The latest edition of INSIDE THE FORT, including plenty of football, hoops and recruiting information.
Starting with football, and the quarterback situation ...
Redshirt junior Wilton Speight’s lofty goal was to dress for today’s game with Maryland and, if all went well, return to play against Wisconsin. That meant returning ahead of schedule by a number of weeks given the initial prognosis, but to his credit, he’s gone above and beyond when it comes to rehabbing his injury.
He also wants to play and be there for his teammates, whether it’s as the starter or in a backup role (and he, obviously, prefers to start). He’s dropped little hints on instagram throughout the week that he’s ready to play, and there is still a possibility we see him next week against the Badgers.
Those close to it say a lot depends on how redshirt freshman Brandon Peters plays today at Maryland. He played well against Rutgers, obviously, but didn’t throw much (and didn’t have to) against Minnesota. This is a road game, and though it’s not a good team, obviously, and one U-M should control on the ground to make things easier for Peters, they want to see how he does outside of Michigan Stadium.
There are some who still say ‘no’ when asked if Speight will play at Wisconsin, but they’re basing it off the fact that he had three broken vertebrae in his back and shouldn’t be close to ready. As we’ve mentioned before, there’s a difference between breaks and tiny fractures, and it’s really a pain level thing. Speight has proven to be a tough customer in that respect.
That doesn’t necessarily make him the right man for the job, of course. He struggled at times behind a suspect line, even when he was healthy. But Peters can end any suspense and take control of this competition for the rest of the year with a good performance today. That’s a fact.
On the offensive line, freshman Cesar Ruiz was one of the pleasant surprises of the game against the Golden Gophers, minus one big, blown protection. He’s been impressive since he arrived on campus, and we were told in camp (and reported here) he was often showing signs of being one of the best five on the field. It was a matter of getting more reps, and he certainly made the most of his opportunity.
He was so good at guard, in fact, that they’ve continued to tinker with the idea of playing others at center. Redshirt sophomore Stephen Spanellis has done some snapping, and others will get a shot.
But what happens at tackle? As we said last week, some close to it feel frosh Chuck Filiaga will be a guard and needs to improve his quickness to play there. Redshirt sophomore Grant Newsome could be better suited for right tackle when he comes back — and again, he is on track to return for spring ball, though nobody knows for sure if he’ll be exactly the same player, or how long it will take him to get back up to speed.
So … they will continue to look for help at this position, and there will be options here beyond the regular recruiting channels. Trust us when we say we expect there to be a number of bodies competing at tackle this spring.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh is a strong believe that competition brings out the best in kids, which is why you'll continue to hear rumors about Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason and others as potential transfers in, as well. In that case, it has less to do with how they feel about the guys on the roster and more about making sure there are enough options at the most important position on the field.
Other notes:
• Head coach Jim Harbaugh is already thinking about the 10th addition to the coaching staff when that goes into effect in January. Some Michigan men are on the interest list, and one in particular seems like a natural (we can’t go into detail, because he’s working elsewhere, but it’s not hard to figure out).
We don’t expect this one to happen, however. He is comfortable where he is at this point, though we believe they won’t stop trying.
• On today’s game, Maryland quarterback Ryan Brand is listed at 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, but he is much smaller in reality. Terps insiders say a big hit from a Michigan defender could leave Brand shook or scared for the rest of the game.
They also say Maryland’s pass rush is probably the worst in the country. They called them undersized, undermanned and not talented enough to sustain any kind of rush. They would like to blitz, but they’re so bad at it, that teams expose them wherever they sent the extra man.
Michigan should have plenty of success today offensively. Period. But … please don’t blame us if they don't.
• Finally, countless coaches preach discipline around the country, but many obviously don’t practice what they preach. Jim Harbaugh does not fall into the latter category.
Just over a year ago, a group of players on the team all lived in a house together just off campus (which is often the case), and Harbaugh wasn’t exactly pleased about what he heard about some of the stuff going on inside the house on a regular basis by one or two of the guys — nothing sinister, just something that rubbed him the wrong way.
As a result, Harbaugh forced all of them to move out, even though their lease was nowhere near up yet. Needless to say, the innocent players were not happy about it (nor was the landlord).
This occurred early in Harbaugh’s tenure here, and certainly provided a bit of a culture shock to the players. However, this proved right off the bat that Harbaugh means business, and that he’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers in order to instill his own culture.
****
To basketball now, and on the day of the opener, the coaches feel better about this team than they did a week ago heading into the exhibition with Grand Valley. This is not the most talented team John Beilein has had, but there is so much competition that it’s brought out the best in all of them.
All three point guards will play this year, and freshman Eli Brooks (who is getting better, and quickly) will see some time off the ball. There will be times sophomore Zavier Simpson and grad transfer Jaaron Simmons will be on the floor together, and both will factor into the rotation.
This will be a solid team.
Next year’s group, however, is going to be loaded, and they’re more than thrilled about the class that recently signed. Ignas Brazdeikis (Ont. Canada four-star) is a future pro, and East Lansing forward Brandon Johns is a natural.
Many expect Moritz Wagner to leave, but there’s still a chance he returns for his senior year, too … maybe not a great one, but he’s the kind of kid who loves Michigan so much, it’s not out of the realm of possibility, those close to him say, insisting he has NOT made up his mind on this.
****
Finishing with football recruiting …
The recruitment of Metairie (La.) Rummel four-star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has already been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. The 6-2, 185-pounder committed to Kansas back in February but most felt like his pledge to the Jayhawks wouldn’t last. He was a member of Kansas’ class for less than two weeks before realizing that he didn’t want to be a part of one of the worst college football programs in the nation.
Not long after he settled on a top three of Tennessee, LSU and TCU, he committed to Florida — go figure. The No. 10 wide receiver and No. 50 overall prospect nationally was content with his commitment to the Gators but still seemed to be a little intrigued by TCU and LSU.
Then, Jim McElwain’s seat heated up in a hurry and now he’s out of a job. Just a day after U-F relieved McElwain of his duties, the Michigan staff decided to offer Chase. The talented pass catcher said that he was pretty excited to have the Michigan offer, but wasn’t exactly sure what it all meant.
"I don't know much about Michigan, but I know they win a lot," Chase said. "Jim Harbaugh is a successful coach that knows how to win. I'm just focused on my season. After my season is over all worry about all of that. I told the Michigan coaches that I would want to take an official visit after my season is over too."
Less than a week later, Chase is now on Michigan’s official visitor list for the Ohio State game. When asked about how the visit came together and why he seemed so unsure of his plans when Michigan first offered, Chase just played it off.
“This is my only for-sure official visit,” he said with a laugh.
We’re not really sure what that exactly means, but Chase is at least giving U-M a serious look now that he holds an offer and will officially visit. Those close to his recruitment think Michigan may have a real shot with him as well. C
Chase was originally believed to be a TCU lean before he committed to the Gators and being a Louisiana native also puts LSU in a good spot. With that said, the recent and sudden attention from Jim Harbaugh has grabbed Chase’s attention and given him something to really think about. Harbaugh’s NFL pedigree is very attractive to Chase and has proven to be quite important to the four-star.
Smart money probably still isn’t on the Wolverines, but they have a much more realistic chance with Chase than they did just under two weeks ago when they offered.
Speaking of the Ohio State game, it is being billed as the biggest recruiting weekend in Michigan football history with official and unofficial visits. The atmosphere for The Game, as always, is going to be electric inside Michigan Stadium and that’s why the coaches want to put the event on display. As of now, U-M is expecting the following prospects for the game.
Joining Chase in an official capacity will be Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes three-star athlete/running back Michael Barrett, Ontario (Calif.) Colony four-star wide receiver/tight end Michael Ezeike, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star offensive tackle Daniel Faalele, Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes three-star offensive tackle Jalen Goss, Corvallis (Oreg.) Crescent Valley four-star athlete Talanoa Hufanga, Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep four-star offensive tackle Nick Petit-Frere, Springfield (Ohio) High four-star tight end and one-time Michigan commit Leonard Taylor, Concord (N.C.) High four-star defensive tackle Rick Sandidge and Bradenton (Fla.) Braden River three-star strongside defensive end Taylor Upshaw.
Memphis (Tenn.) Lausanne Collegiate School 2019 three-star all-purpose back Eric Gray, Milton (Mass.) Milton Academy 2020 outside linebacker Kalel Mullings and Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 2019 three-star outside linebacker and Michigan commit Charles Thomas are all expected to visit in an unofficial capacity as well.
As always, this list will experience additions and subtractions, but the weekend is shaping up to be a massive extravaganza. Michigan needs to beat Ohio State for a lot of reasons, and shine on the recruiting trail is certainly one of them based on how many visitors will be in attendance.
Starting with football, and the quarterback situation ...
Redshirt junior Wilton Speight’s lofty goal was to dress for today’s game with Maryland and, if all went well, return to play against Wisconsin. That meant returning ahead of schedule by a number of weeks given the initial prognosis, but to his credit, he’s gone above and beyond when it comes to rehabbing his injury.
He also wants to play and be there for his teammates, whether it’s as the starter or in a backup role (and he, obviously, prefers to start). He’s dropped little hints on instagram throughout the week that he’s ready to play, and there is still a possibility we see him next week against the Badgers.
Those close to it say a lot depends on how redshirt freshman Brandon Peters plays today at Maryland. He played well against Rutgers, obviously, but didn’t throw much (and didn’t have to) against Minnesota. This is a road game, and though it’s not a good team, obviously, and one U-M should control on the ground to make things easier for Peters, they want to see how he does outside of Michigan Stadium.
There are some who still say ‘no’ when asked if Speight will play at Wisconsin, but they’re basing it off the fact that he had three broken vertebrae in his back and shouldn’t be close to ready. As we’ve mentioned before, there’s a difference between breaks and tiny fractures, and it’s really a pain level thing. Speight has proven to be a tough customer in that respect.
That doesn’t necessarily make him the right man for the job, of course. He struggled at times behind a suspect line, even when he was healthy. But Peters can end any suspense and take control of this competition for the rest of the year with a good performance today. That’s a fact.
On the offensive line, freshman Cesar Ruiz was one of the pleasant surprises of the game against the Golden Gophers, minus one big, blown protection. He’s been impressive since he arrived on campus, and we were told in camp (and reported here) he was often showing signs of being one of the best five on the field. It was a matter of getting more reps, and he certainly made the most of his opportunity.
He was so good at guard, in fact, that they’ve continued to tinker with the idea of playing others at center. Redshirt sophomore Stephen Spanellis has done some snapping, and others will get a shot.
But what happens at tackle? As we said last week, some close to it feel frosh Chuck Filiaga will be a guard and needs to improve his quickness to play there. Redshirt sophomore Grant Newsome could be better suited for right tackle when he comes back — and again, he is on track to return for spring ball, though nobody knows for sure if he’ll be exactly the same player, or how long it will take him to get back up to speed.
So … they will continue to look for help at this position, and there will be options here beyond the regular recruiting channels. Trust us when we say we expect there to be a number of bodies competing at tackle this spring.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh is a strong believe that competition brings out the best in kids, which is why you'll continue to hear rumors about Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason and others as potential transfers in, as well. In that case, it has less to do with how they feel about the guys on the roster and more about making sure there are enough options at the most important position on the field.
Other notes:
• Head coach Jim Harbaugh is already thinking about the 10th addition to the coaching staff when that goes into effect in January. Some Michigan men are on the interest list, and one in particular seems like a natural (we can’t go into detail, because he’s working elsewhere, but it’s not hard to figure out).
We don’t expect this one to happen, however. He is comfortable where he is at this point, though we believe they won’t stop trying.
• On today’s game, Maryland quarterback Ryan Brand is listed at 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, but he is much smaller in reality. Terps insiders say a big hit from a Michigan defender could leave Brand shook or scared for the rest of the game.
They also say Maryland’s pass rush is probably the worst in the country. They called them undersized, undermanned and not talented enough to sustain any kind of rush. They would like to blitz, but they’re so bad at it, that teams expose them wherever they sent the extra man.
Michigan should have plenty of success today offensively. Period. But … please don’t blame us if they don't.
• Finally, countless coaches preach discipline around the country, but many obviously don’t practice what they preach. Jim Harbaugh does not fall into the latter category.
Just over a year ago, a group of players on the team all lived in a house together just off campus (which is often the case), and Harbaugh wasn’t exactly pleased about what he heard about some of the stuff going on inside the house on a regular basis by one or two of the guys — nothing sinister, just something that rubbed him the wrong way.
As a result, Harbaugh forced all of them to move out, even though their lease was nowhere near up yet. Needless to say, the innocent players were not happy about it (nor was the landlord).
This occurred early in Harbaugh’s tenure here, and certainly provided a bit of a culture shock to the players. However, this proved right off the bat that Harbaugh means business, and that he’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers in order to instill his own culture.
****
To basketball now, and on the day of the opener, the coaches feel better about this team than they did a week ago heading into the exhibition with Grand Valley. This is not the most talented team John Beilein has had, but there is so much competition that it’s brought out the best in all of them.
All three point guards will play this year, and freshman Eli Brooks (who is getting better, and quickly) will see some time off the ball. There will be times sophomore Zavier Simpson and grad transfer Jaaron Simmons will be on the floor together, and both will factor into the rotation.
This will be a solid team.
Next year’s group, however, is going to be loaded, and they’re more than thrilled about the class that recently signed. Ignas Brazdeikis (Ont. Canada four-star) is a future pro, and East Lansing forward Brandon Johns is a natural.
Many expect Moritz Wagner to leave, but there’s still a chance he returns for his senior year, too … maybe not a great one, but he’s the kind of kid who loves Michigan so much, it’s not out of the realm of possibility, those close to him say, insisting he has NOT made up his mind on this.
****
Finishing with football recruiting …
The recruitment of Metairie (La.) Rummel four-star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has already been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. The 6-2, 185-pounder committed to Kansas back in February but most felt like his pledge to the Jayhawks wouldn’t last. He was a member of Kansas’ class for less than two weeks before realizing that he didn’t want to be a part of one of the worst college football programs in the nation.
Not long after he settled on a top three of Tennessee, LSU and TCU, he committed to Florida — go figure. The No. 10 wide receiver and No. 50 overall prospect nationally was content with his commitment to the Gators but still seemed to be a little intrigued by TCU and LSU.
Then, Jim McElwain’s seat heated up in a hurry and now he’s out of a job. Just a day after U-F relieved McElwain of his duties, the Michigan staff decided to offer Chase. The talented pass catcher said that he was pretty excited to have the Michigan offer, but wasn’t exactly sure what it all meant.
"I don't know much about Michigan, but I know they win a lot," Chase said. "Jim Harbaugh is a successful coach that knows how to win. I'm just focused on my season. After my season is over all worry about all of that. I told the Michigan coaches that I would want to take an official visit after my season is over too."
Less than a week later, Chase is now on Michigan’s official visitor list for the Ohio State game. When asked about how the visit came together and why he seemed so unsure of his plans when Michigan first offered, Chase just played it off.
“This is my only for-sure official visit,” he said with a laugh.
We’re not really sure what that exactly means, but Chase is at least giving U-M a serious look now that he holds an offer and will officially visit. Those close to his recruitment think Michigan may have a real shot with him as well. C
Chase was originally believed to be a TCU lean before he committed to the Gators and being a Louisiana native also puts LSU in a good spot. With that said, the recent and sudden attention from Jim Harbaugh has grabbed Chase’s attention and given him something to really think about. Harbaugh’s NFL pedigree is very attractive to Chase and has proven to be quite important to the four-star.
Smart money probably still isn’t on the Wolverines, but they have a much more realistic chance with Chase than they did just under two weeks ago when they offered.
Speaking of the Ohio State game, it is being billed as the biggest recruiting weekend in Michigan football history with official and unofficial visits. The atmosphere for The Game, as always, is going to be electric inside Michigan Stadium and that’s why the coaches want to put the event on display. As of now, U-M is expecting the following prospects for the game.
Joining Chase in an official capacity will be Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes three-star athlete/running back Michael Barrett, Ontario (Calif.) Colony four-star wide receiver/tight end Michael Ezeike, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star offensive tackle Daniel Faalele, Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes three-star offensive tackle Jalen Goss, Corvallis (Oreg.) Crescent Valley four-star athlete Talanoa Hufanga, Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep four-star offensive tackle Nick Petit-Frere, Springfield (Ohio) High four-star tight end and one-time Michigan commit Leonard Taylor, Concord (N.C.) High four-star defensive tackle Rick Sandidge and Bradenton (Fla.) Braden River three-star strongside defensive end Taylor Upshaw.
Memphis (Tenn.) Lausanne Collegiate School 2019 three-star all-purpose back Eric Gray, Milton (Mass.) Milton Academy 2020 outside linebacker Kalel Mullings and Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 2019 three-star outside linebacker and Michigan commit Charles Thomas are all expected to visit in an unofficial capacity as well.
As always, this list will experience additions and subtractions, but the weekend is shaping up to be a massive extravaganza. Michigan needs to beat Ohio State for a lot of reasons, and shine on the recruiting trail is certainly one of them based on how many visitors will be in attendance.
