Tag: Michigan Football

Michigan recruiting “not the same” as Ohio State says 247Sports’ Director of Recruiting

Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, compared Michigan football recruiting efforts unfavorably against Ohio State.

There are guys that know college football recruiting, and then there are guys that live it. As the Director of Recruiting for 247Sports, Steve Wiltfong would be the latter. So, when he says something about the state of recruiting efforts, folks should perk up and take note.

It’s interesting then that he had some criticism of Michigan recruiting efforts under Jim Harbaugh. According to Allen Trieu’s Notorious B1G Podcast on 247Sports, the recruiting guru believes Michigan is behind Ohio State and Penn State in the way that it goes about identifying and selling players to the program.

He was first concerned with the loss of a key recruiter on staff, assistant coach Chris Partridge.

“They haven’t filled (Patridge’s) role, and we’ll see who they fill it with because Michigan is one of those schools where assistant coach recruiters are incredibly important because they don’t recruit in the same traditional way that almost every other program that we cover does,” Wiltfong said. “There’s not recruiting meetings. There’s just a lot on the assistant coaches’ plates to go out in their territories or in their position rooms and find guys they think are good enough to help Michigan win championships.”

“Chris Partridge was a guy that wasn’t afraid to go into SEC country with his winged helmet logo on his golf shirt and go toe-to-toe for big-time guys and try to get them to come to Michigan. He had some big wins. He also had some close losses. I mean, Willie Gay was a guy who had Michigan in his top two. Otis Reese is a guy who had Michigan in his top two. He really got after it and worked.”

Wiltfong then gave his opinion on where the Wolverine program is in terms of recruiting compared to a couple of other teams he believes are doing it the right way.

“I just don’t think, collectively, this staff is recruiting at a level to win a national championship across the board,” Wiltfong said. “It’s a blow losing a guy in Partridge, who I feel like is one of your best recruiters when the emphasis on recruiting at Michigan isn’t the same as it is at Ohio State and Penn State right now. We’re starting to see it on the field.”

To be fair, we’ve seen it on the field for quite a while now, but we get Wiltfong’s point. The gap may be widening after two blowout losses in The Game by Michigan and all.

 

Locked On Wolverines Podcast (Ep. 279): Michigan Mailbag!

You had Michigan football and basketball questions, we had answers as our mailbag returns!

[jwplayer doPM52eE-XNcErKyb]

The mailbag is back in its usual time slot. Taking and answering all your Michigan football and basketball questions!

[lawrence-related id=19709,19697,19690,19678]

You can subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio or Stitcher.

Or you can listen right here on WolverinesWire!

LISTEN below:

[protected-iframe id=”4ba21a75bd9b96e6f98afbc78fe23144-146813584-139854940″ info=”https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=LKN3479760372″ width=”100%” height=”200″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”]

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire / @isaiahhole

Michigan assistant coach Shaun Nua to visit 2020 3-star DE Paris Shand

Windsor (Conn.) The Loomis Chaffee School 2020 3-star DE Paris Shand has a top list of Arizona, Vanderbilt, Tulane, Boston College, Rutgers.

[jwplayer D9wQpQCg]

Michigan’s football staff isn’t done recruiting the 2020 class.

Windsor (Conn.) The Loomis Chaffee School three-star defensive end Paris Shand has officially heard from defensive line coach Shaun Nua.

“He only sent me one message,” Shand said, “that he was coming.”

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Canadian prospect has offers from Arizona, Tulane, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Akron, Central Michigan, Fordham, Holy Cross, Lehigh, UMass and Virginia.

Moving from Toronto to Connecticut to gain recruiting exposure earlier in his career has allowed for Shand to put together a top list of Arizona, Vanderbilt, Tulane, Boston College and Rutgers.

[lawrence-related id=19371,19362,19630,19645]

Shand has taken an official visit to Vanderbilt (Dec. 13) and is also scheduled to check out Rutgers on a Jan. 31 official.

If the Wolverines were to offer Shand when Nua travels to The Loomis Chaffee School, they wouldn’t automatically become his No. 1 option.

“Just because it’s a dream school and big-name wouldn’t put them ahead,” Shand said. “I’d still look at them like any other school I’m interested in.”

But Shand recognizes the importance of a scholarship offer from Michigan.

“I think anyone would be interested in Michigan,” he said. “I’m interested because it’s one of the top academic and football programs in the nation.”

Shand wants to play for a college football program that “really wants and needs” him. He doesn’t want to feel like he’s only joining the team to fill a roster spot.

He’s also interested in a top-notch education that will set him up for success after his football career is completed.

Shand is ranked No. 1,492 in the country, No. 77 at defensive end and No. 13 in Connecticut, according to 247Sports.

“I’m special because, beyond talent, I’m coachable and work hard to et what I need to be successful,” he said.

[protected-iframe id=”94e0b794ec7afeb87110f9504ef8c973-146813584-140995383″ info=”//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11071991/5d8b841f9a9c3e02ccdacac9″ width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″]

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @EvanPetzold

Michigan DB enters NCAA transfer portal

Yet another player from the 2017 class will seek to play elsewhere.

[jwplayer TDvI0PXS-XNcErKyb]
It’s happening again.

The Wolverines’ 2016 and 2017 classes have been absolutely decimated by departures. While some have been by players leaving early for the NFL — most recently, 2017 classmates Donovan Peoples-Jones and Cesar Ruiz declared for the NFL Draft, but there’s been a bevy of transfers that have overshadowed that.

And now there’s another.

Long considered a lock to Michigan — whether accurate or not as a recruit — former Detroit (MI) Cass Tech four-star defensive back Jaylen Kelly-Powell did eventually pledge to the maize and blue over some SEC options and Nebraska, enrolling early in 2017. However, both injuries and positional shuffling meant that Kelly-Powell rarely saw the field outside of special teams.

On Thursday, it looks like his Michigan tenure is ending, as he’s entered the NCAA transfer portal.

That Kelly-Powell has a redshirt available yo him means he’ll have two years of eligibility. As a grad transfer, he’ll be eligible immediately at his school of choice.

He arrived in Ann Arbor as a safety prospect, but Michigan moved him around a lot. He got time at VIPER, safety, nickel back, and this year he was switched to cornerback.

Kelly-Powell is the 13th player in the 2017 recruiting class to transfer out of the program.

Ohio State assistant Greg Mattison criticizes former employer Michigan while recruiting

Ohio State co-defensive coordinator and former “Michigan man” Greg Mattison slammed the Wolverines when out on the recruiting trail.

To say many were surprised when new Ohio State head coach Ryan Day lured long-time Michigan assistant Greg Mattison away from Ann Arbor would be an understatement. It’s not every day a guy that had put so much blood, sweat and tears into a program moves on to an arch-rival.

But move on to Columbus he did. He replaced his maize and blue wardrobe with one with the clashing color palette of scarlet and gray. So far, the move appears to be paying off.

Mattison experienced a win in The Game while prowling the Ohio State sideline after he had been on the wrong end of it for seven-straight years under Brady Hoke, then Harbaugh.

He’s also won some recruiting battles the Wolverines likely would have lost in years past to the Buckeyes. He got to head to the desert and the College Football Playoff. Yes, the colors and change in scenery fit just fine thank you very much. So much so that Mattison has been as honest as the day is long when hitting the recruiting trail against his former employer apparently.

According to a story appearing by 247Sports, 2021 four-star defensive tackle J.C. Latham had some interesting things to say about what Mattison told him when out recruiting and comparing the two programs — a position he is unique and qualified to discuss having experience at both places.

“When I first went to Ohio State back in the spring time for practice, [Coach Mattison] was the first guy I talked to because I knew him right off the bat,” said Latham to 247 Sports. “He was telling me how different Ohio State’s program was and how their facilities, practices, culture, all that was a lot better at Ohio State than Michigan. He was really telling me at their school, it’s a business and they ran it strict to a T.”

Mattison went on to try and seal the deal apparently with how much time the coaches will take to develop him.

“He was telling me, ‘If you’re here, I can see you getting developed ten times better than I could see at any other school.’ So he was kind of really just breaking the ice with me when I first visited.”

It has to be interesting and a somewhat bitter-sweet for Mattison to recruit against a place he was so entrenched at for so long, but if anyone knows the difference between the two, it’s him.

He’s now taking a lot of heat from Michigan fan forums and boards, but the evidence is on the Ohio State co-defensive coordinator’s side. The Buckeyes continually out-recruit and outplay Michigan. They have also sent a ton more guys to the NFL that have been successful.

If that doesn’t speak to development and culture, I don’t know what does.

Be angry if you want Wolverine nation, but the proof is in the pudding. In fact, Mattison isn’t the only one that sees it. Director of recruiting at 247Sports Steve Wiltfong also had some very eye-opening comments about the difference in the two schools that he sees when out on the recruiting trail. We’ve also seen former a former Michigan videographer tell the scathing truth when comparing the two programs from the inside.

Look, the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is better when the Wolverines are good. In fact, the Big Ten and college football is just more fun when Michigan is competing for really big things. The reality though is that the two programs have splintered far apart ever since the end of the Lloyd Carr days.

Big Ten football power rankings very early look ahead for 2020

The Big Ten football season is over, but we’re looking ahead to the what the pecking order might be in 2020.

All the Big Ten football teams have now completed their bowl seasons and headed on into off-season mode. This last year was one to remember with plenty of surprises, storylines and moments to remember.

But just because the season has ended doesn’t mean we’re done with football — especially on a site dedicated to Ohio State, where football is king. The Buckeyes have a slew of talent coming back for 2020, but what does the rest of the league look like?

Will the usual suspects be there? Who surprises, and what programs take that next step. Most importantly, can anyone knock off three-time defending champion OSU?

Here’s a very, very early look at what next year might look like.

14. Rutgers

I mean, is there really another answer at this point? It’s going to take recycled head coach Greg Schiano a bit to get this program up and going again.

13. Maryland

We need to see more before anyone can believe that the Terps jump up next season. It’s still a team not built for the Big Ten and the culture has to change.

12. Purdue

The Boilermakers were far too consistent last season and a quarterback will need to emerge for Purdue to be a force next season.

11. Illinois

The Illini might have caught lightning in a bottle this past season, but it limped a bit to the finish line and we still need to see proof the momentum can continue.

Next … 10 thru 6

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Locked On Wolverines Podcast (Ep. 278): Running the gamut

What basketball has to do to improve fast, why Greg Mattison’s comments about Michigan are no big deal and 7 signees who will burn redshirts

[jwplayer TDvI0PXS-XNcErKyb]

A little hard to pin down just one or two topics, so we discuss what Michigan basketball has to do from here, and why we’re not yet concerned. Then, Greg Mattison made some comments in recruiting disparaging his former employer. Why we don’t see it as a big deal. And seven 2020 signees we expect to see have their redshirts burned.

[lawrence-related id=19678,19671,19668]

You can subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio or Stitcher.

Or you can listen right here on WolverinesWire!

LISTEN below:

[protected-iframe id=”2b2f4116f22b4a32769f9a06f223df6d-146813584-139854940″ info=”https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=LKN5332244408″ width=”100%” height=”200″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”]

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire / @isaiahhole

Locked On Wolverines Podcast (Ep. 277): Football/basketball trajectories

Where Michigan basketball can go this season and why football is a little more behind the 8-ball than you might think.

[jwplayer uZ2rNte9-XNcErKyb]

A little late reacting to the Michigan basketball loss at MSU, what it means and where the Wolverines hoops team goes from here. Then, an interesting observation about football, and why the maize and blue are where they are at the moment.

[lawrence-related id=19630,19563,19613]

You can subscribe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio or Stitcher.

Or you can listen right here on WolverinesWire!

LISTEN below:

[protected-iframe id=”d87c7e74cbf4a07a15dd0ae8724b49e4-146813584-139854940″ info=”https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=LKN3882086796″ width=”100%” height=”200″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”]

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire / @isaiahhole

UNC commit Dontavius Nash discusses Michigan interest, impact of Chris Partridge’s departure

Gastonia (N.C.) Hunter Huss 2021 four-star safety Dontavius Nash, a North Carolina commit, was impacted by Chris Partridge’s departure.

[jwplayer MBgazCkq-XNcErKyb]

Ever since Dontavius Nash received an offer from Michigan on Dec. 11, the Gastonia (N.C.) Hunter Huss 2021 four-star safety has been recruited by safeties coach Chris Partridge.

Partridge and Nash were developing a relationship that began when the former Wolverine assistant expressed interest.

“They can see me coming in as one of the better safeties and stuff like that,” Nash said. “They like my style of play. They just want to build a relationship right now.”

But Partridge is no longer on the coaching staff in Ann Arbor.

Highly regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country, the assistant on head coach Jim Harbaugh’s team since 2015 accepted a co-defensive coordinator spot at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin on Jan. 2.

For Nash, a North Carolina commit since June 15, Partridge’s departure has halted his relationship with Michigan.

“Oh, uh, it changes things a lot,” Nash said. “That’s the only coach that talked to me.”

The loss of Partridge to the Rebels has altered Nash’s perspective on the Wolverines.

“At this point, I’m just now hearing about coach Partridge,” Nash said, “so I don’t know (how interested I am).”

[lawrence-related id=19355]

Nash’s primary and secondary recruiters from North Carolina are running backs coach Robert Gillespie and co-defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, respectively.

The 2021 prospect has continued to build relationships with head coach Mack Brown, his recruiters and those on the roster in the secondary.

Nash’s best friend, Belmont (N.C.) South Point 2020 three-star wide receiver Ray Rose, signed with North Carolina in the December early signing period.

“We are close, so he just helped me a lot when I took visits,” Nash said, “made me feel better, made me feel like I’m at home.”

[lawrence-related id=19563,19446,19417,19371,19362]

The 6-foot-2, 170-pound safety has offers from North Carolina, Michigan, Penn State, Appalachian State, Auburn, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia, Louisville, Maryland, UMass, NC State, Syracuse, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

Despite being committed to Brown’s program in Chapel Hill, Nash said he’s not shying away from interest from other schools – including Michigan.

“It’s just something that me, my grandparents and coaches have been talking about,” he said. “It’s just something we’ve been talking about.”

More than anything, leaning on his grandparents and high school coaches for support, Nash understands the need for a top-notch education.

That’s part of the reason he picked North Carolina, and it’s why Michigan was a school that sparked his interest when the staff offered in the middle of December.

“Honestly,” Nash said, “I want to go to a school where if I don’t make it to the NFL, then I’m going to have a good education.”

So where is Nash at with Michigan following the departure of Partridge?

“Honestly, I don’t really know right now,” Nash said. “It’s something I have to think about.”

And does Nash plan to take a visit to Ann Arbor?

“It’s just something I talk to my coaches and grandparents about, so we aren’t really sure,” he added. “We haven’t thought about it yet.”

Even though Nash said most defensive backs don’t prefer to tackle, the East Coast prospect said he prides himself in the ability to cover and tackle as the complete package for a safety at the Division I level.

“I can play anywhere,” Nash said. “That’s what I think is special about me. I can move around and still make plays.”

Nash is ranked No. 249 in the 2021 class, No. 8 at the safety position and No. 14 in North Carolina, according to the 247Sports composite.

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @EvanPetzold

Notre Dame Football: How 2019 Opponents Fared in Bowl Season

For those keeping score, Fighting Irish foes from this season went 3-5 in their respective bowl games.

The 2019 bowl season has come and gone (for the most part, two games actually still remain) and all of Notre Dame’s opponents from the season that just wrapped up have finished their seasons.

How did all do in the post-season?

Let’s take a look:

Louisville Cardinals:
38-28 win over Mississippi State in the Music City Bowl to finish 8-5

Georgia Bulldogs:
26-14 win over Baylor in the Sugar Bowl to wrap-up 12-2

Virginia Cavaliers:
36-28 loss to Florida in the Orange Bowl to finish 9-5

USC Trojans:
49-24 loss to Iowa in the Holiday Bowl to finish 8-5

Michigan Wolverines:
35-16 loss to Alabama in the Citrus Bowl to finish 9-4

Virginia Tech Hokies:
37-30 loss to Kentucky in the Belk Bowl to finish 8-5

Navy Midshipmen:
20-17 win over Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl to finish 11-2

Boston College Eagles:
Blown out 38-6 by Cincinnati in the Birmingham Bowl to finish 6-7

For those keeping score, Fighting Irish foes from this season went 3-5 in their respective bowl games.  New Mexico, Bowling Green, Duke and Stanford all failed to qualify for a bowl game.