(as promised)


Yes, I've been known to jump the gun, however we all know that recruioting for that class started long ago. In Michigan's case they already have their first commit. In State's case, they got Corey Johnson a while back. Great starts for both schools.

More importantly, we can look at current rosters and, given the class of 2007 we can break down the biggest priorities for the respective classes of 2008. In Michigan's case there will be a HUGE need at OL. It was an area of significant need this season and they landed one of the best centers and a project tackle. It will be vital to land at least 4 next season, as many as 6 or 7, and 2 better be 4 star guys or else it will be a bad class for the OL and it will hurt Michigan. I think State's biggest need will be QB. They had a solid class this year by MSU standards, but after being so close on so many QB's (Nichol, Fanuzzi, Marve, Simms, etc) they still don't have a replacement-in-training for Hoyer's job. I'm not sure if Dantonio likes the JUCO players as much as JLS did, but I think that would be a good route for a stop-gap year. Get a guy with a little more experience that runs a system similar to what Dantonio runs.

Corey Johnson - No offer yet from the new staff. Has said that his recruitment will restart in spring.

And QB - may not be a need, MSU is going after Nick Foles - 6'5" 240 pound kid(who can 360 dunk BTW, and is a low major BBall player) who has the 2nd strongest arm in Texas(behind Mr. Mallett). Led Austin Westlake to the State Finals, and broke Drew Brees' record for passing yards there. Tore his labrum like Brees, during his senior season(played through it), but had the surgery(same doctor as Brees). Likely to visit MSU this weekend/late in the week.

Otherwise (preattrition) -
QB - depend on Foles. (0-1)
RB - Probably 1, targeting the big 3 in state 1st(Gray, Lark, don't remember the other kid).
FB - probably looking for a true one. (0-1, most likely 1)
WR - Looking at Ingram Jr. among others (1-2)
TE - Tiree Eure is going to prep, had MSU in his top 3(with WVU and Pitt) (1-2)
OL - Most of the big guys in the MI/OH area came in for Junior day, O'Neill, Khoury, etc. (3-5)
DL - Many of the big guys came in here too, some OL's could also play DL (2-4)
LB - Huge need next year(Elliot coming could abate that some), (3-4)
CB - Need bodies still, but won't lose anybody via graduation (1-2)
S - Will probably need a couple (2-3)

ST's - none

My early look at the '08 class.

Ok, as I mentioned Michigan will be in desperate need of OL next season. That recruiting class has been getting the normal Michigan vibe. Every year half of the top 100 mentions Michigan among their leaders, along with Texas, Florida, Ohio State, Notre Dame and USC. We come in 2nd or 3rd place for most of them, so I never read too much into it.

However, after the horrible year of instate recruiting that just ended, the fact that the one guy instate who is a preseason All-American has already committed to UM is an amazing start. Tie up Jonas Gray and we've covered the names to know for instate recruiting for UM. Most of their interest will be abroad beyond that. However, I strongly recommend healing some of the ties that seem to have shown signs of wear this year.

I've seen some early numbers for next year's class and it could end up being one of the largest Michigan has had. Part of that is due to the fact that this year's class will be a few scholarships shy of what it could have been. Another part is due to the fact that there was only 1 early departure - Alan Branch. Henne, Hart, Long, Crable, etc sticking around leaves their schollies opening up. There could be some early departures after next season - most notably Manningham and Terrance Taylor.

Anyhow, I've seen as high as 26 scholarships available for next season. I haven't seen anything final though.

Five Clas of 2008 Offensive Linemen Michigan fans should listen for

Mike Adams, Ohio
Zebrie Sanders, Ohio
JB Shugarts, Texas
Bruce Givens, Colorado
Matt Meyer, California

We're in with these guys right now. I expect Adams to likely end up at Ohio State. Meyer will probably stay out west. After that, I think we have a decent shot with the other 3. I've heard Shugarts name the most, indicating he's probably the top priority of the bunch.

It should be a good year for DL and LB too. Hopefully a number of these kids were paying attnetion to Michigan's first 11 weeks of front 7 play.

You meane, when they were SOOO good against the likes of Indiana and Northwestern?
The key is going to be the departure of Lloyd Carr. Carr could recruit 97 of the top 100, and still they'd be 9-3 every year. The problem at UM has NEVER been talent. And it never will be.
What happens with that talent when it lands in Ann Arbor is where things start to go wrong.

Zip...I feel ya most of the time...but let's keep this threat about RECRUITING, not about Zip Goshboot's crazy posting skills and hatred of Lloyd.

Jick:
OK, that's a deal.
But I can't rule out going completely bonkers again next year right before signing day.
Sometimes, the tension just gets to be too much.

(I moved CMU stuff to the other recruiting thread since this is Class of 08 stuff)

I hate spamming other message board, but I think that a lot of you guys that follow recruiting will enjoy this.

http://www.footballhaven.org/testforum/showthread.php?t=9782

That is the 2008 class all broken down...check it out.

There's one name I didn't see on that list, and it's probably not on the list for the same reason I'm about to state: I can't remember the kids name.
Anyway, he's an O-Lineman out of Nebraska, a guy UM has offered. He's out of Elkhorn, Neb, and goes about 8'7 and 639 lbs. Huge and fast, and many in Nebraska think he is better than Baker Stienkhuler who committed to Nebraska.
They grow their honkey's big in Nebraska, the Corn built their national championship teams mostly with O-Linemen and D-Linemen from Nebraska.
This would be a nice recruit for Michigan, the kid has stated he's pretty anxious to see Ann Arbor.
A couple years ago the Corn stole Chris Patrick from Michigan, and he's a starter on their O-Line. Time for some payback.

Are you thinking of that Paul Bunyon statue in the UP?

Yeah. This kid posed for it.

Was he the dude or the ox?

He was definitely the dude. His pet chihuaha posed for the ox.

Probably the only bit of info that I'll have in this thread.

Mike Golic Jr. gave a verbal to Notre Dame yesterday. No surprise based on his family history, but appaently it was down to ND, Nebraska, Florida and Michigan.

Dre - check A51.

Qb's MSU if looking at(doing the list on Rivals):
Peter Badovinac - unknown interest, has some though, planning on coming in in March
Jerry Davis - little to no info, put us on his list though
Mike Glennon - has some interest, 4 offers already(Maryland, Duke, VTech, Virginia)
Chris Lum - has some interest, no offers at this point
Sal Battles - pretty interested in MSU, 3 MAC offers at this point
Dominic Britt - 3 MAC offers, has OSU as his dream school, interest in MSU is unknown
Jack Ramsey - offered by UI and Cinci, has some MSU interest

I'll continue to go through positions, and add info as we go.

Oh, Jeremy Snook an OT from Milford will camp at MSU(along with UM) this summer. That's something that Rivals didn't have.

OK, this is one of the sickest things I've ever seen. Check out the video of U-M 2008 RB target Sam McGuffie. It's a little long, but stick with it. Wait until you see what this kid does at the 3:40 mark! [smilie=jaw-droppin: I think it's a more impressive video than Reggie Bush's. Seriously. Also, make sure you turn up the volume for some Fabolous action.

x4IJ17ODo_s

As a junior he rushed for 3,212 yards and 44 touchdowns on 358 carries. Quote from his coach-"We ran all of our kids yesterday after eight weeks of workouts and Sam ran a [hand-timed] 4.28 40-yard dash," Pustejovsky said. "He's in amazing physical condition."


Craziest thing of all......dude is white!

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/SAMMCGUFFIE2_9200.JPG

He's also got a 45 inch vertical! Wow! I never thought I'd say this, but I want Michigan to have a white running back! Sick!

I hope Michigan can grab him. I'm not too sure though, he's in TX and Lloyd is getting pretty weak at recruiting. The kid does have ridiculous cut back ability and loves jumping over people.

I'm not sure what's up with the timer on the youtube thing. Yesterday it was counting up, now for some reason, it's counting down. So check out the 2:12 mark. Sickness!

I'll tell ya'll whuut:
Doo might be white, but he a playa!
Aww yeah. Got my hat awn sideways, gots my bling bling cross, gittin' my smirk awn
Awww Yeah! Wave ya hands in da ay-a
like ya'll don't cay-a
He's gonn abe the first white running back in history to be rich by the time he graduates college!
He MAY become the first white running back to go pro after three years!
Oh, he's breaking all kinds of ground for us honkies!
What next? A gold medal in the 100 meters? We can only dream!

OK, this is one of the sickest things I've ever seen. Check out the video of U-M 2008 RB target Sam McGuffie. It's a little long, but stick with it. Wait until you see what this kid does at the 3:40 mark! [smilie=jaw-droppin: I think it's a more impressive video than Reggie Bush's. Seriously. Also, make sure you turn up the volume for some Fabolous action.

As a junior he rushed for 3,212 yards and 44 touchdowns on 358 carries. Quote from his coach-"We ran all of our kids yesterday after eight weeks of workouts and Sam ran a [hand-timed] 4.28 40-yard dash," Pustejovsky said. "He's in amazing physical condition."


Craziest thing of all......dude is white!

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/SAMMCGUFFIE2_9200.JPG

He's also got a 45 inch vertical! Wow! I never thought I'd say this, but I want Michigan to have a white running back! Sick!

Okay, I'm being dead serious about this. If this kid is in fact as sick as Moodini says, I hope he goes to Michigan and I will be a HUGE fan. I'm serious, if this white boy is ballin out Reggie Bush style, I will root for him every Saturday. When have you ever seen a white boy be a sick rb? Moodini, this kid goes Blue and I'll make you buy his jersey. Then I'll come over, put it on, and rock it proudly.

WHOA there!
What if Eminem here is as dumb as a rock? What if he fails to qualify?
#1: He's from Texas
#2: He probably hasn't gone to class since they discovered he could do all this
I think we're taking things for granted here. I'd like to see his SAT's before I see him matriculating in Kinesiology or General Studies at the Harvard of the West!

Okay, I just watched the video and AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

This cat is SICKALICIOUS! Are you kidding me? When he completley jumped over the DB in pads, I jumped out of my chair!

First we get white boy "Lights Out" hoopin' out the BT, now we might have McDuffie killin the BT in Blue? You kiddin' me?

This kid needs a nickname. I'm callin' him "Neo" because this dude is white and he is most definately THE ONE. Pop in Eminem's "White America" now.
http://images.wikia.com/matrix/images/thumb/3/32/Neo.jpg/300px-Neo.jpg

Ok, is it legal to step on a dude's back when you're jumping over him? That's just freaking messed up. If this kid ends up in AA for a few years and stays healthy I'll be going nuts. Sadly, I have a hard time ignoring the urge to believe he'll end up elsewhere or if he does make it here his career might look more like Justin Fargas or Kelly Baraka then Chris Perry or Mike Hart.

He's a Michigan target, but do he like Michigan?

Ok, is it legal to step on a dude's back when you're jumping over him? That's just freaking messed up. If this kid ends up in AA for a few years and stays healthy I'll be going nuts. Sadly, I have a hard time ignoring the urge to believe he'll end up elsewhere or if he does make it here his career might look more like Justin Fargas or Kelly Baraka then Chris Perry or Mike Hart.

The kid completely jumps over the standing defender in PADS and the first thing you ask is "Is it legal?" ??????

I gotta say, this kid hits the hole QUICK--That's what you need with Michigan's new Patented "Mike DeBord Zone Blocking Scheme".
But, maybe you don't want him trying to play leapfrog at the "next level", lest he find his cock sticking out of his earhole.

Wow!!! "Run Sammy Run!!!!" Hope he comes to the Big 11. He'll be fun to watch. Dude looks fearless.

By the way, he just won the MVP of the huge track meet in Houston over the weekend. Won the hurdles, high jump and long jump I think. Michigan commit Troy Woolfolk won the 100 meters at 10.65.

I another earlier thread I vented my frustration by pondering jumping off the Michigan bandwagon and was considering Texas, Florida, USC, etc. I've decided who my "new team" is going to be. Since my confidence the Michigan landing a stud commit like McGuffie is hovering around 2%, I've decided that wherever McGuffie goes....that's my squad.

McGuffie has a leader:

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/MCGUFFIESAMDSC_1128.JPG

"Everyone really is pretty much even, but if I had to name a school (as a favorite) right now, I'd probably say Michigan," McGuffie said. "The running backs coach there told me that I could come in right away and start from the very first day. He told me they already had No. 2 (as a uniform number) waiting for me because (Shawn) Crable is graduating. I really want to go somewhere where I can play early and where they'll just give me the ball."

http://tamu.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=651010

Maybe I won't have to change my favorite team after all, but keep in mind, C.J. Spiller was feeling the same way last year.

Michigan picked up its 2nd committment of 2008. They landed 4* tackle Dan O'Neill from the great state of Michigan. After what happened last year its nice to land 2 top five instate players at this stage of recruiting.............and its a plus that CB and OT were too big positions of need for us!

Rojo and Dionte mysteries solved?

I came across this article on Detroit Country Day RB Jonas Gray on rivals. Very interesting.

"Ronald Johnson told me to not just stay in the Midwest," Gray said.

"He was like 'That's how people make their biggest mistake.' Around here in the Midwest, they always preach to get bigger. Down in the South, they preach to get faster. That was his biggest thing. He knew he had to get his speed up if he wanted to play in the NFL. He knew that USC would get his speed up and get him ready. The same thing is true with Dionte Allen. We used to play AAU basketball together, and he knew he had to get faster and he could do that by going down South."

WOW! They actually work on agility drills and getting faster in the south? Isn't that illegal up here? Damn, what a revelation.

Rojo and Dionte mysteries solved?

I came across this article on Detroit Country Day RB Jonas Gray on rivals. Very interesting.

"Ronald Johnson told me to not just stay in the Midwest," Gray said.

"He was like 'That's how people make their biggest mistake.' Around here in the Midwest, they always preach to get bigger. Down in the South, they preach to get faster. That was his biggest thing. He knew he had to get his speed up if he wanted to play in the NFL. He knew that USC would get his speed up and get him ready. The same thing is true with Dionte Allen. We used to play AAU basketball together, and he knew he had to get faster and he could do that by going down South."

WOW! They actually work on agility drills and getting faster in the south? Isn't that illegal up here? Damn, what a revelation.
Man that is a great quote. I see a couple of high school games a year down here and it's an eye opener. In Florida these kids have spring practice. It shows. I took Florida against Ohio State with NO points on a "money line" play based on speed. That turned out sweet. I was stunned at the one-sidedness of the outcome. I'm thinkin' Rojo gave Jonas some good advice.

I know that both Michigan and Michigan State are in midst of spring practices and I know we have some insiders here so can anyone hook us up with a little football recruiting information? It would be gladly appreciated.

I'm not privy to any insider information. I just know that it's business as usual for Michigan. Half of the top 100 recruits in the country have Michigan in their top 5 right now. That's been the case for years. Look at how many studs they lost out on, where they were in the top 2 or 3. So it's too early to say that means much of anything.

Many have attended Junior Day and one or more spring practices. It seems like the staff is certainly working on establishing some early ties. Unfortunately with no early signing period in football we'll have to wait 10 months before we can relax even with the guys that have given verbals so far.

It seems really obvious that Michigan wants to re-establish themselves instate. They continue to go after kids in the top 5-10, after missing out on everything last year.

Ever since the comments from Jonas Grey, he has had contact with the University twice as they work to get back in the game with him.

I haven't seen any reports of anyone else looking to make a decision in the near future. I think we'll see a handful of summer commits, then most of the rest won't be until the season is underway.

I've heard that tO$U's recruiting class so far is sick like usual and off the chains. I heard they are pulling in big time 4 and 5 star studs to reload for the next 4 or 5 years.

I think the best job so far has been done by Oklahoma. They already have 5 or 6 commits from next year's early top 100. Texas and USC aren't far behind. Also involved early are UCLA, Nebraska and Georgia. (in addition to Ohio State and Michigan).

Nebraska:
They have one committ, a local boy named Baker Steinkhuler, and they are after a kid from Elkhorn, Neb that Lloyd is after, Tyler Something or other. I think UM has offered the kid already, but Nebraskans usually end up in Lincoln.
The Huskers usually clean up late in the process, like they did this year with Javorrio (SP) Burkes and a few others. They seem to get some leftovers who wait to see what happens at the USC's, Florida's, and Texas type places.
But Callihan is a goof who spends most of his time congratulating himself on how smart he thinks he is, and out thinking himself, so the Corn isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Nebraska has 3 top 100 kids so far:

Dan Hoch - OT from Iowa
Trevor Robinson - OG from Omaha
Baker Steinkuhler - OT from Lincoln

Looks like their offensive line should be legit for the next few years.

OOOH Trevor Robinson is the one who I was thinking of. UM was after him. Thanks Jethro. I did see today where he and the kid from Iowa committed. They have done a good job recruiting offensive linemen in this years class and for the next one.

Michigan State got its first commitment from Charles Burrell. A 6'1" 205 pd athlete out of Detroit. He played quarterback and safety last year, but impressed scouts as a wide receiver at the US Army All American combine.

Burrell is an important commitment for a couple of reasons. Dantonio wants to establish MSU in the Detroit Public School League where tons of athletes are to be found. Burrell knows most of the major hs fball prospects in Detroit so he'll be able to help with recruiting the area.

In addition, Burrell is listed as a Top 10 player in the state of Michigan by most analysts. Let's get a good class built.

Do you think Dantonio can handle building relationships with PSL coaches and the media bette than Lloyd "Sunshine" Carr?
I mean, we all know LLoyd is Mr Personality!

Do you think Dantonio can handle building relationships with PSL coaches and the media bette than Lloyd "Sunshine" Carr?
I mean, we all know LLoyd is Mr Personality!

haha. That's the one thing that should scare UM fans. Dantonio apparantly has the personality to win people over quickly. Lloyd really hasn't had much of a competition for recruits when it comes to MSU since Saban left. Not hard to beat out Bobby Williams or JLS. However, if you remember, Saban was more than able to beat out Michigan for recruits pulling in several great classes with the likes of Julian Peterson, Charles Rogers, and TJ Duckett (2 former #1 players in the nation). It will be interesting to see if Dantonio in his first year can make some waves, especially if MSU could win a few games while he's trying to do so. Keep in mind Dantonio is a former Tressel and Saban assistant.

Keep in mind that in a former life, Lloyd was Frank Burns.

I won't rush to any conclusions yet. It's one commit. I saw a quote from another top player in the state, Hoover, who is down to Michigan and Michigan State. He essentially said he wanted to go to Michigan but might end up at State because he can play there sooner "because their defense is really weak". I hope that's not Dantonio's primary recruiting tactic. "We suck, so you can play right now!"

I won't rush to any conclusions yet. It's one commit. I saw a quote from another top player in the state, Hoover, who is down to Michigan and Michigan State. He essentially said he wanted to go to Michigan but might end up at State because he can play there sooner "because their defense is really weak". I hope that's not Dantonio's primary recruiting tactic. "We suck, so you can play right now!"

What do you mean? Michigan basketball coaches have been using that for years.

Playing time is important to recruits and it's something that coaches use to pull in recruits all the time. At least Dantonio is honest about it. They could play for State right away. I wonder how honest Lloyd is being when he has Minor, Grady, Carlos in the backfield for the future and he's telling McGuffie that he'll start immediately.

My Grandma Tootie could play for State right away, I don't see Dantonio beating her door down.
Tre, you may not believe this, but I'll bet ol St Mark can bullshit with the best of them to get a signature.

You have to be a bit of a bser to sign recruits, we all know that.

Fred Smith and Tyler Hoover were both at MSU's Spring game on Saturday and they were both rocking Spartan gear. Smith just looked like somebody I'd want on my squad with the straight brimmed tilted Spartan hat on.

Maybe some of you who are more up on football recruiting than I can give a little insight on where Smith will be ranked this year. He plays on the same team as Burrell (MSU's first commitment) and he looks like a stud. He's a 6'2" WR and he runs a 4.4 forty. I gotta think he'll be another Top 10 in state recruit. Both Michigan and Michigan State have officially offered him.

The word on the street is it was a matter of time before Smith to UM.

Meanwhile, Michigan did allegedly just pick up their 3rd commit for 2008. Ohio OT Elliott Mealer, 4 star converted TE. Offered by a number of people and didn't feel it at Ohio State's junior day so he called up DeBord and said he was in.

Wow, somewhere in a bunker in East Lansing, a small group of Sparties is gathering to determine just how to tell everyone that Dantonio didn't want this loser and that it means things are even GREENER for Sparty fans now that Michigan has one less scholarship to give away.

Does Fred Smith (WR) feel MSU to the point of a commit over childhood favorite Michigan? Will he be drawn to the fact that Dantonio will run a more vertical offense in the pass game that suits his forte? Will the freindship of Burrell and the possibility of playing with a friend in college be strong enough to pull Smith to the EL program? somebody help me out please

By the way OT Mealer is an excellent steal by Michigan. He seems to be the type that is a little underrated. Props to Michigan for pulling him north of the border.

Well, Ohio State is hauling in an amazing OL class right now, so there could be some great OL talent from the state leaving due to the competition at OSU, which just added Shugarts to their class.

What makes you think Dantonio will run a more "vertical" passing game than Michigan?
Hasn't Dantonio said he's committed o running the ball?
Somebody help ME out, because I can't figure out how MSU under Dantonio will run an offense more suited to Smith's "forte" more than Michigan, which has featured, in the last few years, Braylon Edwards, Mario Manningham, the emergence of Adrian Arrington, Steve Breaston, and a few pretty good tight ends, has Chad Henne coming back, and is set for the next three years with Ryan Mallett.
But OH, here comes the Sparty train, annointing Dantonio before he's had time to wipe his ass after taking his first shit in Lansing.
Why does ANY football team try to compete with this mighty powerful Michigan State juggernaut that exists only in the dreams and hopes of its delusional fans?

I wasn't comparing them to Michigan by no stretch of the imagination, i was just stating that compared to John L we wont see shorts dumpy passes, and screens that forces our bad OL has to hold people. It will be more of an attack, down the field offense in both the run and the pass. North to South. We haven't seen MSU's offense against a real team yet but I believ the offense will be similar to the one that Saban used while at MSY. MSU is known for great wideouts, D Mason, Musin M, C Rogers, and M Trannon. Granted that Manningham and Edwards are good but the other two are "average players". These are poeple Fred Smith can mold to, with quick playing time.

We are also at advantage with Burrell, run your mouth Burrell.

Oh, sorry. I keep forgetting the greatness that IS Michigan State football.

Damn Right, it's legendary, haha

Welcome bball, nice avatar, too.

Is that BigggChris? (you wouldn't know him, bball)

Oh, sorry. I keep forgetting the greatness that IS Michigan State football.

Dude, you need to get a fucking grip. Lately you've been all huffy and puffy over MSU football fans and what they say. Nobody here has said a damn thing about MSU, Dantonio, etc. being even average, what are you bitching about. Now we can't even talk about the system they'll run. Read up, Dantonio is a run first, then aerial attack coach, that's what bball is talking about.

And relax, most Spartan fans are talkin' bball not talkin' about the pathetic fball program.

If I'm competing with Florida for a QB recruit, I tell them about Chris Leak being the #1 HS player in the country and winning a national championship and didn't get drafted. Meanwhile, John Navarre was worthless coming out of HS, managed to lose big games that the team put him in a position to win, and he gets drafted. Give him even a little more talent and he stays in the league a decade. So which school do you want to go to? One beats Ohio State, the other doesn't. You don't want to go to Ohio State either because a Heisman Trophy gets you picked in the 5th round. Come to Michigan. You may not win a Big Ten or National Championship, but you won't have to sell a ring to pay for your car.

If I'm competing with Florida for a QB recruit, I tell them about Chris Leak being the #1 HS player in the country and winning a national championship and didn't get drafted. Meanwhile, John Navarre was worthless coming out of HS, managed to lose big games that the team put him in a position to win, and he gets drafted. Give him even a little more talent and he stays in the league a decade. So which school do you want to go to? One beats Ohio State, the other doesn't. You don't want to go to Ohio State either because a Heisman Trophy gets you picked in the 5th round. Come to Michigan. You may not win a Big Ten or National Championship, but you won't have to sell a ring to pay for your car.

But then Ohio State and Florida could point out that their players get picked higher, i.e. Ginn was #9, UM's first guy was Hall at #18. Last year Hawk, Mangold, Holmes, Youbouty, the safety whose name I can't remember, etc. all got picked high. OSU has won a title more recently, won a heisman more recently, and had a top 5 pick more recently.

Not that Michigan is doing shabby mind you, but I wouldn't try to pimp my NFL accomplishments in a recruiting battle.

I said for a QB. I wouldn't mention the scenario for any other position player at this point.

It was a great visit and he was impressed with what Texas A&M had to offer, but in the end it was not home.

Michigan native and Eastern Arizona Junior College defensive lineman Michael Jordan visited Aggie land last weekend and came away impressed, just not impressed enough to say goodbye to the dream of playing in front of friends and family as a member of the team he grew up rooting for.



Jordan plans on signing with Michigan State later this month.
"I had a wonderful visit," said Jordan, a four-star defensive lineman ranked the No. 24 JUCO prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. "I enjoyed every aspect of the school. It was a beautiful stadium, great coaches, a great atmosphere and the people were very friendly and made me feel like home, but it was not East Lansing and in the end that is what it is. I want to have the opportunity to play at home."

Jordan, a versatile defensive lineman, who goes 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds and runs a 4.75 40, had wanted to sign with Michigan State on national signing day but needed to fulfill all his junior college requirements and graduate on May 11.

That day is less then two weeks away and Jordan plans on flying back to East Lansing on May 13. He will sign with Michigan State soon after that.

"Other colleges have wanted me and have been calling," said Jordan, "but after all is said and done there is no place like home. My heart is home and with the Spartans. I want to be a Spartan until the day I die."

Not only have other colleges been recruiting Jordan, but those colleges have been of the elite variety. Among the schools that have contacted Jordan or recruited him since January have been Florida, Miami, Nebraska, Oregon, and Texas A&M.

You guys see this Kenny Demens kid from the 08 class yet? State was the first to offer him and I'm praying they get him. He's a linebacker, 6'1" 225 and wow. He is so physically impressive looking. He's got Big Ten linebacker arms right now. Check him out on Rivals. If it's the same pic they've got up in the state article, you'll see just how impressive he now is.

Wow, do you think that Gray, and Demens will go as a Country Day package?

Wow, do you think that Gray, and Demens will go as a Country Day package?

You land that package deal and you've got the cornerstone of a recruiting class. Those two look like big time college athletes right now and they've got another year to play in high school. It's unbelievable. They look like they've had NFL strength and conditioning coaches working them out since they were 14. And since they go to Country Day, that could be the truth. I'd loooooooooove to have that package. I like that MSU was the first to offer Demens.

I can't find anything worthwhile about Demens on Scout. I see his Rivals profile, but I've done a name search, I've checked all of State's prospects, I've checked the Midwest top 100, etc and this kid is not on the radar. What gives? Considerring the list of schools Rivals claims he's considerring, you would think Scout would have at least heard of him.

Another question - in my searching through the Scout network, I see Corey Johnson and it no longer says "Committed to Michigan State". Did he decommit at some point while I wasn't paying attention? All I see is 1-star Burrell.

I believe that Corey's scholarship was taken back by the new coaching staff and is no longer committed. I believe that the only reason MSU would go after a prospect of that talent(OK) and of that time(before Rojo commited) seems kindoff shady to me.

What do you mean? Corey is ranked far higher than guys like Burrell and is on par with some of the better recruits State has had recently. So now that he's not committed he's only ok? He's a freaking 3 star. That's what State has been thriving on. If the staff took it back because they lost RoJo and now they think they can do better than Corey with it, they're in for a surprise. There are midwest teams right now with multiple 4 and 5 star commits and MD has one commit who is a sleeper at best. I'm not trying to rip State at this point, but if you're saying Dantonio is pulling scholarships from guys like CoJo, the state of the program is grim and not not looking too sunny in the future. All the talk has been about the work he has done to get around the state and how everyone can't wait until his first full recruiting class. Well, it's here and he's way behind so far.
Again, I'm not trying to rip State. I would have that same opinion if I was an unbaised 3rd party observer. I guess I'm just wondering if anyone in Sparty Nation shares the concern.

According to the Rivals article, Demens is for sure a Top 10 player in the state of Michigan.

In regards to Johnson, Dantonio told him that he needed to evalualate all talent and let him know if they were still going to extend the offer. Not because they don't want him, but because the new staff has to evaluate the player and make a decision so that when they offer, it's a true offer and not just honoring the former staff's opinion (which sucked). If they offer Johnson, they want it to be sincere.

Seeing the he is a WR, I don't think State will want him. They don't have room for WR like they used to. They don't need as many now.

No, I'm not concerned Jethro. It is WAY early. Way too early to say he's "behind" and not putting together a good class. Most schools only have a handful of commits at the very best right now. Give the guy a chance.

Keep in mind, Tre, that much like you with Beilein I praised this hire for State. I think as a coach Dantonio is a very fundamental guy. I think he'll put together a great defense and an adequate offense. As a Michigan fan, I was less than thrilled because I think he's the type of guy that can help restore a program. Really, I think there are a ton of good comparisons between him and Beilein. Recruiting is a question and both are in a situation where the other team is only getting stronger in the meantime. I guess I just thought that with all the work he did to salvage any kind of class late last year, he would have built some ties while he was at it for this year. Michigan is pretty slow out of the gates this year, compared to others like Ohio State and Notre Dame, who combine for about 20 commits so far, and yet Michigan still has a 5 star and two 4 stars. I'm giving him a chance, but all I'm hearing are whispers from a couple important guys and a bunch of also-rans. Say the same for Beilein, because I sure am, but I just don't think it's going to get any better for State until Dantonio gets the team on the field and shows what his teams can do.

I'm hoping Dantonio can put together a solid class, but as you mentioned, the season has to start so that this year's team can help him recruit. He has to show recruits that this isn't the same old MSU. Once that shows on the field, he'll have an easier time recruiting.

I just watched Demens video on rivals and he look very good. He looks smallish for a LB as he appeared to look more like a college safety in the video. I'm sure with 15 or so pounds of muscle he could be a great OLB/Rover type player. I assume that Dantonio is going away from the rover psotion, but Demens reminds me of SirDarean a little bit, but needs to work on his first step still. He has a tendency to hop instead of making a proper step, but makes up for it with "great LB speed."

Sry,if I offended anyone for the assumption of Corey being a "OK" player. I was judging it off of his weight of 180 and 40 time of 4.7 on rivals.

A conflicting article (to what I thought) about "CoJo" is on rivals. It says that he recently made a national name for himself with a workout in which he was definately the best WR. It says that he does have an offer from Michigan State, but also many more now including Florida State. Interesting.

Dantonio dropped the offer until he could evaluate film on him. He has since evaluated and offered.

I heard that Ohio State has already picked up a commit for one of the best stars in Ohio for the 2010 class. Who is it?

2010? That's getting a little out of hand. I don't think anyone can be a legit "star" when they are a freshman in high school. Not ripping you or anything, just the recruiting scene getting a little out of control.

On a side note, I love when I go to rivals and see some story about "Sleepers." That's rivals codename for, these kids aren't that good, we can't even hype them. Your program needs better athletes than this. Seems like everytime I check out MSU fball recruiting or UM bball recruiting, there are articles up about "Sleepers." I'm sick of damn sleepers.

I thought it H.S. you weren't allowed to even contact recruits until their junior year...........I may be wrong, but if he committed there could be some possible trouble stemming from the whole thing.

What will become of Arthur Ray's future and realistically can he make a fall return?

He has CANCER, BAD.

I'm just hoping he can recover and live a normal life. Football is something far off and unimportant right now.

What will become of Arthur Ray's future and realistically can he make a fall return?
It's my understanding that his schollie has been honored by Dantonio and that he'll be undergoing chemo while in school at E.L. His Dad was at the spring game and spoke highly of Dantonio. You may know that he was set to go to BC but O'Brien quit and went to N.C. State. The Rays visited Raleigh and weren't feeling it. Dantonio worked his mojo and he committed to MSU. Fuck a bunch of football I just hope the kid gets his health back. Ray was only a 3-Star but many felt he was underated. Good luck to him.

Burrell and Smith had really good showings at the nike camp. I think we will see a rise in Burrell's stock, and a jump for Smith to a 4 star on scout.

And a Smith commit to MSU if he camps there.;)

Here is my take on Corey getting his scholly pulled and Burrell getting an offer...In my opinion, It was a huge mistake to pull the Scholly. Coach D could and should have re-evaluated him while not pulling his Scholly...Instead he pulls it,probably puts a bad taste in the kids mouth and gives another school a shot at a very good player and kid...Burrell is a very good kid as well..But he is not as good as Johnson..Johnson playes in the toughest league in the state and puts up numbers. Burrell plays in a horrible division in the psl...I dont like the move that Coach D made..Hopefully for the Spartans, Corey re-ups with them....Just my opinion.....

Burrell and Smith had really good showings at the nike camp. I think we will see a rise in Burrell's stock, and a jump for Smith to a 4 star on scout.

And a Smith commit to MSU if he camps there.;)

I'd love to get a Smith commitment. I agree with you Tommy on the Johnson thing. Why not evaluate while you've got him locked up, if he looks bad while you evaluate, pull it then.

I'd love to get a Smith commitment. I agree with you Tommy on the Johnson thing. Why not evaluate while you've got him locked up, if he looks bad while you evaluate, pull it then.

I dont understand why he did that..It makes absolutely no sense..

I'd love to get a Smith commitment. I agree with you Tommy on the Johnson thing. Why not evaluate while you've got him locked up, if he looks bad while you evaluate, pull it then.
This does not constitute being "locked up." Now due to a recent "blowing up" at NIKE Camp he is all over the national radar. Quite a jump for someone who was supposedly invited along in an attempt to snag "Big Bro'". From all the drama horsehit that went on with Rojo I say fuck it. You obviously re-offer, explain that "pulling the schollie" was a formality in wiping the slate clean to see where you were on the schollie count. "Love to have you", and hope we pass muster with Grandma & Moms and the rest of the hangers on but if not have fun in Gainesville. I'm sick of these prima-donna Mother Fuckers.

This does not constitute being "locked up." Now due to a recent "blowing up" at NIKE Camp he is all over the national radar. Quite a jump for someone who was supposedly invited along in an attempt to snag "Big Bro'". From all the drama horsehit that went on with Rojo I say fuck it. You obviously re-offer, explain that "pulling the schollie" was a formality in wiping the slate clean to see where you were on the schollie count. "Love to have you", and hope we pass muster with Grandma & Moms and the rest of the hangers on but if not have fun in Gainesville. I'm sick of these prima-donna Mother Fuckers.

CJ is not one of those type of athletes

On the Smith thing, if State can land him I would give huge props. This is a kid who was made to go to Michigan. He worships Braylon Edwards, is a long-time Michigan fan, and has been told by his family for years that he would be going to Michigan. Basically, him going to State would be like if Paul Davis had gone to Michigan.

I'm ready for some commitments, it's time. The staff has to go to extreme measures to get a few to commit now and build a little base before the season starts. Once the season starts, that'll help matters. Well, maybe. I think the new style will be appealing and I'm looking forward to it. However, the schedule might produce an UGLY record. That's the thing that worries me. It's kindof the same thing Beilein is dealing with, good coach but the competition might hurt the building process.

I am getting really nervous about recruiting, State hasn't made any noise yet and don't they need a Fuckin Quarterback?

Maybe no one wants to go there.

Didn't they add Nick Foles late last season? They also got Cousins instate. Both are 3 stars according to Rivals, but I think many fans are expecting that Foles is the answer once Hoyer leaves.

We're ok at QB. I'm wondering about LB's.

Didn't they add Nick Foles late last season? They also got Cousins instate. Both are 3 stars according to Rivals, but I think many fans are expecting that Foles is the answer once Hoyer leaves.

Foles is most definately the answer, we are more than set at the qb position. He had 36 td passes in the toughest division in Texas. Many recruiting analysts said it was crazy that he wasn't listed as a 4 star. He'll be a good one, no doubt.

Maybe no one wants to go there.

Where is Moodini with the maturity plea?

Where is Moodini with the maturity plea?

I'm a little burnt out on the never-ending M-MSU hype/trash talk cycle. Maybe I'll be back when there's a meaningful sport going on. Find me bitching in the NBA forum, hyping in the gaming forum, and "browsing" in the CR. [smilie=devilish.gi:

Foles is most definately the answer, we are more than set at the qb position. He had 36 td passes in the toughest division in Texas. Many recruiting analysts said it was crazy that he wasn't listed as a 4 star. He'll be a good one, no doubt.

Dont underestimate Cousins..I really thought that was a fantastic grab by the Spartans..Im not a big fan of Foles.But I dont see QB as a problem with either kid.. I really think MSU has a huge problem with DB's and LB's.....

Dont underestimate Cousins..I really thought that was a fantastic grab by the Spartans..Im not a big fan of Foles.But I dont see QB as a problem with either kid.. I really think MSU has a huge problem with DB's and LB's.....

MSU has had issues at corner my entire life. I'm so sick of it. I can not remember one lockdown corner that I completely trusted to shut down the other team's best WR in my entire life. Not one single great db.

Wasn't Warrick supposed to be a stud DB? I honestly didn't keep track of him much, but I remember excitement about him. He must have at least been an upgrade over Hayes.

I wonder why the dumbass Buckeyes don't jump on (TE)Brandon Moore or even MSU for that matter. I have a feeling this kid is going to slip up north to UofM just like that Offensive Tackle did. He's 6'6 243 and runs a 4.6 how can you not offer that? This guy to me seems like a Ben Gates prodigy.

Wasn't Warrick supposed to be a stud DB? I honestly didn't keep track of him much, but I remember excitement about him. He must have at least been an upgrade over Hayes.

I like Nemo but he's a safety and ends up doing a lot of tackling, not pass breakups. I'm talking corners. I want one fucking corner that I can feel in a Spartan uniform. One in my lifetime, is that too much to ask?

When will Burrell start for MSU, instant impact(probably not) or a Sophmore, Junior year starter? I this going to be a free safety, or a strong safety. I can't get a good picture of this kid's talent level yet.

I've heard that MSU's new uniforms are going to sport the Michigan State lettering on the front like they used to, with the same spartan logo. No green pants and names placed on the back.

Scout.com is reporting that Michigan could be close to getting their 4th commit very soon, but they're being coy at the moment about who it might be.
Can someone with a little more access clear this up please?

When will Burrell start for MSU, instant impact(probably not) or a Sophmore, Junior year starter? I this going to be a free safety, or a strong safety. I can't get a good picture of this kid's talent level yet.

I've heard that MSU's new uniforms are going to sport the Michigan State lettering on the front like they used to, with the same spartan logo. No green pants and names placed on the back.

Does that mean all white road uni's?

Scout.com is reporting that Michigan could be close to getting their 4th commit very soon, but they're being coy at the moment about who it might be.
Can someone with a little more access clear this up please?

Mike Martin the kid from CC. They could be talking about someone else, but I'm guessing it's him.

State champ in wrestling his first year at it, one hell of an athlete if you guys get him.

(But Foreman pushed him around)

Interesting. I understand he apparently had a breakout performance at the Penn State camp and got an offer, but so far this kid is a 1 star, certainly fitting the "sleeper" mode Tre mentioned earlier. I'm really kind of surprised that Michigan takes kids like this early, losing a scholarship that a 4 star or better could potentially fill. Yeah, I realize they won't get twenty 4 star kids and I surely sound pretty smug right now, but it does seem questionable to take a 1 star kid. If it is him, I would obviously love to be wrong one day and have him be a standout DT for us - if that's where they put him.

One thing is for sure, Michigan will have a lot of wrestlers on their squad. They seem to be targeting many of the top heavyweight wrestlers in the state this year.

I'm with you Jethro: A ONE star? Sheesh, let the kid walk on.

I don't think you sound smug at all, I think you sound realistic. If MSU signed a 1 star basketball player...I'd be mad as hell about it. Michigan should never have a single player lower than a 3 star.

Interesting. I understand he apparently had a breakout performance at the Penn State camp and got an offer, but so far this kid is a 1 star, certainly fitting the "sleeper" mode Tre mentioned earlier. I'm really kind of surprised that Michigan takes kids like this early, losing a scholarship that a 4 star or better could potentially fill. Yeah, I realize they won't get twenty 4 star kids and I surely sound pretty smug right now, but it does seem questionable to take a 1 star kid. If it is him, I would obviously love to be wrong one day and have him be a standout DT for us - if that's where they put him.

One thing is for sure, Michigan will have a lot of wrestlers on their squad. They seem to be targeting many of the top heavyweight wrestlers in the state this year.

Michigan has a commitment from Indiana OG Kurt Wermers. Very good pickup, IMO. Wermers is a very good run blocker at the OG position. Add him to Elliot Mealer and Dann O'neill and UM has itself the start of a very good OL class.

I don't think you sound smug at all, I think you sound realistic. If MSU signed a 1 star basketball player...I'd be mad as hell about it. Michigan should never have a single player lower than a 3 star.

I believe Mike Martin will end up a 3 star when all is said and done.. He really came into his own last year and has a very high ceiling imo...

I feel better about Wermers. I've read his name before so I know they've been following him for a while, and he's a 3 star already.
He had some semi-big offers, including Iowa and UCLA. Iowa is big because they get some top OL every year, UCLA is big because it's a major west coast offer for a kid from Indiana.
At 6'5", 260 chances are they're looking at his frame and expecting he can add 50 or 60 lbs.

Brandon Moore commits to Michigan.

According to sources with-in the high school program, Brandon Moore, a 6-foot-6, 243-pound tight end from Trotwood-Madison High in Ohio made a verbal commitment to the Michigan Wolverines early this morning.
Early in the recruiting process it seemed the Scout.com four-star prospect seemed to favor southern schools like Georgia, Clemson, LSU, and Florida, but a strong relationship with Coach DeBord was too much for the mammoth tight end to turn down.

Oh boy! 2 in 2 days. Brandon Moore is going to be a freaking stud! Go ahead and quote me here, this would qualify as being "silly hyped" about a kid. I look at the transformation he has gone through in one year and this kid, physically, could be a Pro Bowl TE. I wonder how quickly he'll get PT in Ann Arbor, but he could be a freak.
http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Camper/PHOTO/BRANDONMOORE07JD200.JPG

FEEEEEL IT!

Brandon Moore went with Michigan because DeBord is the only coach in the country who has a bigger ass than him.

Does anyone know which of the two new recruits was actually supposed to be "#4." I know Wermers committed first, but I wonder if Moore was the guy that GBW was hyping last night or if it was actually Wermers.

Does anyone know which of the two new recruits was actually supposed to be "#4." I know Wermers committed first, but I wonder if Moore was the guy that GBW was hyping last night or if it was actually Wermers.

I would assume Moore...

Here's a small headshot of Moore from a year ago, you can see the difference in his neck at least. He looks pretty skinny before.
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/37/370746m.jpg

Ok, one more picture from last year.

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/37/374839m.jpg

From his scout.com profile:

Moore is athletic and quickness for a TE. Moore has a great first step and seems to have great acceleration. He has soft hands, good concentration and body control and runs well. Moore is the type of tight end that can play on the line of scrimmage or you can flex out wide. He is a mismatch for any secondary because he runs so well and is so big. Moore looks to be a good blocker, whether it’s in space or off the line of scrimmage.
The only area they said he needed improvement was size, and he certainly seems to have addressed that. They list him now at 6'6", 243 with a 4.6 40. Rivals lists him at the same size, but they have 4.65 as his 40 time.

So Moore is the 3rd guy on Rivals.com pre-evaluation top 100 to commit. Looking through the list, they could get as many as 5 more guys from that list. I'm telling you, if they manage to pull 8 guys from there I would be freaking ecstatic. Realistically, I think they'll probably end up with 6. This is just the pre-evaluation list, and who knows what will change and how many they'll end up with from the final top 100, but they're certainly off to a nice start.

I wonder why the dumbass Buckeyes don't jump on (TE)Brandon Moore or even MSU for that matter. I have a feeling this kid is going to slip up north to UofM just like that Offensive Tackle did. He's 6'6 243 and runs a 4.6 how can you not offer that? This guy to me seems like a Ben Gates prodigy.

Did I not just call that.... Damn you Michigan they benefited by a huge dumbass Buckeye mistake. They seem to keep the ball rolling while MSU is stuck in the mud.

Did I not just call that.... Damn you Michigan. They seem to keep the ball rolling while MSU is stuck in the mud.
Maybe MSU should have hired DeBord as their coach?

Looks like the Sparties picked up their 2nd commit for the '08 class. Adam Setterbo, an inside linebacker, from Spring Lake, Michigan has committed to coach Dantonio. Adam is 6'2", 234 lbs and runs a 4.7 forty. He looks like he is a linebacker from his picture and he apparently has been to several camps and performed pretty well. It sounds like his recruitment was slowly picking up steam recently and Coach Dantonio's early pressure may have helped secure his services before any big schools had a chance to get involved.

Looks like the Sparties picked up their 2nd commit for the '08 class. Adam Setterbo, an inside linebacker, from Spring Lake, Michigan has committed to coach Dantonio. Adam is 6'2", 234 lbs and runs a 4.7 forty. He looks like he is a linebacker from his picture and he apparently has been to several camps and performed pretty well. It sounds like his recruitment was slowly picking up steam recently and Coach Dantonio's early pressure may have helped secure his services before any big schools had a chance to get involved.
Actually Setterbro has notified MSU that he will be attending and he is a "preferred walk on" for the CLASS OF 2007. Picture the question mark in my thought bubble. He had the same kind of "offer" from U-M but chose MSU. The guy, according to Rivals didn't even have a MAC offer. NO expectations here. Good luck to him.

MJ signed at "the Duffy" today ending the rumors that he'll go to Texas A&M, Florida or ASU. He will suit up for the fall and is presently working out with the team. Much has been made of this guy who John L. stashed at Arizona Eastern last season. He is 6'-6" and 290 with a 4.8. He averaged a double-double at Grand Rapids Creston in hoop. While everyone else was drooling over him Dantonio gave him some academic requirements to meet over the summer before he had a firm offer when the other schools were just saying "sign here." He met his end of the deal because he wanted to be a Spartan. Go figure!! Jordan has 3 years of elgibility left. Nice going Coach D.

MJ signed at "the Duffy" today ending the rumors that he'll go to Texas A&M, Florida or ASU. He will suit up for the fall and is presently working out with the team. Much has been made of this guy who John L. stashed at Arizona Eastern last season. He is 6'-6" and 290 with a 4.8. He averaged a double-double at Grand Rapids Creston in hoop. While everyone else was drooling over him Dantonio gave him some academic requirements to meet over the summer before he had a firm offer when the other schools were just saying "sign here." He met his end of the deal because he wanted to be a Spartan. Go figure!! Jordan has 3 years of elgibility left. Nice going Coach D.

This is a huge pickup at a position of big time need. To get a 4 star DL with 3 years to play is fantastic. And he's up to 300 now. 6'6", 300, 4.8- I love it. And while Jethro hinted at the possibility of MD following in the footsteps of Tressel, Dantonio showed what kind of character he has by telling Jordan he had to finish his classes with good grades in order for MSU to keep the offer on the table. This opened the recruitment to schools like Florida and this put MD's neck on the line. Says alot about who he is. I like it.

Bobby Jones has been given the boot in what WOTS says his continuing affair with the jug. It'll come out soon. Oh well. This is what concerns me about Jordan. David Stanton AND Bobby Jones BOTH came out of JC's with as much if not more hype than Jordan. Stanton "played" I guess. Diid he reflect his lofty All-American status at College of the Canyouns in California? Fuck no he didn't. Now Jones who threw a bottle of Jack at some chick in a motel parking lot while drunk last season in the wake of being ALL THAT at Buttfuck J.C. in North Dakota. He did squat and now he's gone. For my mental health and to prevent me from slamming my fingers into a drawer next September I'm all over the "wait and see" approach.

State would know much more about how JC's translate. Michigan rarely offers any, and perhaps this is the reason why. The other part is, you really have to ask yourself why they were at a JC in the first place.

Before I go much further, please don't take these as generalizations I'm trying to apply to all JuCo's or as a knock against any school that frequently recruits them.

Many players will go to a JC because they A) weren't recruited by any program they were excited about, generally a sign that they weren't very good or played at a school with about 50 people or B) there grades were horrible and they couldn't get in anywhere. There's also C) trouble with the law scared most major schools away.
Let me address each of these in a little more detail.
A) So if they weren't good enough 1 or 2 years ago, aren't you taking a major gamble that the year they performed at a high level wasn't just a flash in the pan in a tailor made system and/or against really bad competition? What makes you certain that one year against borderline competition can translate to impact player in the Big Ten?
B) Why did the player not qualify? Is he dumb as hell? If so, does he at least have street or field knowledge that he can apply to avoid making really stupid mistakes on the field at key moments? Or maybe he's not dumb at all, but just didn't put in any effort at school. Well, that's all about work ethic, and when the going gets tough at a major school, will he quit on you on the field, or in the classroom to the point he can't stay eligible?
Finally, C) I don't believe in rehab. Too many teams get burned. Sure there's probably plenty of stories about guys with past mistakes that turn it around and never screw up again. But I work with kids where trouble is habit forming. Ask the Cincinatti Bengals about it.

So, at the end of the day, is it worth it to go after these guys, especially given that they have less eligibility and pretty much need to come in and learn the system right away if they're going to contribute?

I don't know. In many cases the answer is obviously no. In some it's not, because a certain amount not only contribute but end up in the League. Michigan has their first in a decade. I have no idea what to expect. I'm trying to expect little, that way anything positive is a pleasant surprise.

What I know about Jordan is he is athletic and was offered by Florida, Miami, Nebraska, and A&M.

That gives me hope, even if I haven't seen him, though I'm not counting on him for much yet.

What I know about Jordan is he is athletic and was offered by Florida, Miami, Nebraska, and A&M.

That gives me hope, even if I haven't seen him, though I'm not counting on him for much yet.

There may be plenty of issues that come with some JUCO players, but it won't be that way with Jordan. Jordan has already showed a tremendous amount of character in what he did to get to State and how he was loyal when Florida and Miami came a calling.

There are great examples of JUCO players too, Julian Peterson. Dantonio said he doesn't want too many though. Just a couple here and there.

The transition and late recruiting start for Cowboy made JC's a must. He needed bodies. He had a plan to bring them in stop gap and when the influx of 4 year guys caught up he would pare back. I think in Smith's 1st year he was about 11 bodies under the schollie limit. Dantonio won't be going that route. The Jordan thing is a helluva story. It's too long for me to type out but what an "oddysey."

The Big 10 also has the strictest requirements in taking in JUCO kids. That's why Florida, Miami, Texas A&M and ASU went after MJ with the "why do all that bullshit? Just sign here." Lucky for MSU he wanted to come home to a place he always wanted to play badly enough that he complied and jumped through the hoops. JC to the Big 10 is a hell of a transition. Ask Bobby Jones and David Stanton. I'm excited about MJ but I won't be standing on one leg waiting for him to become Julian Peterson overnight.

Rivals has finally released their 5 star players. Unlike Scout, Cissoko did not make the early list. No Michigan commits are on the list, which includes 27 players. They are listed with 7 of the uncommited players.
1. Terrelle Pryor, QB - made list of top 8
2. Darrell Scott, RB - he'll take 3 official visits, with UM being one
7. Will Hill, ATH - made list of top 8
12. Shayne Hale, LB - top 9
15. Arthur Brown, LB - top 10
20. Deion Walker, WR - top 8
26. Lucas Nix, OT - top 11

Now, there's not a chance all these guys will commit to Michigan. In all likelihood they should get one, maybe two. Based on everything I've read, their best bet right now is with Walker. Pryor is a 4 star SF as well, and looks to play both sports. The Mallett commit hurts Michigan's chances there, and it's looking pretty good for Ohio State. It will be hard to get a guy like Scott away from USC, since he's a St. Bonaventure kid. Hill, I believe, is being recruitied as a DB and would have a great shot at early playing time. They aren't one of his 3 officials, but they don't need to be. He's seen all he needs to there. Hale and Brown, if they did commit to the same school, could wreak havoc together. Nix would be a great addition to an already solid OL class.

The transition and late recruiting start for Cowboy made JC's a must. He needed bodies. He had a plan to bring them in stop gap and when the influx of 4 year guys caught up he would pare back. I think in Smith's 1st year he was about 11 bodies under the schollie limit. Dantonio won't be going that route. The Jordan thing is a helluva story. It's too long for me to type out but what an "oddysey."

The Big 10 also has the strictest requirements in taking in JUCO kids. That's why Florida, Miami, Texas A&M and ASU went after MJ with the "why do all that bullshit? Just sign here." Lucky for MSU he wanted to come home to a place he always wanted to play badly enough that he complied and jumped through the hoops. JC to the Big 10 is a hell of a transition. Ask Bobby Jones and David Stanton. I'm excited about MJ but I won't be standing on one leg waiting for him to become Julian Peterson overnight.

BODIES, BODIES!
When Bill Callahan took over at the U of Corn, they went hard after Juco's, and most of them flamed out big time. A few did make an impact, but the biggest impact was during practice, and in filling up the depth chart.
They really lagged off on Juco's, and I don;t recall them going after or singing many since that first class, which if I'm not mistaken, had about 10-15 Juco's.
Juco's are big in the big 12. Kansas St has prosepered going after them, and Iowa State has made some noise using a few.
Bottom line is, the kids you really want know what they have to do to avoid the Juco route, and get it done. I'm not knocking Jordan, because you do have some that just came up short, or maybe woke up in their junior or senior year in high school having grown six inches and all the sudden they realize they do have a shot, but don't quite make it. It's a crap shoot, but so are alot of the "top shelf" recroots.

BODIES, BODIES!
When Bill Callahan took over at the U of Corn, they went hard after Juco's, and most of them flamed out big time. A few did make an impact, but the biggest impact was during practice, and in filling up the depth chart.
They really lagged off on Juco's, and I don;t recall them going after or singing many since that first class, which if I'm not mistaken, had about 10-15 Juco's.
Juco's are big in the big 12. Kansas St has prosepered going after them, and Iowa State has made some noise using a few.
Bottom line is, the kids you really want know what they have to do to avoid the Juco route, and get it done. I'm not knocking Jordan, because you do have some that just came up short, or maybe woke up in their junior or senior year in high school having grown six inches and all the sudden they realize they do have a shot, but don't quite make it. It's a crap shoot, but so are alot of the "top shelf" recroots.
I remember two seasons ago John L. looked like he had this big stud LB/TE lined up. He went to Florida State and left because he missed his girl. He was from Ca. On signing day he did the reversal and signed with Nebraska at the last second. His name was Justin Tomerlin. 6'-6", 260, 4.5 , pressed small buildings. Sparties were jumping off rooftops. I was in line but I saw the error of my ways. Long story short he got booted from the squad last season after a couple of suspensions and never made it higher than 2nd team on the depth chart. Like you say, you pays your money and you takes your chances.

I remember two seasons ago John L. looked like he had this big stud LB/TE lined up. He went to Florida State and left because he missed his girl. He was from Ca. On signing day he did the reversal and signed with Nebraska at the last second. His name was Justin Tomerlin. 6'-6", 260, 4.5 , pressed small buildings. Sparties were jumping off rooftops. I was in line but I saw the error of my ways. Long story short he got booted from the squad last season after a couple of suspensions and never made it higher than 2nd team on the depth chart. Like you say, you pays your money and you takes your chances.

I know you remember that HUGE class Nebraska brought in. The local hacks did a profile of it last year, and I think more than half were complete washouts. A significant number were injured, and the rest wee there to lead them to that spectacular win over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl, and that wonderful 9-5 season last year.

Rivals.com has finally released their top 100 recruits for the class of 2008. They may be guilty of racial profiling, as Sam McGuffie is nowhere to be found on the list. Jonas Gray not only makes the list, but at #47 is the highest rated player from the state, two spots higher than Cissoko. Cissoko is the highest rated of three Michigan commits making the list, followed by Moore (#53) and O'Neill (#62).

I've really started to study Michigan's class to see who their top targets are. I did this last year only to see all the Michigan guys go elsewhere, along with out of state guys like Josh Oglesby. I'm going to do it again anyhow.

Offense:
The line is looking good, with 3 guys in place so far. I think there are two more names you should pay attention to. Lucas Nix and Zebrie Sanders.
TE seems to be an area of attnetion, with Moore already commiting, but listen for names like Tyler Hoover, Kevin Koger, and Jonathon Baldwin - though Baldwin would play WR.
Speaking of WR, beyond Baldwin they would love to add Daryl Stonum and/or Deion Walker.
It seems they're really only going after one QB, Terrelle Pryor, but he's the best player in the country. He's also a 4 star basketball player. The only shot Michigan has would be if they manage to implement both him and Mallett, like Florida did with Leak and Tebow. We all know Mallett cannot move at all. Pryor would be an amazing change of pace, and would help the basketball team a great deal as well.
RB could be a huge position this year. McGuffie and Gray are targets, but top RB Darrell Scott should be visiting, and Covaughn Deboskie is a possibility as well.

Defense:
The line doesn't seem to be a priority and I'm not sure why. Maybe it's a down year, but the names I'm hearing - Reggie Ellis, Garrett Goebel and Nicholas Perry - are the standouts in an otherwise unimpressive list.
There are a ton of possibilities at LB, with the big name possibilities including Arthur Brown, Jon Major, Christian Wilson, JB Fitzgerald, Marcus Witherspoon and Michael Zordich.
In the secondary Cissoko has committed, but guys they would like to add include Will Hill, Robert Blanton, Jarred Holley and Bradon Smith.

As always, Michigan has a real chance to have a top recruiting class. 5 or 6 other schools have already been busy and have put together amazing classes. It will be difficult to beat a team like Ohio State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame or USC this year - but others like Texas, Georgia and Nebraska to name a few, are making early noise as well. This will be a year when any class in the top 10 will be an incredible class. Notice no Florida teams are mentioned yet? They generally close out the year strong, especially Florida State.

I think Hoover will end up wearing Green and White(again), Novi likes MSU, he seems to value PT, and we would let him have a better shot at playing D.

That isn't to say he's a lock, just my feeling. And I'll be surprised if UM doesn't get Mike Martin, though there is a shot he could go to ND as he goes to CC and all.

And having played against both of them, UM would be getting the better end of that deal.

I can't believe I forgot to mention Fred Smith among WR's. The others are all ranked much higher than Smith, but I think Michigan still wants Smith because he's still a great player and also because it should be very important to them to get the top 5 kids instate. That should be a priority every year, whether it's a talented class or not.

Sam McGuffie not in the Top 100?!!!! WHUUUUUUUUUUT?

Absolutely ridiculous.

Jonas Gray is so sick, I want him in green bad. I'd really like Fred Smith too, but we'll see.

Maybe when McGuffie isn't on that five minute highlight reel he looks like Don Knotts on a bender.

Sam McGuffie not in the Top 100?!!!! WHUUUUUUUUUUT?

Absolutely ridiculous.

Jonas Gray is so sick, I want him in green bad. I'd really like Fred Smith too, but we'll see.
Jonas Gray speaks: Bizarre.

"Ronald Johnson told me to not just stay in the Midwest," Gray said."

"He was like 'That's how people make their biggest mistake.' Around here in the Midwest, they always preach to get bigger. Down in the South, they preach to get faster. That was his biggest thing. He knew he had to get his speed up if he wanted to play in the NFL. He knew that USC would get his speed up and get him ready. The same thing is true with Dionte Allen. We used to play AAU basketball together, and he knew he had to get faster and he could do that by going down South."

Interesting perception by the most recruited RB in Michigan.

That's great, one of the top guys in state happens to be gullible as all hell.

If I were MD or Carr I'd point out things like Ted Ginn or something like that. And Jaworski Lane or whatever his name is from A&M.

No McGuffie in the top 100 and he was not even mentioned in Rivals' near misses either! I just dont get it. I honestly think being a WB is holding him back. I mean the guy ran for 3,100 yards last year and had 43 TD's in Texas and runs a 4.28 40.

Also, another tidbit, apparently he wants to wear #2 (a la CW) and it's been offered to him by U-M if he commits early enough.


http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/SAMMCGUFFIE4_24200.JPG
I still believe the hype!

"I still believe the hype."-Moodini

Me too. I'd do that kid's laundry if he agreed to play for State.

"I still believe the hype."-Moodini

Me too. I'd do that kid's laundry if he agreed to play for State.

I hope he signs with MSU then.
But what will the kid do when everything he wears turns pink after Tre gets hold of it?
I know that after me doing the laundry, I have three women pissed off at me because everything they wear is now blue.

I hope he signs with MSU then.
But what will the kid do when everything he wears turns pink after Tre gets hold of it?
I know that after me doing the laundry, I have three women pissed off at me because everything they wear is now blue.

Zip doing laundry for the three women in the house. Is anyone wearing pants in this household? Hey Zip, send me a few of those cookies you're baking after the laundry is finished.
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/48/90/23169048.jpg
Zippy looks so cute!

My apron says "Kiss the Cook" of course, and my rubber gloves are definitely NOT pink.
And at least I won't be laundering any jock straps.

My apron says "Kiss the Cook" of course, and my rubber gloves are definitely NOT pink.
And at least I won't be laundering any jock straps.

I'm not embarrassed to admit it, if McGuffie went to State, I'd wash homeboys jockstrap and be proud of it. He's like the Eminem of the running back position, I'll bow down.

Sweat is going to OSU over offers from ND,UF,UofM,etc.. It seems to me like this is an AJ Hawk. In the long run do you think Michigan can close in on the Buckeyes and take the best big ten class? If it came down to a battle between Michigan and OSU for T. Pryor who would be most likely to take him?

OSU would win because they have top programs for both sports right now.

Michigan got a new committ today
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=2956381

A kid from New Joisey. This state is a hotbed for recroots, and maybe gets UM some momentum there. He's a three star according to Scouts.

Even though Weatherspoon is a three star this kid is legit, he can probably move up to four when its all said and done.The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder recently received a nomination to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, next year in January. Witherspoon will know in October if he's one of the 80 seniors from across the country to play in the Alamodome. "Marcus is one of the most recruited kids we've ever had,'' said Holy Spirit coach Bill Walsh." "He's got close to 30 offers and has seen every salesman you can imagine."

And where is Michigan State staff right know?...."Recruiting" Florida or Georgia, or on vacation? It's hard to stay patient when even everyone else in the Big Ten has more recruits than them. Hell even Indiana has 2, yes 2! one star recruits. Shit, hopefully Dantonio is building bonds and will get a late rush.

"I'm going to train, hang out, and go on some visits this summer," McGuffie said. "I'm going to take those visits and see what's going on from there. I might go to Michigan as one of my last visits this summer. They might be in a couple weeks, but I may visit some other schools before that."

Other schools that McGuffie says he plans to visit this summer include Arkansas, Florida State, California and even some Ivy League schools.

He was just named RB, MVP at the Boulder, Co. NIKE Camp. The boy has a locker full of offers and he, attitude wise, is a real gamer.

I agree Bball11, I'm getting impatient. Dantonio made some serious waves getting the attention of big name recruits when he was hired and made first contact, however, this year all I keep hearing is this kid has State in his top 2, this kid has State in his top 3. Seal the damn deal and start getting some kids!

I agree Bball11, I'm getting impatient. Dantonio made some serious waves getting the attention of big name recruits when he was hired and made first contact, however, this year all I keep hearing is this kid has State in his top 2, this kid has State in his top 3. Seal the damn deal and start getting some kids!

I agree as well, but I do believe it will come later in the year...Im still thinking Jonas Gray has good shot to end up there

I agree as well, but I do believe it will come later in the year...Im still thinking Jonas Gray has good shot to end up there

Rivals has like 8 schools with medium interest on Gray and they have him with low interest in State. I know you know more than rivals because you are closer to these situations, so I hope you're right and I hope they update that interest list.

I think he ends up at Michigan or out of state, and with the way he spoke about RoJo's comments, like he bought into them completely, I'm guessing the out of state direction.
I'm pretty sure even if he did like Michigan, he might be offended they've given so much love to McGuffie.

I say that Gray is 80/20 Florida over Michigan at this point. No real "insight" just an educated guess from all of the articles I've read on MLive and from reading different message boards.

Rivals has now released their top 250. They're in alphabetical order, not rank order, so you can't put anything more than 4 or 5 star next to them.

However, they finally acknowledge Sam McGuffie, who is a 4 star.
The previous list included three 4 star players instate - Cissoko, Gray and O'Neill. The extended list includes four more, all 4 stars as well - Tyler Hoover, Mike Martin, Nick Perry and Fred Smith.

Mike Martin just verballed to UM. Take the sting out of Hunter.

3 top 100 players in Michigan and 7 top 250 players sounds about right. It might be a little low, but seems like a good solid number for an average year.

P.S. There is some chatter on Michigan message boards that Mike Martin brought his parents to campus today and after we lost Omar Hunter to Notre Dame yesterday there is a chance that a committment could be coming sooner rather than later. Martin already benches over 400 pounds and is a state champion wrestler I believe. Hopefully he pulls the trigger as he looks like he could be a good DT in the future!

Word is Sam M is a silent for UM. Take a silent as what it is worth.

He is coming up in next week. The McGuffie watch will be on to see if he commits publically.

Again, all this is info from scout as I have no inside sources for those who get their panties in a bunch.

BTW in regards to Hunter. He liked the depth chart at ND much more than at UM and was the main reason he is not going to UM. UM has done very well on the D-line over the last few seasons.

I love the updates fellas, keep em coming. Feeling this class so far. I love the fact that they're getting the 4 star guys now and not settling for lesser talent. They still need to keep it up and land some 5 stars as well, because regionally Ohio State and Notre Dame still have better classes, but otherwise it's hard to be upset with the class so far, especially if McGuffie is a silent commit.

Rumor also has it that Fitzgerald wanted to commit at his visit, but they decided to take the trip to USC first.

Also Will Hill, Hale, Baldwin are still all very much on the board as big time players. Keep an eye on Hill.

Are you hearing anything about Walker or Nix?

Not too much on either.

The OT I am hearing are Sanders, Pocic and Jimmy Bennett the most right now, plus this Hueter guy from North Branch.

As far as WR....we are going after some good ones Carraway, Stonum (coming up very soon, possible commit?) and Fred Smith is a possibility (he could end up at MSU though).

Also dont forget the name Jermaine Kearse out of Washington State.

Would Smith choose State because of the depth chart or what? I know he's been a lifelong UM fan and idolizes Braylon, so I assumed he was just an offer and an official away from being Blue.

Mike Martin just verballed to UM. Take the sting out of Hunter.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=8&toinid=683&yr=2008

My guess is you're using that link to refer to the fact that Martin is a 1 star prospect according to scout.com.
Not sure what to tell you. Rivals has him at a 4 star. That's quite a stretch. Considering that rivals has a top 250 I'm thinking they've probably done more thorough evaluations and Martin will be rated much higher by scout over the next several months. I know he's just over 6 foot and almost 300 lbs, yet the pictures I've seen don't make him look that big. He looks muscular with a little extra (not ripped) but usually guys with those measurements sport a bit of a gut. I haven't seen full body pictures, but he doesn't have the look of someone carrying all that. Does that suggest he has a big burst but not the mass to push through a block? I have no idea. That's not all dependent on size. He's athletic, something that's not always typical of a DT, but I'll be interested to see and hear more about him and what his final rating is.

Martin is extremely good. He is a dominant player in HS, and was State Champ in Shot Put(2 years I believe), Wrestling(his first year in the sport), and possibly discus.

He is an exceptional athlete, and I wish he would have thought about MSU more.

I was just using the link to show the committment. I don't put much stock in Scouts at all. They're good at telling you where guys go, but they aren't as good a source as Rivals at all. Plus, Scouts is free, in fact I don't even know how I got on the list for them to email me their shit.
But hey, I'm Zip Goshboots. People email me. That's what they do.

Well the wrestling angle should seemingly help for DT. Actually, Michigan has gone hard after wrestlers lately. Pretty interesting. I think a wrestler who is that good should know a thing or two about how to knock people off their balance and use leverage to make people move in a particluar direction. That's great for a lineman on either side of the ball, I just hope the offensive guys don't end up holding because of it.

Mike Martin is only 16 and already has a very mature body.

Fred Smith could go to MSU because his friend went there and the depth chart.

Hunter was a lifelong UM fan, but playing time beats lifelong fandom for most of these kids.

I've noticed that Josh Jenkins is now back to square one it seems. He probably will break that soft verbal and Michigan has entered the chase. Is there any chance that they land him?

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=2256793

Martin is extremely good. He is a dominant player in HS, and was State Champ in Shot Put(2 years I believe), Wrestling(his first year in the sport), and possibly discus.

He is an exceptional athlete, and I wish he would have thought about MSU more.

This statement is right on! Mike Martin could end up being an absolute steal of a player..He dominates on the line in the best high school conference in the state...

Nothing at the moment. Stonum the WR from Texas has been put on status as the next committment with McGuffie coming a few days later.

All in all by the end of camp, I expect 10-12 commits for Michigan.

Good news for the Sparty football squad......You made it into this guy's top three.......


Bad news for the Sparty football squad......He looks like this......

Good news for the Sparty football squad......You made it into this guy's top three.......


Bad news for the Sparty football squad......He looks like this......

Good news for the Spartan football squad - that's what half the NFL looks like, so who knows, he might be pretty freaking good.

He hair kind of reminds me of the comedian from Nutty Professor (Eddie Murphy version). Remember when Eddie goes on stage and starts to rip on the comedian and pulls off his hat and THAT is what his hair looks like. Hilarious!

Change of Heart for Fred Smith? scout.com
Fred Smith

Detroit Southeastern WR Fred Smith has long mentioned his plan of extending his decision making process into his senior season. However, as his recruitment has taken shape he has started to give his timetable more thought. Is the talented pass catcher now on the verge of making a decision?

Will someone use their psychic powers or scout membership to tell what this article is saying. MSU-UofM?!

Most of the Great Lake State’s top prospects will be in attendance at Michigan’s annual summer camp next week, and Detroit Southeastern High wide receiver Fred Smith is no exception. The 6-2, 210-pounder will be on campus to test his skills against the best. There’s only one thing still to be determined. When?

“I’m not sure which day I’m going to be down there yet,” Smith said. “I have to ask my coach. All I know is I’m probably going to just be doing one day of the camp. We’re still really trying to get everything together. I still have to get the other camps I’m going to go to scheduled.”

At one time, Smith’s camp tour looked as if it was going to be yet another piece in a decision making puzzle that wouldn’t be completed until after his final season. Recently, however, that timetable appears to be on the verge of being abbreviated… and the camps are now looking more like the final piece to the puzzle as opposed to one of the intermediates.

“I’m getting closer,” Smith admitted when asked if a decision might come sooner that previously expected. “I’m definitely getting closer. I’m getting more familiar with the programs and the coaches that are recruiting me. I’ll have to consult with my parents and my brother about it. We’re not all on the same page right now when it comes to making this decision.”

One thing that hasn’t changed in Smith’s recruitment is the triumvirate of schools sitting atop his list. Those three programs still look to have the best chance of landing the Motor City wideout’s services, but he did indicate the possibility of one more sneaking into the mix.

“It’s still the same schools at the top,” said Smith. “Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State. West Virginia is getting in there now too. They just came in and offered me so I’m going to look into them more.”


Some mods think that UM look very, very good for Smith. Smith realizes UM is only taking 3 WR this year and they are in on some very good ones, so if he wants a schollie from UM, he needs to step up soon.

BTW Glennon is a very slim chance at this point.

Thanks for the info Art. Since Glennon is a slim chance do you know if we'll be able to pull out one of the instate QB's or will we be relying on next year's class for something?

You know, one thing I always pay attention to is which order a player names the schools he's interested in. I think it's a subconscious (sp?) thing. If I'm naming a few things that I have to choose from, I'm naming my top choice either first or I'm naming all the others and my favorite last.

Seems like a lot of kids tend to name their top choice first or last, seems a little over the top analyzing like this but it always seems to be true when I'm following a kid.

I just hope that doesn't stick for Smith seeing that he named UM first and OSU last.

They want someone in this class. I will look over the next couple days and see who they got on their best guess list.

Smith is camping at Michigan for a day. There is rumor he will commit. Stonum is expected to commit around the same time. So that means 2 of the 3 WR pieces will be in place. Bladwin being the 3rd.

That's one heck of a WR trio coming in. Interesting that they would get that type of talent (potentially) the year after they got Clemons, Hemingway, Webb, Babb and Rogers.
I would have thought DE and DT would have been much higher priorities than WR. But I guess if the talent's there you take it and work out the depth chart later. Still, with only VanBergen and Sagasse in last year's class, you have to think they'll address the defensive line at some point. I guess the fact that, counting Brandon Graham, they signed six guys on the defensive line last year they may be thinking it's not that big of a need until 2008.

Dantonio needs to get at least 5 of these 7 players or I will be pissed.

Perry,Hoover,Smith,Pannell,Ruhland,Mathis and Gray.

He may be able to do it, but I would plan on being pissed if I were you.
I would be shocked if State got Gray. I'm just more and more convinced that he's heading out if state. Perry, Hoover and Smith are all guys that Michigan wants, but State has been putting up a very good fight for. I don't expect State to beat out UM for all 3, but they could get 1 or 2 and that should be good news for you. As far as Pannell, Ruhland and Mathis I think you may have a real strong shot.

Ahh, yes the average three star prospects that MSU has lived on for years. While the best Michigan prospects go elsewhere.

An article on Scout says things might have turned around for Perry and he might be leaning towards state.

There is a chance F. Smith commits to UM after he goes to camp.

UM wants Perry pretty bad, but they are in on Ethan Johnson and Middleton (Wash State) pretty good.

Carraway is not camping now, as it looks like UM wants F. Smith, Stonum and Baldwin as their WR this year.

He may be able to do it, but I would plan on being pissed if I were you.
I would be shocked if State got Gray. I'm just more and more convinced that he's heading out if state. Perry, Hoover and Smith are all guys that Michigan wants, but State has been putting up a very good fight for. I don't expect State to beat out UM for all 3, but they could get 1 or 2 and that should be good news for you. As far as Pannell, Ruhland and Mathis I think you may have a real strong shot.

Dont be shocked if State got Gray..Alot will depend on how State looks this year..Im not talking wins and losses. Im talking about the kind of offense and looking like they can compete

http://www.ncaabbs.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=237547
http://www.ncaabbs.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=237600

This is a Cincy board that is discussing a DL (Trevor Anderson) from Detroit who wants to transfer to MSU but Cincy won't grant him a release due to "tampering issues." And Dantonio is a "Cherry Picker".. Has anyone else heard about this..can it be confirmed..

Jonas Gray is sold into the depths of the Florida Gator depth chart.

Take that back Gray has new leader on rivals!!! MSU, No way.
Maybe MSU will get the Gray, Demens package.

Some big news coming from Jonas Gray. He said that he and his 4 star teammate LB Kenny Demons are now a package deal. They want to go to school together. That is big seeing that MSU has been recruiting both.

The bigger news is that Gray now has the Spartans #1 on his list. Gray is now the #4 running back in the nation according to Rivals and he's got the Spartans #1 because of the offense they will run and his new relationship with Javon Ringer. He and Ringer have become friends and Ringer is singing high praise of the new run heavy pro style offense.

Gray said it was Florida #1 and he almost commited early to them, but now it is Michigan State. Gray said that if he goes to MSU, he'll have one year to learn under Ringer and then he can take over. He also said that if his top choice does not have many commitments, he'll commit early and help them bring in more talent. I absolutely love his team frame of mind already. Willing to commit early so he can help MSU recruit more big names? #1 player in the state a Spartan? Oooooh boy! Big news!

Some big news coming from Jonas Gray. He said that he and his 4 star teammate LB Kenny Demons are now a package deal. They want to go to school together. That is big seeing that MSU has been recruiting both.

The bigger news is that Gray now has the Spartans #1 on his list. Gray is now the #4 running back in the nation according to Rivals and he's got the Spartans #1 because of the offense they will run and his new relationship with Javon Ringer. He and Ringer have become friends and Ringer is singing high praise of the new run heavy pro style offense.

Gray said it was Florida #1 and he almost commited early to them, but now it is Michigan State. Gray said that if he goes to MSU, he'll have one year to learn under Ringer and then he can take over. He also said that if his top choice does not have many commitments, he'll commit early and help them bring in more talent. I absolutely love his team frame of mind already. Willing to commit early so he can help MSU recruit more big names? #1 player in the state a Spartan? Oooooh boy! Big news!

Hmmmmmmm.......

If MSU were to land a stud like Gray (aka Duckett). Do you think MSU's chance of landing Pryor would go up from 1% to 2%?

no

BTW, I've got to give mad props to TommyZ who pmd me about two weeks ago and hinted to me that a certain big name running back would probably commit to MSU. Big props to TZ!

Congrats on the Gray info. I'm all for State getting talent. I have loved the years when the game has been close. Even though I enjoy a blowout too, I would rather have my squad beat a talented team.

Congrats on the Gray info. I'm all for State getting talent. I have loved the years when the game has been close. Even though I enjoy a blowout too, I would rather have my squad beat a talented team.

Fuck that. I say drub the shit out of Sparty, it's what they deserve. Save the close games for Utah and Ball State.
Don;t tell me your one of those guys who says shit like,"I hope State goes 11-1 EVERY year, cuz I'm from Michigan!" (And don't say it unless you are carrying your phazer, set to stun, and giving the 'Live Long and Prosper' Spock hand signal)

No, I don't hope they go 11-1 because then I have to hear crap like "We can hang in you sport but can you hang in ours?" Yeah, a Tre quote from years past. No, I really do like to see them get drubbed, but I'm civil about it around Tre and I'm ok with them having talent because if they do I feel even better about a victory if we can manage it.
No man, I despise State, but I despise Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC, and Florida State a little more. Even though I would take more crap from my friends for it, I would much rather have homegrown kids sticking around and making the area better than to sell out to a factory program.
State can go 2-10 for all I care. But throw some 5 star kids in there so I don't get the excuses.
Yep, all the same crap can be turned on me in a different discussion, but I'm sick of some of it and I'm really tired right now. This post might get quoted and twisted in every which way and I'll have headaches for weeks, but what the hell.
I don't like State, I think Jonas Gray - realistically - would be making a huge mistake. I'll be called a hypocrite because I'm not too fond of guys saying that about Michigan basketball, but whatever. Yeah, I am a little bit of a hypcrite but the one non-hypocritical thing I'm feeling right now is the willingness to admit it. We ALL look at our school through goggles and try to sound legit, and much of the time we are, but every cat on this board is a hypocrite at one point or another. I just hope I'm a little less of a hypocrite than the rest. You know, the cats that cry foul about the same crap they do? So damn sick of that.
Let's just talk some sports man.

This scout article says that MSU has 2 commits for 07-08. There is Burrell but who is the second one...typo?..

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=175&p=2&c=652120

This scout article says that MSU has 2 commits for 07-08. There is Burrell but who is the second one...typo?..

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=175&p=2&c=652120

Scout sucks, they are so inaccurate it's ridiculous. I visit the site and have no idea why.

To go along with the "Jonas Gray would be making a huge mistake" comment, this is the first time in a long time that I'll disagree. For at least the last year, I've agreed with Wolverine fans that have said a superstar would be better off going somewhere else other than State. I've agreed because they've sucked and had nobody to teach the kids.

Now, I'll disagree because of Dantonio. If Jonas Gray comes to State, he will be featured. He'll get his 20-25 carries a game for a team that will always run the ball. He'll also get good instruction. I believe in Dantonio as a teacher because of who he's learned from. Therefore, I think Gray at the very least would get the carries and instruction to make him a star running back at State. It may look like a mistake this year as they take on the toughest schedule and lose. But, a year from now, I think MSU might be a great fit for Gray.

To go along with the "Jonas Gray would be making a huge mistake" comment, this is the first time in a long time that I'll disagree. For at least the last year, I've agreed with Wolverine fans that have said a superstar would be better off going somewhere else other than State. I've agreed because they've sucked and had nobody to teach the kids.

Now, I'll disagree because of Dantonio. If Jonas Gray comes to State, he will be featured. He'll get his 20-25 carries a game for a team that will always run the ball. He'll also get good instruction. I believe in Dantonio as a teacher because of who he's learned from. Therefore, I think Gray at the very least would get the carries and instruction to make him a star running back at State. It may look like a mistake this year as they take on the toughest schedule and lose. But, a year from now, I think MSU might be a great fit for Gray.

The thing is, I dont believe he will play a snap his freshman year..I really hope he realizes that..Also, in my opinion only, I really believe MSU may have a better running back that will be a freshman this year in Ashton Leggett. That is just my opinion and I may be off my rocker. But I really like that kid and believe he was way under rated and over looked because of Rojo

I thought Leggett was going to be transformed into a FB.

Here's why I think Gray would be making a huge mistake. The more carries he gets, the more times he's going to get planted. Power running is a nice approach (if you want to be conservative and win only enough games to be recognizable) but it takes a toll on the backs. I would be surprised if Ringer held up all year in a power running game. It's just really difficult for guys to stay healthy, and when the line is unproven and the other offensive options are limited, big linebackers will come in packs and crush a guy like Gray. I'm actually not saying Michigan would be a better option for him - basically because of PT. But if he wants all those carries that a featured back gets without the protection a powerhouse school can provide all-around, he'll take a beating and he'll be lucky to get into the league and stay there. But after Ringer and Jimmerson get banged up, I do think he would get carries as a true freshman.

Here's why I think Gray would be making a huge mistake. The more carries he gets, the more times he's going to get planted. Power running is a nice approach (if you want to be conservative and win only enough games to be recognizable) but it takes a toll on the backs. I would be surprised if Ringer held up all year in a power running game. It's just really difficult for guys to stay healthy, and when the line is unproven and the other offensive options are limited, big linebackers will come in packs and crush a guy like Gray. I'm actually not saying Michigan would be a better option for him - basically because of PT. But if he wants all those carries that a featured back gets without the protection a powerhouse school can provide all-around, he'll take a beating and he'll be lucky to get into the league and stay there. But after Ringer and Jimmerson get banged up, I do think he would get carries as a true freshman.

I believe Michigan State finished 2nd in the BT in rushing in two of the last three seasons. Different scheme? Yeah, but it proves they can block to an extent. They have a good offensive line and it'll be better in the coming years. Talking about one of the best backs in the nation and claiming he'll get planted is a little premature, especially when they've had solid offensive lines. He goes to Michigan and gets treated like Hart and he's never going to have a pro career at all because of the beat down. It's obvious Carr doesn't give a damn about Hart's career as he runs him into the ground every year with outrageous carries. Don't know why you'd think that would be better for him.

The thing is, I dont believe he will play a snap his freshman year..I really hope he realizes that..Also, in my opinion only, I really believe MSU may have a better running back that will be a freshman this year in Ashton Leggett. That is just my opinion and I may be off my rocker. But I really like that kid and believe he was way under rated and over looked because of Rojo

He does know that. In an article on Rivals, he said that he would love to come in his freshman year and watch and learn from Ringer. He said that he could use his first year as a learning year and take over as a sophmore.

I believe Michigan State finished 2nd in the BT in rushing in two of the last three seasons. Different scheme? Yeah, but it proves they can block to an extent. They have a good offensive line and it'll be better in the coming years. Talking about one of the best backs in the nation and claiming he'll get planted is a little premature, especially when they've had solid offensive lines. He goes to Michigan and gets treated like Hart and he's never going to have a pro career at all because of the beat down. It's obvious Carr doesn't give a damn about Hart's career as he runs him into the ground every year with outrageous carries. Don't know why you'd think that would be better for him.

Sorry, I missed the fact that somehow those same linemen will be in East Lansing in two years. Oh yeah, that's because they won't. So you've changed the personnel that built that line and none of the players will still be there, and they've been replaced with mid-level recruits, yet somehow we should all just believe they will be as good if not better? I'm sure none of it had to do with a spread offense, zone blocking, and a running QB that could drop it over the top of LB's to keep the defense honest.

You're right, Jonas Gray will rush for 6,000 yards in EL before he leaves and you'll have 5 All-American linemen in front of him the whole time. In the event one of the linemen misses a game or two, it won't matter because Gray will shatter the helmets of anyone who tries to tackle him.

LOL...I actually agree

I believe Michigan State finished 2nd in the BT in rushing in two of the last three seasons. Different scheme? Yeah, but it proves they can block to an extent. They have a good offensive line and it'll be better in the coming years. Talking about one of the best backs in the nation and claiming he'll get planted is a little premature, especially when they've had solid offensive lines. He goes to Michigan and gets treated like Hart and he's never going to have a pro career at all because of the beat down. It's obvious Carr doesn't give a damn about Hart's career as he runs him into the ground every year with outrageous carries. Don't know why you'd think that would be better for him.

Your point about Hart being turned into hamburger at michigan is spot on. Carr has beat the shit out of that kid and probably cost him any semblance of a pro career. If I were a top high school running back I would definitely take into account Carr`s propensity to run his RBs into the ground.

Your point about Hart being turned into hamburger at michigan is spot on. Carr has beat the shit out of that kid and probably cost him any semblance of a pro career. If I were a top high school running back I would definitely take into account Carr`s propensity to run his RBs into the ground.

Yeah, your right..Any running back that gets an average of 25 rushes a game will cost him an NFL career...That is just plain and utter stupid [smilie=duh.gif] [smilie=bash.gif]

Yeah, your right..Any running back that gets an average of 25 rushes a game will cost him an NFL career...That is just plain and utter stupid [smilie=duh.gif] [smilie=bash.gif]
Doesn`t seem to be working for Hart. The kid has been hurt every year.

Doesn`t seem to be working for Hart. The kid has been hurt every year.

Hurt is not the same as Injured...Every runningback in the country gets "hurt". Injured is missing significant time. That has happened once.

How many games did he miss last year? Zero

Sorry, I missed the fact that somehow those same linemen will be in East Lansing in two years. Oh yeah, that's because they won't. So you've changed the personnel that built that line and none of the players will still be there, and they've been replaced with mid-level recruits, yet somehow we should all just believe they will be as good if not better? I'm sure none of it had to do with a spread offense, zone blocking, and a running QB that could drop it over the top of LB's to keep the defense honest.

You're right, Jonas Gray will rush for 6,000 yards in EL before he leaves and you'll have 5 All-American linemen in front of him the whole time. In the event one of the linemen misses a game or two, it won't matter because Gray will shatter the helmets of anyone who tries to tackle him.

When talking about their line, I was pointing out the fact that MSU has been able to produce solid lines and when your new coach comes in and says he wants to run the ball, that should help bring in more good lineman.

Last time I checked, Roland Martin wasn't a "mid-level recruit" and he is starting for the first time this year. If Jonas Gray becomes a Spartan, he will find a good line in front of him and have a great future.

Yeah, your right..Any running back that gets an average of 25 rushes a game will cost him an NFL career...That is just plain and utter stupid [smilie=duh.gif] [smilie=bash.gif]

Tommy, Hart has been run into the ground at Michigan. Everybody knows it. It's no secret that conservative Carr runs, runs, runs even when it isn't working. NFL scouts talk about a running back's work load in college all the time. They talk about how a rb's career is generally a short one therefore if they've had a huge workload in college, they probably won't last long in the NFL and that has been proven.

Hart had 31 carries against ND, 31 against Minnesota, 31 against Penn St., not to mention when he broke the 40 carry mark against State before last year.

Therefore Jethro claiming that UM would be a better place for Jonas Gray and his future is flat out retarded. You go to Michigan as a running back and you're going to get run into the ground and then you are going to have a bust of a NFL career. Everybody can count on that.

Hey, brilliant, show me the quote where I talked about Gray at Michigan. I didn't. I said State was a bad idea for him. For someone crying constantly about people putting words in your mouth, you seem to have quite a skill for doing it yourself.

As for Hart, yeah, he gets run into the ground. Guess what? He wouldn't have it any other way. You look at him on the sidelines when another back is in the game and he's antsy. He wants the ball and it doesn't matter if it's 60 carries per game. He's a competitor. Why should Carr take him out?

Hey, brilliant, show me the quote where I talked about Gray at Michigan. I didn't. I said State was a bad idea for him. For someone crying constantly about people putting words in your mouth, you seem to have quite a skill for doing it yourself.

As for Hart, yeah, he gets run into the ground. Guess what? He wouldn't have it any other way. You look at him on the sidelines when another back is in the game and he's antsy. He wants the ball and it doesn't matter if it's 60 carries per game. He's a competitor. Why should Carr take him out?
Carr should take the kid out for his longevity. Just because the kid doesn`t know whats good for him doesn`t mean the coach should go along with his wishes.

Carr should take the kid out for his longevity. Just because the kid doesn`t know whats good for him doesn`t mean the coach should go along with his wishes.

Exactly! Brilliant Jethro. You just described every single back in the country. Of course they want to be in the game. If Conservative Carr used his other 5 star backs, he might actually get more production out of the group as a whole. The younger guys would gain confidence and experience, not to mention contribute. Hart would be fresher and be able to produce better. He also might stay healthy more often. Despite what Tommy said, Hart is hurt all the time. In addition, he might actually have a chance at an NFL career. We all know asshole Carr could care less about their future, he just wants to figure out some way to avoid another big game loss. Great point though about Hart wanting to be in the game. We all know kids know what is best. I know when my the elementary kids in my classroom beg for recess all day instead of Math, ELA, Sci, etc. I always give it to them. Kids know best right?! Brilliant.

Comparing Mike Hart to your elementary students. Now that makes sense. And you know even more than Hart, though only a few years older. Wow, if you played college sports you might be the smartest person ever to suit up.

Back to recruiting. I'm checking out the list of the Top 10 players in Michigan this year with Gray obviously sitting atop the list. As Gray mentioned, he would like to commit early and help his school recruit. If he does indeed commit to MSU soon, I wonder if he could persuade some other big name recruits in-state to go to MSU. Many of them are already interested in the Spartans.

I imagine that if he commited soon enough, I could definately see him convincing his linebacker teammate, Fred Smith, and Corey Johnson to team up with him offensively. Only worry being Smith committing this week to UM first.

I'd definately like to see the instate DE combo coming in as a 4 star pair too. Just wishful thinking, but I'm really curious how the #1 player in the state committing could possibly turn MSU around fast.

Talking about Mike Hart's pro career is only slightly more moronic thatn talking about mine.
Hart is a great college running back, but he has neither the speed in the open field, nor the "hole hitting" speed, nor the cutback ability that a pro guy needs. His career is probably done after Michigan loses next years bowl game.

Word from the UM side of things is it's a matter of time before Smith drops.

Talking about Mike Hart's pro career is only slightly more moronic thatn talking about mine.
Hart is a great college running back, but he has neither the speed in the open field, nor the "hole hitting" speed, nor the cutback ability that a pro guy needs. His career is probably done after Michigan loses next years bowl game.

I have to admit, I agree.

Word from the UM side of things is it's a matter of time before Smith drops.

Could be true, however if it's anything like the State board, it's pretty damn biased. Most of the guys on the boards are wishful thinkers and the insiders are biased as hell. With that being said, I wouldn't doubt a Smith commitment to UM, but I hope he waits awhile giving State a chance.

Back to recruiting. I'm checking out the list of the Top 10 players in Michigan this year with Gray obviously sitting atop the list. As Gray mentioned, he would like to commit early and help his school recruit. If he does indeed commit to MSU soon, I wonder if he could persuade some other big name recruits in-state to go to MSU. Many of them are already interested in the Spartans.

I imagine that if he commited soon enough, I could definately see him convincing his linebacker teammate, Fred Smith, and Corey Johnson to team up with him offensively. Only worry being Smith committing this week to UM first.

I'd definately like to see the instate DE combo coming in as a 4 star pair too. Just wishful thinking, but I'm really curious how the #1 player in the state committing could possibly turn MSU around fast.

Smith will not end up at State..And they had Johnson but Dantonio screwed up Major by pulling his Scholly....Johnson will wait out the process to see what other offers he gets..My opinion is he does not end up at state because of what was done to him...That is just a guess on my part and I could be wrong, but I dont see it happening

Smith will not end up at State..And they had Johnson but Dantonio screwed up Major by pulling his Scholly....Johnson will wait out the process to see what other offers he gets..My opinion is he does not end up at state because of what was done to him...That is just a guess on my part and I could be wrong, but I dont see it happening

That's too bad on Smith. I would have liked to have had a chance at him. As far as Johnson is concerned, i don't get why MD played it that way. I know we already talked about this, but he should have evaluated while he already had him committed.

What does that Morgan Carter article on scout mean?

What does that Morgan Carter article on scout mean?

It says something about Tom Izzo being sick and having to retire immediately.

Okay, that was obviously a good-natured joke.

Okay, that was obviously a good-natured joke.
Good-natured maybe, but in very poor taste.

Just pushing buttons again, it's been a bit tame here today.

Okay, that was obviously a good-natured joke.

Generally good natured jokes don't involve people having cancer and dying. Great joke, I'm sure all the people here that have lost someone to cancer will find it funny.

My wife is an oncology nurse, and I've lost plenty of relatives to the C, so I know how that goes.

That said, I could have had the same effect with "sick" and probably should have gone that route, so I'll edit.

It was purely an attempt at shock value.

Probably not the best forum/thread for that.


p.s. to be clear, the original post didn't say anything about him "dying".

Especially after Terry Hoeppner died, timing was off. I wasn't here to see the original version, the edited one isn't bad, but again, timing.

Interesting......

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?S=175#S=175&F=1101&T=644815

"Boy, he was behind the 8-ball; he worked as hard as he could," Kelly said. "He was an academics risk in terms of coming into UC. I really feel good about the university and what they did to try to help Derrick Stewart. I feel bad for the kid. He tried. He just couldn't do college work."

-Brian Kelly

Holy crap. I`m no lawyer, but if this comment is not 100% factual it could be bordering on slander. Kelly sure is a dick-head.

"Boy, he was behind the 8-ball; he worked as hard as he could," Kelly said. "He was an academics risk in terms of coming into UC. I really feel good about the university and what they did to try to help Derrick Stewart. I feel bad for the kid. He tried. He just couldn't do college work."

-Brian Kelly

Holy crap. I`m no lawyer, but if this comment is not 100% factual it could be bordering on slander. Kelly sure is a dick-head.

Maybe the comment is 100% true

Yeah, but a Sparty coach would NEVER say something like that!
Thank God for Mark Dantonio.

Yikes. I'm guessing this story goes much deeper on both sides, but it's hard to see any positives coming out of it. It makes Kelly and both players look pretty bad.
From a UM perspective, interesting how not long after Jim Harbaugh ripped his alma mater for not being as strong acadmically as they should, Kelly says he'll release this kid to 3 schools, with UM being one of them. I'm not sure that UM would have taken him or not (see Marques Slocum) but with lingering buzz about Harbaugh's comments I'm guessing there are powers at the school that would have fought it bigtime. So if Kelly knew that, he's basically telling the kid - you can go MAC or GLIAC, and neither one has a good team, in other words screw you for screwing me. Interesting that he wouldn't include Toledo in that list.

Michigan's class is already shaping up to be great for '08.


Cissoko from Cass Tech was a HUGE for my boys in blue

Are we on a tape delay here?