Freshman tight end Chris Barnett becomes 3rd player in 4 days to leave Michigan football team

Posted on Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 10:15 a.m.

Freshman tight end Chris Barnett becomes 3rd player in 4 days to leave Michigan football team

By Kyle Meinke

When Michigan football coach Brady Hoke took over in January, he did a remarkable job of avoiding the kind of attrition that afflicts many programs in transition.

Now, he's lost three players in four days with the Wolverines' season opener looming next week.

An athletic department spokesman confirmed Thursday morning that true freshman tight end Chris Barnett has left the Wolverines, becoming the third player to do so since Monday. The Hurst, Texas, native originally announced the move on Twitter.

Chris Barnett

"No longer at the university of Michigan," he tweeted.

Barnett follows freshman offensive lineman Tony Posada, whose departure was announced Monday, and junior receiver Je'Ron Stokes, who officially left the team Tuesday.

Michigan also lost true freshman linebacker Kellen Jones last month.

A reason was not given for any of the departures.

Hoke talked about attrition at his news conference Tuesday after losing Posada and Stokes this week.

“To be honest with you, it was the right thing for them and how they felt," he said. "We wish them the best, and they’re great kids. But, sometimes kids move on for different reasons - homesick or whatever it might be.

"I’m not going to get into that, but it usually works out for everybody.”

Barnett's departure won't have much of an impact on Michigan this year, since he wasn't expected to receive playing time behind seniors Kevin Koger and Steve Watson.

Tight end will be more of an uncertainty next year, when the only returners are redshirt freshman Ricardo Miller and junior Brandon Moore. Miller has yet to play a down at Michigan, and Moore has played in five career games.

The Wolverines also have two tight ends verbally committed to their 2012 class: Farmington Hills Harrison's Devin Funchess and Cincinnati's A.J. Williams.

One result of the move could be the size of Michigan's 2012 class. Hoke said last month at the Big Ten media days in Chicago he hoped to sign about 25 or 26 players. That could grow to 27 or 28, once the departures are accounted for and the program decides who will receive fifth years.

Michigan's class is at 22 now.

“I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about that," Hoke said Tuesday after Posada and Stokes left the team. "If there’s more scholarships that we can give, then we’re going to try and fill them. But I haven’t thought about it yet.”

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.

Comments

#58ontheroster

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.

I played for Bump Elliott from 1966 (freshman year when freshmen weren't eligible) to 1968. I was a senior on Bo's first team at Michigan. I wasn't a star. But I loved Michigan, loved the team and my teammates. Several of them are still good friends today. I would never quit on them. When I graduated the only draft I was wanted in was for the US Army. So I became a US Marine officer. Today I'm a lawyer in Chicago. It was great to hear Al Borges say that the practices were not for the faint of heart. That's how it was under Bump and Bo. I want to see old school football. The REAL game is played between the tackles on both sides of the line. I want our linemen to be BIG and TOUGH. I want them to have blood on their knuckles, the bridges of their noses and around their teeth. Perhaps that's why those who those 3 left. If they couldn't hack it, the team is better off without them. As to the team depth problem, quitters will quit on the team when called upon to perform. So it doesn't bother me that these guys left. The real players, the Michigan players, remain. Re4garding the linemen I referred to: No team can win without them. Not even a team with Denard. So all you fantasy football players (you spread option fake football fans), sorry to disappoint you. Hoke plays real football at Michigan.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.

Great post #58. Glad to see you back. Good Night and Good Luck

#58ontheroster

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.

Sorry I didn't edit properly. Excuse the mistakes in spelling and clumsiness in use of words.

mohomed

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.

Anyone who played college ball knows that the freshman drop like flies the first year and any 18 year old in football camp is in for the shock of his life, especially a tight end going up against 22 year old MEN defensive lineman who have had years to build up their bodies. I respect this young man, he's probably making a mistake but college football is brutal and it isn't for everybody.

Terry Star21

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.

It's plain and simple, these players who leave couldn't make the cut, whether it be attitude or physical. Some times they are a hinderance to the positives of a program and do us a favor in leaving. It's also true that real losers, some whose own teams are in trouble come to this site to complain and look for trouble, but they fail miserably - as they can't berate college footballs number one program. True winners come to Michigan to become champions, they work hard and they succeed - doing what ever it takes. The true winners stay at Michigan - and those that stay become champions.

1st Down

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 4:28 a.m.

yeah i was going to ask that too about your playing career...i googled you but couldnt find anything under Terry Starr....

genetracy

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.

You seem to know alot about the program. What years did you play?

Mick

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.

Hey Genetracy, why don't YOU leave and go hang out with your brother Dick Tracy? Huh? Like 1st Down so astutely pointed out, this kid switched commitments 3 times, changed high schools a few times and generally didn't stay anywhere for very long. Maybe he wears out his welcome, maybe he's a quitter on his team mates and has a me first mentality. Well I say see ya' and wouldn't want to be ya'. I mean come on man, stick it out once for goodness sakes. As for all you others on here who just want to stir trouble, get a freakin' life, go root for your team or whatever. If you don't like "The U-M", why are you on here?

psaume23

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.

Apparently attrition in major programs is common. I found this article on some SEC teams' attrition issues: <a href="http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/sports-blogs/rene-nadeau/437687-football-roster-attrition-common-for-lsu-others.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/sports-blogs/rene-nadeau/437687-football-roster-attrition-common-for-lsu-others.html</a>

1st Down

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 4:27 a.m.

Nice find psaume23! agree with that article...some kids will never improve much after HS and competition weeds them out of big time programs like LSU, Bama and Michigan.

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:46 a.m.

Michigan new slogan= See we are just like SEC schools.

Terry Star21

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:39 a.m.

I agree psaume23 - it just makes major news when it happens to college football's number one program.

genetracy

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 11:38 p.m.

"Those who leave will be champions"

Terry Star21

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:40 a.m.

Like the buckeyes - 'Champions of the Tattoo Parlors'.......

1st Down

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.

Barnett is not a surprise to me. He was a last minute addition to this class, and honestly his recruitment was shaky....he switched schools a few times before Michigan at the last minute..also he is coming off a severe knee injury. Good luck kid, Michigan is not for you. Go Blue.

Mick52

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.

All this speculation of what is going on and why is frustrating. If a coach is faced with a big problem, maybe needs a yard or a tackle, he goes to a player and says, "Get in there and get it done!" So, "Meinke, Get it there and find out!"

10dz

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.

This is what happens in big time college football. Michigan is no different. New coach comes in and starts cleaning house. If these guys were good enough to start, or were going to be counted on even next year, Hoke would have made them feel that way. But they don't fit into the plans so you make them miserable enough so they leave on "their terms" and you wish them the best on their way out. Stop pretending like we are above that type of behavior. It happens everywhere. If DRob wanted to transfer, do you really think they would just "let" him go? I don't think so. What they are doing is slowly transitioning their offensive philosphy to fit his skill set. Which is smart by the way. But you know if they had a better option at QB, they wouldn't care if he left.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:41 p.m.

In his first months the WCIMFH lost two wide receivers who are now in the NFL, a QB who was drafted in the 3d round by the same team that drafted Tom Brady in the 3d round, and a lineman who, in his first year of eligibility at his new school, was All Big 10. To date Hoke has lost three players who have never played a down of football for the UofM and one who, in two seasons, has one pass reception and some time on special teams (and we all know how good those special teams were under the WCiMFH). So if the slappies want to equate the guys that the WCiMFH lost with the guys that Hoke has lost, have at it. Shows their complete lack of perspective. Good Night and Good Luck

rightmind250

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.

Geez Eddie, I get dizzy listening to your spin. Stokes and Posada might not have been a big deal but, Kellen and Chris Barnett are. They were 2 of the top recruits in a class that was a little thin to begin with. The season hasn't even started yet. Watch out kool-aid drinkers. The wheels may not have come off yet but, the lug nuts are certainly loose.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.

MS & Jay: My bad about Brady! Good Catch. Terry: Absolutely. Good Night and Good Luck

Terry Star21

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.

ERMG....I know like me, you believe that every one of these jumpers will wind up being for the good of the team down the line.

Jaysham

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.

Hey Ghost your my man and just wanted to point out to you that Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round by NE and not in the 3rd round. Just wanted to let you know before some of the other haters and RR groupies start hating on you. GO BLUE!

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.

I'd agree with you 100%, but Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round. Denard will be drafted higher, but not to play quarterback.

Chilltime

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.

There may be several more leaving as well. Hoke and his staff have rubbed some players the wrong way.

Elaine F. Owsley

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.

Maybe they realized they just couldn't measure up to the expectations of playing for Michigan. Not every freshman or even sophomore can cut it. Sometimes the handwriting on the wall says "leave now".

rightmind250

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.

Yeah right, they've got so much to live up to. How many b10 games did they win over the last 3 years?

ChelseaBob

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.

Calm down folks. Academics have begun, and coach Hoke actually expects his young men to perform in the classroom. Some of them didn't think of that before now. Others may be homesick. Whatever the case, this attrition is OK because with Hoke it's for different reasons then it was with RR. Those who stay will be champions. All you whiners go back to E Lansing and Columbus.

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.

So that means that all the seniors this year had better win a championship. Might have to change that slogan to --- all that stay win a few, lose a few.

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:54 p.m.

Because Hoke is a stand-up guy who doesn't air these issues through the press, we don't know why this is happening. Perhaps it's academic, perhaps it's frustration with the depth chart, perhaps the practices are too tough for these kids. I remember Barnett was a surprise recruit - one who seemed to be staying in the south with a commitment, then suddenly was on the table and coming north. Unfortunately, kids who walk out on commitments elsewhere might well walk out on you, too, down the road. Not trying to minimize the loss because a modern offense needs tight end depth, but there are signs he might not have the character to play Big Ten football.

Macabre Sunset

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 5:23 a.m.

You don't think each and every incoming athlete is spending the summer just reading the playbook, do you? These kids cannot take a full load during the fall term, and they often have a long way to go before they're even qualified for classes here, so there is academic prep work to do.

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.

Academic? Wow, Michigan must be tough. Kid has not even had one class yet.

bigblue

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.

I love MICHIGAN FOOTBALL as much as anybody. But watching all of the hoke worshipers/rr haters twist their arguments into a pretzel loaded with hypocrisy instead of salt is getting old.

Mick52

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.

I'm with you. It's a popularity contest.

superbuck

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:33 p.m.

I think you will see this continue and I also think some of your 2012 commits will also reverse their decision.

Mick

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.

You wish, wishful thinker you! Go root for your cheatin' boys, see ya! In the rear view mirror real soon!

Mick52

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:58 p.m.

Supe, are you thinking some might go south if osu gets a wrist slap instead of a boot up its place I cannot post on here? I am thinking if they get a big whallop players may stay away. I think they will decide on how well Michigan does this fall. Or it could just be they really like the coaches who recruited them. You do make a point, they aren't here until they are here.

Lorain Steelmen

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.

Hey, superbuck.....you ready for the Luke Fickell era? I can't get a handle on this guy yet. Part of me says he'll be just fine. And part of me says, he's just a 'place holder' until the heat dies down, and the Big Boys can get their 'main man' in there...... what's your take?

zeeba

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.

I have to agree. I think a lot of the 2012 class is jumping aboard the Hoke bandwagon because they figured there were holes to be filled and opportunities to be had. We'll have a better idea what kind of recruiter he is once the 2013 class is in place. I think he's going to be a good coach, but it's far too early to say whether he'll be an outstanding one.

joe golder

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.

Maybe the much hyped 2012 class left them wondering if they would get on the field. Going somewhere else now may give them a better opportunity to play. I will always support UM's football coach. I look forward to see what he gets accomplished on the field and not what he Jabbers to the media.

missionbrazil

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:31 p.m.

Wow, some people really like to panic when a little adversity comes. No wonder the stock markets goes crazy sometimes ... people over react too much. The best individuals & teams face adversity head on, fight through it, and come out the other side better off for it. They don't make excuses CW ... they fight through it and overcome it. That is going to be one of the biggest differences between the new Hoke era and the last 3 years. Go Blue.

D21

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:28 p.m.

Don't worry about those departures because Lorain said it best: Hoke is just weeding out the prima donnas. We are in the 'ugly season' right now, and the Coach wants to find out, who 'talks the talk', and who 'walks the walk'. (Neither Carr nor Rodriguez did much of that.) About Carr, I am not so sure but his program did slip somewhat in the latter years. However, those 3 players likely left cuz they learned that they aren't good enough to get playing time this season or next (with good or better players coming in). TiM. Spekaing of Carr, did Mattison depart to become the DC at ND in 1998 after a tiff with Carr? Fellas, any input?

Blu n Tpa

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 1:12 a.m.

D21, appreciate the effort but you are going to have to work on the Chris Berman "name game". And please did you have to pick a player from tsopio? (Tupa played QB for them too and had a pretty good career in the NFL. Except for where he went to school friends tell me he was good guy.)

D21

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.

Thanks Blue (Don't call me *Tom) Tpa *o-h-i-o's past buckeye punter Tom Tupa.

Blu n Tpa

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:14 p.m.

No, he left after the 1996 season and Jim Hermann was elevated to the DC position before the 1997 season. I never heard of why he left but I'm happy he's back.

#58ontheroster

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.

Chad Williams Every coach makes mistakes in recruiting. There is no way of telling if a recruit will pan out. That's why there are 85 guys on scholarship. Some guys stick it out even though they may never get significant playing time. Some guys just give up. Some leave. Michigan's biggest mistake ever was hiring RR. He took a winning program with a good defense and turned them into instant crap. Is that excuse enough for you?

81wolverine

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.

I've said this before on another post, and I'll say it again here. Higher than normal attrition is very common whenever there is a coaching change. It may not happen right away, and in fact, often occurs months after the change as we're seeing here. There are different reasons in each case and all of us can speculate why someone left until we're blue in the face. But, this is nothing to be concerned about in the big picture. Yes, our TE depth is going to stink next year, but the coaches will adjust the offense to compensate for it. What I'm hoping is causing many of these changes is the coaches are stressing toughness, discipline, and accountability to their teammates. The lack of these things may have hurt us over the last 3 years. As in the other cases, I wish Chris the best of luck wherever he ends up.

Blu n Tpa

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.

Thank you 81w. That wall of panic being displayed here lately are the weak sisters and non-believers of Michigan football, Coach Hoke, and the University of Michigan. They can leave too. You, like the players and fans willing to stay the course will be happy with the results. TiM Go Blue!

D21

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.

Well said!

Chad Williams

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.

This is the what iim talking about. The last three years if a player would have left it would hae been RR this and RR that. The same EXACT scenario and now its all the players and not Hoke. I think people are just giving Hoke the benefit of the doubt just because he had a previous stop at Michigan. So that means he can get away with murder and no one is going to have anything bad to say about him. The worst part about this Barnett was a "Hoke Guy" and he left. No he wasnt a RR guy and couldnt fit the new sceme this was a guy who was signed when Hoke came in. Whats the excuse do you all have now.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.

missionbrazil

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.

"IMO, the RR era made many Michigan fans appear petty and spoiled." Or it makes some of them look like they can't let go of the past.

truebluefan

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.

Good point, Chad. It's all about perception and many Michigan fans and people in the media didn't want and/or like Coach Rodriguez from the very beginning. A kid transferred under Coach Rod's watch and all of a sudden the program was headed for ruin, lacked family values, the kid left because the coaches yelled too much, the kid left because the coaches used profanities, the kid left because karma was catching up to Coach Rod from shredding papers or a failed real estate deal, etc, etc, ad nauseum. Now, a kid transfers under Hoke and the fans blame the kid for being overweight and not up to the challenge of Michigan. They love it because it opens another scholly for next season...woo hoo! IMO, the RR era made many Michigan fans appear petty and spoiled.

Blu n Tpa

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.

OK it's Coach Hokes fault. The difference is right now we like Coach Hoke and we like how he's changing the mind set of the program from coaches not taking responsibility and players not doing what is needed of them to be competitive in the Big Ten and beyond. The good news is he's not lying, or cheating like your team in C-bus so enjoy this while you can. TiM Go Blue!

D21

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.

BTW, I accidentally "voted" for your post when trying to click "reply". :)

D21

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.

Ask Barnett that question yourself. Kids come and go. TiM

D21

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.

More room for the 2012 class. Remember Grand Junction, TX back in 1954 where many players quit on Coach Bear Bryant. Interesting link: <a href="http://junction-boys.com/History.html" rel='nofollow'>http://junction-boys.com/History.html</a> Maybe Hoke should hold camp at Sleeping Bear Dunes next time, lol. GO BLUE! HOKE IS IT!

belboz

Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.

How could I forget?

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.

I agree its not unusual for programs to lose players. What is unusual is the timing; why is all of this going down 1~2 weeks before the first game? Team personnel should be all locked up and finalized at this point. That being said, I'm glad Hoke let those guys go and didn't bend over backwards trying to convince them to stay. There's no room on the roster for somebody that truly doesn't want to be there.

OldBittyBates

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.

I hate this! I hate this! I hate this! Why didn't these 4 guys stand behind their commitments? What ever happened to loyalty? Is one or more of the coaches making a mess of things? We need to get to the bottom of this sudden controversy. Are the players turning yellow at the thought of facing Western Michigan?

Blu n Tpa

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.

Me too, me too, me too! Oh wait. No I don't. They want to leave, let them. If you want to quit posting, you can. See it's free will. These players that left weren't going to "face" anyone anytime soon. We have 4 tight ends this year and we will have 4 tight ends next year. They will find out that the next stop wont be kissing their butt any more that Coach Hoke's staff did. Good luck finding playing time without committment. TiM Go Blue!

zeeba

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.

I don't know. Hoke's comments seemed like a veiled "don't let the door hit you on the way out." Given the early attrition level among top programs nationwide, I have to wonder if many of these kids aren't essentially being brushed aside after an evaluation period of a few months or one year in order to free up more scholarships.

Wally the Wolverine

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.

We would've been better off with the attrition immediately after Hoke took over in January. Now that we're only a week away from our first game, it's starting to become a big distraction. I guess we can sugar coat it and say it creates opportunities for the 2012 class (really?), but the reality is the timing can potentially undermine the confidence of team solidarity. Ughh...

DonAZ

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.

How much of this is "typical" for any program (new coach or not) and how much of this is coming to our attention because we have a 24 x 7 mindset when it comes to any morsel of news we can get regarding the team?

Kyle Meinke

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.

DonAZ, I'd say this kind of attrition is pretty typical for a coaching change. It is coming a little late in the game, which makes the moves stand out a little more. But, with such a sharp change in coaching and schemes this year, four players leaving isn't eye-popping. I'd venture to say Barnett's the only one that's a true surprise, because he actually committed to Hoke and plays tight end, a position of heightened importance in the new system. He also was a top high school tight end. Again, though, I wouldn't be overly worried. The 2012 class is in great shape, meaning MIchigan is in good position to chase the holes opened by these departures.

Fred

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.

Didn't like the way the two-deeps looked after fall camp, homesick ... big deal! Opens up a slot for someone who wants to be here. This kid's no Sam McGuffie.

EightySeven

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.

Lorain you make a ton of sense why don't we move the safety over to kicker, then move the guard of to slot rec, then take the qb and put him at DT. It looks like Denard has bulked up a little maybe he can push Will Campbell for playing time. That was a nice little slap at Coach Carr!

Lorain Steelmen

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.

#58ontheroster...Thanks for the post! You have said it all, and I love it. In the end, it isn't about the ''pretty' guys, but it IS about the guys, that get knocked on their backsides, and get back up, and pop ya in the mouth, on the next snap. Thats what Bo and Mo demanded...and I have a suspicion that is what Hoke wants. Not punks, but blue collar, tough kids. (Glenn Steel comes to mind.) I'll take a squad full of those guys, before I'll put up with a falshy 'pretty-boy'...because in November, it'll be the tough guys that are left. There are No style points, at the end of the year. Note, I think DRob may be the real deal...he's small, BUT, I think he has a big heart. I also think this Gardner kid will be a keeper, as well. He needs to get reps, early in the season, cuz, we're likely to need him.

#58ontheroster

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.

I played for Bump and Bo. Bo was my senior season. We had attrition during that change, too. We even had one "all-world" freshman running back from Texas who left the practice field one day crying because of the beating he took. We never saw him again. I don't care about unproven players leaving. It just tells me they aren't tough enough or committed enough to Michigan. The real football players play between the tackles on both sides of the line. You can tell who they are. Their knuckles and the bridges of their noses are bleeding. No team can win without them. Not even a team with Denard!

Lorain Steelmen

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.

Some of you guys need to relax, and get a grip! Hoke is just weeding out the prima donnas. We are in the 'ugly season' right now, and the Coach wants to find out, who 'talks the talk', and who 'walks the walk'. (Neither Carr nor Rodriguez did much of that.) Most of the posters on here, have no clue what the BO/MO teams went through. Lets' just it wasn't 'pretty'. When the season started, Bo/Mo were 'left with the bougars', the tough kids, that played, for the love of the game. (It's 'old school'). I get the feeling we may be back to that again. Time will tell, but if so, I say good! I got pretty tired of all the Carr, 'PC crap'. (It's no coincidence, that when Mattsion & Hoke left, in the early 2000's, that the program started to slip.) ....UM got 'pretty'.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.

He cannot help himself. Best to ignore him when he does it. Good Night and Good Luck

Hailmary

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.

"And another one bites the dust", come on folks, the RR era is over, our mesmorized facination of our new coach and staff should have tapered off and now it's time to get down to brass tacks and nails. These young mens decision to leave the program is just part of college ball.. I can only imagine what my bosses would have said to me in the military if I would have said, I don't want to play for you any more, I'm homesick or I don't like the way you run your progam. Ha, ha. Anthoney Carter tried to play that game and Bo didn't let him get away with it but then again Anthoney had a value to the team.

Lorain Steelmen

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.

Have to say I am sorry to lose this kid. Not sure why he would leave..but maybe Carr talked him into leaving. (just kidding!) Hoke can always move a young tackle over there, if he has to.

johnnya2

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.

Kind of like Carr turned a QB Jay Riemersma into a PROFESSIONAL tight end. You can either play football or you can't. I don't worry about losing a true freshman. I bet if you looked at the overall freshman class, a lot of them leave the U. How many decisions that you made at 17 and 18 are the same decisions you would make today? I have no problem with a kid leaving because he does not think UM is the right fit for him. It is better than him leaving because of criminal behaviour.

zeeba

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.

LOL. "Those who get out now might still win something somewhere else."

Lorain Steelmen

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.

zeeba.. wow, let the slams begin!

scott

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.

How can you say this isn't a big deal, there are only 2 tight ends on the team next year and neither have shown any substance in college. Hopefully Miller turns out like his recruiting profile did, but if you're going to run 2 tight-end sets you need to have a reasonable depth chart to do so.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.

Folks, Koger and Watson are seniors. Koger was a Mackey finalist last year. Are we thin at the position? Yes. Just as we are at several other positions. Read the post of #58ontheroster below. Good Night and Good Luck

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.

No, we wouldn't. Tight ends are expected to block, so they take time to develop, like offensive linemen.

scott

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.

Well thank goodness we'll have some true freshmen tight ends to put in the 2-deep? Tight end isn't running back or wide receiver, we'd be better off with some walk-ons.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.

"How can you say this isn't a big deal, there are only 2 tight ends on the team next year and neither have shown any substance in college." You need to re-read the article and use all of your fingers when you do. Good Night and Good Luck