1. O-H-I-O
The first stop of my big weekend bonanza was Dayton. Somebody in my observations thread asked if I felt a negative Michigan vibe out in Ohio, but I actually didn't. This was like my fourth time out there, and each time, the coaches and people have been very welcoming. Dayton, in particular, doesn't seem to be overly pro-Ohio State. There aren't Buckeye flags at every corner, and the kids seem to be pretty open with their recruitments. Michigan has obviously had success at Clayton (Ohio) Northmont, landing Gabe Newburg a couple of cycles ago and Rod Moore this cycle. Northmont head coach Tony Broering told me that the door is very much open for Michigan to continue reeling good talent out of Dayton. If OSU doesn't offer, I could easily see Michigan landing another Dayton star in Rivals100 defensive tackle Derrick Shepard. Honestly, the only reason I get an enemy territory feeling is because there is so much OSU media around. They are literally everywhere. How many Ohio State sites are there?
2. O-H-I-O Pt. 2
A big question on this board seems to be: Why isn't Michigan recruiting Ohio better? Look guys, Ohio State is basically going to get recruits it wants in the state of Ohio. Even in Dayton, where there is less influence, an Ohio State offer is just so meaningful because of the success they've had during these kid's lives. Michigan can definitely dip into Ohio and get some good players ala Rod Moore, but getting the top guys across the border is a daunting task at this time. In order to do so, Michigan absolutely has to beat Ohio State on the field. Otherwise, it's not worth pouring resources into Ohio. Right now, the Buckeyes run their home state. And that won't change without a win for the Wolverines. The Buckeyes already hold commitments from four of the top five 2022 prospects in Ohio, per the composite. It's an uphill battle, and Michigan is better investing more time elsewhere at this moment — minus the few gettable guys without OSU offers.
3. Skyline Chili
I've been to Ohio on a couple of other occasions, but I've never tried Skyline Chili. This time around, I made it a point to go there. I'm from Texas, and chili is a way of life in the Lone Star State. I'm almost close to perfecting my own homemade West Texas chili and would love to compete at the Terlingqua festival down the line. You could say I'm a chili enthusiast. I've never had Cincinnati chili, so I was pumped up to try Skyline, especially since so many people had hyped it up. On Twitter, I said it was meh. After more time thinking about it, I have to say it was pretty bad. That stuff is not real chili, and the cinnamon they use is, well, not great. On top of that, I had to run to the bathroom at least three times during Shepard's game. I'm done with Skyline Chili. Once was enough for me.
4. Go Back To Texas
Speaking of the OSU reporters, I ran into one at the game. His name and site will remain nameless, but he aggressively started asking me about covering Michigan and why I would ever leave the Texas beat to cover U-M. It was a little uncomfortable lol. I told him I wanted a new opportunity far away from home and that I was unhappy with my situation. I loved the Texas beat just not my work environment. Anyway, I also told him that I lived in Chicago (which he scoffed at. I guess city slickers aren't welcomed) and that I was actually interested in the Michigan beat years ago when I interviewed for it with Land of 10. He responded: 'You should go back to Texas. It's a better job.' My response: 'Nah.' Honestly, I love the Michigan beat thanks in large part to you guys. It's the perfect fit, and I'm glad this spot opened up. I know it's only been a year, but it feels like I've been here a lot longer.
5. The Wolverine
After finishing up Shepard's game on Thursday night, I drove an hour and a half to the middle of nowhere Ohio and stayed the night. The next morning, I made the drive out to Ann Arbor to meet with Balas, Clayton and Austin. Balas took us to the The Original Cottage Inn for some pizza. Don't get me wrong, it was good. But I ordered Chicago-style deep dish pizza. The waiter said 'no one ever orders that' then proceeded to bring me Detroit-style pizza. SMH. Anyway, I love the staff here at The Wolverines. Clayton and I have developed a great rapport, and I'm glad he's giving me a little help on the recruiting front. Austin is the glue guy on this site. And Balas always makes it a good time. I think this is the best camaraderie I've ever had with my teammates at any place I've ever worked. I'm so happy I spoke up and asked to be transferred from my short stint on that other beat.
6. Dante Moore
I said this in my Wolverine TV recap, but I'm all aboard the Dante Moore hype train. I made it a point to see the elite 2023 Detroit (Mich.) King quarterback in game action during a random Friday afternoon game. Kickoff was at 4, which was wild. While Denby didn't offer much of a challenge, Moore did what he was supposed to do and dominated. In a period of about 10 minutes, he threw three beautiful touchdown passes. Obviously, I saw Moore earlier this season, so this performance just verified things for me. Moore is so poised in the pocket. He sits there, progresses through his reads and dissects the opposing defense. Remember, Moore started as a freshman last season. He is the leader of this team and commands respect even at such a young age. He's going to be a guy that you all will become obsessed with soon.
7. Will Johnson
It was pretty neat that I had the opportunity to see the best recruit in the state in 2023 and the best recruit in the state in 2022 in back-to-back games. In my observations post, I said that Will reminds me a lot of Richard Sherman. I'm a Niners fan and have been watching Sherman on a weekly basis for years — love him now but hated him on the Seahawks. Will's game is eerily similar. He's so long. He can get really physical when he wants to. He's not super speedy, but he is deceptively athletic. He's balanced. He's patient. He's smart. He's disciplined. Everything about Will screams Sherman to me. I know it's such an overused and lazy comparison for tall, long corner recruits. But in Will's case, I'm all in with it.
8. Momentum Is Real
I don't care what anybody says. Momentum is real — both ways. And man, did I have some negative momentum on Saturday. I forget to request a media pass for the Roseville vs. Tower game. I showed up anyway and thought I would just talk my way in. Then I quickly realized the Tower AD was a TSA officer in a previous life. He literally yelled at me for not requesting a pass and walking up to the gate. He screamed about the pandemic and also kicked some JV players out because of 'spectator limit'. He eventually let me in, which I was appreciative of, but man, I hate it when adults yell at other adults. I could never have a position of power. Later that day, I went to Chipotle with an entire hour to go before St. Mary's vs. Brother Rice. Chipotle apparently doesn't care about mobile orders because everyone in the regular line got their food before me. That caused me to get to Brother Rice right on time... except the game wasn't at Brother Rice. It was at a stadium 20 minutes away. I filled out the required COVID form on my phone while driving and made it there in 15. I didn't even need it because I walked right onto the field through a random side gate. I missed Tommy Doman's extra point, though, because I left my car lights on. And then it rained on me even though it wasn't in the forecast. Great time.
9. Should Michigan take Sully Weidman?
While I was at the Roseville game, I got an alert that three-star 2022 New England offensive lineman Sullivan Weidman was on campus for a self-guided tour. I know Sully well since I saw him live twice this offseason — once at a private workout and once at the UA Camp in Delaware. I would grade Weidman as a 5.6 recruit right now. He's technically sound and is a solid guard prospect. However, he needs to cut some bad weight, improve his feet and add strength. I can see why Michigan would take him since they missed out on some guards this cycle, and there is pretty much only bread left. Again, he would be a solid take, but I don't necessarily think he should be this early of a take. I think it's good that there is some discussion about it. 2022 is a down year in New England, tbh.
10. Kickers Are People, Too!
I could have just gone home after the Roseville game. But I wanted to stay for the late game and see Michigan specialist commit Tommy Doman. He is an important part of this class, and I've covered Tommy like any other commit. Being at that game was important to me. Tommy deserves the coverage. He's elite at what he does and has a chance to be a weapon for the Wolverines on special teams. Tommy is also one of the best kids you'll ever meet. He sent me this earlier today. which made my day:" Thank you so much for coming out to my game yesterday, it was so much fun seeing you again. I appreciate all the videos and pictures more than you know. It makes me feel like specialists are football players. too."
The first stop of my big weekend bonanza was Dayton. Somebody in my observations thread asked if I felt a negative Michigan vibe out in Ohio, but I actually didn't. This was like my fourth time out there, and each time, the coaches and people have been very welcoming. Dayton, in particular, doesn't seem to be overly pro-Ohio State. There aren't Buckeye flags at every corner, and the kids seem to be pretty open with their recruitments. Michigan has obviously had success at Clayton (Ohio) Northmont, landing Gabe Newburg a couple of cycles ago and Rod Moore this cycle. Northmont head coach Tony Broering told me that the door is very much open for Michigan to continue reeling good talent out of Dayton. If OSU doesn't offer, I could easily see Michigan landing another Dayton star in Rivals100 defensive tackle Derrick Shepard. Honestly, the only reason I get an enemy territory feeling is because there is so much OSU media around. They are literally everywhere. How many Ohio State sites are there?
2. O-H-I-O Pt. 2
A big question on this board seems to be: Why isn't Michigan recruiting Ohio better? Look guys, Ohio State is basically going to get recruits it wants in the state of Ohio. Even in Dayton, where there is less influence, an Ohio State offer is just so meaningful because of the success they've had during these kid's lives. Michigan can definitely dip into Ohio and get some good players ala Rod Moore, but getting the top guys across the border is a daunting task at this time. In order to do so, Michigan absolutely has to beat Ohio State on the field. Otherwise, it's not worth pouring resources into Ohio. Right now, the Buckeyes run their home state. And that won't change without a win for the Wolverines. The Buckeyes already hold commitments from four of the top five 2022 prospects in Ohio, per the composite. It's an uphill battle, and Michigan is better investing more time elsewhere at this moment — minus the few gettable guys without OSU offers.
3. Skyline Chili
I've been to Ohio on a couple of other occasions, but I've never tried Skyline Chili. This time around, I made it a point to go there. I'm from Texas, and chili is a way of life in the Lone Star State. I'm almost close to perfecting my own homemade West Texas chili and would love to compete at the Terlingqua festival down the line. You could say I'm a chili enthusiast. I've never had Cincinnati chili, so I was pumped up to try Skyline, especially since so many people had hyped it up. On Twitter, I said it was meh. After more time thinking about it, I have to say it was pretty bad. That stuff is not real chili, and the cinnamon they use is, well, not great. On top of that, I had to run to the bathroom at least three times during Shepard's game. I'm done with Skyline Chili. Once was enough for me.
4. Go Back To Texas
Speaking of the OSU reporters, I ran into one at the game. His name and site will remain nameless, but he aggressively started asking me about covering Michigan and why I would ever leave the Texas beat to cover U-M. It was a little uncomfortable lol. I told him I wanted a new opportunity far away from home and that I was unhappy with my situation. I loved the Texas beat just not my work environment. Anyway, I also told him that I lived in Chicago (which he scoffed at. I guess city slickers aren't welcomed) and that I was actually interested in the Michigan beat years ago when I interviewed for it with Land of 10. He responded: 'You should go back to Texas. It's a better job.' My response: 'Nah.' Honestly, I love the Michigan beat thanks in large part to you guys. It's the perfect fit, and I'm glad this spot opened up. I know it's only been a year, but it feels like I've been here a lot longer.
5. The Wolverine
After finishing up Shepard's game on Thursday night, I drove an hour and a half to the middle of nowhere Ohio and stayed the night. The next morning, I made the drive out to Ann Arbor to meet with Balas, Clayton and Austin. Balas took us to the The Original Cottage Inn for some pizza. Don't get me wrong, it was good. But I ordered Chicago-style deep dish pizza. The waiter said 'no one ever orders that' then proceeded to bring me Detroit-style pizza. SMH. Anyway, I love the staff here at The Wolverines. Clayton and I have developed a great rapport, and I'm glad he's giving me a little help on the recruiting front. Austin is the glue guy on this site. And Balas always makes it a good time. I think this is the best camaraderie I've ever had with my teammates at any place I've ever worked. I'm so happy I spoke up and asked to be transferred from my short stint on that other beat.
6. Dante Moore
I said this in my Wolverine TV recap, but I'm all aboard the Dante Moore hype train. I made it a point to see the elite 2023 Detroit (Mich.) King quarterback in game action during a random Friday afternoon game. Kickoff was at 4, which was wild. While Denby didn't offer much of a challenge, Moore did what he was supposed to do and dominated. In a period of about 10 minutes, he threw three beautiful touchdown passes. Obviously, I saw Moore earlier this season, so this performance just verified things for me. Moore is so poised in the pocket. He sits there, progresses through his reads and dissects the opposing defense. Remember, Moore started as a freshman last season. He is the leader of this team and commands respect even at such a young age. He's going to be a guy that you all will become obsessed with soon.
7. Will Johnson
It was pretty neat that I had the opportunity to see the best recruit in the state in 2023 and the best recruit in the state in 2022 in back-to-back games. In my observations post, I said that Will reminds me a lot of Richard Sherman. I'm a Niners fan and have been watching Sherman on a weekly basis for years — love him now but hated him on the Seahawks. Will's game is eerily similar. He's so long. He can get really physical when he wants to. He's not super speedy, but he is deceptively athletic. He's balanced. He's patient. He's smart. He's disciplined. Everything about Will screams Sherman to me. I know it's such an overused and lazy comparison for tall, long corner recruits. But in Will's case, I'm all in with it.
8. Momentum Is Real
I don't care what anybody says. Momentum is real — both ways. And man, did I have some negative momentum on Saturday. I forget to request a media pass for the Roseville vs. Tower game. I showed up anyway and thought I would just talk my way in. Then I quickly realized the Tower AD was a TSA officer in a previous life. He literally yelled at me for not requesting a pass and walking up to the gate. He screamed about the pandemic and also kicked some JV players out because of 'spectator limit'. He eventually let me in, which I was appreciative of, but man, I hate it when adults yell at other adults. I could never have a position of power. Later that day, I went to Chipotle with an entire hour to go before St. Mary's vs. Brother Rice. Chipotle apparently doesn't care about mobile orders because everyone in the regular line got their food before me. That caused me to get to Brother Rice right on time... except the game wasn't at Brother Rice. It was at a stadium 20 minutes away. I filled out the required COVID form on my phone while driving and made it there in 15. I didn't even need it because I walked right onto the field through a random side gate. I missed Tommy Doman's extra point, though, because I left my car lights on. And then it rained on me even though it wasn't in the forecast. Great time.
9. Should Michigan take Sully Weidman?
While I was at the Roseville game, I got an alert that three-star 2022 New England offensive lineman Sullivan Weidman was on campus for a self-guided tour. I know Sully well since I saw him live twice this offseason — once at a private workout and once at the UA Camp in Delaware. I would grade Weidman as a 5.6 recruit right now. He's technically sound and is a solid guard prospect. However, he needs to cut some bad weight, improve his feet and add strength. I can see why Michigan would take him since they missed out on some guards this cycle, and there is pretty much only bread left. Again, he would be a solid take, but I don't necessarily think he should be this early of a take. I think it's good that there is some discussion about it. 2022 is a down year in New England, tbh.
10. Kickers Are People, Too!
I could have just gone home after the Roseville game. But I wanted to stay for the late game and see Michigan specialist commit Tommy Doman. He is an important part of this class, and I've covered Tommy like any other commit. Being at that game was important to me. Tommy deserves the coverage. He's elite at what he does and has a chance to be a weapon for the Wolverines on special teams. Tommy is also one of the best kids you'll ever meet. He sent me this earlier today. which made my day:" Thank you so much for coming out to my game yesterday, it was so much fun seeing you again. I appreciate all the videos and pictures more than you know. It makes me feel like specialists are football players. too."
