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Posted on Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.

Michigan football gets first commitment for class of 2012, according to reports

By AnnArbor.com Staff

Recruiting websites are reporting that Rockford offensive lineman Ben Braden has become the Michigan football team's first commitment in its 2012 recruiting class.

SuperPrep.com and mgoblog.com list the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Braden as a future Wolverine.

Earlier this week Advance Newspapers reported that Braden was choosing between scholarship offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Syracuse.

Braden is a 3-star recruit according to Scout.com.

In other Michigan football-related news, the Youngstown Vindicator has updated its story on Youngstown native Ray Vinopal's decision to transfer to Pittsburgh.

Vinopal confirmed to the newspaper that his decision to leave Michigan “was not a football-based decision.”

Comments

mun

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.

I'm amused by the mental gymnastics the Rich Rod slappies do in explaining how his 15wins-22losses record at U-M is better than Lloyd Carr's 122wins-40losses <a href="http://cfreference.net/cfr/school.s?id=25" rel='nofollow'>http://cfreference.net/cfr/school.s?id=25</a>

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 10:32 p.m.

TP is right as usual and TP why don't you write that song you sound like you have a little country in you. Go Blue!

Blu n Tpa

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.

It's LOVE! What other reason could there be &quot;for so many to fall so hard for someone who failed so badly.&quot; (Rather Churchhillian, don't you think?) They see only wins and a great offense, and the &quot;promise&quot; of improvement &quot;next year&quot;. Denial, is only possible when there is LOVE! That could be a country song.

Blu n Tpa

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 12:23 a.m.

Who is boasting? The Coach is working hard and it's spring practice at Michigan, his first. His players seem to like him and those that don't, well, they will go somewhere else. Please show an example of Coach Hoke &quot;boasting&quot;. After that go take your pamprin.

Theo212

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 11:34 p.m.

Fact: We all agree Our King extricated us from the doldrums. Fact: We hope Hoke carries on the modern momentum. Fact: We all love Michigan. Fact: Go Blue. That should settle it kids. To the spring game we go! (Terry, shhhhhhh but I'm now constructing a triple secret invisible bridge to carry the faithful right to Section 39).

Terry Star21

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 8 p.m.

Add an extension to section 42 for me Theo......

missionbrazil

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 7:52 p.m.

Some people just can't help themselves I guess.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.

You are right, Go Blue!

Terry Star21

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 6:46 p.m.

Agree Theo - and Portage.....the thing about boasting is said, If you have to flaunt it, you don't have it'. But then there is the exception, 'If you have it, show it to the world' ! To me Hoke's 'mild' boasting shows his extreme confidence and his assertion he is doing the right thing without a doubt. We all liked RR, and he was our King - but I didn't like his sideline antics of showing the World confusion, anger, and uncertainty. I take Mild Boasting. One thing is certain my friends Theo &amp; Portage - WE are the Michigan Football Faithful and we're gonna have a great time this fall. Terry Star, Theo, Portage - on the inside enjoying the game. Complainers &amp; Doubters - stuck on the other side of the Stadium bridges.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.

I meant to say it's been tiresome ever since Jim Tressell took over at ohio state but, I'll minimize it to the last 4 years.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 7:35 p.m.

Ya know Terry, I agree to a point with you except, The last 3 yrs. have been tiresome in regards to the program as a whole. I'm not just referring to RR's Win, Loss record or his negligence regarding the extra practice time. I'm referring to the whole enchilada, Tate, DB, the cost of everything which inevitably caused a ticket hike, the messy termination of RR's contract right down to that sad, degrading bowl game. Then we go through the appearance of begging for a new coach but settling for number 3 which like Bo could turn out a positive. Terry, I live in Calif. and you would not believe how much news the above mess made out here. I feel that all the talking and boasting in the world won't quiet these issues or the anger that many Mich. fans feel over that debacle. What I think is if everyone (including coaches) would tone it down(shutup) and just quietly prepare for the season I say quietly but with an attitude. Come fall let the boys in maize and blue march onto the field and let their play do the talking. Wins and a quiet but aggressive attitude will bring Mich. back to their lofty levels or heyday. No good can come from boasting before your first down is played let alone your first win.

missionbrazil

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.

Good post Blu-dogg, and good info. about the Rockford program. Sounds like Ben Braden is coming from an excellent program with excellent coaching. Welcome to UM Ben ... go Blue.

Amaiz'nblu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.

1ST off Lorain I think the only thing that your post proves is in Lloyds worst years..his teams were better then RR's best..and his win % against TSIO was 0 and werent even close.. Secondly.. Does anyone else here wonder if these recruits might read these posts?? You cant rip a 17 year old kid for picking michigan as his college.. What 5 star kid wants to come to a place where the fans are so ravenous??

Amaiz'nblu

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.

Not the point dusty and portage... The point is we have half the people on here stuck in the RR error..i mean era... and arent giving hoke a chance saying he's boasting and what not and only bringing in 3* kids... its the first committ for the year and the committs will come.. What Hoke is doing with his pc's is making HIMSELF ACCOUNTABLE... Setting himself up to take the heat if things dont go our way this year...not throwing these kids under the bus... like &quot;the king&quot;

Dusty

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.

If a kid decides not to come to Michigan because of some comments on the internet after a local news article, then do you really think he fits in with all the &quot;we're gonna be tough and accountable&quot; Hoke has been preaching?

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.

Well, I hope those 5 star kids are thick skinned. I've gone to other sites(college sites) and read far worse. If the kid is intelligent he will already know that fans of any sports college or pro often hotly debate issues, it's part of the whole allure to sports. We are not robots yet.

Blu-dogg97

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.

very good point Amaiz&quot;n !! I'm with you on that one...

Blu-dogg97

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.

Lets all move from the past here fellas this is a new era of Michigan football.. I'm a Michigan fan and like to keep it positive. The way I see it Ben has a great upside,this kid is going to grow bigger and stronger,there a reason he was being recruited by Wiscky,and msu.. I live in Rockford,and Rockford football has been a class A div 1power house for years,they will draw in excess of 10,000 fans at a home game,I often have to sit on the visitors side of the field.Ralph Munger has been there 15 plus season as coach,and he has a great winning record and a few state championships class A. He seldom has super stars,but he coaches up what talent he has to be very good student athlete's that play as a team,he groomed Joe Staley OL who excelled at CMU ,and now one of the anchors on the 49ers OL in the NFL. There also is a reason Ralph Munger is the highest paid high school football coach in the state of Michigan,he just wins,and wins every year,year in and year out! Since 2005 to present Rockford football has a 68-10 record with almost a .900 winning percentage,I'm guessing coach Hoke and crew already know this,and will be recruiting more of Ralph Mungers players.. Ben is a great find and will do well under the new system with Michigan football.. Go Blue..

missionbrazil

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.

Theo &quot;Divisiveness gets us nowhere, kids. Support our team or go away ... Under DB and Hoke, we have: 1) tickets that no one can afford, 2) a promise to run the pro set, and 3) ????????? &quot; Does that mean you have to go away now ? ... because that is definitely not supporting BH and the team right there. You have yet to say anything positive about BH or our program since January 5.

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.

As usual you are right TP I owe you an apology. Go Blue!

missionbrazil

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.

Portage &quot;As usual, you are only reading and hearing what you want to fit your rhetoric agenda. &quot; I never knew I had a &quot;rhetoric agenda&quot;. Here is my &quot;agenda&quot; Portage : Go Blue ! Nothing more, nothing less. I do try to make a comment when I see the hypocrisy of some ... criticizing others for something and yet in the same breath doing the EXACT same thing they are criticizing. Nothing wrong with having an opinion ... but certain people continually call others names (ie - &quot;second graders&quot; or &quot;haters&quot; ...) and continue to do what they criticize others for. They know they can't present and prove their their opinions to be correct based on actual facts, so they use these foolish methods. These are the folks who are causing the real division ... it's their methods, not their opinions.

Blu n Tpa

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.

PLB What are you writing about? &quot;Saber rattling or chest thumping&quot;? Where is all this coming from? Coach Hoke is simply telling you what he sees and what he feels needs to be done to make Michigan competitive again after 3 years of awful special teams and defense. No excuses, no slight of hand offense, or &quot;poor mouthing&quot; his players. This team's getting ready to play football this fall, not in two or three years. Didn't you write you want to see it on the field before you start to judge him? Well wait.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.

As usual, you are only reading and hearing what you want to fit your rhetoric agenda. Theo like all of us love Michigan football and just because you see things differently doesn't change the fact that we wholeheartedly love Mich. football. For some folks Hoke will take getting used to but at least we're admitting that in wishing the team well we hope this is the right coach. Just because many folks are not drooling over Brady Hoke doesn't mean we don't love Mich. football. Maybe some of us don't like the saber rattling or chest thumping at this stage of the game remember what most of you RR critic's used to say when RR won those first 5, that's right, you were never happy until his first loss it was an amazing thing to hear many of you almost boasting that , see I told you so, he is a lousy coach. I heard very few of you support the wins. That's sure not the kind of Mich. fans I or my family want to hang around with. Try to remember many, many fans supported Rich Rodriguez and that whole thing turned into one giant mess from the bowl game to DB. Just because we are now cautious of Brady Hoke has nothing to do with our love of Mich. football and we do wish the coach well but it remains to be seen. Brady, &quot;talks the talk&quot;, can he &quot;walk the walk&quot;. At this point none of us know but, we shall find out soon.

Theo212

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.

The MCC, The MCC; If that's what you call it; Then that's for me! We want progress, to not get stuck; If you pedal in reverse, You need Good Luck. -Theo Strubachincoskow Delaney Fitznorton '12

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.

I love the way the MCC say they support the new coach and then spend the rest of their posts ripping the new coach. They must have failed freshman comp (that is, if they've ever set foot in an academic building on a college campus). Good Night and Good Luck

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 10:26 p.m.

TP, that is low even for you. Cheer up son the games will start soon and we'll all be one big happy family again. Come on TP, Let's go Blue!

Blu n Tpa

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.

Ghost, I had the same conclusion. &quot;Sybil&quot; had less personalities than the MCC group. Anyone who thought Michigan football was heading in the right direction wasn't watching Michigan football. There's a group that form a cult of followers who think no defense, no special teams are hallmarks of great coaching. They don't argue the facts, just where their wonderlust takes them. Reality? No thanks, they don't need it.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.

Ed, you come close but never quite reach the promised land of understanding your fellow Wolverine faithful. Yes, we felt RR was the right guy given the time he needed and most of us thought 5 years, I did. We liked what he was bringing and yes it was a work in progress but hey, what new coach bringing in a new style isn't a work in progress. Now Ed, as far as your attacks on other Mich. faithful some more than you, You can berate all you need to, it doesn't change the fact the people that liked what RR was trying to get accomplished will support Brady just like we did when Bo got here in 1969 and many did not like that transition in coaching change. Ed, we all have a right to our opinion and that's even if it's wrong. I believe LC's heart was not in the game the last few years and since I am his age I understand why. The kind of stamina it takes, the press, the networks, alum, the hours, recruiting, the fans etc. would take it's toll on anyone less than superman. I never hated LC but I do think his leaving was a humanitarian issue, I don't think LLoyd could be relagated to a figurehead like other college older coaches are. Relax Ed, we all want the same thing and that is, to see our teams do well.

Theo212

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.

Sadly and ironically, if Hoke falters, it will be my friends (tater, lorain, portage, dusty, terry star, EVERYBDYZGOT1) and I who will be the ones supporting him while the elementary school children will create another circus. Divisiveness gets us nowhere, kids. Support our team or go away. PS Thanks to Bill Martin and The King, we have: 1) a glorious new stadium (with no ticket price increase under his watch), 2) an entry into playing 21st Century football, and 3) hope. Under DB and Hoke, we have: 1) tickets that no one can afford, 2) a promise to run the pro set, and 3) ????????? Go Blue.

Terry Star21

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.

Agree Theo - and Portage.....the thing about boasting is said, If you have to flaunt it, you don't have it'. But then there is the exception, 'If you have it, show it to the world' ! To me Hoke's 'mild' boasting shows his extreme confidence and his assertion he is doing the right thing without a doubt. We all liked RR, and he was our King - but I didn't like his sideline antics of showing the World confusion, anger, and uncertainty. I take Mild Boasting. One thing is certain my friends Theo &amp; Portage - WE are the Michigan Football Faithful and we're gonna have a great time this fall. Terry Star, Theo, Portage - on the inside enjoying the game. Complainers &amp; Doubters - stuck on the other side of the Stadium bridges.

Terry Star21

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.

Agree Theo - and Portage.....the thing about boasting is said, If you have to flaunt it, you don't have it'. But then there is the exception, 'If you have it, show it to the world' ! To me Hoke's 'mild' boasting shows his extreme confidence and his assertion he is doing the right thing without a doubt. We all liked RR, and he was our King - but I didn't like his sideline antics of showing the World confusion, anger, and uncertainty. I take Mild Boasting. One thing is certain my friends Theo &amp; Portage - WE are the Michigan Football Faithful and we're gonna have a great time this fall. Terry Star, Theo, Portage - on the inside enjoying the game. Complainers &amp; Doubters - stuck on the other side of the Stadium bridges.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.

Theo, the haters know we love Mich. and will support the coach even if he has a difficult 1st 3 yrs. although, with the talent he inherited and his assist. coaches he should have a leg up especially with the talent. The only real complaint I have about Brady is his boasting. I think he can give all the boys and girls what they need (like a fix) by remaining Humble especially before he has head coached 1 down yet. I say, Zip it and let the team do the walking and talking come Sept..

clarklaker

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 11:06 a.m.

charles woodson was a 3 star.

Dusty

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 12:23 a.m.

What the...? Charles Woodson was NOT 3 star. Firstly, Rivals and Scout didn't exist back then, and if I'm not mistaken they started the whole star-rating thing. He was Parade and USA Today first team All-American and Ohio's &quot;Mr. Football&quot; in 1994. If the star-rating did exist at the time, there's no way that a &quot;Mr. Football&quot; from a powerhouse pipeline state like Ohio would be 3 star. Absolutely no way.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.

Charles Woodson was a rare gem the likes of which we may never see again at Mich. Charles was a great player but another god given gift he had was that he could lead and motivate. Three great attributes that can raise the level of a team into a National Champion.

grantwstephens

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 5:26 a.m.

Theo I understand why you would be mad but its time to move on. Are you going to be the same type of person you despise. The kind of person that never gave Coach Rod a chance. Give Hokeant the team a chance!

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 9:50 p.m.

This site is for folks to express their opinions and we don't need permission to do that as long as we follow the rules. Look, The RR bashers bash at any given opportunity and trying to erase Rich Rodriguez just because he was fired This Year is your privilege. These were RR's recruits and if they and the team do well this year it will be in part because RR recruited them. Every time DR makes a long run peope will think of RR and the great gift he recruited to this fine University. There are many ways to fire a coach. Some like RR are handed their walking papers other coaches are politely advised that their usefulness is no longer needed.

grantwstephens

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 5:22 a.m.

Mike Hart, 3 stars. That is all.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.

MCC Logic: Bad mouth great Michigan players. Bad mouth great Michigan coaches. Bad mouth great Michigan fans. All the while professing themselves to be the only &quot;true fans&quot; And pining away for the cheating band of incompetents that Dave Brandon had the common sense to can. Good Night and Good Luck

Blu n Tpa

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.

How can you bad mouth Mike Hart, as a Michigan fan? Really?

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.

Hart was overrated just ask Ohio State and USC.

Terry Star21

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.

First off 'You bet ya', is a direct, confident, getting the job done answer - American needs a Mother, enough said ! This recruit is so good in so many ways my computer disallows me the space to comment. Why do so many of these commenters dwell on the past, Carr, RR, 2005 this 2007 that - geez get a life people. Try being a Michigan Football Faithful - it's great. I know that whenever I go tailgating I am so exciting for the game I can barley contain myself - I want to get in there @ 7:00 am to see what is going on. Many times I get caught up in the 1 1/2 hour pre game festivities and I am nearly wiped out, hoarse from yelling/clapping. THEN IT HAPPENS - I see the first glimpse of the winged helmets popping up near the field entrance about five minutes to kick off and the little tears start falling from my eyes. Every player and coach hit that banner and I am so emotionally drained I have to sit a spell. People around me say 'Think we'll win' and I reply 'I don't know - but I'll take anything they give me' ! Then my daughter looks over and says, 'We're gonna have a great time' ! Yep - 'You bet ya'........

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 10:20 p.m.

TP relax, your going to have a stroke before you hit 40. This is just about fun and banter. &quot;You betcha&quot;, who care it's just a fun expression. Your defensiveness borderlines on anger. We all joke about the coaches past and present and the coaches and team don't pay my bills so to me this is just a bunch of fun banter among friends and loyal Michigan fans, Relax, and Go Blue!

Blu n Tpa

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 12:50 p.m.

&quot;You bet ya&quot; the trademark words of a person that quit her job and left her responsibilities she swore an oath to perform, with her hand on a bible. Not my mother, enough said. I agree with everything else and now when your daughter asks you if &quot;we'll win&quot;, you can say, &quot;We're better prepared in all three aspects of the game.&quot; TiM Go Blue!

Theo212

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 1:18 a.m.

Mr. Star, You are a phenomenal poster. In your honor I will try to stop mentioning Our King since it makes too many people jealous and throws the discussion a-skitter. Currently sitting in the Big House and waiting for spring game, Theo

michboy40

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.

A few thoughts: Congrats to Hoke for getting a recruit that had offers from MSU and Wisky. I don't care about the stars as much as who we are competing with...so awesome. RR was never given the same respect and chance by EVERYONE, that Hoke is getting right now. That's a fact no matter your opinion of the man. Lloyd Carr is a great Michigan man and I respect him, but he stunk it up as a game day coach. He caught lightning in a bottle in 1997, other than that he was average. In fact would never have been an HC if not for GM's drunken tirade.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.

What a new coach inherits from the previous coach means everything to his immediate future, 3-4 years and it could mean his job. Yes Gary Moeller screwed up and I imagine he would like to have that nite back. So tell me boys and girls, did Gary leave anything in the cupboard for LLoyd Carr? Maybe this new recruit will be everybody's everything but I don't like the sound of the chest thumping just because we stole one from Mich. st. or Whisky. Now, when I hear how we're stealing em away from USC, Texas and Alabama etc. why heck, I'll thump my chest to.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.

&quot;'You bet ya'..as Palin would say.&quot; How appropriate. The first line of a post that is even more illogical than anything that ever came out of the mouth of the ex-half-term governor of a national park. Good Night and Good Luck

rightmind250

Tue, Mar 29, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.

Eddie love your responses. They are filled with wit and truth, but I think I would rather be in the &quot;national park&quot; than the third world, welfare state they call Michigan. Detroit looks worse than the pictures I've seen from a bombed out Libya.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.

Any loss suffered by a Lloyd Carr-coached team is proof for the MCC that he was a poor coach. On the other hand, the worst three-year record in the history of Michigan football; the worst defense in Michigan history (2009); followed by an even worse defense (in 2010); 0-9 v. MSU/PSU/OSU; no victories over teams in the Top 25 at the end of the season we played them; the worst bowl loss in Michigan history (to the 5th place team in the SEC West); and the program's first ever NCAA probation--these were all things that, according to the MCC, prove we were on the right track. Such is MCC illogic. Good Night and Good Luck

Dusty

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 12:06 a.m.

Actually, no. Losing to App. State and getting the doors blown off by Oregon despite a senior-laden team full of future NFL players is proof the team was poorly coached.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.

Making fun of someone's English won't get you a better grade Ed Ghost. In fact, I nominate Sarah Palin for head coach when Brady's 3 year rotation is up.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.

I mean, seriously. Beating Florida was proof that the team was poorly coached? So what would losing to Florida have proven. Talk about a Catch 22. Shows that there is no logic at work in Lorraine's post. Just another MCC pining away. Good Night and Good Luck

Lorain Steelmen

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.

'You bet ya'..as Palin would say. Four losses in 2007 to Appy State, Oregon, Wisc, and osu. (34, 39, 37 and 14 points respectivley) Two losses in '06 to osu, and SC (42 pts!, and 32 pts). Five loses in '05, to ND, Wisc, Minn (ugh),osu, and Nebraska (17, 23, 23, 25, and 31 points respectively.) Three losses in ''04 to ND, osu and Texas.(28, 37, and 38 pts). Three loses in '03 to Oregon (31, 30, 28 pts) Three losses in '02 to ND, Iowa, and osu,(25,34,14 pts) and Four losses in '01 to UDub, msu, osu, and Tenna ( 23, 26, 26, 45 pts.) And remember all this was when Carr played 'ball control' to run the clock down, so the other teams' O stayed on the bench! Oh wow!Ghast's problem is that he never really got on board as a UM fan, just as an RR hater. As a student and fan since '65, I've seen it all. And I resent the fact that Carr 'mailed it in', after his team won the title in '97. (In spite of LC not because of LC, I might add.) UM's game against Florida only confirms my view, that UM played FAR below, their potential that year, and every year, since about '01. Seven years of underachieving is enough to convince me...and six of those years, with loses to osu. Think about Ghast, Tress only has three W's against RR...but 6 against Carr! The telling year was 2001 when Tress came into AA with NOTHING, and beat Carr, in the Big House, his FIRST year! Ughh, right out of the box. It was pathetic! RR's biggest mistake, was taking the job without first checking out the attitude, and talent level, on the team. And it cost him! I'm sure he was stunned, when he figured out the the cupboard was bare.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.

Nice try Ed Ghost but your grasping at straws son, I'll give ya a C for effort. Now all together now, 1,2,3 Go Blue !

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 11:11 a.m.

EddieGhost, Actually Eddie I'm approx 2,200 mi. from Ann Arbor but what's 700 mi. between pen pals. Since it is all a moot point or as some would say,&quot;Spilt Milk&quot; it would be a pleasant diversion from the old, Hate Rhetoric if some of the Rich Rodriguez Haters would admit that they had no intention of giving Rich a chance from day 1. Now of course I'm not pointing a finger at you unless the shoe fits but you do go back a long way with your hate rhetoric. Now, just to be fair I will describe my feeling about coach Hoke. I wish he would stop boasting at least until after the first game however, I support him same as I supported Rich Rodriguez and by the way, there were things I felt Rich did not get like the importance of our rivalries. I would sincerely like to see Brady drop 75 lbs. The stress he will face as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines and supporting fans and networks is 20X what he delt with before at small schools and as an assist at Mich. So ED, as you can see in my opinion there are real issues but of course not the type of issues that would cause hate rhetoric or the kind of rhetoric that would smear a mans name hence his family to. I hope the best for Mich. and I wish the best for Rich Rodriguez and his family in their endeavors. Now, after all my rhetoric let's give a big, Go Blue Ed Ghost.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 1:23 a.m.

Amazing. What skills. You read my mind from 1500 miles away and 3 years after whatshisname's hire? Wow! I didn't know I hated him from Day One until you told me! I thought it was when the team visibly quit on him in 2008 that I started to think he was incompetent. And then I had that confirmed for me when, in 2009, it quit on him again. And then I thought I had come to the conclusion he was a cheater when, in 2010, the U admitted he was a cheater. And then, silly me, I thought the cherry on the ice cream was a defense in 2010 that couldn't stop the offense of football team from St. Ignatius School for Blind Girls. Thanks for clarifying all of that for me, Portage. Thanks for telling me when it was that I came to the conclusion that the immediate past clown was a clown. You ought open a Tarot Card reading service. Good Night and Good Luck

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.

EdGhost for once listen, Lorraine is making sense and you know it. Rich Rodriguez&quot;s chances with the Carr crowd were slim to none, that was a known fact as far away as Calif. you must have known it. I live in Calif. and I talked with Mich. fans out here that hated RR before he even got started, remarks like, Mich. hired a hillbilly. Some of you RR complainers like to point out the win loss record and violation but you same boys and girls don't like to admit that you did not like the guy from day 1. I would have more respect for you haters of RR if you would admit that you had no intention of giving Rich Rodriguez a chance when you first knew he was coming to Mich. Now this should be interesting!

missionbrazil

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.

Lorraine &quot;RR inherited a weak, out of shape team, from Carr, that had become used to mediocracy... I won't attack Hoke the way a few on here attacked RR, because I am a UM fan.&quot; So a person who continually attacks Lloyd Carr is a &quot;UM fan&quot;, but a person who didn't like whatshisname and his losing ways is not a &quot;UM fan&quot; ? That makes a lot of sense Lorraine. &quot;The anti-RR crowd was essentialy an anti-UM group, and hurt this program severely! &quot; So do you think your continual slamming of LC is good for the program ? &quot;I didn't appreciate Hoke's comments recently, about the 'gap'. Rodriguez had more class, and never put down the previous coach, or the team.&quot; BH wasn't &quot;putting down&quot; the previous coach, he was referring to where the team is now and where he wants it to be ... stop being so hyper-sensitive about your old man crush friend. By the way ... whatshisname continually tried to blames his woes on LC, which is a back-handed put down of LC... real class guy he was.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.

&quot;RR inherited a weak, out of shape team, from Carr&quot; Can you cite any actual facts to substantiate that slander, Lorraine? You mean the weak and out of shape team that be Florida in Carr's last game? The weak and out of shape team that the merry band of incompetents had nine months to whip into shape? Didn't think so. Good Night

missionbrazil

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.

March 16, 2008 &quot;Offseason program has Wolverines looking, feeling different&quot; How did they feel in January 2009 after a 3-9 season ? How did they feel in January 2010 after a 5-7 season ? How did they feel on Jan. 2, 2011 after the 52-14 bowl loss ? Probably the same way most UM fans felt.

Blu n Tpa

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.

Dusty, too bad Barwis didn't coach DEFENSE and SPECIAL TEAMS also! If he did he might still be at Michigan. But he isn't, is he?

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.

OK, Dusty, let me introduce you to the concept of &quot;facts&quot; Not one of your links--not one--said anything about Lloyd Carr's teams being out of shape. What they noted was that Barwis's workouts were different. That his workouts were &quot;different&quot; in no way is proof that Carr's teams were out of shape. Different--I'll grant you that. Probably why the Wolverines looked gassed in the 4th quarters of late-season games for the past three years. Nice Try. Yes, it's slander. Congratulations. You win one. ERM's Ghost-54, Dusty-1 Good Night and Good Luck

Dusty

Mon, Mar 28, 2011 : 12:04 a.m.

&quot;Can you cite any actual facts to substantiate that slander, Lorraine?&quot; First off, it would be libel. Learn the difference, please. Secondly, if she can't, I can: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3486506" rel='nofollow'>http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3486506</a> <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?id=3293269" rel='nofollow'>http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?id=3293269</a> <a href="http://www.michigandaily.com/content/football/barwis-feature" rel='nofollow'>http://www.michigandaily.com/content/football/barwis-feature</a> <a href="http://www.70sbig.com/blog/2010/05/mike-barwis-will-eat-you/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.70sbig.com/blog/2010/05/mike-barwis-will-eat-you/</a> <a href="http://articleleader.info/mike-barwis/" rel='nofollow'>http://articleleader.info/mike-barwis/</a> I could list articles all day that talk about how great Mike Barwis' program was compared to the old program (more than once source cites the old weightroom didn't even have free weights! Are you KIDDING me?!?). But why don't you just google &quot;Mike Barwis&quot; and knock yourself out.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.

. . . that BEAT Florida . . . and Good Luck

Lorain Steelmen

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.

Hoke is starting from a stronger returning base, than Rodriguez did three years ago. So Hoke will benefit from the work done in the last three years. RR inherited a weak, out of shape team, from Carr, that had become used to mediocracy. So Theo is right on target, when he questions Hoke. Personally, I hope Hoke makes it here, but so far, I have heard 'way too much talk' , and seen 'way too little walk'. I won't attack Hoke the way a few on here attacked RR, because I am a UM fan. The anti-RR crowd was essentialy an anti-UM group, and hurt this program severely! But, I didn't appreciate Hoke's comments recently, about the 'gap'. Rodriguez had more class, and never put down the previous coach, or the team. The way I see it, had he stayed, RR would have been 9-3 this year (or better). So if Hoke doesn't come in at 9-3 (or better), then Brandon made a mistake. Time will tell, but RR and Barwis inherited a mess. Interestingly enough, once Barwis got his program going ,many former wolves, came back to AA to work out with Barwis. Right now, we can NOT say, if Hoke is the best coach in the big ten, only the BIGGEST coach, in the big ten. Ditto for Al Borgeous as OC. Not the best yet, only the biggest. These kids are not blind. They can see it, just like all of us can. Meanwhile, up in the front office, DB just raised the ticket prices. This is straight up 'greed', pure and simple.....so instead of clearling 10 mil this year, he wants to clear 15 or 20 mil. Just goes to show, you can take DB out of the pizza business, but you can't take the pizza business, out of DB.

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 10 p.m.

Good point Tp . As you get old TP weight among other health issues becomes a real important issue. As you get older you become all to aware of the danger of being obese which Brady is. Obese doesn't mean 400 lbs but rather an unhealthy weight for your Age and size. You don't have to put Brady on a scales to see he is overweight and he is not young anymore. What I'm telling you now probably doesn't matter to you but as you get older it will and you will remember this post in your future. Don't always be so defensive TP there are many folks that care about Brady's health because we know he has entered into a life of stress at Mich. Sometimes it will be bad, sometimes good but always stress.

Blu n Tpa

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 12:39 p.m.

I see a trend from the Love the WCiMFH groug. Call people out of shape, claim the trite refrain of &quot;cupboard bare&quot; and dream that the ex-coach would win more games next year with the same defense, same defensive coaches, same defensive schemes, and the same special teams, and special teams' coaches than he had to date. Coaches Hoke and Borges are football guys, not runway models. I guess you guys just want some &quot;eye candy&quot; from your football coach. Good luck with that. TiM Go Blue!

mun

Sun, Mar 27, 2011 : 2:09 a.m.

&quot;RR inherited a weak, out of shape team, from Carr, that had become used to mediocracy&quot; At least the mediocre teams of Lloyd Carr didn't lose to MSU 3 years in a row. And Lloyd's teams actually played some defense, could kick field goals, and didn't have a losing record in Big Ten play. If Barwis was so great, how come our players kept ketting their butts kicked by the opposition every week?

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 10:43 p.m.

Lorain, I posted previously about that weight problem and it's dangers but some tried to double talk it away as nothing. It is a big deal not to mention 10 X the stress coaching at Mich. Some here will give Brady all the credit if Mich. is decent this year. Brady does an awful lot of jawing and I really do hope he can back it up he should be able to with the players he inherited. The folks that make a decent living will be able to afford tickets the folks that are struggling will not. I prefer to watch it on my big screen with my barbecue and refrigerator close but in my younger days I attended many games and Rose Bowl games. I will not spend that kind of money for say 2-4 tickets anymore, it's my choice obviously. What the complainers don't want to admit is that Hoke's immediate future at Michigan depends on the talent Rich Rodriguez brought in like Denard Robinson. I'd say Denard is not a bad QB start for ol coach Hoke.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.

Way to support the team, Lorraine. Insult the current coaching staff before the team has played a down. Love letters to the long gone band of cheating incompetents. Yeah, Rodriguez had so much class as to discipline his players publicly and thereby embarrassing them. Can't imagine why Tate Forcier didn't respond well to public humiliation. I know that's how most classy people get results from their subordinates. Or telling the press that Vince Lombardi couldn't succeed with the defense he inherited. Not only is that a slam on Carr (one of many--so much for him never speaking badly of his predecessor), but it was a public rebuke of his players. Yeah, that was real classy. Almost as classy as your post, Lorraine. Good Night and Good Luck

missionbrazil

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.

Theo, how quickly you forget that whatshisname recruited 3 star prospects and then promptly turned them into 1 or 2 star performers on the field. BH and his crew will turn 3 star prospects into 4 star players or better. That's the great difference here.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.

I thought Tate would have done a fine job as QB. I think Tate would flourish under Hoke's system. I think the issues surrounding the demise of Tate are sad at best. I think if not for Denard coach Rodriguez would have paid more attention to the future success of Tate Forcier. There now boys and girls, see I do point out my disagreements with coach Rich Rodriguez.

missionbrazil

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.

Denard is a super player who made whatshisname look good, so that is why whatshisname over-used and mis-used him, to the point of DR getting hurt in practically every game. Take away Denard and whatshisname has an even worse W-L record.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.

Wow, so that is how it works, Wow! Ya know, Denard did look more like a 2 star at the end of the year now that I give it some serious thought, Wow! I sure hope Brady's boasting pays off cause the rest of the world knows that the Michigan Wolverines are going to come out and smash everybody's mouth and it doesn't matter that Brady hasn't head coached one single down at Michigan he's gonna do it cause he says he's gonna do it, so there. I will reserve my opinion of brady hoke's abilities to head coach after he shows me what he can do on the field. I will not form an opinion based on boasting that is ludicrous at best. I think I can say that Michigan fans everywhere want to see their Wolverines do well and that means whomever the current coach is must do well also. Until Michigan proves they can, &quot;smash mouth&quot; in actual games I think our coaches should, &quot;Hush&quot;.

Hopkins4Heisman

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.

Good size lineman and he'll just get bigger. Back to POWER football. GO BLUE!

MiamiBlue

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.

A 3-star recruit was always evidence that The King couldn't land any big-time players. So what's with Hoke now? Explain. Theo, I totally agree that Coach Rodriguez was not given a fair shot by many since day 1. In many respects I felt bad for the man going through the nonsense that he went through. Personally, I liked Coach Rodriguez and wish him well. But there are things that Coach Hoke is doing that Coach Rod should have done, and he may have kept his job. Mistake #1 from Coach Rod. That complete 180 of offensive philosophies when he arrived. That really screwed up players not used to being Spread Type players. Coach Hoke on the other hand as already stated it will be a slower transition and more likely 50/50 Pro Style mixed with Spread. Coach Rod should have done the same. Mistake #2. Coach Rod let Coach Dantonio and MSU win the battle for recruits from in state. I realize that Florida has a lot of talented players, especially when it comes to speed, but the problem (and it showed) was they are smaller and tend to get pushed around. I am glad Coach Hoke is staying in state more and getting bigger players better suited to the style and grinding play of M football. And finally, Coach Rod used Denard way too much to run. Sure Denard racked up big numbers, but he was hurt and worn out by the last few games of the season. My god we have some backs that we never used enough. especially Stephen Hopkins. Under Coach Hoke, let Denard run say 10 -12 times and use a two back set. We can grind it out more and give our D more rest. I am sorry, but it was ridiculous that our D (as bad as it was) was out there in many games over 40 minutes. You cannot do that to any D and expect results. Bottom line, I liked Coach Rod, but he is gone. Coach Hoke looks like a good Joe and let's give the man a chance that many never gave Coach Rod. We need to be united as Michigan Fans behind our new coach, something that was not the case under Coach Rodriguez.

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.

I agree, Denard took to many hits.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2 p.m.

&quot;A 3-star recruit was always evidence that The King couldn't land any big-time players. So what's with Hoke now? Explain.&quot; I'm more impressed by that fact that, unlike so many of whatshisname's recruits (especially those unimportant folks on the offensive line and on defense) that this guy is being recruited by top tier Big Ten teams rather than bottom tier MAC teams. Good Night and Good Luck

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.

&quot;Hmmm let's see, &quot;top tier Big Ten teams&quot;, Hmmm let's see, how did the, big ten do in the bowl games&quot;, Hmmm ?&quot; One team, with many MAC-caliber players, especially on defense, lost to an SEC team 52-14. Which one was that? And thanks to the coach of that team, in three years, Michigan has lost its cachet, much as Notre Dame did a decade ago or more and is yet to regain it. It is going to be a long, slow slog back to respectability. In the meantime, the MCC can pine for their lost love. Good Night and Good Luck

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.

Hmmm let's see, &quot;top tier Big Ten teams&quot;, Hmmm let's see, how did the, big ten do in the bowl games&quot;, Hmmm ?

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.

BTW, before &quot;PigPen&quot; makes the comment that I have defamed the offensive line and the defense, or that I am ignorant because I don't think the OL and D are important, my &quot;unimportant&quot; comment above refers to whatshisname's priorities, not mine. Good Night and Good Luck

Blu n Tpa

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.

3 stars with his senior year to go. Plus Wisconsin, MSU and the &quot;cuse wanted him also. Getting players UW wants on their line is a good &quot;get&quot;. The majority of players are 3 stars plus this guy fills a &quot;need&quot; position as a future O-lineman. 6-6, 285. Maybe someone should tell him he's not want Michigan wants, to his face. If you dare. Plus it removes the goose egg on 2012 recruits committed to UM. TiM Go Blue!

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.

I agree TP, great recruit.

Theo212

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:12 p.m.

Let the double talk begin! Who's gonna start? A 3-star recruit was always evidence that The King couldn't land any big-time players. So what's with Hoke now? Explain. Let the double talk begin!

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.

Good call Theo, it's almost funny although I'm sure some on this site are not laughing at the good point that you made. We gotta support Hoke Theo, he's all we got.

81wolverine

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.

The * system for rating players is overrated itself. At this point, without these kids having played their senior year yet, it's even more inaccurate. I'll reserve MY judgement until the recruiting year is over. But, I like what the current staff is doing so far.

Gwhizz

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:49 a.m.

Welcome to Michigan! GO BLUE!!!