Kovacs wil be taken care of in the fall

Well it seems Jordan Kovacs-LB will finally get his scholarship that he's been so diligently working towards. He's gone from a no name walk on to second on the team in tackles at Michigan. The story linked in below from the Toledo Blade spells out clearly that Coach RR knows that Jordan deserves a scholarship so he'll be taken care of.

Also, in the article it notes what players will not be in spring practice but will be back for fall ball.

Link to Story

Mandich battles Cancer

Former Michigan All-American tight end Jim Mandich, one of the most beloved players on Bo Schembechler's 1969 Michigan team that beat Ohio St, is now battling bile duct cancer.

A tumor was discovered inside of his bile duct after he was complaining of a stabbing pain in his lower chest. They are going to treat his cancer with chemotherapy and should know after a couple weeks if the tumor is shrinking.

Jim-you are in our thoughts and prayers. Go Blue!

Notre Dame is nervous

ND is nervous because if the Big Ten expands they could find themselves on the outside looking in with regard to the BCS rankings. If the Big Ten does add on it will take teams like Pitt, Mizzou, Rutgers, Syracuse and who knows what other teams are being discussed?

This would implode the Big East as we once knew it and the Big Ten for that matter. It looks like Jim Delaney might very well get ND to join the Big Ten and if he did, it would be the jewel of the expansion teams.

Bo Schembechler was half right when he said,"Notre Dame needs the Big Ten. We don't need them." We do need ND in the Big Ten!

Find the link below....

Link to SI.com story

Chengelis has it right and wrong.

Yes, the rally was an "act of desperation" but have you seen the product on the field the last 2 years? We're talking about a team that is scrapping the bottom of the Big Ten with loses to Toledo and back-to-back loses to Purdue, MSU, PSU, IL and the streak against OSU is growing. Yep we're desperate but there are fans like you, Chengelis, who are still in this denial mode about the "state of the program" here at Michigan. Having a rally know matter how you slice it is a POSITIVE move during the off season to celebrate and recognize where the program once was and where it shall be again. The rally was not all about Coach RR but he is our leader so of course the rally will focus on him...it has to because it is he we're relying on to return us back from the brink.

The rally is something that also links us between Signing Day and the Spring Game so I'm all for anything that will keep me thinking about Michigan football. I'm also going to bet that most fans will embrace doing this again next year because it was uplifting.

The current "rift" at Michigan has never been deeper and quite frankly, I don't think it could go any lower so no harm there. Please stop creating so much drama just so you can fill a column because its useless with all of the traditional Michigan football supporters.

Michigan will win and we will support our coach with rallies and anything else we have to do to announce our allegiance to Michigan. Go Blue!
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'Victor's Rally' embarrassing for football program of U-M's stature

ANGELIQUE S. CHENGELIS

It is nearly a week after the non-university-backed "Victor's Rally" was held at the Michigan Theater to support Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez and the program, and my opinion hasn't changed.

Really? A Victor's Rally? In February, no less?

Does anyone else get the feeling the need for a rally almost sounds, well, desperate?

The last time I checked, the Michigan football program remains one of the most storied in the history of the sport. Has it been kicked around the last couple years? Yes. Has the winning tradition taken a shot? Hard to argue that -- an 8-16 record through two seasons, not to mention an NCAA investigation into rules violations, has proven that.

This is new territory for Michigan supporters, at least in the last 40 or so years, because they became accustomed to winning and going to bowl games and earning national rankings. Times have been tough lately, and there has been some fracturing in the Michigan family of former players, at least in terms of their perception of the direction in which the program is moving.

Unless I have missed something, however, I don't recall any public grousing about Rodriguez by former players -- not including those who have played under him the last two years, because that's another story -- who are not thrilled about the program's direction and its coach. Have they mentioned how much they hate seeing the program lose? Of course, but publicly dissing Rodriguez? Haven't heard it.

Link to Story

Michigan gets #3 commitment for class of 2011

News out of Ann Arbor today indicates that Birmingham Seaholm WR-Shawn Conway(6'4", 185, 4.5) has committed to Michigan at Junior Day today. He apparently transferred from Detroit Cass Tech after his freshman year to be closer to his cousin-Richaud Pack. I've got to be honest I don't know much about him but his film looks excellent.

Archie Griffin's son to play for the Buckeyes

This is from a couple weeks ago but I wanted to at least post this in case some of you missed it. Please note the bolded sentence below. The last minute openings were major disappointments that OSU hasn't seen lately when LB-Jordan Hicks chose Texas over OSU and then DT/DE-Shariff Floyd committed to FLA for the 2010 class. To make matters worse Seantrel Henderson, the big OT from Minnesota chose to commit to USC after a huge push from Lane Kiffin. Its been a while since OSU didn't get a recruit that they really wanted but to not get three highly targeted players they thought they might be getting really hurts. At least OSU could take care of one of their own with one of the unintended scholarship openings.

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AP

COLUMBUS - One day last week, Archie and Bonita Griffin opened a letter written to them by their son, Adam.

“I’ve always been an Ohio State fan,” it read. “I’ve always loved Ohio State, and my dream has always been to go to Ohio State.”

As a parent, Archie said, “If that’s been his dream, you want him to do that.”

So Adam, a senior at Columbus DeSales, called Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel and asked if he could walk on.

Tressel was taken by surprise. He liked the skills of the all-around athlete, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound running back, defensive back, and kick returner who helped lead the Stallions to the Division III championship game last fall.

Because of some prospects who chose to go elsewhere at the last minute, Tressel had a scholarship available in the 2010 class.

Griffin signed a letter of intent and became the 19th member of the class.

OSU is holding a scholarship for offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson of St. Paul, Minn., who committed to Southern California but has not signed. The Trojans are facing probation.

Did you know?

The following players from this year's 2010 class are now enrolled at Michigan and taking classes:

Devin Gardner-QB

Stephen Hopkins-RB

Austin White-RB

Jerald Robinson-WR

Ricardo Miller-WR

Jeremy Jackson-WR

Christian Pace-OL

Because these players are enrolled now they will have 15 practice days in the spring to learn and develop before the 2010 Spring Game. I wish some of these players played on defense because it's such an area of need. We'll have to make do with the players that show up in August I guess.

These players will get 5.5 years to play 4 years of football so it helps to have them enrolled now for spring, summer practice and then finally the season starts. They'll be light years a head of a typical freshman who arrives in late summer to their first practices. In fact, what can't be overlooked is they'll also get a semester and summer to work out under Mike Barwis allowing them to build muscle and get conditioned before summer practices begin. This along is huge because its easier to learn when you're not worried about the Barwis conditioning program.

The Buckeyes class of 2010

COLUMBUS DISPATCH LINK TO STORY

DE Darryl Baldwin

6 FEET 6, 265 POUNDS SOLON, OHIO

• A two-way player at tight end and defensive end in high school, he'll play DE at OSU. With 4.7-second speed in the 40-yard dash, he has the size and speed to play on either the strong or weak side. He had 25 tackles for loss as a senior. He was the No. 5 overall prospect in the state according to the Ohio Football Recruiting News, and he earned a consensus three stars (out of five) from the major services. He picked OSU in July over Notre Dame and Michigan, among others.

K/P Drew Basil

6-2, 190 CHILLICOTHE

• He was 20 of 30 on field-goal attempts the past three seasons, including 7 of 11 during his senior season. He also punted the past three seasons, averaging just over 38 yards as a senior. He is projected as a kicker at OSU. He picked the Buckeyes in July. Rivals.com ranked him No. 12 nationally among kickers. He was the No. 25 overall prospect in the state according to the Ohio Football Recruiting News.

ATH Corey Brown

6-0, 175 SPRINGFIELD, PA. (O'HARA)

• He won the wide receiver skills contest leading up his participation in the Under Armour All-American game on Jan. 2. He recovered from a knee injury as a junior to score 26 TDs and amass more than 2,000 total yards as a senior. He is projected as a slot back for the Buckeyes. Earning four stars from Rivals.com, he was considered the 10th-best athlete prospect nationally and the 118th overall prospect. He committed to OSU in September, over Florida, Penn State, Notre Dame and others.

CB Christian Bryant

5-11, 175 CLEVELAND (GLENVILLE)

• A late commitment, he was considered one of the elite cornerback prospects in the country -- No. 8 by Scout.com and No. 10 by Rivals.com, which also ranked him No. 114 among overall prospects nationwide. He was first-team All-Ohio in Division I after playing some at quarterback, receiver, defensive back and even punting for the Tarblooders, who lost in the state title game to Hilliard Davidson. He returned two of his five interceptions for touchdowns, and scored 13 TDs overall. He played in the U.S. Army All-American game.

LB David Durham

6-3, 225 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CHRISTIAN)

• He started his high school career at Westlake in Austin, Texas, the same school that produced QB Drew Brees. His family moved back to their native Charlotte area his senior year, where he played for the elite private-school program in the state. He had 86 tackles, including 10 sacks, as a senior. He could end up at outside linebacker or rush/drop defensive end at OSU. He's a three-star prospect, according to Rivals.com, but reports indicated he was outstanding in the Aloha Prep Bowl all-star game in December.

QB Taylor Graham

6-4, 210 WHEATON, ILL. (NORTH)

• The one thing he hopes to shake in college is the injury bug. A broken ankle limited his junior season to five games, and because of a torn knee ligament he played in just five games a senior. In between, he turned heads at the OSU summer camp, and coupled with his pedigree -- his father is former OSU and pro QB Kent Graham -- he drew a scholarship offer, committing in June over Michigan State, Wisconsin, Iowa and others. Despite his injuries, Rivals.com rated him No. 14 among pro-style QB prospects.

DB Chad Hagan

6-2, 230 CANONSBURG, PA.

• A lifelong ailment, which caused his heart to race uncontrollably at times, was diagnosed last summer, treated with a procedure and he was cleared to play after missing two games of his senior season. He rebounded to rush for 488 yards and scored six touchdowns as a running back and make 43 tackles as a safety. He'll play safety at OSU. His ratings slipped after the heart problem, but he was considered a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com.

DL Johnathan Hankins

6-3, 310 DETROIT (SOUTHEASTERN)

• Though listed as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, his stock rose continually throughout the season before he committed to OSU early in January. He also had offers from Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan and many others. A four-year starter at nose tackle, he offers a big body in the middle that OSU hasn't had for a while. He was productive, with 81 tackles, including 17 sacks, his senior season.

RB Carlos Hyde

6-2, 230 NAPLES, FLA.

• He was recruited as a member of the 2009 OSU class but had to spend the fall at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia to improve academically. He enrolled at OSU for winter quarter. He was rated the second-best fullback prospect nationally by Rivals.com a year ago. Originally from Cincinnati, he rushed for 1,653 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior at Naples. He won a Florida state title in 2007 as a junior.

WR James Louis

5-11, 178 DELRAY BEACH, FLA. (ATLANTIC)

• He stayed with OSU despite Florida continuing to make a big push after his commitment in July 2009. Rated the nation's 29th-best receiver by Scout.com. Rivals.com ranks him as the No. 33 receiver, No. 35 prospect in Florida and in the top 250 overall. He had a huge junior season in 2008, with 58 catches for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. Added 31 catches for 669 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Also is a standout cornerback.

LB Scott McVey

6-1, 225 CLEVELAND (ST. IGNATIUS)

• Committed after a big-time junior season, then was hampered by injuries last season. Had shoulder surgery in December but should be ready by fall. Scout.com rates him the No. 3 middle linebacker nationally. He had 17 1/2 sacks in 2008, including 4 1/2 in a victory over Cincinnati Elder in the Division I state title game. Size may be an issue -- some sources list him as 5-11, 215.

DE J.T. Moore

6-3, 230 YOUNGSTOWN (BOARDMAN)

• He was the first player to commit, announcing his choice in September 2008. Rated as the No. 39 weakside defensive end by Rivals.com and No. 35 prospect in Ohio. Scout.com rates him the No. 39 defensive end. He recorded five sacks as a junior and was first-team All-Ohio last season. Occasionally played linebacker in high school, but probably lacks the speed to do so at OSU and is expected to play on the line.

OL Andrew Norwell

6-6, 270 CINCINNATI (ANDERSON)

• The blue-chip prospect is coming off a serious injury, suffered when he broke his left leg just above the ankle in his fourth game last season. He had surgery but reportedly will be cleared to play this fall. Scout.com rates as him as OSU's only five-star commitment and the No. 2 tackle in the nation. Rivals.com rates him nation's No. 9 tackle and No. 59 overall player. Anderson won a Division II state title in 2007 and was runner-up in 2008.

QB Verlon Reed

6-2, 185 COLUMBUS (MARION-FRANKLIN)

• Seen as a possible defensive back or receiver prospect, he committed to OSU when coach Jim Tressel assured him a chance to play quarterback. Combined for nearly 3,000 yards and scored 36 touchdowns rushing and passing last season. He became the first City League player in six years to accept a scholarship from OSU. Scout.com rates him as the No. 37 safety nationally; Rivals.com rates as No. 40 prospect in Ohio.

DB Bradley Roby

6-0, 175 SUWANEE, GA. (PEACHTREE RIDGE)

• Committed to Vanderbilt last summer, then switched to OSU in January. Primarily was a receiver through his junior year before switching to full-time cornerback in 2009, which probably hurt his ratings. Scout.com and Rivals.com both give him three stars, with Scout.com ranking him as the No. 43 cornerback nationally. Reportedly has 4.35-second speed in the 40-yard dash. Was a high-school teammate of OSU defensive end Cameron Heyward.

RB Roderick Smith

6-3, 225 FORT WAYNE, IND. (HARDING)

• OSU's second-highest rated recruit behind Norwell. Ranked the No. 6 running back, and No. 65 overall by Rivals.com and No. 8 running back, No. 51 overall by Scout.com. In his prolific high school career, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards each year and totaled more than 6,000 yards. Ranked as the No. 2 prospect in Indiana. Strength and size has drawn comparisons to Eddie George.

DE Jamel Turner

6-2, 220 YOUNGSTOWN (URSULINE)

• A year at Fork Union Military Academy led him back from disciplinary and academic issues at Ursuline. He has a rare combination of size and speed, totaling 41 1/2 sacks in 2007 and 2008. Also placed second in the state in the 110-meter hurdles in 2008. Rivals.com rates him as the No. 22 weakside defensive end and a four-star prospect, and Scout.com ranks him as the No. 6 outside linebacker, also with four stars.

WR Tyrone Williams

6-7, 215 EAST CLEVELAND, OHIO (SHAW)

• He comes to OSU with only about 2 1/2 years of football experience. He started playing in the eighth grade, but did not play as a freshman and his junior year was cut short by two knee injuries. Had only 11 catches in 2008 but eight went for touchdowns. Rivals.com rates him as a three-star prospect, the No. 49 receiver nationally and the No. 22 prospect in Ohio. Scout.com rates him as a four-star recruit and the No. 32 receiver nationally.

Michigan grabs Demar Dorsey to end class of 2010 at 27

Michigan waited with their fingers crossed as Signing Day approached because they were awaiting the LOI with Demar Dorsey's signature. They finally received his fax around 2:10 pm after a short delay. Dorsey, who hails from Lauderdale Lakes, FL-Boyd Anderson High is a 6'1" 175 Safety/DB who can play both sides of the ball. He was promised by the Michigan staff that he'll get an opportunity to play on offense this fall-probably at receiver. He's also likely to start out at DB but might likely end up as a safety down the road.

Signing Day!

We are down to our last two commits that Michigan is heavily targeting? Let's start with Demar Dorsey from FL who was rumored to be an FSU soft commit. The news out of FLA is that Michigan still has a solid chance to grab this super athlete that can play on both sides of the ball just like C. Woodson did. The UM coaching staff is still working Demar over and he's responding from what we're all hearing. The truth is its been the sales job of the century from what I'm hearing and Michigan will work DD until they receive his signed letter.

The second recruit that Michigan is targeting is the Sean Parker from Cali who was also plays safety. Once a huge USC lean but after the coaching change Michigan snuck into the picture where it currently remains. However, Washington has crashed this party and is now got Sean Parker second guessing his latest lean. I'm reading in several places that Parker is not sure where he wants to go? He will decide tomorrow(2/3) at 10AM on ESPNU.

If Michigan can get both of these recruits and keep some of the reported, second guessers, referring to Ash and Talbott, I think this will be the best recruiting class in the Big Ten and Top 10 class in the nation.