The latest edition of INSIDE THE FORT, including some very interesting tidbits on fall football camp (they’re still practicing), some hoops recruiting and much more.
Starting with football …
We know now there won’t be any games this fall in the Big Ten, and according to more than one at Schembechler Hall, the feeling of inevitability permeated through many on the team (players and coaches included). They held out hope but understood the plug could be pulled at any time, which it obviously was earlier this week.
To their credit, the players never took it easy, and this was a team that had a lot of upside … and no, we don’t believe we’ll see it in the spring, either. Nor do most close to it. Even the folks doing the fundraising aren’t sure what’s next, or what exactly to tell the donors and season-ticket holders about the next time they’ll see this team on the field.
We expect it will be fall, and while the NCAA will likely grant an added year of eligibility, we’ve probably seen the last of a number of the seniors. Again, the team is still practicing, but one source told us senior end Kwity Paye is “already gone” and preparing to work out for the NFL. Others will likely follow.
We’d heard as many as five to 10 players might have opted out for the fall season, regardless. Some of the starters, including two in the secondary, hadn’t been at practice all fall. One in particular, Ambry Thomas, made a lot of sense given his past health issues in battling colitis last summer and nearly missing the season.
On those who will almost definitely be on the field in 2021, several stood out. According to one who was at every practice, redshirt sophomore quarterback Joe Milton was the guy who had improved the most.
“He was running with the ones, a lot,” one extremely close to it (at every practice) said. “He seemed to be the clear cut, best guy out there. He was unreal … clearly the one.”
Again, this is one person’s opinion, but we’ve heard glowing reviews from others, too. Redshirt junior Dylan McCaffrey was his usual solid self, but redshirt sophomore Cade McNamara, too, made huge strides in the offseason and was right on their heels. It’s clear the competition has made all of these guys much better … keeping in mind, of course, that there’s no hitting going on and they weren’t playing in pads.
We don’t know redshirt sophomore Jalen Mayfield’s plans — you’ll recall that many projected him as a potential first-round pick — but he had missed a lot of time with illness. Will he be back for another year of college ball? That’s something he has to decide.
In his absence, they slipped redshirt frosh Karsen Barnhart over to tackle, and he really looked good. Jon Jansen told us this spring that U-M is not lacking for true tackle types, and you can put Barnhart in that group. He is going to be a good one.
But the biggest surprise on the line — frosh Zak Zinter.
“He’s a monster,” a source said. “Working with the ones all the time. He moves unbelievably well. You might see him start at guard right away.”
He’s got the strength and the desire.
So, too, do a few other freshmen early enrollees. Running back Blake Corum is “unbelievably driven.”
“He’s really, really focused 100 percent on football and school. That’s it. His work ethic is ridiculous,” a source said. “He’s matter of fact … he’s going to go to the NFL after making his mark here and make a lot of money.
“Andre Seldon — same thing. Really drive, a kid who is so focused on football.”
Braiden McGregor, meanwhile, is down to 255 pounds. They want him in a Josh Uche type role.
“His knee is starting to feel better. They want him at SAM and weakside DE. He’s leaner and faster,” our source said.
Finally, expect a hell of a battle at receiver. Mike Sainristil, and Giles Jackson are good, but …
“Roman Wilson is maybe the best receiver on the team already,” one source at practice said. “He’s been running with the ones a lot, too. Nico, Roman, Ronnie Bell … Sainristil and Giles Jackson with the ones a lot, too.”
More football …
We didn’t have much time to analyze the new Big Ten football schedules that were released on Aug. 5, seeing as how the league canceled the season just six days later.
One feature we were excited to run on the site, however, involved the annual showdown with Ohio State being moved up to Oct. 24 and what former Michigan players’ thoughts were on it.
We collected responses prior the cancellation from six past Wolverine players who have played in The Game, and most of them were fine with the matchup being moved to October. Several admitted the important aspect was simply that the two teams would still be squaring off on the field. Former safety Cato June (1998-02) was not one of those on board with the move, however.
“BLASPHEMOUS,” was his response when we asked him about Michigan and Ohio State playing in October instead of November.
“I have attended every U-M/OSU matchup in Ann Arbor since ‘85 (18 straight),” former kicker Brandon Kornblue (1995-99) added. “I am big on tradition and love seeing that game finish out the regular season. But for this year, whatever helps the schedule makers is fine with me. I don’t care when it happens as long as it happens. That game means so much to so many.”
Former defensive lineman Chris Wormley (2012-16, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers) echoed a similar sentiment to that of Kornblue’s.
“It’s still Michigan vs. OSU, but to not have it be the last game of the regular season takes some of the pizzazz (I think that’s how you spell it) away,” he explained. “Only having 10 games this year makes each and every game you play that more important. I think back to 2006 or 2016 when that game determined so much for both teams (J.T. was short). To make it to the playoffs this year, you’ll have to be undefeated, so having that game in the middle of the season will make or break both teams’ year. And just purely tradition, it’s been the last Saturday in November for as long as I can remember.”
Wormley noted that he was asked this question by other reporters as well, and wanted to be clear with us that he was giving everyone the same response.
Garrett Moores (2013-17), meanwhile, came to Michigan as a walk-on and wound up serving as the team’s holder from 2016-17, and pointed out a notable positive aspect involving the two rivals playing in October instead of November.
“While it’s tough that the Michigan/Ohio State game will not be a culmination of a full-season’s worth of preparation, I think that the game is still going to be just as intense as usual,” Moores explained. “If I can think of one positive in all of this, it’s that both teams will have played enough to be at their best, and both teams are likely to be much healthier than if they played at the very end of the season. Regardless of when Michigan plays Ohio State, I can tell you that the guys will be prepared and excited to play on the biggest stage in college football.”
Former Michigan offensive lineman Rueben Riley (2002-06) and tight end Sean McKeon (2016-19), on the other hand, downplayed the importance of The Game being moved up a month.
“To me, I think Ohio State is a huge game, regardless of when it’s played,” McKeon explained. “It gives Michigan a few games to work out the kinks and be a well-oiled machine in October as well.”
“Honestly, I don’t care if we play them in February, as long as we win,” Riley added.
****
Michigan football parents, including those of Aidan Hutchinson, Jalen Mayfield and Dylan McCaffrey, have made public comments since the Big Ten announced its postponement of fall sports, saying their kids are essentially in limbo, not knowing if a spring season is feasible or what the plan is moving forward. It’s the same on the hoops side of things.
The basketball players arrived on campus in late June and, just like the football players, have been staying in an extended stay hotel, taking online classes and participating in voluntary workouts.
A typical day for one player was described as “class, study hall, work out, eat, sleep. And repeat.” They wish they could be all together at once in the basketball facilities more often, but such is life as a student-athlete following the proper protocols during COVID-19.
NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt said recently they still hope to begin the season on Nov. 10. But with the Big Ten punting on the fall and the Pac-12 postponing until at least the end of the calendar year (meaning Michigan’s game at Oregon is also canceled), the uncertainty is beginning to weigh on Michigan’s players, who are “bored out of their minds,” while awaiting concrete answers.
On a similar note, we spoke with a Michigan hockey player this week who said the team is hoping to, at the very best, begin its season in the Great Lakes Invitational at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, which takes place around New Year’s Day each year.
****
To hoops and recruiting now …
Michigan is scrambling for a point guard in 2021, and Nevada four-star Frankie Collins now seems to be the best bet. Collins loves Juwan Howard, and while U-M needed to make sure his transcript was in order (he’s bounced around to a number of schools), all looks good.
We don’t believe anything is imminent here, but the Wolverines have picked up steam. Collins knows there’s an opportunity, and distance won’t be a factor in his decision.
There’s been lots of buzz lately when it comes to 2022 Fairfax (Va.) Paul VI four-star point guard Dug McDaniel, meanwhile. We actually put in a FutureCast pick for McDaniel to side with the Wolverines. No decision is imminent, but the 5-10, 155-pounder is high on Michigan early on in the process.
Michigan is his most significant offer, by far, with Vanderbilt and Wake Forest being his only other high-major scholarship opportunities. The Wolverines have done a great job recruiting him thus far.
Howard got a chance to see some of McDaniel in-person when recruiting fellow DMV products and current incoming freshmen Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams. The crafty floor general has also played with 2022 four-star shooting guard Jett Howard at summer camps throughout the years, so he had a relationship with the Howard family before the recruitment process even began.
He doesn’t have much of a decision timeline, but we’re told if there’s a 2022 prospect that would choose his school “early,” it would be McDaniel. Sometime in the winter is a safe bet for when he may make a choice based on our conversations with those close to it.
Oh, and the above excludes Jett Howard, who is a Michigan lock. It’s only a matter of when.
Meanwhile, 2021 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star center Efton Reid has been rumored to be a possible candidate to reclassify to 2020. From what we’ve gathered, those rumors had validity to them at one point, as he considered making the jump straight to college this fall, but he’s now fully intending on playing for the post-grad team at IMG this upcoming season. Reid is enrolled and ready for one more year of prep ball.
Michigan continues to push for Reid, and the Wolverines are right in the mix to land the 7-1, 225-pounder. Rivals.com’s Corey Evans actually tabbed Michigan at the top of his list of contenders in a late-July story, but later noted there’s no clear leader in his recruitment — Virginia, Ohio State and Pitt continue to push, and as Rivals.com’s Eric Bossi said recently, “this one’s as clear as mud.”
The kid just doesn’t say much, and even many around him aren’t sure what he’s thinking.
Many, including us, have wondered if Reid would want to play alongside another highly-touted center in 2020 signee Hunter Dickinson. We did some digging, and one close to Reid told us this week that the Dickinson factor wouldn’t deter him from coming to Ann Arbor, especially since the two have a relationship and have played together before on the AAU circuit. Their styles of play wouldn’t necessarily clash, either, with Reid being more of a threat on the perimeter than Dickinson, though the latter can still shoot it from long-range.
Howard having his son Jett at IMG doesn’t hurt the Wolverines’ chances, of course, even though the two won’t be on the same roster this year.
As always, thanks for visiting TheWolverine.com!
Starting with football …
We know now there won’t be any games this fall in the Big Ten, and according to more than one at Schembechler Hall, the feeling of inevitability permeated through many on the team (players and coaches included). They held out hope but understood the plug could be pulled at any time, which it obviously was earlier this week.
To their credit, the players never took it easy, and this was a team that had a lot of upside … and no, we don’t believe we’ll see it in the spring, either. Nor do most close to it. Even the folks doing the fundraising aren’t sure what’s next, or what exactly to tell the donors and season-ticket holders about the next time they’ll see this team on the field.
We expect it will be fall, and while the NCAA will likely grant an added year of eligibility, we’ve probably seen the last of a number of the seniors. Again, the team is still practicing, but one source told us senior end Kwity Paye is “already gone” and preparing to work out for the NFL. Others will likely follow.
We’d heard as many as five to 10 players might have opted out for the fall season, regardless. Some of the starters, including two in the secondary, hadn’t been at practice all fall. One in particular, Ambry Thomas, made a lot of sense given his past health issues in battling colitis last summer and nearly missing the season.
On those who will almost definitely be on the field in 2021, several stood out. According to one who was at every practice, redshirt sophomore quarterback Joe Milton was the guy who had improved the most.
“He was running with the ones, a lot,” one extremely close to it (at every practice) said. “He seemed to be the clear cut, best guy out there. He was unreal … clearly the one.”
Again, this is one person’s opinion, but we’ve heard glowing reviews from others, too. Redshirt junior Dylan McCaffrey was his usual solid self, but redshirt sophomore Cade McNamara, too, made huge strides in the offseason and was right on their heels. It’s clear the competition has made all of these guys much better … keeping in mind, of course, that there’s no hitting going on and they weren’t playing in pads.
We don’t know redshirt sophomore Jalen Mayfield’s plans — you’ll recall that many projected him as a potential first-round pick — but he had missed a lot of time with illness. Will he be back for another year of college ball? That’s something he has to decide.
In his absence, they slipped redshirt frosh Karsen Barnhart over to tackle, and he really looked good. Jon Jansen told us this spring that U-M is not lacking for true tackle types, and you can put Barnhart in that group. He is going to be a good one.
But the biggest surprise on the line — frosh Zak Zinter.
“He’s a monster,” a source said. “Working with the ones all the time. He moves unbelievably well. You might see him start at guard right away.”
He’s got the strength and the desire.
So, too, do a few other freshmen early enrollees. Running back Blake Corum is “unbelievably driven.”
“He’s really, really focused 100 percent on football and school. That’s it. His work ethic is ridiculous,” a source said. “He’s matter of fact … he’s going to go to the NFL after making his mark here and make a lot of money.
“Andre Seldon — same thing. Really drive, a kid who is so focused on football.”
Braiden McGregor, meanwhile, is down to 255 pounds. They want him in a Josh Uche type role.
“His knee is starting to feel better. They want him at SAM and weakside DE. He’s leaner and faster,” our source said.
Finally, expect a hell of a battle at receiver. Mike Sainristil, and Giles Jackson are good, but …
“Roman Wilson is maybe the best receiver on the team already,” one source at practice said. “He’s been running with the ones a lot, too. Nico, Roman, Ronnie Bell … Sainristil and Giles Jackson with the ones a lot, too.”
More football …
We didn’t have much time to analyze the new Big Ten football schedules that were released on Aug. 5, seeing as how the league canceled the season just six days later.
One feature we were excited to run on the site, however, involved the annual showdown with Ohio State being moved up to Oct. 24 and what former Michigan players’ thoughts were on it.
We collected responses prior the cancellation from six past Wolverine players who have played in The Game, and most of them were fine with the matchup being moved to October. Several admitted the important aspect was simply that the two teams would still be squaring off on the field. Former safety Cato June (1998-02) was not one of those on board with the move, however.
“BLASPHEMOUS,” was his response when we asked him about Michigan and Ohio State playing in October instead of November.
“I have attended every U-M/OSU matchup in Ann Arbor since ‘85 (18 straight),” former kicker Brandon Kornblue (1995-99) added. “I am big on tradition and love seeing that game finish out the regular season. But for this year, whatever helps the schedule makers is fine with me. I don’t care when it happens as long as it happens. That game means so much to so many.”
Former defensive lineman Chris Wormley (2012-16, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers) echoed a similar sentiment to that of Kornblue’s.
“It’s still Michigan vs. OSU, but to not have it be the last game of the regular season takes some of the pizzazz (I think that’s how you spell it) away,” he explained. “Only having 10 games this year makes each and every game you play that more important. I think back to 2006 or 2016 when that game determined so much for both teams (J.T. was short). To make it to the playoffs this year, you’ll have to be undefeated, so having that game in the middle of the season will make or break both teams’ year. And just purely tradition, it’s been the last Saturday in November for as long as I can remember.”
Wormley noted that he was asked this question by other reporters as well, and wanted to be clear with us that he was giving everyone the same response.
Garrett Moores (2013-17), meanwhile, came to Michigan as a walk-on and wound up serving as the team’s holder from 2016-17, and pointed out a notable positive aspect involving the two rivals playing in October instead of November.
“While it’s tough that the Michigan/Ohio State game will not be a culmination of a full-season’s worth of preparation, I think that the game is still going to be just as intense as usual,” Moores explained. “If I can think of one positive in all of this, it’s that both teams will have played enough to be at their best, and both teams are likely to be much healthier than if they played at the very end of the season. Regardless of when Michigan plays Ohio State, I can tell you that the guys will be prepared and excited to play on the biggest stage in college football.”
Former Michigan offensive lineman Rueben Riley (2002-06) and tight end Sean McKeon (2016-19), on the other hand, downplayed the importance of The Game being moved up a month.
“To me, I think Ohio State is a huge game, regardless of when it’s played,” McKeon explained. “It gives Michigan a few games to work out the kinks and be a well-oiled machine in October as well.”
“Honestly, I don’t care if we play them in February, as long as we win,” Riley added.
****
Michigan football parents, including those of Aidan Hutchinson, Jalen Mayfield and Dylan McCaffrey, have made public comments since the Big Ten announced its postponement of fall sports, saying their kids are essentially in limbo, not knowing if a spring season is feasible or what the plan is moving forward. It’s the same on the hoops side of things.
The basketball players arrived on campus in late June and, just like the football players, have been staying in an extended stay hotel, taking online classes and participating in voluntary workouts.
A typical day for one player was described as “class, study hall, work out, eat, sleep. And repeat.” They wish they could be all together at once in the basketball facilities more often, but such is life as a student-athlete following the proper protocols during COVID-19.
NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt said recently they still hope to begin the season on Nov. 10. But with the Big Ten punting on the fall and the Pac-12 postponing until at least the end of the calendar year (meaning Michigan’s game at Oregon is also canceled), the uncertainty is beginning to weigh on Michigan’s players, who are “bored out of their minds,” while awaiting concrete answers.
On a similar note, we spoke with a Michigan hockey player this week who said the team is hoping to, at the very best, begin its season in the Great Lakes Invitational at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, which takes place around New Year’s Day each year.
****
To hoops and recruiting now …
Michigan is scrambling for a point guard in 2021, and Nevada four-star Frankie Collins now seems to be the best bet. Collins loves Juwan Howard, and while U-M needed to make sure his transcript was in order (he’s bounced around to a number of schools), all looks good.
We don’t believe anything is imminent here, but the Wolverines have picked up steam. Collins knows there’s an opportunity, and distance won’t be a factor in his decision.
There’s been lots of buzz lately when it comes to 2022 Fairfax (Va.) Paul VI four-star point guard Dug McDaniel, meanwhile. We actually put in a FutureCast pick for McDaniel to side with the Wolverines. No decision is imminent, but the 5-10, 155-pounder is high on Michigan early on in the process.
Michigan is his most significant offer, by far, with Vanderbilt and Wake Forest being his only other high-major scholarship opportunities. The Wolverines have done a great job recruiting him thus far.
Howard got a chance to see some of McDaniel in-person when recruiting fellow DMV products and current incoming freshmen Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams. The crafty floor general has also played with 2022 four-star shooting guard Jett Howard at summer camps throughout the years, so he had a relationship with the Howard family before the recruitment process even began.
He doesn’t have much of a decision timeline, but we’re told if there’s a 2022 prospect that would choose his school “early,” it would be McDaniel. Sometime in the winter is a safe bet for when he may make a choice based on our conversations with those close to it.
Oh, and the above excludes Jett Howard, who is a Michigan lock. It’s only a matter of when.
Meanwhile, 2021 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star center Efton Reid has been rumored to be a possible candidate to reclassify to 2020. From what we’ve gathered, those rumors had validity to them at one point, as he considered making the jump straight to college this fall, but he’s now fully intending on playing for the post-grad team at IMG this upcoming season. Reid is enrolled and ready for one more year of prep ball.
Michigan continues to push for Reid, and the Wolverines are right in the mix to land the 7-1, 225-pounder. Rivals.com’s Corey Evans actually tabbed Michigan at the top of his list of contenders in a late-July story, but later noted there’s no clear leader in his recruitment — Virginia, Ohio State and Pitt continue to push, and as Rivals.com’s Eric Bossi said recently, “this one’s as clear as mud.”
The kid just doesn’t say much, and even many around him aren’t sure what he’s thinking.
Many, including us, have wondered if Reid would want to play alongside another highly-touted center in 2020 signee Hunter Dickinson. We did some digging, and one close to Reid told us this week that the Dickinson factor wouldn’t deter him from coming to Ann Arbor, especially since the two have a relationship and have played together before on the AAU circuit. Their styles of play wouldn’t necessarily clash, either, with Reid being more of a threat on the perimeter than Dickinson, though the latter can still shoot it from long-range.
Howard having his son Jett at IMG doesn’t hurt the Wolverines’ chances, of course, even though the two won’t be on the same roster this year.
As always, thanks for visiting TheWolverine.com!
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