262 replies to this topic

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

New coach today, new item. Maybe a mod would be kind enough to move the posts on the old item made after 4:00 pm.

I want to distance myself from everything RichRod as quickly as humanly possible.

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

Brady Hoke's career record as a head coach:

He took over for Bill Lynch at Ball State, who hadn't had a winning record since 1996, but had led the team to a 6-6 mark in 2002 before being fired.

Prior to that, Hoke was the Michigan defensive line coach for six seasons. Michigan was 59-15 (39-9 Big Ten) over that stretch. He was a four-year letter-winning player at Ball State, ending in 1980.

2003 Ball State, 42 returning lettermen/12 returning starters, 4-8 (3-5 MAC), 21.8/32.2 average score, 115/198 yards rushing per game/against, 228/190 passing yards/against.

2004 Ball State, 48/12 returning, 2-9 (2-6 MAC), 20.5/36.8 average score, 114/197 rushing, 209/261 passing.
2005 Ball State, 40/13 returning, 4-7 (4-4 MAC), 21.2/37.8 average score, 110/202 rushing, 189/257 passing.
2006 Ball State, 54/18 returning, 5-7 (5-3 MAC), 27.2/25.8 average score, 92/176 rushing, 259/258 passing.
2007 Ball State, 37/13 returning, 7-6 (5-2 MAC), 31.5/28.3 average score, 149/204 rushing, 285/228 passing (lost to Rutgers in bowl game).
2008 Ball State, 41/18 returning, 12-2 (8-1 MAC), 34.9/20.5 average score, 185/163 rushing, 258/205 passing (won 12 straight before losing to Buffalo in MAC championship, then lost to Tulsa in bowl game).

In 2009, he took over at San Diego State for Chuck Long, who was 9-27 over three years (7-17 in the Mountain West). The Aztecs last played in a bowl game in 1998.

2009 San Diego State, 49/14 returning, 4-8 (2-6 MW), 23.3/30.5 average score, 78/166 rushing, 264/217 passing.
2010 San Diego State, 44/16 returning, 9-4 (5-3 MW), 35.0/22.1 average score, 162/149 rushing 295/205 passing (beat Navy in bowl game).

[twibnotes]

New coach today, new item. Maybe a mod would be kind enough to move the posts on the old item made after 4:00 pm.

I want to distance myself from everything RichRod as quickly as humanly possible.

Finally something we can all agree on...Go Blue.

[redinchicago]

Now it's time to think about coordinators.

I wouldn't even know what offensive coordinator to bring in, as we don't know whether Denard will around next year, etc. Sounded like Devin Gardner was going to stay, whomever the coach. But that was last week.

More important to me is the ability to recruit Ohio again. Hoke will hopefully help with that. Maybe his brother will also help with that.

Not sure I want Bill Sheridan as the D Coordinator. I'd prefer Mike Trgovac (DL coach in GB). It's possible Jon Hoke can recruit better, but to have an established professional D coordinator could help.

[berniecarbo1]

Brady Hoke's career record as a head coach:

He took over for Bill Lynch at Ball State, who hadn't had a winning record since 1996, but had led the team to a 6-6 mark in 2002 before being fired.

Prior to that, Hoke was the Michigan defensive line coach for six seasons. Michigan was 59-15 (39-9 Big Ten) over that stretch. He was a four-year letter-winning player at Ball State, ending in 1980.

2003 Ball State, 42 returning lettermen/12 returning starters, 4-8 (3-5 MAC), 21.8/32.2 average score, 115/198 yards rushing per game/against, 228/190 passing yards/against.

2004 Ball State, 48/12 returning, 2-9 (2-6 MAC), 20.5/36.8 average score, 114/197 rushing, 209/261 passing.
2005 Ball State, 40/13 returning, 4-7 (4-4 MAC), 21.2/37.8 average score, 110/202 rushing, 189/257 passing.
2006 Ball State, 54/18 returning, 5-7 (5-3 MAC), 27.2/25.8 average score, 92/176 rushing, 259/258 passing.
2007 Ball State, 37/13 returning, 7-6 (5-2 MAC), 31.5/28.3 average score, 149/204 rushing, 285/228 passing (lost to Rutgers in bowl game).
2008 Ball State, 41/18 returning, 12-2 (8-1 MAC), 34.9/20.5 average score, 185/163 rushing, 258/205 passing (won 12 straight before losing to Buffalo in MAC championship, then lost to Tulsa in bowl game).

In 2009, he took over at San Diego State for Chuck Long, who was 9-27 over three years (7-17 in the Mountain West). The Aztecs last played in a bowl game in 1998.

2009 San Diego State, 49/14 returning, 4-8 (2-6 MW), 23.3/30.5 average score, 78/166 rushing, 264/217 passing.
2010 San Diego State, 44/16 returning, 9-4 (5-3 MW), 35.0/22.1 average score, 162/149 rushing 295/205 passing (beat Navy in bowl game).

Looks like he turns programs around, knows the Big 10 area, has roots now in California, and is running a national program.....looks like a good hire to me.

[Eric1984]

I hope so. It's just that the way this was all handled makes me feel so little confidence in the ability of this administrtion to do anything right. That and the fact that a three-year turnaround time is too long when in that period of time from now no recruit wlll be old enough to remember when Michigan was relevant. And it's not like we've got the nicest weather or hottest female students to lure anyone if the program itself is no longer a no-brained selling point.

I'm sure I'll feel a lot more optimistic once hey get back on the field, however. I always do. Hopefully this guy will make me laugh at all my apprehensions.

[Dick Pole Upside]

Copy/paste from something I just put in 2010. This includes info on the new OC, Al Borges
--------------------------------------

I like the hire. I may be gullible, but I think he was second choice. I think Harbaugh was #1, but it became quickly clear to Brandon that he had his eyes on the NFL, which was the right move for him now, imo. I think the Miles dalliance was done to placate the alumni, and like one of the other posters suggested, Brandon and Miles probably kicked back, had a couple of beers, and waited for the LSU AD to call and provide a few more $$ or perks. After Harbaugh signaled NFL, it was going to be Hoke all the way. Why did he wait? Michigan politics, and saving a little money on Rodriguez' buyout. Why does that make people so angry?

I'm actually looking forward to seeing what he can do. Putting aside recruiting for a second, I think almost by default he can make the defense better based on his past experience. It certainly can't get any worse. Ditto special teams.

I'm sure there will be some trade-offs on offense... I hope he can convince Robinson to stay another year, but based on his offenses the past few years, Devin Gardner should warm up his arm. Gardner profiles much more like Nate Davis from his 12-1 Ball State team than Robinson (I haven't seen any SDSU this year). That was a pro-style offense with a fair amount of play-action and vertical passing.

He's bringing along his OC from SDSU, Al Borges. The Gulf Coast offense was predicated on quick reads, exploiting mismatches, and shorter passing routes than what he had a Ball State. Maybe a little more suitable for Robinson if they go that way.

For the "fans" at gobluewolverine that are besides themselves, I did a little run down of the college players that Borges has coached up while OC/QB Coach at UCLA, Cal, Indiana, and Auburn:

• Cade McNown
• DeShaun Foster
• Freddie Mitchell
• Skip Hicks
• Jason Campbell
• Cadillac Williams
• Ronnie Brown
• Kenny Irons
• Devin Aromashodu
• Courtney Roby
• BenJarvus Green-Ellis (yes, our own Law Firm when he was at Indiana and was leading rusher there)
• Kyle Boller

At the college level, that's a pretty decent set of talent. I'm encouraged.

He's got to try and keep as many recruits as possible (Crawford, Kellen Jones, a few others rightfully waffling or "opening up") and maybe grab a couple big boys on DL or LB. Rumor is that no final solution has emerged for Frost with Auburn, so maybe Hoke can make a late run for him as well.

Edited by Dick Pole Upside, 11 January 2011 - 09:36 PM.

[twibnotes]

This cements it: we got the right guy...

!

[sachmoney]

Positive vibes from the current players:

"Well, we know who our next coach is going to be — man, I'm so happy," Heininger said, still grinning. "This is this Michigan we grew up watching. It's coming back here, and it was a happy room. It was a real happy room."

"From everything I've heard about (Hoke), you know, I grew up watching Charles Woodson and Steve Hutchinson and Brian Griese play and all of those guys called Dave Brandon on their own behalf and said this is the best coach," Heininger said. "Steve Hutchinson said this is the best coach he's ever had — how could I argue with that?"

"We're really glad this is all over," Heininger said. "(It's) like this is a new start of what Michigan always has been. And this is the kind of coach you want. Dave Brandon really did have a process as he explained in there and he stuck by it no matter what everybody said. He wanted the best person for us, and that's who we got."

***
"Dave Brandon was sold, and we are too," junior wide receiver Darryl Stonum said.

Added Stonum: "You're bringing in a Michigan guy.

(When) I was recruited here I knew all about the tradition. And all about the winning. And all about everything else that Michigan has to offer. From what I hear, (Hoke's) going to bring that back."

***
"So far we know he's hard-working, (and) he's all about Michigan — he's a 'Michigan Man,' " freshman defensive end Jibreel Black said. "We want somebody to come in, where the atmosphere won't be so new to him. He's been in the Big House so we won't have to introduce that to him. He knows pretty much what Michigan stands for."

***
"It's weird watching stuff on TV and not really knowing what's going on," said redshirt sophomore running back Mike Cox. "And then all of a sudden being told about your coach not being here. It's definitely better (knowing first)."

***
"Everybody (has to) buy in," junior linebacker J.B. Fitzgerald told the assembled media. "I think everybody realizes that. You know, the first time it didn't really go as well because everybody wasn't really buying in. … The chemistry is real good right now. Everybody's excited, and everybody's ready to get it started."

Alums chime in:

Braylon Edwards (2001-04): @officialbraylon: I want to congratulate #BradyHoke. He coached my 1st 2yrs, he's a good friend of mine & a great coach #GoBlueDesmond Howard (1989-91): @desmond_howard: Brady Hoke will be Michigan's next head coach! I've heard nothing but positive things about him since midseason.

Mike Hart (2004-07): @MHart203: Hoke = Great choice he knows and Michigan Football.

Cato June (1999-02): @catojune: Congrats #GoBlue we have a new coach and his name is Brady Hoke!

Dhani Jones (1996-99): @dhanijones: Congrats @DaveBrandonAD on the hire of Brady Hoke. He's felt a Michigan Championship. Time to return! #goblue #michiganman

"I'm excited for Brady Hoke and even for Michigan," Green Bay Packers and former Michigan star Charles Woodson wrote in a text message to The Associated Press. "I'm glad this process is over and we can begin to restore the tradition and respect that was once Michigan."

Looking forward to reading The Daily tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have class during the press conference, but I'm sure there will be a lot of video/tweeting going on. I'm interested in what he has to say.

[grsharky7]

New coach today, new item. Maybe a mod would be kind enough to move the posts on the old item made after 4:00 pm.

I want to distance myself from everything RichRod as quickly as humanly possible.

You and I both, and I'm a WVU alum. In all seriousness now I can go back to not hating UM and back to hating OSU. I actually felt dirty rooting for the Buckeyes the last 3 years against UM. I never had anything against UM until RR left, now I can go back to that! UM needs someone who really does love the university and is willing to do it their way. That was never Rich, hopefully Hoke will provide some stability there for a while so they can back on their feet.

[sachmoney]

The link to the Live Feed, for those of you at work. I'm going to be in class, so I'll have to check it out later myself. Players look pretty happy, Hoke and Denard.

Edited by sachmoney, 12 January 2011 - 12:25 PM.

[redinchicago]

Not a surprise, Tate Forcier is NOT with the team or even enrolled at Michigan. I'm guessing he flunked out. HOPEFULLY I tandum of DRob and Gardner next season.

[JMDurron]

Copy/paste from something I just put in 2010. This includes info on the new OC, Al Borges
--------------------------------------

I like the hire. I may be gullible, but I think he was second choice. I think Harbaugh was #1, but it became quickly clear to Brandon that he had his eyes on the NFL, which was the right move for him now, imo. I think the Miles dalliance was done to placate the alumni, and like one of the other posters suggested, Brandon and Miles probably kicked back, had a couple of beers, and waited for the LSU AD to call and provide a few more $$ or perks. After Harbaugh signaled NFL, it was going to be Hoke all the way. Why did he wait? Michigan politics, and saving a little money on Rodriguez' buyout. Why does that make people so angry?

I'm actually looking forward to seeing what he can do. Putting aside recruiting for a second, I think almost by default he can make the defense better based on his past experience. It certainly can't get any worse. Ditto special teams.

I'm sure there will be some trade-offs on offense... I hope he can convince Robinson to stay another year, but based on his offenses the past few years, Devin Gardner should warm up his arm. Gardner profiles much more like Nate Davis from his 12-1 Ball State team than Robinson (I haven't seen any SDSU this year). That was a pro-style offense with a fair amount of play-action and vertical passing.

He's bringing along his OC from SDSU, Al Borges. The Gulf Coast offense was predicated on quick reads, exploiting mismatches, and shorter passing routes than what he had a Ball State. Maybe a little more suitable for Robinson if they go that way.

For the "fans" at gobluewolverine that are besides themselves, I did a little run down of the college players that Borges has coached up while OC/QB Coach at UCLA, Cal, Indiana, and Auburn:

• Cade McNown
• DeShaun Foster
• Freddie Mitchell
• Skip Hicks
• Jason Campbell
• Cadillac Williams
• Ronnie Brown
• Kenny Irons
• Devin Aromashodu
• Courtney Roby
• BenJarvus Green-Ellis (yes, our own Law Firm when he was at Indiana and was leading rusher there)
• Kyle Boller

At the college level, that's a pretty decent set of talent. I'm encouraged.

He's got to try and keep as many recruits as possible (Crawford, Kellen Jones, a few others rightfully waffling or "opening up") and maybe grab a couple big boys on DL or LB. Rumor is that no final solution has emerged for Frost with Auburn, so maybe Hoke can make a late run for him as well.

You could add Ben Obomanu, WR currently of the Seahawks, to that list as well. Also, Marcus McNeil, LT, San Diego Chargers, although maybe you're just talking about players at skill positions. They were on the 2004 Auburn offense with Jason Campbell, Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, and Devin Aromashodu.

[sachmoney]

Not a surprise, Tate Forcier is NOT with the team or even enrolled at Michigan. I'm guessing he flunked out. HOPEFULLY I tandum of DRob and Gardner next season.

Tate flunked out, he's going to enroll in community college and try to work his back to playing football, but it sucks for him. Wish him the best.

They just interviewed Hoke at halftime of this OSU-UM basketball game. He seemed to say the right things, though GuJo was feeding him meatball questions. He said he's going to meet with Denard again tomorrow.

[thehitcat]

Any thoughts (or better yet insight) about Brady's staff?

[redinchicago]

Any thoughts (or better yet insight) about Brady's staff?

Besides Al Borges? I guess strength coach Barwis is gone and Brady is bringing in his strength guy from SDSU.

Nothing yet on their defensive coaches. I don't think? Maybe waiting for the weekend NFL games? His brother Jon is the defensive backs coach with the Bears and there are others.

[Neonman]

Besides Al Borges? I guess strength coach Barwis is gone and Brady is bringing in his strength guy from SDSU.

Nothing yet on their defensive coaches. I don't think? Maybe waiting for the weekend NFL games? His brother Jon is the defensive backs coach with the Bears and there are others.

Link to an article regarding the coaches. Nothing really new. Reiterates what red had posted.

http://freep.com

Edited by Neonman, 13 January 2011 - 05:04 PM.

[sachmoney]

I am not very happy that Barwis is leaving the University. I have a great admiration for what he does and thought he was a fantastic representative for the University. He helped Brock Mealer walk again. He seemed to be doing a great job with a lot of the guys and the players seemed to really like him. I'm going to miss the guy. Hoke spoke very highly of his guy so we'll see.

Ironically, it appears Barwis is headed to SDSU.

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

Apparently, Hoke said on local radio today that Denard has agreed to remain at Michigan. I'm glad Hoke has made this priority before even going out on the recruiting trail. Shows the players he doesn't want to upset the proverbial apple cart all at once.

Barwis may have his positive qualities, and the blame may well lie on Rodriguez and his inability to make any kind of halftime adjustment, but the concept that running the players ragged during training leads to superior fourth-quarter performances didn't translate at all.

[Dick Pole Upside]

Supposedly Fred Jackson returning as RB coach. Now... if we could only find some RBs... (note: I think Hopkins has decent potential. Toussaint is a porcelain doll, Smith is feisty but too small and a step slow after the knee injury, and Shaw is talented but a knucklehead whose constant mental mistakes earned him some bench time)

[axx]

Tate flunked out, he's going to enroll in community college and try to work his back to playing football, but it sucks for him. Wish him the best.

They just interviewed Hoke at halftime of this OSU-UM basketball game. He seemed to say the right things, though GuJo was feeding him meatball questions. He said he's going to meet with Denard again tomorrow.

This wasn't a ploy by Michigan to free up a scholarship, was it?

[sachmoney]

This wasn't a ploy by Michigan to free up a scholarship, was it?

Losing their most reliable quarterback to gain a scholarship? I doubt it. I think they're going to struggle to get the kind of numbers that they need to get from this recruiting class and future recruiting classes. Furthermore, they don't really have any quarterback commits on the horizon. They had Kevin Souza, but he wasn't shown the love and committed somewhere else. There was talk of Marquise Williams, but I don't know what's up with him. I would expect Brady Hoke to bring in a pro-style quarterback, may be next year. Gardner can probably play the pro-style better than both Denard and Tate, since he's a big boy. But to answer your question bluntly, no because I don't think Michigan will have enough new players to give scholarships to.

[bowiac]

This wasn't a ploy by Michigan to free up a scholarship, was it?

Seriously, if there's anything Michigan has right now, it's scholarships... They were looking at a class of around 17-19 to kids. They're currently at 12, with several of those wavering. I'd be surprised if they got it above 16. The scholarship isn't the problem.

[Zososoxfan]

Although this should probably go in the 2010 thread, I think we all agree that that thread should be locked away and never discussed again. Hokeamania time.

Anyways, here's a take on the issues that plagued RR recruiting over the past 3 years:

I have heard comments in recent weeks that Rodriguez and his staff did not work hard on the recruiting trail... I disagree. Obviously I watched them very closely and their issue was not a lack of effort, but a poor recruiting plan combined with a program in freefall.

Michigan is never going to be like Texas or Florida or LSU where the majority of their class comes from within their own state borders. The state of Michigan, though improving in overall talent, does not have the number of high level Division 1 prospects those states do.

Michigan's recruiting plan, however, should start close to home and branch outward from there. You early offer the kids in your territory who are either so talented they demand offers or are solid prospects at positions of need. Then you look outward at prospects you have connections with in other states.

Now, Ohio needs to be considered on near the same level as the state of Michigan here. Michigan was so successful in the Buckeye State for so many years because, despite being home to their hated rival, there are a lot of Michigan fans in that state.

While Rodriguez and his staff were able to pull kids from Ohio, they never managed to compete with the Buckeyes for the state's top prospects. In 2010 they signed 11 prospects from Ohio, but not one was offered by the Buckeyes. They got Ohio State's leftovers, and there is no way you are going to beat your rival on a consistent basis with those types of results.

It may sound like I am being harsh on the former Michigan staff, but remember I have the benefit of hindsight. Rodriguez had no "home" territory at West Virginia. The closest they came to that was Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, where they were third, at best, among the teams recruiting those regions.

To bring this back to 2011, the article also discusses the best case scenario for this class. There's 8 solid commits, 4 taking visits this weekend (including the kicker), and then lists another 4 uncommitted prospects. The idea is to grab as many of the 16 as possible, don't get stretched too thin, and bank the scholarships for next year, where there's a real bumper crop of prospects coming out of the midwest.

[bowiac]

Have a link for that article?

What I'll say about Rodriguez's recruiting is that it seemed like he was getting four star recruits who were oddly underrecruited by other schools. A lot of the guys Michigan was getting lacked offers from many high level programs, suggesting that they may have been worse than their "star" rating number would indicate. In that way, Rodriguez was almost gaming the system - making it appear that his class was better than it actually was. I'm assuming that offers are a better indication of talent than Scout/Rivals/ESPN ratings...

[Zososoxfan]

Have a link for that article?

What I'll say about Rodriguez's recruiting is that it seemed like he was getting four star recruits who were oddly underrecruited by other schools. A lot of the guys Michigan was getting lacked offers from many high level programs, suggesting that they may have been worse than their "star" rating number would indicate. In that way, Rodriguez was almost gaming the system - making it appear that his class was better than it actually was. I'm assuming that offers are a better indication of talent than Scout/Rivals/ESPN ratings...

http://michigan.riva...asp?CID=1176716

You'll need an account to read it all and I know it's generally frowned upon to quote a whole article. If you really wanna read it, I'll PM it to you.

[Zososoxfan]

Goudis, the kicker, has changed his commitment to the U after visiting Coral Gables this weekend. Jacob Fisher has decommitted from Michigan as well, but has reopened his recruitment while keeping Michigan on his list. This class is going to be rough, but it looks to be getting into dangerously bad territory.

[axx]

Seriously, if there's anything Michigan has right now, it's scholarships... They were looking at a class of around 17-19 to kids. They're currently at 12, with several of those wavering. I'd be surprised if they got it above 16. The scholarship isn't the problem.

Fair enough. That being said, if they really wanted him back they would have done something.

[bowiac]

Goudis, the kicker, has changed his commitment to the U after visiting Coral Gables this weekend. Jacob Fisher has decommitted from Michigan as well, but has reopened his recruitment while keeping Michigan on his list. This class is going to be rough, but it looks to be getting into dangerously bad territory.

Goudis seems eminently replaceable. I have to believe Fisher will stay in this class - he fits a pro style offense as well as a running spread. I think this is a kid deciding to go do some traveling during the Michigan winter, and being open to being blown away by someone else's proposal. Smart choice - hopefully he gets laid on one of these weekends too. Not a lock to be blue, but I think he's better than 50/50... Losing Fisher would be pretty irritating though. Hoke was supposed to help with MI recruiting, and this class needs 3-4 offensive linemen.

Also interesting to see that Hoke is largely ignoring Lucien - he seems less impressed with him than Rivals/Scout.

[sachmoney]

So calling Devin Lucien, a four star recruit who was ready to commit to Michigan if his scholarship was honored, and telling him that he is not in their plans is a very good start to things. We still don't have a defensive coordinator. I wasn't expecting them to land recruits one after another, but the fact that we're having some players decommit is worrysome. The big deal about Hoke was his ability to recruit and if he can't keep the players he had coming here, it's a little concerning, even with the system changing. It's been less than a week though.

At least he's talking to Kris Frost.

[Zososoxfan]

Enjoy.

http://mvictors.com/?p=9504

[bowiac]

So calling Devin Lucien, a four star recruit who was ready to commit to Michigan if his scholarship was honored, and telling him that he is not in their plans is a very good start to things. We still don't have a defensive coordinator. I wasn't expecting them to land recruits one after another, but the fact that we're having some players decommit is worrysome. The big deal about Hoke was his ability to recruit and if he can't keep the players he had coming here, it's a little concerning, even with the system changing. It's been less than a week though.

I think there's a pretty good case to be made that Lucien should be treated as closer to a 2 star recruit like ESPN has him, than as a 4 star recruit like Rivals/Scout do. His offer list is pretty weak, with only Miami and Nebraska as top programs offering him. Then we have Hoke basically revoking their scholarship offer to him, and this is coming from a guy who had recruited him at SDSU in the first place. That's a guy saying this guy was good enough for SDSU, but not good enough for Michigan. I dunno, but I'm not worried about Lucien if we get Flowers instead. He brings with him a much more impressive offer sheet (Miami, Nebraska, GT, Oregon, Auburn, FSU, ND, UT, and Oklahoma) and is rated a 4 star recruit by ESPN.

I know people seem to prefer Rivals/Scout (for reasons I'm unfamiliar with), but I see no reason not to take ESPN seriously here. Lucien isn't a big deal.

[sachmoney]

I think there's a pretty good case to be made that Lucien should be treated as closer to a 2 star recruit like ESPN has him, than as a 4 star recruit like Rivals/Scout do. His offer list is pretty weak, with only Miami and Nebraska as top programs offering him. Then we have Hoke basically revoking their scholarship offer to him, and this is coming from a guy who had recruited him at SDSU in the first place. That's a guy saying this guy was good enough for SDSU, but not good enough for Michigan. I dunno, but I'm not worried about Lucien if we get Flowers instead. He brings with him a much more impressive offer sheet (Miami, Nebraska, GT, Oregon, Auburn, FSU, ND, UT, and Oklahoma) and is rated a 4 star recruit by ESPN.

I know people seem to prefer Rivals/Scout (for reasons I'm unfamiliar with), but I see no reason not to take ESPN seriously here. Lucien isn't a big deal.

That's true.

So Auburn accepted Kris Frost's commitment and Dallas Crawford is now committed to Miami. Not a great start to a critical week of recruiting for Coach Hoke.

[redinchicago]

So calling Devin Lucien, a four star recruit who was ready to commit to Michigan if his scholarship was honored, and telling him that he is not in their plans is a very good start to things. We still don't have a defensive coordinator.

I think the key to your statement is the lack of a defensive coordinator/staff. I understand that it takes some time to figure out who that coordinator will be, but it is beyond critical now to get that person in.

This recruiting class has now turned into an absolute distaster. Rodriguez, when he arrived at least brought in:

JT Floyd
Patrick Omameh
Roy Roundtree
Michael Shaw
Martavious Odoms

[Sea Bass Neely]

This recruiting class has now turned into an absolute distaster. Rodriguez, when he arrived at least brought in:

JT Floyd
Patrick Omameh
Roy Roundtree
Michael Shaw
Martavious Odoms

I would just point out that those guys all committed in Feb, with a couple flipping on signing day. There is still time.

[bowiac]

I would just point out that those guys all committed in Feb, with a couple flipping on signing day. There is still time.

So you still think Hoke was a good hire?

The Frost situation is a real "egg on your face" situation for Brandon and Hoke. RR won 15 games in 3 years at Michigan? I'd be somewhat surprised if Hoke manages to win more than 5 games next year, so he'd be right on pace...

Edited by bowiac, 18 January 2011 - 02:44 PM.

[sachmoney]

I think the key to your statement is the lack of a defensive coordinator/staff. I understand that it takes some time to figure out who that coordinator will be, but it is beyond critical now to get that person in.

This recruiting class has now turned into an absolute distaster. Rodriguez, when he arrived at least brought in:

JT Floyd
Patrick Omameh
Roy Roundtree
Michael Shaw
Martavious Odoms

And all of those players have turned out to be good contributers to the team already.

I would just point out that those guys all committed in Feb, with a couple flipping on signing day. There is still time.

Yeah, but I think part of the problem that most of us are feeling is the thought that this could have been done sooner so that the wound wouldn't be bleeding this much. Lucien was ready to commit, although what bowiac said was valid, he might not have been good enough. Frost was extremely high on Michigan. To lose him was a huge blow. They've lost Crawford and Goudis as well. I think they have only 10-11 guys committed at the moment.

So you still think Hoke was a good hire?

The Frost situation is a real "egg on your face" situation for Brandon and Hoke. RR won 15 games in 3 years at Michigan? I'd be somewhat surprised if Hoke manages to win more than 5 games next year, so he'd be right on pace...

Eh, I wouldn't go that far yet. We're not losing that many players this season (that are graduating). Additionally, you don't have the transfers that you had when Rich Rod came in. You're probably returning 10 of your 11 on offense, with Schilling graduating. I don't think you can understate how important it was to keep Denard.

I'm not in the panic room yet, I'm just frustrated that thing went downhill so quickly. I hope they can stop the bleeding and add a few guys. We'll see how things go.

[Sea Bass Neely]

So you still think Hoke was a good hire?

The Frost situation is a real "egg on your face" situation for Brandon and Hoke. RR won 15 games in 3 years at Michigan? I'd be somewhat surprised if Hoke manages to win more than 5 games next year, so he'd be right on pace...

For the record, I think they'll win 8 games next year.

[bowiac]

Eh, I wouldn't go that far yet. We're not losing that many players this season (that are graduating). Additionally, you don't have the transfers that you had when Rich Rod came in. You're probably returning 10 of your 11 on offense, with Schilling graduating. I don't think you can understate how important it was to keep Denard.

I'm pretty unconvinced that Hoke/Borges will know what to do with Denard. If they're really moving to a pro set, or a west coast offense, then I'm skeptical they can really use his skillset properly. There's a reason Denard was almost exclusively recruited at a position other than QB, and he hasn't done much to do show me that he can play in a more traditional system yet. He's an extraordinary talent that Hoke seems to have every intention of squandering. But maybe Hoke is overstating how much things are going to change. We'll see.

For the record, I think they'll win 8 games next year.

I mean, I hope you're right. I just can't find eight wins there.

Maybe I'm overreacting to how much of a yokel Hoke seems to be, but there's nothing good that's come out of his office so far. The staffing, the recruiting, and the talk about "basketball on grass" all has me pretty despondent.

[Zososoxfan]

I'm pretty unconvinced that Hoke/Borges will know what to do with Denard. If they're really moving to a pro set, or a west coast offense, then I'm skeptical they can really use his skillset properly. There's a reason Denard was almost exclusively recruited at a position other than QB, and he hasn't done much to do show me that he can play in a more traditional system yet. He's an extraordinary talent that Hoke seems to have every intention of squandering. But maybe Hoke is overstating how much things are going to change. We'll see.



I mean, I hope you're right. I just can't find eight wins there.

Maybe I'm overreacting to how much of a yokel Hoke seems to be, but there's nothing good that's come out of his office so far. The staffing, the recruiting, and the talk about "basketball on grass" all has me pretty despondent.

I think a lot of the hardnosed foosball stuff Hokel says really applies to the d and o line. Everything i've read about hoke and borges makes me think they have a shot to run a gulf coast offense effectively.

As for records in 3 years RR v. BH --> there's no chance in hell BH loses 9, 6, and 6 games his first year. The team that Hoke is inheriting is leaps and bounds better than RR year 1 - that alone should be enough to make a difference of 3-4 wins. What's gonna be interesting to me is seeing how BH can make the transition from a somewhat talented RR team in 2 years when this crop graduates and his guys have to start getting on the field.

[bowiac]

As for records in 3 years RR v. BH --> there's no chance in hell BH loses 9, 6, and 6 games his first year. The team that Hoke is inheriting is leaps and bounds better than RR year 1 -

Is it? That 2007 team went 9-4, ranking 23rd in FEI. The 2010 team went 7-6, ranking 55. Now the 2007 team lost a lot of their talent to the NFL, leaving RR with a lot less to work with, but the initial starting product was so much better, I'm not sure that Hoke is getting a better squad to work with. Maybe I'm just overly pessimistic about the offense, but I could see that squad being in the bottom half of D1 next year offensively, as they struggle to pick up the new scheme. I just don't know that the talent is there to run it.

[Zososoxfan]

Is it? That 2007 team went 9-4, ranking 23rd in FEI. The 2010 team went 7-6, ranking 55. Now the 2007 team lost a lot of their talent to the NFL, leaving RR with a lot less to work with, but the initial starting product was so much better, I'm not sure that Hoke is getting a better squad to work with. Maybe I'm just overly pessimistic about the offense, but I could see that squad being in the bottom half of D1 next year offensively, as they struggle to pick up the new scheme. I just don't know that the talent is there to run it.

Yes.

QB - Threet/Sheridan v. Denard - huge win for 11.
RB - Minor/McGuffie v. Smith/Shaw (Minor got injured that year I think) - close to a wash.
WR - Matthews and the guys on 2011 team as freshmen v. Rountree, Stonum,Odoms, et al. Minus the dropsies against OSU, i honestly believe this is way in favor of 11.
O Line - 0!!!! seniors plus schilling, ortmann, moose v. omameh, huyge, molk, lewan all with experience together. 11.
TE - Carson freakin butler v. anyone! wash.

DT - Johnson and Taylor - probably the biggest position of strength on the 08 team. 08.
DE - Graham and Jamison, also legit. 08.
LB - basically the guys who just graduated (Ezeh, Mouton) v. Demens. wash
CB - Trent and Warren v. Floyd, Woolfork (I never thought much of Trent and I definitely think the latter two have potential to do big things for our backfield. im giving this to 11.
S - Harrison and Brown v. whatever 11 brings (vinopal and gordon). wash.

I have 4 positions groups, including QB, O line, and CB, that I think will be better for BH year 1 than RR year 1. On paper, that means to me that this team should be better.

It was also just mentioned on rivals that Greg Mattison of the Baltimore Ravens has been contacted about the DC position at UM. That would be uh, HUGE!!!!!!

Edit: to add, that 2007 graduated or lost Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Jake Long, Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington, Justin Boren, Adam Kraus, and Shawn Crable, to name a few.

Edited by Zososoxfan, 18 January 2011 - 06:03 PM.

[redinchicago]

So Michigan offers 2 defensive lineman from Florida last week that seem to be committed to Tennessee and NOT thinking about de-committing/changing schools. Now they are going to get a visit from a Michigan coach this week. Which one? Neither kid knows.

What's the point? What a waste, IMO.

[Sea Bass Neely]

Greg Mattison as D-coordinator.

[Dgilpin]

I'm pretty unconvinced that Hoke/Borges will know what to do with Denard. If they're really moving to a pro set, or a west coast offense, then I'm skeptical they can really use his skillset properly. There's a reason Denard was almost exclusively recruited at a position other than QB, and he hasn't done much to do show me that he can play in a more traditional system yet. He's an extraordinary talent that Hoke seems to have every intention of squandering. But maybe Hoke is overstating how much things are going to change. We'll see.

Hoke did pretty well with Nate Davis at Ball St., still I think the QB to lead Michigan back to respectability will be Gardner. I was never convinced Denard was anything more than a 10-15 play QB on a really good team, I just don't think he has it as a passer.

[redinchicago]

Greg Mattison as D-coordinator.

That's a good fit and hire. Maybe Michigan can recruit Texas again. He was sure good at getting some Texas players, if my memory back to college is correct.

[Sea Bass Neely]

Maybe Michigan can recruit Texas again. He was sure good at getting some Texas players, if my memory back to college is correct.

Yeah, probably thinking of Jarrett Irons and then taking Grant to ND when he left. It's funny because I don't remember the split being particularly amicable at the time, but maybe times heals all wounds.

To be fair though, Fred Jackson has done pretty well with Texas.

[Zososoxfan]

Yeah, probably thinking of Jarrett Irons and then taking Grant to ND when he left. It's funny because I don't remember the split being particularly amicable at the time, but maybe times heals all wounds.

To be fair though, Fred Jackson has done pretty well with Texas.

Very happy about the hire. I've said it before and I'll say it again, recruits aren't just looking at the program - they want to know that if they come to UM, they'll be more prepared than their peers for Pro ball. Getting in the DC from one of the best NFL defenses will get kids' attention I think. Also for the record, Fred Jackson is still on staff.

[Neonman]

Hoke staff:
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke announced today (Tuesday, Jan. 18) the hiring of seven staff members to his Wolverine coaching and support staff. Hoke named six of the nine assistant coaching positions and the appointment of his strength and conditioning coach.

Six members of the San Diego State staff joined Hoke in Ann Arbor. Al Borges will coordinate the offense and work with the quarterbacks, Dan Ferrigno will coordinate the special teams and coach the tight ends, Darrell Funk will coach the offensive line, Jeff Hecklinski mentors the wide receivers, and Mark Smith has been appointed linebackers coach. Aaron Wellman also joined the Wolverines' staff as the strength and conditioning coach.

Hoke rehired long-time Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson to the same position on the staff. Jackson will begin his 20th season as a member of the Wolverine coaching staff in 2011.

"We have hired some great football coaches who will represent the University and Michigan football with great pride and respect for the tradition of this program," said Hoke. "They are great teachers and mentors for young men and will work hard to help our players reach their goals."

Hoke will continue to work on completing his coaching staff prior to signing day on Feb. 2.[/font]

BIOS of the Coaches from Go Blue

Edited by Neonman, 19 January 2011 - 10:16 AM.

[Domer]

Watching Tate Forcier's (@QBForce) live twitter meltdown has provided me the best online entertainment in a long time. I applaud him for feeling the need to share all of his emotions with the entire world at midnight on a Wednesday.

Highlights:

I’ve been kicked, pushed, knocked down, publicly berated, belittled, emasculated and more.

I really wanted to stay. I was not giving up on Michigan, but in the end, it was made clear they had given up on me.