Michigan Football Tidbits:

During a couple appearances, Coach Rod has said there are some positive things behind the scenes that are not noticeable but will pay off in the end. What does he mean?

S&C program continues even through the season. This is much different from in years past. Although the "Barwis effect" has been hampered because of lack of production by some players Barwis will argue his program is designed to make players faster and more explosive over the long haul. So positive #1 the kids have bought in and we will eventually see results

Practices are intense and tough. Coach Rod likes to make practices harder than games and there were quite a few players who had trouble adjusting to the day in and day out intensity. During the past few weeks it seems players have started to be much more consistent in their practice approach so positive #2 long term practice structure will pay off.

Coaching staff if filled with young, energetic, vocal guys. In addition, despite varying opinions on their ability to coach all of them are loyal and have completely bought in to the approach and future of the program. Coach Rod also is very loyal to his coaching staff so positive #3 a focused staff which will also pay off in future.

Coach Rod of course has a reputation of just wanting to win. In addition, he has probably let some things slide this year while he gives players and others a chance to adapt to his style. But there are signs that Coach Rod has become impatient and feels he has now given everyone enough time and look for things to change now after the Michigan State game has been played and not much hope for a bowl game.

This transition Coach Rod really tried to start back in the spring and then early in the fall, but later felt he was pushing too hard too soon.

Therefore, although he still coached hard he probably allowed some kids more time to adjust. Some he had his fill of (ala Butler) and most of the kids who he wanted to allow more time have slowly come around. Those who have not will see less time and are prime candidates not to be back next year. Positive #4 Coach Rod by next year will be more like the real Coach Rod.

1) I know we have games left, but I expect Barwis winter program and spring practice to be as intense as anyone could imagine. There will be even a bigger push on for kids to work even harder and those who lag behind will be left behind. Positive #5 when kids take the field next September the kids on the roster will be ones who we know have made the transition. Next years team will be considered Coach Rod's first team.

2) Regarding Coach Shafer. Although I understand I will take numerous hits because of my stance on Coach Shafer, I continue to believe he is a future top coach in college. In some respects, Michigan has two head coaches Coach Rod and Coach Shafer because Coach Shafer has almost exclusive power in terms of defense. Coach Shafer is a very energetic coach who I think is in the process of learning by making mistakes, but he also allows his defensive coaches to have a huge say in what schemes they run. As much as posters want to give Coach Rod some time, we have to allow Coach Shafer some time as well. If through six games next year we see little improvement I will be the first one to call for changes.

3) I have mentioned that I fully expected Evans to get additional snaps in games and it just has not happened. Well reason is Evans has had a nagging injury (high ankle sprain) for an extended period. But Linebacker is going to be a huge emphasis during the remaining of year and into the spring and Michigan seems to be going full out to try and get Jenkins. But if they don't and assuming Bell, Jones, Barnes, and Hawthorne need at least a year to get stronger that means in 2009 our main five Linebacker's (unless Herron shows big improvement) will be Demons, Evans, Fitzgerald, Ezeh, and Mouton. A decent group will get better, but still lacks that great speed Shafer desires at Linebacker.

4) Believe it or not there are some associated with team who just think S. Brown is going to become a good player at Michigan. They will tell you that Brown really has only played seven-eight games (he rarely saw the field in past) and will be a key player next year. They will admit they expected much more out of Brown this year (remember he was our MVP on defense in spring) but they are not giving up on him.

5) Just a comment I heard. Although we seem to be able to recruit a ton of Running Back's the Running Back out of Florida who is on Millers High School team is the Running Back who Michigan coaches compare favorably to Devine at WV. Don’t know if he comes to Michigan, but they think he will be an impact player at Michigan.

6) Coach Rod is insisting that instate recruiting will be very aggressive next year. During off-season there is going to be a huge effort to form relationships with High School coaches not only in Michigan by throughout Midwest.

7) This team and program will continue to work which will pay off in long run.

written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine