wrote this on another Michigan Site
Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:09 pm
Part I. Brady Hoke
Brady Hoke, a man after my own heart. Why you may ask? Well the man said and I quote, "I would coach Michigan for no money", and " I would walk from San Diego to Ann Arbor if they asked me to". You can't measure what a true passion for a University will do for a program, especially one going through a complete transition away from it roots (thanks Dick Rod). Brady Hoke was a former assistant (1995-2002) under Gary Moller and Lloyd Carr. He coached the defensive line for the Wolverines for 6 years before leaving to be the head coach at Ball State. He preached being physical, playing with an edge, and blowing people off the ball. Lets not forget that during his coaching days Hoke was a part of 3 Big Ten Titles, 2 BCS game wins, and a Co-National Championship. His record v the school he refers to as only "Ohio" was 5-2 in favor of the Blue.
Since leaving Ann Arbor he has guided two below average programs into respectability. As a former Son of Marshall, I fully understand how awful Ball State was for a very long time. He took over a Ball State program that was on par with some of the worst program in all of America. He had his struggles but before leaving Ball State he led them to a MAC East Title, an AP ranking of number 12 (first ever), and an undefeated regular season. He also continued a very successful recruiting campaign in the Midwest, including nabbing Ohio quarterback Nate Davis away from Midwest power Ohio State and Michigan.
After Ball State Hoke continued on his success of building up programs by leading San Diego State program to a 9-4 season, their first 9 win season dating back to 1971. Hoke was able to successfully recruit the west coast while continuing to recruit successfully in the Midwest.
Hoke truly understands what it means to beat Ohio State and the importance of The Game. Only one week after his arrival he put up clocks counting down the days until the "Ohio" and Michigan State games. He said in order to win Big Ten Titles you must first beat Ohio. Since his arrival he has put the focus in recruiting back on the Midwest, and more importantly Ohio and Michigan. In the 2012 class, all 13 commits are from either Ohio or Michigan.
Part II. Greg Mattison
Current Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison has quite the resume. For starters he left the Baltimore Ravens as their current Defensive Coordinator, to return to coach the Wolverines. Lets not forget he has been a part of 2 National Championships (Michigan and Florida), and has led one of the most dominate defensive in the National Football League.
As part of the defensive staff at Michigan he recruited and coached players such as: Charles Woodson, Glen Steele, Ty Law, Ian Gold, Dahiani Jones, Cato June, Jarrett Irons, and Marlin Jackson.
If that doesn't impress recruits how about this, he led a defense consisting of Hall of Famers Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Terrel Suggs, and Haloti Ngata.
Urban Meyer said that Mattison is the ultimate closer when it comes to recruiting.
Part III. Al Borges
Borges, the new Offensive Coordinator for the Wolverines, has led two previous programs back to resurgence. Once at UCLA, where the Bruins were a game away from playing in the National Title game, and also guiding the 2003 Auburn Tigers offense to an undefeated 13-0 season. His teams at UCLA averaged over 40ppg twice, and he also developed Cade McNown into an 1st team All-American and 1st round NFL draft pick. While at Auburn he helped Jason Campbell turn into a 1st round NFL draft pick.
Borges runs a West Coast Offense that will feature the returning Big Ten Offensive POY Denard Robinson.
Part IV. Recruiting
Michigan's current recruiting class for 2012 is rated as the #2 class in the country right behind recruiting power Texas. It is May and already UM has 13 of its possible 24 spots filled. Of those 13 commits 7 are rated as 4 star recruits, with 8 of those 13 rated in the top 21 players at their position.
Michigan has gone back to its roots plucking the best talent available from the fertile Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania hot beds, rather then trying to throw their hat in the ring in Florida with the likes of in state powers Miami, Florida, and Florida State. Under Rich Rodriguez Michigan refused to do battle in their own home state, and consistently struggled to bring in top players from the Midwest. To date, Michigan has already landed the top player in state, and 3 more in the top 10 players in the state of Michigan. The Wolverines have plucked the #2 and #3 linebackers from the state of Ohio away from the Buckeyes, while also landing a top 15 TE from the Buckeye state.
Impressive stats: In this years recruiting class alone, Michigan was able to beat out Ohio State for 5 recruits with both Michigan and Buckeye offers. That is something the previous staff was unable to do on a consistent basis.
*Michigan has already landed a commit from 2013 QB Shane Morris, who is considered to be the top QB in the country right now as a sophomore and possibly the #1 player in the country next year. He was named MVP at the Elite 11 Passing Camp as a sophomore over top QB Gunner Keil of the 2012 class.
Part 5. Defense
AS I have already mentioned, both Hoke and Mattison are defense first coaches, and I put a lot of faith in their ability to get the most out of their players. With that being said, lets face it, Rich Rod didn't care much about defense. As bad as UM's defense was last year, I fully expect them to be a top 50 defense this season.
How to fix the defense? Answer---Recruit!
As Hoke and company scrambled to keep the 2011 recruiting class together they focused mostly on the defense. UM was able to land Antonio Pool ( a top 15 LB in the country), Blake Countess (a top 20 DB in the country), Kellen Jones ( a top 10 LB in the country), and Brennen Beyer ( a top 12 DE in the country). One of the biggest leaps made was with Ohio State feeder and power house Glenville High School. UM grabbed Frank Clark a top TE from the Tarblooders, and provided themselves with a foot back in the Glenville door. As you can see UM made the best of what they could with the 2011 recruiting class.
Onto 2012. In this class UM has already gotten Commits from 4 top 25 linebackers nationally, two of which are in the top 3 at their position. UM has also worked their way back into Michigan powerhouse Farmington Hills, grabbing two 4-star prospects away from Ohio State and Michigan State. Of the 13 current commits, 9 of them are on the defensive side of the ball.
Putting it all together.
Michigan will have its struggles because of the transition, but the foundation back to glory has been laid. The Wolverines will no longer play back seat to Ohio State in recruiting, and will no longer let Michigan State take away top instate talent.
The offense will run again through Denard Robinson, but more balance is expected. If Denard struggles in the new system, expect to see him at WR while former 5-star Devin Gardner takes over. No longer will UM go after 270 lb offensive lineman, they will go back to road graders like Jake Long, Steve Hutchinson, and David Baas. The TE will finally be a crucial part of the new offensive philosophy. Kevin Koger is expected to have a huge year, and is considered by many to be the top TE in the conference. Roy Roundtree will return as the leading wideout for UM, after missing 1000 by nearly 40 yards. A steady group of vets will lead the receiving core led by Hemingway, Roundtree, Odoms, and hopefully Stonum (if he can get out of the dog house).
The defense is still yet to be seen, but I have fully confidence they will be better. Mike Martin is considered to be a top 30 pick next year, and will be used at DT, DE, and rush LB. He was featured on ESPN as the second strongest player in the NCAA. Michigan will mimic Alabama by plugging in gap clogging DT's like Will Campbell (6'5, 330). The linebacking core will welcome two new starters and will be anchored by last years one steady starter Kenny Demens. The secondary will welcome back 3 year starter Troy Wolfolk, who missed all of last year due to injury. JT Floyd also returns from an injury that put him out after the Notre Dame game, which saw him shut down ultra talented Michael Floyd. Courtney Avery will also return at DB for the Wolverines. The S position will be interesting to watch, with steady vets trying to hold off talented youngsters.
The Bottom Line.
Michigan is no longer going to sit back and try to outscore you. They will return to the days of smacking you in the mouth and letting you know it is going to hurt bad the next day after the game. This staff knows what it means to coach at Michigan, something the previous staff was oblivious to. There is a pride about UM that has not been seen in the program for several years being reinserted. There is an attitude of we are going to hit you and hit you and not stop hitting you.Ohio State is the #1 priority and Hoke and company knows it and has let it be known. Recruiting has taken off and lets take care of the Midwest and instate first philosophy will pay off huge. Michigan will no longer be home to the spread, but will welcome the drop back passer back into the offense. This is the Michigan we all grew up watching, and this is the Michigan that will continue to win championships.
*Michigan recently added Anthony Standifer, DB from Illinois.
Brady Hoke, a man after my own heart. Why you may ask? Well the man said and I quote, "I would coach Michigan for no money", and " I would walk from San Diego to Ann Arbor if they asked me to". You can't measure what a true passion for a University will do for a program, especially one going through a complete transition away from it roots (thanks Dick Rod). Brady Hoke was a former assistant (1995-2002) under Gary Moller and Lloyd Carr. He coached the defensive line for the Wolverines for 6 years before leaving to be the head coach at Ball State. He preached being physical, playing with an edge, and blowing people off the ball. Lets not forget that during his coaching days Hoke was a part of 3 Big Ten Titles, 2 BCS game wins, and a Co-National Championship. His record v the school he refers to as only "Ohio" was 5-2 in favor of the Blue.
Since leaving Ann Arbor he has guided two below average programs into respectability. As a former Son of Marshall, I fully understand how awful Ball State was for a very long time. He took over a Ball State program that was on par with some of the worst program in all of America. He had his struggles but before leaving Ball State he led them to a MAC East Title, an AP ranking of number 12 (first ever), and an undefeated regular season. He also continued a very successful recruiting campaign in the Midwest, including nabbing Ohio quarterback Nate Davis away from Midwest power Ohio State and Michigan.
After Ball State Hoke continued on his success of building up programs by leading San Diego State program to a 9-4 season, their first 9 win season dating back to 1971. Hoke was able to successfully recruit the west coast while continuing to recruit successfully in the Midwest.
Hoke truly understands what it means to beat Ohio State and the importance of The Game. Only one week after his arrival he put up clocks counting down the days until the "Ohio" and Michigan State games. He said in order to win Big Ten Titles you must first beat Ohio. Since his arrival he has put the focus in recruiting back on the Midwest, and more importantly Ohio and Michigan. In the 2012 class, all 13 commits are from either Ohio or Michigan.
Part II. Greg Mattison
Current Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison has quite the resume. For starters he left the Baltimore Ravens as their current Defensive Coordinator, to return to coach the Wolverines. Lets not forget he has been a part of 2 National Championships (Michigan and Florida), and has led one of the most dominate defensive in the National Football League.
As part of the defensive staff at Michigan he recruited and coached players such as: Charles Woodson, Glen Steele, Ty Law, Ian Gold, Dahiani Jones, Cato June, Jarrett Irons, and Marlin Jackson.
If that doesn't impress recruits how about this, he led a defense consisting of Hall of Famers Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Terrel Suggs, and Haloti Ngata.
Urban Meyer said that Mattison is the ultimate closer when it comes to recruiting.
Part III. Al Borges
Borges, the new Offensive Coordinator for the Wolverines, has led two previous programs back to resurgence. Once at UCLA, where the Bruins were a game away from playing in the National Title game, and also guiding the 2003 Auburn Tigers offense to an undefeated 13-0 season. His teams at UCLA averaged over 40ppg twice, and he also developed Cade McNown into an 1st team All-American and 1st round NFL draft pick. While at Auburn he helped Jason Campbell turn into a 1st round NFL draft pick.
Borges runs a West Coast Offense that will feature the returning Big Ten Offensive POY Denard Robinson.
Part IV. Recruiting
Michigan's current recruiting class for 2012 is rated as the #2 class in the country right behind recruiting power Texas. It is May and already UM has 13 of its possible 24 spots filled. Of those 13 commits 7 are rated as 4 star recruits, with 8 of those 13 rated in the top 21 players at their position.
Michigan has gone back to its roots plucking the best talent available from the fertile Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania hot beds, rather then trying to throw their hat in the ring in Florida with the likes of in state powers Miami, Florida, and Florida State. Under Rich Rodriguez Michigan refused to do battle in their own home state, and consistently struggled to bring in top players from the Midwest. To date, Michigan has already landed the top player in state, and 3 more in the top 10 players in the state of Michigan. The Wolverines have plucked the #2 and #3 linebackers from the state of Ohio away from the Buckeyes, while also landing a top 15 TE from the Buckeye state.
Impressive stats: In this years recruiting class alone, Michigan was able to beat out Ohio State for 5 recruits with both Michigan and Buckeye offers. That is something the previous staff was unable to do on a consistent basis.
*Michigan has already landed a commit from 2013 QB Shane Morris, who is considered to be the top QB in the country right now as a sophomore and possibly the #1 player in the country next year. He was named MVP at the Elite 11 Passing Camp as a sophomore over top QB Gunner Keil of the 2012 class.
Part 5. Defense
AS I have already mentioned, both Hoke and Mattison are defense first coaches, and I put a lot of faith in their ability to get the most out of their players. With that being said, lets face it, Rich Rod didn't care much about defense. As bad as UM's defense was last year, I fully expect them to be a top 50 defense this season.
How to fix the defense? Answer---Recruit!
As Hoke and company scrambled to keep the 2011 recruiting class together they focused mostly on the defense. UM was able to land Antonio Pool ( a top 15 LB in the country), Blake Countess (a top 20 DB in the country), Kellen Jones ( a top 10 LB in the country), and Brennen Beyer ( a top 12 DE in the country). One of the biggest leaps made was with Ohio State feeder and power house Glenville High School. UM grabbed Frank Clark a top TE from the Tarblooders, and provided themselves with a foot back in the Glenville door. As you can see UM made the best of what they could with the 2011 recruiting class.
Onto 2012. In this class UM has already gotten Commits from 4 top 25 linebackers nationally, two of which are in the top 3 at their position. UM has also worked their way back into Michigan powerhouse Farmington Hills, grabbing two 4-star prospects away from Ohio State and Michigan State. Of the 13 current commits, 9 of them are on the defensive side of the ball.
Putting it all together.
Michigan will have its struggles because of the transition, but the foundation back to glory has been laid. The Wolverines will no longer play back seat to Ohio State in recruiting, and will no longer let Michigan State take away top instate talent.
The offense will run again through Denard Robinson, but more balance is expected. If Denard struggles in the new system, expect to see him at WR while former 5-star Devin Gardner takes over. No longer will UM go after 270 lb offensive lineman, they will go back to road graders like Jake Long, Steve Hutchinson, and David Baas. The TE will finally be a crucial part of the new offensive philosophy. Kevin Koger is expected to have a huge year, and is considered by many to be the top TE in the conference. Roy Roundtree will return as the leading wideout for UM, after missing 1000 by nearly 40 yards. A steady group of vets will lead the receiving core led by Hemingway, Roundtree, Odoms, and hopefully Stonum (if he can get out of the dog house).
The defense is still yet to be seen, but I have fully confidence they will be better. Mike Martin is considered to be a top 30 pick next year, and will be used at DT, DE, and rush LB. He was featured on ESPN as the second strongest player in the NCAA. Michigan will mimic Alabama by plugging in gap clogging DT's like Will Campbell (6'5, 330). The linebacking core will welcome two new starters and will be anchored by last years one steady starter Kenny Demens. The secondary will welcome back 3 year starter Troy Wolfolk, who missed all of last year due to injury. JT Floyd also returns from an injury that put him out after the Notre Dame game, which saw him shut down ultra talented Michael Floyd. Courtney Avery will also return at DB for the Wolverines. The S position will be interesting to watch, with steady vets trying to hold off talented youngsters.
The Bottom Line.
Michigan is no longer going to sit back and try to outscore you. They will return to the days of smacking you in the mouth and letting you know it is going to hurt bad the next day after the game. This staff knows what it means to coach at Michigan, something the previous staff was oblivious to. There is a pride about UM that has not been seen in the program for several years being reinserted. There is an attitude of we are going to hit you and hit you and not stop hitting you.Ohio State is the #1 priority and Hoke and company knows it and has let it be known. Recruiting has taken off and lets take care of the Midwest and instate first philosophy will pay off huge. Michigan will no longer be home to the spread, but will welcome the drop back passer back into the offense. This is the Michigan we all grew up watching, and this is the Michigan that will continue to win championships.
*Michigan recently added Anthony Standifer, DB from Illinois.