All Things SkunkBear

[Old Man Mike]

This is something which has been puzzling me and maybe some of you smarter folks can give me some insights. We've been obsessing a bit on how well Hoke is doing recruiting at Michigan [The recent Kalis thing probably adds to that]. I'd like your views on this:

Michigan's 2011 class had 20 signees. Seven offense; twelve defense; one kicker. OK. Depending on how well that was "planned" to meet their defensive inadequacies, and given a coaching transition, maybe that's pretty good. To put in a little external perspective, though: Michigan had only five players rated PhilSteele#s 49 or less, while we had fourteen. The gem of the Michigan class [PS#s-wise] was Justice Hayes, whom we know. Still, OK, give him a break for a transitional recruiting/coach-change year.

This year's Michigan "haul" is already at last year's number of twenty. And people are wowing. It seems to be a higher rated class for individuals with half of them Rivals' 4*s. Well, great for Hoke. When I look at these two classes though I don't understand exactly what's going on. This 2012 version is also overloaded defense to offense by 13 to 7. Well, OK maybe he still doesn't think that most of his veterans OR his new class are very good. That's possible. But at what point do you overload D and starve O?

For 2011/2012, Hoke has recruited ten DBs, eight LBs, and seven D-line only one of which is a tackle. One specialist. Eight offensive linemen. Three tight ends. Two running backs and none this year yet. One quarterback and none this year yet. NO wide receivers.

What-the-h+ll does this mean? The offensive skills are about to pour in, or he isn't very good at getting them, or he doesn't think he needs any in two whole recruiting years?? Depending upon the answer to this, for me, boggling conundrum, I'm going to hold off a bit on my praise of Michigan's recruiting excellence, especially vis-a-vis Staff Kelly's. [p.s. even his TEs are rated three-stars].

[NDOM]

I'm just curious to what his recruiting pitch is. I mean yeah it's Michigan and all but how much are they paying these players to commit to Michigan???? I just dont understand how they are getting all these players.

Hoke is an unproven coach so why would any of these kids want to play for him? I'm confused just as much as you are.

Michigan is hitting area's of needs. But as i have said this before show me your Ishaq Williams, Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, Ben Koyack, George Atkinson. I think it is a great class but i believe it is lacking ELITE talent like we brought in last year. Kyle Kalis, Magnuson and Royce Jenkins Stone are really good. No RB, or WR so far in this class which confuses me. I like are class a lot better, but i believe Michigan is hitting a lot of their"need" areas. James Ross and Richardson are very short for there positions even though they are very talented. Old Man Mike great post i agree with everything you said. reps

[aubeirish]

Originally Posted by NDOM

I'm just curious to what his recruiting pitch is. I mean yeah it's Michigan and all but how much are they paying these players to commit to Michigan???? I just dont understand how they are getting all these players.

Hoke is an unproven coach so why would any of these kids want to play for him? I'm confused just as much as you are.

I think he is selling playing time right now and kids are buying. Yes they do have a good class so far, but it's mostly numbers. The better proof of that is how poorly most of the Michigan recruits did this week-end. I like where we are sitting with the talents that are committed much better than what they have, especially since we are expecting a very good season on the field as well.

[NDFANnSouthWest]

I for one think that UM recruiting came out of the gate fast...however, the real question is if they can retain these recruits.

[IrishLax]

Originally Posted by GBdomer

Michigan is hitting area's of needs. But as i have said this before show me your Ishaq Williams, Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, Ben Koyack, George Atkinson. I think it is a great class but i believe it is lacking ELITE talent like we brought in last year. Kyle Kalis, Magnuson and Royce Jenkins Stone are really good. No RB, or WR so far in this class which confuses me. I like are class a lot better, but i believe Michigan is hitting a lot of their"need" areas. James Ross and Richardson are very short for there positions even though they are very talented. Old Man Mike great post i agree with everything you said. reps

THANK YOU! Saved me a lot of typing. No denying that Michigan has a good class with some quality players at position of need... but they haven't landed a single guy that makes me go "oh ****." This was evident at The Opening where our recruits lit it up and theirs, for the most part, didn't show anything at all.

Glad you agree with me lax. Great minds think alike.