Posted on Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:17 p.m.
Sam McGuffie was miserable at Michigan; now he's happy in Houston
By AnnArbor.com Staff
U-M's Sam McGuffie attempts to score against Wisconsin in a 2007 game.
Ann Arbor News file photo
The distance between Sam McGuffie and his family was the primary reason the one-time Michigan running back decided to transfer to Rice, which was much closer to his Houston home.
That's the crux of Andy Staples' story on SI.com that profiles McGuffie.
The pressure for McGuffie started almost immediately upon his arrival in Ann Arbor.Â
"You're going into Michigan playing in front of 110,000 people," he said. "You start your first game as a damn freshman at running back. At Michigan, that's a big deal. And Mike Hart had left, so there were big shoes to fill."
Comments
Sean T.
Fri, Apr 2, 2010 : 1:57 p.m.
I remember when TXTeacher told me that I didn't know what I was talking about when it came to McGuffie. In McGuffie's own words he says that the stage was too big for him. We've had some great players at Michigan that were freshman in our recent times, particularly at RB. "It's funny that people talk about things they no nothing about"!
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 31, 2010 : 8:31 a.m.
Next, come on boys and girls the kids gone, adios amigo and all that. None of this matters to me one bit I'm sure some day the kid will be in the money and that's what this game is all about, not you or me. I have my fun with what's happening now and that's 2010 Mich. football and what RR and staff are doing to get the boys ready for a run. All I have to say about McGuffie is that he's damn lucky he didn't get crippled in the 10 running that stand-up style it could have happened in that Ohio state Mich. game. As far as him having personal family situations, hell who doesn't and I always say family comes first. If Sam needed to get his butt home to take care of issues then I agree with him 100%. We put our families first and that includes ahead of mine or your pleasure. I'm sure RR understands family problems hell his family has taken a beating by the, "Mich. faithful".
bluemax79
Wed, Mar 31, 2010 : 7:22 a.m.
was worried about Sam after talking to his uncle after one of the games. He told me that Sam was a very shy kid and was not comforatable with all the attention the youtube video had gotten him (a friend out it out and not Sam) Hope he does well, the pressure was big on him his one year at M
TXteacher
Wed, Mar 31, 2010 : 12:17 a.m.
C-USA would be too tough for Blue right now. The MAC has been tough enough. Sam is a quality kid-never a bad word to say about Michigan.
azwolverine
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 9:13 p.m.
2010 Champs Sports Bowl? Maybe. 2011 NC? Never. RR will never, ever win a NC. Never has, never will. Although, in all honesty, I'm sure the competition at Salem and Glenville State was something fierce. Must have gone up against a lot of top coaches there, too.
leathercouch
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 8:21 p.m.
im excited to see sam tear up the C-USA. that being said. just leaves room for d-rob, shaw, gallon and toussaint to battle for the heisman. long live the king! UM 2010 9-4 winners of the champs sports bowl. 2011 13-0 national champs!
15crown00
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 6:31 p.m.
good for hom and he's the one that allegdy kept Fred Jackson his job.
Ignatz
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
The University of Michigan is in the state of Michigan. Therefore, Sam was IN Michigan AT Michigan. Either would be right....sheesh...
blueiniowa
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 2:22 p.m.
81-- I don't think you recall the MASH unit our RB corps was in '08. I don't think RR wanted to use Sam as an every-down back, but didn't have a ton of choice. I wish Sam well. Mentioned above-- Rice is an excellent school (and LOADED with $$,) where can make plenty of connections and this alumni will make sure this kid is taken care of after football. And so what if he was homesick? Hell, I left the state at age 29, and I was homesick! I'm still a little homesick nearly six years later. Look at me. I am still posting and reading on local Michigan websites, and am more concerned over MI politics, than my new home state. Home is a powerful thing.
TJ
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 2:10 p.m.
Typical AA.com negative spin, the article says "in" Michigan not "at" Michigan. Guff came, he gave it his best, he went home...good for him hope he does well. 9 players transfered out of state this year, we will see if there are any articles about them in 2 years. We know that wont happen cause we know State is irrelavent. And if there are articles they wont be in the sports section though....just whos on the wanted list.
Terry Star21
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.
Smiley is right on... this kid played his heart out here, those minor concussions he received were frightening for him, but he did keep coming back... I loved his energy. Mostly, he was a class act like Mallett, whom chose not to bad mouth Michigan... as did Boren and many others whom couldn't make it at UM FB (some whom ran to the freep to put their crap in the paper). So yes, Sam we wish you the best! McGuffie and Mallett - 10..... Boren, slackers, cutters, freep crap - 0
ssAA
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.
As A2 pointed out, the article says McGuffie was miserable "in" Michigan, not "at" Michigan. Either AnnArbor.com is trying to create controversy or they are illiterate.
Blue Marker
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 1:49 p.m.
Mike Hart handled starting as a freshmen and he's not much bigger than Sam. As for Minor.....he's made of glass. Sam had hesitation even before he signed. I hold no ill-will but I do wonder why these kids don't listen to that voice inside before they sign. Good luck to him and GO BLUE!
saginaw
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 1:45 p.m.
Rice is a great small, private school. Large endowment fund and very tight alumni group. Sam will get a lot of positive support and a great education is very much available to him -- if he wants to work for it. He did all that he could for Michigan Football, and I wish him well.
81wolverine
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:53 p.m.
I thought he was thrown into the fire too soon at Michigan and asked to be an every-down back when he shouldn't have. He wasn't physically ready for pounding the ball into the middle of the line. Why didn't the coaches use Minor? Still, it probably wouldn't have made a difference as he would have been homesick anyway. I hope he does well at Rice.
Smiley
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:50 p.m.
Sam played his heart out for us and is a class act. I wish him nothing but the best.
truebluefan
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.
That said, I wish Sam all the best in his future endeavors. The kid just wanted to be closer to home and there is nothing wrong with that. The kid is a class act. Unfortunately we can't say the same about Boren and Clemons.
truebluefan
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:35 p.m.
You have to love how the usual suspects attempt to spin this story to reflect negatively on RR. Take note that Sam's running style has the Rice coaches worried. Hmmm, sounds like Rice can't "coach up" McGuffie either. This must mean that Rice has poor football coaches. They probably lack integrity and family values too. LOL
g
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:34 p.m.
LOL are you for real? this is what happens when your parents coddle you to much. What happens if this kids wants to be an NFL player. does he tell teams dont draft me i have to be by my mommy and daddy.its time to grow up and be a man your 18. damn did he have to take his parents on springbreak with him or a sleepover at someones house. im all about family but cut the strings a little. he will never make it as a pro or in life. if you cant handle a little adversity. like going away for a couple of months. What about kids that serve are country thay have NP in doing so.
A2
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.
I think you should change the headline. The article says unhappy IN Michigan not AT Michigan. This title frames the article much different than the spirit of the article. Thanks
Matt Cooper
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.
PS. Boren left because 1. He couldn't handle the Michigan Football experience, and 2. They wouldn't let him decide who was going to coach him. Too bad he's not half the player his father was.
Matt Cooper
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.
noBowl: LMAO Are you serious? "I hear Boren is happier too. In fact everybody is happy but Michigan fans. They are filled blind, false optimism the even call RR king. They are right, KING OF NOW BOWLS. Honestly the school needs new coaches and not from West Virigina". With all them thar speeling arors I'm betting yoo whendt too O-High-O Stayt too....dintcha?
Matt Cooper
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:14 p.m.
Between the issues back home and the pressure of starting so soon, McGuffie never quite felt comfortable at Michigan. "You're going into Michigan playing in front of 110,000 people," he said. "You start your first game as a damn freshman at running back. At Michigan, that's a big deal. And Mike Hart had left, so there were big shoes to fill." LOL So, he's basically saying "I can't be away from my family and I just couldn't handle the pressure of being the starting RB for the winningest football program in history". I say goodbye and good riddance!
NoBowl4Blue
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 12:10 p.m.
I hear Boren is happier too. In fact everybody is happy but Michigan fans. They are filled blind, false optimism the even call RR king. They are right, KING OF NOW BOWLS. Honestly the school needs new coaches and not from West Virigina
OSUbeBeter
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 11:39 a.m.
I'm glad Tressel will be gone soon. RR is currently out-recruiting him big time!! The tables are definitely turning. The "Cooper years" are on their way back. Go Blue!!!!!
Ignatz
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 11:34 a.m.
I'm glad Sam found his niche and feels more at home. He showed a lot of promise.