Michigan Thursday: Jimmy Gets Another Surprise Recruit

When the NFL folks were saying Jimmy would never come back to Ann Arbor, things like "he hates recruiting" were being thrown around.   Then he got the job in December, and some of us thought 5 star players were just going to line up to play for him in a month 1/2 recruiting cycle.   Neither happened and you have to work at recruiting if your going to be good at it.

Michigan just landed a highly ranked 4 star DL from Georgia that nobody expected was heading to A2.   Yesterday, Michigan landed a 3/4 star OT from Ohio that had 100% Crystal Ball predictions on 24/7 going to MSU.   That player is Joel Honigford from Sugarcreek, Ohio and is second OT commit in about a week.

Joel is 6'6 275 pound tackle with a high upside, as he still looks light at 275.    He is rated as a 3 star to all services outside of ESPN who ranks him as a 4 star and #199 player in the nation.    The scouts say he has a great frame but needs work on technique, while adding power and strength.    This is a kid with a high upside that is nowhere near his ceiling.  You pack him away for a couple of years, with the hopes he turns into a NFL quality tackle.   His HS video below shows a player that looks more like Jake Butt then Jake Long.   He will need a couple years with the training table, weight room and Coach D.

His offer list includes the likes of:   Auburn, Boston College, Colorado State, Duke, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, Memphis, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse, TCU, Tennessee, Vandy, Wake Forest and West Virginia.


Michigan is looking to land a big offensive lineman class and will still have room for probably 3 more guys.  Joel is the 17th commit to the 2017 class.  The class projection is around 24-25.  So rooms are filling up at the Inn.   Time to get some WR's, DB's and LB's!

Wolverine Wednesday: Wolverines and Prospects at The Opening

Nike's Opening Event which invites some of the best high school players in the nation will kick off in less then a week on July 5th.   The Opening is always scheduled on Nike's campus and the prospects that have made the finals, get the royal treatment with Nike gear, talks from famous players, first class instruction and a 7 on 7 tournament for 5 days.   It's pretty much the event you want to be invited to. 

ESPN will cover some to events on national TV and you will need a list of players to watch:

Here you go:

• Athlete Markquese Bell a 4 star from NJ. 
• LB Baron Browning considering Michigan
• WR Nico Collins has had Michigan as his leader 
• RB AJ Dillon committed to UM
• TE Matt Dotson being recruited by Michigan
• OT Obinna Eze - just offered by Michigan
• WR KJ Hamler - instate prospect going to IMG
• RB Najee Harris committed to Bama - showed at Michigan satellite camp
• OT Kai-Leon Herbert just visited A2
• WR Jeremiah Holloman once committed to Michigan
• CB Darnay Holmes recruited by Michigan
• CB Donovan Johnson from Cass Tech
• S Jaylen Kelly Powell instate guy high on UM
• QB Tate Martell committed to OSU
• QB Dylan McCaffrey committed to UM
• LB Dylan Moses 5 star LB from IMG
• WR DP-J Instate 5 star
• LB Josh Ross committed to UM
• C Cesar Ruiz #1 Center in the Country at IMG
• RB O'Maury Samuels committed to UM
• LB Antjuan Simmons from Pioneer committed to OSU
• LB Drew Singleton from Paramus Catholic
• CB Ben St.Juste committed to UM
• CB Ambry Thomas instate high on Michigan
• OT Jedrick Willis high on Michigan

Michigan Tuesday: Brad Hawkins Has an NCAA Clearinghouse Issue

I mentioned last week that Brad Hawkins had not enrolled yet and was the only 2016 signed player that wasn't in Michigan's student directory.  A recent article that awarded Brad as the Courier-Post  New Jersey Athlete of the year, stated that Brad was heading to Michigan this past weekend.   That didn't happen.  From Mlive:

Hawkins' high school coach at Camden, Dwayne Savage, confirmed that Hawkins is not in school yet as he's still awaiting clearance from the NCAA Clearinghouse -- now known as the NCAA Eligibility Center. Savage said that Hawkins still plans on playing football at Michigan this season and hopes to have his clearance at some point toward the middle of July.

"He's not in school yet," Savage said. "I believe it's a Clearinghouse situation. Right now everything's still a go for Michigan. He just has to get everything cleared before he can step on campus."

Michigan will begin fall camp Aug. 8. Players must get through the NCAA Clearinghouse before being able to enroll in classes and participate in football activities.

 

Michigan's freshmen typically take part in the school's summer bridge program, which is set to begin later this week.

 

It's hard to predict exactly what the issue is, could be a test score or a class needed.  Hopefully, Brad has taken care of his business and will be with the team next month before Fall Camp starts. 

 

• RIP Buddy Ryan and Pat Summit, a tough day for sports legends.

• Peppers tweeted that he ran a 4.34 yesterday!

• We are in a dead recruiting period, no visits on of off campus.

• Nike's Opening coming up in 9 days

• Ryan Glasgow who injured himself in week 10, says he is about 95% back from the injury.  Sounds like he will be ready for camp in a month.

• NFL.com has a college players to watch list up.  Coming in as the #2 WR is our own Jehu Chesson.  Jake Butt is the #2 TE.

Michigan Monday: Picks Up a Big Offensive Lineman From The Northeast

Michigan landed it's 16th commitment of the 2017 class in 6'6 290 pound offensive tackle in Andrew Stueber.  Andrew is a big man from Connecticut and was a camp offer.   Coach Drevno got to work with him personally and an offer quickly came after.

Andrew not only works hard of the field, he takes care of business in the classroom as well.   The best example of that is in his offer sheet:  Harvard, Yale, BC, Northwestern, Virginia, Duke, BC, PSU, Maryland, Syracuse, Pitt, UNC, Vandy and Tennessee.

Andrew is a bit under the radar even with that nice offer list.  He is across the board 3 star as CT doesn't exactly churn out top talent on a regular basis.   He seems like a Harbaugh type of kid and will have a chance to compete early if he can get on campus in January. 

I like this pick up, he is a big man with something to prove at a position of need.  He is also a great student. 

Andrew is the second OL in this class and I think the staff will look for 4-5 more in this class as last year was a bit light. 

I don't expect Michigan to be on any "now available" 2016 Baylor recruits. 

• John O'Korn who has been a regular at the Manning Passing Camp for a few years, was named Co-MVP over the weekend.  Many of the top QB's in college were in attendance.   That has to be a good sign!

Michigan Friday: Congrats To Caris!

Michigan Basketball has been playing in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for a couple of years now.  The Wolverines have a large fan base in NYC and enjoy the trip to the City each year.    It was also the location of Michigan's last game of the season as they were beat there by ND in the NCAA Tournament.

The Barclays Center was also the location last night that hosted the NBA Draft.    Ironically, it will also be the new home for Michigan Senior Guard Caris LaVert who was picked 20th by the Indiana Pacers but was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. 

Brooklyn is going through a major rebuilding project and only has 8 players currently under contract for next season, not including LaVert.  Hopefully, this means the former Michigan guard (if healthy) will get a lot of playing time next year.   Caris didn't even participate at the NBA combine and was still seen on crutches. 

Good luck Caris and we hope you have a long NBA career! Why to rep the Wolverines with that jacket, I didn't get to hear Jalen's reaction to the suit, but I'm sure it was positive!

• The USA Today has a top list of Assistant College Football Coaches Salaries:  Out of the Top 10, the SEC had 7 assistants making over a million dollars, lead by Auburn who was paying Will Muschamp $1.6M a year.  The top two guys Will and Kirby Smart each have new head coaching jobs now.    Michigan made the list at #15 and #16 with DJ and Drevno making $880K each. 

Michigan Thursday: Recruiting News

• This weeks visitor 2017 OL Jedrick Willis says he will be back in A2 for the BBQ at The Big House on 8/6.

• Alabama WR Nico Collins was back on campus last weekend (his 2nd visit) and continues to say very positive things about Michigan being a special place.  Fingers crossed, have you let your mind consider Nico and DP-J in the same class?  Yes, please!

• 5 star LB Baron Browning was also in A2 with his brother who played for Jimmy at Stanford.  Baron doesn't talk to reports too often, but most believe he is a long shot to end up in A2.

•  Aubrey Solomon's Mom was also caught off guard that her son wanted to commit to Michigan.   Sounds like she needs an official visit to start drinking the Maize and Blue kool-aide.

• OT Robert Hainsey has a top 3 of Michigan, MSU and ND

• Michigan legacy 2018  DE Aidan Hutchinson was offered by MSU yesterday.  He was also at the Michigan Big Man camp over the weekend. 

On a side note:  LTT got his bachelor degree and will play his final two years at Akron.  Reports were early on that he was headed out to Washington State.  I had high hopes for him and wish him the best of luck in Akron.    I hope he learned his lesson and stays out of trouble.

Wolverine Wednesday: A Couple of Question Marks In The 2016 Class

The one remaining question mark after signing day was Alabama LB Dytarious Johnson.   He didn't sign his LOI due to transcript issues.    The rumor was he was headed to prep school and there were some tweets today that validated that.    We will see what happens after a year at prep school, but as we all know many times these situations don't work out for a player joining the maize and blue.  

Another rumor was that NJ WR Brad Hawkins was not enrolled yet and was the only recruit that signed an LOI that wasn't in the Michigan Directory.  His twitter page also didn't have Michigan information on it any longer.     Is there a reason to worry?

Philly.com has this article announcing Brad has the Athlete of the year with his little bit of info:

Hawkins has signed to attend the University of Michigan on a football scholarship. He plans to depart Friday for Ann Arbor to begin summer workouts.

Hawkins, who also is a strong student, stood outside the fence at Camden's football field at Farnham Park the other day and marveled at the speed with which his high school career had passed.

Let's hope he is on campus this weekend!

Michigan Tuesday: Michigan Basketball Gets a Transfer From UK

Michigan doesn't do well when they recruit against Kentucky.   Coach B is looking for 4 year guys that want a degree, Calipari is looking for one and done's that want the NBA Lottery.

Michigan has taken a big hit in transfers this summer and needs good players in the program.   The announcement last night that transfer Charles Matthews from Kentucky is going to help.   This has been rumored for weeks and ESPN announced it last night. 

Charles is 6'6 and was a freshman last year for UK.  He was a top 100 player and a 4 star recruit.    He is known as athletic finisher at the rim.   He is not known as a shooter but is a very good defender that can guard multiple positons.   Maybe Coach B can work on his shooting but defense has been an issue for the Wolverines for a couple of years. 

Charles will have to sit out next year but will have 3 years to play.     Welcome to Ann Arbor!

• Michigan football had a good weekend with commits and it sounded like it almost landed 3 star OT Andrew Stueber as well.    Andrew wants him mom to visit Ann Arbor before he pulls the trigger on a commitment.

• 5 star TX OLB Baron Browning was on campus yesterday for a visit.

• UCLA commit DE Hunter Echols is also on campus.

• 4 star KY OT Jedrick Wills is expected today

The Big Ten has signed another deal with ESPN.  Starting in the 2017 season, Big Ten football games will be ESPN and Fox every weekend.  Many coaches were concerned that leaving ESPN completely would give them a disadvantage recruiting against other leagues.   ESPN will pay $200 million per year for the rights.  The 3 network deal (CBS for Basketball) will pay the Big Ten $2.64 billion over the next 6 years.

The thought is that we are ceiling for these type of TV payouts as ESPN and other sport networks will continue to lose revenue as more and more people are cutting the cord on their $200 a month cable bill.   Some speculate that live sports is the only thing keeping the cable companies alive. 

Michigan Monday: Double 4 Star Saturday

Michigan's Ann Arbor camp opened over the weekend and Jimmy and staff picked up two surprise commitments from the same school in Georgia.   2017 DT Aubrey Solomon and 2018 S Otis Reese from Leesburg, GA committed to the Wolverines on Saturday afternoon.   Both of these commitments were a big surprise to many in the recruiting game.   Most had Aubrey ticketed to SEC schools like Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, etc. and the timing for Otis a 2018 class member was very quick.

You might recognize Leesburg as one of Michigan's Summer Camps earlier this month.  

Lets take a look at Aubrey first.

He is a 4 star recruit across the board and close to a top 100 guy in the nation for all 4 services.   Rivals has him the #4 DT in the country at 91st player nationally, ESPN has him as the #6 DT and 61st overall, 24/7 has him the #14 DT and 207 overall.    This is a big man, he is 6'3 300 pounds going into his senior year.   Talk about a run stopper!

His offer list is SEC heavy as you might suspect:  Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, UNC, Ohio State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and USC.

Michigan is looking for a lot of DT depth in this class and might have room for one or two more guys.  Michigan lost Big Willie in the last draft and will lose the likes the Worm and Glasgow in the next for sure. 

This is a huge win for the Wolverines on the recruiting trail and one nobody saw coming.   Congrats to 24/7 for having the inside information and this one.   This is Michigan's 15th commitment to the 2017 class.


Next is 2018 Safety Otis Reese:

Otis has been favoring Michigan for awhile now, he got offered in April and attended the camp this month.   He has always listed Michigan has his leader but he is still entering his junior year of high school. 

The only services to rank him for 2018 are 247 and Scouts both have him listed as a 4 star safety.    He is listed at 6'2 and 195 pounds and might be perfect for the SAM/Peppers role in Michigan's defense.

Otis early offer list included UCLA, LSU, Louisville and CMU. 

2018 seems a long time away but getting Otis on board early is a good sign for the recruiting class with only 4 members in it. 

Hickman T-Shirts

The Hickman Touchdown Club is selling Hickman Football t-shirts. The website to order shirts is www.midmoshirtshack.com. Go to "school" and enter "Hickman". Orders must be submitted by June 20 to be available for pick up at 7-on-7 on the June 25th.

Michigan Friday: Gary Is In Ann Arbor

On our way to his first workout as a Wolverine @RashanGary33 Welcome to the D-Line fam! #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/UM07jHt1IY

— Chase Winovich (@Chase_Winovich) June 16, 2016

Let the Fun Begin!

• Michigan's AD says the Satellite camps costs Michigan $350,000, worth it.  

• Michigan's current offensive line has 105 starts between them.   That ranks 8th in the country in number of starts. 

• If you want to understand what a Jimmy satellite camp is like, read this article from the Tennessee camp.   Find the story about a ball hitting a grade school spectator.  It's a classic.

•  FL 2017 CB Randall Haynie will visit A2 this weekend.

• Calabasas, CA 5 star cornerback Darnay Holmes will take an official visit to Michigan this season.

Michigan Thursday: A Few Recruiting Updates From Around The League

• Iowa"large" DT Juan Harris just recently was in Michigan for the SM&SB camp and has committed and de-committed from Iowa a few times.  He did it again and now is back on the market.  Big Juan is 368 pounds.

• Ohio State: After picking up the QB that left Texas AM (Tate Martell) where the WR coach tweeted about loyalty.  OSU loses 4 star RB Todd Sibley to Pitt yesterday.

• The Admirals son, Corey Robinson is retiring from ND football.  He had 3 concussions playing WR in South Bend.

• A 2019 recruit got an offer from University of Michigan State.   Which must be a new school.  :-)

• ESPN team recruiting rankings has 5 schools from the Big Ten in the Top 25:  #1 OSU, #5 Michigan, #12 Maryland, #18 PSU, #24 Northwestern.     No Wisconsin or MSU.

Some Michigan News:

• The top priority on Michigan's board has to be the recruitment for DP-J.  They seem to be doing it the right way on showing him Michigan's strong medical school.   and what life is like in A2.  He will be at Aerial Assault camp this weekend. 

• Michigan and MSU continues to be an option for the potential package deal of Cass Tech S Jaylen Kelly-Powell and Detroit King CB Ambry Thomas.  Yes, please.

• 2017 four-star OL Obinna Eze will use one of his official visits on Michigan.

Wolverine Wednesday: Checks Local Media

Since we're in a pretty much a dead period for College Football it's fun to read local articles about Jimmy's tour across the country.    Here are a few excerpts from the Tennessean from the camp last night:

Tennessee was the stop between Texas and Kansas on Tuesday, and his appearance — it was a Delanie Walker jersey tucked into those khakis, can you believe it?! — was part of a loud, long commercial for a program trying to emerge from a decade of the blues. It was another attention fix for Harbaugh.

And oh yes, JaCoby Stevens was there. The five-star Oakland safety/receiver is rated the No. 1 athlete in the nation by Rivals.com and is considering Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia and others. Funny how these things have a way of working out.

But you know what? So what? At least Harbaugh is out here doing something, and mostly with a bunch of kids who won’t sniff a major-college offer. It’s better than whining.

• Future Wolverines (walk-on TE) Dane Drobocky and (WR) Nate Johnson were at the camp last night.

• CBS Sports has Chesson at the top WR and Butt the Top TE in next years draft board.

•  4 star Cincinnati TE Matt Dotson is planning on visiting MSU today.   Matt is considering PSU, MSU and Michigan (in that order).   I wonder if he will stop by A2, since that is on his way to East Lansing.

Michigan Tuesday: Game Times For UCF and Colorado

Scheduling college football games are difficult.  An AD will schedule games 5 to 10 years out.   You have no idea what kind of program your going to get when you schedule these games in the future.

UCF had a nice little run but are struggling now, Colorado was set up when the PAC 12 and Big 10 were trying to have some type of pre-conference partnership.   That partnership lasted a couple of weeks before it was blown up. 

When you schedule Hawaii, you pretty much know what your going to get.   I don't see any reason for Rainbow Warriors to ever have to play a road game.  (I know they have been budget strained in the Athletic Department and probably need the payday in A2).  

The kickoff times for these two games were announced yesterday:

University of Central Florida at noon.

Colorado at 3:30.

Michigan will have two noon kickoffs to start the season. 

• Mgoblog does a nice write up on the WR's and DB's at Sound Mind and Body.  To recap it:  Ambry Thomas is a very good DB.   Yes, Please!  Michigan seems to be trending in the right direction with Thomas and Jaylen Kelly-Powell.

• 2017 Prospects LB Nathan Proctor & DT Jaylen Twyman will visit A2 this weekend.  They're on a bus visiting with 32 prospects visiting many major programs.

• Desmond will be a guest speaker at the Michigan Aerial Assault QB camp.

• Jimmy wore a JJ Watt jersey at the Houston camp yesterday.

• Dhani Jones is co-hosting a new show on NBC called The Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge.  I guess the Wolverine Team Challenge as already taken! :) 

Michigan Monday: Welcomes Luiji Vilain

There really wasn't any suspense on Sunday afternoon when Luiji committed to the Wolverines.   He had "silently" committed a few weeks before his announcement to the Michigan staff on a visit to A2.   Even though the writing was on the wall, this is a great pickup for the Wolverines. 

Vilain is 6'4 and 240 pounds and the second DE in the class (Corey Malone-Hatcher).   He is playing his junior and senior years in Virginia at Alexandria Episcopal but is originally from Ottawa in Canada. 

He has been on Michigan's radar since he was a freshman when he first participated at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp.   He is a 4 star DE and nearly a top 100 player across the board.   For example, Scout has him at 138, Rivals 180, ESPN 95 and 247 at 94. 

This big athletic DE had a ton of offer as well:  Alabama, BC, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Miami, MSU, Minnesota, Nebraska, UNC, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, UCLA, USC,  Virginia, Wake Forest, and Wisconsin.

The book at LV is that he is an athletic pass rusher that is quick off the edge.  He is nearly D1 size already and good make an impact as a freshman.  Like any high school prospect he needs to work on his techniques, etc.  He reminds me of a Frank Clark or Taco, very athletic and quick to the QB.    If you want to go back a few years, James Hall.

He also announced he was selected to play in the Under Armour All American game.

Luiji is the 14th recruit in a class that maybe has 10 more spots.   Michigan needs WR's, DT's, DB's and a few more on the offensive line.

Sounds like a great kid, with a huge upside, can't wait to see him chase opposing QB's in the Maize and Blue!

Michigan Friday: Recruiting Blitz

We haven't had a blitz in awhile, so I thought I would bring it back today and give you some quick information on recruiting for the Wolverines:

• Commit Watch this Sunday for 4 star VA WDE Luiji Vilain.  He is a transplant from Canada and will make his announcement up North.  All signs point to the Wolverines.

• The Sound Mind and Sound Body Camp in Detroit kicked off yesterday and will go through today.

• 5 star CB/WR Darnay Holmes knows that Michigan will make his top 3.

• Paramus DT Corey Bolds has Michigan in his top 10.

• 4 Star CA C Brett Neilon did pick USC on Thursday.

• 24/7 reports that Michigan and NC are still in it for Texas Center transfer Jake Raulerson.  Jake did tweet his acceptance letter to SMU's Business School, which probably means he is going there.  Michigan Insiders feel it might be too late for him to get into Ross.

• Speaking of centers IMG Center Cesar Ruiz watched the camp at Paramus this week.

• WR recruit (who has Michigan listed as his leader) Nico Collins  is now a 5 star on Rivals.

• Four-star VA DT Darnell Ewell will visit A2 on June 26th

• Michigan Basketball has two big time visitors coming in this weekend for a visit: five-star 2017 wing Kris Wilkes and UK transfer Charles Matthews.   Charles could be on commit watch this month for the Wolverines.  He would have to sit out next year.

• Here is the final roster for Nike's Opening starting on July 5th.

• 4 Star FL OT Kai-Leon Herbert will visit Michigan next weekend (6/17-6/18)

• Brian Kelly says he would like to get the Wolverines on the schedule sometime after the 2017 season.  They have MSU on the schedule in 2016 and 2017.

• Rashan Gary graduated yesterday and is ready to become a Wolverine.  He watched the camp at Paramus this week as well.

Michigan Thursday: Rutgers Why?

I'm sure you have heard about this now, but a secret society tied to Rutgers defaced the Paramus campus early morning yesterday with a teddy bear, paint and some sidewalk chalk.   Here is an article with the details.  This Rutgers secret society seems upset that Michigan has a close relationship with Paramus Catholic and that Peppers and Gary decided to go to Ann Arbor. 

A quick note to Rutgers fans, secret societies, students and staff.   This is big boy football now that you're in the Big Ten.  You might have recognized this from the huge check you received from the Big Ten Network that got your athletic department out of debt.  This isn't the Big East or American Athletic Conference.   When you have some of the top high school players in the nation, coaches from all over the country are going to recruit kids from NJ.    I understand you want to be an elite football program and that you hired coaches from Michigan's top rival, but the fact is your not there yet and every team in the Big Ten feels like they are a Michigan rival.  If you need advice on how this works,  please call your colleagues at Purdue, Illinois and Indiana.     Enjoy your check, build your program and don't poke the bear in your backyard. 

• Here is a great article from the New York Times on Jimmy's summer camps and the rain soaked Paramus one from last night.   Jimmy wore a Jeter jersey of course.  600 kids attended.

Alex Goodlett for The New York TimesCenter

        

• Remember the name Jake Raulerson?  He was the graduate transfer Center from Texas that picked UCLA over Michigan and a few other schools this past winter.  Jake is the rare player that had two years of eligibility left as a grad transfer and would have fit nicely in Michigan's offensive line.  It seems that Jake wasn't granted acceptance into UCLA's graduate program that he preferred (MBA or a  Masters in Applied Economics) and now is out of luck at the other schools due to admission deadlines.   Sounds like he will go to SMU and not play football.

Wolverine Wednesday: News and Notes

• Jimmy wore a Julio Jones and a Jon Lieber Cubs jersey yesterday at the South Alabama camp.  Why the Lieber jersey?  He went to South Alabama. 

• Paramus Catholic will play a game in September at the Big House. ESPN just confirmed the game, it will be 9/2 at 7:00.   Michigan coaches will not be permitted.  It's also the night before the opening game against Hawaii. The relationship between Jimmy and Paramus continues to grow. 

• One of the top centers/guards in the country is Brett Neilon from California.  He is announcing his college decision on Thursday and most expect it to be USC over Michigan and Washington.

•  Michigan target DE Luiji Villain has moved from #203 to #138 in Scouts latest Top 300.   He announces his college decision on Sunday.

• High School transfer updates:  Michigan instate recruit KJ Hamler is transferring to IMG for his senior season. KJ is a 5'9 slot WR and would like to go to Oregon.  Michigan RB commit Kurt Taylor is changing high schools in Georgia.  He is moving from Newton to Grayson which should allow him to graduate early and play better competition.   IMG and Grayson are scheduled to play next season.

Schedule June 7-9

This week, the players have decided they want to practice. We will practice today (Tuesday 6/7) and Wednesday 6/8 from 6-7:30pm. Players should be in the locker room by 5:30. 

Below is information about arrangements for Coach Monroe shared by Hickman Principal Eric Johnson. 

Memorial Service

·  There will be a memorial service held at Hickman High School at Alumni Stadium, Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 7PM.

·  The family would like the memorial to be open for anyone who’d like to come together to share in the celebration of Arnel Monroe’s life.

·  They have selected a few people to speak, but want others to also have an opportunity to share their hearts after those individuals.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Date: Saturday, June 11, 2016

Location:

The Crossing

3615 Southland Dr.

Columbia, MO 65201

Visitation: 9-11 AM

Services: Begin promptly at 11:00 AM

H.T. May and Sons Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements for the family. Please send cards, flowers, and condolences to them if you would like to. 

2207 Holly Ave. Columbia, MO 65202

Fax: 573: 443-0244

Michigan Tuesday: Jimmy Makes Headlines For Everything

I have wrote a number of posts on what a "rock star" our head football coach is.   Whether he is on vacation in Europe or trying to do 50 camps in 30 days he makes headlines.    Yes, sports news is a bit slow as Curry and the boys are taking it to LeBron and the death of the Greatest of All Time passing is now 3 days old. 

So I shouldn't be surprised that what Jimmy is wearing at these camps is making ESPN and other places.  

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is wearing an Allen Iverson jersey at ODU's football camp. pic.twitter.com/Tblj1g3uqO

— Harry Minium (@Harry_MiniumVP) June 5, 2016

He has also worn a Hank Aaron jersey, Denard Robinson,  Andrew Luck, Cal Ripkin and Ray Lewis.   But the photo of the AI jersey in Khakis almost broke the internet.    Rock star I tell ya!

• Malone-Hatcher says his ankle is "never better".  He missed a ton of time last season due to an Achilles injury.

• 5 Star TX OLB Baron Browning is going to visit A2 on June 20th

• 5 Star CA OG Wyatt Davis will also visit A2 after a ND visit this month

• Michigan commit QB Dylan McCaffrey makes the Elite 11 Finals and will now compete at the Nike Opening event in July.

• Michigan commit J'Marick Woods got his LSU offer but says he is 110% committed to Michigan.

• Donovan Winter is a 6-foot-5, 235-pound defensive end from Orlando (Fla.) Bishop Moore.  He drove 3 hours this past weekend to attend the Michigan camp.   His offer list included only a few schools like USF, Idaho, Eastern and Western Michigan.   He attended the camp in Ft. Lauderdale, preformed well and now has a Michigan offer.  I would say that was a good investment of time!

Michigan Monday: Jimmy Stops By Saline HS

Someone should make a "Where the Heck is Jimmy" tracker for this month.  He is everywhere, including doing the Saline High School graduation commencement this weekend.     I was a little surprised he was in the Ann Arbor area as he has been doing 2 Satellite Camps a day.   Glad he got at least one night at home.

• The NCAA seems to have shut down Jimmy doing photos and autographs at these camps.  As it could be considered a recruiting violation.   99% of the photos and autographs he does are probably with fans and players that will never play at a D1 school.   But that 1%! 

• Michigan will receive one of Georgia LB Jaden Hunter's official visits.

• Michigan Softball threw a one hitter yesterday but lost to FSU, which ends their World Series run.

•  O'Maury Samuels has kept his top Nike SPARQ Score of 142.41 through out all the Openings events.

• Michigan commit QB Dylan McCaffrey is ranked 8th in the Elite 11 competition after the first day.

• Michigan offered teammates from Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas, WR's Elijah Moore and Michael Harley.  Both players attended the Michigan Satellite Camp on Friday and preformed well.

June 3, 2016

Hello,

I am putting this message on the blog to cut down the number of texts you are getting. The Touchdown Club is holding a car wash tomorrow in an effort to raise funds to help with summer expenses and food expenses for the team. I have asked all players who can volunteer time to volunteer time between 9:30 am and 2:00 pm tomorrow to help. The players will be washing the cars not their parents. !!!!! Somehow this message was delivered by the some players to their parents. This is not what I said and so far from the truth. PLEASE, if possible have your son volunteer some time tomorrow. 

Secondly, we are having some issues with the Hudl. Some of you are not getting text messages, some of you are, and many former players and parents are. I have contacted Hudl and we are working to get this situation rectified. I ask for patience in this process. I wish I could say that this has not occurred but it is a glitch with Hudl at the beginning of every new season. It is usually taken care of rather quickly.

If you can please have your son volunteer tomorrow it would help our effort immensely. The proceeds go directly to the players. Thanks for your support and patience and I hope to see you tomorrow.

Coach Monroe

Michigan Friday: First DE For The 2017 Class

Michigan has been recruiting St. Joseph (Mich.) strong-side defensive end Corey Malone-Hatcher for what seems like 5 years.  He has been on commit watch every time he took a step in Ann Arbor. 

He finally pulled the trigger yesterday with a tweet that says, The Best Players in Michigan go to Michigan.   Corey had a very nice offer list that included the likes of Alabama, Cincinnati, Columbia, Iowa, UK, Louisville, ND, Oklahoma, MSU, Ohio State, Penn State, UCLA, Tennessee, Wisconsin  and many others.    (It's funny that Columbia is in there with the big football programs, I assume that is a great sign about his academics)

It was always a Michigan vs. ND battle, with ND close to his home town in St. Joseph.   The only thing Corey has had some trouble with is injuries, which has shorted his last two high schools seasons. Last year it was an Achilles injury.   Hopefully, he will have a very good and healthy senior season before coming to Ann Arbor. 

Corey is known as an athletic pass rusher that gets to the QB quickly.   He can play either DE or LB but most project him to DE at the next level.   Most insiders expect that Corey is the first of four DE's that Jimmy and staff will take during this class.   Look for more positive news on 6/12 when Luiji Vilain announces as well.

His highlight video is pretty impressive. 

•  There seems to be positive rumors around the transfer of 6'6 Shooting Guard from Kentucky, Charles Matthews to Michigan.   He has yet to take a visit, but he considers Michigan his leader.

• Update:  2018 Stone Mt., GA offensive lineman Jalil Irvin, committed to Michigan this morning.  He is a 6-foot-3, 270-pound lineman.   He attended the Atlanta Camp as a spectator but was offered a month ago. 

Breaking News: DE Corey Malone-Hatcher Is Blue

More tomorrow but instate DE Corey Malone-Hatcher has committed to the Wolverines this afternoon.  

He is a consensus 4 star to all the services. 

There is also a strong rumor that Michigan will pick up a 2018 offensive lineman from down south tomorrow as well.

Michigan Thursday: Jimmy Speaks At The Indy Camp

From the Detroit News:

“It was so good, so fun. I remember talking after last year’s (camp tour) this is the most fun I’ve had in, I can’t remember when I had this much fun,” Harbaugh said after the camp wrapped up. “Getting to do it even more is a great privilege, blessing. It’s an honor to be doing it.

“Connecting with a big part of the football world — as I see it anyway — and I think the youngsters learned some things. One, two, three, four good things they can take away from. So it was very productive, healthy start and onward.”

To start the camp.....

He laid out several ground rules for the camp: no injuries, make a new ally, leave the event with more confidence and have an “attitude for gratitude.”

“You’re somebody’s pride and joy, their whole world. Just have a little gratitude for that,” said Harbaugh, who wore his usual Michigan shirt, Michigan hat, khakis and black cleats. “Maybe when you leave here today, thank them or thank somebody for being alive, being here, whatever it is.
“Do your best, that’s all anybody asks and that’s all anybody expects. That would make your parents very proud. Go out and give it your best and take something away from today.”

Jimmy is in Atlanta with Coach Smart from Georgia this morning.

• Some of Baylor's 2016 signed recruits are asking to be let out of their LOI's to attend school in a couple of months.   Too early to tell if Michigan is interested in any of these players if they are let out of their LOI's.   This will come down to Baylor's decision to let them out or not.  They can transfer but would have to sit out a year. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Likes It's Defensive Ends

Michigan has two DE recruits that are announcing in the next two weeks.   Corey Malone-Hatcher is picking his school tomorrow and Luiji "Chillin like a" Vilain is announcing a week from Sunday on 6/12 in Ottawa, Canada.   The Wolverines are a strong favorites for both defensive prospects.

24/7 Steve Lorenz believes the Michigan staff would take a total of 4 DE's in this class.

• 2017 4 star OL Toryque Bateman is planning a visit to A2 on June 17th.  Toryque is 6'8 and 310 pounds.   My goodness!

• A couple of Michigan commits will be taking a few visits:  O'Maury Samuels is planning trips to USC, Oklahoma, TCU, Arizona and Cal.  He said he is still strong with Wolverines, but looking to see these schools.  This is the freak athlete RB that still has the #1 Nike SPARQ time in the US this year.   J'Marick Woods just picked up an offer from Les Miles and LSU.  I wouldn't be surprised if he took a visit there as well.

• I mentioned yesterday that Michigan made the top 6 for Vegas DT Greg Rogers, he is planning his announcement in December.

It's June and that means it's Satellite Camp season.    Jay Harbaugh, Chris Partridge, and Tony Tuioti have arrived in Australia and will lead all the International Camps.   Jimmy is in Chicago for a camp that wasn't well advertised outside the Chicago area.

After it's clear Michigan is sending coaches all over the globe.  Saban comes out with this rant: 
"Anybody can have a camp now and if they have a prospect, they can have a camp," Saban said. "Then you're expected to go to that camp and they can use you to promote their camp because Ohio State's coming, Alabama's coming, whoever else is coming. Somebody sponsors the camp. They pay them the money. What do they do with the money? And who makes sure the kid paid to go to the camp?

"This is the wild, wild West at its best because there's no specific guidelines relative to how we're managing or controlling this stuff.”

Jimmy's response:

"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) June 1, 2016

Alabama recently fired a coach for committing NCAA recruiting violations.