Wednesday 4 January 2012

Arnett gets full release

The season is done, and its definitely one to remember. But now its time to move onto recruiting as Michigan hopes to close out the 2012 class with some big time prospects.

One guy that is definitely a big time player is DeAnthony Arnett, who is now free to transfer anywhere in the state of Michigan after Tennessee finally caved into media pressure and a common sense of decency. Arnett will likely decide between Michigan and Michigan St, so we'll just have to see how things progress.

UPDATE: He's gone to MSU, big pickup for them. They were favorites to land him because of the UM coaching staff that originally recruited him have since....moved on. Whereas Dantonio and Co are still there.

85 comments:

  1. do we have room for him or even want him? i have no idea

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wasn't Arnett more a MSU lean last year before he committed to Tennessee?

    ReplyDelete
  3. @ Kevin He wanted to play in pro style. We are now in pro style transition.

    ReplyDelete
  4. @mort
    He had a higher WR rating than any WR on our team right now. He was rated the top WR in Michigan last year. He started games as a true freshmen at Tennessee. So.... The answer is yes we want him. Not to mention MSU loses their top 3 WR's and they are going to have no WR's with experience on their team. This kid would be the biggest recruit MSU landed in a long time. A position of need and a high 4 star WR that already has playing time and can come in and play right away. I hope Brady Hoke works his magic.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bleacher Report predicts Yuri Wright to Notre Dame and Banner to Washington... Do we have a backup plan if we fail to get some if these recruits? Do we not fill the class if we can't get top notch talent and save the scholarships for next year? Not being negative, just want to know what you guys think.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I predict we get Garnett, not Banner. I'm not sold we will lose out on Wright, but if we do I'll take Reeves. I still think we add a tight end. The last spot is reserved for a wild card we may not even know of yet. I think it's important to keep Arnett away from MSU - they already have Burbridge this year.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oops, read that comment wrong! Yes Banner probably will end up at Washington. But we knew Banner was a lost cause for us a while back, Garnett has been the focus.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What are the odds we get him. Also, have you heard anything about Demar Dorsey? Sounds like he is doing well at JUCO and wants to join UM eventually.

    ReplyDelete
  10. When does Dorsey have to transfer by in order to get in? Also how are we so confident we get reeves if yuri fails? I wouldn't want to be a second option if I was big time recruit... Just curious and I hope Alabama wins so their top juniors leave.... Sorry but Michigan is not Alabama talent, Yet! I'm excited for future and see how kids finish of the signing year process! I think we can end good but not as good as others think not to be a Debbie downer, just my opinion. Either way Go Blue!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I echo the belief of wanting Alabama to has ..as much experience disappear from that. the closer we can keep the score, the better it is for us.

    I hope our O linemen improve against elite pass rushing speed. They were dominated last night.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Right now, unless the team makes significant strides over the offseason, mainly on offense and in reloading the defensive line, we could get embarrassed by Alabama in Dallas. The Tide, lets be honest, probably don't play by the rules in terms of recruiting, and thus have a monstrous defense that will reload regardless of who it loses to the NFL.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dorsey will not be allowed to transfer. His only option is to pay his own way and walk on if he wants to wear the winged helmet. Reeves is not a "second option" Hoke would definitely take both reeves and wright if they wanted to commit. As for Arnett, read this article to answer your questions.
    As for me i believe they final 4 will be
    1. Garnett
    2. Reeves
    3. Wright
    4. A TE or Diamond

    On a side note i couldn't have asked for a better last 24 hours, UM won some sugar and i found out im having a son today!
    Go Blue

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bendy, congratulations! Wishing you the best!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congrats, Bendy, but Dorsey is a JUCO player, and he'll be able to transfer after two years of JUCO ball -- as that's as long as you can play JUCO.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Mr. Arnett, best wishes in your potential transfer to East Lansing, home to Ms Who. No 2012 schollies will be available for him. That ship sailed over a year ago with this young man.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I hope that article is true. Granted we don't NEED Arnett, but depth never hurt anybody. He's got college level playing experience, he's shown he is a play maker being a true freshman starter with the same numbers as Roundtree. I wan't Arnett. He's not my first choice for our remaining spots, but in no way shape or form would I say "no thanks". Keep in mind, if we take him, that means MSU can't have him, and they need experienced receivers

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks everybody. Yes Dorsey will be available to transfer but i was referring to the fact that UM very rarely ever takes a JUCO player especially one that has a past. It would be very difficult for him to get accepted into the university. Also if Arnett decides to transfer to UM it would not count to our scholarship total this year of 28. The only number he would affect is the total max number of 85 on the roster. If either or both of these kids get into UM i will accept them just like another player Hoke lets onto team 133 and beyond.

    ReplyDelete
  19. @chucky
    I have to disagree with you. I think Michigan would be crazy to not go after Arnett.


    1.Garnett
    2.Arnett
    3.Grant
    4.Reeves or Wright

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dorsey will not be allowed onto the Michigan Campus the Admin department made that clear when he committed. They do not want him because of his past.

    If it was just a grades issue then we would be able to transfer since Grand Valley State is the one in-state Juco school that Michigan excepts credits from.

    Michigan should take all five players if they want to come. After watching the game last night it is clear that they will need help at all three positions. They should have the room to because I don't think that they invite all of what will be the 5th seniors back for a final season.

    On another note what do you think are the chances that Hagerup is on the team next year? He has punted bad all year when he wasn't suspended. Got pulled last night at 2 or 3 punts.

    ReplyDelete
  21. You have 4 scholarships left. Unless Arnett pays his way for a year, even if he gets a hardship transfer exemption, what scholarship are you going to offer ?.

    The ship sailed long time ago. NSD is less than 1 month away, the ball will roll and you will see.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Just read over on Mgoblog that Yuri Wright will not be announcing this weekend here is the link http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/yuri-wright-not-announcing-weekend

    ReplyDelete
  23. The one thing I don't understand about Yuri is that he says hes a long time Michigan fan and that Michigan is his dream school. I'm still hoping we can land this kid but if Michigan is your dream school this should have been over a long time ago. I also don't understand why some kids want to go to Notre Dame still, they have no QB and have not been a dominant school in years.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have a difficult time believing that Arnett or Dorsey will come to Michigan. Michigan has never been that big on taking transfers (I know it happens-Stephen Threet). I would think Hoke probably likes the idea of having a player for 4-5 years.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Arnett would go against the 85 roster not the allotment of scholarships available for this year. Usually not all players get invited back for a 5th year. Michigan has 20 RS JR of which I am not sure has a full scholarship. But all holding a scholarship will not for sure be back next season. Plus you still could have kids leave the program. So another spot opening up could very likely happen.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Marell Evans transfered back to Michigan last spring.

    ReplyDelete
  27. First thing I would like to say is congrats to team 132 and the coaching staff on a great year and future. Second I would like to thank the senior for buying into what the coaches were teaching and stepping up to lead the rest of the team. And third it was not a pretty win but a win is a win and thats what counts.

    I make alot of jokes in the summer about Brendan Gibbons and I ate some crow for that. Now I have one more thing to say about him. Brendan Gibbons you are the man. You turned your kicking game around and proved some of us wrong. So thank you for putting in the work and having the right mind set to pull thru. Thank you.

    Recruiting:
    If UM can land DeAnthony Arnett they should take him. I read that MSU does not want him so even better for UM.
    Yuri Wright: I would love him in this class but I am getting a bad feeling about him.
    Morgan Reeves: I would also love to have him as a part of this class as well.
    Josh Garnett: UM has to get him. UM needs a bigger O Line then the one UM has now.
    Grant: I really don't see UM taking another TE. UM can work with the ones they have til they can find the right fit for them.
    I am still thinking UM pulls a rabbit out of there hat in the end.

    And on a final note congrats to Bendy on becoming a father. Is this your first?

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is on ESPN from Taco Charlton (Pickerington, Ohio/Central), 2013 defensive end recruit
    REACTION: "It was crazy. I was sitting on the edge of my bed, just hoping that we’d pull it off. When the Virginia Tech guy missed that field goal I knew Michigan would win the game. I had faith that Michigan would pull it off, even when they went into overtime."The rest is behind a paywall.
    This sounds good for UM.

    ReplyDelete
  29. @jer thank you and no it is my second i have a 4 year old boy already.
    Also im guessing you mean Armani Reeves not morgan reeves?. I also agree that if we can get arnett we should take him, why pass on a good player? Its not the fact of being scared of him going to MSU, because i believe Mattison will assemble the #1 defense in the land in 2 years. I just don't see why we would pass up on a good receiver especially when he wouldn't even cost us a scholarship.
    Also for Wright many people are getting a bad feeling about him. But i believe he is just being a kid and he understands that he can get some attention out of playing this out but deep in his heart he knows he will go blue. Hell how could a defensive player pass up playing under former Ravens DC Mattison, and playing for the school he grew up loving. This along with how i have seen him talk about UM in interviews leads me to believe he will go blue and is just looking for some attention right now like almost any other top recruit in the land.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Bendy,
    I did mean Armani. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  31. Yea, I'm still convinced Wright will go blue. It wouldn't make sense to not play for your dream school. plain and simple.

    ReplyDelete
  32. A tweet from Yuri Wright "Man I can stand these reporters man always puttin some bullshit in the media smh I will be visiting Michigan January 13th you heard from me"
    I don't know but I find this to be very good news.

    ReplyDelete
  33. We land Yuri Wright and Josh Garnett I would say that's a great end to a top 5 class. Any other players we get with them and its just a cherry on top of the cake for me.

    ReplyDelete
  34. That is good to here. Sounds like Wright is upset that reporter say he is going to ND.

    ReplyDelete
  35. First Arnett will cost uofm a scholarship. That is why he had to be released from Tennesse. Second, I think Garnett will be blue by this weekend and that Wright is still a strong uofm lean. The key to finishing this class might b armani reeves and diggs. If those 4 become blue and we get Grant to fill in at TE this would become the #1 class. I have heard that uofm can get to 29 now from scout.com.

    ReplyDelete
  36. He meant that arnett wont go against the scholarships for this class. It'll count against the 85 overall though

    ReplyDelete
  37. Arnett just went to MSU. That sucks

    ReplyDelete
  38. @Jer89 Where did you hear that?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Allen Trieu @AllenTrieu 10m

    DeAnthony Arnett to #MichiganState

    ReplyDelete
  40. Ahh alright thanks, not that surprised anyways.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I am. I thought UM would atleast get a visit.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I guess the situation in MSU appealed to him more because they have no Wr's for next year. Is the Stefon Diggs recruitment completely over?

    ReplyDelete
  43. yea Arnett would have been nice...but oh well. He has to sit out a year anyways and its not like MSU is never going to get any more decent receivers again anyways, its going to happen sooner or later. We got better players to be going after also.

    ReplyDelete
  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. As for Arnett im just glad the kid gets to be with his sick father, regardless of him choosing our little brother's.

    @uofmfan..... did they give a reason we can get 29? Because i was under the impression the maximum is 28 under all circumstances? Also do you know something about Diggs that we all don't? Because last i heard that ship sailed long ago, when he left michigan out of his updated list?

    Also from what i have read on twitter the last few months i am almost 90% positive Wright and Garnett go Blue. The subtle hints speak volumes, in the recruitment process of these kids

    ReplyDelete
  46. It all depends on the early enrollee and the total 85 scholarships. So with graduation, transfers and 5 year scholarships pulled they maybe able to take 29.

    I think the coaches gave up on Diggs weeks ago.

    As for Arnett. MSU has nobody to throw him the ball.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm already satisfied with our class. No matter what we're a top 10 class.

    Besides Bama, who on the schedule next year is gonna beat us? As long as they straighten the secondary out, and DR's problems, which I'm confident they will. After all look what they did in the first year. It's only gonna get better and I don't mean later. I expect us to go 11-1, 10-2, again next year. If DR steps up 12-0 but I know that's streatchin it, but very possible. ND still has no QB, and now no Floyd. MSU lost bout everyone, as I expect worthly will leave. ILL loosing thieir stud DE. Iowa loosing Mcnutt. Screw OSU!!...

    With our D the way it is I see Wilson as an EE making a splash early. Hope pipkins can do something as a FR also.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Don't know who's taking over for molk?.. Any guesses?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Like I said repeatedly, ship sailed a long time ago with Arnett - he can run his mouth all he wants about it being UM or Ms who.

    Good luck at Ms Who, sure looking forward to Countess shutting you down son.

    ReplyDelete
  50. @smokey my guess is Rhocko Khoury (sp?). Who stepping in for him while he was injured in the Sugar Bowl game.

    ReplyDelete
  51. @bendy that's what scares me. Lol hopefully he does better than his 3 snaps he got. I guess I'll just hope he will.

    So much for that article on arnett and that guys "source" not going to MSU, dantonio don't want him. Lmao. Good luck with their QB battle this year. Can't see someone stepping in and tearing it up. Cousins hardley got it done. And you think our win was ugly. On that note the national champ game better be more entertaining than 6-3. Now that was ugly!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Damn I really didn't want MSU to get him. Well MSU has 2 really good WR's now. I hope next year Shane Morris can help us land a big time 5 star WR. I don't think Michigan has ever landed a 5 Star WR.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Lol doubt that's true but if it is, goes to show how over rated rankings are.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Idk why everyone think burbridge is soooo good, when I saw him play live he got shut down by a junior cb.... Overated if u ask me

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hey Balla, U-M has gotten plenty of 5 star WR's:
    Amani Toomer
    David Terrell
    Mercury Hayes
    Marquis Walker

    Were all 5 star guys plus we've had some stud high 4 star guys like:
    Manningham
    Anthony Carter
    Derrick Alexander
    Greg McMurtry
    Adrian Arrington


    We will be recruiting the best of the best WR's from now on because we will have QB's that can really throw the ball in the future, sorry Denard, you're exciting and all, but I'm looking forward to the Shane Morris' of the world to come in and dominate.

    ReplyDelete
  56. had a feeling we did not need him. could be wrong but did not like one playing against and other. good luck

    ReplyDelete
  57. You know who we need to go out and get?...a PUNTER!! lmao. Go get someone who can boot it 50-60 yrds. We need another mesko!! Show me you can do that I'll give ya a scollie. Lol.

    Mick good look on the numbers.

    I'm sure Morris will bring WR's with him. This year and the next 3-4 years aswell. WR is an easy place for FR to start. Are you fast? Tall? Can you catch? Jump?Ok...go do it...

    Love the way this is all coming together again.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I saw someone comment about Blake Countess shutting down Arnett. Did you watch the Sugar Bowl. Besides the offensive play calling, i was screaming about Countess. He should have been pulled. 98% of the time they threw at him, no matter who the receiver was. He got absolutely embarrassed. I actually felt bad for him. He is clearly to small. I have concerns for him in the future. I have no doubt Blue will be ranked top 5 next year JUST to promote the Alabama game. I love my BLUE but im being realistic. Denard has regressed. I think next year we are lucky to have the same record as this year. I am waiting for 2 years when this years recruiting class gets bulked up. Either way, exciting times and GO BLUE.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Denard's progress is undeniable. What is also undeniable is his consistency issues. He's only been a starter for 2 full seasons and is a true junior so let's cut the guy a bit of slack. He wasn't very good in the sugar bowl but he was outstanding vs. ohio and Nebraska, two must-win games to even get us a chance at playing in the sugar bowl.

    I'm not worried about Countess either. Small guys can succeed at that position... He's not an all-bt corner yet but I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes one in the future.

    Go Blue!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Yeah Jordan I agree...everyone should play a perfect game or pull there scollie! We have a ton on better db's than countess.

    Their gonna make plays, on offence and D. Expecting to shut down what was a top 10 team all year is rediculous!! Expecting to blow them out is retarted!! Saying play calling was bad is rediculous!! If that's the case both LSU and bama should fire their o-cordinators. They put up 12 points together. We won against the winninest team since 1995!! Yeah it's not bama, or LSU, or UofM, it's vaginia tech!! I'dI say they did good putting up 23 and a W against a top 10 team! stop crying! Stop knocking the W!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Play calling was not good in the game, but it wasn't as bad as it was against MSU and Iowa. Obviously, our O-line was struggling and getting beat off the ball. Why didn't we run any draw plays then? Why not screens? When the D-line gets pressure like that, you have to do something to slow them down, so you run a draw or screen to burn them. Why didn't we run ANY speed option, instead of just the read option? Why did it take about 10-12 plays before Fitz got his first carry, and he ran for 10? It was not the best play calling, but it was just enough to get the W, and a win is a win.
    From what I recall on D from the game, they didn't have many big passing plays over top of us, where our DB's got burned, or their WR had to go up to make a play against out smaller DB's. MOST of their passes and bigger plays were WR screens, bubble screens and short passes when our DB's were backed off. We didn't play much press, and THAT'S what was hurting us the most. Why do you think they couldn't score in the Red Zone? You HAVE to play more press because there's not room to back off. Countess did fine, especially for a smaller DB, Freshman, first BCS game, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  62. @ Mick
    Stars and recruiting have only been around since 2002 so I don't know how you have some guys as 5 stars when rankings on players weren't even out then? Scouts ratings go back to 2002 all the players you mentioned are past 2002.

    ReplyDelete
  63. who said anything about a perfect game? or pulling scollies smokey? do you just read things and interpret them however you feel, relevant or not? I NEVER said pull his scollie, i said pull him out of the game bc he was GETTING TORCHED, its called making adjustments, i dont hate the kid, i love all michigan players. Infact, its just dumb and bad for the kid if you leave him in there to get embarrassed on national tv, its darn right irresponsible. I never said pull him FOREVER. re-read what i wrote. I was just pointing out concerns, i didn't knock the win. The play calling WAS ridiculous. the double fake/crossing of the rb and wr in the backfield was a disaster. after the 2nd fake there was 9 guys in the backfield and 2 guys downfield. that means they had 9 guys in between the hashes. Pretty much the definition of not spreading the defense. look at a few of those plays and it just looks like a bunch of guys in the back field not knowing who to block, not to mention doesn't leave any room for denard to scramble. I am happy about the win, but the 2 td's were prayer, under thrown balls. My dad who is the biggest michigan fan in the world was even holding his breath when denard would lob a throw over the middle. With that being said, hes the best chance we have to win. If you can't find little criticisms on your own team to make yourself better, than you don't deserve to criticize other teams. Go Blue

    ReplyDelete
  64. Listen my man, I was the one that made a comment about Countess shutting down Arnett. All over I read comments about Countess this & that, mainly after the play he did late in the Northwestern game. He suited up as a true freshman. Don't sit here and be critical of him. Whom else would you have put in then ? That's how you build a true defense, let the players go out & play. They will get beat at times. So he got called on a hold by the end zone & did not have one of his best days. Players are going to struggle at times & that is the reality of it. Game experience is what makes players become better. So what is next, Terry Richardson is too small also ? Please.

    And I quote you " Its just dumb and bad for the kid if you leave him in there to get embarrassed on national tv, its darn irresponsible". Are you now taking jabs & Coach Hoke & his staff ? Gtfo.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I remember someone once comparing Countess to Woodson, and Woodson was much better as a freshman. Countess is not a shut down corner, but he's already better than Morgan Trent ever was, or the Curry brothers, or James Rodgers. That said, the defense played (as Hoke would say) tremendously in the Sugar Bowl. They won us the game, even with some tough coverage. A 6'6" QB with mobility is hard to contain, and they proved that a good defense results from fundamentals and a bend but don't break attitude. Pressure was solid.

    I also see that there are still plenty of Denard posts, where some guys who will stick by Denard no matter what, and those of us who continue to see him as a wasted talent at QB -- where he will not play, guaranteed, at the NFL level.

    There are touchy fans on here that don't want you to criticize players, but will do so themselves and see themselves as justified in their own opinions. Those on here are no more special than any other blog, only slightly more respectful (mostly) than the most congenial of comment sections.

    Al Borges continues to be a very inconsistent play caller, and he played the first half with a completely new set of plays and formations that was too "genius" for our players to figure out. Any clear-headed UM fan should be able to see how little success was more a result of bad play calls. We started to perform well when he went to I-formation and got away from this Odoms reverse fake/triple option CRAP. We are not Air Force, and the game was not the time to try and be AF or GTech.

    I am also shocked at how Denard continues to escape much criticism, and blame was put on the backup center for Denard not being able to catch a shotgun pass (unless it's perfect). Sorry, they were not great snaps but with the amazingly, infallible quickness of DRob ... he should have been able to catch those snaps. He didn't watch the ball into his hands, though the second snap was way too much a bullet. That said, he got a taste of what his own passes look like to our WRs (high and outside or in the dirt).

    The running game suffers, consistently, when Denard becomes the true passer that he is -- horrible and lucky for a talented WR like Hemingway. I love the team's love and respect of Denard, but I, too, look forward to when Gardner gets to be full-time under center and gets to show his talent when the staff commits to him.

    Denard is a true JUNIOR, not a freshman or sophomore. He's 3/4 of the way through his college career. He's 75% of the way through, and it is amazing how many people still think that it's a valid excuse to say he's only played a majority of his career. Give him time? He's the John Navarre of mobile, short QBs.

    I'll root for him because he is a Michigan Man, but like others on here I look forward to when we have a consistent, capable thrower at QB. And no, I am not talking about tall and statuesque type QBs of Michigan old.

    Tech's QB is an example of tall and mobile, as is RG3, as is Luck, as is EJ Manuel, as is Geno Smith, as is Washington's QB, Braxton Miller, Tahj Boyd, etc. I'd take ANY of them except Manuel to be the QB over Denard. As I've said before, I'd move Denard to a Harvin/Devine/Tavon Austin type slot back. He'll be here or nowhere in the pros, so he might as well get some practice now.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thanks Professor. constructive criticism was all i was doing. I will not "GTFO" because i saw some flaws and simply wanted to talk about them. I was not taking jabs at anyone, so please relax folks.

    GO BLUE!!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. WOW!!! These blogs comments are starting to sound like the little old ladies in the salon bitching about everything and getting their panties all in a wad. Denard will ALWAYS be an inconsistent passer! He will have amazing games where it looks like it finally clicked and he will have games where he is very average. I will NEVER say he sucks (as an overall QB) because he is still so much of a threat with his legs. He is not a good decision maker or a consistent passer and I don't think ANYONE on this blog will argue with that, but calling for an inexperienced Gardner that has shown neither the passing success or running ability of Denard is just looking at star ratings and not being realistic. Out of all the time that Michigan tried the Gardner/Robinson packages, I cannot think of more than once or twice that the plan was for Gardner to throw the ball downfield. The play was always an option type play or at most a throwback to Denard. If our coaches really saw a massive deficency at the QB position Gardner would be in there. Although the sample size has been very small, Gardner has not looked like his decision making is any better and he isn't the homerun threat. He "looks" the part because he is 6'4 and 215 lbs., but can he play at the level of Denard? I do believe Gardner can be a great player, but I have seen Denard be amazing and I think that Borges and Hoke probably have more information than we do and actually KNOW what they are doing compared to us (although we are the smartest fans in CFB).

    As for Countess, the kids a player, period. Is he going to be a top 5 draft pick. No, but he is a very solid CB for a very solid defense. He is 5'10 176lbs that was trying to cover 6'3 225lb receivers. All of Va Tech's receivers are huge and use there bodies well. They are also great run blockers and when CB's are continually being run blocked by TE sized WR it takes a toll physically. Countess will be fine and he should not have been pulled. I don't think anyone would have wanted to see Woolfork, Avery (even smaller) or even Tony Anderson (walk on) take his spot. All players are going to have rough days, but like I said in a prior post, give Va Tech some credit they played really well and are a talented team. A month to prepare and get healthy can really change a team for better or for worse. It was probably to our detriment (we finished the regular season pretty hot) and to Va Tech's advantage (they got rocked by Clemson). Clemson was also hot and got SMOKED last night. If that game had been a month ago no way it would be that lopsided. As fans we can obviously believe what we want, but looking at all aspects of our program what has Hoke and his staff done (overall, not just the most recent game) that makes us not trust them? They are recruiting like madmen and coaching the same group that was here last year and we just WON the Sugar Bowl to finish 11-2! Why are calling for our QB's head? Or picking on our best freshman? 11-2 and with more coaching these underclassmen will only continue to improve. Even when Tom Brady, yes, Tom Brady was here fans were calling for the hot shot Drew Henson. Henson was the superstar recruit that we wanted to bench Brady for. The back QB is always everyones answer. Just be careful what you wish for.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Arnett goes to Michigan State! :/

    ReplyDelete
  69. Yeap, going to the hair salon tomorrow in fact. Nail appointment later in the day.

    For someone to take jabs at Hoke & the defensive staff on Countess is flat out ridiculous at this stage. Just wait till 2012 when the schedule is a lot harder on neutral & away games, should be interesting. I will take a SB victory & 11-2 season and a W over ohio.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Here's a potential scholariship about to open, if he gets thrown off the team, then it is what it is. I will take Madaris if he visits & commits after 01-13-12.

    Michigan WR Darryl Stonum Cited By Police Again - SB Nation Detroit

    ReplyDelete
  71. Just read the article. Looks like Stonum was driving with a suspended license. What was he thinking?!? This us disappointing after all the work he seemed to do all season and all the support he got from Hoke and Co. I hope he figures things out, for his own sake.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Okay...1. DR doesn't deserve for people to be callin for him to lose his starting job, just wait and see how he progresses, at LEAST through camp...more reasonably after the Bama game. After his first year with RR, his passing % was around 65%, if that happens then go ahead and start eating crow, those who say he can never make it passing the ball, also we all understand his decision making skills are pretty bad at times. Yes, the first td was 50/50, But, the second one never had a chance to be caught by VT, I'm not saying it was skills by him, but don't assume it was luck either...When he makes passes like those he shows flashes of potential, and that's undeniable. Its not like hes had the same coaches his 1st 3 years, so those saying he should be better by now need to calm down take a breath and wait it out to see if he makes the second year jump.

    Now, 2...Countess is a true freshman, leaving him in wouldn't embarrass him on national tv, but make it a learning experience, how can anyone expect him to get better if not against top WR's? If you got pulled every time you did something bad, you wouldn't learn from your mistakes...He will bulk up over the offseason, hopefully put on 10 pounds, thats as much as you could hope for in 1 offseason. With added size he can hold up better on WR's trying to block him, and he had good plays as well, he forced WR's to run their routes out of bounds, and no one is talking about that...He had a good presence of mind and will end up being quite a player...Im not one of the ones comparing him to Woodson, but he has a chance to be a shut down corner with added size...Just like with Robinson, give him time, see how he does against Bama, and then we can all restart this talk of "He should be pulled" or hopefully, "Man I was wrong about Countess/DR, those boys turned into real players! DR for Heisman!!!" I think anyone who talks crap on a player will be ready to admit they're wrong, like with Gibbons! We all wanted Wile in there, now Gibbons is "The Man"

    ReplyDelete
  73. I really hope the Stonum report isn't a huge deal, I have High Hopes for that man next year, starting with stretching the field agains Bama and getting a few td's in that game? haha

    God Bless, and Go Blue!

    ReplyDelete
  74. IMO,

    I think Denard can become a consistent passer. The kid has come a long, long way. He learned one offense last year and now is learning something totally different. Borges needs the let the kid loose. Maybe instead of lining up in shotgun every damn time, throw the kid under center. Throughout the whole game it was obvious when Touissant was getting the ball. They lined up in the I-form, whether it was two wideouts or two TEs. Not putting all blame on Borges because I mean there is a reason he is O Coordinator at the best college of all-time. Just stating somethings that were insane. I went to the Nebraska game (my first Michigan game ever and I'm 23) and Denard was spectacular, but that whole game they had the D guessing. Again, IMO, I think Borges was worried about the speed of the Hokies, which caused him to play safe, really safe. That little double option may work against Bowling Green or something but ya you get my point. I think this offseason will be great for Borges and Denard. His technique will be much more sound. I would love to see that i-form set all year. Let Denard control the plays. He sees something for himself, call bootleg. He sees middle open run Touissant and switch to slants.

    Anyway, here's a good point in this whole post:
    JAKE RYAN IS AN ABSOLUTE BEAST and he showed more speed than I thought he had.

    GO BLUE! SEE YOU IN ARLINGTON! My roommates girl is a 'Bama fan all of a sudden. But she also claims she's always listened to country yet she never had any on her computer until she listened to my playlists.

    LETS ROLL THE TIDE TO BEGIN 2012!

    ReplyDelete
  75. That's unfortunate that Stonum was driving on a revoked license. this knuckle-headedness will most likely force Hoke's hand. Bad timing where WR is a position of need and our current WRs were struggling to get open against a great defense.

    ReplyDelete
  76. terrible news about Stonum. opens up a spot maybe? but either way not good. Also, I agree with the Jake Ryan comment - absolute beast!! Can't wait for Joe Bolden as well.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Remember this is year one with a new staff and system. With that said we had a great year. In year two there will be vast improvement on both sides of the ball. True freshmen and those who reshirted get to go through their first off season program, conditioning, and spring practice at the college level. The goal is for everybody to get better. We have great coaches and they now have a year of film to disect and see how we can improve. Stop all the negativity and Go Blue!!!

    ReplyDelete
  78. As for next year I hope, Al Borges, sees that he need to go to a quick passing game. Also I noticed that Denard doesn't look to run when he drops back to pass anymore until it's to late. If a lane opens he should be encouraged to take it and use his talents as a runner like ohio's qb did to us.

    Defensively I think we will need major contributions from freshmen in the two deep, but I expect our defense to get better in year two under Mattison. Will Campbell and Jibreel Black need to step up like Van Bergen and Mike Martin did this year. As many of you have stated I am really excited about Jake Ryan and I hope Cam Gordon can make a contribution on defense this year.

    Can't wait till signing day....Go Blue!!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I actually disagree about Jake Ryan and even those that think Desmond Morgan is going to be really good. There wasn't much competition at OLB with converted safties and slow footed upperclassmen. I know they are redshirt and true freshmen, but I would not be surprised in the least if Bolden takes over for Jake Ryan by the start of the B1G schedule next year and James Ross possibly even sooner for Morgan. Ryan does make some big plays, but for a starting LB he only had 30 tackles all season (heading into the Sugar Bowl). I think the natural instincts and overall athleticism will be seen pretty quickly by all of us when Bolden and Ross start playing. Don't get me wrong I LOVE Ryan and Morgan for all their effort and hard work, I just think that these two coming in will REALLY impress us and the coaches.

    Also, if our DB situation stays as is and we need help at safety I wouldn't be surprised to see Jarrod Wilson playing soon or even Yuri Wright moved to FS to help out a suspect pass defense. Kovacs is a gamer, but lacks coverage skills and Gordon gets everything out of his ability, but Wilson and Wright have much more athleticism and natural instincts (assuming a little with Wright as a FS) that having a ball-hawk back there over the top of Countess and JT Floyd will allow them to play tighter coverage and have better help over top.

    BTW, what are the chances Cam Gordon transfers? Not a whole lot of PT in his future? Would he move again?

    ReplyDelete
  80. Just an observation from actually watching Michael Vick in 2010. I noticed a huge difference in Vick last year that Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg had Vick taking mostly 7 step drops. This was done for a couple of reasons, 1) Vick is short and more depth allows him to see the field better 2) as passrushers get up the field (DE's) it opens up wider passing lanes and lanes to run and escape and lastly 3) it keeps helps him step into his throws and keep his mechanics. I started thinking that although a great center in Molk is leaving we do have 4.5 starters returning (Barnum/Schofield). Maybe this could also work for Denard. He can get to his 7 step spot as quick as most QB's can get to 5 so timing shouldn't be too much of an issue. I think when Denard can set his feet and step into his throws he is clearly at his best. I actually don't think a precision quick passing game (I am assuming @gobluewarchild71 was referencing Borges West Coast attack) is Denard's or Gardners strength in the passing game. Timing and accuracy in are the two most important thindgs in a west coast system. The Eagles run a west coast system, but it has clearly been modified to fit Vick's skills. Regardless, I am excited for 2012 and seeing not just Denard improving but our WR actually getting some separation from time to time as well.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Jordan that was sarcasm. I understand your point about DR, I do. He is inconsistant he does make bad reads. He lobs the ball to much. Needs to throw harder and sooner. But to say he will never be a good passer is rediculous. He has the coaches, equiptment, and god given ability to succeed. As far as countess, he did good for a FR against a very good team, on a big stage. Again to say he won't be a shut down corner is an usumption that is way premature. Is DR drew breeze? No! But the beauty of college is he don't have to be. Just needs to make better reads and throw sooner and he'll do enough to continue to win.

    Chuck had it right. Borges called what he felt comfortable running. This is all 1st year get to know the offense, which I'm sure we all agree went well. There's no reason to assume it won't go even better next year. He's a hard working kid and I'm sure he will get coached to do the right thing. Borges will open it up more next year, and if he doesn't I'll drive 30 miles to AA to kick his ass personaly. Lol. When your playing a "lunch pail" D, and have a QB who hasn't developed as a prolific passer you don't ask him to do what he can't do. Just hang in there and win and that's what we did. Borges went against Beamer before and won, I'm sure they had a plan long before the game started. And it's obvious they held to it, and prevailed.

    So I understand being sceptical of DR, it's just when you say he "won't" be a good passer. Or saying a true FR won't be a shut down corner. IMO you don't know if he will or not. DR very well could come out throwing bombs next year. Expecialy if he works all off season like I'm sure he's will.

    Like I said before we have a great coaching staff that did wonders in one year. It's safe to assume they will take another step forward that's all I'm saying. Borges has a history of his QB's tearing it up in his 2nd year, I'm just saying give him a shot, he's earned it. Everyone knows he's one off the most "electrifing" players in college football.

    Stonum, if you read this your a dumb ass!! Probly not gonna get a 3rd shot.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Caleb I'm right with ya on the 7 step drop. That's exactly what Breeze does (6'0). Hopefully he'll learn.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Caleb, I agree with most of what you said, but you gotta remember that there is a mental component to the game that many freshman struggle with (freshman mistakes) With that said I have high hopes for our incoming class.

    Jake Ryan is a WDE/OLB type. He is not a 100plus tackle traditional side line to side line LB. I agree about Morgan, but I think Bolden will take his spot not Ryan's. As for Kovacs I hated the dude till this season. I was frustrated that we can't find a more athletic better cover guy, but as you said he is a gamer and leader. Got to go Go Blue!!!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Prof A good luck taking Boyd from Clemson... Tell me how that works when you play a talent like big east! And if you want a 6-6 Washington QB you can have him too! I'd take Luck and RG3 out of those qb's you listed... THIS IS DROB 1ST TIME READING DEFENSE. Last year he threw to a spot, so if that counts as a whole year of learning let me know. No he won't have a chance at QB in the pros but neither does Tebow. But Tebow will go down as a great college QB just like Denard will! I promise he will improve but I also promise he will make dumb choices still. But I promise if Denard didn't have 9 guys in backfield as stated he would have thrown much better. Play calling has to help QB somewhere and there was none of that! I'd say 80% of throws he was under pressure but good stuff on here love the blog

    ReplyDelete