Mailbag question: USC players

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/18/2010

Mailbag question: USC players

Hey guys, great stuff lately as always. Just a quick question, a couple of years ago we were recruiting a kid out of the PSL (I think) named Nick Perry. He was one of the top DE's in the country for that class. We thought we were in it but he ultimately chose USC.

So my question is now with the USC sanctions allowing players to leave without sitting out a year might he come back home? If not him are there others who may be interested?

Keep up the good work!!

Tom T.

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Thanks for the question.

That is a tough question, and any maybe is not even in the early developmental stage. USC is still going to be on national TV a ton, so exposure is not a problem.

USC is still going to attract NFL scouts in droves. so that is not an issue.

Defenders like Nick Perry will be playing for one of the most respected DC's in the business in Coach Kiffin. Coach Carroll and many other noted coaches credit him as a mentor, a plus for the USC program.

Players like Perry, who have limited eligibility remaining, are less likely to transfer, but it is not out of the question. Ronald Johnson likely will not come back to Michigan, among many factors not in Michigan’s favor is the style of offense and how the split ends have been used the last couple of years at Michigan certainly would be unattractive to a potential high draft pick.

Is it possible either would come back? Possible, yes, but highly unlikely in our opinion -- we could see either going to Michigan State before Michigan.

People need to remember that no matter how Michigan fans can minimize what is going on in Ann Arbor, others around the country have a different perception.

So, not many players would want to leave a team like USC soon to be under sanctions to go to another team like Michigan that has been investigated, self-penalized, and are waiting on the NCAA in August for final sanctions.

Now if the NCAA ruling had came out earlier then we could possible see USC players looking into Michigan, but since nothing will be finalized until mid-August that means that the players would have to trust the word of coaches they really don't know, an unlikely scenario after being burned by coaches they did trust.

This is a situation that is bad for the current USC players, because they are at a place they wanted to be part of, and in most cases the current USC players were not even in high school when these events occurred. They will be the ones that have to suffer the consequences, not the school, the president, the current head coach, the previous head coach, the assistant coaches, the athletic director, boosters, or former players.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Making excuses

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/17/2010

GBMW,

Does it seem like Michigan has become the "excuse" program lately, at least by some sites?

It does appear that plenty of blame for all the problems surrounding the football program has been levied to many, excepting the people in charge of the program and the university.

Excuses are like "you know what" and everybody has them. I want to see results on the field -- isn't that what really matters?

Your thoughts please?

Craig R. From Syracuse, NY.

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Thanks for the question.

Our opinion has been consistent since the beginning of this entire (semi or total) fiasco; there is plenty of blame to go around. A venture as big as Michigan football may have only one Captain, but there are plenty of mates, and all have a meaningful purpose and delegated assignment(s) past the decoration or figurehead status.

Many old expressions could be used concerning the past 18 to 24 months. “Another fine mess”, “I know nothing,” fill in your own here ____________________________. The current football program’s status, while not in shambles, is messy and it is a flat out shame.

There are many good guys on this site who wish a time eraser could turn back some pages and create better results. But Alice left Wonderland and the Grinch has dropped in by parachute.

Sooner or later, good people, seeking to rebuild the foundational support and restore the prestige of the Michigan football program, will carefully analyze the inglorious and very sorrowful mysteries floating around the Wolverine world like whispy ghosts. This is/was the expectation of the NCAA and the vehicle for explanation was Michigan’s report.

Our staff collectively does not believe the potential position that the Michigan football staff should be insulated from ANY blame in the current “situations.”

Again, as in past mailbox responses, coaches are in charge of understanding and applying the institutional rules and are also in charge of the Michigan football program in actuality, not by a de facto status. As the old saying goes "the buck stops here". This is an old saying the NCAA believes in.

Just as accurately, the coaches should not be made to assume “full blame” for all the happenstance that has quickly turned a mildly bubbling pot into a high-end vortex. No one short of administrative status is in a position to place a quantitative or qualitative amount of blame on any single individual (yes, names were named). Finding of fact, already undertaken, can (assuming a good process) clearly demonstrate: (1) a flow chart of responsibilities; (2) who or what entity had assigned responsibility; (3) the timeframes involved; (4) documented attempts to comply with prescribed duties and timelines, and (5) errors committed during the process and the nature of the errors.

This is not that difficult, hundreds of sports programs successfully navigate through this maze annually. Yes, the paperwork is thick and the context can be somewhat vague, but there are dozens of people within an athletic department along the assignment continuum and the NCAA has an available phone line.

Frankly, it should become obvious that many people and departments made mistakes of omission or commission, and in the normal path of such events individuals are held accountable, either in an actual vein or as a scapegoat. In any big enterprise, intra and interdepartmental happenings can fall through the cracks or fall victim to bad communication. The nature of the failings here, far exceed a normal/typical threshold of error.

There will be quick (and further) scurrying in August when the NCAA comes down off the mountain and gives the judgment (yea or nay) to Michigan’s suggested remedy to the allegations, whereupon, the commandments will be issued, and some housecleaning may result out of necessity. There is nothing pleasant for the university staff that will have to live through this personal nightmare for the next two months, or longer.

The biggest, and maybe the only, possibility of a silver lining is a well thought out and well-managed compliance plan that should put the program on good administrative footing in future times.

Concerning other sites, we will give our comments solely on these happenings. Our viewpoints, like every other enterprise assessing the blame game, are not privy to a finding of fact in totality or guaranteed certain accuracy. Even those in the midst of the actual process cannot likely guarantee a perfect final product based on perfectly accurate findings.

Just like the BP situation, many of the players in this several act comedy (or tragedy) are trying to cover their buttocks and their pocketbooks (livelihood). By the way, everyone here knows that football is a game and the Gulf situation is a disaster that pales any athletic program malfunction.

Again, this situation can best be described as, “It is what it is.” Sometime in the future this somewhat depressing novel will be traded in, rewritten, or edited for a better chapter of Michigan football. That comment is directed at administrative method, anticipated change, and program success, not personnel from any branch of the football program or university departments.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

GBMW Response to R.E.L. about Dorsey

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/16/2010

GBMW Response

Mr. R.E.L.

The staff at GBMW wishes to thank you most sincerely for your recent email discussing the Demar Dorsey situation. The letter is viewed by all to be respectful and informative. All of us wish to thank you for your time and informed perspective.

Below is a short “somewhat itemized” response by our staff. It is not meant to be defensive, but at times may seem to be through outside perception, similar to the internals of the Demar Dorsey “situation.” Toward the end will be a suggested “remedy” you may or may not agree with, or be partner to such an effort.

As a preamble know that one of our staff is a former Big Ten professor and visiting professor at a MAC school (six years), who happened to earlier on coach college sports (albeit a much smaller institution than Michigan) and worked frequently with admissions for evaluating the academic standing of recruits and offering judgments to admissions based on data, interviews, and as you mention, plenty of external variables besides grades.

There was quite a bit of advanced reading and discussion before the writing of the article. One thing that came up in a large audience site was the use of on-line (self-directed?) credits for high school courses. It was also stated clearly by many sources that Demar was essentially in an alternative branch of the local educational system, a branch stated as being for students who have not done well in more traditional curricula.

Although stated on several sites, and being aware of his “new curricula,” the call here was to mention the alternative angle and leave out the on-line coursework. Many sources mention the recent “alternatives” for Demar, but only a couple implied or stated he took on-line courses that to scholars might present a viewpoint of a situation of creating a clear chance to “bump grades in an expedient manner.”

All of us understand that Admissions (and other entities) are in a position where a university is bound not to discuss in detail, or even comment on, decisions related to admissions and academic standing. Our former college coach mentioned that he could not even talk to parents when an athlete’s grades were going south. Your implied or explicit view the Dorsey situation is overblown and does not help privacy is correct. Your statement Mr. Lyons that many other students are in difficult admissions circumstances and do not gain a final positive disposition is certainly correct, at every institution, not just Michigan. The non-athletes’ plight indeed does not make national news. Our nation, perhaps with great injustice, has placed athletes in a situation (prying eyes) far different from typical people, leading to different standards of privacy and commentary.

Privacy is indeed in dire straits in this country and the journalistic credo of “Our right to know supercedes your right to exist,” is in full swing with the expectation of instant media information about everything from cockroach endangerment to the size of a hat on a celebrity taking a cruise 5,000 miles away. Simply put, not everyone needs to know everything about everything.

We all totally understand the concept of unacceptable or incomplete circumstances/results/academics/added stipulations/etc. that can hold up or cause refusal for admission. It is understood that grades are not the sole determiner of admission to a powerhouse academic institution (or any higher education venue for that matter). There are indeed variables that may be equal to or actually exceed grades as meaningful criteria for admissions, including behavioral or legal conditions, rigor of curricula work, etc. There are some who have flooded the web with assertions that if Demar met X criteria, admission would be the Y result. Obviously, this was no so.

Any university has the right, assuming that fair play, individual rights, and ethics are all above board, to scrutinize and make an admission decision deemed proper. The perceived or actual rigor of on-line courses and a significant increase in the final ACT score (reported by some) could easily signal an NCAA flag. And many in admissions must have had enough of flags after last year (and perhaps even this year). In short, the question of rigor obviously must be one of the associated factors implied within the content of your communication. The standards of a university are the top priority to its greatest stakeholders, the alumni and faculty.

We all agree that the coaches need to know the risk behind such a recruiting effort and state that it is without merit to constantly state that nothing was known about a recruit’s background. To our former coach, and current coach, having a firm and complete understanding of the candidate supercedes athletic talent.

We all agree that this situation has been likely overplayed and distorted by media of all types and levels (from top national to the smallest blog). We also agree that the conspiracy theories are greatly overextended in scope and accuracy.

There was an attempt to clearly state that all the dots may never be connected. There are several “players” in the created soap opera, some of which have likely simply done their job in a correct and prescribed manner. Most of the arrow pointing has been from the media, not the university, and statements made by AD Brandon clearly support Admissions and university standards. Our staff believes it was proper to offer a disclaimer in our article that there is/was no way the resources or opportunities were available to present a perfect portrait of truth.

Mr. R.E.L., you have graced us with a polite and informed letter, we now wish to offer a possibility of a remedy. The remedy would involve writing a short article essentially stating some of the positions contained in your letter, with no mention made of a source, some “further possibilities from a different perspective” if you will. This could be quickly drafted and sent to you for your opinion as to whether this would serve the truth. One unfortunate truth is that the Dorsey situation has an almost universal perception of being muddled. We agree that blame is not always a mandated condition, sometimes things just happen. Whether muddled or not, this situation could have some ramifications for the future of the program and if there is a small way we at GBMW can help by providing truthful, accurate information, by all means we would be delighted.

The construct most critical for this site is the eventual truth. Certainly, everything is not cut and dried, or black or white. The less information available and the less access to the primary players, the greater the chance of error (which was discussed in the Dorsey article). Blame in this situation (if there truly is blame) will never be quantified precisely. But with the support cast that Michigan has in place it is puzzling to assume great communication and cooperation occurred with the final outcome of this unfortunate situation.

It would do well for many to accept (if so) the reality that this situation was a highly publicized admission decision, done so by proper channel and proper procedure, and not bungled by agenda, conspiracy, factions, etc. Our understanding is this is clearly what you state to be so Mr. R.E.L.. Again, if this site can be of help, the goal is the truth.

Again thank you Mr. R.E.L. for your time and response and we look forward to your opinion as to our suggested remedy.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Demar Dorsey

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/11/2010

Mailbag question: Demar Dorsey

All right guys. You seem to have been very well informed in the past, so I am bringing this to you. Why it is that Demar Dorsey can make the grade and academically qualify and not be admitted to Michigan?

Please explain in detail, because something seems very fishy to me.

Thanks

Bruce K. S.

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Thanks for the question. There was no doubt this question was coming. GBMW will answer, painfully. The latest chapter of another fine mess may force us to some old time medication.

But, Bruce and readers please accept the following realities that hinder an attempt at a definitive (final and totally accurate) answer regarding the Demar Dorsey “situation.” Only a few top university personnel, from within separate entities, can put the entire picture together and be counted as primary sources witness to discussion and decision. Someone from admissions, someone from the athletic department, and someone from the football staff were probably together all at one time to determine or receive a final disposition. Admissions will not talk because grades are of a personal nature and saying anything may violate a broad range of Act of Privacy guidelines. A football coach will not talk in extreme public quarters, for the same reason and also for the pragmatic realization that football coaches should not take on Admissions at a university of Michigan’s stature (or anywhere else). The Athletic Director either went to bat for the recruit, or stayed out of the fray, we do not know. He is not going to stir the pot further after the fact.

Now this ugly scenario could be construed as a historical love or hate triangle used successfully for two hundred or so years in opera, Aida comes to mind.

Before opera, there was Billy Shakespeare, who once penned a line spoken by the character Marcellus in Hamlet’s Act 1, “there is something rotten in the state of Denmark,” using this phrase as a metaphor for a political group rotting like a fish from the head down. So, Bruce something being fishy here would not be so good!

Modern cinema has long picked up on this successful three-way recipe and the beat continues. The three antagonists, or protagonists, are clear. Well, at least one (Coach Rod) has been antagonized. But unfortunately added into the mix is a fourth element, student athlete Demar Dorsey. So, a question can be raised: is this now a four-way deal, or instead the classic triangle with the young Dorsey in the center helplessly surrounded by three powerful entities that are not exactly in harmonious form? The vote here is for the later, and that is why the outrage has boiled over; the student will bear the immediate effect, but later on Michigan and some of the players in the triangle may have the effect boomerang back.

Bruce, let us start of by listing what is known, probably beyond argument (although things change):
• Demar Dorsey met NCAA qualification guidelines
• Demar’s Clearinghouse status is uncertain and flagging is a possibility
• Demar made progress, albeit with credits from an alternative setting
• Most (very large percentage) NCAA student athletes who qualify and have signed a LOI are eventually admitted and attend that school, but not all
• Admissions is almost exclusively responsible for admissions decisions, other entities can play a role, but only admissions can produce the final decision

What is unknown to our knowledge:
• What were the conditions stated to Demar for Michigan admission?
• To what degree were the participants for and against Demar’s admission?
• By all reasonable standards of fairness, did Demar meet the criteria Michigan laid out? By the same standards, did Michigan breech a reasonable standard of fairness, explicit or clearly implied? What were the criteria?
• Was this a simple Admissions decision, or is the decision part of any antagonistic action?

On to the discussion, understanding full well that connecting the dots is not a perfect science.

Currently, the arrows are flying, with the first batch flying squarely at Admissions, but as the week has progressed some of the mob has shifted anger toward Athletic Director David Brandon. There are few arrows pointed at Coach Rodriguez, in contrast to the media arrows that flew around the February signing day taking umbrage (convenient umbrage) about recruiting a player of Demar’s academic standing who also had a questionable behavioral past. Those arrows died down as it was assumed the UM Admissions folks had signed off, likely with qualifications, and that was that. And so Demar set to work and lo and behold, he met his academic NCAA standards. Therefore, no arrows have been aimed at Demar, now believed to be the victim in the final act.

The dots say that admissions is 100% in charge of admissions and that due to the past furor, or whatever, at least some within must believe Demar is/was not a good fit for Michigan. Students with less than stellar admissions criteria graduate from big name universities all the time. Sometimes the toughest thing about a big-name, exclusive school is getting in. Once in, the student who works hard, does things right, can make it, simple as that. The fuzzy dot on the page is the support or nonsupport Brandon threw into the mix. Nonsupport can be defined as neutral or negative actions, quite different to be sure, but both in this case not serving the applicant in a positive manner.

There is a reality here: admissions has standards, the general university body expects these standards to be upheld, especially by the higher-up administrative types. It is Michigan's distinct right to have standards higher than the NCAA's, similar to Stanford, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Cal. These schools want student-athletes who can play football and compete with the rest of the student body in the classroom. Michigan is under no obligation to accept a student-athlete simply because a letter of intent was signed. Again, this almost always happens, but not always.

The dots say that since Demar was previously given a letter of intent to sign (indicating interdepartmental support) someone (singular or plural) in the Admissions and/or Athletic Department decided (for whatever reason) to play hardball, with not only Demar, but other recruits as well. The Demar story has made the news, but other casualties could include one or two others from this year’s class and some future recruits.

So, the big question is why did Michigan not admit Demar Dorsey? Did admissions change unstated but assumed (read for athletes) standards without letting Coach Rod know? Did the new Athletic Director indicate a willingness to pursue or accept a new path, or did admissions personnel indicate a need for a new path? This would seem strange since much has been written about improved football players’ GPA’s.

Was Coach Rod aware that all of this could eventually ferment, or did Admissions indeed send a message that if Demar succeeded in meeting concerns, he was in, cut and dried?

With David Brandon’s statement about too many marginal students in the program, why is it that many of them appear to be getting the job done in the classroom, yet the program comes under even more scrutiny? Is this a harboring for the future? Is this a placation to the NCAA as a result of impending sanctions? Likely not, the most plausible answer is this is what the Athletic Director believes should be happening at Michigan.

Noted by some, but not all, is the reality that there is no guarantee that Demar will clear the NCAA Clearinghouse without being flagged. His grades stem in part from alternative high school courses and curriculum designed to provide help for students who have encountered some difficulties. Some may place a stigma here, others may say this is what education should provide, alternatives and opportunities. Not everyone goes to prep school, but at every university there is an expected standard of curricular rigor (not just simple course grades) for college admissions.

The dots will probably never be truthfully connected concerning the effect of Demar’s past on Michigan’s decision. Even if this variable was considered and determined to be of substantial importance, it would be imprudent to publicly state such a position.

America is a land of second-chance opportunity and at least on the surface Demar appeared to be making progress in achieving a big dream. The program is under NCAA scrutiny and the extra scrutiny brought about by the willing media fury conceivably could have worked against Demar.

Two items remain for discussion; the first is Demar’s future. He clearly is skilled enough to play anywhere and now that he has qualified there will be several schools very willing to take a chance regarding the Clearinghouse. Demar has been dealt some adversity. But one way or another he will almost certainly play college ball. When given a chance Demar must make the best of it, keep his nose clean, and get the grades. This is easier at some schools than at others. In February, Michigan took a chance on Demar and since then Demar ended up, likely unknowingly, taking a chance on Michigan. Victim may be too strong of a word in this discussion, but certainly it is hard to fault Demar for anything post LOI signing.

The last item of discussion is Michigan’s future. There will be a broad range of analysis regarding the carryover (hangover) from the “Dorsey situation.” No prediction will be made here but think about the following questions, because this decision and related actions by Michigan concerning Dorsey is not insignificant.

• Will the football program greatly change recruiting strategies and what will such a change entail regarding the talent brought into the program?
• What damage did this decision do to the Florida pipeline successfully built up by the coaches?
• Where will the angry arrows eventually land, Admissions, Brandon, RR?
• Will coaches be so infuriated that the next line of business after the current season is to flee Ann Arbor?
• Will this all pass away quickly?
• What is next in this saga of All My Wolverine Children?

As a postscript consider that Michigan has likely entertained poor judgment and communication throughout this entire process. Clearly, even before the NCAA difficulties (in progress), Michigan had a perception of infighting and a lack of decisional stability that remains to some shocking. Many people are making a great university look bad, and to the nation that is the clear perception. There will always be a human element needed to make judgments about admission to true institutions of higher learning, but the human elements in this case appeared to be more flawed than the process or product.

Sometimes in this world a little pragmatism goes a long way. Maybe all of this could have come down after Demar Dorsey, not simply because he is so talented, but because Michigan had, on the surface at least, made a commitment. Catching a student in the crosshairs of such a mess/turf-war/change of policy/strong message/whatever is repugnant to some, if not most.

So, in the mode of Billy Shakespeare, is this a Hamlet or Macbeth type of tragedy, or a Falstaff type of comedy?

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Ohio recruiting

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/8/2010

Mailbag question: Ohio recruiting

Hey guys,

After reading your take on the Michigan program, and the differences with Ohio State, does it seem like more and more elite level kids from Ohio are not even interested anymore in Michigan, compared to the 70's, 80's and 90's?

It now seems as if Ohio State is getting almost every kid they want in-state, along with rubbing Michigan’s nose in it by getting legacy kids, either now or in the future.

I have read recent stories about current recruit Trey DePriest, along with 2012 recruits Chris Wormley and Allen Gant. They all do not seem very excited or interested about the Michigan program. These kids all seemed like they were interested in Michigan at one time or another, or were fans of the Maize and Blue.

Thanks guys for your thoughts and opinions on this matter, keep up the good work in a slow time for Michigan football.

Greg S.

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Thanks for the question.

Please note that the response below is primarily directed towards the three players mentioned by Greg. There is some general talk about recruiting in general. It should be noted that many offers have been made lately, with many players responding favorably. This article focuses on a mini-recruiting scenario, not the entire Michigan recruiting effort.

Since Coach Tressel took over the Ohio State program and put a heavy emphasis on Ohio recruiting (the Woody strategy), Ohio State has been regularly (perhaps easily) beating Michigan for top recruits within Ohio. Coincidently or not, since near invincible Ohio recruiting has returned to the Buckeye program, the tide has turned regarding wins and loses on the field, where it really matters.

In Coach Carr's final years, Ohio State was getting almost all of the top level Ohio talent. The development is not an accident, Ohio State has developed (or redeveloped, if you will) a recruiting machine that will force an opponent to instill and obtain notable and effective organizational strategies and production to neutralize or defeat Ohio State’s current advantage. This advantage applies to nearly every team nationally, not just Michigan. Only a handful of elite programs with similar built in talent sources can stand with Ohio State.

The Buckeyes, under Coach Tressel, use Ohio as the primary recruiting base and then pick and heavily recruit elites from football factory states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, occasionally California, and so on. The recruiting strategy of Ohio State now frequently entails identifying, intensely recruiting, and eventually signing an occasional elite player from Michigan.

Tressel excels at precise and long-term management, even though on the surface his strategies appear to be simple and foolproof. Everything done in recruiting at Ohio State is by careful design; there rarely is any deviation. Positions and individual players are put into the total encompassing plan like jigsaw puzzle pieces. Ohio State targets far fewer players and issues far fewer offers than many programs. The Buckeyes will readily throw a hat in the ring for the national level elites sought by everyone, hoping to land a couple a year. But for everyone else, caution and heavy scrutiny apply.

There is, some, good news in that there generally remains (after Ohio State is done) enough Ohio talent that if another team can get any of the remaining top 20-25 prospects (or so) in Ohio, the result is usually a good to very good prospect. Essentially, Ohio State is getting the A players and other schools scramble for the B+ to B- players.

As for the individual players mentioned in your query above, of the three mentioned two grew up Michigan fans and the other is a legacy.

In our opinion, Michigan still has a solid shot at one of the mentioned players, if the coaches get on him quickly. If there is inaction, this will allow Ohio State to take a player, who from all accounts, grew up bleeding Maize and Blue.

GBMW did an early interview with Trey DePriest last year and Trey mentioned how much he respected Michigan and really liked the Wolverine tradition. Well, surprisingly Trey stated that he had not heard much from Michigan (he did have an offer at the time) either by mail or by being contacted through his school. Trey was offered, we believe, September 1st and to the best of what we have been informed, he did not hear from the coaches for several more weeks. When a program is rebuilding and struggling like Michigan's the last two years (8-16 defines struggling), said team simply cannot get behind in recruiting, especially when battling elite teams such as Florida, Alabama and Ohio State. At the same time, another high profile player informed us of the same lack of immediate Michigan response after an offer.

So, as the battle now stands Ohio State and Alabama might be the two teams to beat for DePriest. Trey is everything a coach or university seeks in a football player: outstanding character, great grades, and superior leadership, in short, the absolute total package. There was indeed, at one time, a window of Michigan opportunity.

Allen Gant is a legacy kid and as you stated it is hard to swallow that he is likely going to Ohio State. Coach Tressel and the Ohio State coaching staff have really shown young Gant obvious interest.

Tressel and his staff go to strategic coaches’ clinics and visit the high schools of elite recruits often to signal clear interest to selected (read targeted) recruits. As one example, the Ohio State coaches have been in the Toledo area recently, visiting selected high schools and "bumping" into the recruits in the hallways. Just being in town to visit provides immediate and positive media attention for the Ohio State program. Such efforts are sometimes linked to volunteer efforts at a charity event, leading to more good public relations and bridge building.

Chris Wormley is a recruit from Toledo Whitmer (Kevin Koger's school) who is a big Michigan fan. ErocWolverine observed him twice last season and both times it was believed Chris might be as good or even better than 2011 Ohio State commit Ken Hayes (who is a great athlete). Michigan better start picking it up with some of the regional kids that at one time favored Michigan, or Ohio State is going to rather easily recruit them (assuming they are OSU targets).

If the Michigan staff is truly serious about competing nose-to nose with Ohio State and other elite national programs in recruiting (especially concerning players with at least some Michigan inclination), then attention to detail and strategizing for maximum impact must be pursued. This attention is defined as identifying recruits early in the process and immediately putting forth the necessary time and energy to convince the young recruit that no other school will show more interest or is a better final destination than UM.

Michigan does a splendid, absolutely top job on campus, but for many recruits, the on campus attention, or occasional communication, is not sufficient to close the deal. Unfortunately recruiting is now akin to a wooing process, and to the victor goes the prize recruit.

So here is the short scenario: there are a few recruits out there with Michigan leanings, however small or large. Some of these recruits receive less interest from the Michigan program and more from Ohio State.

There is one question we here are not sure of- how serious is Michigan regarding the recruits Greg mentioned? The assumption throughout this entire article is that Michigan indeed is actively recruiting these players very hard and desires their commitments. That may be a faulty underlying assumption, although such realism would indeed be a head-scratcher.

If Michigan is indeed serious about landing recruits where Ohio State is the prime competitor, there is a ton of work to do and recruiting strategies to assess. Currently it will be tough to beat Ohio State head-to head for any regional recruit Ohio State truly wants.

Ohio State has some natural advantages in landing talent: a rich talent base that grows up very pro-OSU, a program guaranteed to go to major bowl games, a great heritage, a monster stadium, and at the present time stability. Michigan has strengths: a monster stadium, a great heritage, the value of the UM degree, the beautiful campus, the great lifestyle of Ann Arbor, and the wonderful academic assist program.

Ohio State has maximized its stated natural advantages for recruiting through careful management (yes, indeed winning is a prime factor, but even so, Ohio State has been very successful). Michigan, although painful to say, is not near the level of its primary adversary in head to head recruiting and hence some opportunities may have gone by the wayside.

It is what it is and Michigan’s primary goal needs to be to change what is. That little dictate is obvious. What is not so obvious is how Michigan will accomplish the task, that query could fill up reams of paper. But simply put the entire Michigan football operation has some tough questions to ask as to how the team can ascend back to national prominence, perhaps starting with winning some head-to-head battles for prized recruits.

Ohio State is now using successful recruiting strategy and opportunity provided by success to form rosters capable of winning more national titles, not just beat Michigan. This current Ohio State class will likely be top five and the once tender quarterback situation has been soothed by the announcement of Braxton Miller (yes, indeed, Baxton is very good for anyone wondering) attending Ohio State.

One thing for sure, when given that rare opportunity of recruiting a quality recruit that has signaled Blue interest, jump on that window of opportunity, get there first and pour on the resources. After all, there is still an old axiom that few, if any, dispute: recruiting is the lifeblood (also lifeline) of a football program.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Recruiting Ohio and battling Ohio State

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/4/2010

Mailbag question: Recruiting Ohio and battling Ohio State

Hey guys, it appears that most of the recent commits we receive a verbal from in the state of Ohio often times do not have an offer from Ohio State. Why is that? Is it that OSU gives offers only to the most talented players or are the Michigan guys just under the radar?

For example, neither Greg Brown, nor Chris Rock hold offers from Ohio State and that kind of bothers me. Your thoughts?

Dwain P.

---------------------------------

Thanks for the question.

In our opinion the reason is very simple, Michigan and Ohio State use completely opposite philosophies and systems that require different types of athletes. Also, at this time Ohio State is one of the nation’s elite programs with BCS bowl games, including the recent Rose Bowl, several National Championship games, and five straight Big Ten Championships.

Another thing to consider is that Ohio is loaded with talent where most of the kids bleed scarlet and grey. Yes, there are a lot of Michigan fans in Ohio, but lately Ohio State has been winning what matters -- "The Game" and that helps in recruiting as well.

Also, there are high school coaches that push kids to a certain school, which happens everywhere in America, but this seems to happen a lot more in the state of Ohio.

Now on to the style of play, which makes a difference as well.

Ohio State is still running more of a pro style offense that utilizes big, physical offensive linemen who can move the line of scrimmage forward.

Michigan is primarily a zone blocking team that is also physical, but does not require the same type of movement that Ohio State does.

Just look at the type of linemen Ohio State has recruited in the last three years, Mewhart, Shugarts, Hall, and Brewster. They are all large, physically imposing linemen.

By comparison Michigan has brought in Lewan, Schofield, and Pace, all linemen we like who may end being the equal of Ohio State's, but when recruited they did not possess the same level of physical maturity, with Washington being the one exception.

On defense, Ohio State is looking for large defensive tackles that can compare with the type they played against vs. LSU and USC, big physical players who can move the line of scrimmage and command double teams.

Michigan is playing more of a movement defense that relies on quickness and movement creating an advantage to counter the larger offensive lines in the Big Ten.

At running back, Ohio State is still running a ton of I-formation and seven-yard deep tailback; the Buckeyes like running backs who run between the tackles with the shoulders square and can see and hit the cutback lanes.

Michigan, inside and outside the tackle area, looks for running backs with different skills.

At slot receiver, Ohio State likes the Gonzo and Stoneburner types who can cause mismatches with a combination of size and athletic ability.

Michigan uses smaller slot receivers who use speed and shiftiness to cause mismatches with overhangs.

By the way, Brown and Rock are solid and are players most D-1 schools would readily tender an offer.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Disagree with your take on the allegations

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/3/2010

Mailbag question: Disagree with your take on the allegations

I believe this clearly shows that the football coaches aren't to blame for this mess and that others were out to get Coach Rod into trouble.

How can you blame the coaches for this mess especially Coach Rod? Seems like you are covering for others.

Tim S.

------------------------------------

Thanks for the reply.

First off, the overriding purpose of the GBMW blog site is to present news, discussion, and occasionally opinion (analysis).

Second, little was stated about the coaches within the very broad scope of the article, one that many found to be informative. Most of the discussion centered on the administrative circle and chain of command. Nothing of what GBMW stated, or any other source, can either completely absolve coaches or administrators, of blame, nor place complete guilt on any party, including administrators or coaches. As stated, there will be plenty of blame to go around, The head coach, by his very position and job description, must demonstrate proficiency in compliance and quality control. Others are present to assist and be efficient filters or safeguards. By all sources, and associated criteria, the system broke down.

Third, nothing has been linked directly to any conspiracy to get the coaches “in trouble.” That may very well have happened, but incompetence may also be the culprit. Not doing assigned duties or properly carrying out logistical tasks to sink a coaching staff’s boat is a very good way to lose a really nice administrative position. There are plenty of dots to still connect, and some of the dots will show up here and there to fill in the remaining picture. There may never be an entire portrait presented as perfectly accurate, that is asking much for a situation where finger-pointing and disagreement over responsibilities may never be completely resolved. But the resolution now is to put in place an efficient system.

Fourth, the NCAA could care less about the internal drama. The picture it is looking at is Michigan’s punishment and future. If coaches were found to be intentional in violations, or untruthful about the violations, the fan would go full speed to the institutional control level. Lying has been leveled as a charge, and said finding will likely neutralize some of the goodwill Michigan is trying to build by giving the image of instant self-reporting and pleading guilty.

Well it was indeed the coaching staff that hired and misused the Quality Control/Graduate Assistants. We saw with our own eyes that the QC/GA were coaching during the spring.

It was the coaching staff that practiced too long, this is not any administrator’s bookkeeping error. The staff is capable of knowing practice limits and correctly reading a clock, especially when the staff has a horn-blower that breaks practice down to the minute. They know the rules, period.

This is Coach Rod's program, and as head coach (as stated above) it is his responsible for hiring and keeping any hire within rule boundaries. He is the face of the Michigan football program and he is the one that makes the big bucks. With that high position comes a price, in this case at least a large share of accountability for the overall compliance of the program. Compliance is an ugly mess in college football, vague, fluid, far-reaching, and nearly impossible to be without minor violations, even with the best of intent. As a result, a new branch of university official has sprouted up throughout the nation, the compliance corp. Most major systems have a reverse funnel mechanism, whereby the many lower level administrators (called bean-counters) will funnel documentation, or concerns, up to the top two or three management people (usually one assistant AD and then the AD).

In the recent article, we noted that many people made mistakes and David Brandon himself stated that he was disappointed in a lot of people, including the coaching staff. This is a pretty direct and most certainly an accurate statement. Hence, again GBMW uses the general phrase of plenty of blame to go around.

We have gotten e-mails and communication that we are protecting two people, Brad Labadie and Scot Draper, which to the staff is quite funny, especially with some limited contact with the two. The blog has implied or stated several times lately and in the past that our staff members are not big fans of Draper. This is not a recent development.

As for Labadie we don't really have a connection with him except for an incident this past spring where someone unsuccessfully attempted to discredit a member of this blog through the attention of Labadie.

Our staff is not privy, nor should be, to the internal process of finding of fact from the current investigation. Like everyone else, GBMW “heard things” but waited until the official university communication before presenting an opinion or position (the take).

By all means no blog or web site sits in on any meeting with the primary players such as Head Coach, University President, or Athletic Director. Blogs can comment on perceived errors and the associated personnel, but only the primary players make hiring and firing decisions. A blog calling for who is fired and who stays on likely has a .0000000000000 chance of impacting a job termination decision by a skilled and experienced CEO like David Brandon. Other factors centered on fact and the judgment of the major administrators will determine any such actions.

No one here is calling for any heads, administrators and coaches alike. What the call is involves UM cleaning up this mess correctly, and moving on, improving the program, and putting a system in place in insure no future incidents. This is a universal call and not an invention of this site. That seems to be Mr. Brandon’s clear goal. Mr. Brandon may want to move on, or eventually more firings may occur after the NCAA final penalty assessment. But the trigger belongs to President Coleman, Mr. Brandon, and perhaps the Board of Regents.

Written by GBMW Staff

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Mailbag question: Demar Dorsey status

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/2/2010

Mailbag question: Demar Dorsey status

When will we all find out if Demar Dorsey is eligible to play for Michigan this fall? It is less than 100 days to kickoff!

Keep up the great work.

Cam P.

------------------------------

Thanks for the question.

Honestly, Michigan fans might not want to get their hopes up as to Demar Dorsey playing for Michigan this year. Some sites have essentially written him off, while other sites have Demar’s chances on the “critical, on life-support” list. Nothing is “official.”

However, please take careful note regarding the content of the remainder of this article!! Also, take note that some of the content is currently impossible to verify with 100% confidence as decisions like this (Demar’s admission status) have as least some fluidity (e.g. final grades for senior year, etc.).

On the surface, this situation (regarding young Dorsey) may appear to be random, isolated, “politically motivated,” or to many onlookers the Dorsey situation may appear to be similar to that of former UM recruit Adrian Witty.

Witty never made it to Michigan, a result of the combined admissions process. Many have speculated that Adrian actually met NCAA standards but did not gain admission from Michigan. Some have stated that indeed there were other potential recruits who had to quickly drop by the wayside because the chances of Michigan admission were not even marginal.

None of us here know Mr. Witty’s exact academic standing; that is meant to be subject to privacy and well such matters should be.

As of now the first part of the eligibility process for Demar Dorsey centers on the standard documentation and the meeting of established standards all recruits must demonstrate before actual enrollment. This is what we have all come to know as the NCAA Clearinghouse acceptance. In Demar’s case the Clearinghouse is the first obstacle, but likely not the last and maybe not the tallest hurdle. That high hurdle may be the formal admissions decision by the University of Michigan.

So, in the near future, everything must have a very successful cross the “t’s” and dot the “i’s” effect to allow a chance for Demar to play this year.

Remember that in the 2009 class Gallon and Turner did not secure final acceptance until August and actually missed several fall practices. It is the opinion here that both players essentially lost at least one-half year of potential development.

What GBMW has been informed of is several different accounts and recent developments regarding the status of UM football recruiting. Two scenarios outlined below directly affect Demar, the third and last is also potentially pointed at other recruits, present and future.

First, the scenario that the final decision for Demar Dorsey’s acceptance is essentially 100% in the hands of Admissions and that indeed it could again be August before any final decision is rendered. In short, both Michigan admissions and the requirements of the NCAA Clearinghouse will be, as normal, deciding conditions. However, assuming Clearinghouse acceptance, Michigan Admissions then becomes what is known as the extraordinary power (in total control of the outcome).

Then, GBMW has been informed that Demar Dorsey has not qualified yet (NCAA standards) and that Admissions will not know if Demar qualifies until probably August. Qualification, of course, would only satisfy one of the two above outlined conditions, the other again being Michigan Admissions.

And most recently GBMW has received clear and very believable information from a reliable poster by the name of "Rekker" who stated that even if Dorsey does qualify there is a strong chance that he (as well as two others from the 2010 class) will not matriculate.

This “unwritten and unstated policy/decree,” it was stated to GBMW, germinated from inside the Athletic Department, not from the recently battered (by some, cheered by others) Admissions Department. It is not an AD vs. Admissions thing, whereby the admissions personnel are purposely turning recruits away (purported by some to be tied to an agenda). This position is instead the new regime sending a full-power and clear signal.

The basic issue is that Coach Rod in his short tenure has been bringing in too many academically "at risk" kids, at risk as defined by current Michigan standards. Three to five recruits per year in a category defined as above has been pretty much the historical trend at UM the last decade, and while some “fuss” has occurred many players have received admission. More than a dozen recruits deemed to be marginal is a different matter and is not presently viewed with favor, especially within the rank and file of the academia.

The AD's view is that all athletes have to be able to survive at Michigan in a real academic program. Surviving at Michigan holds the underlying assumption that the university indeed entails a higher standard than merely qualifying as defined by the NCAA.

Assuming that the above position holds at least a degree (if not more) of accuracy, then the bottom line is Michigan fans could see three signed commitments from this class not show up in August. All hell will break loose if indeed this happens. But after the smoke clears, there will be a very clear message about the expected admission standard and associated academic credentials for UM football recruits.

Again, the signal, if the information is correct, is coming from the AD, not Admissions. Certainly, as one would expect, the university will be tight-lipped and noncommittal in commenting on unstated or unwritten winds of change. Only generalities will be presented.

If Demar goes the junior college route (he has signed such a letter of intent with Fort Scott Community College in Kansas), do not remotely gain the impression that he will eventually join the Michigan football program, because rarely does a recruit (or any student) secure JC transfer credit at Michigan.

If Demar goes the "JC route," this easily explains why programs such as Florida backed off of him late in the recruiting season.

And so, the As the World Turns status of Michigan continues, but clearly for all of us it will be, at the very least, most interesting to see how this situation eventually signals, one way or the other, an unwritten policy and standard bar for UM players gaining admittance.

The outcome bears great importance to Michigan’s future on-field success, since Demar remains the best defensive recruit in the 2010 class. His loss could immediately hurt depth, perhaps even eliminating a 2010 defensive starter. Of note is the cruel reality that if the admission decision of Demar Dorsey is unfavorable, then another in a long line of high-level defensive backs, including Adrian Witty, over the past half-decade or so will be filed in the near-miss category, which does Michigan no good at all.

We all wish for Demar to have success, and like others hope, wish, aspire, long, yearn, whatever, for his eventual admission to U of M. If Demar does clear the NCAA, but does not obtain Michigan acceptance, there will be inquiring minds questioning, and theories posited, as to the why and how of the entire recruitment process and the associated decision.

But inquiring minds maybe just got a little head start.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Tate Forcier "what if"

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/27/2010

Mailbag 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

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Mailbag question: Big House Barbecue

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/25/2010

Mailbag 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

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Mailbag question: Coach Rod, Coach Kelly and drama

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/24/2010

Mailbag 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

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Mailbag question: Denard and Tate

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/21/2010

Mailbag question: Denard and Tate

Gents!

I haven't seen this asked yet and wanted to get a different take on this question than I normally see.

After the Spring Game, you guys gave us your thoughts on Denard and Tate, etc. However, the question still gets kicked around, who starts? Who is leading in the QB competition? Now I know you guys don't like to speculate, but I have to ask you to do it anyway!

In my opinion, Denard looked amazing in the Spring Game. Now I know people have been arguing, "I'll wait to see in the fall, he was playing against the second string D", yada, yada, yada. I understand all of this, but you still have to make the throw to the receiver. You still have to feel the pressure and elude it to get out of trouble and head up field. You still can't question the amazing amount of speed and burst the kid has when he takes off, regardless if he was against the first string or second string D. Also, I think Denard tucks the ball well when he is trying to scramble and for me that is a big key.

Tate looked a little better than last year. However I felt that he was at a slight disadvantage. He did play against the First String D with a Second String O-line (not sure I can use this as an argument. I thought Tate made some nice drives and that he passed the ball well (except a few) and that he ran out of the pocket well (sometimes a little too quick). The issue I see with Tate (which isn't a secret) is that he handles the ball like a loaf of bread and gets "Crazy Legs" sometimes.

So, given what you have seen, do you think Denard is in the lead to start? Do you think it makes a difference that he was against the second string D, especially after I said it makes a difference that Tate was against the first string D? Do you think Tate is behind and if so, do you think he can make up enough ground on Denard at this point? Do you think that Tate being a stronger leader (vocally) puts him in a better position to see the field more than Denard? How do you guys see things at this time, what is your take?

I would really appreciate your evaluation of this and break down of how you guys see things playing out. Maybe even break it down into "If this, then this happens", but "if this happens, then this happens". As you can see, I am really trying to pick your brains right now to get an in-depth look at what you guys think, as you can see your opinion matters to some of us!

Thanks for the hard work, keep it up!!
Bruce

-------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the question.

Coach Rod has made the present public assessment of the quarterback competition very clear: the real competition for the quarterback position will not happen until summer ends and fall begins.

Coach has stated that the eventual starter will not be determined until weekly preparations for the first game. He is adamant that the best player plays, period, and rarely at this time makes the starters public, even if he and the staff know. Coach Rod has stated that even if he and the staff know, and the players know, he most likely will not tell the media.

This keeps competition going and a time-tested strategy to maximize improvement through rough competition. We are in 100% agreement with this philosophy. In our opinion it is the only way to treat quarterbacks, and players in general, that are remotely close in competition.

That said, we all strongly agree that overall Denard Robinson had the best spring, and if the season started tomorrow he would be the starter.

Last year, Denard Robinson, without any doubt, was the most dangerous offensive weapon Michigan had at times. He still has to get on the good side of the learning curve and will need to have a great summer to keep alive his chance of starting right out of the gate against UConn.

It is really not a jolt to observers to say that Denard Robinson is leading in the clubhouse. So going into summer workouts and fall practices, Denard is likely to be the number one quarterback, followed by Tate and then Devin.

Our practice reports from this spring indicated that Denard was clearly the better quarterback in six of the seven practices we attended.

Others were stating that Tate Forcier was just being held out to give Denard Robinson more snaps with the first group to learn the offense (reportedly also due to shoulder injury). That is not what we observed. Tate’s arm did look a little weak early on, but it seemed to improve in a short time. Denard played because he played very well and was difficult to defend. Michigan’s defenders have a clear verdict of who they hate to try to defend as during spring practices when Denard was in the game the defense could not stop him and admitted so when coming off the field. Relating content of an earlier article, several of us were standing on the sideline by the defense when players were coming off the field stating "all they have is Denard" and we need to contain him. The defense clearly didn't feel as threatened or worried when Tate was in there.

Please keep in mind that in all of our spring reports it was the first group vs. the first group most of the time, and only for the spring game was it first group vs. second group. So, we got a good look at both quarterbacks going up against the first group defense and the observations also included Devin Gardner who impressed as well. But, again, Devin has a lot to learn, especially when the playbook gets expanded and the defensive coverages get tougher to read as well.

Time is always a factor and things happen, both expected and unexpected. It is still a long time until the first snap against UConn.

We believe the quarterback position is a lot better off today compared to two years ago, or even last year at this time. UM now actually has three quarterbacks capable of running this offense. All three are fine athletes.

People need to not go to sleep on Devin Gardner either. He might not be the "guy" this year, but for sure he will be a clear threat to the other quarterbacks come next year. We could see Devin being worked into this offense similar to how Ohio State did with Pryor as a freshman.

Written by GBMW Staff

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Mailbag question: Notre Dame and the Big Ten

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/20/2010

Mailbag question: Notre Dame and the Big Ten

GBMW,

Do you guys believe that if Notre Dame doesn't join the Big Ten this time that the teams in the Big Ten should stop scheduling themselves against Notre Dame, because that just helps them out?
Jane F.

----------------------------

Thanks for the question.

This is a tough question for the conference in general because playing Notre Dame in Big Ten Country does help gain exposure for some teams, while other teams would not suffer one iota without Notre Dame on the schedule.

We agree with Bo on this one: if Notre Dame wants to play Big Ten teams and reap the benefit, then they should join the conference.

It makes no sense to us to allow Notre Dame to benefit financially from playing Big Ten teams without the conference gaining as well. In ecology there is a concept called symbiotic relationships, whereby one entity has a relationship with another entity. One such relationship is titled mutualism, where both parties benefit. Another is termed parasitism, where one entity benefits and another is harmed. We will leave it to the readers to determine which (if either) of the ecology analogies fit Notre Dame.

The big question is will the entire Big Ten agree not to schedule Notre Dame in any sport if they again turn the Big Ten down? That is a huge question and we believe this matter needs an across the board agreement before the expansion train travels much further. Notre Dame needs to know when the last train is leaving the station. If you are going to cut the Irish off the football list, then do the same for the other sports as well.

Would it hurt the Big Ten schools not playing Notre Dame? Yes, we believe it probably could hurt some schools that play Notre Dame, a national power that is in close proximity to several Big Ten schools.

Can a conference legitimately ask/demand a program like Purdue to give up one of its few national television games each year when they play Notre Dame?

Could Michigan successfully break its twenty-year contract with Notre Dame, using as justification that the Irish turned down membership in the Big Ten?

Would any of this hurt Notre Dame? Possibly, a little bit. But as we have lately heard, Notre Dame is in discussions with renewing the Notre Dame vs. Miami series. We believe that if Notre Dame would agree to rescind Big Ten contracts, the Irish would quickly and easily fill the void with past rivals that could actually increase attention to their games. Miami, Brigham Young, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma and Florida State might be willing to fill the bill, at least short-term.

It would be financially a disadvantage for both the Big Ten and Notre Dame not to play, and that is why the Big Ten and Notre Dame currently play/tolerate each other, it is a win/win scenario in the follow the money world.

Most people are only looking at the coming expansion through football eyes, but Michigan has twenty-five sports (the Big Ten in general has more sports than Notre Dame), most of them non-revenue. Notre Dame joining the Big Ten could help student-athletes of minor sports by having less time out of school and less time on buses.

Travel, academics, proximity, and natural rivalries point to Notre Dame being a good fit for the Big Ten Conference. But the dumbest thing the Big Ten could do would be to admit Notre Dame into the league for all sports excepting football, allowing Notre Dame to have the best of both worlds: less travel, better minor sports situations and the big, fat football check that is solely cashed and kept in South Bend.

Not to fear, the Big Ten crowd is smart enough to know a parasitic relationship when they see it, aren’t they?

Written by GBMW Staff

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Mailbag question: Does it get better?

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/19/2010

Mailbag question: Does it get better?

Guys,

Thanks for the great site, always true and honest.

I just watched the U of M vs. MSU game on the BTN and it was disgusting to see Winston and Jenrette sticking it to the Wolves along with six or seven other thugs.

They should never have been on the field, yet we recruit a kid from Florida who had some trouble when he was 16 and the media treats him like he is Jack the Ripper. Does it ever get better?

Don

--------------------------

Thanks for the question.

We take the point of view of not placing great emotional investment into the current media blitz and could care less about the media and their take on situations such as this.

We think it is a waste of time and energy to worry about the fourth estate. Essentially, this new group of societal watchdogs will write what they wish to serve themselves, especially in this era of instant news and sensationalized stories. Logic, investigation, fairness, and accuracy have clearly all been sent to the back seat of many (but certainly not all) media agendas.

One thing about the media, and opposing fan bases, is they always want to take shots at programs that were at the top of the game and have fallen. We have seen this in the past with programs such as Texas, before Mack Brown, USC, before Pete Carroll, Oklahoma, before Bob Stoops, Miami, Notre Dame and now Michigan. We are sure once Michigan gets back to the program it once was, at the top of the Big Ten and competing for BCS bowl games, the media will look for a new fallen program (easy strawman target) to go after. Of course, Michigan has provided plenty of help to justify the kicking.

Complaining about the media provides attention for and gives legs to the garbage printed. Several mainline media sources, Michigan message boards, and web sites actually give extended life to these stories and actually (although perhaps unintended) help promote such news, even though a particular source may not agree with the article or viewpoint.

One thing people need to remember and bear in mind is that Michigan considers itself above other programs, whether this is so is another long discussion.

UM has been labeled the wine and cheese university for a reason, and having some collective noses stuck in the air and always believing the athletic programs do everything by the book clearly created more trouble than other institutions would have endured or sought when the athletic department so openly invited the NCAA, an institution in real need of a big name punching bag, in to check out the football program.

We certainly cannot control, or even mildly influence, what the media says about Michigan, or what is said about other programs, so why even bother worrying about it?

The problem with the Florida commit that you are talking about is Michigan has provided the media with more timely ammo to take easy, and for some productive, shots at Michigan. What would have been written if a recruit of this nature committed to an under the radar school like Middle Tennessee State?

The program is losing football games, making mistakes with practice times, making mistakes with GA/QC personnel looking over summer work-outs, when not allowed, having too many GA/QC personnel on staff and allowing them to coach when not permitted.

Michigan web sites can talk about other programs negative recruiting Michigan right now and saying Michigan doesn't do it, but to be honest Michigan is an easy mark.

Written by GBMW Staff

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