Welcome to Brice's Recruiting

Michigan get commit #3 for 2013!

2012-02-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

Michigan got some very good news today with the commit of MI TE Khalid Hill. He was offered and couldn't wait to become a Wolverine, so he committed on the spot. He confirmed that he was offered and committed. For those worried about our tight end depth, don't worry as much because Allen Trieu tweeted that he will be used as the next Kevin Koger.

More recruiting news is 2012 MI OT Dan Gibbs has accepted a walk-on offer from Michigan and gives some more beef to this class. For those wondering why turn down offers, well it might because he has been a Wolverine forever according to this picture.

My first and last- Best Guess Recruiting List

2012-02-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Here is the official list of what the class looks like. All have sent in their LOI's, but it is possible Michigan might get one more from CO OG Alex Kozan.

1. RB: Drake Johnson

2. RB: Dennis Norfleet

3. FB: Sione Houma

4. WR: Jehu Chesson

5. WR: Amara Darboh

6. TE: Devin Funchess

7. TE: A.J. Williams

8. OL: Kyle Kalis

9. OL: Erik Magnuson

10. OL: Ben Braden

11. OL: Blake Bars

12. DT: Ondre Pipkins

13. DT: Willie Henry

14. DT: Matt Godin

15. DE: Chris Wormley

16. DE: Mario Ojemudia

17. DE: Tom Strobel

18. LB: Royce Jenkins-Stone

19. LB: James Ross

20. LB: Kaleb Ringer

21. LB: Joe Bolden

22. CB: Terry Richardson

23. S: Allen Gant

24. S: Jarrod Wilson

25. S: Jeremy Clark

*** A Blast From The Past***

My First Best Guess Recruiting List of the 2012 class and this is where they all signed as well.

1. QB: Zeke Pike (Auburn)

2. RB: Wes Brown (Maryland)

3. WR: Stefon Diggs (Undecided)

4. TE: Ron Thompson (Syracuse)

5. TE: Sam Grant (Oklahoma)

6. OL: Jordan Diamond (Auburn)

7. OL: Jordan Simmons (USC)

8. OL: Shane Callahan (Auburn)

9. OL: Ben Braden (Michigan)

10. OL: Caleb Stacy (Cincinnati)

11. OL: Tyler Orlosky (West Virginia)

12. DT: Dan O'Brien (Tennessee)

13. DT: Ondre Pipkins (Michigan)

14. DT: Greg Kuhar (Northwestern)

15. DE: Matt Godin (Michigan)

16. DE: Chris Wormley (Michigan)

17. DE: Pharaoh Brown (Oregon)

18. LB: Royce Jenkins-Stone (Michigan)

19. LB: James Ross (Michigan)

20. LB: Kaleb Ringer (Michigan)

21. CB: Terry Richardson (Michigan)

22. S: Jarrod Wilson (Michigan)

Diamond picks Auburn

2012-02-03T17:48:00.000-08:00

IL OT Jordan Diamond heading into Signing Day look like a potential get for Michigan, but with the passing days that soon changed. More teams started to put the full court press on and Auburn won. Could this help Michigan on another 2012 target, though? Yes, I think it can with CO OG Alex Kozan. He was committed to Iowa, but on Signing Day did not sign his LOI. His top three before he decided was Iowa, Auburn, and Michigan. Auburn is pretty full on the offensive line now with the recent commit of Diamond and he didn't sign with Iowa, so that gives Michigan a decent shot if I say so for the talented linemen. One to watch in the upcoming days.

Speedster Norfleet is a Wolverine and LOI updates!

2012-02-01T04:56:00.000-08:00

MI ATH Dennis Norfleet has flipped from Cincinnati to Michigan on Signing Day today. This is a great pick-up in my opinion and will give a lot of defenses nightmares with his 4.3 speed. Now you will start to see letters of intents come flowing in.

Breaking News: Chris Balas from TheWolverine tweeted Michigan could still have another surprise for today! A few days ago, it didn't look like there would be a lot of news, but today there could be more exciting news. Stay tuned.

***Update on the potential surprise***
CO OG Alex Kozan is the potential surprise if he flips from Iowa, according to Sam Webb.

Don't forget to join in me in the 2012 official NSD Thread in the Michigan Recruiting War Room!

***Update***

LOI's signed and delivered

MI LB Royce Jenkins-Stone
MO DT Ondre Pipkins
OH DE Chris Wormley
MI RB Drake Johnson
OH TE A.J. Williams
MI TE Devin Funchess

***Update 2***

OH S Allen Gant
MI LB James Ross
OH DT Willie Henry

***Update 3***

OH OT Kyle Kalis
OH DE Tom Strobel
IA WR Amara Darboh
KY S Jeremy Clark

***Update 4***
CA OT Erik Magnuson
MO WR Jehu Chesson

***Update 5***

UT FB Sione Houma
MI CB Terry Richardson
TN OT Blake Bars

***Update 6***

MI DE Mario Ojemudia

***Update 7***

MI OT Ben Braden

All of the LOI's have been sent in, so all is left is CO OG Alex Kozan, who could be another LOI to come in for Michigan if Michigan steals him at the last second and IL OT Jordan Diamond, who is deciding Feb. 3.

Signing Day Special

2012-01-31T15:37:00.000-08:00

Please join me in the Michigan Recruiting War Room tomorrow on Signing Day and I will make a thread in there called 2012 Official NSD Thread. Check daily and often to see who has signed their LOI's and if any surprises happen. Yes, I did say surprises. It was looking like Signing Day might be pretty quiet for Michigan, but now Sam Webb tweets that is another potential Signing Day surprise for Michigan. He also tweeted after that it is not MD ATH Stefon Diggs and not a MD ATH Stefon Diggs-level surprise.

Let the good news keep on rolling! OH DT Willie Henry was thought to have committed to Michigan yesterday, but didn't. He wanted to decide today instead of yesterday, and has officially committed to Michigan.

Michigan made news for the 2013 class as well. They offered MI CB Jourdan Lewis. Lewis goes to Cass Tech HS, which is a school Michigan has had great success with the last few years. I think Michigan leads for this battle early.

Commit news- good and bad

2012-01-30T16:39:00.001-08:00

CO OG Alex Kozan was one of the remaining targets for the Wolverines, but it didn't seem like they were the favorites to land the highly touted linemen. Kozan had a top three of Iowa, Michigan, and Auburn. Most thought it was down to Iowa and Michigan. In the end, Iowa won over Michigan and made it a bad overall day for the Wolverines. Michigan already lost PA CB Armani Reeves to Ohio State, so that hurt a little and now this. Michigan can still finish strong with the remaining targets and maybe a surprise or two?

OH TE Sam Grant became a Oklahoma Sooner today. I thought distance was going to be a factor in his decision along with having a teammate committed. Big Game Bob wins this one.

Now for some good news. OH DT Willie Henry was a surprise going into Signing Day, but it soon got announced he was visiting and there could be something to watch. Today, his coach got so excited about his player committing to Michigan, he told Michigan recruiting guru, Sam Webb. Well, he didn't officially commit today, but he will be deciding tomorrow. I got a feeling Michigan might get this one.

Reeves picks Ohio State

2012-01-29T18:28:00.000-08:00

PA CB Armani Reeves was committed to Penn State for awhile, but with the turmoil that happened there, his recruitment seem to open up. Michigan and Ohio State got back in it and after he decommited from Penn State, it became a classic recruiting war with the Wolverines and Buckeyes. Ohio State got his teammate in PA LB Carmen Williams and some thought that could have swayed him to the Buckeyes. Well, I don't know if it did, but he did commit to Ohio State. Michigan earlier in the week it looked like they may have a slight edge. Later in the week it started to look 50/50. Finally, Michigan lost the battle, but hasn't lost the war.

Possible surprise?

2012-01-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

There hasn't been a lot chatter about something possibly happening for the Wolverines on Signing Day for awhile, but that talk is starting to heat up. Now, Sam Webb tweets that OH DT Willie Henry is visiting and there could be something to watch. Michigan only has one defensive tackle with MO DT Ondre Pipkins and there is not a lot of depth at that position. Currently, Henry does not have a offer, but that could change soon along with his status. He goes to Glenville HS, where current Wolverine, Frank Clark went to school. It would be nice to really start making more inroads there and this staff is really recruiting the Midwest hard.

What to know about OH DT Willie Henry:

Height- 6-3

Weight- 280

Offers- Eastern Michigan, Hawaii, Pittsburgh, Akron, Cincinnati, Toledo, Ohio, Bowling Green, Louisville, Marshall, Illinois, and Syracuse

Rankings- Scout ESPN Rivals

Garnett is a Cardinal

2012-01-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

WA OG Josh Garnett decided between a list of schools today, but Stanford and Michigan were his final two. In the end, he choose Stanford over Michigan in a very very close race. Michigan still has other fish in the sea to try and land like IL OT Jordan Diamond. This is a loss, but Michigan has a great class, still.

1-25-12 Recruiting Nuggets

2012-01-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

WA OG Josh Garnett will be deciding between Stanford and Michigan. I know some people that believe Stanford might have the slight edge, but I see Michigan having the upper hand by a nose hair. This one really could go either way, though.

IL OT Jordan Diamond is deciding on Feb. 3, but there had been still a lot of schools in contention for him. One school that won't be getting the highly touted offensive linemen is the Buckeyes. Now over at MGoBlog, there is some saying he is down to Michigan and Arkansas as his final two. I feel good in this race, but it is no way a lock.

PA CB Armani Reeves has had some in-home visits this week and it is getting down to the wire. Now, some even think Michigan may have a slight edge over Ohio State. Reeves also looks to have a new home boy and it is none other than our very own, 2013 MI QB Shane Morris.

Tom VanHaaren of WolverineNation previews the top quarterback talent for the upcoming years.

NJ CB Yuri Wright's recruitment has been a roller coaster and the ride has stopped. He recently committed to Colorado and both parties have move on now.

DC CB Kenneth Crawley also committed to Colorado. There were times that it looked like Michigan might be getting back in his recruitment, but nothing ever came out of it.

PA TE J.P. Holtz has committed to Pittsburgh, so it looks like Michigan is looking and hoping to get only OH TE Sam Grant.

2013 NC LB E.J. Levenberry has a early top 3 and at MGoBlog's message board post, you can see Michigan looks to be in it.

Lastly, Sam Webb tweets away your worries of offensive line coach, Darrell Funk leaving to Washington State. Funny time this is coming up.

This is a very fun week, however it plays out.

Stacey is no longer a Wolverine

2012-01-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

OH OG Caleb Stacey has decommitted from Michigan and will now play at Cincinnati. Here is his official word on the new development. I saw Stacey becoming a center in his career at Michigan, but now with this news Michigan has 23 commits in this class with five open slots if they would like to use them. Wish Stacey all the best of luck at Cincinnati and I could see Michigan taking WA OG Josh Garnett and IL OT Jordan Diamond now.

OH TE Sam Grant has decommitted from Boston College. It now looks to be down to Michigan, Oklahoma, and Arkansas for him. I think Michigan sits in very great position and his decision could come anytime, so be on the look out. Remember, Michigan has a feather in their cap with having his teammate, OH OT Kyle Kalis already in the fold.

Who is right on Wright?

2012-01-20T12:55:00.001-08:00

NJ CB Yuri Wright seemed for a longtime that there was a good shot of him being in this class. For the last few weeks, more and more started to believe Wright wasn't going to be in this class and the ship had sailed. I have heard of many stories of why Michigan stop recruiting him, but don't know if any are really true or semi true or what. Here is Rivals.com story on the fallout of NJ CB Yuri Wright. However you slice and dice it, Wright will not be a part of this class.

Other Recruiting Info:

IL OT Jordan Diamond will be deciding where he would like to play next fall on February 3, 7PM, at his high school. Michigan is in good position, but has a lot of competition. He does have two official visits left to Arkansas on Jan. 20 and Wisconsin on Jan. 27, so that is something to watch.

PA LB Carmen Williams has decommitted from Penn State to Ohio State. He is the teammate of PA CB Armani Reeves and it could make it easier to get Reeves from Penn State, but make Ohio State much tougher competition to beat.

1-17-12 Recruiting Nuggets

2012-01-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Back in play?

Remember, CA WR Jordan Payton, the one seem to be real high on Michigan after his great official visit from the Notre Dame game? Well, he committed to California at the Army All-American Bowl, but it looks like he might be a option again? This is one to watch as time goes on and just tonight Darryl Stonum has been dismissed from the team, so that leaves open another spot for a wide out.

Pipkins is 5 star worthy!

MO DT Ondre Pipkins had a stellar showing throughout the week at the Army All-American Bowl and had a great showing in the game as well. Rivals.com thought he did good enough to get his 4 star ranking moved up to 5 star status!

Garnett's section

WA OG Josh Garnett has been the latest topic of recruiting buzz for Michigan fans. It looks like that could be soon over, though. Garnett is now deciding on Jan. 26 between Michigan, Stanford, and Notre Dame. In my opinion, I think it is a two horse race between Michigan and Stanford. This one could go either way.

2013 is right around the corner!

Michigan after a great season and with being almost done with recruiting for the class of 2012 is getting a early jump start on the class of 2013.

2013 OH DE Taco Charlton is one of the targets early on and Michigan recently made it up to see him.

2013 IL OT Logan Tuley-Tillman is looking like he will be one of the top players next year and I guess most of the Big Ten has already seen that. Over at WolverineNation, you can see a interview from him and get more on him.

2013 MI QB commit Shane Morris has accepted to play in the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game. ESPNHS Football did a piece on Shane Morris that I think you would be interested in reading. I mean you had to know there would be some sort Shane Morris info in this update. When is there not, haha.

Ranking updates galore

First, I will tell you about the final rankings on Rivals.com concerning with Michigan commits. Here is Rivals final Top 100. Below is where the Michigan commits stand:

MO DT Ondre Pipkins- #14 overall and #7 DT
OH OT Kyle Kalis- #22 overall and #4 OT
CA OT Erik Magnuson- #78 overall and #8 OT

Second is Scout.com and they released their Scout 300. Below is where the Michigan commits stand:

OH OT Kyle Kalis- #35 overall and #6 OT
MO DT Ondre Pipkins- #65 overall and #7 DT
OH LB Joe Bolden- #69 overall and #4 OLB
CA OT Erik Magnuson- #82 overall and #15 OT
MI LB James Ross- #83 overall and #7 OLB
OH DE Tom Strobel- #93 overall and #12 DE
MI LB Royce Jenkins-Stone- #111 overall and #2 MLB
MI DE Mario Ojemudia- #162 overall and #20 DE
OH DE Chris Wormley- #164 overall and #21 DE
MI CB Terry Richardson- #183 overall and #14 CB
IA WR Amara Darboh- #205 overall and #32 WR
OH OT A.J. Williams- #225 overall and #27 OT
OH S Jarrod Wilson- #245 overall and #19 S

Last one is 247sports.com and here is the Top 247. Below is where the Michigan commits stand:

MO DT Ondre Pipkins- #51 overall and #5 DT
OH LB Joe Bolden- #59 overall and #3 ILB
OH OG Kyle Kalis- #62 overall and #6 OG
CA OT Erik Magnuson- #72 overall and #10 OT
OH SDE Chris Wormley- #73 overall and #5 SDE
MI ILB James Ross- #116 overall and #5 ILB
MI CB Terry Richardson- #142 overall and #12 CB
OH WDE Tom Strobel- #198 overall and #16 WDE
IA WR Amara Darboh- #199 overall and #24 WR
MI OLB Royce Jenkins-Stone- #209 overall and #23 OLB

Off the board

OH OT Kyle Decker was back on the board for a sec and then took himself off. He was committed to Notre Dame and decommitted to only commit to the Buckeyes. I like seeing our rivals go at it.

GA DE Jordan Jenkins seemed awhile ago that there could be a chance we get him to go on a official visit here and that never happened. He is now a Georgia Bulldog.

PA OG Joey O'Connor was committed to Penn State, but with the recent turmoil going on with the university, then it opened a small opening for other teams to jump in. Ohio State did just that and he committed to the Buckeyes.

IN QB Gunner Kiel might have finally found home sweet home. Kiel was committed to Indiana for a good portion of the recruiting process, but decided it wasn't for him and decommitted to only commit to LSU. Now, LSU didn't seem to fit his bill and is going to Notre Dame. Hope he is ready for some good ole fashion coaching from Kelly.

Exclusive interview from Touch The Banner's Magnus!

2012-01-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

I did a Q&A with Magnus from Touch The Banner on Michigan Football Recruiting. These are questions regarding just the 2012 class and who is only in it now. Remember, you can check out more of Magnus at Touch The Banner.

Question: Who do you see making the most impact in their first season?

Answer: Ondre Pipkins. Because of the numbers at defensive tackle, he virtually must play this coming season. The rest of the defensive recruits don't really need to play, although a few certainly will.

Question: Who do you see being the hidden gem in this class?

Answer: Jehu Chesson. I'm not quite sure why the recruiting services are lukewarm on him. He has decent speed, but he should be able to go up and get the ball, which ought to be a big plus for playing with Denard (if Chesson gets on the field as a freshman) and down the road with the pro-style offense.

Question: Who do see being the next great lineman on the offensive side of the ball?

Answer: Kyle Kalis is going to be a good college lineman, but I'm not so sure I would label him "great." I think of "greats" as in guys like Jake Long, people with first round potential. I don't know that Kalis is THAT kind of an athlete.

Question: Who do you think will be captains by the time their senior year hits?

Answer: I feel like I've got to pick one offensive guy and one defensive guy, since that's usually how the whole captains thing works. I'm going to go with Joe Bolden and Kyle Kalis.

Question: Who will most likely have the most sacks and TFL's in their career?

Answer: Well, the one guy who seems headed for either weakside end or SAM linebacker is Mario Ojemudia, and those positions are most prone to getting TFL's and sacks. So I guess I'll go with Ojemudia, although I think he's a couple years away.

Question: Who do see has the most potential in this class?

Answer: James Ross has a chance to be an All-Big Ten or All-American type of player. He's more of a 4-3 outside linebacker, and with the cyclical nature of NFL defenses, the 4-3 will probably replace the 3-4 as the "in" defense by the time Ross leaves school.

Question: Who will most likely lead the team in picks in their career?

Answer: Jarrod Wilson is a ballhawking safety, and I'll take him by a slight margin over Terry Richardson. I don't think we've had a free safety like Wilson in several years.

Question: Who do you see scoring the most touchdowns in their career?

Answer: There aren't many impact offensive players in this class, so this is a tough one. I guess I'll go with Devin Funchess, who should get lots of playing time by 2013 and who's a big target that can run.

Question: What position do you think will pan out the best in four years?

Answer: Linebacker. I think three of those four guys (not counting Ojemudia as a potential SAM) have a good shot at starting by the time they're done at Michigan, and I think two of them will be All-Big Ten.

Question: Who do you see a being a late bloomer?

Answer: Caleb Stacey is the type of kid who will probably ride the bench for a few years because of who's ahead of him, but he has the chance to be a David Brandt-quality player - a solid starter but not a superstar.

Question: Lastly, would you like to guess on how you see this class ending up? If not that is perfectly fine too.

Answer: I really have no idea how this class will end up. There are a lot of wild cards right now, and outside of that, there are usually a couple under-the-radar offers/commitments in the last couple weeks of January. It would be a complete guessing game at this point.

Brice's Recruiting Mailbag Part 2

2012-01-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

Question: One of the weakest positions that Michigan has gone after is Center. After the Sugar Bowl and seeing how Molk's back up did, it really worried me.

1) Do you know what they are planning for Center next year;

2) Have they looked at any other Centers such as Kyron Samuels? I know he hasn't shown any interest in Michigan, but then all of the first tier schools he wants to go to won't offer him. His best is a second tier school, and Michigan may be big enough that he would consider it, if he is good enough.

Answer: 1) I think for next year at center, you will see Jack Miller and Rocko Khoury.

2) I don't know if they have looked at AL C Kyron Samuels. OH OG Caleb Stacey could play some center, though.

Question: Do you think we get a commitment from General Sam Grant this weekend or do you think the Sooners are a serious threat?

Answer: It is possible they get a commit from OH TE Sam Grant, but I don't see it happening. I do think the Sooners are a threat, but since getting AZ TE Taylor McNamara, I think it helps Michigan's chances in securing Grant.

Question: Has Grant decommitted from BC?

Answer: No, OH TE Sam Grant is still committed to Boston College.

Question: Brice I am not sure the chances Michigan has with Jordan Diamond where do they stand with him?

Answer: IL OT Jordan Diamond made it up to Ann Arbor on a official visit this weekend, and if it went well than it could get interesting to see how much it improved Michigan. Michigan is very much in contention, but it will be a fight for him.

Question: Out of all the coaches which one is the best at recruiting? THe closer of the group?

Answer: In my opinion, I would say defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. New Ohio State coach, Urban Meyer even said he was the best recruiter that he has ever seen.

Question: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/165331/samuel-grant#.Ttf6k57Z55Y.email

Found this, now I see what OK and ARK see in this kid. Lets get him. What do you think Brice?

Answer: I think Michigan has good chances in getting OH TE Sam Grant, but by no means is he a lock. There is still work to be done.

Question: Brice I am hearing that Josh Garnett is close to committing to Stanford What are you hearing about Michigan's chance to make a late push?

Answer: I haven't heard of Garnett being close to committing to Stanford and I could see this one go either way. I think his official visit to Stanford will be huge on deciding where he plays next fall.

Don't forget to check out Part 1 below too.

Brice's Recruiting Mailbag Part 1

2012-01-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

Question: With Ohio State now in on Armani Reeves Where does Michigan stand with his Recruitment?

Answer: Michigan just got a official visit this weekend from Reeves, but Ohio State is becoming more of a threat. Remember he is still committed to Penn State, but will that be the case come Signing Day? Time will tell.

Question: mystery visitor
the things that have been figured out so far
- 4 star (via espn)
- committed to another team
- hasn't been on the fans radar

any guess on who it maybe? I was thinking chris muller but he is saying he isn't visiting.

Answer: I have a pretty good guess on who it is, but I don't expect anything to come out of it.

Question: The recruitment of Burbridge has always been dependent on his grades. Has he gotten his grades in order? If so, he could be the Thomas Rawls of this season.

Answer: I am not sure if he has, but must have good enough grades for Michigan State. Anyways, don't see him coming here.

Question: Seeing many developments change the outlook of this class. Who the surprise recuit will be, come signing day? (Not counting anyone from your "best guess" list)

Answer: I could see if you consider this a surprise, IL OT Jordan Diamond even with all the offensive linemen commits we have already.

Question: Any word or updates on Demar Dorsey possibly transferring to M? He was a top rated recruit with some issues. If he has grown up, why not go for him?

Answer: I have heard don't count on him ever coming to Michigan. Hate to be the bear of bad news, but just don't count on it.

Question: Brice what is going on with Yuri Wright and Michigan do they have a chance or not?

Answer: Well, for a week leading up to this weekend, there was talk about him coming on a official visit and not coming. He did not come, so it looks like that ship has sailed.

Question: Here's a question. Tell us not which player may have the biggest impact next season, but which position will the freshmen have the greatest potential to play and make an impact. This past year I believe it was Linebacker.

Answer: I am going to go out on a limb with this pick and say defensive tackle. MO DT Ondre Pipkins and OH DE/DT Chris Wormley could make impacts next year.

Questions Wanted

2012-01-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

Please remember to send in your Michigan Football Recruiting questions and I will answer them in a new post I have made called "Brice's Recruiting Mailbag". Just go to my contact or just leave me a comment underneath. Don't forget to check out the Michigan Recruiting War Room, which you can interact with other recruiting fans too.

January 7 Best Guess Recruiting List

2012-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Here is my best guess list of what I think the class is going to look like. It will change over time with players being added and dropped. Remember recruiting is a marathon and not a sprint. Tell me what you think.

1. RB: Drake Johnson (Michigan Commit)

2. FB: Sione Houma (Michigan Commit)

3. WR: Jehu Chesson (Michigan Commit)

4. WR: Amara Darboh (Michigan Commit)

5. TE: Sam Grant (Grant is a Boston College commit, but a soft one at that. He recently came up on a visit with his teammate OH OT Kyle Kalis and it went well. Now it is looking like he might be the true tight end the coaches want.)

6. TE: Devin Funchess (Michigan Commit)

7. OL: Josh Garnett (For the most part of Garnett's recruitment, Michigan was a pretender. Now after building a strong friendship with commit OT Erik Magnuson and having a positive official visit, many would say they are contenders. Michigan is in his top three along with Notre Dame and Stanford. This is gonna be a close one, but I think it is looking good right now.)

8. OL: A.J. Williams (Michigan Commit)

9. OL: Kyle Kalis (Michigan Commit)

10. OL: Erik Magnuson (Michigan Commit)

11. OL: Ben Braden (Michigan Commit)

12. OL: Caleb Stacey (Michigan Commit)

13. OL: Blake Bars (Michigan Commit)

14. DT: Ondre Pipkins (Michigan Commit)

15. DT: Matt Godin (Michigan Commit)

16. DE: Chris Wormley (Michigan Commit)

17. DE: Mario Ojemudia (Michigan Commit)

18. DE: Tom Strobel (Michigan Commit)

19. LB: Royce Jenkins-Stone (Michigan Commit)

20. LB: James Ross (Michigan Commit)

21. LB: Kaleb Ringer (Michigan Commit)

22. LB: Joe Bolden (Michigan Commit)

23. CB: Terry Richardson (Michigan Commit)

24. CB: Armani Reeves (Reeves looked at one time to be a contender to be in this class, but once his teammate PA LB Carmen Williams committed to Penn State, then it was over. Now with the mess at Penn State and with there being issues to the new hire at their head coaching position, I think it is causing Michigan to slide back into this race. Need to get him to visit of course, but I think that will happen.)

25. S: Allen Gant (Michigan Commit)

26. S: Jarrod Wilson (Michigan Commit)

27. S: Jeremy Clark (Michigan Commit)

Michigan is the 2012 Sugar Bowl Champions!

2012-01-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

What a game! Watching that game last night had many ups and downs. I thought once Michigan had that 11 point lead, that Virginia Tech wasn't going to be able to score that many. I think there were two plays that really changed the game for both teams. For Michigan, I thought it was the 4th down stop on the quarterback sneak where it was looking like Virginia Tech might go up 13 to 0. For Virginia Tech to get back in this game was the 4th down conversation on 4th and 11 where QB Logan Thomas scrambled for 13 yards. One thing I was shock to see was how successful their field goal kicker was for being their third string kicker. The offense wasn't too impressive, but did come up with key touchdowns. Both touchdowns were Denard to Junior Hemingway. I did think once Molk got hurt in the beginning warm ups and didn't start, that we could be in trouble. Molk came back in and was a true leader and battled through some pain probably. Myer was 4-4 on field goal attempts before his big miss in overtime after a touchdown review that could have gone either way in my opinion. One player I am very excited for in the future is defensive end Frank Clark. What instincts he made to make that interception and he played with a very high motor last night. Lastly, Beamer Ball didn't show up last night and cost them many of Michigan's points that they might not have gotten with the way the offense was moving.

1-2-12 Recruiting Nuggets

2012-01-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Off the board

WA OT Zach Banner has been an unlikely option to be in this class for awhile now after multiple positive visits. He did get to see one of the greatest games of the season, but I think distance was a factor. MGoBlog gives you the news of the development.

AZ TE Taylor McNamara look to be an option at one time and was a possibility that he could be visiting Ann Arbor. Well, that visit never came and he eventually committed to the Sooners. In my opinion, this should help increase Michigan's chances in securing OH TE Sam Grant.

OH TE Pharoah Brown was a former commit, but after taking a visit to Oregon, Michigan didn't seem too happy about it. He took a little while to look for his final destination and he found it recently in Eugene, Oregon by committing to the Ducks.

Why wait to go to school?

Michigan has three new Wolverines in Ann Arbor now with OH S Jarrod Wilson, OH LB Kaleb Ringer, and OH LB Joe Bolden enrolling early. Now with this happening, Michigan can take up to a max of 28 commits this year if they decide to take that many.

Under Armour All-American Game Update

Michigan has two commits in the game with OH LB Joe Bolden and MI CB Terry Richardson. Both seem to be doing very well so far and you can see it here from Tom VanHaaren of WolverineNation in this interview.

OH LB Joe Bolden has received a ton of positive comments so far. Check it out below.

Director of scouting of Scout.com, Scott Kennedy tweeted this- I watched the Black team all day today, and off the top of my head offensive MVP: Angelo Jean-Louis, D - Joe Bolden #miami #goblue #michigan

Scott Kennedy again tweeted this about OH LB Joe Bolden- #michigan commit Joe Bolden is a caged animal out here. Popping pads at half speed. He's going to be one to watch in the game #goblue

Jamie Newberg of ESPN Recruitng tweeted this- LB Joe Bolden w/ a crushing hit on Texas commit WR Cayleb Jones... and he held back. #UAgame #Michigan #longhorns

National Recruiting Director at ESPN for high school football, Tom Luginbill tweeted this regarding OH LB Joe Bolden- LB Joe Bolden is a PLAYER. Can't teach instincts and he has 'em. #UAAA, @ESPNU

Terry Richardson hasn't been too bad according to these tweets.

Jamie Newberg tweeted this- Cbs Bryson Echols and Terry Richardson showing good cover skills in 1on1s #UAgame #Longhorns #wolverines

Scott Keneddy tweeted- Terry Richardson with a nice INT of Preston Dewey. Richardson is committed to #michigan #goblue

Don't forget to watch the game on January 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET, on ESPN, where it wil be played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Garnett's Section

If you haven't read Sam Webb's column on WA OG Josh Garnett. ESPN interviews Garnett during 2012 Under Armour All-America week and you can check it out here. This seems like a two horse race with Stanford and Michigan, but Garnett is taking an official visit to Stanford. This one could go either way in my opinion.

Army All-American Game Update

Michigan has five commits in this game with OH OT Kyle Kalis, MI LB Royce Jenkins-Stone, CA OT Erik Magnuson, MO DT Ondre Pipkins, and MI LB James Ross. On the West team is MI LB Royce Jenkins-Stone, MO DT Ondre Pipkins, MI LB James Ross, and Erik Magnuson. On the East squad is only OH OT Kyle Kalis. Speaking of OH OT Kyle Kalis, here is an article on his decision to switch to Michigan.

Don't forget to watch the game on January 7 at 1 p.m. ET, on NBC, where it will be played in San Antonio, Texas.

Junior Highlights

Michigan has two commits in MI QB Shane Morris and OH S Dymonte Thomas, so here are their highlights below.

Brice's Recruiting Mailbag

2011-12-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

Question: There was an article recently that discussed the "downfall" of programs like Texas due to a reliance on the drop back passer. Could Michigan fall into that category down the line?

Answer: I don't think so. I don't think you will see any statues (meaning their mobility) of a quarterback at Michigan in the near future. For the upcoming years after Denard, you have to look at what you will have, so it is Gardner, Bellomy, and 2013 commit Shane Morris. All three of those guys can avoid the rush and run very well. I also think college football is in a phase of the spread offenses like it was with the wish bone and the pro-style offenses. People are starting to figure out how to defend the spread, but maybe I shouldn't say that after watching the Alamo Bowl with Baylor and Washington.

Question: What the latest on OT Jordan Diamond I keep hearing that he is a silent commit to Ohio State?

Answer: I haven't heard he was a silent to anybody, but just that he is open to all five of his top schools and will be taking his time. He will be visiting Michigan on January 13 and that could help increase our chances on him.

Question: Michigan has always enjoyed a reputation of having top-flight running backs. This recruiting year, however, it seems as if we are off the radar of most highly-touted recruits at this position. Do you think that this is simply an off year, or did we just not prioritize that position this year. Also, what happened to Jordan Payton (WR prospect)? Have we still actively recruiting him, or conceded his interest to other programs?

Answer: I think we put most of our eggs in the Bri'onte Dunn basket, but that didn't work out. We do have a running back in this class with MI RB Drake Johnson, though. As for your other question on what happened to CA WR Jordan Payton, all I have to say is we are done with WR recruiting in this class. Things could change, but as far as I know I think they are happy with Darboh and Chesson. CA WR Jordan Payton was very high on Michigan for awhile, but as time has gone on, it was seeming more and more like he would stay out West. I am hearing UCLA is the place that it seems he will be going.

Question: With Michigan only getting Drake as a running back this year (though I think that he is underrated and a good pickup), how hard to you think we push for Ty Isaac and what do you think our chances are to pull him into the fold with so many other people starting to make a run at him?

Answer: IL RB Ty Isaac will be one of the best in the Midwest next year. I think he will be Michigan's #1 target at running back for them and I like our chances right now with him. They have been on him early and had him up for the BBQ at the Big House too. It will be a fight for him all the way to Signing Day, though.

Question: More on the 2013 class. Are we making any push at Jake Oliver from TX? The kid is one of my favorites from that class. Are there any 2013 prospects out of Texas or Florida that we are going to go after, seeing our Image has improved drastically?

Answer: Yes, Michigan is going after 2013 TX WR Jake Oliver. Michigan has already offered him too. One kid that I know we have offered is FL WR Richard Benjamin already, but so has many other top programs. He will be very hard to get, but I think he is one that fits the bill of your question. I think we have more impact in recruiting in Florida especially in the upcoming years.

Question: First off Happy New Year and Happy Holiday Brice my question to you is this- What is the latest information on Jordan diamond and Armani Reeves there are reports out that Jordan diamond is a silent commit to Ohio State? With Armani Reeves I am unsure which way he is leaning? With Penn State struggling to find a head coach this should help Michigan right?

Answer: Regarding IL OT Jordan Diamond, I explained him in the first question, so you can check it out there. PA CB Armani Reeves is another story. He will take a official visit to Michigan, but I haven't heard of the date. I think Michigan has the best shot of getting him if he decides Penn State is not for him. Once the new head coach is announce, you will probably hear either good or bad news on Reeves soon after.

Question: Where does Michigan stand on Josh Garnett's list? I Was hearing Stanford and Notre Dame were the favorites

Answer: Right now, WA OG Josh Garnett has a top three of Michigan, Notre Dame, and Stanford. In my opinion, I honestly feel Michigan has a strong chance at Garnett and that no one is out in front right now in his mind.

Questions Wanted

2011-12-27T09:03:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a very great Holidays and enjoys the upcoming New Years. I can't wait for the Sugar Bowl and hope to see Denard let loose and go wild on the Hokie defense. Now as for recruiting, I have been asked recently what would be my wish list for Michigan, but one that could be realistic. Here is mine and tell me yours if you like too. Michigan has only four spots left, but remember they might not use them all. They could bank one, but maybe not.

* My Michigan Recruiting Wish List *

* 1. OH TE Sam Grant *

* 2. NJ CB Yuri Wright *

* 3. WA OG Joshua Garnett *

* 4. PA CB Armani Reeves *

A very interesting thing I saw was this video of QB Denard Robinson being compared to NFL QB Michael Vick, which is featured on Sport Science.
Check it out here

Once again happy holidays to all!

Chesson picks the leaders and the best!

2011-12-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

New Commit: Jehu Chesson

High School- Ladue Horton Watkins HS, in Ladue, Missouri
Height- 6-3
Weight- 175
Forty Time- 4.5
Position- WR
Offers- Iowa, UCLA, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Missouri, and Illinois

Game Breakdown- Chesson has the size and athleticism to make the catches. With his long frame, Chesson can go up to make those jump ball catches and shows great reliable hands. He doesn't have blazing speed, but decent with good vision after the catch. He looks to be a smooth route runner, but can adjust very well to the ball, which is one thing Michigan WR's have been very good at this year. One aspect about his game that I think the coaches will like, is having a tall athletic body at wide receiver as a red-zone weapon.

How recruiting looks now- MO WR Jehu Chesson is commit #24 and the second wide receiver in this class. I think both Chesson and Darboh compliment each other very well and are very good pick-ups. It looks like it will end the wide out recruiting and Michigan will focus on a few positions left. Tight end is one prime position they would like to get one in probably, another offensive linemen, and finally another cornerback. That means it would leave one spot left and that could be for a late surprise Signing Day recruit or a super recruit that they are waiting on. Right now, Michigan is sitting pretty and looks to have everything all planned out.

December 20 Best Guess Recruiting List

2011-12-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

Here is my best guess list of what I think the class is going to look like. It will change over time with players being added and dropped. Remember recruiting is a marathon and not a sprint. Tell me what you think.

1. RB: Drake Johnson (Michigan Commit)

2. FB: Sione Houma (Michigan Commit)

3. WR: Jehu Chasson (Chesson look unlikely to be in this class a month ago, but recruiting is very fluid. He took an official visit to Michigan to see their victory over Ohio State. I think Michigan stands in good shape with Chesson and it helps he knows new commit Amara Darboh.)

4. WR: Amara Darboh (Michigan Commit)

5. TE: Sam Grant (Grant is a Boston College commit, but a soft one at that. He recently came up on a visit with his teammate OH OT Kyle Kalis and it went well. Now it is looking like he might be the true tight end the coaches want.)

6. TE: Devin Funchess (Michigan Commit)

7. OL: Jordan Diamond (Diamond over the summer look like a prime target Michigan would get, but soon things started to change as more guys were committing leaving fewer spots. I know his timeline is not the greatest, but it will work with only a few limited spots left. Still, need to get him back on campus, but I think many people over look the connection he has with current Michigan linemen Chris Bryant.)

8. OL: A.J. Williams (Michigan Commit)

9. OL: Kyle Kalis (Michigan Commit)

10. OL: Erik Magnuson (Michigan Commit)

11. OL: Ben Braden (Michigan Commit)

12. OL: Caleb Stacey (Michigan Commit)

13. OL: Blake Bars (Michigan Commit)

14. DT: Ondre Pipkins (Michigan Commit)

15. DT: Matt Godin (Michigan Commit)

16. DE: Chris Wormley (Michigan Commit)

17. DE: Mario Ojemudia (Michigan Commit)

18. DE: Tom Strobel (Michigan Commit)

19. LB: Royce Jenkins-Stone (Michigan Commit)

20. LB: James Ross (Michigan Commit)

21. LB: Kaleb Ringer (Michigan Commit)

22. LB: Joe Bolden (Michigan Commit)

23. CB: Terry Richardson (Michigan Commit)

24. CB: Armani Reeves (Reeves looked at one time to be a contender to be in this class, but once his teammate PA LB Carmen Williams committed to Penn State, then it was over. Now with the mess at Penn State and there being a potential uncertainty at their head coaching position, I think it is causing Michigan to slide back into this race. Need to get him to visit of course, but I think that will happen.)

25. CB: Yuri Wright (Wright has had a interest in Michigan throughout the process, but has not visit Ann Arbor yet. I just have a feeling that when he visits in January, it will leave a very good impression on him. Time will tell.)

26. S: Allen Gant (Michigan Commit)

27. S: Jarrod Wilson (Michigan Commit)

28. S: Jeremy Clark (Michigan Commit