Mike "One-Million" Cox is a Wolverine!

At least I'm pretty sure he is one. I am initially reading that he was ecstatic to be offered on the trip to Ann Arbor this weekend and that UM has everything he wants but while he has committed he still will take visits. What??? Anyways, he is a coming in under the radar as a 6' 205lb RB who ran a 4.0 forty at the Penn State camp. He was considered to be a BC lean before coming to UM and obviously being very impressed. He also runs a 4.4 shuttle and has a 36-inch verticle leap and 10'4" broad jump. He's a between the tackles type back who also has break away speed. UM is obviously done with Jonus Gray (NEB) and Michael Shaw (PSU) because of this committment (and probably anyways). However, UM will now stay in great shape with Larry Caper from the '09 class. IE- McGuffie and Caper good and Horn and Cox good backups. All and all, as long as he's truly true blue I'm down with the guy and I hope he is even more successful than I think he'll be. I'll post later as to why the scholarship was available for him (in the world of McGuffie's commit and with the potential interest of Gray and Shaw). Bottom line is that it looks like we may have jumped on a guy who is on the rise and who will not disrupt the powers that be (McGuffie and Caper).

Run Him Through

I loathe to be off topic, but I couldn't resist this one. If the allegations are even somewhat true, this guy is scum of the earth. It'd be a coin flip with other quality human beings like child molesters and rapists.

DiLillo...Runaway Bride?

What a strange trip it's been for Madison TE Nic DiLillo. When the recruiting season started, he was considered somewhat of a fourth wheel in the Ohio TE derby, with Kyle Rudolph (ND), Jake Stoneburner (OSU) and Brandon Moore (UM) getting more of the spotlight. Toss Kevin Koger into the mix, and you've got an talented but largely overshadowed player.

Though he drew some interest from both Ohio State and Michigan, both choose to pursue other players ahead of him. After an impressive visit, DiLillo committed to Clemson in early April. But distance was a factor, and he eventually de-committed in mid-June. DiLillo had been recruited by Pittsburgh since his junior year and offered his verbal to them just a week later.

And that might have been the end of it, a solid Ohio player going to a good Big East school. But a funny thing happened: Ohio State took a Rob Deer-esque swing at the TE position and missed by a mile. They didn't like Brandon Moore because he didn't block. They wanted Kyle Rudolph but he wanted the ball at Notre Dame. Then they wanted Kevin Koger, who decided that competing with Brandon Moore still might get him more catches than playing in Columbus. And finally, Top250 TE Blake Ayles selected USC over Cal, Arizona State, OSU, and Wisconsin.

So the Buckeye coaches apparently huddled and decided they were hell-bent on a TE in this class. They called Nic and offered him, and it sounds like he initially said thanks but no thanks. But news broke tonight that DiLillo de-committed (again) from Pitt and has settled on the Buckeyes. What to make of this? We break own the relevant...and irrelevant.

*Though this may be a fourth option, this isn't chopped liver. DiLillo is a top 20 TE in both Scout and Rivals (3 and 4-stars, respectively). In addition to the late OSU offer, he had a few quality offers, including Clemson, Nebraska, Wisconsin.

*I suppose you can't escape it...this pickup screams two words, "third tackle". Players like Ricky Dudley, who stretch the field and block like girls, are a distant memory. The Buckeyes have a nice group of tight ends that will primarily protect the passer and serve as an outlet on busted plays, flat routes and corssing patterns. No harm in that, but it doesn't exactly get your juices flowing.

*It seems like each time OSU is pursuing an elite pass receiving TE, the same thing gets repeated by opposing coaches, "You'll never get the ball". There is some truth to that, but lack of receiving talent at the position plays a role as well. When you churn out first round WR's on a yearly basis, integrating the TE into your gameplan is not a high priority. But if the talent were there, maybe things would change. On second thought, I'd rather have my dual-threat QB of the future rolling out and hitting a 4-or-5 star WR down field than looking for the TE in the seam anyway.

*The upside? DiLillo plays downright nasty, which perfectly fits this incoming class of linemen. Not that I'm calling him a linemen.

*Thankfully, his mohawk is gone. I'd love to know what bet he lost on that one. Sometimes picture galleries are not your friend.

Bottom line, this is not the sexiest pickup of the season. But it's very much in line with Tressel's recruiting philosophy. I expect him to have a solid, unassuming career at OSU, catching a few passes and winning 40 games or so. It's funny, but given the circumstances, DiLillo might be our commit most likely to bolt. I've never heard of a third de-commitment, but who knows?

Goebel Chooses the Buckeyes

In other news, the Cold War has ended and Milli Vanilli didn't sing their own songs. Ok, so we're a little behind the times, but the OSU blog took another Vegas vacation and let the UM side have their day in the sun. Funny thing happened on the way: top 5 defensive tackle Garrett Goebel (IL) selected OSU over Michigan. The Wolverines hoped location, academics and a late visit with his parents would swing the momentum the same way they did with Kevin "Dead to Me" Koger. But in the end, Goebel joined OSU and filled a major need in the '08 class.

Goebel become the tenth commitment and just the third defensive player to join OSU's monster recruiting class. The Buckeyes will continue to pursue two other defensive tackles, Willie Mobley (MN) and juco transfer Justin Thompson. Mobley seems like a much better bet, given that Thompson is a soft verbal to Miami (FL) and is also looking at LSU. Mobley's speed and flexibility would be a great complement to Goebel, as he can play on the strongside or with his hand down inside.

With the exception of #1 player Terrelle Pryor, Goebel was considered a must-get for the Buckeyes given their depth chart. And of course, winning recruiting battles for top players over Michigan never gets old.

Stay tuned for a content barrage this week, and I have many thoughts (translation: arguments) I'd like to share with our UM poster. We'll also update the Buckeye Big Board later this week.

(photo by Scout.com)

Targets Update - The Post McGuffie Decision Edition

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL
2008 RECRUITING

Top 10 Remaining Targeted positions
as of July 30, 2007

Already Wolverines:

CB- B. Cissoko (Det., MI)
OT- D. O’Neil (MI)
OG- E. Mealer (OH)
OG- K. Wermers (IND)
TE- B. Moore (OH)
LB- M. Witherspoon (NJ)
DT- M. Martin (MI)
OG/OC- R. Khoury (MI)
QB – J. Wienke (Ill)
WR – D. Stonum (TX)
QB – S. Threet (MI) – Actually a ’07 recruit that has transferred to UM from GTU
TE – K. Koger (OH)
RB – S. McGuffie (TX)

* Bolded are the guys to really watch

10. DT- Might take one more (a one-gapper) but probably not (note - already have a very good ’09 commit in William Campbell from Det., MI/OT) - C. Henderson (PA) – Does he still have UM in top 2? R. Ellis (DC) - Would be higher on this list but there is not a great chance of a commit. A. Woods (Det., MI) & S. Barnett (IND) (another Warren Central kid- I think we are backing off that school for now b/c of Finch) are also out there. Not a very high priority.
9. RB- J. Grey (Det., MI) – Rivals loves him while Scout does not care much due to McGuffie love and next year’s in-state RB crop. He’s a between the tackles type with break away speed. 4.37 40-time at camp got him his offer. He would be a great complement to McGuffie. M. Shaw (OH) - (RB/ATH) - He’s another 4-star athlete to look out for. UM is probably #2 to PSU but the recent PSU commitment of B. Beachum as a RB may help UM out. R. Polk (AZ)/ATH – Offeree is a between the tackles type meant to complement McGuffie. C. Saddler (PA)/ATH - Third down back/returner who was offered to lure S. Hale. Recent reports argue that he is spectacular and would be a 5-star recruit if only a couple inches taller. Keep in mind that there are some good indications that UM will land one if not more of their 4 to 5 star in-state RB recruits in ’09. Capers is a speedster with some size while Jackson is a between the tackles type. Still, this position may take on greater importance if ’07 commit A. Horn does not qualify academically as reports are now beginning to indicate. Might take one here.
8. FS/CB- J. Holley (PA) – Not feeling very confident with him. Loves the movie Rudy. R. Moore (CA) – He is a soft UCLA commit and he is being recruited as a CB/S for UM and he was offered after the UCLA commit and Ron English is recruiting him (See Donovan Warren) and he has a summer official to UM. M. Anthony (AZ) – Great camp performance got him his offer. I actually like him. Michigan has a chance. California is a big threat because he can be a big fish there. A. Bushell (TX) – Probably visiting. Soon could move up this list. J.T. Floyd (SC) - Wavering Tennessee commit is visiting ND weekend. R. Green (LA) – Visiting. Soon could move up this list too. L. Green (PA) – Haven’t heard much from him in a while. R. Butler (TX) – Ditto. May take two more in this category.
7. HB- C. Wilson (PA)/LB – Definitely some mutual interest here. I’m starting to feel it.
6. OG- Z. Schlink (AZ) - (probably a 40/60 chance at best). T. Robinson (NE) – Looks like he decommited from Nebraska (at least for now) but who knows where he’ll end up. I’m not very confident but I’m wishful. The decision should come soon. V. Dotsy (CA) - Needs to get in better shape. He’s from ’07 recruit M. Williams’s school which is also ’08 recruit D. Scott’s new school. K. Page (SC) - Longshot. Might take one more here.
5. WR- J. Baldwin (PA) – Rivals referred to him as the next Calvin Johnson. Originally a leader, Michigan is now dealing with ND and others for his services. F. Smith (Det., MI) – catching fire as of late. It’s between UM and MSU. V. Carraway (PA)/S -The ’07 Z. Babb who is being recruited as an athlete. He might also be a safety. D. Walker (VA) & M. Floyd (MN) – They are top talents who are unlikely to be wolverines but they’ve been offered and are moderately interested. J. Fuller (TX) is a moderate to top talent with moderate interest. Will take at least one more here.
4. OT- Looking to take another tackle (a LT) from the following list: Z. Sanders (OH) – UM’s #1 OT tackle left on the board. A LT prospect. He probably is going south. P. Bailey (TN) – UM is starting to get on this guy. He’s a 4-Star who I’d like as a member of this class. D. Pannell (MI)/OG – Probably the UM camp’s third best not offered coming in lineman. He’s compared with former wolverine R. Riley. He probably will be headed to a school where he can be guaranteed a large role. J. Bennett (DC) is a backup plan for Sanders.
3. WSDE - S. Hale (PA)/LB - Camp performances indicates DE is the most likely future for him. He is gaining interest in UM and we offered best pal (and cousin) Saddler. OSU may lead now. We will get him on campus for the ND weekend and that will be huge. K. Middleton (WA)/SSDE/TE - Very tough to get him off the west coast but he really likes UM and so does his HS coach. I’m worried about whether he is truly a WSDE. N.Perry (Det., MI)/LB - I like him a lot and he’s looking like he’ll be a wolverine. More of a “B” level guy. D. Heyman (KEN.) & K. Lewis-Moore (TX) - Both former high targets without new news or any real buzz for a while. J. Jarrett (CA)/SSDE – Another name to know. May very well take two DEs here.
2. SS- B. Smith (NJ) – Michigan looking good for this top 100 player. He would make a good starting SS for 3 to 4 years. W. Hill (NJ) – Superstar who would be handed the keys to UM’s strong safety position. Who knows with him? It certainly looks like its going to be Florida. S. Adams (NC) – Less than a 50% chance at this athletic freak show. He’s from the same school as current wolverine SS J. Adams. J. Barbour (AZ) – UM currently is a solid lead for this four-star. He’s a teammate of OG recruit Z. Schlink. There maybe some qualifying problems. K. Staley (OK) - A stud but when does UM get OK studs? K. Cooper (TX) - 33% chance at best for this solid player. B. Leslie (CA) – Haven’t heard anything about him in a while. E. Biakabatuka (CAN) – See Leslie comments. May very well take two here.
1. LB- J.B. Fitzgerald (NJ) - A very important target for UM. He’s probably a MIKE. We really need him. Rutgers and Florida are the biggest threats. J. Major (CO) - A bit short (6’4” numbers are wrong & exaggerated) but will probably be a great college MIKE and maybe a SAM. K. Demens (Det., MI) – Now has a Michigan offer and things are looking much brighter for him and teammate Gray. But isn’t he a WSLB/FB that we don’t need? A. Brown (KAN) – Tremendous but not likely to be a wolverine. J. Meyers (CONN) – Probably a Will which is a position we don’t need anybody else at but there’s been some positive news here. C. Pantale (NJ) – Michigan is recruiting him as an OLB. I don’t know a lot about him but what I do know I like. L. Murray (NY- M. Hart’s school) – Possibly will get an offer. I kind of like him. He could very possibly play SAM. G. Winston (Det., MI)/RB – A physical marvel. Great athlete/great shape. Detroit combine MVP. He could earn a scholarship offer very soon. Will take at least two more LBs.

BY: WILLIAM LAWRENCE, esquire, former UM employee

Photo is of J.B. Fitzgerald from I believe Scout.com

Sam McGuffie is a Wolverine!

RB Sam McGuffie ended the suspense tonight and UM’s number one recruit for the 2008 recruiting season has gone blue! He said that he just had to choose Michigan and that it had always been Michigan for him. He gives Michigan probably it’s fastest and biggest break away threat RB in the program’s history. His personal stats are as follows:

5’11”
195 lbs.
4.3 forty (combine times)
3.7 shuttle!
6’8” high jump
24’ long jump
360 lb bench press
550 lb squat
305 lb power clean
Well over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in 5-A Texas football last year

The post-Mike Hart era will see a junior between the tackles type but with speed in ****B. Minor complemented by ****speed back C. Brown plus the veteran presence of *****recruit who hasn’t yet lived up to his rating in K. Grady. THEN there is now McGuffie who will at least be a Warrick Dunn if not a complete package. That remains to be determined, but for tonight UM has added a big-time playmaker who is necessary in this dominant OSU & resurgent ND era that we are in. Plus Sam completes the Texas-trio of Mallett-Stonum-McGuffie which might go down in UM lore.

Sam himself had said (I never previously posted this in case he did not choose UM) "I know what everyone says," McGuffie, whose recent offers include Miami, Florida State, California and Iowa State, says. "Among other things, I can't run up the middle. I'll be a receiver in college. I haven't been clocked at 4.28 in the 40-yard dash. All of that just fuels my fire." (SEE SCOUT.COM) He goes on…"I know I'm controversial. But people don't know the half of it."His best buddies are J.B. Shugarts and Russell Shepard. He also was once on pace to be a junior Olympic gymnast, which explains some of the non-football clips on his Myspace.com page. "I'm a freak athlete," McGuffie said. "I really believe I'm one of the top all-around athletes in the country," he said. "I'm a 24-foot long-jumper and a 6-foot-8 high-jumper. I have a top SPARQ rating, and have one of the best shuttle and 40-yard dash times in the country. Not to mention, the yards and touchdowns I put up in Class 5A Texas football as a junior." (Again, all of this is from SCOUT.COM)

His High School Coach says the following (according to Scout.Com):

"Fans in the stands or people watching his tapes see exciting plays," Reese said. "But there are a few things that make Sam very good. We preach steps and patient speed. He reads and waits for his lineman to make their blocks. Then he hits the holes at that fifth gear. "On film, the holes look huge because he is hitting them at the exact right time. If you have a running back who is a split second slower or not patient, that hole isn't there. That's what sets him apart. The other thing is that he carried the ball over 350 times and fumbled twice last year. He's just very skilled with good technique."

I just wish this party could have occurred earlier in the night! Why must I work so early tomorrow/today!

Fred Smith Announcement Set

Next Sunday will be another big day for UM fans. WR Fred Smith is tentatively scheduled to announce his decision at 6:00 p.m. He just came back from a major Saturday trip to Ann Arbor where his entire family came along and he was given the royal treatment. He also met with just about every UM committed recruit that day as they were all there for the "official" UM Junior-Day. Its 50/50 for Fred Smith with MSU as the opponent. At the same time, no post Saturday interview has yet been released. It's essentially the gaurateed playing time and big fish on campus at MSU vs. childhood fav/team success/WR tradition/Mallett at UM. Obviously there will be more coming soon on this.

McGuffie Countdown...3 Hours!