1. NOLA
As some of you guys probably know, I was set to make a trip to New Orleans this weekend for the Pylon 7v7 tournament. Unfortunately, things didn't exactly go according to plan. I left Chicago on a night flight and arrived at the NOLA airport around 11 p.m. I hopped in an Uber, slept in a crappy La Quinta a couple of miles away and woke up to find out the tournament had been cancelled due to ongoing storms. It was an absolute disaster. I immediately rebooked my flight and left New Orleans that afternoon. I didn't want to hang around for no reason and came back to Chi to spend the rest of the weekend with my wife. I'm sorry I got no content this week. Sometimes, shit just happens. Clayton did make his way to the Ohio UA camp and survived the rain there. He will have more soon.
2. Out Of Pocket
If my production has been down over the last several weeks, that's because my wife and I are moving. We spent a lot of time last week looking at places and are working to finalize things early this week. I should be back on track soon, but moving next month is going to be a pain in the ass. We originally planned to stay in our current place for the duration of our time in Chicago. Unfortunately, our building sold, and we had one landlord move above us and one is moving in below us. It's been super uncomfortable, so we're getting the hell out of here. If you're familiar with Chicago, we're looking to close with a place on Augusta and Damen, which is a prime spot. Hopefully with the pandemic coming to an end, I'll actually get to enjoy living here.
3. Matty Dudek
Michigan Director of Recruiting Matty Dudek has received quite a bit of criticism on this board. Some questions have been legitimate, while some have been unwarranted. Look, Dudek did a really nice job last cycle during the pandemic. He was the mastermind behind Jim Harbaugh's recruiting call schedule and as you guys noticed, Harbaugh appeared much more involved in the process. He also scheduled virtual visits, helped with self-guided tours and kept parents informed every step of the way. In that type of role, Dudek is great. But he's been asked to wear too many hats. I've always said that Dudek needs more help. Unlike Texas (my previous beat), Michigan's recruiting staff has been pretty small for a major program. That, however, is changing.
4. Potential Hire
There is some buzz that Michigan is slated to bring on former offensive lineman Courtney Morgan in a recruiting role. If this becomes official, this will be a huge hire for the Wolverines. Morgan has served as the Director of Player Personnel a San Jose State, UCLA and most recently Fresno State. He is originally from Los Angeles and has deep ties throughout the West Coast. I know multiple people out there that really love the dude, and he'll be able to relate to LA kids on a personal level. I've been less than impressed with Shaun Nua's West Coast prowess, so adding would really bolster Michigan's presence in a region where it has had success in the past, and where there is room for even more. On top of that, Morgan should help on a national level as well thanks to his personality and background.
5. Analysts Pt. 1
Texas used its analysts as extra football coaches as they were involved in game planning, analytics, etc. and instead used a bunch of recruiting assistants to help out with efforts on the trail. Michigan is taking a different approach. While it's definitely using its analysts to help with stuff on the field, they are becoming more and more involved with recruiting. In fact, some even have the ability to give out offers on their own. Case in point — Ryan Osborn. Of all the analysts on Michigan's staff, I've been the most impressed with Osborn. Recruits love him, and he's been keeping in contact with them on a regular basis. Osborn is doing a terrific job of aiding the aforementioned Nua and is playing a key role with key targets like Mario Eugenio and Joseph Adedire — both have locked in summer OVs. Osborn previously served as the DL coach at UT-Martin and has the look of a rising star.
6. Analysts Pt. 2
Osborn isn't the only analyst making a big impact on the recruiting trail. Fellow defensive analyst Joe Staab is also doing a good job supplementing Nua. Michigan hired Staab last year, and it appears that his role with recruiting is increasing. In fact, when I made the trip down to Dallas a few weeks ago, four-star defensive tackle Jadon Scarlett told me he had the best relationship with Staab. I'm all about this extra help for Nua. Aashon Larkins has also been on staff before the recent changes, but his role appears to be expanding as well. Larkins has been leading Michigan's push in Alabama and has been dishing out offers in the state. Larkins recruited it hard during various FCS stops and is a reason the Wolverines are in play for guys like Rivals250 defensive tackle Justice Finkley and Rivals250 linebacker Shemar James.
7. Analysts Pt. 3
Offensive recruits are also starting to mention analyst Steve Casula a little more. TBH, I'm not too familiar with him, but that's a positive since there has been a bit of a contact lapse with some of the wide receiver targets after Ron Bellamy's move to safeties. It seems that offensive coordinator Josh Gattis has been really consumed with spring ball. Honestly, things have been really quiet with WR recruiting. Michigan just brought on Kyle DeVan as an offensive line analyst. That should help Sherrone Moore's transition, and he's a young energetic guy that could help on the trail as well. Lastly, Director of HS Relations, Tony Jones, has been more active, too, and is providing a boost.
8. 2023 Rankings
Rivals quietly released its initial 2023 rankings last week. I'll have full thoughts on them tomorrow. But I did want to share more recruiting related tidbits in this piece as opposed to just my own thoughts on the players' abilities. The highest rated recruit that Michigan is in play with is Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson defensive lineman Peter Woods, who recently named the Wolverines in his Top 11. The aforementioned Larkins is helping Michigan here, and it wouldn't be surprising to see U-M get a visit. Right behind him is Pleasant Hill (Iowa) Southeast Polk offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who checked in at No. 6. Michigan actually hosted Proctor for a visit before this year-long dead period and offered him super early, which will help. Mentor (Ohio) High defensive end Brenan Vernon and Denton (Texas) Ryan linebacker Anthony Hill are two other Top 10 2023 recruits that Michigan is in play with.
9. 2023 Rankings Pt. 2
Looking a little further down the list, No. 15 Jordan Renaud is an elite defensive tackle from Lewisville (Texas) High. One of Renaud's assistant coaches is former U-M running back David Underwood. Of course, new Michigan co-defensive coordinator Maurice Linguist has strong ties to the Dallas-area (Lewisville is a Dallas suburb). Michigan just offered Merrillville (Ind.) Andrean linebacker Drayk Bowen, who is also a great baseball player and came in at No. 16. Michigan should be heavily involved here. U-M is already in the top group for Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson cornerback Tony Mitchell, who came in at No. 17. Again, Larkins is playing a large role here. Top in-state quarterback Dante Moore came in at No. 30. Michigan is an early favorite, but Moore still hasn't been able to link up with new quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss.
10. 2023 Rankings Pt. 3
Michigan is a strong contended for Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy wide receiver Carnell Tate (No. 48). He is originally from Chicago and is part of the same Midwest Boom program that JJ McCarthy was a part of. While there is a decent class gap, Tate really admires JJ. Michigan just re-offered Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy athlete Joenel Aguero (No. 54), who is originally from New England. Don Brown was on him super early, and Michigan is a program he's always been interested in. New assistant George Helow is doing a great job with Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian athlete Treyaun Webb (No. 56). Michigan will get a summer visit. Linguist was in on Arlington (Texas) Seguin cornerback Jamel Johnson (No. 99) before he blew up and has deep roots in that recruitment.
As some of you guys probably know, I was set to make a trip to New Orleans this weekend for the Pylon 7v7 tournament. Unfortunately, things didn't exactly go according to plan. I left Chicago on a night flight and arrived at the NOLA airport around 11 p.m. I hopped in an Uber, slept in a crappy La Quinta a couple of miles away and woke up to find out the tournament had been cancelled due to ongoing storms. It was an absolute disaster. I immediately rebooked my flight and left New Orleans that afternoon. I didn't want to hang around for no reason and came back to Chi to spend the rest of the weekend with my wife. I'm sorry I got no content this week. Sometimes, shit just happens. Clayton did make his way to the Ohio UA camp and survived the rain there. He will have more soon.
2. Out Of Pocket
If my production has been down over the last several weeks, that's because my wife and I are moving. We spent a lot of time last week looking at places and are working to finalize things early this week. I should be back on track soon, but moving next month is going to be a pain in the ass. We originally planned to stay in our current place for the duration of our time in Chicago. Unfortunately, our building sold, and we had one landlord move above us and one is moving in below us. It's been super uncomfortable, so we're getting the hell out of here. If you're familiar with Chicago, we're looking to close with a place on Augusta and Damen, which is a prime spot. Hopefully with the pandemic coming to an end, I'll actually get to enjoy living here.
3. Matty Dudek
Michigan Director of Recruiting Matty Dudek has received quite a bit of criticism on this board. Some questions have been legitimate, while some have been unwarranted. Look, Dudek did a really nice job last cycle during the pandemic. He was the mastermind behind Jim Harbaugh's recruiting call schedule and as you guys noticed, Harbaugh appeared much more involved in the process. He also scheduled virtual visits, helped with self-guided tours and kept parents informed every step of the way. In that type of role, Dudek is great. But he's been asked to wear too many hats. I've always said that Dudek needs more help. Unlike Texas (my previous beat), Michigan's recruiting staff has been pretty small for a major program. That, however, is changing.
4. Potential Hire
There is some buzz that Michigan is slated to bring on former offensive lineman Courtney Morgan in a recruiting role. If this becomes official, this will be a huge hire for the Wolverines. Morgan has served as the Director of Player Personnel a San Jose State, UCLA and most recently Fresno State. He is originally from Los Angeles and has deep ties throughout the West Coast. I know multiple people out there that really love the dude, and he'll be able to relate to LA kids on a personal level. I've been less than impressed with Shaun Nua's West Coast prowess, so adding would really bolster Michigan's presence in a region where it has had success in the past, and where there is room for even more. On top of that, Morgan should help on a national level as well thanks to his personality and background.
5. Analysts Pt. 1
Texas used its analysts as extra football coaches as they were involved in game planning, analytics, etc. and instead used a bunch of recruiting assistants to help out with efforts on the trail. Michigan is taking a different approach. While it's definitely using its analysts to help with stuff on the field, they are becoming more and more involved with recruiting. In fact, some even have the ability to give out offers on their own. Case in point — Ryan Osborn. Of all the analysts on Michigan's staff, I've been the most impressed with Osborn. Recruits love him, and he's been keeping in contact with them on a regular basis. Osborn is doing a terrific job of aiding the aforementioned Nua and is playing a key role with key targets like Mario Eugenio and Joseph Adedire — both have locked in summer OVs. Osborn previously served as the DL coach at UT-Martin and has the look of a rising star.
6. Analysts Pt. 2
Osborn isn't the only analyst making a big impact on the recruiting trail. Fellow defensive analyst Joe Staab is also doing a good job supplementing Nua. Michigan hired Staab last year, and it appears that his role with recruiting is increasing. In fact, when I made the trip down to Dallas a few weeks ago, four-star defensive tackle Jadon Scarlett told me he had the best relationship with Staab. I'm all about this extra help for Nua. Aashon Larkins has also been on staff before the recent changes, but his role appears to be expanding as well. Larkins has been leading Michigan's push in Alabama and has been dishing out offers in the state. Larkins recruited it hard during various FCS stops and is a reason the Wolverines are in play for guys like Rivals250 defensive tackle Justice Finkley and Rivals250 linebacker Shemar James.
7. Analysts Pt. 3
Offensive recruits are also starting to mention analyst Steve Casula a little more. TBH, I'm not too familiar with him, but that's a positive since there has been a bit of a contact lapse with some of the wide receiver targets after Ron Bellamy's move to safeties. It seems that offensive coordinator Josh Gattis has been really consumed with spring ball. Honestly, things have been really quiet with WR recruiting. Michigan just brought on Kyle DeVan as an offensive line analyst. That should help Sherrone Moore's transition, and he's a young energetic guy that could help on the trail as well. Lastly, Director of HS Relations, Tony Jones, has been more active, too, and is providing a boost.
8. 2023 Rankings
Rivals quietly released its initial 2023 rankings last week. I'll have full thoughts on them tomorrow. But I did want to share more recruiting related tidbits in this piece as opposed to just my own thoughts on the players' abilities. The highest rated recruit that Michigan is in play with is Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson defensive lineman Peter Woods, who recently named the Wolverines in his Top 11. The aforementioned Larkins is helping Michigan here, and it wouldn't be surprising to see U-M get a visit. Right behind him is Pleasant Hill (Iowa) Southeast Polk offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who checked in at No. 6. Michigan actually hosted Proctor for a visit before this year-long dead period and offered him super early, which will help. Mentor (Ohio) High defensive end Brenan Vernon and Denton (Texas) Ryan linebacker Anthony Hill are two other Top 10 2023 recruits that Michigan is in play with.
9. 2023 Rankings Pt. 2
Looking a little further down the list, No. 15 Jordan Renaud is an elite defensive tackle from Lewisville (Texas) High. One of Renaud's assistant coaches is former U-M running back David Underwood. Of course, new Michigan co-defensive coordinator Maurice Linguist has strong ties to the Dallas-area (Lewisville is a Dallas suburb). Michigan just offered Merrillville (Ind.) Andrean linebacker Drayk Bowen, who is also a great baseball player and came in at No. 16. Michigan should be heavily involved here. U-M is already in the top group for Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson cornerback Tony Mitchell, who came in at No. 17. Again, Larkins is playing a large role here. Top in-state quarterback Dante Moore came in at No. 30. Michigan is an early favorite, but Moore still hasn't been able to link up with new quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss.
10. 2023 Rankings Pt. 3
Michigan is a strong contended for Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy wide receiver Carnell Tate (No. 48). He is originally from Chicago and is part of the same Midwest Boom program that JJ McCarthy was a part of. While there is a decent class gap, Tate really admires JJ. Michigan just re-offered Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy athlete Joenel Aguero (No. 54), who is originally from New England. Don Brown was on him super early, and Michigan is a program he's always been interested in. New assistant George Helow is doing a great job with Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian athlete Treyaun Webb (No. 56). Michigan will get a summer visit. Linguist was in on Arlington (Texas) Seguin cornerback Jamel Johnson (No. 99) before he blew up and has deep roots in that recruitment.
