Michigan Football 2016: I-Rashan-al
- Thread starter sachmoney
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Michigan will spend the first week of Spring Practice at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. They have a lot of top prospects down there.
And that'll do it. Great class. HARBAUGH has confirmed that there are seven early enrollees that count against the 2015 class.
So, the book is finally closed on the class yeah? Gary, Bredeson, and Peters headline. Lots of depth behind them led by Long, Asiasi, Onwewu, Walker, and Crawford. Even behind those highly-rated guys, there are tons of good FOOTBAW players (Hudson), athletic freaks (Eubanks), and everything in between (Hill and Bush - highly-rated but small). Haven't even mentioned some really good recruits. Very exciting. Lots of these guys will get time next year with the expectation they will start in 2017. Once this class is Juniors and RS Sophomores, watch out!
The SEC isn't happy about Harbaugh's plan to hold a week of Spring Practice in Florida. They're trying to block it.
Coach HarbaughVerified account@CoachJim4UMQuestion of the day: Does anyone find whining to be attractive? Just curious.
Given the general nature of the business and the number of coaches and schools that break actual rules in college athletics, I actually do not give any single fucks about how many rules that are "unwritten," made-up, fake, or existing only in the minds of competitors and sanctimonious media members (camps in the South, practices during spring break, revoking scholarships he didn't offer to begin with, having an over the top signing day) Harbaugh breaks in the name of building the most successful program possible.
I really hope Harbaugh is college football's General Sherman. Just burn the SEC down. Burn the shady part of the ACC down (you know which schools I am talking about).
Harbaugh is thinking of things that no one thought of or dared to do before, and he's doing them. He's disrupting the status quo, at least when it comes to recruiting and tactics. Harbaugh is doing things out of the norm and certain people are scared.
The SEC and some ACC schools have the advantage of proximity, success, and resources. Michigan has the resources (may be not the same ones) and the success looks like it is coming back. Proximity is the big thing and Harbaugh is closing that gap with his satellite camps and this Spring Practice. He is operating within the rules as currently constituted and others, even a fierce rival, may follow his novel approach. Proximity is probably those southern schools' greatest advantage and Michigan and Harbaugh are cutting into it. Those schools are scared.
I'm not going to completely dismiss Greg Sankey's point about Spring Break being one of the few weeks off for these players, but his argument seems disingenuous. I don't think any school really cares about its student-athletes getting time with their families. It's a business and the family time is an issue that they're hiding behind. The real issue is the infringing on territory and recruiting. It's about challenging the system, the SEC's formula for success.
And it's always funny to me to see old dudes arguing about students' best interests without considering, you know, what the students think:
That's only one opinion, but I'm sure there are many Michigan players who feel that way.
One of the other major points that Harbaugh made was that not all players can afford a trip for Spring Break. This plan allows those that can't afford to go to Florida to go to Florida. It kind of takes family income out of the equation. It's brilliant.
Harbaugh is thinking of things that no one thought of or dared to do before, and he's doing them. He's disrupting the status quo, at least when it comes to recruiting and tactics. Harbaugh is doing things out of the norm and certain people are scared.
The SEC and some ACC schools have the advantage of proximity, success, and resources. Michigan has the resources (may be not the same ones) and the success looks like it is coming back. Proximity is the big thing and Harbaugh is closing that gap with his satellite camps and this Spring Practice. He is operating within the rules as currently constituted and others, even a fierce rival, may follow his novel approach. Proximity is probably those southern schools' greatest advantage and Michigan and Harbaugh are cutting into it. Those schools are scared.
I'm not going to completely dismiss Greg Sankey's point about Spring Break being one of the few weeks off for these players, but his argument seems disingenuous. I don't think any school really cares about its student-athletes getting time with their families. It's a business and the family time is an issue that they're hiding behind. The real issue is the infringing on territory and recruiting. It's about challenging the system, the SEC's formula for success.
And it's always funny to me to see old dudes arguing about students' best interests without considering, you know, what the students think:
That's only one opinion, but I'm sure there are many Michigan players who feel that way.
One of the other major points that Harbaugh made was that not all players can afford a trip for Spring Break. This plan allows those that can't afford to go to Florida to go to Florida. It kind of takes family income out of the equation. It's brilliant.
On the satellite camp issue, last September the NCAA began a review of proposed rule changes that included banning them, and that all future camps would have to be conducted at the host school's facilities. I don't know what the disposition of that rule change.
The idea that SEC coaches are at all concerned with respecting the sanctity of free time for their student-athletes is something that should be met with howls of laughter.
For the record, when I was in school (back in the stone ages) I loved coming back from winter break early because of the swim/dive team's meet schedule. Being on campus for three weeks with your teammates (along with all of the other winter sports teams and no one else) was a lot of fun and there was no pressure.
It was Division III, so we're talking apples to T-Rex in terms of comparisons, but I think the basic logic (as expressed by Butt above) holds.
For the record, when I was in school (back in the stone ages) I loved coming back from winter break early because of the swim/dive team's meet schedule. Being on campus for three weeks with your teammates (along with all of the other winter sports teams and no one else) was a lot of fun and there was no pressure.
It was Division III, so we're talking apples to T-Rex in terms of comparisons, but I think the basic logic (as expressed by Butt above) holds.
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Eh, I feel like these threads are more about what goes on the calendar season than who affects what team.
McCaffrey is a huge commit. You usually want your quarterback to commit early and help with recruiting. I'm not sure Harbaugh really needs it, but getting McCaffrey aboard certainly can't hurt. He's the top player in Colorado, second best pro style passer, 44th nationally according to the 247 composite. When one of your top recruits is a receiver, it really can't hurt to get a great QB prospect. Hopefully, Michigan can land a player to protect him soon too. Ohio State has had a ridiculous start to their 2017 class. 10 of their 11 commits are blue chips and the 11th is a kicker. Michigan isn't going to match that but they've got to keep up.
McCaffrey is a huge commit. You usually want your quarterback to commit early and help with recruiting. I'm not sure Harbaugh really needs it, but getting McCaffrey aboard certainly can't hurt. He's the top player in Colorado, second best pro style passer, 44th nationally according to the 247 composite. When one of your top recruits is a receiver, it really can't hurt to get a great QB prospect. Hopefully, Michigan can land a player to protect him soon too. Ohio State has had a ridiculous start to their 2017 class. 10 of their 11 commits are blue chips and the 11th is a kicker. Michigan isn't going to match that but they've got to keep up.
I love that Harbaugh taking the team down to IMG this week has made so many people butt-hurt. From Bret Bielema:
Bret Bielema @BretBielema 32m32 minutes ago
After early meetings & lift tomorrow with our players. Thinking about heading to watch an open practice tomorrow at IMG with the staff. #WPS
Bret Bielema @BretBielema 32m32 minutes ago
After early meetings & lift tomorrow with our players. Thinking about heading to watch an open practice tomorrow at IMG with the staff. #WPS
About that Bert...
Spring Practice started today in Florida and Jim Harbaugh is dominating the college football headlines as usual. I thought Dan Wetzel, who I would guess is a Harbaugh sympathizer, had a good piece on the controversy. Harbaugh doesn't really give a shit, but we knew that. Malzahn had no comment. Whatever the take, Harbaugh and Michigan have been in the news and I'm really not sure that's a bad thing. Michigan is on the minds of everyone else and is taking energy away from focusing on what matters. Michigan, meanwhile, is going about its business.
I love the way that Harbaugh has split the practices. Part of that is due to non-contact, part of it is due to amount of time that players can spend at practice. Harbaugh has split the practice into two sessions with smaller groups. It allows the coaches to provide more individual attention while adhering to NCAA practice hour limitations. It gives guys more reps (less guys to distribute reps with at a time) and takes advantage of the fact that there's no limitation on the amount of practice time for coaches. I don't know how original this approach is, but I like it.
General notes:
Spring Practice started today in Florida and Jim Harbaugh is dominating the college football headlines as usual. I thought Dan Wetzel, who I would guess is a Harbaugh sympathizer, had a good piece on the controversy. Harbaugh doesn't really give a shit, but we knew that. Malzahn had no comment. Whatever the take, Harbaugh and Michigan have been in the news and I'm really not sure that's a bad thing. Michigan is on the minds of everyone else and is taking energy away from focusing on what matters. Michigan, meanwhile, is going about its business.
I love the way that Harbaugh has split the practices. Part of that is due to non-contact, part of it is due to amount of time that players can spend at practice. Harbaugh has split the practice into two sessions with smaller groups. It allows the coaches to provide more individual attention while adhering to NCAA practice hour limitations. It gives guys more reps (less guys to distribute reps with at a time) and takes advantage of the fact that there's no limitation on the amount of practice time for coaches. I don't know how original this approach is, but I like it.
General notes:
- O'Korn seems to be in the lead with the QBs, but not as ahead as one would have expected. Morris struggled on Monday. Didn't hear how he did yesterday.
- Wheatley Jr has come in at a swelt 291. He looks the best of the tight ends that aren't named Jake Butt. Bunting is in the mix while Gentry is still learning the position.
- Peppers has been getting most of his reps at LB. It sounds like Brown wants him around the ball and he will be playing a sort of Star role where he will be asked to be a linebacker that can cover. He has apparently struggled in coverage so far, which isn't surprising since that is what he struggled with last year. I do like the idea of having him around the ball to disrupt the rushing game and screens.
- Mason Cole is getting reps at Center. Grant Newsome is stepping up at RT. Kugler is the sixth OL.
Butch Jones from Tennessee tweeted that he thought about joining Dantonio and Bielma at open practice, and Harb's crushed him. Jones is a special kind of stupid.
Stribling and Hurst are two other players drawing notice for their play.
Stribling and Hurst are two other players drawing notice for their play.
tOSU's AD poo poo's a spring trip to Florida for the buckeyes because they aren't trying to "jump start" their program like Michigan is, and they are in a "different place".
Harbs offers his appreciation for the call-out:
@CoachJim4UM
Good to see Director Smith being relevant again after the tattoo fiasco. Welcome back!
Harbs offers his appreciation for the call-out:
@CoachJim4UM
Good to see Director Smith being relevant again after the tattoo fiasco. Welcome back!
HA! That is hilarious. I'm enjoying this take no prisoners public face. Really hearkens back to Bo.
Regrettably, the Wikipedia Police went in and scrubbed that entry around 3:30 this morning... Smith has since apologized to W. Manuel, the university, and the student body/alumni... but not to Harbs.
Bern!
Bern!
Michigan picks up commitments from AL S J'Marick Woods and Lawrence Academy's AJ Dillon. The class is up to 8. More expected this weekend, with the Spring Game.
The Spring Game is tonight. It will be televised on the Big Ten Network. I want no injuries and more than one offensive touchdown.
I only saw the first hour, but things looked a little more organized than last year's first game under Harbaugh and the preceding several games under Hoke.
I hate the silliness with Morris as a receiver... What is the point with that?
Nothing really stood out to me one way or another.
No QB separated in my mind, though Speight seemed to back up some of the (mildly surprising) compliments about his status on the depth chart.
In summary: many starters saw minimal action, there were no major injuries, no one jumped off the screen (to me). Time for summer break.
I hate the silliness with Morris as a receiver... What is the point with that?
Nothing really stood out to me one way or another.
No QB separated in my mind, though Speight seemed to back up some of the (mildly surprising) compliments about his status on the depth chart.
In summary: many starters saw minimal action, there were no major injuries, no one jumped off the screen (to me). Time for summer break.
Gary got a huge standing O. Looks fat but I don't doubt he knows he has to work his ass off.
Also weird that at halftime when they did the recruit infros (I would've Ultimate Warrior'd to the 50) they split the white and black recruit intros (all white kids then the black kids). Probably nothing to read in to but just...odd.
Also weird that at halftime when they did the recruit infros (I would've Ultimate Warrior'd to the 50) they split the white and black recruit intros (all white kids then the black kids). Probably nothing to read in to but just...odd.
Michigan picked up 3 more commits last week/end:
Chase Lasater - A very Harbaugh player. Destroy souls. Goes to a powerhouse school in Jacksonville, so it might be a good way to get in.
Phil Paea - Instate DT who may play OG.
O'Maury Samuels - Physical phenomenon out of NM. He has an awesome SPARQ score and I feel like he is the game breaker of this running back crop. I bet that writer from NM who shat on Harbaugh for moving Gentry to TE (a move that seems to be a good one for Gentry) is steaming right now.
Chase Lasater - A very Harbaugh player. Destroy souls. Goes to a powerhouse school in Jacksonville, so it might be a good way to get in.
Phil Paea - Instate DT who may play OG.
O'Maury Samuels - Physical phenomenon out of NM. He has an awesome SPARQ score and I feel like he is the game breaker of this running back crop. I bet that writer from NM who shat on Harbaugh for moving Gentry to TE (a move that seems to be a good one for Gentry) is steaming right now.
Bruce Feldman @BruceFeldmanCFB 13s13 seconds ago
The NCAA D1 Board has OVERTURNED the satellite camp ban and asks the council to review the football recruiting process.
The NCAA D1 Board has OVERTURNED the satellite camp ban and asks the council to review the football recruiting process.
"In our zeal to serve the interests of the SEC and ACC we unintentionally screwed lots of programs and recruits. Oops."
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/05/13/college-why-michigan-could-have-college-footballs-best-defense-in-2016/
And not a single mention of Wrecking Ball Rashan.
Picked this up yesterday in Vegas:
Seems a tad overly optimistic for a team without a returning QB.
Seems a tad overly optimistic for a team without a returning QB.
That 6/1 is right up there with the Celtics at 20/1 to win next year's NBA title. Overly optimistic indeed.Picked this up yesterday in Vegas:
Seems a tad overly optimistic for a team without a returning QB.
Totally agree.
I'd also add that while the offensive line was greatly improved, it was no where near top notch. Even when Bama has questions at QB, they have had a solid OL and RB core for the offense to rely on. We haven't seen anything to suggest that Michigan's OL is going to be top notch and certainly the running back stable isn't what Bama has had. There's a lot of questions about how that talent is going to come together. While I do think Michigan has an excellent chance at the Big Ten, it's hard seeing them compete for the national title this year without dramatic improvement offensively.
I'd also add that while the offensive line was greatly improved, it was no where near top notch. Even when Bama has questions at QB, they have had a solid OL and RB core for the offense to rely on. We haven't seen anything to suggest that Michigan's OL is going to be top notch and certainly the running back stable isn't what Bama has had. There's a lot of questions about how that talent is going to come together. While I do think Michigan has an excellent chance at the Big Ten, it's hard seeing them compete for the national title this year without dramatic improvement offensively.
Harbaugh gonna Harbaugh.
Coach Harbaugh @CoachJim4UM 2m2 minutes ago
"Amazing" to me- Alabama broke NCAA rules & now their HC is lecturing us on the possibility of rules being broken at camps. Truly "amazing."
Coach Harbaugh @CoachJim4UM 2m2 minutes ago
"Amazing" to me- Alabama broke NCAA rules & now their HC is lecturing us on the possibility of rules being broken at camps. Truly "amazing."
If Saban gonna talk shit after he fired a coach for recruiting violations, Harbaugh is going to throw shade his way. Deserved. Someone's gotta say something.
And of course that "someone" is always going to be a whiny, self-absorbed Harbaugh.
Yup. Shocked his twat of a kid hadn't chimed in with something incredibly stupid and incoherent yet. Must be too busy penning love letters in crayon to recruits.
"Amazing" to me - People's hatred of all things Harbaugh makes them ignore the substance of what's being discussed and instead focus on the personalities and the laundry. Truly "amazing."
Nice.
Harbaugh is doing a camp in Atlanta with Kirby Smart (and Pat Narduzzi) right now. Well, I should say that Harbaugh is doing the camp and Kirby Smart is there. Smart is on his phone. Harbaugh is coaching. Sounds about right.
I never said I disagreed with his point. Harbaugh is right and I don't blame him for one second for trying to gain an edge in a landscape where everyone is cheating or coming close to it. But I find it funny that a grown man can't avoid little Twitter spats. How Trumpian of him.
But good job with the "amazing" bit. That was very witty of you.
Honestly, while I'm certainly no fan of the Harbaugh's, I do enjoy him rankling the SEC.Just trying to keep it lighthearted.
Michigan gets the commitment of Corey Malone-Hatcher. He is a defensive end out of Saint Joseph. He is the 6th ranked prospect in the state of Michigan. The Wolverines now have 3 of the top 6 prospects in the state
Coaching? You mean like the "coaching" he did at the end of the MSU game in which he never said a word to his punting unit, sent them out with 6 essentially to block 10, never called a TO to adjust and then threw his punter under the bus in the post game presser. Yeah, excellent "coaching" there.
Hopefully the campers get a lot of value out of Captain Khaki playing shirtless with them this summer.
If he lands DPJ and/or Ambry Thomas too, I will be absolutely floored since UM would then have cleaned up instate. Jaylen Kelly Powell could probably push for early PT if he sticks at S and is the other in-stater really worth keeping an eye on. I think we have a good shot at Isaiah Washington too on the national radar, but that chip wont fall until much later and will be tough to close.