UM Football Recruiting - by WM Wolverine

[Pasadena Blue]

the names I really want to see fall to M are the Isaac's and Treadwell's.

Having said that getting Levenberry, Poggi, Tunsil or Pocic would be pretty awesome.

I presume Hoke and Co must be starting to work on the '14 class. Obviously, M will still have to fight to keep all these players committed for the next year, but I would assume one advantage of the Hoke strategy is letting them spend more time developing relationships with the next class.

[Hannibal]

I'd like to see at least one other decent receiver in addition to Treadwell. IMHO two isn't enough. I'd much rather see three WRs in this class than three tight ends.

[Pasadena Blue]

agreed. We need some skill players badly.

[WM Wolverine]

I see M taking 3 LB'ers; not sure which ones they'll take after McCray. I'd guess a spot is open for Levenberry regardless of whom M takes for the 2nd LB spot...

re: skill players - M's need blue chip talent at RB & WR. More concerned about quality than numbers, so it would be nice if M got some of its top targets.

[Paul L]

Any idea why they seem to be struggling (relatively speaking) with skill players?
I would think top flight WRs and RBs would be lining up with Morris and the ridiculous OL coming in.

[hack]

Are they struggling, or is it just that those guys haven't dropped yet? It's plenty early.

[WM Wolverine]

Because there are very few blue chip skill players in the midwest and as paul said, its still very early in recruiting . Treadwell & Isaac are going to take some visits elsewhere before they decide.

[WM Wolverine]

Coaches are saying only 2 LB's in this class and that might be the right call with LB recruits being extremely strong in-state in '14, which it was in '12 too. Speaking of '14, its getting some hype as being better than any in-state class in recent history.

[whodean]

Because there are very few blue chip skill players in the midwest

Last year ('12 class) too?

[Rob F]

Because there are very few blue chip skill players in the midwest and as paul said, its still very early in recruiting . Treadwell & Isaac are going to take some visits elsewhere before they decide.

Yes, it is early---with all Michigan's early success, 14 verbals already and nearly all of them 4* or better, it's easy to get a little spoiled. I know and admit that I am!

I have to constantly remind myself that signing day 2013 is still over 10 1/2 months (or approx. 47 weeks) away---and as eager as I am to see "M" get all the kids we perceive them to need, there are finite limits to the process; there are kids that will be left wanting to go to Michigan we won't have room for. All I can do, then, is let things run their course, put my trust in Hoke and his staff to have a plan and carry it out, even if they have to sometimes adjust it on the fly.

As for the lack of action in skill position verbals, here's my guess as to when and how it'll play out: once the first 1 or 2 targets make their commitments, the logjam will be loosened up a bit. A few---maybe an additional 2 or 3---will be forced to show their hands, and then the last 2-4 spots will sit unfilled until after the 2012 season ends. Granted, certain kids that are top targets have already apparently made it known that they won't declare until very late in the process or even signing day---if they are that much in demand or play their cards wrong, so be it. But my best guess is that we'll still see Hoke holding the best hand, being able to be somewhat choosy come the last weekend up to and including signing day.

[Rob F]

Coaches are saying only 2 LB's in this class and that might be the right call with LB recruits being extremely strong in-state in '14, which it was in '12 too. Speaking of '14, its getting some hype as being better than any in-state class in recent history.

I'm seeing that, too, WM. But the info (that "M" is not taking any more than 2 LB's) seems to be coming either directly or indirectly from McCray so far. I still think that Hoke will take in certain top recruits over and above any perceived "quota" per position, if they are too good to pass up. And everything I have read and still am reading about E.J. Levenberry seems to indicate that if he wants to commit to Michigan, Hoke will likely find a way.

[WM Wolverine]

Yup, coming from McCray. I too hope they wouldn't pass up Levenberry... Last year they were 'full' at DT passing up Schutt, O'Brien, then later added Willie Henry...

re: skill players -

In the last class, they put all their marbles in the Bri'onte Dunn basket. Ohio got a light slap on the wrist and he stuck with Ohio and M settled for Norfleet as plan C. Plan B guys dropped off the board while M was chasing Dunn...

I like who M added at WR in '12 (Darboh & Chesson), solid receiver prospects but not guys who are likely NFL draftees. M just wasn't in on many blue chip receivers and the one they passed on in-state Burbridge couldn't get accepted into M (at least before his fall semester). Disappointing to see two of the better WR prospects in-state the last few years unable to accepted into M; Aaron Burbridge & Shawn Conway...

Remember to take a peek at my recruiting board on the first page; some new names. Added a few long shots who plan on visiting AA this summer, fall but won't decide till very late; guys like Su'a Cravens SS, Kendall Fuller CB, Eddie Vanderdoes DT...

[Pasadena Blue]

well since we are signing up these top flight recruits, I guess it's okay to be greedy. The only commit so far I am not sold on is Khalid Hill... don't we have enough tight end commits?

Also with Jaron Dukes size, I could see him growing into a speedy tight end who could be a mismatch for a lot of linebackers.

[Chuck Mallory]

I like this latest pick up. Reminds me of a Shawn Crable. #44 overall player at Rivals!! Our 7th top 100 recruit!!

[Rob F]

You mentioned Eddie Vanderdoes, WM---your thoughts on him?


247 lists him as a Michigan offer middle of last month, but doesn't show what level of interest he has in us. How does he compare with Poggi, if we only get one of those two, which do you prefer?

The one thing in particular that intrigues me about the recruiting of Vanderdoes is the possible establishment of some sort of recruiting foothold in California. Michigan has recruited fairly well out West in the past (including OL Erik Magnuson in the 2012 class); Hoke should know that territory somewhat himself from being at SD State for a bit. IMO, a California "pipeline" would be a good thing. p.s.---Cravens, I see, is also from Cal ---anyone else?