2015 Michigan Football: Getting Real Real, Real Fast

[tims4wins]

 
My understanding is that Brady Hoke is a really good guy.

 
That is fair, and ultimately we root for the laundry. And I'm not even saying I don't think Harbaugh is a good guy. I just don't like him. Not all that different from Bobby V taking over the Sox job. Obviously Bobby V bombed big time but I wasn't exactly rooting all in for him from the beginning.

 

[Average Reds]

Snarky reply aside (And thanks for being understanding) I get what you are saying about Harbaugh.  He's a bit intense and tends to burn people out.  But that's a risk I'm willing to take right now.
 
Here's what I care about:  Harbaugh is a proven motivator of talent.  Michigan has had talent.  What they have not had is results.  If Harbaugh ends up being a short-term turnaround specialist who yields to someone better suited for the long run, that works for me.  If he ends up being like Red Berenson (or Bo, for matter) and becoming an institution, that works too.
 
In the context of Michigan, I'm more upset that he's Tom Crean's brother in-law than anything else.  So I'm rooting for Joani to wake up and divorce the schmuck.

 

[sachmoney]

In the context of Michigan, I'm more upset that he's Tom Crean's brother in-law than anything else.  So I'm rooting for Joani to wake up and divorce the schmuck.

HAHA - this is exactly where I'm at.
 
I love Jim. I have a less rosey opinion of John, but John isn't coaching Michigan.

 

[Zososoxfan]

Yeah I don't like the Harbaughs unconditionally or anything (more specifically referring to John), but I'm thrilled to have Jim as UM's coach. He doesn't seem like he will sacrifice anything in terms of academic standards (at least not on the face of things) and he WILL get results, I don't think that's in question.

 

[tims4wins]

Thanks for the thoughtful responses. Above all else, Go Blue.

 

[sachmoney]

Thanks for the thoughtful responses. Above all else, Go Blue.

For you.
https://twitter.com/CoachJim4UM/status/599290554225164288

 

[sachmoney]

https://twitter.com/JayHarbaugh/status/600642401200435200/photo/1

 

[Granite Sox]

I found him!

 

[sachmoney]

Our old friend was named the CEO of Toys R Us.

 

[Granite Sox]

(Apparently) picked up a commitment from 4-star OL from Cass Tech: Michael Onwenu
 
http://www.scout.com/college/michigan/topic/players?type=players&start=null&category=Football%20Recruiting&classYear=2016&team=Michigan&minimumInterest=Medium&name=onwenu

 

[sachmoney]

Michigan picked up the commitment of Kiante Enis, an athlete out of Indiana. He's currently a 3-star prospect, but is supposed to have some great speed. They say he can play RB, slot, or DB at the next level.
 
Yesterday was also the first day of the Summer Swarm Camps that have been driving the SEC crazy. Baumgardner had a good write up. They're in Pratville, Alabama today.

 

[Granite Sox]

I recommend that Coach keeps his shirt on.

 

[sachmoney]

I recommend that Coach keeps his shirt on.

Nah, I'm fine with Harbaugh breaking the internet on a daily basis.
 
After Enis, Michigan picked up the commitment of All Purpose Back, Chris Evans. Then, in Alabama, Harbaugh got Dytarious Jackson, another product of the Pratville pipeline. The Swarm Camp tour has done wonders to drum up interest. The class, right now, isn't glamorous from a star perspective, but Harbaugh is picking up a lot of guys that have power and speed. Furthermore, there is a lot of interest amongst blue chip players and I think that it's a matter of time before Michigan picks up some of these guys. One of the main factors is that those players tend to pick schools later in the cycle.

 

[sachmoney]

2 more commits. Antwaine Richardson and Rashad Weaver.

 

[Zososoxfan]

The staff is dishing out these offers based on in-person performances, but it's undeniable that these are not highly-touted recruits. This could be a case of the staff being ahead of the curve and stars are not the end all be all for results (the Hoke years provide ample evidence of that), but a correlation has been shown between recruiting ratings and results. I trust Jimmy and Co. to coach em up and outcoach the other side more often than not, but I'm surprised that they haven't gone after more heralded recruits.

 

[sachmoney]

The staff is dishing out these offers based on in-person performances, but it's undeniable that these are not highly-touted recruits. This could be a case of the staff being ahead of the curve and stars are not the end all be all for results (the Hoke years provide ample evidence of that), but a correlation has been shown between recruiting ratings and results. I trust Jimmy and Co. to coach em up and outcoach the other side more often than not, but I'm surprised that they haven't gone after more heralded recruits.

They are going after more touted recruits. The fact is that those recruits have longer timelines. I don't think they've really "missed" on any big recruits so far. With this camp system, I don't see any problem with Harbaugh snagging the guys that he likes, regardless of the rankings. Harbaugh is a competitive guy and he wants to win. I don't think that he's going to mess around offering "lower" ranked recruits. Also, keep in mind, that these rankings aren't final. Furthermore, it seems like a lot of these kids are from under-exposed programs. There is less evaluation at these schools and less talk about those kids. I'm not arguing for them to be rated higher or anything. I actually have no idea what to expect (this is pretty much the case for anyone that isn't a top top recruit to be honest).

 

[sachmoney]

Two more. Sean McKeon of Dudley, MA. Victor Viramontes.

 

[Granite Sox]

I have to think Viramontes will be moved off of QB (to Safety?).  Harbaugh has recruited Gentry, Malzone (sort of), and Peters, three pass-first QBs.  Can't see him breaking the mold with this kid, but who knows. 
 
McKeon allegedly has one of the faster 40 times around for a TE, but he'll need to pack on 25-30lbs, so we'll see how well that holds up.

 

[sachmoney]

The staff is dishing out these offers based on in-person performances, but it's undeniable that these are not highly-touted recruits. This could be a case of the staff being ahead of the curve and stars are not the end all be all for results (the Hoke years provide ample evidence of that), but a correlation has been shown between recruiting ratings and results. I trust Jimmy and Co. to coach em up and outcoach the other side more often than not, but I'm surprised that they haven't gone after more heralded recruits.

You wanted highly touted recruits? Here you go. Ben Bredeson.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

So that's two of the Top 10 rated OTs in the class. Encouraging, to say the least.

 

[Zososoxfan]

You wanted highly touted recruits? Here you go. Ben Bredeson.

 
Yup, my crow is delicious thank you. Very excited to have another bumper crop of top OL recruits come thru (even moreso this time around since I don't think Jim and Co. will bungle this). In fact, I expect our current OL to maul next year because they were highly rated recruits and now we have the coaching acumen to match.
 
But, this kind of reinforces my point, which is if Michigan is landing these consensus high-quality recruits, what was that run on unranked and 3-star prospects about.

 

[Granite Sox]

But, this kind of reinforces my point, which is if Michigan is landing these consensus high-quality recruits, what was that run on unranked and 3-star prospects about.

To use Red Sox prospect-speak, Harbaugh and his staff have received commitments from a lot of "toolsy" athletes that will bring speed and versatility to the roster moving forward. A few will show high ceilings, but these kids are an injection of athleticism.

Harbaugh will reserve the last half dozen or so slots for playmakers and difference makers.

 

[sachmoney]

And don't be surprised if some of these kids reconsider their commitments. I'm not talking about them getting pushed out, but rather, a lot of these kids haven't visited campus yet and may change their minds. As I said before, some of these kids haven't gotten a real look from other college coaches and recruiting sites. They may receive offers from programs closer to home that may make them reconsider. It's not a guarantee, but it's something that shouldn't be a surprise either. 
 
Again, I don't have a problem with Harbaugh bringing some of these guys in if they're bringing things like athleticism, speed, grit, determination, work ethic...the program needs more of that. With kids committing virtually every day, I can't say that I'm not concerned about scholarship numbers and getting some of the "higher end" guys that are high on Michigan.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

Another 3* recruit out of Florida, Devin Gil. Safety.
 
He plays together in the defensive backfield with 2* Josh Metellus, who committed a few days ago.
 
There is one more offer outstanding at Flanagan High: 4* LB Devin Bush Jr., whose father is the head coach.

 

[SoxJox]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if 4* CB Lavert Hill (from Deeetroieeet) de-commits from Penn State and winds up at UM.

 

[sachmoney]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if 4* CB Lavert Hill (from Deeetroieeet) de-commits from Penn State and winds up at UM.

Yeah, I was going to say when you posted Penn State's commits that Lavert Hill will probably flip. I didn't want to be a wet blanket. His brother Delano is already at Michigan. Plus, Harbaugh.

 

[sachmoney]

Devery Hamilton, a OT out of Gilman, MD (same HS as Henry Poggi), committed. He projects as an left tackle, but is a bit of a project. General consensus is that he has very good athleticism for a guy his size. This has been a theme amongst Harbaugh recruits (the athleticism). Hamilton is the 19th commit.

 

[Granite Sox]

With Rashad Gary coming to town this weekend...

 

[WayBackVazquez]

On a plane, so I can't link right now, but Ron Johnson, a 4* DE has committed, also. This class is going to be fine, fine, fine.

 

[sachmoney]

Pipkins says Harbaugh tried to force him to retire.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

Yeah, I saw that. Seems like sour grapes on the way out. They weren't going to let him play either way, he was going to get to keep his scholarship either way, and ultimately they're letting him transfer.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

Nike's back, baby!

 

[RedOctober3829]

Nike and also Jordan Brand for hoops.  Never felt right watching Michigan without the swoosh on their uniforms.

 

[SoxJox]

Ahem...you might be chagrined to learn that Phil Knight likely will be replaced by Mark Parker - a Penn State alumnus.  Of course, Parker has been President and CEO since 2006, so it's not like a cold slap.
 
And...
 

 
 
Despite the influential recommendation from Knight, Parker will still have to maneuver the governance regulations in place for selecting someone as important as a new chairman. Though the current chairman believes Parker is the best choice for the position, Nike’s Board of Directors will have the final say when the new chairman is officially selected sometime in 2016.

 
So it's not a lock.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

Why would we be chagrined? Why would we care? What does where Nike's next chairman went to college have to do with anything? Why does your post belong in this thread, as opposed to the PSU thread, or maybe a Nike thread? 

 

[SoxJox]

Why would we be chagrined? Why would we care? What does where Nike's next chairman went to college have to do with anything? Why does your post belong in this thread, as opposed to the PSU thread, or maybe a Nike thread? 

It was just a friendly poke. Sheesh.

 

[sachmoney]

I don't see the jab, Jox.
 
I'm very happy with this move. I do prefer Nike, though not to the extent that some people have shoe brand loyalty. Adidas didn't just go wrong with the hue of "maize." It was the basketball jerseys literally tearing during games. It was the ludicrous alternates. Was some of this propagated by our now former AD? Probably. It doesn't excuse the fact that the fan base and alumni were largely unhappy with Adidas.
 
To be honest, I was open to Under Armour too. Nike was my favorite. I'm glad that we're back with Nike.

 

[SoxJox]

My apologies then.  I generally come into the UM thread because it's a place for learning about a storied program's progress and to catch up on current Wolverine events.  I appreciate those that frequent here, including yourself and WBV.  Periodically, I like to contribute in [hopefully] meaningful and informed ways, too.  I'm not about taking a dump while visiting.
 
I honestly meant it in a friendly way. 

 

[WayBackVazquez]

I wasn't really offended. Just seemed like a non sequitur.

Anyway, I've always been on the Nike bandwagon, for both the superficial and the (perceived) substantive benefits in recruiting and quality. It just seems like the right fit.

 

[sachmoney]

I wasn't offended either. There was nothing to be offended by.

 

[SoxJox]

It's all good.
 
As you mention WBV, the benefits carry [not insignificant] superficial and perceived benefits.  But they can also can be very tangible and lucrative.  I didn't see in your linked article a $$ value for the new UM-Nike deal, but this article says UM hauled in $8.2/year in cash and equipment when they were with Adidas.  Penn State has gotten somewhere between $2M-3M/year  since joining forces with Nike in the early '90s.  Also citing the close relationship between Paterno and Knight, the article also mentions that $500K of Franklin 's $4.5M annual salary comes from Nike.  I wonder if similar terms are in play for Harbaugh.

 

[SoxJox]

I did find this article.  I'm imagining that the negotiations with Nike that prompted UM to move must have been something north of the 10-year $82-million deal with Adidas.  This will be BIG, no pun intended.
 

 
The value of Michigan's new deal with Nike won't be announced until later this month. But this chart shows what Big Ten schools made in 2014-15 with their individual apparel deals, according to the Portland Business Journal. Also listed are the top 10 deals nationally based on value during the 2014-15 academic year.
 
 
Big Ten

• Michigan (Adidas) -- $8,200,000
• Maryland (Under Armour) -- $4,300,000
• Ohio State (Nike) -- $4,164,014
• Nebraska (Adidas) -- $4,050,000
• Indiana (Adidas) -- $3,795,000
• Wisconsin (Adidas) -- $3,500,000
• Purdue (Nike) -- $1,950,000
• Iowa (Nike) -- $1,850,000
• Michigan State (Nike) -- $1,600,000
• Illinois (Nike) -- $1,525,000

Note: Data not available for Minnesota, Northwestern, Penn State and Rutgers.
 
 
Nationally

• Michigan (Adidas) -- $8,200,000
• UCLA (Adias) -- $7,500,000
• Kansas (Adidas) -- $6,375,000
• Louisville (Adidas) -- $5,680,000
• Tennessee (Adidas) -- $5,500,000
• Florida State (Nike) -- $4,400,000
• Maryland (Under Armour) -- $4,300,000
• Auburn (Under Armour) -- $4,300,000
• LSU (Nike) -- $4,200,000
• Ohio State (Nike) -- $4,164,014

 

[snowmanny]

Notre Dame's Under Armour deal signed in 2014 was supposedly the biggest at 10/90
 
I'm not sure why it isn't listed.

 

[SoxJox]

Notre Dame's Under Armour deal signed in 2014 was supposedly the biggest at 10/90
 
I'm not sure why it isn't listed.

I'm just guessing that it might be because the deal starts for the 2015-2016 academic year, which was outside the timeframe used to construct the list.

 

[sachmoney]

Still no details, but Hackett said yesterday that it's the largest in the country. Not at all surprised by that and think it's a deal that will be mutually beneficial.

 

[sachmoney]

Thought this was hilarious.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

Still no details, but Hackett said yesterday that it's the largest in the country. Not at all surprised by that and think it's a deal that will be mutually beneficial.

$122 million over 11 years, plus a 4-year option for another $47 million. Boom.

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/07/nike_michigan_1.html

 

[sachmoney]

15% royalties. Dollar dollar bills y'all.

 

[sachmoney]

Peppers and Ways on Harbaugh.

 

[sachmoney]

Harbaugh said Peppers may play offense...