2014 Schedule

8/30 vs Appalachian State
9/6 at Notre Dame
9/13 vs Miami (Ohio)
9/20 vs Utah
9/27 vs Minnesota
10/4 at Rutgers
10/11 vs Penn State
10/18 bye
10/25 at Michigan State
11/1 vs Indiana
11/8 at Northwestern
11/15 bye
11/22 vs Maryland
11/29 at Ohio State

Playing at Notre Dame, at Michigan State and at Ohio State in the same season is not ideal. However, Michigan’s seven home games are not particularly daunting.

Keep in mind that in 2016, the Big Ten will go to a 9-game conference schedule. At that point, Michigan might end up hosting Michigan State in back-to-back seasons.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Related articles

Jabrill Peppers to announce commitment on May 26

Big Ten realigns football divisions

Michigan Football could receive a big recruiting boost on Sunday, May 26th. That is the day that the nation’s second ranked recruit, Jabrill Peppers, will announce his commitment live on ESPNU.

Peppers has narrowed his list down to LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers and Stanford. The prevailing sentiment among recruiting analysts is that Michigan is in the driver’s seat here. Yes Peppers is visiting Penn State on May 18th. No, I don’t think he will go there and not give himself a chance to play for championships. Peppers cancelled his Stanford trip and is excited about playing for a Brady Hoke/Greg Mattison defense.

As a sophomore in 2011, he was named the Air Force National Sophomore Of The Year.

As a junior, Peppers earned USA Today All-American honors while leading his team to a New Jersey state championship.

Peppers is also a track star and has clocked blazing fast times in the 100 meter dash (10.2 seconds) and the 200 meter dash (20.79).

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Related articles

Lawrence Marshall commits to Michigan

Michigan’s all-time best defensive backs

A post-spring look at Michigan’s defense

espn photo

Michigan Football recruiting update. Southfield, Michigan 4-star defensive end Lawrence Marshall has committed to play for the Wolverines. He becomes the ninth member of Michigan’s 2014 recruiting class. The 6-foot-4, 230 pound Marshall is a good athlete who possesses the coveted combination of speed and power.

Marshall selected Michigan over offers from Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and others.

Marshall is ranked as the fourth best player in the state of Michigan and the 12th best defensive end by ESPNU. He ranks 107th overall on the EPSN 150. Of Michigan’s nine 2014 commitments, eight of them can be found on the ESPN 150. Not too shabby by Brady Hoke and his staff.

Jabrill Peppers

Michigan seems to be in a great position to land the nation’s #2 overall recruit Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, New Jersey). Peppers recently blazed his way to a New Jersey state record in the 200 meter dash by clocking a 20.79. He also posted a 10.2 in the 100 meter dash (the Olympics qualifying time in the 100 meter dash is 10.24) so yeah, Peppers is pretty fast.

2014 Commitment List

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Jabrill Peppers (Photo credit: maxpreps.com)

Michigan is in a prime position to land the nation’s top defensive back and #2 overall recruit, Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, New Jersey). Peppers is a beast and will make an instant impact at the college of his choice. He has narrowed his choices down to Michigan, LSU, Ohio State, Stanford and Penn State. Peppers visited LSU in April and received the full-court press from Les Miles and crew. Good for Les, but this is a battle he won’t beat the Wolverines in.

Peppers cancelled his planned visit to Stanford which seems to indicate he’s not going to play his college ball in Palo Alto. He is planning a second trip to Penn State on May 18th. That has to be encouraging for the Nittany Lions, but they must know it will be tough to convince a player of Peppers’ caliber to accept the fact that he won’t get to play in any bowl games until his senior season. And let’s face it, Peppers is so talented he’s probably not playing four years of college football.

Then there’s Michigan. The Wolverines recently snagged Peppers’ teammate Juwan Bushell-Beatty, a massive 6-foot-7, 330 pound offensive lineman. Peppers loves the Michigan coaches and is intrigued by the chance to play for Greg Mattison. He recently told the Detroit News about his conversations with Mattision. ”He compared me to (Woodson) a lot actually, but my goal is that I want to be better than Charles Woodson,” . “I love the way Coach Greg Mattison uses his corners and his scheme. It absolutely fits into my style of play — aggressive (and) fearless. He wants his corners to be fearless. If he wants you to go lockup on an island, you had better lockup on that island. If he wants you to come off the edge, you better come off the edge ready to bring some pain.”

4-star DE Lawrence Marshall commits to Michigan

Peppers is an explosive athlete as well as a leader on and off the field. Most recruiting analysts believe he will ultimately commit to Michigan. This could happen as soon as the end of May. That would be a huge commitment for Brady Hoke as he continues to rebuild Michigan to all its glory. The defense has made huge improvements in the Hoke era and the best is yet to come.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Related articles

Michigan’s all-time best defensive backs

A post-spring look at Michigan’s defense

Michigan Football and the NFL Draft

2013-14 Schedule

Glenn Robinson III

Here’s what we know about Michigan’s 2013-14 schedule.

They will participate in the 2013 Puerto Rico Tip Off. That field features Auburn, Charlotte, Florida State, Georgetown, Kansas State, Long Beach State,Michigan and VCU. The games will be played November 21-24.

December 3rd: at Duke (Big Ten/ACC Challenge)

TBD at Iowa State

December 14: vs Arizona

December 21: vs Stanford (Barclays Center)

2013 Big Ten/ACC Challenge

Darius Morris

When John Beilein took over the reins of Michigan Basketball one of his key early recruits was point guard Darius Morris. Morris started 19 games as a freshman and averaged 4.4 points and 2.6 assists per game. He was handed the keys to the team as a sophomore and responded with a great season in which he set the school’s single season assist record (235), averaged 16.7 points, 6.7 assists and 4 rebounds per game. It was Morris who nearly sent Michigan’s NCAA Tournament game against Duke into OT. Instead, his shot at the buzzer bounced off the back of the rim and the Blue Devils advanced to the Sweet 16.

Morris decided to make the jump to the NBA after that season. When the Lakers selected Morris in the second round (41st overall) he became the first Wolverine to be drafted since 2004 (Bernard Robinson Jr). Morris has had mis moments for Los Angeles this season, including a 24 point 6 assist performance in game 3 against the Spurs during the first round of the playoffs.

Trey Burke

Trey Burke

When Morris made the decision to leave early, some Michigan fans were worried about who would run the show in his absence. The answer was incoming freshman Trey Burke. He might not have been the highest ranked recruit entering the NCAA that fall, but by the time he left Michigan he was a unanimous National Player of the Year and Michigan’s fifth consensus All-American. Burke’s sophomore season was one for the ages. He shattered Morris’ single season assist record by dishing out 260 helpers.

The Wolverines were 55-18 in Burke’s two seasons. They won their first Big Ten Championship in 26 years and advanced to the Final Four for the first time in 20 years. On June 27th, Burke will become the first Michigan player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft since Jamal Crawford (2000).

The future is bright

Derrick Walton

Michigan has another highly touted point guard set to begin his collegiate career this fall. Derrick Walton is ranked as the #8 point guard in the nation and #30 overall by EPSNU. He averaged 26.2 points, 10.1 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 5.4 steals while shooting 80.7 percent from the free throw line this past season, leading the Eagles (20-4) to the Class B regional semifinals

Walton is walking into a point guard’s dream offense. One where he has the freedom to create and run in the open court. He will be surrounded by elite athletes and one of the nation’s premier three-point shooters.

Michigan has another point guard, you might remember him. Spike Albrecht became a household name when he dropped 17 points on Louisville in the first half of the national championship game.

Point guards all across the country have taken notice of Point Guard U. Michigan is zeroing in on some of the nation’s best point guards in the 2015 class, players like Sedrick Barefield, Jalen Brunson, Jalen Coleman, and Hyron Edwards. If one of those players were to jump at an offer from John Beilein, they would be the next in line of what is becoming a very impressive point guard lineage. They would also be on a path that leads to the NBA.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow us on Twitter Rob White and Joe White

Related articles

Michigan’s all-time best point guards

Michigan basketball schedule and recruiting update

Tim Hardaway Jr’s bio

A three year starter, for Michigan, Hardaway Jr was instrumental in returning Michigan Basketball to relevance. He missed just one game in his career and started all 107 games he did play in. The Wolverines were 76-32 during Hardaway Jr’s career and appeared in the NCAA Tournament all three season. In his final season, Michigan advanced to the National Championship game where they lost to Louisville.

As a freshman, Hardaway Jr was named honorable mention All-Big Ten. His sophomore season he was selected to the All-Big Ten third team and as a junior he earned All-Big Ten first team honors. His junior season was his finest as he averaged career bests for points (14.5), rebounds (4.7) and assists (2.4) per game, as well as field goal percentage (43.7) and three-point field goal percentage (37.4). Hardaway posted 30 double-figure scoring games with seven games of 20-plus points.

Hardaway Jr was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 NIT Season Tip-Off. He averaged 19.5 points and 5.5 rebounds to help lead Michigan to the championship.

He finished his career with 1,532 points which ranks him 18th on Michigan’s all-time scoring list. He ranks sixth in school history with 202 career three-pointers. Hardaway also pulled down 440 rebounds and notched 76 steals in his career.

Hardaway ranks 26th in school history with a career scoring average of 14.3 points per game. He also averaged 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. His 107 career starts are the 11th most in Michigan history.

Hardaway Jr opted to forgo his final season of eligibility and became the 14th Michigan player to enter the NBA Draft early.

Find out where we ranked him on the list of Michigan’s all-time best shooting guards

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

Stay connected with our coverage by subscribing to our Michigan Basketball feed. You can follow us on Twitter Rob White and Joe White

Related articles

Michigan’s all-time best shooting guards

Michigan Basketball and the NBA Draft

Defensive Line

Mario Ojemudia

Rush End: Junior Frank Clark had a great spring and should wreak havoc against opposing offenses this year. He is backed up by Mario Ojemudia and freshman/early enrollee Taco Charlton. Charlton is going to be a star for the Wolverines.

Defensive tackle: 5th year senior Quinton Washington is better than he generally gets credit for and will man one of the starting spots along the interior of the line. He will be backed up by sophomore Ondre Pipkins, who is an impact player. Starting at the three-technique will be senior Jibreel Black. There are a talented pair of redshirt freshman vying for playing time behind Black, Chris Wormley and Willie Henry.

At strong-side defensive end there is an intense battle for playing time between Keith Heitzman (RS So), Matthew Godin (RS Fr) and Tom Strobel (RS Fr).

No matter how the battles for playing time shake out, this is going to be Michigan’s best defensive line in a long time. There are several future NFL players in this position group.

Linebackers

Desmond Morgan

SAM: This was the position to be manned by Jake Ryan, who led Michigan in tackles (88), tackles for loss (16), sacks (4.5) and forced fumbles (4) last season. He is a guy that opposing offenses had to account for on every snap and it’s a big blow for Michigan to lose his services for an extended period of time. Brennen Beyer has moved from defensive end to linebacker and will challenge 5th year senior Cam Gordon for playing time in Ryan’s absence.

MIKE: After playing two seasons at outside linebacker, Desmond Morgan has moved back to his natural position, middle linebacker. He finished third on the team last year with 81 tackles and also notched 5.5 tackles for loss. Morgan will be pushed hard by sophomore Joe Bolden, who had 31 tackles and 4 TFLs last season.

WILL: James Ross III figures to have the inside track here. He is fast, instinctive and has a nose for the football. Royce Jenkins-Stone is talented young player who will see increased playing time in this, his sophomore season.

Defensive Backs

Blake Countess (AnnArbor.com photo)

Cornerback: Blake Countess returns from his season-ending knee injury suffered against Alabama last year and should be fantastic. Senior Courtney Avery, junior Delonte Hollowell and freshman/early enrollee Dymonte Thomas will also see the field.

Corner: Raymon Taylor stepped up in Coutness’ absence last year and played well. Taylor was seventh on the team with 45 tackles and tied for the team-high with two interceptions. Freshman/early enrollee Ross Douglas had a strong spring.

Strong safety: 5th year senior Thomas Gordon was tied for third last year with 81 tackles and has playmaking ability. Gordon has started 26 games in his career and has recorded four fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Free safety: Sophomore Jarrod Wilson is battling with senior Marvin Robinson for the starting job here.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Related articles

Michigan recruiting update: Jabrill Peppers

Michigan Football and the NFL Draft

Michigan Football’s all-time best defensive backs

Andrew Dakich (Photo credit: IndyStar)

Michigan Basketball needed to add some depth to their 2013-14 roster and they found the perfect player to do that when they offered Andrew Dakich a chance to be a preferred walk-on. Dakich had similar offers from Butler and Purdue, but was drawn to the Wolverines. He is the son of Dan Dakich and played AAU ball with Mark Donnal.

Dakich is a 6-foot-2, 170 pound point guard out of Zionsville, Indiana. He is an excellent facilitator and very cerebral player who also possesses great leadership traits. He reported on twitter that he received a big hug from Mitch McGary when he committed and said he is excited to become a part of the Michigan Basketball family. Dakich tweeted: “Thank all the people who helped influence me on my decision. I just want to win national championships and that’s what Michigan is all about.”

With the addition of Dakich, Michigan now has 12 players on the 2013-14 roster.

The 2013-14 roster

Jordan Morgan – Senior
Jon Horford – RS Junior
Max Bielfeldt – RS Sophomore
Spike Albrecht – Sophomore
Caris LeVert – Sophomore
Mitch McGary – Sophomore
Glenn Robinson III – Sophomore
Nik Stauskas – Sophomore
Andrew Dakich – Frehman
Mark Donnal – Freshman
Zak Irvin – Freshman
Derrick Walton – Freshman

Michigan has one commit so far in their 2014 class, Ricky Doyle.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

Stay connected with our coverage by subscribing to our Michigan Basketball feed. You can follow us on Twitter Rob White and Joe White

Related articles

Michigan Basketball’s all-time best point guards

Michigan Basketball remains rock solid

Michigan Basketball schedule and recruiting updates

The Wolverines also picked up a commitment from wide receiver Maurice Ways from Detroit Country Day. Checking in at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Ways is another big and talented receiver, which is what Brady Hoke and his staff have been targeting. As a junior, Ways hauled in 51 passes for 950 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Jabrill Peppers

Jabrill Peppers (Photo credit: maxpreps.com)

Michigan is in a great position for the nation’s #2 ranked recruit, 5-star cornerback Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, New Jersey). The 6-foot-1, 205 Peppers, is an elite athlete and considered by most services to be the top rated cornerback in the country and one of the top two recruits nationally. He might announce his college decision as early as June and Michigan is generally thought to be the leader to receive his pledge. It certainly doesn’t hurt Michigan’s chances that Peppers’ high school teammate and friend is the above referenced, Juwan Bushell-Beatty.

Here is an excerpt from his tantalizing scouting report on ESPNU

Peppers is a playmaker with explosive speed, smooth movements and excellent athleticism. He’s very confident in his skills and he should be. This young man is a game changer…Peppers is an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands on offense. He reaches top-speed quickly and is very elusive to wrap up once he gets out in space. Shows impressive skill set as a RB and WR and also as a Wildcat QB. But his size and transitional skills as a DB will make it hard for teams not to deploy him on defense…Has the cover corner movements and length to lock down in man-to-man as well. He transitions sharply with little wasted motion. Peppers is a naturally fluid athlete who is smooth changing directions and shows ability to quickly flip hips to turn and run with receivers. Shines in tight coverage as well.

Peppers is ranked #2 overall by rivals.com and Michigan is also in a strong position with rivals #1 ranked player, defensive end Da’Shawn Hand (Woodbridge, Virginia). Hand is a 6-foot-4, 250 pound wrecking ball. If Michigan can land both of these guys it would be one heck of a recruiting coup.

Here is a look at Michigan’s 2014 commitment list

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Related articles

A post-spring look at Michigan’s offense

Michigan Football’s all-time best quarterbacks

Michigan Basketball recruiting and schedule updates

The 2013 NFL Draft featured exactly two Michigan Football players getting their name called. Denard Robinson was the first Wolverine selected and that didn’t happen until the 5th round, when the Jacksonville Jaguars called his name. William Campbell was selected in the 6th round by the New York Jets. Last year, Michigan had three players drafted; Mike Martin (3rd round), David Molk (7th round) and Junior Hemingway (7th round). The 2011 NFL Draft saw just two Michigan players get selected; Jonas Mouton (2nd round) and Stephen Schilling (6th round). In 2010, three Wolverines were drafted Brandon Graham (1st round), Zoltan Mesko (5th round) and Stevie Brown (7th round).

[Michigan Football and the NFL Draft a History]

From 2000-2008, Michigan had 44 players drafted into the NFL, that’s an average of 4.88 players per year. From 2009-2013, Michigan had 10 players drafted, which is an average of just 2 players per year. That is, unfortunately, a sad testament to the RichRod era.

Now as we enter year three of the Brady Hoke era, the roster is once again littered with future NFL players. Starting next year, Michigan will once again be a major factor in the NFL Draft. Taylor Lewan should be a top 5 pick next year. His fellow line mate, Michael Schofield might be under-the-radar with some fans, but NFL scouts know all about him. He has the size, 6-7, 303, and all the tools to play at the next level.

Other Wolverines who are candidates to be selected in the 2014 NFL Draft include Quinton Washington, Fitz Toussaint, Will Hagerup, Jeremy Gallon and Jibreel Black.

It won’t be long before we get back to the days like 2001, when five Wolverines were selected in the first 43 picks or 2007 when four Wolverines were drafted in the first 47 picks and seven Michigan players were ultimately selected that year.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Ian Bunting (espn photo)

Michigan Football picked up their sixth commitment from the 2014 class on Tuesday when Ian Bunting (Hinsdale, Illinois) pledged to the Wolverines. Bunting is a long, tall tight end who checks in at 6-foot-7, 210 pounds. He is ranked the #5 tight end in the 2014 class by ESPNU and is a member of the ESPNU 150 watch list. In fact, all six members of Michigan’s 2014 recruiting class are on the ESPNU 150 watch list.

Bunting chose the Wolverines over offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon and USC, among others.

Here is a look at Michigan’s six commitments from the 2014 recruiting class

Related articles

A post-spring look at Michigan’s offense

Michigan Football’s all-time best quarterbacks

Michigan Basketball recruiting and schedule updates

Glenn Robinson III

Michigan will participate in the 2013 Puerto Rico Tip-Off. Other schools that will be playing in the event are Auburn, Charlotte, Florida State, Georgetown, Kansas State, Long Beach State and VCU.

The 2013 Puerto Rico Tip-Off will feature a bracket format with 12 games over three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through the bracket. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship game on the final day of competition.

The Wolverines will host Arizona, play at Iowa State and tangle with Stanford at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Additionally Michigan will likely play a road game in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Recruiting Update

With the early departures of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr to the NBA, Michigan will likely add another player to the 2013 class. Currently they have signed letter’s of intent from three top 100 players; Zak Irvin, Derrick Walton and Mark Donnal. Michigan is showing interest in Andrew Dakich, son of Dan, who is a point guard out of Zionsville, Indiana.

Class of 2014

Devin Booker

Michigan has a commitment from one class of 2014 recruit, Ricky Doyle. He is a 6-9, 225 pounder out of Fort Myers, Florida. The Wolverines are in a good position with 5-star guard Devin Booker (Moss Point, Mississippi), but they will have to beat out a veritable who’s who of college basketball for his services. He is being recruited by Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina and his dad’s alma mater, Missouri.

Michigan is also strong with Trevon Blueitt (Indianapolis, Indiana) and Vince Edwards (Franklin, Ohio).

Class of 2015

John Beilein will being extending offers to class of 2015 recruits in June. You can expect the first offer will go to Luke Kennard (Franklin, Ohio). Kennard averaged 25 points per game as a sophomore this past season. Michigan also likes point guard Jalen Coleman (Indianapolis, Indiana). Another tantalizing 2015 prospect Michigan is watching is point guard Sedrick Barefield (Corona, California). The 6-foot-2, Barefield is ranked #38 by rivals.

Another top recruit Michigan is in the mix for is rivals 18th ranked player, Dwayne Bacon (Lakeland, Florida).

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

Stay connected with our coverage by subscribing to our Michigan Basketball feed. You can follow us on Twitter Rob White and Joe White

Related articles

Michigan Basketball’s all-time best point guards

Michigan Basketball remains rock solid

A post-spring look at Michigan Football’s offense

Quarterback

Devin Gardner has assumed a leadership role on this team. He was already one of the most revered players on the roster. Last year at media day he was the runaway leader for the funniest guy on the team and the best-dressed Wolverine. Gardner started at quarterback for the last five games of the 2012 season and was a revelation. He was twice named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Against Iowa, Gardner became the first Wolverine to account for six touchdowns since Steve Smith (1983). He finished the season with 1,219 yards passing with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 101 yards and seven TDs. Gardner is poised for a breakout season.

Russell Bellomy was slated to back up Gardner, but he suffered a torn ACL in spring practice. Now that duty will likely fall to true freshman Shane Morris. Preferred walk-on Brian Cleary could also factor into the mix at the back up position.

Running backs

Fitzgerald Toussaint is making good progress as he recovers from a broken leg that he suffered six months ago in the Iowa game. If he isn’t ready to go look for one of Michigan’s freshman backs to take the reins. Derrick Green, who was considered by many the top high school running back in the nation last year, figures to get plenty of carries this fall. The 6-foot, 215 pound Green recently tweeted that he is running the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds. Don’t count out DeVeon Smith, like his fellow frosh Green, he is a big, powerful back who fits Michigan’s preferred running scheme perfectly. The coaches are also high on redshirt freshman Drake Johnson and Thomas Rawls is still battling for playing time.

Wide Receivers/Tight ends

Amara Darboh

Jeremy Gallon will be the grizzled veteran of Michigan’s young receiving corps. Last year, Gallon led Michigan in receptions (49) and receiving yards (829). He also hauled in 4 touchdowns and has a good rapport with Gardner. Drew Dileo has made some clutch catches for the Wolverines and is an underrated member of this group. Sophomore Amara Darboh and redshirt freshman Jehu Chesson both performed well in the spring and one or both of them could have breakout seasons.

Devin Funchess was very impressive last year and showed a penchant for making big plays. His star should continue to rise this year. AJ Williams is a tremendous blocking tight end and true freshman and early enrollee Jake Butt caught a TD pass in the spring game. This should be a position of strength for years to come under Hoke and Borges.

Offensive line

The line will be book-ended by a pair of future NFL linemen in seniors Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield. Lewan of course turned down the NFL to return for his fifth season of eligibility and should establish himself as one of Michigan’s all-time best offensive linemen by the end of the season. Schofield is a very good lineman as well and combined with Lewan gives Michigan the best set of tackles in the Big Ten.

The interior of the line will be manned by three new starters. The guards are likely to be a pair of highly touted redshirt freshmen, Kyle Kalis and Ben Braden. Both of those players are going to be four year starters for the Wolverines. Braden may move to tackle next year. The center position is up for grabs. Jack Miller and Graham Glasgow saw most of the action there in the spring game.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Related articles

Drake Harris commits to Michigan

McGary and Robinson III to return for sophomore season

Big Ten to realign divisions

The Big Ten will realign their football divisions starting with the 2014 season.

The 2013 season will feature the same Legends and Leaders divisions that are currently in place. The Legends: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern; the Leaders: Indiana, Illinois, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin.

The new divisions

The 2014 season will include the addition of Maryland and Rutgers which prompted the realignment.

With the exception of Indiana vs Purdue, there will no longer be protected crossover games. Additionally, the Big Ten is expected to move to a 9-game conference schedule, starting with the 2016 season.

My initial thoughts are, that the East Division appears to be much stronger than the West. There are four very good teams in the proposed East – Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State. The West has just two very good teams in Nebraska and Wisconsin.

To receive an email each time a Big Ten Football article is published, fill out the Email Notification Form

Related articles

Big Ten Football: April Primer

Michigan Football a post-spring look at the offense

Penn State Football spring game news and notes

Michigan State Football: The QB situation

Michigan Basketball players Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III announced on Thursday that they would both be returning for their sophomore seasons. Most mock drafts had the dynamic duo slated as mid-first round picks in June’s NBA Draft.

McGary was a revelation in the NCAA Tournament. After coming off the bench for all but two games during the regular season, he started all six games in the tournament and was a key reason why the Wolverines reached the final game. McGary averaged 14.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game during Michigan’s tournament run. He joined Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Webber as the only freshman to ever put up at least 80 points and 58 rebounds during the NCAA Tournament.

McGary lead the team in rebounding (6.3 per game) and blocks (28). He is a natural leader and a likely choice to serve as the team captain for the 2013-14 season.

Glenn Robinson III (Photo by Todd White/isportsweb)

Glenn Robinson III started all 39 games this past season and was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshmen team. He averaged 11 points and 5.4 boards per game, while shooting 57.2% from the field. Robinson is a sensational dunker and an elite athlete. Robinson, who did not miss a practice or game all year, was awarded the team’s Iron Man Award.

The return of both players is great news for Michigan, as they would have been down to 9 players on the roster had they elected to go pro. As it is, Michigan has just 11 players on the roster right now and might be looking to pick up a late 2013 recruit.

The sky is the limit for both of these guys and I can’t imagine how good they will be with a full off-season under the tutelage of John Beilein and Jon Sanderson, Michigan’s strength and conditioning coach.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

Stay connected with our coverage by subscribing to our Michigan Basketball feed. You can follow us on Twitter Rob White and Joe White

Related articles

Michigan’s all-time best point guards

Tim Hardaway Jr to enter NBA Draft

Tim Hardaway Jr

On Wednesday afternoon, Michigan Basketball’s Tim Hardaway Jr announced he will forego his final season of eligibility and enter the NBA Draft. Hardaway was an All-Big Ten first-team selection and averaged 14.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Wolverines.

Hardaway is being projected as a late-first round early-second round pick in the draft. He becomes the 12th player in school history to leave early for the NBA. Hardaway made the following statement in a press release:

“After talking it over with my family, the coaching staff, and others in my support system, I have decided to pursue my dream of playing in the NBA,” said Hardaway. “I have appreciated everyone’s support and patience while I made this decision. It has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA and I feel that I am ready to work toward this dream.

“There will be challenges ahead, but I am looking forward to what the future holds. I know with what I have learned about being a Michigan Man, I will be more than ready for this next phase in my life. This has been the greatest experience playing at Michigan and something I will never forget.

“I cannot thank Coach (John) Beilein, the coaching staff, my teammates, the basketball support staff, and the U-M administration enough for the opportunity they provided me to play at Michigan and the support they gave me along the way. More importantly, I want to thank the Wolverine nation. The positive support they have shown me and this program cannot be measured.”

Now Michigan fans anxiously await word from Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

Stay connected with our coverage by subscribing to our Michigan Basketball feed. You can follow us on Twitter Rob White and Joe White

Trey Burke

Michigan Basketball’s Trey Burke will forego his final two years of eligibility and enter the NBA Draft. Burke was the unanmious selection for National Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. He is one of the greatest players in Michigan Basketball history and we will decide soon where he ranks on this list: Michigan’s all-time best point guards.

Burke will become the first Michigan player to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft since Jamal Crawford in 2000.

“After talking it over with my family and coaching staff and weighing all my options,” Burke said in a statement released by Michigan.  ”I have decided to enter the NBA Draft. I feel that is the right decision for me and my future. It has been a dream of mine to play in the NBA, and I feel excited and well prepared to take that next step in my career.

“My time at Michigan has helped me grow tremendously as both a basketball player and as a person. I will always be grateful for the opportunity Coach Beilein and his staff gave me to wear the Maize and Blue. I have learned so much from this staff and this university about what is really important if you want to be successful in your future. I love the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor community, and it will always be a place I call home.”

Now we wait to hear word from Tim Hardaway Jr, Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III.

Here’s one of our favorite moments with Trey Burke. In Michigan’s victory over Arkansas this year, Burke picked up a technical for hanging on the rim. Joe White asked him about that.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

Stay connected with our coverage by subscribing to our Michigan Basketball feed. You can follow us on Twitter Rob White and Joe White

Related articles

Michigan Basketball players and the NBA Draft

Trey Burke and his season for the ages

Drake Harris (Detroit Free Press photo)

Michigan Football’s 2014 recruiting class just picked up a major commitment from WR Drake Harris (Grand Rapids, Michigan). Harris, who checks in at 6-foot-4, 185, is ranked the #4 wide receiver in the country by rivals.

Just officially committed to The University Of Michigan!

— Drake Harris™ (@drizzygetbusy01) April 14, 2013

Harris had previously been committed to Michigan State to play football and basketball. However, when he realized his future was on the gridiron, he de-commited from MSU and ultimately landed in Ann Arbor. Harris becomes the fifth member of Michigan Football’s 2014 recruiting class (see the complete list below).

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Football and/or Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

You can follow me on twitter @isportsRob

Michigan Basketball just capped off an outstanding season with a tough loss in the National Championship game. Now all eyes turn towards four Wolverines who are contemplating an early jump to the NBA.

Will they go or stay?

Trey Burke – sophomore – 6-foot, 190: The unanimous National Player of the Year and a consensus All-American, Burke had a season for the ages as he piloted the Wolverines to the national title game. He averaged 18.6 points, 6.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Burke shot 46.3% from the field and led the nation with a 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio.

[Updated: It's official, Trey Burke is heading to the NBA]

What scouts love about him: He’s a smart player, who sees the court well. He knows when to shoot and when to set up a teammate. Burke is tough, disciplined and a true floor general.

What they don’t like: He is barely 6 feet tall. If he was 6-foot-4, he’d be the #1 pick in the draft.

Projected draft range: Top 10 pick

My guess: Burke will be playing in the NBA next season. He has nothing left to prove at the collegiate level and his stock will never be higher than it is now.

Tim Hardaway Jr – junior – 6-foot-6, 205: He was an All-Big Ten First-Team selection this year and averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Hardaway is a better defender than he generally gets credit for.

What scouts love about him: At 6-6, he has NBA length and he does a lot of things well. Hardaway can attack the basket, knock down three-balls, rebound and he is good in the open court.

What they don’t like: He can get ice cold shooting the ball and while he does a lot of things well, he doesn’t do any one thing great.

Projected draft range: Second round pick

My guess: I think Hardaway will make the jump to the NBA.

Mitch McGary – freshman – 6-foot-10, 250: He wasn’t on the draft radar prior to the NCAA Tournament. Then he got the starting assignment and became a tournament sensation. He posted three double-doubles and was a huge reason Michigan made it to the final game.

What scouts love about him: He is big, has a relentless motor and is a gifted athlete. McGary can run in the open court, is a great rebounder, can block shots and, as evidenced by his 6 assists against Syracuse in the Final Four, in the words of Boobie Miles Uncle LV in Friday Night Lights “and he can pass”.

What they don’t like: His game could use a little polishing and as mentioned above, he wasn’t even on the draft radar prior to the tournament.

Projected range: Lottery pick

My guess: I think it’s a toss up and if the next guy on this list, who is also McGary’s roommate,  comes back, I think he will return with him. However, it’s going to be awfully difficult to pass on being an almost surefire first round pick. With that being said, if McGary returns for his sophomore season he could end up being the #1 pick in the 2014 draft.

Glenn Robinson III – freshman – 6-foot-6, 210: Robinson III is a tremendous athlete and has an NBA pedigree. He averaged 11 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Robinson shot 57.2% from the field and dazzled with his highlight reel dunks.

What scouts love about him: He has an NBA body and just looks like a future star. He has elite athleticism and can shoot the rock.

What they don’t like: He is a little raw and sometimes struggles to get his shot.

Projected range: Middle of the first round

My guess: Of the 4 players listed here, I think he is the most likely to return. However, he is in the same boat as McGary and it will be tough to pass on being a lock to go in the first round.

If you would like to receive an email notification each time a Michigan Basketball story is posted you can fill out the Email Notification Form.

Stay connected with our coverage by subscribing to our Michigan Basketball feed. You can follow us on Twitter Rob White and Joe White