and Rose it would be great and maybe I would want Schilling to consider OG, but I'm not expecting to get both and I just want an OT badly.

Schilling is OT. We have a HUGE need for OT. We will be fine at OG. We have recruited well there.


Art

Schilling...UM...book it!

Schilling is OT. We have a HUGE need for OT. We will be fine at OG. We have recruited well there.


Art

Schilling is a guard, atleast according to every scouting service I have seen...

SCHILLING IS A WOLVERINE BITCHES!!! He is a left tackle and he will team with Justin Boren to form a great future o-line for the Wolverines. There is nothing better than to get a top 15 player who is a 5 star and should bolster your team this late in recruiting!

Dang Filly, I was hoping I would be the one to break the news, but you cats are quick! I FEEEEEEL IT! [smilie=horns.gif] 5 star stunna Steve Schilling coming to Meeeeeechigan! [smilie=groove.gif] Man, this class is shaping up to be real nice! If we can land Mouton and one of the other DL targets this class should be top 10. Imagine if we actually had a normal season.

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/STEPHENSCHILLINGMD1_4200.JPG
http://michigan.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=35775

Wow! Michigan lands a 5 star recruit in football, the hoop squad gets a big win vs. State and the Pistons are being mentioned on PTI about possibly breaking the single season wins record. Life is good. [smilie=clappy.gif]

He is a tackle, book it..:)



Art

This is awesome! I love it when we can get a West Coast guy in the final week.

So any insight on how this affects the recruitment of Rose? Does it make him more likely, less likely, or no impact whatsoever on his recruitment. With Schilling being a tackle it could hurt, but of course every line has 2 tackles. I would still love to see him here. It's between Michigan and Florida State, right?

Now for Mouton - I'm hoping but not holding my breath.

I think we'll land at least one of the DL's we're targeting.

Nice work fellas.

Jason Kates is coming to UM.

I wouldnt rule out Patterson. Tom talked to him and he said he loved being up there.

We already have another 3 star Tackle in the fold that people forget about Dorrestein.

No effect on Rose though.

We can get Peters to UM if they have room.

Mouton by Tom % is 50.1, which is optimistic, but things change.

Plus McKenzie is deciding between Pitt and UM.

Michigan will get 3-4 more commits, but could get up to 6 more.


Art

From scout.com's free content

Jonas Mouton. In-homes finished now, will announce on Signing Day between U-M, Texas and USC. GBW's percentage: 50.9% (it's so nice out on this limb, you can see for miles, and it's so nice and springy ... sure hope it doesn't breaaaaak ...)

Jason Kates: had his Michigan HC (head coach)in-home yesterday (Thursday), not today (Thursday makes more sense actually). He is now going through the decision process, and will announce Monday at 3:00 PM at his school. It is U-M, NC-State and Syracuse. GBW's percentage: 50.999%

McKenzie Mathews: decided to visit Syracuse this weekend. Had his U-M HC in-home this past Monday. It is U-M, Pitt, BC and now Syracuse for him. A planned Sunday decision, Signing Day announcement. GBW's percentage: 50.1%

Corey Peters: at Michigan this weekend. Had his U-M HC in-home on Wednesday. OSU is the strongest competition coming in, but his host is his 'cousin' James McKinney. Signing Day announcement, at 10 AM at his school. GBW's percentage: 50.01%

Adam Patterson: had his U-M HC in-home last night (Thurs.) Takes his final visit to Auburn this weekend. He still has all 5 of his schools in it (Michigan, Tennessee, South Carolina, NC-State, Auburn), and has a planned Sunday decision, Signing Day announcement (12:30 PM at his school). GBW's percentage: 49% (this is a high percentage with 5 schools still in it ... the percentage is this high just based on a hunch -- he just sounded noticeably impressed with U-M when we spoke to him last night).

Daron Rose: had U-M coach in his school this week, as well as from his other finalists FSU and S-Car. Has his final visit to FSU this weekend. Signing Day announcement, at 10 AM at his school. GBW's percentage: 45-49% ... would give FSU the 51+% edge here, just based on the scenario ... I know that leaves a really low % for S-Car but don't really mean it that way ... the forecast applies to U-M only.

Remember: 50.1% does NOT equal 100%, nor does 50.99% nor 51%, and so on. In fact, 50.1% leaves 49.9% uncertainty, and so on down the line.

First recruit for UM for 2006-2007.


Fullback Vince Helmuth from Saline, Michigan (an Ann Arbor suburb). Vince told GoBlueWolverine, "I committed, I committed to Michigan!"

Helmuth was a constant presence at Michigan football games this past fall ("I went to every game this fall but the Eastern Michigan game" he told us), so we watched him closely at the US Army Junior Combine this past January in San Antonio. He'd lost some weight and, mainly, had REALLY gotten himself into excellent shape since last fall, when he had looked like an average-looking defensive lineman. At the combine Helmuth looked 6-foot-2, a rock-hard 250-260 pounds, and he worked out at fullback. Vince runs with an upright form, his running form reminiscent somewhat of a piston -- but he ran an excellent 4.34 second shuttle, meaning he probably CAN play fullback. He had a very good 24 bench press reps too. As far as his interest in Michigan, he told GoBlueWolverine,


Never to early to get started.

Btw he is the brother of ex MSU Baker.


Art

Excellent! He's one of the guys I had on my wish list. Especially with Minor saying he won't be playing fullback, this is big!

Mouton and Patterson percentage both up. Nothing locked in, but Tom is getting good first hand info.



Art

Jai Eugene has decommitted from UM and now is commiting to LSU.

It is not over yet, but doesnt look good.


Art

FUCK...I undertand his reasoning, but it burns none the less.

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME! HE IS OFFICIALLY THE MOST HATED PLAYER IN MY UNIVERSE

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME! HE IS OFFICIALLY THE MOST HATED PLAYER IN MY UNIVERSE

[smilie=applause.gi:

Ok, while I lost all respect for Jai, I'm not as pissed about this as I thought I would be. First of all, the loss of respect comes from the fact that he verballed on National TV. If it was just a phone call, that's one thing, but you just showed the whole country that you can't be trusted.
Next, not a loss we can't recover from since I've never really respected the kid's ability. If you remember, after he committed I came out and said that I wasn't a fan of his play in the Army AA game, that he looked flat out ridiculous more than once on big plays. I won't be sad if I see him look stupid in an LSU uni instead.
Finally, CB doesn't present the immediate need I thought it might. Of course, if English ends up being the DC he'll want absolute stunnas back there running the show. I'm confident with Hall and Trent starting the year there, with Sears and Richards rotating in. I've heard some great things. Charles Stewart is there as well, and Brandon Harrison may go back to CB. Then help is on the way bigtime (unless 2 guys shock the world) in the form of Dionte Allen and Ronald Johnson for 2007.

I don't understand de-committing. If you commit, that is your word and the school you commit to may stop recruiting other kids because of a commitment. IMO, if you are committed, you stop taking visits, the recruiting process is done, you are locked in, end of story. What's the point of a "soft verbal" or a "solid" verbal that leads to a decommitment? That's just stupid. I'm not too shook about the loss of Eugene either. I like our young defensive backs, I really want to see this Johnny Sears cat.

I don't understand de-committing. If you commit, that is your word and the school you commit to may stop recruiting other kids because of a commitment. IMO, if you are committed, you stop taking visits, the recruiting process is done, you are locked in, end of story. What's the point of a "soft verbal" or a "solid" verbal that leads to a decommitment? That's just stupid. I'm not too shook about the loss of Eugene either. I like our young defensive backs, I really want to see this Johnny Sears cat.

He thought he was done, then realized how much his kid meant to him, and how hard it would be to seperate from him after taking a longer trip away from him. If you think that that is 'stupid' or 'backhanded' you are a scumbag who doesn't have kids. Now, I agree that the timing sucked, and all that, but seriously, he doesn't want to be away from his kid makes him stupid?

But I thought he was checking out area day cares. I thought his kid was coming. If he never was, then he'll have to live forever with the fact that he basically told his son he was leaving for 3 or 4 years.

Patterson 4* from SC is coming to UM.

Ok I will explain this from what I understand.

In the south they look at things differently in terms of recruiting. The verbal is more like a lean to them, it lets all the rest of the schools know who is front and what school they must beat out.

There have been around 20-30 decommits down south so far. It rarely happens with kids from the North. I will find this article and post it in a second.


Art

His kid was going to live with his parents. He was going to live with Mike Hart.

I have no problem with changing a mind over a kid. At least it is a valid reason.


It all started innocently enough. South Hot 100 Wide Receiver London Crawford was previously committed to LSU. He had taken an official visit to Arkansas this month, and it was speculated that he might switch... he did.
Arkansas wasn't finished though. Springdale's Damian Williams, another South Hot 100 member, followed three of his teammates to Fayetteville as he switched his commitment from Florida to the Hawgs. Williams became the second member of the Springdale team to make the switch, and he was the one that was thought to be the most likely to "stick" with his original commitment.

LSU wasn't finished though, in fact, they weren't even close to being finished.

Jai Eugene shocked the country, well the recruitniks anyway, when he chose Michigan. Jai being Jai, it wasn't too surprising to see him switch back to his home state LSU Tigers today after making a big public splash on National Television at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

So are you keeping score? LSU loses Crawford to Arkansas, gets Scout.com's #1 Corner in Eugene... phew, what a day! Wait, what's that? The Tigers aren't done yet?

Marcus Tillman, a three star defensive end from Mississippi, made the switch from LSU to play for his home state Ole Miss Rebels.

OK, LSU's finished with the drama right? Well, no... Three Star linebacker and LSU Commitment Kelvin Sheppard of Stone Mountain, Ga., has been an LSU commitment for months, but he's still looking at Tennessee and Virginia Tech with an announcement to be made on Signing Day?

Soft Commitment? Now there's a contradiction in terms.

Not to be left out of the fray, Auburn and Alabama were key players in Scout.com's #7 wide receiver Tim Hawthorne. Hawthorne had long been labeled by message board jockeys as an attention hound, but after a day like today, his plain 'ole press conference to announce his decision seemed downright boring. He chose Auburn by the way.

So while Hawthorne is making his announcement, former Tiger Commitment Alex Rose is telling reporters that he is back in bed with Auburn, and his one day commitment to Florida State was anything but...

How about we wait until signing day to see the fax come in on Mr. Rose before anyone gets too excited after three commitments in three days for those of you counting at home... Auburn/FSU/Auburn.

Not to be completely left out of the fun, wide receiver and South Hot 100 member Earl Alexander re-confirmed his commitment to the Tide after a brief flirtation with Auburn.

What about Mississippi State? They jumped into the fray with a commitment of the traditional sort, one that wasn't committed to another school. Three Star offensive lineman J.D. Hamilton pledged to the Bulldogs quietly on Monday amidst the chaos that was the SEC West recruiting.

The biggest fish in the pond (literally) is still out there in the South's #1 prospect Andre Smith. Can anything he does top the wild Monday?

Isn't recruiting fun?


Here is that article.

BTW midwest is loaded with DBs next year and Rojo and Allen are huge UM leans right now.

Getting Mouton will lessen the blow big time. We still got S. Brown S/CB combo.

Art

Signing Day predictions:


http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Camper/PHOTO/ADAMPATTERSONACTION3200.JPG
Patterson-Michigan (OK, I cheated)

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Camper/PHOTO/JASONKATES150.JPG
Kates-Michigan

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/COREYPETERS06200.JPG
Peters-Michigan

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/JONASMOUTON10_14200.JPG
Mouton-Texas

I hope I'm wrong, cuz I want Mouton the most.

Mouton is coming to UM. Got it from the West Coast Scout guys.

Kates UM, Peters going to OSU probably.

Art

Peters to Kentucky.

BTW mother is running interfernce on Jonas, wants him to go to UT. He wants UM...see how this plays out.

Art

18 LOI in.

Mouton sent his. Offically a Wolverine.

I expect around a 21-25 man class next year, which is good since the midwest is loaded.


Art

A note looking forward to the class of 2007. Rivals has put out their junior All-American team.
http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=506567
Ronald Johnson and Dionte Allen are 2 of the 4 DB's. IF they both end up in Ann Arbor, it's possible they could be the best duo Michigan has seen in the defensive backfield, and that means something.

I am EXTREMELY excited about Keith Nichol already. Many believe he's the best player in the state of Michigan and the junior class is loaded! I would love to see this kid come in with all the hype and start as a true freshman!

Take a look at the dude's numbers-Sick! He's a great passer, but he also ran for 26 tds! Michigan State definately needs a guy like this and his early commitment can help them convince others.

I am EXTREMELY excited about Keith Nichol already. Many believe he's the best player in the state of Michigan and the junior class is loaded! I would love to see this kid come in with all the hype and start as a true freshman!

Take a look at the dude's numbers-Sick! He's a great passer, but he also ran for 26 tds! Michigan State definately needs a guy like this and his early commitment can help them convince others.

Keith Nichol is not the #1 player in the state. Probably #3. CB Ronald Johnson is the #6 player in the country and Dionte Allen is a junior All-American.

Keith Nichol is not the #1 player in the state. Probably #3. CB Ronald Johnson is the #6 player in the country and Dionte Allen is a junior All-American.

A lot can change between now and the Nike Combine. He very well could be the best. Maybe not now, but I think it is a possiblity come next year. He was the first guy listed on Rivals Top 25 in the State of Michigan. So I guess it's not in any perticular order, but I was assuming it was.[/quote]

OK, I'm not gay, but this cat is the definition of a stud.

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/883/F144300.jpg
U-M RB commit Carlos Brown.

1 Ronald Johnson DB 6-0/177 Muskegon (MI)
The No. 6 player in the country, only question mark comes with how he will rebound from knee surgery
2 Dionte Allen DB 6-0/175 Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's
A Rivals.com Junior All-America, has a quick burst and fluid hips, but most importantly is a playmaker
3 Joseph Barksdale DT 6-4/315 Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Freakishly athletic on a mammoth frame, will draw national attention and best suited for the defensive line
4 Keith Nichol QB 6-2/180 Lowell (MI)
Earned early offers and made an early commitment to Michigan State. Destined for stardom at the next level
5 Chris Colasanti LB 6-2/209 Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice
Has it all for a middle linebacker -- size, speed, tenacity. Another prospect who will contend for top 100 honors
6 Taurian Washington WR 6-0/167 Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's
Some question his speed, but his quickness is not debatable -- he has plenty of it. Plus, he is very agile and has tremendous hands
7 Cedric Everson ATH 5-11/154 Detroit (MI) Mumford
One of the fastest, if not THE fastest, player in the class. Needs to put on weight, but can do it with his frame.
8 Rocky Weaver TE 6-6/225 Battle Creek (MI) Harper Creek
Has the agility of a wide receiver, but will play tight end at the next level. Also has room to grow into his 6-6 frame
9 Justin Siller QB 6-3/178 Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's
Very efficient playing in the toughest league in the state last year. 19 touchdowns against just one interception is all you need to know
10 Darris Sawtelle OL 6-5/285 Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice
Love his feet and so do others. He looks skinny at 285, so his upside is really high and colleges are already putting their offers out
11 Kelvin Grady RB 5-10/156 East Grand Rapids (MI) East Grand Rapids
Considering he has never touched a weight and plays basketball in the offseason, his performance last year was impressive. Offers from U-M, ND and MSU attest to his football abilities
12 Josh Rooks TE 6-5/250 Holland (MI) Holland Christian
Having a hard time deciding where I like Rooks the best. He has great hands and good speed for tight end, yet loves to get after it on defense or could move down on the line
13 Mark Dell WR 6-0/165 Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison
Big, fluid and productive. Potential is high and he is starting to realize football is where is future is brightest, so this offseason we could see major development
14 Derrick Knight DB 6-0/192 Detroit (MI) Renaissance
Some say his 40 time is down in the 4.3's. Don't know about all that, but being fast enough for people to even say that at 195 pounds speaks volumes
15 Ryan VanBergen DE 6-5/250 Whitehall (MI)
Like him as a defensive end, but love him at tight end. Really looks like a wide receiver running routes, but is so much bigger than everyone else
16 Darius Johnson RB 6-0/200 Highland Park (MI)
When he dedicates himself to the weight room and offseason workouts, Johnson will shoot up this list. Back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons attests to his production
17 Steven Threet QB 6-5/212 Adrian (MI)
One of the very few on this list we have not yet seen play, but his reputation precedes him and his tape may call for a quick bump up the list
18 Josh Allison DT 6-2/275 Lake Orion (MI) Lake Orion
One shy of a state record when he tallied 25 sacks as a junior. Flat out makes plays and is a disruptive force in the middle of the d-line
19 Vince Helmuth FB 6-0/252 Saline (MI) Saline
Michigan commit played a lot of defensive tackle as a junior, but will go to Michigan as a fullback. Very compact and should be able to roll through some defenders
20 James Stallons QB 6-5/190 Macomb (MI) Dakota
Big, strong armed quarterback who possesses excellent mechanics and was very productive when called upon
21 Chris Rucker DB 5-8/158 Detroit (MI) Country Day
May not be the biggest player on the field, but you would not know by the way he hits. Packs a big punch and has plenty of speed
22 Kaunda Hancock WR 6-1/180 Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice
The playmaker -- rose to the occasion in the state finals by picking off three passes including a one-hander that was Sportscenter worthy
23 Ryan Wheat DT 6-4/286 Flint (MI) Carman-Ainsworth
Being looked at on both sides of the line. Performance at offseason combines and camps will determine how high he can go
24 Calvin Mann WR 6-0/175 Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison
Played as a DE/OLB/TE as a junior, but he has the speed to play at wide receiver or in the defensive secondary in college
25 Tyler Palsrok DE 6-4/225 Vicksburg (MI)
Another who could shoot up the list with a strong offseason. Has the size and athleticism to develop into a force at the defensive end position

That's from Rivals...

Wow Moodini, I'd agree. STUD.

Thanks for the good post Polish! Good read.

RoJo is WAY overrated. Is he likely a stud? Yup, but did he miss 90% of his junior year, with an injury that dropped Ringer to a 3 star? Yup.

I would say Allen/Nichols then Barksdale, then RoJo, then everyoe else.

This is off topic, but I can't wait to see Ringer full time! That cat brings a smile to my face. Few Spartan football players can do that. haha

This is off topic, but I can't wait to see Ringer full time! That cat brings a smile to my face.

http://www.mgoblue.com/images/football/05-06/msu/44.jpg
Me too.

[smilie=lmao.gif]

Wait a minute Moodini, I listened to you and your boys HYYYYYYYYPE Grady before the season. Getting his autograph, calling him "Thunder" in Thunder and Lightning. Take a look at Ringers numbers and you tell me who deserved the hype. [smilie=2thumbsup.g:

I'll still take Grady. I know that sounds very much like I'm a homer (I'll admit it), but Ringer wouldn't have been as effective in Michigan's offense, so it's not like he could have helped more than Grady for us.

I'll still take Grady. I know that sounds very much like I'm a homer (I'll admit it), but Ringer wouldn't have been as effective in Michigan's offense, so it's not like he could have helped more than Grady for us.

Ringer is better in the I-form shit than the shotgun. So WTF are you talking about?

I would have taken Ringer over Grady last year just because he is faster, but now with Carlos Brown in the fold, the need for his speed has been lessened.


Art

I'm talking about whether or not Ringer is better on a run up the middle on 3rd and 18. That's Michigan football.

I'm talking about whether or not Ringer is better on a run up the middle on 3rd and 18. That's Michigan football.

I think you need Barry then, but then you would decide to do a screen with the throw drawing the WR out of bounds, so don't worry about that.

Ringer is actually a bit deceiving. He is a smaller back, but very strong and he's good between the tackles. He's kindof like Hart actually. Maybe a little faster, but slightly less strength. But, he has a similar style. I think Ringer would be good in Michigan's system.

Well, send him over then. At least he'll win a couple more games that way. Of course, he'll never beat Notre Dame, Ohio State, or a bowl team, but at least he'll play a bowl game.

Anyone have info on Slocum? I hear he was at the Michigan basketball game last night. Any news on whether he's qualified academically yet?

No info yet.



Art

Last I heard, he took his ACT test and he said he felt really good about how he did. He's awaiting the results. He's said this before though too.

He has been working with a tutor. I expect him to eventually get a passing grade. He has 3-4 more shots.


Art

New article on Scout.com titled, Nichol: Is he Michigan's best?

If anyone has access and can post it, I'd appreciate it.

New article on Scout.com titled, Nichol: Is he Michigan's best?

If anyone has access and can post it, I'd appreciate it.

If this isn't allowed(posting insider content) please remove this:

Is he Michigan's best?
by Chris Pool of Scout.com, February 19, 2006 at 10:20am ET

Keith Nichol Profile

The Wolverine State is absolutely loaded with talent in 2006 and the best of the best could be Keith Nichol. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound, quarterback, from Lowell, Mich., won’t be highly recruited in ’06 and that’s because he already gave Michigan State his verbal commitment. Nichol threw for 2,200 yards and 28 touchdowns this past season and he also has tremendous speed and rushed for 900 yards and 14 touchdowns. “Instead of talking about his strengths, you need to try and find a weakness.” Said Lowell coach Noel Dean. “Keith has an outstanding work ethic. He has a very strong arm, he makes great decisions, he can throw balls on a dime and he can throw with touch. We’re talking about an incredibly intelligent quarterback with a rocket arm and outstanding speed. I wouldn’t trade my guy for anyone in the state.”

He isnt the best. Barksdale DT, Johnson and Allen DB, all considered better than Nichols, but Nichols is top 10 and probably top 5.


Artis Chambers might have committed to UM. He is a S from Indiana.




Art

2 signatures at the end of a post now? haha

Thanks for the post DetroitSportsCity! I'm excited.

He isnt the best. Barksdale DT, Johnson and Allen DB, all considered better than Nichols, but Nichols is top 10 and probably top 5.


Artis Chambers might have committed to UM. He is a S from Indiana.




Art

By Wolverine Mag or whatever.

Johnson has no right to be there after playing 3 games and his top(official, not saying he hasn't gotten better) 40 is a 4.68.

Allen I believe is, obviously with the possibility of change this year, and Barksdale could be, but I don't think yet, he still needs a lot of work, but that size and athletisism makes him very high ceiling.

My Top 3:
Allen
Nichols
Barksdale

Johnson is pretty good, but until he proves it again this year, I would leave him as a 'One to Watch', and in the 10-20 range.

Remember Javon Ringer had the same injury, missed less games, and dropped from a 4-5 star borderline(I believe 5 stars, but not 100%) to 3 stars according to Rivals. This is a very recoverable injury(as Ringer proves), but causes worries(as Ringers ranking change proves).

I don't understand guys that make statements about juniors like it is set in stone. Everytime Nichol is mentioned, a Wolverine will pop up and say, "He's NOT the best."

These guys are juniors. They play different positions. And Nichol has all the hype and stats to back up the fact that he COULD BE the best in the state.

Ruling out the possibility is just stupid.

Johnson has no right to be there after playing 3 games and his top(official, not saying he hasn't gotten better) 40 is a 4.68.


My Top 3:
Allen
Nichols
Barksdale

No offense, but RoJo is by far the best prospect in Michigan. Yes, it's true he got injured last year, and it's true he ran an un-favorable time at a very slow UM Nike camp last year, but all I can ask you do to is reserve judgment until he runs again this year. Take a wait and see attitude. I mean the guy is being recruited personally by Pete Carroll and Mack Brown. I highly doubt they make that effort for a top 10-20 player in the state of Michigan. There is really no point in arguing the talent in the state of Michigan because it is excellent this year. Quite possibly 2 5 stars, and maybe another 10-15 4 stars. Best football class in Michigan in a very long time.

I understand what a lot of you are saying about injury, and of course you want more props for getting Ringer, but keep in mind Rivals has Johnson as the #6 player IN THE COUNTRY and one of 20 pre-season All-Americans (along with Allen) IN SPITE OF the injury. That's hardly the position Ringer was in. I don't care if Nichol is rated higher than them or not, because it's a different position. They only thing I care about that somewhat concerns Nichol is Michigan getting Mallett and Mallett outplaying Nichol. The rest doesn't matter, though I would love to see Johnson and Allen in maize and blue picking off several Nichol passes or forcing him to fumble when he runs.

The rumblings from UM's camp are getting stronger about an early Ryan Mallet commitment. He is the #2 QB in the 2007 class and top 10 overall. If he drops sooner rather than later, look for that to get the recruiting momentum going and UM to drag in a top 3 class, maybe #1 overall with the in-state talent and the talent in the midwest. You heard it here first...

If Michigan can get Mallett, Johnson, Allen and Barksdale, you can add a bunch of 3 stars and I don't see how they end up with a top 3 class. Any 4 or 5 star added to that just improves the chances that they end up with the best class in the country and one of the best in Michigan history.

Michigan State got a commitment from 2007 recruit Quincy Landingham ( I think I just screwed up the spelling) He is an athlete, 6'0", runs a 4.4. #11 prospect in the state of Michigan. Didn't get too many good offers. Hopefully he can play DB.

Michigan State got a commitment from 2007 recruit Quincy Landingham ( I think I just screwed up the spelling) He is an athlete, 6'0", runs a 4.4. #11 prospect in the state of Michigan. Didn't get too many good offers. Hopefully he can play DB.

He's 1 star on Scouts and 0 star on Rivals. Played RB and Safety in High School. Graduating after first semester next year and enrolling @ MSU in January of 2007.

http://www.greenandwhite.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/GW01/604040339/1023/GW

He's not a very highly touted recruit, but man his specs are impressive. A defensive back that runs a 4.4 and also benches 315 is really impressive. 315 is a ton of wait for a lighter guy, especially one that is only a junior.

Michigan State just got another commit in linebacker George White from Flint.

White is a 6'2" 252 pound junior.

Rivals called him "One of the fastest rising prospects in the nation."

Sounds like one of those statements we were talking about in the h.s. basketball thread. haha

Regardless, I'm excited because he could become a great recruit if Rivals is on to something and most importantly he is a defensive recruit. [smilie=applause.gi:

Michigan State just got another commit in linebacker George White from Flint.

White is a 6'2" 252 pound junior.

Rivals called him "One of the fastest rising prospects in the nation."

Sounds like one of those statements we were talking about in the h.s. basketball thread. haha

Regardless, I'm excited because he could become a great recruit if Rivals is on to something and most importantly he is a defensive recruit. [smilie=applause.gi:

NO NO NO NO NO! The people saying that he is rising are just Sparty Slappies that write for SpartanMag! [smilie=wink.gif]

As we discovered Moodini, Rivals seems to think EVERYBODY is a flat out stud.

Moodini and I were looking at some cats on his rivals insider this weekend. I think they hype everybody just so the reader gets excited about their potential recruits.

This wide receiver from Farmington Hills Harrison is heavily considering MSU. Rivals said he is, "One of the best receivers in the nation." We clicked on his name and he is not ranked among wr's. haha

What a joke.

While in California, Michigan State QB recruit, Keith Nichol stopped by the Rose Bowl. "That was pretty cool," he said. "That was one of the reasons we went out to California. I wanted to see what it would look like. That's where I want to lead Michigan State. In high school, you want to lead your team to a state championship at Ford Field. In college, you want to lead your team to the Rose Bowl. That is something I want to make happen at Michigan State."

I guess Southern Cal has really turned up the heat trying to get in on this kid but fortunately for MSU, Keith has Drew Stanton-like love for the Green and White.

Wow! RoJo went to MSU's spring game over UoM's.

Seemed to have a goo time too.

Not a sign of him commiting to MSU(for now), or anything crazy like that, but a sign that MSU is in the mix, not dead in the water.

Wow. The youngest Clausen is looking like he's headed for South Bend. He could be a classic bust, a la Ron Powlus (the next Joe Montana) or he could make Notre Dame a thorn in the side of our two schools for 3 years. Just when I was getting excited about Quinn leaving after this year. Crap. Well, now Michigan really needs to get Mallett or else they'll be up a creek with guys like Clausen and Nichol going to the competition. What's next? A big QB pledge for Ohio State! Arrggghhh!

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:34 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Quote:
While in California, Michigan State QB recruit, Keith Nichol stopped by the Rose Bowl. "That was pretty cool," he said. "That was one of the reasons we went out to California. I wanted to see what it would look like. That's where I want to lead Michigan State. In high school, you want to lead your team to a state championship at Ford Field. In college, you want to lead your team to the Rose Bowl. That is something I want to make happen at Michigan State."


I guess Southern Cal has really turned up the heat trying to get in on this kid but fortunately for MSU, Keith has Drew Stanton-like love for the Green and White.

Extremely tight!

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/RYANMALLETT9_23200B.JPG

I've just heard that things are not looking good for Michigan with 5 star stunna QB Ryan Mallett, who was thought to be a Michigan lean. I was listening to the radio (1050) and they had an interview with a guy from the GoBlueWolverine.com and interviewed Mallett, and he said that Mallett said a few things "off the record" that did not sound good for Michigan. [smilie=angry.gif] UGH! Are we ever going to win a recruiting battle again? I mean, we were just named Quarterback U, what else does it take? Apparently Mallett is going to announce some time this week and things aren't looking good. [smilie=damn.gif]

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/RYANMALLETT9_23200B.JPG

I've just heard that things are not looking good for Michigan with 5 star stunna QB Ryan Mallett, who was thought to be a Michigan lean. I was listening to the radio (1050) and they had an interview with a guy from the GoBlueWolverine.com and interviewed Mallett, and he said that Mallett said a few things "off the record" that did not sound good for Michigan. [smilie=angry.gif] UGH! Are we ever going to win a recruiting battle again? I mean, we were just named Quarterback U, what else does it take? Apparently Mallett is going to announce some time this week and things aren't looking good. [smilie=damn.gif]

Screw scout.com and GoBlueWolverine.com. I'm never listening to those clowns again. Ryan Mallett committed to Michigan today!

More on Mallett:

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/RYANMALLETT9_23200A.JPG
rivals.com's #9 overall player for 2007 and a lock for 5 star status when stars are assigned this summer.
6'7" 235
4.9 40-yard dash
Benches 245 lbs. and squats 375.

A couple of tidbits:

"It was that arm strength that was again on display last July when Student Sports hosted their Elite 11 Camp in California. Although the invite-only camp is for seniors-to-be, Mallett and Clausen were invited to be "ball boys" in anticipation they would be there again the following summer. And when it came time to participate in the long throw contest, Mallett bested both the seniors and ND commit Jimmy Clausen with a camp-best 78-yard toss.

Texarkana Gazette preps writer Johnny Green -
"He's a good kid, kind of cocky, as anyone with his talent would be," Green said. "Let me clarify that, he has a lot of confidence, he knows he has great ability and that's the way he carries himself on the field, the way he commands the huddle, the way he throws the football. I've been doing this for 40 years and he's probably one of the two or three best quarterbacks I've ever seen."

"When I said he might not be the best quarterback, maybe the second or third best, well when it comes to his arm I've never seen a kid with a better cannon in my life," Green said. "It's an unbelievable arm. I've seen a lot of great ones, and watched a lot of college games, even been to quite a few Cowboys games and I don't ever remember anyone with the arm strength this kid has."

Mallett on why he's committing so early-
"I want to help recruit the best class in the nation so we can start now on winning a National Championship."

This is the greatest thing ever......until he decommits. LOL.

We were discussing rivals inflated comments earlier. I'm starting to think they have prewritten articles and they just cut and paste the new recruits name in the article. Check this one out:

Detroit Renaissance defensive back Derek Knight is picking up scholarship offers at an impressive clip this spring. Michigan State was among the first to offer the talented strong safety prospect who is one of the fastest rising prospects in the nation.

Check out that last line and then read my quote about another MSU recruit above. It's getting ridiculous.

Sounds like Mallett might have to do all that recruiting just for Michigan to beat State, since Nichol has drawn more players interest than Eva Longoria in a thong.

Either way, at the end of the day woth Mallett being a Wolverine and calling up fellas like Ronald Johnson, it's a very good thing.

As for Tre's comments on the hype train, I guess more than ever we just have to wait and see how these guys play.

Even in the case of Mallett, while he's reportedly amazing according to just about everyone, I've heard stories that WR's litterally blew out their gloves trying to catch his passes. I'm sorry, but if I'm a WR I would rather play with someone that's not going to force me to have reconstructive surgery on my meat hooks, you know what I'm saying? Hopefully the elite WR's don't share the same feeling.

Well, sounds like you might be right about Nichol and Michigan State Jethro! There are rumblings on the radio that Ronald Johnson told JLS that he plans on committing to the Spartans soon. Apparently, Keith Nichol's commitment opened the eyes of many recruits and kindof started a bandwagon type of situation. Nichol is close with many of the in state big names and he's got the personality and swagger to convince many of them to jump on board. He's been contacting several guys in attempt to start an Ohio State basketball type of situation.

If Ronald Johnson does indeed announce his decision, look out! That is exactly the type of player Michigan State needs. He would start immediately and if MSU can bring in 5 Star talent on defense they are going to make a huge jump. It's just a rumor right now I guess, but Keith Nichol and Ronald Johnson together for State would be a big time start to a stellar recruiting class.

I hope it's true! Jump on board RoJo!

It just might be a dogfight. Scout.com is reporting that RoJo got a phone call from Mallett shortly after his commitment. Mallett has also been on the horn with others, including Dionte Allen and J.R. Hemingway.

Without disrespecting State too much, if these guys want to join a class that will contend as the top class in the country, they'll join the Michigan class. Let's say State did add RoJo, which would help their chances of adding Dionte as well. Even with those 3, not a chance in hell they add enough to put a #1 class in East Lansing. It would be a hell of a class, but never the talent to compete for a national championship. At Michigan, they would have coaches that have won it all before and plenty of guys around to get them there again.

The real reason RoJo would go to State is starter from day 1. He would be guaranteed the playing time immediately. Michigan would probably get him freshman year PT, but it's not a sure thing. He may win a spot but he may also end up redshirting. The reality would likely be somewhere in between. Bottom line is that he was really turned off by English leaving. When he found out English would be back, but not working strictly with the DB's, it was nice but not everything he was hoping for. That pretty much sucks.

Jethro wrote: It would be a hell of a class, but never the talent to compete for a national championship.

I don't bank on even a winning season anymore for Spartan football. Like I said, optimism has run out. With that being said, Michigan State can have the "talent" to win a NC. They proved that last year. The beat Notre Dame, they dominated Ohio State outside of the special teams debacle, and took Michigan to OT. Those teams will all be NC contenders this year and they were last year as well. You look at how State performed against ND and then look at how ND did against USC and it's hard to say they'll never have the talent. I think they proved that they do have the talent. It's just that they lack everything else.

We all know that it takes a mentally tough and disciplined team to win a Championship and we haven't seen that in EL since 00 and I don't plan on seeing a mentally tough team in EL anytime soon. Like I said, I'm a die hard fan but optimism is not required in order to be a fan. In regards to being able to field a very talented team, I disagree with you.

MSU gets Paul Simkovich OL out of PA.

Offers Temple, Akron, MSU.

Good news, Crabtree(national, not MSU slappy) said he was the most impressive OL at the PSU combine. Not sure who all was there though.

6'4", 290, runs a 5.22.

Goofiest looking kid ever too.

He definately looks like an O Lineman. Interested to see if he moves up in the rankings. I like the fact that he was the best O Lineman in the PSU Nike Camp.

Well, not long after adding Ryan Mallett, Michigan got another commitment in what may end up being the best recruiting class they've ever had (if a few of the guys come through like they should). They just added one of the best safeties in the country, Jerimy Finch out of Indiana. He was a 4 star in the early evaluation period. I'm telling you, if RoJo and Allen go blue they'll be the best defensive backfield class Michigan has ever had. Mallett is working on some WR's, surprisingly with all the RB depth at Michigan there are even some stud RB's liking them. If they can also grab Barksdale, Paskorz, Elliott and a few others they will be freaking set. They've had some amazing recruiting classes before, but I'm almost positive this could be the best one when all is said and done.

Well it appears that Nichol has been selected as an Elite 11 QB.

An impressive honor no doubt.

First off, I'm very excited about Jeremy Finch. I just watched his video and he was absolutely flying around the field and f*cking people up.

I also have spent the last hour looking on several rivals websites (USC, UCLA, Lousiville, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma..........a few more) and I noticed one thing amongst them all. Each has recruits and most had kids at the US Army underclassmen Combine or the PSU Combine or the something else combine (There has been a million lately), but the common denominator is that every recruit that all of these schools have (including Michigan and Michigan St.) has dominated the competition. How is it possible that EVERY recruit dominates at EVERY combine they go to. If Simkovich is dominating people then I'm assuming that Barksdale isn't dominating. UCLA just got a commitment from a 5'8" 135 cornerback and I was reading USC fans just ripping him a new asshole, but then on the UCLA board they were raving about how he tore up every WR at the US Army underclassmen combine. I just would like to know how it is possible for every single player to play well and dominate each other............isn't that a double negative? I just wanted to vent because I get wayyyyy too caught up in this recruiting world and its funny that I keep seeing the same things over and over and over again on EVERY team's site.

First off, I'm very excited about Jeremy Finch. I just watched his video and he was absolutely flying around the field and f*cking people up.

I also have spent the last hour looking on several rivals websites (USC, UCLA, Lousiville, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma..........a few more) and I noticed one thing amongst them all. Each has recruits and most had kids at the US Army underclassmen Combine or the PSU Combine or the something else combine (There has been a million lately), but the common denominator is that every recruit that all of these schools have (including Michigan and Michigan St.) has dominated the competition. How is it possible that EVERY recruit dominates at EVERY combine they go to. If Simkovich is dominating people then I'm assuming that Barksdale isn't dominating. UCLA just got a commitment from a 5'8" 135 cornerback and I was reading USC fans just ripping him a new asshole, but then on the UCLA board they were raving about how he tore up every WR at the US Army underclassmen combine. I just would like to know how it is possible for every single player to play well and dominate each other............isn't that a double negative? I just wanted to vent because I get wayyyyy too caught up in this recruiting world and its funny that I keep seeing the same things over and over and over again on EVERY team's site.

Agreed Filly. At first, I was just visiting the Wolverine and I was getting giddy hyped reading the articles about Bryan Wright (a bleeping kicker!). They would say he's the best kicking prospect in years. But then I'd head over to SpartanMag.com and they'd be calling Charlie Gantt the next Tony Gonzalez. Ridiculous. These rivals.com sites are crooked.

First off, I'm very excited about Jeremy Finch. I just watched his video and he was absolutely flying around the field and f*cking people up.

I also have spent the last hour looking on several rivals websites (USC, UCLA, Lousiville, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma..........a few more) and I noticed one thing amongst them all. Each has recruits and most had kids at the US Army underclassmen Combine or the PSU Combine or the something else combine (There has been a million lately), but the common denominator is that every recruit that all of these schools have (including Michigan and Michigan St.) has dominated the competition. How is it possible that EVERY recruit dominates at EVERY combine they go to. If Simkovich is dominating people then I'm assuming that Barksdale isn't dominating. UCLA just got a commitment from a 5'8" 135 cornerback and I was reading USC fans just ripping him a new asshole, but then on the UCLA board they were raving about how he tore up every WR at the US Army underclassmen combine. I just would like to know how it is possible for every single player to play well and dominate each other............isn't that a double negative? I just wanted to vent because I get wayyyyy too caught up in this recruiting world and its funny that I keep seeing the same things over and over and over again on EVERY team's site.

Yeah the hype is ridiculous.

Two things though:

Barksdale was at OSU, and Simkovich PSU, so both could have dominated, without conflict.

Also, on Simkovich he was said to have shut everyone down from Crabtree(national), some other guy's 'On the Rise' list(not Spartan), a UoM PSU combine report, along with the general local rivals fluffing, so I am pretty hyped on him. Even if he does look like Goldberg in Mighty Ducks.

This is what I was trying to say long ago. These sites are ridiculous. They hype everybody. I understand why though. If you are a Spartan football fan, do you really want to pay money to read about some whack ass recruits that don't have much of a future? No, you want to read about the "studs" that are "skyrocketing." haha Then you are willing to pay for the info.

Maybe Spartan commit Simkovich wasn't just a typical rivals overhyped player. Found him on Rivals' May 8th "Five on the Rise" list. Here is what they had to say: (I didn't post the pic for fear of embarrassment)

Paul Simkovich, Latrobe (Pa.) Greater Latrobe

Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 298 pounds
Simkovich already has a nice resume of offers from Temple, Akron and Michigan State, but he proved that he could really be a national recruit at Saturday's NIKE Training Camp in State College, Pa. Simkovich definitely has the body to be an inside lineman and his toughness was amazing all day long. He was able to out-muscle and out-technique any defensive lineman that came at him during the camp. –Jeremy Crabtree

The overhyped stuff is on every site, but this is the list Rivals put together of 5 rising recruits over the whole country.

Tre........you know that it doesn't matter if Simkovich ends up being rated as the #1 guard because that cat is just flat out, slap yo momma, kick me in the balls, never gettin laid UGLY. The best part is that he has that extremely sly smile which leads me to believe that somebody is holding a cheeseburger right next to the camera man's face. Go look at his picture and tell me that the cat isn't eyeing up some double whopper with cheese........ha ha ha. Good pick up though!

You're right, homeboy looks like Shrek with Carrot Top's hair. He looks like the only 300 pounder in America that hasn't hit puberty yet too with that baby farm boy grill.

Wasn't that dude the catcher in The Sandlot?

Maybe Spartan commit Simkovich wasn't just a typical rivals overhyped player. Found him on Rivals' May 8th "Five on the Rise" list. Here is what they had to say: (I didn't post the pic for fear of embarrassment)

Paul Simkovich, Latrobe (Pa.) Greater Latrobe

Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 298 pounds
Simkovich already has a nice resume of offers from Temple, Akron and Michigan State, but he proved that he could really be a national recruit at Saturday's NIKE Training Camp in State College, Pa. Simkovich definitely has the body to be an inside lineman and his toughness was amazing all day long. He was able to out-muscle and out-technique any defensive lineman that came at him during the camp. –Jeremy Crabtree

The overhyped stuff is on every site, but this is the list Rivals put together of 5 rising recruits over the whole country.

I couldn't find a pic of him on rivals or google, and I searched the scout.com network and came up with nothing. Apparently he needs to rise a lot more.

I've seen 3 different pics of him on Rivals, not sure where you are looking.

I've seen 3 different pics of him on Rivals, not sure where you are looking.

I went to his player profile page on rivals and it didn't have a pic.

Maybe Spartan commit Simkovich wasn't just a typical rivals overhyped player. Found him on Rivals' May 8th "Five on the Rise" list. Here is what they had to say: (I didn't post the pic for fear of embarrassment)

Paul Simkovich, Latrobe (Pa.) Greater Latrobe

Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 298 pounds
Simkovich already has a nice resume of offers from Temple, Akron and Michigan State, but he proved that he could really be a national recruit at Saturday's NIKE Training Camp in State College, Pa. Simkovich definitely has the body to be an inside lineman and his toughness was amazing all day long. He was able to out-muscle and out-technique any defensive lineman that came at him during the camp. –Jeremy Crabtree

The overhyped stuff is on every site, but this is the list Rivals put together of 5 rising recruits over the whole country.

I couldn't find a pic of him on rivals or google, and I searched the scout.com network and came up with nothing. Apparently he needs to rise a lot more.

From Rivals:

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/880/355059.jpg

Man, Taurian Washington of Orchard Lake St. Mary's sounds like a Michigan State lean. New article on Rivals makes it sound real good for the Spartans. And we all know there isn't any bias on Rivals haha. They made some good points though.

1) Wants to stay close to home
2) Wants a pass happy offense
3) Has a close relationship to Stoutland

With MSU's offense and Nichol as the future spread QB, it seems like a good fit. Washington currently has some major scholarship offers from Michigan, Penn State, and Purdue among others.

Maybe Spartan commit Simkovich wasn't just a typical rivals overhyped player. Found him on Rivals' May 8th "Five on the Rise" list. Here is what they had to say: (I didn't post the pic for fear of embarrassment)

Paul Simkovich, Latrobe (Pa.) Greater Latrobe

Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 298 pounds
Simkovich already has a nice resume of offers from Temple, Akron and Michigan State, but he proved that he could really be a national recruit at Saturday's NIKE Training Camp in State College, Pa. Simkovich definitely has the body to be an inside lineman and his toughness was amazing all day long. He was able to out-muscle and out-technique any defensive lineman that came at him during the camp. –Jeremy Crabtree

The overhyped stuff is on every site, but this is the list Rivals put together of 5 rising recruits over the whole country.

I couldn't find a pic of him on rivals or google, and I searched the scout.com network and came up with nothing. Apparently he needs to rise a lot more.

From Rivals:

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/880/355059.jpg

Good find 'city

And....uh....Tre......YIKES!

.you know that it doesn't matter if Simkovich ends up being rated as the #1 guard because that cat is just flat out, slap yo momma, kick me in the balls, never gettin laid UGLY

Thanks..I needed that laugh out loud moment.

What do some of you predict to happen at Michigan's camp this weekend? Anyone think we'll pick up a commitment or two? If so, who is most likely? It's been a bit quite lately, so I would like to see something strong happen to get the ball rolling again.

What do some of you predict to happen at Michigan's camp this weekend? Anyone think we'll pick up a commitment or two? If so, who is most likely? It's been a bit quite lately, so I would like to see something strong happen to get the ball rolling again.

I'd guess 1 during camp, and 1 in the week after, but that is a complete outsider.

Wheat seems like he'd love to go to UoM, but you seem to be slow(er) playing him.

Not sure who else is real high on you guys.

Well, Michigan has in fact picked up 2 commits now from camp.
The first was instate WR/ATH James Rogers.
Next was Texas DB Troy Woolfolk.
Woolfolk is supposed to be a stud, though right now I think he's ranked as a 3-star at best, could be wrong.
Rogers doesn't appear to be ranked anywhere that I've seen, but the recruiting site hype factor calls him a highlight-reel sleeper. Whatever.
While I hope these guys are both strong recruits, I always wonder how it will impact recruiting down the road.
Of Michigan's 8 recruits, they now have 2 WR's and 3 DB's. Of the 2 WR's, there is no Greg Little, Toney Clemons, Junior Hemingway or Taurian Washington. Of the 3 DB's there is no Ronald Johnson, Dionte Allen, Michael Williams or Eugene Clifford. The guys we have are sounding solid, but are we filling up the depth chart with solid and missing out on studs?
I suppose it depends on how big this class will be and whether or not they plan position changes with some of these guys, but does anyone out there think my concerns are justified?

Well, Michigan has in fact picked up 2 commits now from camp.
The first was instate WR/ATH James Rogers.
Next was Texas DB Troy Woolfolk.
Woolfolk is supposed to be a stud, though right now I think he's ranked as a 3-star at best, could be wrong.
Rogers doesn't appear to be ranked anywhere that I've seen, but the recruiting site hype factor calls him a highlight-reel sleeper. Whatever.
While I hope these guys are both strong recruits, I always wonder how it will impact recruiting down the road.
Of Michigan's 8 recruits, they now have 2 WR's and 3 DB's. Of the 2 WR's, there is no Greg Little, Toney Clemons, Junior Hemingway or Taurian Washington. Of the 3 DB's there is no Ronald Johnson, Dionte Allen, Michael Williams or Eugene Clifford. The guys we have are sounding solid, but are we filling up the depth chart with solid and missing out on studs?
I suppose it depends on how big this class will be and whether or not they plan position changes with some of these guys, but does anyone out there think my concerns are justified?

I couldn't agree more Jethro. I think Michigan has been "settling" a little too much, especially early. Why are we offering these jicks so early? All you've got to do is throw these clowns a bone for a while, phone calls, letters, etc. and offer later on if some studs fall through. I love Mallett, but I don't like how this class is shaping up very much. I hope things change. (Hemingway, Little, Ro Jo, and Dionte)

For those of you that do not know Jim Comproni, he's covered MSU sports for years. I tend to like him because he's grounded. It sucks when he says in an article that State will be .500 at best, but at least I know I can trust his opinion.

Anyway, the reason for the post is Keith Nichol who was in camp at MSU recently. Comproni has been telling callers on the radio that he refuses to inflate this giant bubble of hype that keeps growing with Nichol. He didn't want to build up so much hype that he creates a no win situation for Nichol before he steps on campus.

But, this week he changed his tune when asked about Nichol:
"You know I love Drew alot. But Drew never threw like this ever at camp. I have never seen anything like this before in East Lansing."

That's really exciting!

A couple items here. First, U-M picked up commit #9. Steve Watson, 3 or 4 stars depending on which site you're looking at, and a TE from Denver. Kind of a surprise, since a number of people who follow recruiting pretty close had either never heard of the kid or didn't know Michigan was recruiting him. TE is a position this class needed to address, so it's good, but of course most Michigan fans won't be happy until we start hearing reports of Allen, Johnson, Washington or Barksdale commiting.

Now the next bit. ESPN just released their top 150 from the class of 2007, and the list looks far different from anything we've seen from either Rivals or Scout. For a little perspective, here in Michigan we've been hearing as many as 10-11 guys could be in the top 100. Well, this is the top 150 and there are only 3 guys from the state that I could find on the list: Dionte Allen at #67, Ronald Johnson at #72, and Mark Dell at #99. No Barksdale, no Sawtelle, no Colasanti, no Nichol, no Washington, nothing. Beyond that, they list Mallett at #55, and the 10th best QB. Here's the link so everyone can rant.
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/espn150?season=2007&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab6pos1&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fespn150%3fseason%3d2007% 26lpos%3dspotlight%26lid%3dtab6pos1
By the way, while it's an insider article if you want to read about each prospect, non-insiders can see the list.

Ok, finally another recruit I'm excited about. The Wolverines just picked up a commit from David Molk. Strange how I'm excited about it, because he's a 3-star, but I've been hearing hype about this kid for months. He went to a Notre Dame camp a while back and said he was dissappointed by the level of competition. He was able to have his way with cats way too easily. Then he was at Michigan's Summer Camp and again was one of the top players.
He's short for his position, at 6'1" for a Center, but is apparently still growing and likely to end up around 6'3", he has footwork and power. I predict this kid is a 4-star by the end of the year and he's a stud OL for Michigan for a couple years.

Whoop-dee-frickin'-doo! Another 3 star! If we don't get 2 out the 3 of RoJo, Dionte, and Barksdale, this class is going to be fugly.

Ok, finally another recruit I'm excited about. The Wolverines just picked up a commit from David Molk. Strange how I'm excited about it, because he's a 3-star, but I've been hearing hype about this kid for months. He went to a Notre Dame camp a while back and said he was dissappointed by the level of competition. He was able to have his way with cats way too easily. Then he was at Michigan's Summer Camp and again was one of the top players.
He's short for his position, at 6'1" for a Center, but is apparently still growing and likely to end up around 6'3", he has footwork and power. I predict this kid is a 4-star by the end of the year and he's a stud OL for Michigan for a couple years.

I've seen some of his film, and he is an ass kicker. I was really hoping that MSU would have a shot at him, good pickup.

By the way, turns out only Rivals has him as a 3 star, Scout has him as a 4 star and the 13th best OL in the country.

I'm also a little excited about a recent commit that State got. 3 Star Offensive Lineman. 6'5" 295 Jack Cornell Jr.

I'm also a little excited about a recent commit that State got. 3 Star Offensive Lineman. 6'5" 295 Jack Cornell Jr.

Supposedly he is up to 6'7, 310.

Seems like he moves pretty well for a biggun, but could afford to add some power.

Maybe my numbers were off, I hope your right on the 6'7" thing.

Maybe my numbers were off, I hope your right on the 6'7" thing.

In his Rivals interview he said that he is now 6'7", 310. That's where I got it from. He could be exaggerating though, IDK.

Drew Stanton and Troy Smith were camp counselors at the Elite 11 and had this to say about Ryan Mallett and Keith Nichol.

Stanton-"We got to interact with the players a bit … both of them seem like they are going to be perfect fits for their offenses," Stanton predicted. "Ryan is a big, huge kid that can throw it … he's got probably one of the strongest arms I've ever seen, if not the strongest. The only person I've ever seen in person who can throw it like him is JaMarcus Russell. He's got a good understanding of the game. He's already studying film, breaking film down so he's got an eagerness to learn.

"Keith, I think he's a tremendous athlete that is only going to get better with coaching and stuff like that. He's got the potential to be amazing in this offense. This offense is geared toward exactly what he can do."

Stanton said he'd heard rumors of dislike between the two, but didn't see much of it at the Elite 11. He noted discord is often portrayed as worse than it actually is by the media.

Smith on Mallett-"He can flat out throw it," said Smith. "Mallett has probably the biggest arm I've seen in a long time, and he's going to be a great player for the Team up North. I was disappointed we didn't have a guy in the Elite 11."

Dionte Allen to FSU

Taurian Washington to OSU

BARF!

If RoJo picks State as Moodini said was rumored, you'll really be barfing.

If RoJo picks State as Moodini said was rumored, you'll really be barfing.

ROJO aint going to state...sorry fellas.

Dionte Allen to FSU

Taurian Washington to OSU

BARF!

Looks like the OLSM pipeline to U-M is long gone. I'm really hating this recruiting class. I never said RoJo was going to MSU. I heard whispers in "The Fort" that he made a silent commit to State, but that was just a rumor. A forum mod said that was completely untrue as did he.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DrTre11
If RoJo picks State as Moodini said was >>>rumored<<<, you'll really be barfing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DrTre11
If RoJo picks State as Moodini said was >>>rumored<<<, you'll really be barfing.

Much better. And Tre, just so you know dog, if you really want to quote something, just find the post you want to quote, click the quote box in the bottom right corner and it's automatically pasted into your post.

I think you read my original post wrong dog, I said rumored the first time. I just posted it again pointing it out.

Michigan just got their 11th commit. Get ready Mood -
He's the #19 player..........................




............in Alabama.

Yep, another 3 star ATH.


The hype machine is calling this 5-8" RB/KR a faster Mike Hart. Yeah, I bet.

His video was very impressive, not as good as Hart's was, but it looked dang good.

Geez! Can we at least get a damn 4 star? I mean, we're fricking Michigan. I'm not as pissed about this one though. He says his boys say he plays like Reggie Bush. I know that's probably overstating it a bit, but he looks reeeediculously fast (4.37 40) in the video, but he's tiny. 5'8" 160! The cat is barely bigger than Logan Gast!

Look at this eye popping stat. Last year he had 9 catches for 456 yards! That's over 50 yards per catch! WOW.

But seriously, LC, enough with the 3 stars! I think we've surpassed our quota.

The other thing this cat has going for him is a cool name, Marquis Maze. It reminds me of the good old days when you almost had to have a tight name to play in Ann Arbor. You have to admit, it's pretty freaking tight when your wideouts are Amani Toomer and Mercury Hayes.