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Posted on Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 5:59 a.m.

Michigan losing recruiting lead over Ohio State after torrid run by Urban Meyer

By Kyle Meinke

UM_OSU_Lines.jpg

The head-to-head battle between the Ohio State and Michigan football programs continues on the recruiting trail.

Joseph Tobianski | AnnArbor.com

Remember when Brady Hoke was last summer's recruiting darling?

That is fading into a distant memory, thanks to the Big Ten's newest coach.

Urban Meyer was hired at Ohio State three weeks ago, and began his tenure with such a recruiting flurry that the Buckeyes' class shot up to No. 5 in the nation this week, according to Scout.

Texas remains No. 1 overall and Michigan is holding steady at No. 2 on the strength of Hoke's hot summer, which included raiding Ohio while the Buckeyes were embroiled in a memorabilia-for-gifts scandal that cost coach Jim Tressel his job.

RELATED CONTENT

The most recent 2012 recruiting class rankings from Scout.com, with total number of recruits and top-100 recruits in parenthesis.

1. Texas (25, 7)
2. Michigan (23, 5)
3. Alabama (22, 5)
4. Texas A&M (22, 3)
5. Ohio State (19, 5)
6. LSU (21, 1)
7. Florida (17, 5)
8. Miami (28, 1)
9. Notre Dame (16, 7)
10. Clemson (20, 3)

(See complete list)
Michigan has nine verbal commitments from Ohio prospects, including five-star offensive lineman and former Ohio State pledge Kyle Kalis. If they all sign Letters of Intent in February, that would be the Wolverines' largest take from that state since at least 2002.

At this rate, though, the Buckeyes might round out their class with enough talent to overtake Michigan in the national rankings. Scout Midwest recruiting expert Allen Trieu said it will be close, but projects Ohio State to surpass the Wolverines because they have more slots to fill.

As it stands, Michigan's only five-star commit is Kalis. The Buckeyes have four -- and counting.

"Meyer is a tireless recruiter," Trieu said. "I'm a little surprised all this has happened so fast, with the (NCAA) sanctions still coming, but there was never any question Meyer was going to recruit well."

Meyer also is aided by a waiver that allows him to recruit, and only recruit, while former Ohio State coach Luke Fickell has a full staff to prepare for the team's Gator Bowl matchup against Florida.

Hoke didn't have that luxury as he prepares to face Virginia Tech on Jan. 3 in the Sugar Bowl (8:30 p.m., ESPN).

"It’s different," Hoke said recently. "That would be my reaction. I’ve never heard of it, but there’s probably a lot of things I haven’t heard of. ... Is it an advantage? Yeah, I think so."

That advantage ends Tuesday, the start of a recruiting dead period that runs through Jan. 3. Staffs may only contact recruits who have been admitted for mid-year enrollment.

Meyer's latest coup was securing a verbal commitment on Sunday from five-star recruit Noah Spence, who is ranked as the country's top defensive end and No. 7 overall recruit. He wasn't even considering Ohio State until three weeks ago.

Once Meyer was hired, though, Spence took a visit to Columbus and committed shortly thereafter -- even though he hadn't visited any other campuses.

He is the third elite defensive line recruit to commit to the Buckeyes since Meyer's hiring three weeks ago. Tommy Schutt already has switched his pledge from Penn State to Ohio State, and former Michigan State recruit Se'Von Pittman followed suit.

Ohio State's four defensive line recruits average 4.75 stars, according to Scout, and could present an intriguing matchup in future years with Michigan's impressive offensive line haul. The Wolverines have commitments from Kalis (ranked No. 7 at the position, according to Scout), Erik Magnuson (20), Ben Braden (41) and Blake Bars (52).

Tight end A.J. Williams also is projected to be the 30th-best tackle recruit, and could switch to that position. (2012 recruiting class)

For now, the head-to-head battle between Meyer and Hoke could remain relatively quiet. Trieu said he does not expect Meyer to flip any current Michigan commits, and the only player they're both fighting for right now is five-star offensive tackle Jordan Diamond of Chicago.

But, that turf battle is expected to ratchet into one of the nation's fiercest as the 2013 recruiting cycle gets under way.

Hoke is from Ohio and has expressed a specific interest in mining the state, which is one of the country's most fertile for big-time football recruits. Meyer also has strong ties to the state and is one of the country's top recruiters. He also now has momentum.

It makes Rivals national analyst Mike Farrell seem prophetic. Here is what he told AnnArbor.com in a July interview, when Hoke was the hottest name in recruiting and scandal-ridden Ohio State was bleeding recruits:

"Everything looks bleak now for Ohio State, but what’s going to happen is they’re going to do a national coaching search (at the end of the season), and this guy is going to be a slam-dunk hire. Let me put it this way: Michigan didn’t get the top two guys in its search (Jim Harbaugh and Les Miles), and even with that, they’re off the charts right now because of excitement from Hoke they can sell.

“But Ohio State? They’re not going to miss on their top two guys, and things will go back to normal very quickly.”

Although the Wolverines will continue to target Ohio and pull recruits from that state, it's clear their window for capitalizing on the Buckeyes' troubles has closed.


Quick hit
Trieu said receiver Jehu Chesson is expected to announce his decision this week, and that he'd "be a little surprised if it's not Michigan." Chesson is a three-star wideout from Ladue, Mo. He is 6-foot-3, 175 pounds and ranked 82nd at his position, according to Scout.

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

Will Krueger

Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.

Rivals... OSU #3, UM #5 <a href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/as.html" rel='nofollow'>http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/as.html</a> Scout... UM #3, OSU #4 <a href="http://ohiostate.scout.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://ohiostate.scout.com/</a> It looks pretty even to me... so the headline &quot;losing recruiting lead&quot; is accurate. Just be thankful this is finally a rivalry again. If we have learned anything during the Cooper 2-10-1 and Tressel 8-1 tenures... it is that two quality evenly-matched teams are more fun to watch rather than one team beating up on the other repeatedly (think woodson/boston, henne+hart vs. smith+ginn). Be thankful that both teams have good coaches in place that are getting the job done on the recruiting trail and bringing respect back to the Big 10... so we have more 'greatest games' to watch in the future.

KINGofSKA

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 12:10 a.m.

They're only going for the name. Who wouldn't want to play for an SEC coach with a handful of conference and national titles? That being said, I feel like coach Meyer won't perform at his best, disappointing a lot of his players that have commuted and their fans (but can their fans even be disappointed in anything their team does?)

maddogterry

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.

No need to worry. When Coach Tressel was at Youngstown State, there were issues that mimic what happened at OSU. There was a relationship with JT and a board member that was later convicted of on many counts including fraud and other issues. JT introduced his star player to the board member and during the investigation of the potential illegal activities, it came to light that the star player had received many thousands of dollars and a vehicle provided by the board member. After NCAA investigations, YSU lost several scholarships and was charged with lack of institutional control. Sound familiar? Less than a year later, OSU hired Coach Tressel. Now, the four years before Coach Meyer took over coaching at Florida, there was only one football player arrested. During Coach Meyers six years, there were thirty arrests or 5 every year on average. It would appear that there was lack of control with the team or lack of character of some of the players. I personally hope that OSU doesn't have to go through another dark year as this one as I would like to see the rivalry resume without any clouds hanging over other victories over OSU

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.

@Mort: 12-21-11: News just in: the NCAA has banned OSU from playing in any Jan. 2013 bowl game. That means: Urban Meyer will not be recruiting based on &quot;promises&quot; of a bowl game following the 2012 season. He probably used that inducement already on his Recruiting Dash, so those recruits may have second thoughts. The reaction buzz from OSU fans is that the NCAA is WAY too harsh - but you were just a little premature in judging the NCAA. With this action, NCAA has gut-punched the Ohio program.

knotch

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 5:43 p.m.

This is the Meyer Honeymoon. Now OSU was handed a little slap, but, lost some recruits. When you have an extra coach recruiting there is a little edge. Now that the Truckeyes have one year bowl suspension, They may not go gang-busters. Blue will win some and lose some. Go to rivals dot com, check out whom Big Blue landed. One player OSU have for sure, was certain too go buckeye way. Don't go all worry wart but this. This was expected. Remember, Meyer must run an above board, tight ship. Just one slip-up, one SEC Academic Standards, he could suffer more wrath.

DonAZ

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:24 p.m.

Dear AnnArbor.com -- would you please clarify your policy on what ad hominem attacks are acceptable and which are not? It is apparently acceptable for some to post comments about the weight of Michigan coaches, even though such comments are irreleveant to the issue of coaching football and winning football games. It is apparently acceptable to suggest and even imply hope for heart attacks based on that weight. But it is apparently unacceptable to comment in response and draw attention to the irrelevancy of comments focused on the weight of Michigan coaches. May I assume that it is acceptable for me to make ad hominem attacks against Urban Meyer? Are there parameters around what is acceptable and not acceptable?

DonAZ

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:58 p.m.

Thanks ... my reason for raising this issue is because I replied to that &quot;Mr. Oreo&quot; comment and drew attention to the derogatory aspect of it. My reply was removed but the original post remained. Hence my question about consistency. On the whole I'd prefer to censor less and allow the character of people to show through in their comments. If some wish to make comments about Hoke's or Borges' weight ... then fine. The character of Hoke and Borges stands on its own merits; commenting as they do simply raises questions about their own character.

Tony Dearing

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.

OK. Thanks for pointing that out. It's been removed.

DonAZ

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.

&quot;buckifan&quot; above is alluding to it quite obviously. &quot;Mr. Oreo?&quot; It's clear what he's implying. And if implications are okay provided they don't make direct accusations ... well then, some of us more creative sorts will have a field day with regard to Urban Meyer and his antics at Florida. I understand your objective is to maintain a comments section with some guidelines of decorum. If you've read any of my posts or replies you'll know that I strive to provide just that.

Tony Dearing

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.

Our guidelines do not allow comments that discuss the weight or physical appearance of someone. If you see such a comment, please flag it.

aarox

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:28 a.m.

yeah, I'll take Brady Hoke over Urban Meyer. Plus I get the Domino's guy. Sure.

buckifan

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 5:04 a.m.

The point of the article is that OSU was not even in the top 100 in recruiting prior to Urban and in 3 weeks are rated #5. Again he landed 3 times as many blue chips in 3 weeks that Hoke landed in 11 months. Just imagine who Urban will land with an entire year. Also have you seen your coach lately? If you have how can you honestly say health/well being regarding Urban. Meyer is known jogger, ex DB. He looked pretty fit when he signed on.

KINGofSKA

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.

What has become of this nation where we have to criticize a man on his weight? Last time I checked we could weigh as much as we wanted... Also, didn't coach Meyer retire one or twice from health problems? Show some respect.

DonAZ

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.

For the record, I don't agree with those who question the mental health of Urban Meyer. Nor do I agree with those who draw into the discussion the weight of Hoke or Borges. And yes, I agree with you that the point of the article is the *velocity* (for lack of a better term) of OSU's climb in the recruiting rankings. What I do *not* agree with is the implication that the trend line of the last few weeks can be projected over a full year. Meyer will reach a certain level and plateau. No school is able to recruit all 5-stars. Some do better than others. We'll see where Meyer ends up.

Terry Star21

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:40 a.m.

This article - seriously, come on seriously ? Michigan is and has put together it's best possible recruiting based on talent and need - to make Michigan it's best possible team ever ! Who cares about others trying to play catch up, particularly others with so many problems with their team, the coaches health/well being ? MgoBlueForTiM........the best recruiting and the best team.

Terry Star21

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:48 a.m.

PS - And best Holiday wishes to all. My Christmas present was a new Coach and 10-2, so we didn't have to listen to the old 'We're almost theres', watch the spread and go to the Podunk Junction Bowl. Borgess and his offense stays and becomes Champion. Meyer and his offense stays and he gets ill and resigns. God Bless America and Brady Hoke.

7718

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.

This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. OSU has always had very good recruiting classes...nothing new here. Meyer is going to be a very good recruiter, Hoke has his work cut out for him especially in Ohio.

Terry Star21

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.

Meyer, two and done. Hoke, two and championship. This is America !

ted

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.

Oh....my...god... it's over for us. That didn't last very long.

tim

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 12:04 a.m.

One thing Meyer doesn't have at Ohio State that he had at Florida is a warm winter. I would imagine it will be tougher to recruit kids from the south no matter what B10 school.

DonAZ

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 5 a.m.

True that ... *some* talent for sure, but Saban, Miles, Fisher and Muschamp are not losing too much sleep over the prospect of Meyer coming to Florida to recruit.

nekm1

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.

The SEC will own both programs head to head anyway. Also, MSU and Wisconsin have proven that 3 and 4 stars with heart, will always outperform sheer talent. Keep grabbing those 5 stars, and see what happens to your programs. There is no number 5 in the word - TEAM!

Dan

Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 4:16 a.m.

how many BCS games has Wisconsin won? Michigan State? How many has Ohio State won? Here's a hint: Ohio State has as more than the rest of the Big Ten combined.

aareader

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.

Lets hear it for the NCAA! By allowing Ohio to have extra people on its recruiting staff one can note more recruiting has worked. I assume Michigan and all of the other BIG 10 schools can do that too???? Question is why did Ohio get to do it and no one else could? NCAA .... your motivations are suspect. You owe everyone an explanation if you want to keep any kind of credibility in the college football ranks of coaches, players and fans.

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.

For Meyer and Hoke, in the end, it is what they will do ON the field, that will determine their life expectancy. Bo &amp; Woody were roughly equivalent, in recruiting, and neither one was able to out-produce the other. Toward the end of his career, Woody lost three years in a row to Bo, giving Bo the series edge. (Ohio did not score a TD in '76,'77, and '78.) After hitting Clemson's Charlie Bauman in the'78 Gator Bowl ,Woody got canned. Earl the Pearl, was not a genius by any means, but since neither school played much offense, the games were close. Earle got canned the week of the '87 game, 'in theory', because he spent too much time, at Siota Downs, betting on the trotters. John Cooper recruited very well, but was poor in keeping the kids in Cbus. He never really was accepted by the locals, as he was considered 'beneath' them. You can figure that one out. His record vs. UM was 2-10-1. Coop got canned, after the 2000 UM game in Cbus. Tressell beat Carr like a drum, as Lloyd was not able to out-recruit, nor out-coach, the Vest. Tressel played on 'the edge', particularly on defense, and in recruiting. He dared the offcials to make calls, which they rarely did. Lloyd never had a clue, how to compete with Tressel, which of course, goes back to a lack of intensity, and depth, on his UM teams for 7 years. Carr 'retired' in 2007. (Just like Bump Elliott 'retired', after 1968.) Rodriguez, had three chances at Tressel, with little talent left from Carr, and even less defense. Like Cooper, RR was considered 'beneath the locals' and got canned in 2010. Getting back to Tressel...He'd be there to day, if it weren't for the 'bad luck', of having the pesky FBI stumble across the situation. Columbus cops probably would have keep right on going. When 'the vest' got caught, he joined Woody, Bruce, and Coop, intially being canned, then revised to 'retirement'. I never saw Meyer as much of a 'bench coach', but I do expect him to have an 'edge' in talent, over Hoke.

Tru2Blu76

Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 3:31 a.m.

It may surprise you, but I'm right with you on your account and your point. Particularly about Carr: he &quot;had his moment&quot; with the '97 championship but he did it with Gary Moeller's recruits. (And yes, Moeller's firing was another example of head coaches at major programs cutting their own throats - a drunk &amp; disorderly charge is a really stupid thing to add to your resume if you're coaching at any major school.) I'm a little surprised there aren't more Carr defenders jumping on you for being so frank. I've seen that happen - a lot - since &quot;Three And Out&quot; was published.

ron fishman

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.

What was the point of this lengthy history lesson ?

Terry Star21

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:58 a.m.

This is a joke right, you are trying to be funny, again ?

Hailmary

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 8:39 p.m.

I think Urban will be good for the Big 10. I think ohio did not get slammed harder by the NCAA because of Urban and hisi so called, &quot;celebrity status&quot; The NCAA could not touch Pete Carrol a few yrs. ago when he flew the coop. The NCAA was able and still is sticking it to Tressel so because of their ability to slap Tressel around a bit it takes away some of the same type of anger that caused them to come down hard on USC not to mention that Heisman situation. I think Urban is liked by a lot of people and great ticket sales and his teams do well on the television stage. I think the NCAA felt compelled to lesson the intended sting once Urban was onboard.

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.

Any buckeye or rival fan worth his or her salt knows we aren't above the law as we usually put the lawbreakers through the wood chipping machine whereas most of the buckeyed fans hold a candlelit vigil at Tressel's home, wink at each other (Meyer, McGee, Smith, Tressel, any car dealer, tattooist and the NCAA.

golfer

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.

from espn Ohio State received a one-year bowl ban in addition to an extra year of probation and the loss of additional scholarships in an NCAA Committee on Infractions report to be released later Tuesday, sources told The Columbus Dispatch and ESPN. In addition, former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel will be saddled with a &quot;show-cause&quot; penalty, which will require any school that hires him to be subject to penalties unless it proves why it should escape sanctions. The Dispatch, citing multiple sources, reported that Ohio State will not play in a bowl game in the 2012 season. A source confirmed that to ESPN's Joe Schad, and added that the school is not likely to appeal the sanctions. The NCAA report is due out at 3 p.m. ET. The Dispatch also reported that Ohio State will lose four additional scholarships per year for the next three years. That's on top of the loss of five scholarships the school self-imposed. The NCAA also added a year of probation, meaning Ohio State will be subject to stiffer penalties for any repeated violations through the 2013 season. The penalties come just three weeks after the Buckeyes hired former Florida coach and ESPN commentator Urban Meyer as the team's new coach. Tressel was cited for failing to report that some Buckeyes had sold memorabilia and for allowing ineligible players to compete in the 2010 season, including in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. At the time, Tressel warned his players, rather than telling athletic department officials. Among those accused of selling items to a Columbus-area tattoo-parlor owner was quarterback Terrell Pryor, who later left school and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders. Previously, Ohio State put itself on probation for two years; vacated the 2010 season, including the Ben Ten and Sugar Bowl titles; and forfeited its $338,811 share of Sugar Bowl proceeds. Information from ESPN's Joe Schad is included in this report.

Marvin Mosley

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.

With Meyer going to OSU so goes the NCAA and they got a slap on the wrist again and as always. Meyer will be ill again when Miller graduates just like he did when Tebow left Florida along with Zooks recruits. Muscamp will have to rebuild in order to get over Meyer's bailout.

Scott

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.

Then we'll just have to out coach them. Boise state is usually ranked about 100 with 2 and 3 star athletes and they beat top teams every year (Oklahoma, Virginia tech, Georgia) on the road. Texas seems to always be number 1 or 2 and they stink. Michigan's only five star recruit on the squad- will Campbell-has been outperformed by at least tweenty 3 and 4 star Michigan recruits. Hoke will get top 5 or top 10 teams (at least) every year. Michigan will have plenty of talent. The coaching will decide the future. Go Blue!!!

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:01 p.m.

Fear what? Enjoy your lump of coal. &quot;The bigger they are, the harder they fall&quot; They = buckeyes, of course.

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.

Chiro and the other Michigan Men, Urban Meyer would be doing us a favor by weeding out the chaff from the Hoke's recruits which would yield nothing but the Pure Michigan Men crop intact. In light of Theo212's pre Christmas greetings, I would like to extend the same to everyone, too. However, am distributing huge lumps of coal to the enablers from the Wicked Land of buckeyes including this great slogan: GO BLUE!

superbuck

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.

All the whining UM fans are doing tells me that the hiring of URBAN MEYER has put some fear in your minds. You all thought we were going to be down and out for yers . well SURPRISE

knotch

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.

NO... I guess it's back to business at OSU. Just find a new way too pay the players. Meyer must be popular standing next too Dantonio at the county jail, looking for recruits. The only Big Ten school crying in their soup is MSWhooo. Is the one year suspension, just a rebuilding year

Terry Star21

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4 a.m.

Sick osu coach + sick osu team = death penalty.

ted

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:58 a.m.

Lorain , what has Meyer done wrong ? You sound like all those people who dishonestly smeared RR.

missionbrazil

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.

Who's whining ? We were 10-2 this year and we're going to a BCS bowl. It's great to be a Michigan fan. Where are you going again ?

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.

DonAZ, We HAVE been wandering in the desert, not for 3 years, but for TEN years! Recall that Lloyd lost 6 of 7 to ohio, BEFORE, RR ever walked in. (Then he made sure that RR lost to ohio, after he retired.) Tressel knew that as long as he won the UM game, that the locals in Cbus, would look the other way. He also gambled, and won, that the league would look the other way. Had the FBI not stumbled into the tatoo parlor on a totally non-related matter , he would STILL be coaching there. Now THE university is gambling, that the NCAA will just slap their wrist. Based on the second set of coaches, recently permitted by the NCAA, it looks like Meyer, will be able to continue, ,business as usual, Being from ohio, I did not care for any of that.

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7 p.m.

Fear what? Enjoy your lump of coal. &quot;The bigger they are, the harder they fall&quot; They = buckeyes, of course.

DonAZ

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.

No sensible person thought OSU would be &quot;down and out for years.&quot; Just like I'm sure Buckeye fans knew that Michigan's wandering in the RR desert for 3 years couldn't last. It didn't, and we understood OSU would not as well.

DonAZ

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.

Meyer is a big name, a good recruiter and a good coach. No surprise he's making early headway. The news from this story is not the recruiting commitments, but Meyer's acknowledgement that certain aspects of Big 10 play require physicality and ball control. Had Rodriguez made that leap of logic he would likely still be coaching here. I'll remind everyone that Texas scores top-five recruiting classes year after year. How've they been doing lately? It ain't all about the stars after the recruit's name. Sure, talent is a part of it, but not the whole story. There's also an intangible aspect called &quot;chemistry&quot; that some teams coalesce around, and some teams (even talent-laden teams) don't. Meyer had a couple of great teams down at Florida. But don't forget that Mattison was DC for the 2006 BCS. And don't forget when it came to leadership and teamwork there was a young man named &quot;Tebow&quot; who, I suspect, contributed more to that element of the team than did Meyer. Meyer's 2010 season at Florida -- a team loaded with talent but sans Tebow -- had all manner of troubles. Ultimately it's all nonsense speculation on our part. Fun, but meaningless. The upcoming seasons will tell the story.

Scott

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.

If RR had Mattison as his Dc he would definitely still be here. but he's gona and Mattison and Hoke will rule.

Larry Weisenthal

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.

Pro style v spread. How did Brady vs Tebow work out?

Polecat

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.

Scout stinks as a recruiting service. You should use Rivals, they don't throw out five star ratings like they are candy.

Tru2Blu76

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.

I think it's time to remember that recruiting stories are a mixture of fact and mirage. Mostly - this kind of sports reporting is over-hype to maintain interest during lulls in actual football activity. We all know that highly ranked players buy their own ratings by paying for time before scouts while attending football clinics. Rather, their fathers pay for those ratings. This is one reason some highly ranked players turn out to be unable to live up to their own ratings. It's also why some lower ranked players turn into real college football stars - they are &quot;invisible&quot; to this distorted system. I wouldn't worry too much about Suburban Meyer's &quot;success&quot; at this point: Hoke &amp; Co. have a one-year head start in recruiting and they have a team which will be mostly seniors next season. Hoke's recruiting class will be one year ahead of Meyer's class, no matter what. Meyer's Flash Dance recruiting probably includes some over-rated players and Meyer himself said he wants to make a big splash and amaze everyone (about him, him, him). Meyer's trademark phrase is: It's about The Me, The Me, The Me. There is no &quot;I&quot; in &quot;team&quot; but there's no &quot;I&quot; in &quot;Me&quot; either. Let's also remember: Ohio's &quot;most successful coaches&quot; have a tradition: total self-destruction due to (really stupid) illegal acts. (Woody: assaulting another team's player on national TV, Sweater Vest: lying his pants off to his own superiors.) So, judging by the fact that Suburban Meyer talks a lot like Sarah Palin - we can be pretty sure that, in a while, he will DO as Woody, Sweater Vest and Dear Sarah from Alaska have all done: self destruct.

Dan

Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 5:31 p.m.

&quot;Hoke's recruiting class will be one year ahead of Meyer's class&quot; Ohio State had a top 3 class last year, which included Braxton Miller, Curtis Grant, and Ryan Shazier. That class is one year ahead of Hoke's - so really it doesn't matter.

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.

@L Steelmen: who says I denigrated a patriotic American? I denigrated a stupid, incompetent fool who thought she could win an election the way she won her 4th-class beauty pageant. There are patriotic minded people of all kinds: some of them are smart and have actually DONE patriotic things, rather than blabber propaganda without substance. Go find a candidate for president (in either party) who shows real character, honesty and ability - PLEASE - do that before choosing to defend Bottom of the Barrel &quot;personalities&quot; like Palin. As for my comparison of Meyer to Hayes &amp; Tressel: this remains to be seen, I'm talking about probabilities, not predictions. a

Scott

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.

I try and stay out of politics. Football is my release from all the ugliness of our 'democratic process&quot;. All politicians give me the creeps. Go Blue!

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.

I agree with Lorain. I must admit Meyer is one step or two above Obama. GO BLUE!

DonAZ

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.

I doubt very much Hoke is counting on Meyer leaving any time soon. Plus, you never know ... this level of competition might kick Hoke and staff to another level of competitiveness. The great prosper when faced with stiff competition.

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.

I'm not sure what Sarah Palin has to do with college football, but nice try, in denigrating a political foe, whom you disagree with. Palin has been attacked by both the republican establishment, (RINO's), as well as the democrats (socialists), dispite the charges being frivilous, or just not true. Frankly, I am sicking sick of this sort of garbage...having patriotic Americans denigrated! Woody Hayes coached in columbus, from '51 through '78 and Tressel from '01 through '10. That's a total of 36 years. Good luck to Hoke, if he has to wait for 36 years for Meyer, to 'self destruct'.

81wolverine

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.

C'mon annarbor.com - stop the absurd hysteria about &quot;Big Bad Urban Meyer&quot; taking over recruiting just because he's poached a few recruits from the sinking Penn State ship and he's been able to con a few others about the lack of penalties coming OSU's way from the NCAA. In the long run, lying is a poor foundation for a football program. He's done it before and he'll continue to do it at TSIO. Not only that, but he won't stick around very long either. After he's overstayed his welcome down there, he'll &quot;retire&quot; again. Hoke is all in for Michigan for the long haul. And PLEASE provide the complete story here. Michigan has gotten commitments from 23 players much earlier and is now working hard on players who are deciding late in the process. Go Blue!

Dirk Aderka

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 3 p.m.

I think Coach Hoke is counting the days until he can replace Robinson. The look on his face when Denard was strolling back to the huddle with his helmet off during the OSU game was priceless. And when he finally gets it on and takes it off again because it's broke just added to the coaches priceless expression....&quot;WtheF/OMG/Stupid SOB all wrapped into one&quot;. He was probably thinking about what it would take to land Gunner Keil. A true pro style quarterback is needed to take advantage of the offensive line that is being assembled with a running back with skills like Leroy Hoard. Now that would be entertaining to watch...smash mouth football with an option passer. As for the recruiting, I think Urban Meyer was notified about the OSU job the night Tressel resigned. He took advantage of his ESPN job and contacts (other announcers covering games) to get a head start in preparation for recruiting and hit the grown full speed as soon as it became official. I would not be surprised to see him finish off his first recruiting class with 4 more 5 star recruits since there are still many uncommitted. I would guess his 2013 class will consist of cherry picking whatever recruit is on his radar which will most likely be SEC type speed and lineman from Ohio (2013 class is loaded). All of this is good for Michigan and the other elite teams by getting the attention of SEC recruits that previously would not even consider playing in the BIG 10. Michigan's o line is set for the next 3 or 4 years and and the faster Hoke can remove the Rodriguez touch the easier it will be to attract top talent. May not be close to what Urban Meyer will land but it will be good enough to compete if Hoke is as good a coach as everyone expects.

truebluefan

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 12:17 a.m.

Yes, let's go back to an offensive system that we ran from 1990 until 2007 yet never produced in yardage or points like the offenses of 2010 and 2011. Give me more dual threat QB's and hybrid offenses, please!

DonAZ

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.

Which begs a question -- is there a rule that says a helmet must have a chin strap in place when the ball is snapped? Let's say Robinson simply popped the helmet back on and didn't bother with the tangled/broken chin strap. If an official spotted that, would it have been a penalty?

DonAZ

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.

The look on Hoke's face was because he had to burn a timeout due to an equipment malfunction. I'm not convinced it was a look of derision aimed at Robinson per se ... just the circumstances.

edjasbord

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.

The NCAA's approval of a recruiting advantage for OSU during this period really makes me lose even more respect for the organization, and damages my appreciation of college football overall. Put concretely, it makes me less likely to watch games, to pay money, to support the damaged, prejudiced institution that is college football. I really think large universities, such as UM, should think about pulling out of the NCAA and/or starting a better watchdog institution. Somebody big pulling out would send shockwaves through the world of college sports and would lead the way for other universities to do the same.

Dan

Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.

This is dumb. Meyer has been doing all the recruiting himself. He hadn't hired anyone to coach before the dead period, so it's not like there were extra coaches going out to recruit. It's been all Meyer. Ohio State could have just hired him on the staff and let him do exactly the same thing without the waiver.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.

...Or it might just leave us in the lurch. While many of us dislike a lot of things the NCAA does or doesn't do, I doubt that an awfully lot want to dump it. Perhaps we need to have the strong schools react firmly when they don't deal solidly with cheating and all the other stuff. We could lead the charge, but I think it will take a lot of schools pushing together to get them going in a better direction. Pulling out right now seems to me to be pretty drastic.

BlueGator

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.

It was inevitable that Ohio State's recruiting would surge with Meyer there. He's a great coach at a school rich in football history. No sense us whining and crying about it.

MRunner73

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.

Let's not get too carried away on this. 1) The newness of Urban Meyer means early momentum, much like any head coach at a major football program. 2) These are recruits, some pan out well and some do not. You have to wait and see a couple of years. 3) The recruits will still be incoming freshman so very few of them will be impact players intitially. 3) What will the big news be from the NCAA Infractions Committee this afternoon?...much more on that later.

riverraisin

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.

Thank you for a little sensibility added to this comment page. Everybody's getting worked up over who squeaked out a recruiting win over who. A great coaching staff will turn good recruits into great players. Besides that...Meyer is already going at his job at a torrid pace. Seems he's not capable of finding balance in being a head coach. Look for him to burn out once again.

MRunner73

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.

correction: 4) NCAA news...

lugemachine

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.

&quot;Michigan losing recruiting lead over Ohio State after torrid run by Urban Meyer&quot; Losing? Huh? We're #2 and they're #5, correct? The lower number is still better than the higher number, yes? Oh good. &quot;Remember when Brady Hoke was last summer's recruiting darling? That is fading into a distant memory, thanks to the Big Ten's newest coach.&quot; Distant memory? These kids sign their national letters of intent in six weeks. It's not a distant memory... it's a current reality. The NCAA is going to hand down its decision on the Buckeyes' fate later today. Let's see what impact that has on recruiting. Still six weeks until signing day.

63Townie

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.

&quot;Meyer also is aided by a waiver that allows him to recruit, and only recruit, while former Ohio State coach Luke Fickell has a full staff to prepare for the team's Gator Bowl matchup against Florida.&quot; Imagine that, special rules for O$U.

Theo212

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.

Meyer: Modern, wide open offense Borges: Run it up the gut, punt on 3rd down Not too difficult to see why Meyer is whitewashing us on the recruiting trail. Nevertheless, we'll root for what we got and hope for a nice Sugar Bowl win. Special Christmas greetings to: DonAZ (my new right-hand man), lorain, meangoblue2, Theo's brother, and yes, even you D21. God bless us, everyone.

DonAZ

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.

My pleasure, Theo! :-) As I mentioned in my post further down, the real story here is that Meyer acknowledges the need to maintain elements of the power game while employing other elements of the spread to &quot;attack the perimeter.&quot; It was Meyer in the ESPN booth prior to the Iowa game (I think) who spoke of why the spread as it had been understood was undergoing change -- defenses had begun to understand how to defend it. This is the natural ebb-and-flow of college football strategy. If Meyer was coming in with the intent to load up on 160lb skitterbugs I'd smile and look forward to Michigan domination. But Meyer is no dummy, and he coached in the SEC where size and physicality were ever-present. He'll bring something akin to the spread to OSU ... but it won't be like Pat White at WVU. It'll be more like Wilson at Wisconsin.

Theo212

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.

Don, the humongous chuckle I got from reading your post is all the Christmas present I need. Thank you, my friend.

MRunner73

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.

Ditto unclefred. (LOL) Please look at the 2011 team's offensive stats. Plus, they did a lot better in conference play. The 10 and 2 record is no accident.

DonAZ

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.

I'm racking my brain trying to come up with an offensive play that doesn't even involve anyone or any time ... just points ringing up on the scoreboard like a pinball machine. Am I showing my age by mentioning &quot;pinball machine?&quot; :-) Of course they'll have to redesign the scoreboards at Michigan Stadium to hold the five, six and seven-digit scores!

unclefred

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.

Sorry you missed the 2011 season. Hope that you have an opportunity to watch a few games in 2012. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Forever27

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.

theo, i've been with you in your support for rich rod's offense. but don't let your feeling of scorn blind you to the fact that our current staff is quite good, and innovative too (look at the robinson/gardner packages). to call what borges runs &quot;run it up the gut, punt on 3rd down&quot; is beyond over simplification.

LJ

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.

Mort, Michigan requested and was granted the same thing OSU has with Meyer recruiting and Fickel coaching. You had Carr coaching his final game while Rich Rod was recruiting. I dont see anything wrong with it. I dont understand why MIchigan fans spend so much time and effort worring about what other schools do and not enjoy their school and program returning to prominance after a bad few years of Rich Rod Ball.

MRunner73

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.

bob is correct and that is the way it was explained to me.

bob

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.

LJ, Rich Rod was a late hire by Michigan and was hired during the recruiting &quot;dead period&quot; Michigan did not ask for or receive the waiver that Ohio was granted. need to check your facts.

chiro19

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.

The title is that Michigan is losing the recruiting battle to ohio and yet in the article they are not. I am confused here. ohio has picked up some good recruits. They have not passed Michigan on any recruiting board in terms of rankings. Ofcourse this is trivial but none the less Michigan is not losing the recruiting battle to ohio. They have picked up one player that Michigan was trying to get and that is Adolphus Washington. Brionte Dunn was simply a distraction. Michigan is going to pick up 5-6 more recruits if they dont Oversign which I think they will. Here is a list of recruits for Michigan from most likely to least likely. 1. Josh Garnett (Mich. is top three) 5* Guard 2. Zach Banner (Mich is top 5) 5* Tackle- possible combo deal with Garnett! 3. Jordan Payton (favored Mich and has them in the top 3) 4* wr 4. Yuri Wright (Mich is top 5) 4* CB 5. Evan Boehm (Mich is back in the hunt) 4* C/Guard 6. Jordan Diamond (Mich has always been the favorite here and he has a official visit in Jan.) 5* Tackle 7. Stephon Diggs (Mich is top 5) 5* CB/WR 8. Gunner Kiel (mich was a top choice after he dropped Indy but they have slipped) 5* QB 9. Nelson Agholor (Mich is top 10) 5* safety I think michigan is just fine with there spot in this years recruiting battle! Go Blue!!!

Sparky79

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.

Not sure where you dug that list out of, but if you keep up with current recruiting Michigan has almost no chance with everyone on that list save Garnett, Wright, and and Diamond.

edjasbord

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.

Um, the title says Michigan is 'losing it lead in the recruiting battle'. Michigan had a big lead. Now that lead is not big at all. But they still have the lead. There is nothing confusing about the title. .

osubetterthanu

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.

Uh oh... You guys better build a moat around Ann arbor! I also love how you guys think your so above any scandle- did you forget about the fab 5 and all the stuff that went on then. Shame on you for ridicululing us when you've been there, done that. Heres to many years of great battles with the maize n blue. Go Bucks

UofMbeBetter

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.

@63, You kinda gloss over the Fact the University of Michigan Killed Ed Martin, and tayrel traded his own junk for more junk. I dont really think those are the same sort of violations.......... just sayen

63Townie

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.

Blah blah blah. You seem to forget that UM fell on the sword about the Ed Martin scandal while O$U has done nothing but beg for bowl eligibility for clearly ineligible players, make a scapegoat out of your cherished former coach while the administration claims ignorance, and has managed to cajole the NCAA to give special recruiting preference to Meyer. If O$U fesses up and does HALF of what UM did to it's basketball program then you can talk.

chiro19

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.

The fab five paid for the mistakes they made as did Michigan (forfeiting games/championships and post season bans)! ohio seems to be getting rewarded for what they have done by the NCAA! Almost every coach in the Big Ten is saying it is a unfair advantage that ohio has. I think the issue is not that your coach is retiring or being fired because he sucks but that your school broke major NCAA violations and the NCAA is looking the other way simply because a ohio team that is strong makes the NCAA money. Why does Mich need a moat? ohio has no recruits from Mich. and UofM has the top 5 recruits out of the state. (all of which are top 20 in their respective position and 3 are top 10). I think ohio may need some defenses of their own seeing how Mich typically gets some of the best players from ohio!

try your best

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.

@Joe Freezel, like a true fan for that team from ohio, lots of lip service. Talk is cheap. It will be settled on the field. All Hoke has to say is &quot;those that stay will be Champions&quot;!

try your best

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.

@sour...more lip service!

Sour

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.

Champions of what?? 3rd place in the legends division?? It's not 1901 anymore michigan fans...

Forever27

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.

It's pretty easy to recruit when you don't have to coach for a bowl game. Meyer has been telling his recruits that there won't be any additional penalties from the NCAA either. Which is one of two things: an outright lie, or a ridiculous ending to an even more ridiculous &quot;investigation&quot; into OSU's misdeeds and subsequent cover up.

Dan

Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 4:12 a.m.

1) How do you know what Meyer has been telling people? 2) If kids felt he lied to them, they can easily decommit. They haven't signed anything.

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.

I don't listen to any Buckeye fan unless he or she or it first renounces the evil misdeeds of their university. But the time has come for B1G to jettison the buckeyes from it's conference by any means. There is no room for blatant cheating in B1G. Even the crime ridden SEC wouldn't touch the buckeyes with a ten foot pole. GO BLUE!

Dan

Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.

You realize Michigan is home to one of the biggest and most well-known sports scandals in college history, right? Chris Webber received one of the largest payments to an athlete in the history of NCAA violations. The NCAA banned Michigan from the post-season and they forfeited a ton of games. That's not to say what OSU did was right, but if teams were kicked out for major violations, Michigan wouldn't be in the conference.

mt

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 11:29 p.m.

I agree. Do not listen to any team or fans of schools that have been on probation the last five years. Cheaters!

MRunner73

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.

Actually, yes, the SEC would accept ohio. They get my vote to join the SEC. That way Uncle Urban can feel right at home. It would be a perfect fit, ohio in the SEC.

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:25 p.m.

Brain freeze, I concur with Nice in A2's posting. :)

Nice in A2

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.

Wow, even with your spin OSU looks bad.

Joe Freezel

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.

Michigan College is currently on probation for &quot;Faiure to Monitor&quot;. They were creating an unfair advantage with illegal practices that provided them a competitive advantage. The Ohio State University had some kids sell their own possessions for tattoos and the coach lied. Seems to me if anyone were to get thrown out fort cheating your should look in the mirror.

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.

&quot;It's different,&quot; Hoke said recently. &quot;That would be my reaction. I've never heard of it, but there's probably a lot of things I haven't heard of. ... Is it an advantage? Yeah, I think so.&quot; Translation: Nothing new down there (another snakeoil salesman)

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 7:39 p.m.

tonydearing, Real Michigan Men can sniff out a fake if given time.

D21

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.

a semi one at that and don't FORGET that most of us (real Michigan Men &amp; Women) were against him, WCIMFH, from the day he was hired. Your greatest loss is Rich Rodriguez not Tressel. :)

Joe Freezel

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.

Nice to see an honest article on the current rivalry between the Ohio State University and Michigan College. There is a loud RUMOR in Northeast Ohio that Kyle Kalis is considering a switch back to tOSU. I've heard this from people involved in the St. Ed's football program and he has been reaching out to other tOSU verbal commits. This would not be a surprise since he only switched to Michigan College after Tressel was fired and the cloud of sanctions were unknown. Now that Urban Meyer is building a solid class and the sanctions coming will be little or nothing, Kalis is reconsidering his mistake.

A2Realilty

Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:10 a.m.

Keep dreaming. He's as solid as they come.

Matt Patercsak

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.

his facebook profile is him wearing a michigan jersey with brady hoke on his right, and his mom on his left, hes not going anywhere

golfer

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.

i think osu has ncaa in it back pocket!. how is it not fair to let two coaches for the same school do two different things. they both as of now are called HEAD COACH&quot; I thought the one word head is for one coach. now you got the great ncaa letting a head coach recruit while the other is getting ready for a bowl. no other school is doing it. lots of coaches have been fired. why are they not doing it! second do not tell me they do not know what going to be given to osu. why not let it out NOW!. do it now or lets wait until they get a good class then tell them. NOTHING. i really do not care like hoak says it will all come out on the field. that were it should be. still unfair ncaa you are two faced!

ethanblue

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.

Michigan, I've read by actual journalist, did not have the waiver, as Rodriguez was hired during the recruiting dead period. Who has said that the Wolverines had the same waiver but blowhard OSU fans who spend their time on Michigan websites?

andys

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.

Michigan was not under NCAA investigation at the time and these other schools may not be as well. Geez Joe ... I think that is a fairly significant difference. Why not just reward OSU for there transgressions!??????

golfer

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.

sorry did not know this. you never know until signing day about Kyle Kalis . i would say meyer could make a run. i think he did and kyle said no. but remember they change their mind all the time. you play with what you have simple.

Joe Freezel

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.

The same waiver Rich Rodriguez used when Llyod Carr left? The same waiver being used by at least 3 other schools than tOSU right now?

semperveritas

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.

brady hoke may be a 'super recruiter' but he'd better widen his net to include florida and the other SEC states. the current roster depends upon florida kids----i don't see any in the prospective 2012 signees. and as for going undefeated next season----that would include wins AT notre dame, nebraska, ohio state----and a dallas win against alabama. that is a perilous schedule.

towny

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : noon

University of Michigan football is back under a fantastic coaching staff lead by Brady Hoke and will be contending for national championships in the future. Coach Hoke is a super recruiter and once we get his recruits in place we will be unbeatable and that includes beating the team from Ohio. Good for Coach Meyer. Maybe we can get back to the Bo versus Woody rivalry. Good competition only makes you better. Can not wait for next year it's going to be great. The Wolverines lead by senior quarterback Denard Robinson are going to destroy the competition and go undefeated. Go Blue !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! number 1.

towny

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.

Just trying to think positive. I was a huge supporter of Coach Hoke from the start and took a lot of heat. Now many are believers. They should of been undefeated this season.

DDOT1962

Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 12:40 p.m.

Did you look at next year's schedule? I think your enthusiasm for Blue is a bit off through those rose-colored glasses. Michigan's won 1 national championship in the last 63 years. They don't come as easy as victories over Northwestern.