Posted at 8:00am -- 5/31/2010
On this Memorial Day, please remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom to travel as we please.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day 2010
Posted at 8:00am -- 5/31/2010
On this Memorial Day, please remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom to travel as we please.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Coaches Corner: Chris Rock commits to Michigan
Posted at 8:00am -- 5/30/2010Chris Rock: Michigan Commit #5
Here is an article GBMW did last year when GBMW evaluated Chris Rock and others from Ohio. We will have an updated article about Chris Rock after the holidays. GBMW welcome Chris to the Michigan family.
Written by GBMW Staff
---------------------------------------------
Coach's Corner: Scouting the top 25 in Ohio (a quick summary)
These are the best I have seen or coached against. I have not seen all players listed below personally in game action so take that into consideration.
1) Ken Hayes:
Super athlete, he has a chance to be special.
2) Doran Grant:
Hits like he is 200 lbs, extremely explosive.
3) Braxton Miller:
Great athlete, he could play quarterback, split end, or safety.
4) Trey DePriest:
Trey has defensive back speed with athletic ability in a linebacker’s body, elite skills.
5) Aundrey Walker:
Big body and he moves unbelievably well for his size.
6) Steve Miller:
Another great athlete, moves real well for size, kid can hit.
7) Ray Hamilton:
Great athlete and player, could play tight end or defensive end.
8) A.J. Jordan:
Runs like 180 lbs. at 200 lbs. Raw, but has elite skills.
9) Ronald Tanner:
Has size and speed, he could play safety or grow into an outside linebacker.
10) DerJuan "PeeWee" Gambrell:
Flat out can run, covers a lot of ground in a hurry, good size.
11) Michael Bennett:
Very good two-way linemen.
12) Cardale Jones:
Dual threat quarterback who could also play split end.
13) Eilar Hardy:
Super, quick hitter.
14) Brad Carrico:
Big body and he moves very well.
15) Chris Rock:
Had a difficult junior year, looked great in state semis as junior.
16) Kevin Williams:
Kevin has great movement for his size.
17) Jarrett Grace:
Is an outside linebacker who could grow into a defensive end.
18) Chris Boles
Large body that is nearly impossible to move.
19) Shaquille Washington:
Possesses unbelievable quickness and athletic ability.
20) Shane Wynn:
Very good athlete and he possesses toughness.
21) Brian Mihalik:
Very good athlete, but he needs to get bigger and stronger, moves well.
22) Shane Sturdivant:
Stud linebacker/hits like a truck.
23) Devin Smith:
Quick and shifty.
24) Greg Brown:
Good athlete, and hearing he has a bit of an attitude problem.
25) Antonio Poole:
A tough and athletic linebacker.
Ohio is very deep and talented this year.
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Kasey Kahne Racing Salutes the Troops
Posted at 2:00pm -- 5/29/2010
Joey Saldana driving the Budweiser #9 sprint car for Kasey Kahne Racing will be saluting the troops tonight with a special paint scheme at the dirt track in Charlotte, North Carolina when the World of Outlaws race.
GBMW TV Programming for Today
Posted at 12:00pm -- 5/29/2010GBMW TV Programming for Today
Michigan Baseball
Big Ten Tournament
Michigan vs. Iowa
3:30pm - 6:30pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
***If Michigan beats Iowa***
Michigan Baseball
Big Ten Tournament Final Game 1
Michigan vs. Minnesota
7:00pm - 10:00pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
Big Ten Tonight
10:00pm - 10:30pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
World of Outlaws
Sprint Car Racing from Charlotte
10:00pm - 1:00am
DirecTV Channel 607
SPEED
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Chris Rock: Michigan Commit #5
Posted at 8:00am -- 5/29/2010Chris Rock: Michigan Commit #5
Here is an article GBMW did last year when GBMW attended Chris Rock's game along with talking with his coach and family. We will have a profile article about Chris Rock after the holidays. GBMW welcome Chris to the Michigan family.
Written by GBMW Staff
-----------------------------------
ROCK DID, OR ROCK SQUARED
Chris Rock plays for Columbus DeSales, the alma mater of Patrick Omameh. He is considered at the present time a top 20 recruit in the 2011 Ohio class. Most who follow Michigan recruiting have known Chris’ name for several months. So, the fortunate writer, just like last week, regarding Trey DePriest, was able to observe and get to know another stellar student athlete, namely Chris Rock.
Chris Rock rocked under the lights the past Friday, hence the title Rock did or Rock squared. Every young football player, and not really selfishly, dreams about the one possible shining moment, whereby something of a great magnitude occurs enabling him to become the knight in shining armor, or the calvary riding to the rescue. Although every athlete prepares for such opportunities, through hard work and diligence to detail, there can be no guarantee that such an occurrence will ever happen. Coaches always used great motivating clichés or slogans. One old standby is “When preparation meets opportunity be ready.”
Last night, Chris Rock, through preparation and that random factor of opportunity sometimes referred to by coaches as being in the right time at the right place, literally grabbed his opportunity and in the process perhaps saved the game for St. Francis DeSales.
Although it is not good practice to give readers the highlight at the top of a story, leaving the remainder of a story as perhaps anticlimactic, it is in this case satisfying. And so, here is a description of the event that made news in Columbus the Columbus suburb of New Albany on Friday, September 11.
In a very tight game, in every regard, New Albany was moving the ball very well on the always-tough DeSales defense. Chris Rock, defensive end, was flipped to the side of the ensuing play, a rollout pass. Through happenstance or assignment Chris ended up almost directly in front of the quarterback. The ball was fired hard, but Chris got his hands up and not only made contact, but actually snagged the ball, no small feat considering the short distance and timeframe Chris then took off on a trip up the field that ended up at the writer’s feet out of bounds. A few seconds later, he emerged from the bottom of a large pile of happy high school football players. This quick as a flash turnaround was enough for DeSales to basically control the game and run the clock out. Ah, the stuff dreams are made of.
Even though the crescendo came first, let us learn more about young Mr. Rock. Chris Rock is a junior at Columbus DeSales. He plays defensive end and it appears he switches to the side of the formation that is strong regarding receivers in the backfield. He can play tight end but played defense only during this game.
Chris stated his size at 6”5 and 250 pounds. His father appears to be marginally taller than Chris, leading to the possibility that Chris may not be finished in his vertical ascension. There is clear room for Chris to put 20 plus pounds on his frame. Chris does not appear to have much interest in the usual measurements of 40 time and bench press figures. But around 4.9 seemed to be the likely 40-time number.
Chris and his brother are very proud of his academic achievement, an approximate 3.6 grade average with several advanced placement courses. DeSales is a Blue Ribbon award winner for academic excellence. The staff is exceptionally dedicated regarding service to the student body. Faculty and parents with whom I spoke all gave Chris Rock high marks as a person and student. There is genuine excitement from the DeSales family regarding his future.
Like the previous week, the weather was perfect for football. New Albany has outstanding facilities on campus and the football program has enjoyed recent success. DeSales’ program has reloaded for decades, with the common expectation being a trip deep into the playoffs in either Division 2 or Division 3. Both of these teams could play at the level of many Division 1 teams. In fact, DeSales frequently plays a brutal schedule that includes games against the very best in Ohio, often playing up a division or two. DeSales “sometimes limps” into the playoffs with a few losses, but once in the playoffs DeSales is a threat against anyone within the assigned division.
The sharpness of both teams, especially on offense, was impressive. But as typically happens, defense settled the issue. DeSales qb is a very good game manager, who broke a long run thru the right side on a beautifully sealed play. This effort put DeSales on top 13-7, which was the final score. New Albany’s qb throws very well and the receivers ran excellent routes. Archie Griffin’s son, Adam, plays tailback and defensive back for DeSales. It is very enjoyable watching him play and he is almost certainly a great joy to coach. Adam has talent and it is fair to state he is more quick than fast. But he plays with total abandon. DeSales has a very strong placekicker, who hit from near fifty yards in the warm-ups. His style was excellent as was the rotation and path of his kicks,
Games like this frequently hinge on the mind-set and stubbornness of the defense. DeSales has always had this mindset. DeSales played a pretty standard 4-3 and relied on execution and assignments rather than tons of tricks.
Defense certainly was the final game determiner. In the first half, New Albany drove somewhat easily to the DeSales 2 foot line. A field goal was the result. Later, New Albany had to settle for another short field goal, narrowing the score to 7-6. Many on the sideline were discussing whether or not New Albany would go for 1 to tie or 2 to win on the extra point try, since it looked very likely that New Albany would score. And then: THE PLAY.
Make no mistake, this was a team win and DeSales has some very good size and talent. However this play by Chris will be remembered. I hope some video does end up for public preventing some future grump from labeling this as an “urban legend.” Like all enjoyable wins, this one is now in the past and Chris Rock will be back to business Monday, working to get better. But even before this memorable moment Chris has been lovingly referred to by some of the DeSales faithful as “our Baby Monster,” since he is an underclassman.
What football qualities does Chris Rock possess that has already yielded high interest from major universities? His size and weight, discussed above, obviously draw interest. But, it must be stated that Chris possesses athleticism that will separate him from many 6’5 250 pound players in the film room.
Chris does not mind mixing it up, a trait that is an absolute necessity for a college defensive lineman, where the environment is one of survival of the fittest with no mercy asked or given. Chris contained pretty well all night and several times tackled guys outside the pocket area. He did not get locked up often. Chris also applied good pressure and used those long arms to knock down several passes. Chris rushes the pocket reasonably well, but as of yet is not the rare lightning fast edge rusher every university craves.
Coaches who apply careful observation and do their homework will likely come up with the conclusion that Chris has a very high upside, and this may be Chris’ most important recruiting quality. The offers will be there and Chris will be in a position many dream of, having a choice of very desirable universities to attend?
Of course, there will be plenty of work for Chris to do in the next two years, to maximize his potential. Likely Chris hears from his coaches to work on those knees a little, get some pad leverage, and work on tackling. Chris made some great efforts at grabbing ball carriers but the feet stopped and he relied on his long arms. At the next level, he will have to get to the runner sooner and wrap. College runners are a different breed and possess a much higher skill level. Chris has reasonable strength but let runners drag him a little a time or two. This may be likely to the leverage lost by not getting a complete wrap.
So, who does Chris remind me of? Anthony Lalota and Ryan Van Bergen come to mind. And by next year Chris will be almost the size of both.
Chris and his family members (mother and brother) were exceptionally nice to chat with during and after the game. Gratitude is hereby expressed for their kindness and again it is so pleasing to see the pride and support coaches, parents, faculty and family demonstrate to the fine student athletes the writer has visited this year. The writer has been fortunate.
Gratitude must also be expressed to Head Coach Ryan Wiggins of DeSales for taking time after the game to comment and reflect. Coach Wiggins is a young head coach at one of Ohio’s most successful programs, and frankly it is very easy to see why he was selected to be in charge of the DeSales tradition. His leadership, preparation skills, knowledge and coaching techniques were apparent. Take note: any student athlete within his charge is in good hands and his advice should be held in high esteem.
New Albany played very well and will win games. The offensive philosophy and execution is very sound.
In an informal discussion after the game, Chris clearly stated an interest in Michigan. This interest is more than casual. Chris and his brother went to the WMU game and enjoyed the day. Chris visited the OSU-USC game as well. The discussion continued with an agreement that defensive end would likely be his final destination. So far his input from programs indicates growing into a defensive tackle may not be in the cards. The writer concurs and believes strong DE is a likely future destination.
Chris is aware of Trey DePriest and stated he heard Trey was strong (he sure is). Readers should know that Chris Rock is, like Trey DePriest a very talented player who also happens to be a scholar and citizen of high note, and that is enough to justify why Trey and Chris Rock have already created so much excitement in Michigan recruiting circles.
Best of luck to DeSales, the Rock family and New Albany in the future.
Written by Doc4Blu -- GBMW Staff
Friday, May 28, 2010
GBMW TV Programming for Today
Posted at 12:00pm -- 5/28/2010GBMW TV Programming for Today
College Football Live
3:30pm - 4:00pm
DirecTV Channel 206
ESPN
Michigan Softball
Super Regional
Tennessee at Michigan
4:30pm - 6:30pm
DirecTV Channel 614
ESPNU
Michigan Baseball
Big Ten Tournament
Michigan vs. Minnesota
7:00pm - 10:00pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
Big Ten Tonight
10:00pm - 10:30pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
GBMW TV Programming for Today
Posted at 12:00pm -- 5/27/2010GBMW TV Programming for Today
Michigan Baseball
Big Ten Tournament
Michigan vs. Iowa
3:30pm - 6:30pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
College Football Live
3:30pm - 4:00pm
DirecTV Channel 206
ESPN
College Football Live
7:00pm - 7:30pm
DirecTV Channel 209
ESPN2
Michigan Softball
Super Regional
Tennessee at Michigan
7:30pm - 9:30pm
DirecTV Channel 206
ESPN
Big Ten Tonight
10:00pm - 10:30pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Mailbag question: Tate Forcier "what if"
Posted at 8:00am -- 5/27/2010Mailbag question: Tate Forcier "what if"
Hello GBMW,
Do you guys see a chance this year that Tate Forcier could drop down to the third string quarterback?
If that happens do you guys think he will be around next spring.
I realize this is a lot of in the future talk, but I think with what I saw of Devin Gardner and your reports from spring practice on how Denard Robinson did this spring that Tate might be the third brother from the Forcier family looking for a different team than the one they committed to out of high school.
Sam
"Sambro"
---------------------------
Thanks for the question.
We are not ready to completely, or partially write off Tate Forcier.
He is a very proud, competitive athlete, who will not give up the starting job without a fight. Tate has some qualities that serve him well has a college quarterback. First, he has well-above average mechanics. Second, Tate is very accurate. Third, he is smart (do not confuse that trait with freshman quarterback read and execute problems. Finally, Tate also has more experience than his two competitors combined.
We will look into the crystal ball and let us just say that if Tate Forcier ever became the third quarterback on the depth chart, it certainly would not be a shocker that he would consider transferring.
The same competitive attitude that makes us hesitant to write Tate Forcier off will make it tough for him to sit and watch others play, especially after starting the his entire freshman football season.
One thing about this quarterback battle, especially in this offense, a spread team that emphasizes running needs several players ready for action.
Like many coaches have always told back-ups, "you are only one play away from being the starter.”
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
GBMW TV Programming for Today
Posted at 12:00pm -- 5/26/2010GBMW TV Programming for Today
College Football Live
3:30pm - 4:00pm
DirecTV Channel 206
ESPN
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Michigan Football: GBMW take on the Allegations
Posted at 8:00am -- 5/26/2010Michigan Football: GBMW take on the Allegations
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT! GBMW’S TAKE ON THE UM FOOTBALL’S SELF-IMPOSED SANCTIONS AND THE UNDERLYING FINDINGS.
All of us here at GBMW wish none of the sordid or semi-sordid, instances of the last two years had occurred, and that the football program could focus 100% on UCONN. This is not a dream, not even a nightmare, but reality. And so the realization that reality bites but wounds can be repaired has firmly hit home (as in Ann Arbor). This article lays out some of the reality that became apparent by yesterday’s long-awaited announcement on program sanctions. The article will comment on each of the five cited violations separately and offer some thoughts that may or may not border on opinion, concluding with the NCAA as an entity. The word opinion will not be used often within the borders of this article since even though a response has been put forward, there will never be any guarantee of the accuracy of either the NCAA’s charges or the response by Michigan. Consensus equals a greater chance of fact, it would seem. If something can be debated, then that very same entity can be termed “of opinion.” Certainly there will be conjecture, scorn, sadness, and joy in certain parts of the Earth concerning Michigan’s sanctions.
There will be predictable positions brought forth that UM is still cleaner than other institutions, that UM was just the victim of spies and henchmen working with the press in Watergate fashion, that UM is the biggest cheater on the face of the planet. Perceptions will vary across a spectrum and likely the final conclusion for most onlookers will match up with the original one postulated at the onset of this entire dreg.
But none of the above really matters, the NCAA and Michigan will first attempt to have a finding of fact, and if accuracy by Michigan, or lack of evidence (or inaccuracy) by the NCAA, can be demonstrated, then UM may not have many more whacks added to the future spanking. Michigan has responded and the hearing in August will have importance. But the most important event of all will be the final disposition taken by the NCAA towards Michigan. Soon people will start asking how long will the NCAA take to pound the gavel? There is no certainty regarding time or punishment.
Reading the above introduction, one may just form a perception (a real stretch actually) that GBMW is saying Michigan’s response is (1) inaccurate; (2) a collective falsehood or (3) inept. Stand firm all, GBMW strongly believes that the university has no better vehicle to deal with the current situation than Athletics Director David Brandon. The phrase “a great hire” is true but insufficient to describe the eventual value Mr. Brandon will bring to the University of Michigan. Brandon stands a good chance of being the most important hire in the program in over a decade. He is a leader, he gets things done, forget about attacking his credibility and integrity, that is currently a non-go. Brandon is straightforward and will not let agenda questions steer him off course. Take every facet of identified success and Brandon comes out a winner, he is in the get it category.
In his remarks Brandon clearly acknowledged wrongdoing and stated the mistakes that were made by many throughout what was referred to as the chain of command. Can a large institution such as UM make such obvious mistakes? A large institution with a layered bureaucracy can and does go haywire on items taken for granted or situations said to be “unclear.” In short, even managers must be managed. The words organization, chain-of-command, responsibility, protocol, and regulation are always present in discussions of such entities, but sometimes the job does not get done, whether by accident or agenda.
David Brandon is trying to provide some cover for an embattled program by accepting blame, blame he clearly could with cause decline. In the end there will be plenty of blame to go around. The mission of the AD is to (1) fix the problem, so the program can go on, and (2) put mechanisms in place to insure that there is no future repeat. Or as Brandon stated- Michigan needs to make sure it never finds itself in this situation again (not a direct quote).
Next, the discussion goes on to the five violations of record, in no particular order. The crime and the punishment (as suggested by UM) for each will be noted, as will the take of GBMW.
Failure to adequately monitor is a serious violation, one that by itself is cause for probation. The rulebook is thick and the task is large, regarding being on the same exact wavelength as the NCAA, sort of like the IRS. But that is exactly why major universities, and smaller ones as well, spend big money on setting up large compliance departments. Here, Coach Rodriguez did not get a free ride, as Michigan provided Coach Rod in other violation responses. But, David Brandon is sticking firmly with Coach Rod in strongly asserting that he (Coach Rod) did not and never has promoted an atmosphere of non-compliance.
The likely effect: good, very good, Brandon is correct that a fail-safe system must be put into place that has checks so strong that a flea would have trouble finding a crack.
Practice time violations have been perceived as laughable antimatter to clandestine cheating. This is less serious, obviously, than the monitoring, and the stretching and vagueness rhetoric will continue onward. But the university has again admitted guilt and assigned a two for one formula (future time of practice paid back) common as a remedy. The problem here remains monitoring and reporting along a chain of command, a now recurring theme (not good, not good at all). Sloppy (or some believe purposely sloppy) is a good descriptor for not turning in forms, even upon request by compliance. The university’s protocol may have been normal and sound, but the delivery certainly was heavily flawed. An institution like the NCAA that is at the top of the procedural food chain in a voluntary membership organization will not look with favor upon a famous institution that now appears to be procedure-challenged. So, unfortunately less serious is now erased and serious is put into place.
The likely effect: Losing 10 minutes or so time per practice over a period of two years is inconsequential. The scorn of the NCAA linking this problem to monitoring may have big consequences. Coaches will have to be super-creative and organized to make up the time. Film room time may just see a new high.
Quality control staff is violation three. It has been demonstrated and admitted that official personnel were where they should not have been and doing things they should not have bee doing. Once again, the head coach is given some absolution by the administration and quality control people will now pay the price.
The likely effect: Jobs have been lost that could have led to bright futures. Reducing the quality control group and isolating them from the coaching staff is SOP for such violations. The associated timeframe of two years will make most people happy. Coaches will now have to pick up some of the lesser duties and responsibilities. The long-term effect on the team should not be substantial.
The dreaded repeat violator label is up in the air. This could by definition happen, but as AD Brandon said the instances (basketball and football) are far removed concerning timeline and substance. It would be logical to assume that UM would have had to throw Coach Rod under the bus if the NCAA had given a message the group was serious about tagging UM as a repeat violator. But this is the NCAA, enough said.
Finally, UM self-imposed individual discipline on a number of employees in the form of formal written reprimands. This is not a big deal for the program, but such action is very important, and potentially harmful for the job status of the affected individuals. Essentially, they are on notice, their own personal probation if you will.
This should have little actual effect on the actual function of the program; such an action is personnel related. In reading between the lines Mr. Brandon seems to have made it clear to the entire entourage that the gig is up, assume the precise directives and execute them or see the door.
So, what will happen next after the inquisition response to the NCAA? What is next is the final verdict. This is but one take on what may come about concerning the verdict; there will be many.
The NCAA could stand pat and let UM go with the self-administered penalties announced yesterday. This is unlikely since the NCAA is under fire as a bumbling, bureaucratic machine with little intestinal fortitude and a lack of resolve. Michigan turned itself in to the NCAA, Michigan turned itself in because there was no other choice. Yes, UM is an institute of great integrity, but Michigan had no choice.
Indiana faced a similar situation not long ago in basketball. A program once hailed as the cleanest in the nation took the high road and pointed to past record and integrity and got slaughtered by the NCAA, while close-by institutions, far more suspect, play intentional hide-and-seek, taking a lower road. Take it as a fact that Indiana is still furious over the NCAA treatment it received. It will likely take one or two more years for IU to recover.
The NCAA is in a position of total strength with the admissions of UM. It would not be farfetched to believe that the NCAA will count coup to puff up some enforcement perception around the nation. Some might ask, is there not another big institution that should be getting more attention than Michigan? One will be dealt with, Michigan, what happens to the other is speculation. Michigan will worry about Michigan and nothing extraneous will be taken into consideration.
The NCAA can have its way with Michigan and get the final word. There will almost certainly be a final word that goes past what Michigan’s sanctions were placed at. UM knows this, and the real art is for the university to place sanctions just below the expected NCAA level and humbly allow the NCAA to add a few more whacks. By all accounts, UM received excellent guidance for this decision.
Possibilities for further action include, losing scholarships, loss of recruiting privileges, a third year of probation, loss of a coach, vacating wins (unlikely from this viewpoint), or a demand that certain people seek new employment.
Sadly, an era has passed on, college football’s all-time winningest football program, and a program of high repute, has the first major blemish in its storied history.
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
GBMW TV Programming for Today
Posted at 12:00pm -- 5/25/2010GBMW TV Programming for Today
College Football Live
3:30pm - 4:00pm
DirecTV Channel 206
ESPN
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Mailbag question: Big House Barbecue
Posted at 8:00am -- 5/25/2010Mailbag question: Big House Barbecue
Was this a success or a failure?
It does seem that a lot of kids that promised or we were told were coming/invited didn't end up showing.
Was the quality of kids attending this year okay or a disappointment, with all the kids that turned down the invitation to come to the barbecue?
To me, I feel a little disappointed with the amount of quality players that came to this event.
George H.
------------------------------------
Thanks for the question.
First thing, any time Michigan/Coach Rod and staff can get players and their families on campus it is not just a good thing, but a great thing in our opinion.
When the visitors are players the staff has offered and have expressed an interest in Michigan that only makes it better.
One rule we try to follow at GBMW is to never get caught up in the early hype from the recruiting services.
They are trying to "hype" a dead period that also is a dead period on their web sites. So, the playbook is to first push all kinds of names, and usually big time elite name players. The suspense builds the closer the event draws near, and then the plethora of names thins out to a handful. Some players simply cannot make the event. You always see the sites pushing the elite level or highly ranked kids right now and hardly see anything about any "super sleeper" kids at this point in time. Of course as signing day closes in the “super sleeper” strategy kicks in.
Too many kids have other commitments that make it difficult to attend this type of event. There are summer sports, many Michigan recruits compete in baseball track, and prepping for final exams that should and sometimes must take precedent over attending recruiting events that the family and recruit have to pay to attend by travel and staying at a motel if they are not from the area.
Compared with the early BBQ lists, we can 100% understand why some Michigan fans might be disappointed, but when you consider most of the true supers, or elite players, do not commit until much later in the progress, we don't get overly concerned. This all goes back to people's expectations and also the "sales job" of recruiting sites, who, as said, are trying to keep business going during dead periods of the calendar year.
You will probably see the same thing in the next couple of weeks about whether or not many of the elite level talent will attend Michigan camps, and then one by one you will see names disappear from the official visit list.
Once the game day visits and official visits start to roll around, that is when we will get concerned if Michigan is not getting visits from the top level talent.
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Monday, May 24, 2010
GBMW TV Programming for Today
Posted at 12:00pm -- 5/24/2010GBMW TV Programming for Today
College Football Live
3:30pm - 4:00pm
DirecTV Channel 206
ESPN
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Mailbag question: Coach Rod, Coach Kelly and drama
Posted at 8:00am -- 5/24/2010Mailbag question: Coach Rod, Coach Kelly and drama
I have heard different stories regarding Kelly out of Cincinnati. One version is he refused an offer to coach at Michigan, the other is completely opposite, that Michigan snubbed him and now he is out for blood when Notre Dame plays Michigan.
A few random thoughts. We have to give all the love and support to Coach Rod. Can all of this pressure make him not the man he truly is? I mean I hope he plays to win, and does not crack under the pressure and plays not to lose. Thoughts?
Also Michigan was not as bad as people thought last year... What was it, 3 of the top ten in country were from the Big Ten? Wishful thinking, but if Mallet stayed and Boren, and Molk stayed healthy, the results might have been quite different.
Last question, it appears that all the drama is hurting the 2011 recruiting class, which is the death knell for any program. Or does the 2011 class progress appear normal to you?
Like your blog, appreciate the straight forwardness of it!
Scott W.
------------------------------------
Thanks for the question and comments.
1. This Coach Kelly question has been aroundsince Coach Carr retired. To the best of our knowledge, Coach Kelly was never a candidate for the Michigan job. We are sure he will use this to motivate his team, as any good coach would.
2. Coach Rod has his own system and coaching philosophy. From what we can observe, he is confident that given time he can implement this system and be successful. Pressure is part of the job; if pressure influences how a coach does his job he is doomed to fail in our opinion.
3. Sure, if Michigan gets a couple of breaks they could have easily been 9-3. But they could have just as easily been 3-9 again. Our problem is that in the last two years UM folded when things got tough. This has to change, period.
4. Negative recruiting is just recruiting. Pointing out your strengths compared to an opponent’s weaknesses is just normal football recruiting.
In our opinion the #1 thing Michigan can do to gain recruits is win (and qualify for a bowl game). Wins will take care of most of the "negative" recruiting problem.
What one person thinks is negative recruiting could be just smart recruiting to another person. Also, every college coach in America tells people they don't negative recruit, but at some point in time they do, by either telling a recruit he would fit better at their school, either by classes/major/academic program, distance, playing time, etc...
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
GBMW TV Programming for Today
Posted at 12:00pm -- 5/23/2010GBMW TV Programming for Today
Big Ten Golf Championships
12:00pm - 1:30pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
Michigan Softball (Live)
Notre Dame at Michigan
Regional
1:00pm - 3:00pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
NCAA College Softball
Regional
1:00pm - 3:00pm
DirecTV Channel 206
ESPN
Michigan Softball (Live)
***If Needed***
Notre Dame at Michigan
Regional
3:30pm - 5:30pm
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN
NCAA College Softball
Regional
3:30pm - 5:30pm
DirecTV Channel 206
ESPN
NCAA College Softball
Regional
5:30pm - 7:30pm
DirecTV Channel 614
ESPNU
NCAA College Softball
Regional
8:00pm - 10:00pm
DirecTV Channel 614
ESPNU
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
DirecTV: French Open Tennis
Posted at 8:00am -- 5/23/2010DirecTV: French Open Tennis
From May 23 - 30, 2010, the French Open Experience includes:
Mix channel serves up to six different live matches at once.
5 court channels provide additional live coverage available in both SD and HD.
Interactive features keep track on all of the tournament action without missing a second of the match you're watching.
Interactive application available on Mix Channel, Court Channels, Tennis Channel, and ESPN2 (during their coverage of the event)
Also available on ESPN2 HD (but not Tennis Channel HD)
Video On-Demand content:
Current Year Preview
Daily Highlights Show
Channels:
Ch. 701: French Open Mix Channel
Ch. 702-707: Court Channels
Ch. 217: Tennis Channel
Ch. 209: ESPN2
Ch. 104/205: Mix Channel (French Open Mix takes over)
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
DirecTV: Free Preview of Choice Xtra Package
Posted at 4:00pm -- 5/22/2010DirecTV: Free Preview of Choice Xtra Package
Free Preview for: Choice Xtra
Available to Subscribers of: DirecTV
Free Preview Begins: May 23, 2010 (Sunday)
Free Preview Ends: May 31, 2010 (Monday)
There’s going to be a free preview of DirecTV’s Choice Xtra package from May 23rd until May 31st. This free preview includes over 30 channels!
Channel Lineup:
These are just some of the channels included in this free preview:
208 – ESPN Classic
215 – NHL Network
217 – Tennis Channel
235 – Style
250 – Fox Reality
251 – Oxygen
257 – Chiller
258 – Fox Movie Channel
266 – Biography Channel
271 – History International
272 – Logo
274 – Ovation TV
279 – Discovery Health
285 – Investigation Discovery
286 – Discovery Home
287 – Military Channel
307 – Superstation WGN
308 – Sleuth
326 – Great American Country
330 – BET J
337 – VH1 Classic
354 – G4
602 – The Interactive Horseracing Network
603 – Versus
604 – Versus
605 – The Golf Channel
607 – Speed Channel
612 - FUEL TV
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!