Michigan football team gets commitments from quarterback Russell Bellomy and linebacker Antonio Poole
Russell Bellomy, a quarterback from Arlington, Texas, and Antonio Poole, a linebacker from Cincinnati, are the latest members of the Michigan football team's 2011 recruiting class according to multiple reports.
Bellomy switched from an early commitment to Purdue and Poole announced his decision to attend Michigan at halftime of a basketball game at his high school on Tuesday night, recruiting sites TheWolverine.com and GoBlueWolverine.com have reported.
Michigan was left with just two scholarship quarterbacks - Denard Robinson and Devin Gardner - when sophomore Tate Forcier announced he wouldn't return next season.
Bellomy's change of heart probably won't do much good for an already-strained recruiting relationship between Michigan and Purdue.
It was former Purdue coach Joe Tiller who referred to former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez as "a guy in a wizard hat selling snake oil" when Michigan was able to woo receiver Roy Roundtree to Ann Arbor after he had committed to Purdue.
Listed as a dual-threat quarterback, Bellomy (6-3, 178) is a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com and Scout.com.
Before his senior season, ESPN.com profiled Bellomy and said he had "quickly risen to near the top of the quarterback class in Texas."
Bellomy originally chose Purdue over scholarship offers from school such as Boise State, Colorado, Michigan State, Minnesota and others.
Poole (6-1, 215) made his decision after an in-home visit from new Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, according to TheWolverine.com.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the Winton Woods High School product also considered Pittsburgh, Miami (Fla.) and Kentucky among his final choices. He also had offers from Cincinnati, Michigan State, Wake Forest, Minnesota and Indiana.
Poole is ranked the nation’s No. 26 outside linebacker and the No. 17 player overall in Ohio by Rivals.com.
The Wolverine also reported on Tuesday that four-star cornerback recruit Blake Countess, who took official visits to other schools after Rodriguez was fired, has reconfirmed his commitment to Michigan.
Comments
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
Goodness, these kids get awful excited awful easy over prospects. Right on rightmind 250 so far nothing has been accomplished on the field by either the new kids or the new head coach. Boys and girls I don't think we're going to win a national championship this year and I don't think we're going to win the big 10. Look boys and girls we are rebuilding. RR left us some real good talent and with that and a decent kicker and a couple of health issues resolved we Might be headed in the right direction. We'll know more after Notre Dame and Iowa.
lawrencelaundry
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 5:37 a.m.
@rightmind and others not excited, guess how many 5 star recruits are starters in the upcoming super bowl. Fact: just 1. The coaches are mainly the onces that turn them into what they become. The coaches are the onces that can squeeze every bit of effort of every player and put them in the right position to win games. Period. Ask RR how times players were out of position which costs games. Ever here the term, a man can be twice as strong defending his own home then someone elses. That's the kind of motivation a great coach can get out of his players just before a game and at practice. Example. Jim Harbaugh. That's why the star rankings don't mean so much. Hopefully our coaching staff can do this. We will see.
rightmind250
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
Before you all wet your panties with excitement let me remind you that you are competeing with Purdue for recruits. Yes that Purdue. Tthey were 2-6 in the B10 last year. Thats right the mighty 3-5 UM football team competeing with the 9th place team for recruits. Hoke is doing a good job, but when you are talking about the lower tier of the B10 in football there is only one direction to go. UM will still be the 4th best recruiting class if they are lucky. Probabaly number 5 or 6 behind OSU, Wisky, MSU, Iowa and maybe PSU.
Dusty
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
Bellomy had an offer from MSU before he committed to Purdue. (This ^^ EXACT comment was deleted because it "violated the conversation guidelines"... I'd love to know how).
bluenella
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
Go, Brady, Go...Blue! I feel good (nah nah nah nah nah nah nah!)
mgoblue48348
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
Excellent job of saving this class, kudos to Mr Hoke and Mr Mattison and the rest of the recruiters wow....to get countess back was......well huge. The best part was hearing Purdues coach Hope throwing a fit about his QB decommit and getting a good pass threat first, run threat second, duel QB.....outstanding. Makes mew wanna belt out Hail to the Victors. This class could very well end up in the top 25 I wonder what this guy could do with a whole year of recruiting especially with Ohio having a ton of talent coming of age next year combined with Ohio States limited scholarship availabilities we could land a very good class and all of us will be belting out hail to the victors. Go Blue..... The Champions of the West!!!!!!!
MjC
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
Hoke gets it, let's hope he's building a championship team... go blue!
Dankston Hughez
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.
OK when we are getting recruits like Alabama and Florida even ohio state, then i will feel better about our recruits until then we are still getting mediocre talent on both sides of the ball... ..Go Blue.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
Hoke really hit the ground running here. I'm impressed. He's getting in doors after just a couple of weeks that his predecessor couldn't even open.
oldblueypsi
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.
Not only is he getting in the doors, he's being welcomed and invited in!
Dwayne
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
Great article, Rich. A little intrigued that Hoke grabbed a 'dual threat' QB and the Poole pickup is outstanding. It's only January and I'm starting to get excited for the start of Michigan football! Go Blue!
Dankston Hughez
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
he runs a 4.6 there are lineman faster than this guy...
Keith
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
I think we are going to see more of the spread? Why another dueal threat QB if Hoke is a typical Pro Set? Either way, great recruit, keep up the good work. In Hoke we have Hope. GO BLUE.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
@ Dwayne Wow, talking about taking comments out of context! After the last 3 games of the season, did you LIKE the way things were going? Put it this way. Michigan is an Indy car but it's being driven by an idiot. Do you junk the car or get rid of the idiot driver? "This is Michigan for God's sake!" Go Blue!
Jim Nazium
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.
It's just human nature to compare so it's all good. Anyone can just as easily go back in time a bit more and rip on Carr for losing what, 4 out of his last 5 bowl games. Only 1 win against Sweater Vest..... yada yada yada.. None of that matters now anyway, each coach has their issues and it's easy to paint with a broad brush on the past. I am just glad we seem to have a great guy ( not comparing to anyone) who is having the time of his life and getting us all excited again, feels good.
Dwayne
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
And right on queue, there comes Macabre to prove my point.
Dwayne
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
It's over, Blu n Tpa, that's all I'm saying. No matter what the article is about, it's "Hoke is good, RR was bad". Every other post, "See, RR was bad, I told you!". Enough already, we get the point, now can we ALL just move on. Geeeessshhh!!
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
Here is something interesting about BH's recruiting classes at SDSU: * 2009 class: # 100 , 0 3*'s , avg. * rating = 1.8 * 2010 class: # 77 , 4 3*'s , avg. * rating = 2.1 Yet in 2010 SDSU improved to 9-4 and lost at TCU by only 5 points and at Missouri by only 3 points. Seems like the man can coach and get the most out of his players.
Dusty
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
Yes, Mission, THOSE juniors and seniors... when they were freshmen and sophomores. Like the QB, Ryan Lindley, who was a junior this season. And Demarco Sampson and Vincent Brown, both senior WRs. But they couldn't be any good, right? Because they were on that 2-10 team...
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
tulsatom, I'm hoping right along with you. It sure seems that BH is a great hire, and he is bringing in a very good staff. For having started late in the game, he and his staff are pulling in some very good (maybe not great) prospects, and I would hope that would improve in the future when they have more time.
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
Dusty, are you talking about the juniors and seniors who went 2-10 the year before BH got there, and had the 105th rated offense and the # 114 rated defense ? They sure sound impressive without BH.
tulsatom
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.
Missionbrazil, I agree that Hoke is a very good coach and gets the most out of his players and will be a big improvement over RR when given more time to recruit. Mattison is a very good recruiter also and I'm glad he's at U-M, too. However, I remember RR's defenders saying the same thing about RR's ability to take the number #50 or #60 recruiting classes and "coaching them up" into Top Ten teams at WVU. All I'm saying is that we've heard this song before. I hope the outcome is different this time.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.
You don't think maybe the juniors and seniors on the team had anything to do with their success on the field in 2010? You know, the kids who were there before he arrived?
umgoblue47
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
congrats to coach hoke. . . bellomy and poole are huge pickups. . . i hope coach hoke is going to keep some part of the spread and or pistol in his offense? THOSE WHO STAY COME TO PLAY. . . GO BLUE. . .
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
Hold on everyone, I still haven't seen BH coach a down, blah, blah, blah ... We all know that all of these recruits are built up too much by the coaches during recruiting, blah, blah, blah ... Please someone shoot me if I ever start talking like this. Congrats to coach Hoke and his staff for doing a great job recruiting in such a short time. Looks like Blu-n-Tpa's prediction of a Top 25 class could very well come true.
Mick
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.
From me as well, Mission your comments on here are legend(s)ary!! I'm telling you guys, I've been following recruiting since 1975, before it became all the rage and this Bellomy kid is the real deal. He played in the highest level of TX Football in the Metro Dallas area, which is as good as it gets Nationally and he has a 4+ GPA, guys like this don't crumble under pressure because they're smart and savvy. Go watch film of this kid and get back to me if you disagree.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
And one vote for you. Thank you very much for having my back, bro. TiM Go Blue!
southernblu
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.
I'm optimistic that we'll have a top 25 recruiting class which would be an excellent outcome given the circumstances. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, as others have noted, it's very likely that this class ranking would be much higher but for the earlier coaching transition turmoil. I believe we will compete with the current top schools in recruiting next year, but it is simply unrealistic to expect to jump from being ranked 40 to top 10 in recruiting overnight. And let's stop putting all of our hopes into the star ratings of 18 year old kids. I'm more concerned that the coaches are preparing our kids to play each down with passion, effort and solid fundamentals. That appears to work for Boise State.
rensational
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
Tulsatom, glad for your comment because those are my sentiments exactly. Not to be negative about what Hoke and the gang are doing because it truly is amazing pulling in all these recruits at all with still more commits rumored to be coming. But my mentality is we're hardly competing with Ohio State for most recruits, so the excitement I see here...I do kind of understand, but it also needs to be put into perspective. I was someone who did say I think the 2011 class was toast, and I would still say it is based on the schools we're NOT competing with, except for the fact that RR was not going to bring many elite recruits in himself, especially on D. I think some of these guys are undervalued in the ratings, though, and agree with some other observations here, i.e. comparisons to Luck and Boise State QBs. I suspect that the staff is going after guys that it's both reasonable to get at this point (and I hope Hoke does somehow manage to get Zettel to come around) and they feel they can coach up to be players who can compete with the better teams we face. What I can't wait to see is what schools we're competing with when we reasonably have time to.
azwolverine
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 11:42 p.m.
Considering the time crunch this coaching staff was up against, I'm not concerned at all that we're not competing with the OSU's of the world for these recruits. Hoke and Co are doing a fantastic job filling positions of need with quality players, including a few four stars, which is pretty commendable, imo. Give Hoke a full year, and then we may start to slowly work our way back into Ohio (and Michigan, for that matter) and compete for the top recruits with the top teams in our league. Right now, who we're competing with for these recruits is a non-issue.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
@DH You are right but remember the feeling was after the WCiMFH left many were saying this years' recruiting class was going to hit the rocks. First, some of these kids might have bailed after watching Michigan fold over the last three games, thinking the program was going in the wrong direction. (Which it unquestionable was). Not only has COACH Hoke and his staff reversed the talent loss from the 2011 class, they have added a surge toward Michigan which wont stop until 2/2/11. Also, this wave of committment will carry over to next years' group of recruits. The demise of the Michigan football program was greatly exaggerated. "This is Michigan for God's sake!" Go Blue!
Dwayne
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
Funny, coming from one of the people that was doing the exaggerating.
Dankston Hughez
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Ok everyone is so excited about the recruits, but here is a clue none of them are truly 5 star nor are they the best at what they do. We are still getting just average recruits people average won't cut it. Alot of these recruits were coming from Rodriguez anyway, only time will tell... ..stand by the team but I have seen this before as well.
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.
DH, 7 of the 16 commits we have so far have come since BH was hired, and most of these have committed in the last week, so they did not come from RR. Give BH and his staff some credit ... they are doing a very good job in a short time.
oldblueypsi
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
2011 is the 110th anniversary of Fielding Yost's "point a minute" teams. Time for the Athletic Department's Sports Marketing arm to start posting the turn of the (20th) century black and white movie clips. Let's also clean the dust off the "Patton" DVD for the weekly Friday night replays. What will the rest of the Big Ten do when faced with point a minute emerging from a cloud of dust? Michigan tradition returns! Go Blue!!!!
rreidannarbor
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.
No snake oil at all but Hoke is definitely pulling some rabbits out of his hat in 2 short weeks. Nicely Done! It's about all you can ask for in 2 weeks time. Wait until a full recruiting season happens! If its anything like this 2 week period, the universe will begin to be back in balance once again!
Dankston Hughez
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
Those were recruits that were being talked to by Rodriguez already gentleman... ..don't get to excited yet...
tulsatom
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
Although I am happy about these recruits coming into the fold, I am a bit concerned when I see the list of schools that were in competition for them. When U-M was at its best (back in the day) it was common to win recruits who also were offered by Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, USC, Oklahoma,etc. Now, the other schools in the mix appear to be Big East schools, ACC schools, MAC schools and a few other Big Ten schools. I realize 3-star prospects sometimes turn into great players with good coaching and I believe the current coaching staff is a good one, but the abovementioned observation still bothers me a little. Maybe I am being too picky or unreasonable. AFter all, this staff has only been recruiting for a couple of weeks and they are still trying to build the program up again.
Jim Nazium
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.
You are right, it IS early and these coaches hopefully will be getting the big names more frequently every year and get back to being a top choice of the highest rated kids. I just hope they keep their high standards and don't start making room for unsavory characters. I enjoy hearing and seeing intelligent, thoughtful and at least somewhat humble student athletes represent our school.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.
"When U-M was at its best (back in the day) it was common to win recruits who also were offered by Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, USC, Oklahoma,etc." Michigan is not at its best right now though, thanks to the previous coach who didn't care at all about building a solid defense. Plus, given what Boise State has done in the past decade, can you really complain about Michigan and Boise recruiting the same players? How many years back do you have to go to get Boise's losses to equal just what Michigan did last year? Boise is NOT a second tier program anymore. They are a top tier program in a second tier conference.
tulsatom
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
Case in point: While Bellomy may develop into a good one at U-M (and I hope he does), I wonder why teams in his own area like Texas and Oklahoma didn't offer him if he was so great? On the other hand, teams like Texas State and North Texas did, as well as Boise State, Tulsa, and a few others. I am thinking that it may take a few more years for U-M to compete toe-to-toe with the national powerhouse teams.
Blue
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 12:05 p.m.
Wow. Can you feel the love again? First time I've smiled on this site in a while. THIS IS MICHIGAN! We have tradition here, and that's something nobody else has. Not like us. Go Hoke! Go TEAM! GO BLUE!
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
And also describes a couple quarterbacks we have right now... a "cannon for an arm" is the least necessary thing a good QB needs.
maizenbluedoc
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.
1st Down : Question, "cannon for an arm"? That described another Michigan QB who played well for the Razorbacks.
lawrencelaundry
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 7:33 a.m.
With all these linbackers, makes me believe were going to run a 3-4 defense that Baltimore ran. Nice.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 7:29 a.m.
I think Coach Tiller (Purdue) ought to think twice before calling our Coach Hoke a "guy in a wizard hat" or any other derogatory name. He never got a glance from either Denard or Devin, so he can't accuse Michigan of "stealing" THEM. Also, he ought to think about the implications when he gets mad about a recruit choosing Michigan over Purdue: what's he thinking about these young men, are they "dupes" or just without values? Maybe Purdue should be re-named: Sour Grapes U. As for the recruiting record so far: Can we SMILE now?? I think we ought to smile. Coach Hoke and his new staff (and one very welcome "old timer") ARE doing a great job!
lawrencelaundry
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 7:19 a.m.
Wow, u gotta wonder if Hoke was able to pull this off without mattison. But who cares, there doing a awesome job. If we can close with Cooper, Rawls, Byrant, and Willingham, this will be outstanding in just over 2 weeks time. Wish we still had Zettel for D-end. Go blue!! All in! ! Lol.
Mick
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 6:39 a.m.
Hey 1st Down, what's up my man? I miss your old pic of that gorgeous brunette and I thought it was funny when you said "Tater moving on". For a minute there I thought you meant the guy who posts on here and was happy for a moment till I realized whom you were referring to. Laughing at me self lad.
BillMK
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:43 a.m.
Rumor from a good scource: OSU also wanted Poole - he was a large part of his team's success this year - but he was not interested. As for Bellomy - interesting that they will have three dual-threat QBs. I wonder what kind of offense this portends: Pistol? Split-back option? We'll see.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:53 a.m.
Im guessing an effective hybrid / Spread HD type with multiple sets, occaisonal read option or run / pass options sprinkled with west coast passing game, some deep tosses and of course a massive power football running game.... could be very effective with the type of talent that we have...
GoBlue13
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:46 a.m.
Michigan is now rated #30 on rivals. Are we going to crack the top 20? THIS IS MICHIGAN GO BLUE!!
Mick
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:35 a.m.
I've been watching film of Bellomy, wow is all I got to say!! Strong arm, quick and accurate release and scrambling ability with an over 4.0 GPA, also, he runs a 4.6 forty. Maybe he will be our version of Andrew Luck. I can't believe he's only a 3 star, I think he's better than that. And don't worry people, I'm sure he will fill out another 20/25 lbs. at least in the next couple yrs. This guy is going to be tough to keep off the field come 2012 I'm sensing! Go Blue, TiM!!
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
Yah Mick love his film...also that he has offers from teams like Boise who seem to always have that type of heady, mobile kid who can throw accurately...great pickup for this class and more than makes up for Tater moving on!
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:14 a.m.
With Denard being a senior? Health is all it will take to keep him off the field.
81wolverine
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:32 a.m.
Another great recruiting day for Michigan. Poole will bolster an already good linebacker group in this class. If we end up getting Willingham, it will be our best LB class in memory. Great job by Hoke and his coaches! And having a smart QB to boost our depth at that position will fill a big need in this class. I don't feel sorry for Purdue in the least. If they had a stronger program, they'd be able to hold onto good players. We don't need to take them away from Purdue - just show them what's good about Michigan. We'll let good judgement take care of the rest. Go Blue!
Mick
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:22 a.m.
@Dusty, I mentioned on an earlier thread that it probably wouldn't work out as well w/Hoke as it did w/RR. Hope getting in his face after that 2009 game, remember? If your coach is a wimp, then the team that is being coached by him plays like it, you know? Those days are OVER!!!! Go Blue b/c This is Michigan!!!
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:50 a.m.
Danny Hope would never try that stunt in the first place, if he had any respect for the Michigan staff. Now that Hokemania is in place and has so much support from former Michigan players who have kicked Purdue's behind for years and years... Hope is going to realize that THIS IS MICHIGAN again, and he cant get away with stupid diss stunts after the game.... btw, he wont be on the winning side any more either...
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:12 a.m.
I think he came off as a professional with it. He didn't respond to it at the moment or later. And he shouldn't have. What Danny Hope did was ridiculous and whiny, and a bad example for his student-athletes. Funny how two different opinions of the same incident can be had based solely on preconceived notions about the same person, isn't it?
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:38 a.m.
I don't understand how that incident, with Danny Hope and the thug, implies that RR was a wimp. What do you mean it wouldn't work out "as well w/Hoke as it did w/RR"? What "worked out" for Purdue in that incident?
azwolverine
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:17 a.m.
It's as if Michigan football has reappeared overnight. I LOVE IT!!! Coach Hoke and his staff are doing a fantastic job, far better than I could have envisioned. Les who? Jim what? Hoke is the man, and I couldn't be happier with what he has done since Day 1 on the job. We haven't played a game yet, obviously, and this will take some time to rebuild, but these coaches are well on their way to restoring the pride and the identity of Michigan Football. Go Blue!!!
GoBlue13
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:12 a.m.
@Dusty Mattison just visited his house this morning. Countess opened it back up a couple weeks ago. He announced tonight at his basketball game.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:37 a.m.
He said he was going to look at other schools, but he never actually decommitted. Either way, he's coming, so I guess it doesn't really matter now.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3 a.m.
The media ran with the "snake oil salesman" line for 3 years after Purdue's Danny Hope used it to describe Rich Rodriguez for "stealing" Roy Rountree, who was previously committed to Purdue before switching to Michigan. I wonder what Danny boy will say about this one.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:46 a.m.
It dont mean nothin til you sign it on the dotted line.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:35 a.m.
Oh right, my mistake. Well, Purdue in general can't like us much these days.
Rich Rezler
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 3:33 a.m.
Hope wasn't there yet. It was Joe Tiller. Hope and Rodriguez had a post-game run-in over a different matter. It's detailed here: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/feud-thaws-between-rich-rodriguez-and-danny-hope-robinsons-will-start-at-qb-and-more-michigan-vs-pur/">http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/feud-thaws-between-rich-rodriguez-and-danny-hope-robinsons-will-start-at-qb-and-more-michigan-vs-pur/</a>
heartbreakM
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.
This seems to be the polar opposite of the last time Michigan named a head coach. Go Blue.
goblue
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.
Cant wait for the season to begin,,,,,,,,,GO BLUE
Jim Nazium
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.
Great picks coaches, keep it up! These guys have some special talent and a lot of potential groom them to be the best. Thumbs up! Go Blue!!!
ArthGuinness
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
There has hardly been a day gone by since Hoke was hired that we haven't heard more good news. I'm pumped and suddenly can't wait to watch Michigan football again ... unfortunately that's still about 7 months away.
GoBlue13
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:38 a.m.
They got Countess as well. This recruiting class is really taking shape. THIS IS MICHIGAN AS ALWAYS, GO BLUE!!
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.
Uh, Blake Countess committed in the beginning of December.
Mick
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:37 a.m.
@LSUWolve, I was the one imploring everyone to give Hoke consideration weeks before he was hired. I claimed he can recruit, he can coach and how calm and cool he was on the sidelines. I'm just so glad he was the one hired. Initially my 1st choice was JH, but now, I'm really glad it worked out the way it did. I love this Bellomy kid, all these naysayers, like Lsu W was talking about, were worried about what our Offense was gonna be like, this kid ran for over 800 yds his senior year along w/over 1600 yds in the air and what an arm. This should indicate what kind of Offense we're going to be, exciting!! I can't wait to see my boys playing again, finally the stench of the last 3 yrs is finally dissipating. Go Blue b/c This is Michigan!!!!
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:24 a.m.
I'll admit, I was one of the folks worried about Hoke's ability to recruit. I really wasn't expecting much this year and thought we wouldn't know until next year. I'm happy to say, so far, I was very wrong about Coach Hoke. It's funny how we suddenly have kids just showing up again. Its almost like the last 3 years didn't happen. Oh, how I wish that were true.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:06 a.m.
Sweet! 2 positions of need filled. Poole is very athletic and his tape reminds me of Ian Gold....fast, active LB.... Bellomy is big, has a cannon for an arm and can move well...reports are that he is a 4.11 student. Hokemania continues to recruit impressively. This is Michigan. Go Blue.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 6:44 a.m.
Dusty you are way to sensitive.... or dissmissive or read in to comments to much or whatever....bottom line is the kid in 4-5 years under a proper program of nutrition and training can put on 40 lbs of good muscle easy. BTW...google this kid and look at the progression of photos from his early career until now, he is already filling out....anyway the point is moot he will get larger for sure
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 6:43 a.m.
And come on. The videos were both shown in widescreen but not filmed in widescreen, so they're stretched. Look at the video then look at his photo at Rivals.com. At any rate, he's not "big" now, whether he gets there someday or not.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 6:35 a.m.
Using the word "easy" is a slap in the face of the kids who bust their butts to gain 4-5 pounds of healthy weight in a full year. Gaining weight when that is your only goal isn't hard. Gaining weight when you also have to maintain an FBS-level cardio program is a whole different ballgame. And make no mistake, there is no "off season" for athlets at this level. They don't let up much in the cardio department just because the season is over (and not at all if they also participate in other sports, like Denard does. The fact he's gained 15+ pounds in the last 18 months is yet another testament to his work ethic). So again, he'll get bigger, no doubt. But to say he can easily put on 40 pounds by his senior year is just dismissive of the amount of work (and luck with genetics) it will take.
Mick
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 6:25 a.m.
I was hoping someone would post a comment using the word endomorphic, I guess it had to be me
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 5:24 a.m.
In his vid description he says he is 180...so the vid may have been from his junior year... Sam Webb on TKA says he is closer to 190 now... he looks more mesomorphic on the film his legs definitely will fill out .... trust me ive been training for years... he can fill it easily...
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 5:06 a.m.
Being a tall, thin person myself, I can tell you it's never "easy" to put on weight when you have an ectomorphic frame (which this kid obviously does). It can obviously be done, and he's still growing naturally, but it's even harder when you're trying to gain "good" weight AND keep your cardio top-notch at the same time. And his youtube video has him at 170, not 178. You know very well that people tend to overestimate height and weight to make a kid sound more imposing.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:59 a.m.
Judging from his frame...this kid could put on 40 lbs easy... in fact I question the 178 because he looks closer to 190 in his film in pads... Im guessing he will be up to 215-220 by his senior year.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
No, 6'3" is "tall". 178 pounds, at 6'3", is skinny. Very skinny. And 6'3" is "taller" than Tate and Denard. Both of them weighed as much this when they arrived on campus, and being shorter meant they thicker than this kid. Do you remember how thin Tate looked last year? This kid is even thinner.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 4:43 a.m.
au contraire monfrere ....6-3 is big for a mobile QB like that...and certainly bigger than Tate or Denard. But feel free to continue to disagree with everyone that supports the new, improved staff Dusty. Go Blue!
Dusty
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 2:55 a.m.
Bellomy isn't big. He's 6'3" 178. That's very, very slim. He'll have plenty of time to gain weight over the next two seasons, though. 200 by the time he hits the field is a real possibility.
Gwhizz
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 1:59 a.m.
Very nice! This recruiting class is shaping up quite nicely. Welcome aboard!!
LSUWolverine
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.
So where are all the nay-sayers who claimed that Hoke couldn't recruit and that Dave Brandon destroyed the draft class? Just think about the type of guys we can get in place when Hoke has a full year to review his needs and evaluate who can fit those needs! TiM, Go Blue!!!