The Victors Voice: 2011

Another Big 10 School Offers Fuller

Devin Fuller profile

Iowa has jumped into the race for this talented prospect. Iowa is the school choosen by LB Quinton Alston out of Timber Creek HS, NJ. As of now Devin is open to all of his schools and has not narrowed down a list. We will bring you more information as it comes.

2012 Prospect Profile: QB/CB Devin Fuller

Devin Fuller-QB/CB-6’0" 180

Old Tappan, NJ – Northern Valley Regional HS

4.6, 40 yard-dash

Interest: Oregon, Virginia Tech, Rutgers, Boston College, Miami and West Virginia

Star Gazers- 3*** Scout/(NR) Rivals

Offers: Boston College, Rutgers

Prep: (FR) 1206 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. 466 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.

(SO) 862 passing yards and 6 touchdowns. 438 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. Defensively: 37 tackles and 3 interceptions. Also named All-County 3rd team as a DB and All-League 1st team as a DB (JR) 95/143 for 1844 yards, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions. Rushed 191 times for 2306 yards and 32 touchdowns. Total yardage for the year was 4,150 with 52 TDs

Intro: Devin is a player to watch out for in the 2012 class. He put up impressive numbers during his freshman and sophomore seasons. One can only imagine what kind of numbers he will be following up with the next two seasons. Devin holds a 2.7 GPA and hopes to major in Business Management. As a player he compares himself to Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor. Besides academics he is looking for a school that has great football facilities and an exceptional coaching staff. His dream school is Oregon and says distance will not be a factor in deciding on what school to play football for. He does not plan on enrolling early. Devin comes from a family of former college football players. His father played for TCU and his Uncle played for Bethany College. Devin grew up watching and idolizing Former Redskin great Sean Taylor. After college Devin would like to pursue a career in the NFL and work on obtaining his Masters Degree. He credits his parents for being the most influential people in his life. According to him the reason he chose his parents is simply, “they have been there for me through alot of situations.” Devin is most looking forward to this upcoming season and is hoping to help his team win a State Championship and get All-State Honors. He feels he is a better fit for a spread offense and would like to improve his arm-strength and speed. When asked what he feels he brings to the college level he responded with, “Athleticism and a will to work.”

Analysis: Devin will be one-to-watch for the 2012 recruiting class. He has all the skills to be a lethal dual-threat QB with a good arm and great speed. He has the ability to place the ball in the “right spot” and do it consistently. His receivers rarely have to adjust their speed or routes to catch the ball. Devin has good vision and a naturally ability to feel and step away from pressure. What is equally impressive to his running ability is his ability to throw the ball while on the run. His throws in the short passing game are accurate. He has the speed and athleticism to gain considerable yardage on any given designed run play. Devin is going to grow to be a highly-touted QB recruit for the 2012 class. Devin also has the skills to convert to a DB at the next level with his vast experience playing DB in high school. As a two way star he will have no issues garnering offers. The only issue will be which school he picks!

Devin Fuller Speaks With The Victors Voice

Old Tappan New Jersey quarterback Devin Fuller spoke with me a few nights ago. He had plenty to say about a variety of topics to include; what he is looking for in a school, possible major, what position he wants to play and some thoughts on his recent offer from the Michigan Wolverines.

Harris picks up two more:

PA running back Drew Harris picked up two more verbal offers from Miami and Virginia Tech. Drew has yet to announce a top five or even a top 10 for that matter as they are awaiting on more offers to come before even beginning to narrow down the list.

PA RB Drew Harris Picks Up West Virginia Offer

Drew Harris picked up an offer from West Virginia just a little while ago. Michigan has shown some interest in Drew but haven't offered yet. They did offer another PA RB Greg Garmon who is almost identical to Drew in height, weight and 40-yard dash time. However, I believe Drew is a better RB than Garmon is. Is Michigan going to offer young Harris soon? We shall see....

NJ QB Brandon Napoleon Highlight Film

Brandon Napoleon Profile

On Michigans Radar

Visiting Michigan

Mark Dantonio Quote Provides Motivation In Michigan Weight Room

Click to read more about this motivational tool being used in Michigan's weight room

Pre-Spring Ball Thoughts: Running Backs

For part I of the Pre-Spring Ball Thoughts series click here: Pre-Spring Ball Thoughts: Quarterbacks
Part II will cover the Michigan running backs. The running-back position group is deep. Not the deepest on the team but almost there. Just because it is a deep position group doesn't mean there aren't any questions marks surrounding it going into the spring evaluation period. In Pre-Spring Ball Thoughts: Running Backs, I will be presenting some of the main questions surrounding the current backs Michigan has in its stable.

Discounted Tickets

Michigan will face #12 Wisconsin on Wednesday night at Crisler Arena. It is going to be fan appreciation night and tix will be 10.00!

This is a huge game for the young-Wolverine basketball team. If they can beat Wisconsin and Michigan St then we have a good shot at getting on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament!

GO BLUE!

NJ QB Brandon Napoleon To Visit Michigan

New Jersey Quaterback Brandon Napoleon is set to come to Michigans Junior Day on March 26th. Before visiting Michigan he will also visit Miami. Brandon's 40-yard dash time has improved to a blazing 4.44. His highlight tape should be up within the week so stay tuned!

Pre-Spring Ball Thoughts: Quarterback

The spring football period for the Michigan Wolverines is only a matter of a few weeks away. It feels like forever since the last time we have seen those beloved winged-helmets on the football field roughly less than 60 days ago. Luckily the spring evaluation period is about to start and Michigan's Spring Game is set for April 16th. For Spring Game info click here: 2011 Spring Game

The spring evaluation period is a big deal. Especially this year with the installation of a new offensive and defensive scheme every position is virtually open. Before the spring evaluation period starts we will bring you a series of articles entitled, "Pre-Spring Ball Thoughts" These articles will talk about each of the teams' position groups individually. Allowing you to know who will be battling for spots, how deep we really are at certain positions and estimations on who will be able to secure their spots going into summer practices.

PA RB Drew Harris was offered by the University of Pitt and Temple University today

Drew Harris profile

NJ QB Brandon Napoleon has been invited to Michigan's Junior Day and will be attending. He will also be visiting Miami beforehand. Brandon Napoleon Profile

2012 Michigan Prospect Profile: QB Brandon Napoleon

Brandon Napoleon – QB - 6'0” 175

Jersey City, NJ- St. Peters Prep

4.44, 40 yard-dash

Michigan is looking at St. Peters Prep (NJ) quarterback Brandon Napoleon. Brandon has made quite a name for himself in a short time. A mix of talent and a strong work ethic has led to some impressive stats on-the-field.
We will have updates to Brandons profile including Junior year stats and offers very soon until then here is your chance to get to know Brandon Napleon.

Why is it Ohio State cannot stay out of headlines for more than a few weeks at a time? Over the last few years they have been involved in numerous illegal, immoral and unethical issues. Here a story of yet another former Ohio State player that is facing some heavy jail-time.

Mattison and Borgess Make CFN Top 10 For Coordinators

Link here: College Football Network 2011 Preview-The Coordinators

In the article there is a Top 20 list of the new coordinators in the college world. Two Michigan assistants made the Top 10 of the list.

Future Wolverine Kellen Jones talks to The Victors Voice in an exclusive interview. He spoke about his long time love for Michigan, where he is projected to play, his deep desire to beat Ohio State and more.

New Kellen Jones highlight video from his Senior year. Read more to read the stats from his monster senior year.

Also Stay tuned for my interview with Kellen and what he had to say about beating Ohio State, what being a Wolverine means to him and much more!

Photo Credit: GoBlueWolverine.com

Former Michigan quarterback Michael Taylor went on a rant a few days ago about the hiring of Curt Mallory. Click here to listen to his rant Taylors Rant

Not only was Taylor's rant uncalled for but it wasn't even close to being true. Click to read on to find out why this rant was fabricated and why Taylor has his own agenda in mind rather than the good of Michigan football.

A few days ago I posted Tate Foricer was looking at five schools to transfer to. Tate 'destination' Post

Well it now seems as if he has made his decision. Where you correct in your assumption of what school he would be picking? Read on to see.

Drew Harris-RB- 6'1" 200 lbs
Exton, PA – Downingtown East HS
4.4, 40 yard dash – 31” Vertical
Offers: Rutgers, South Carolina, Illinois

Star Gazers- 4 **** Scout/3 *** Rivals

Click read more to view his stats, videos and see what big-name schools are in the race for his commitment.

Antonio Poole – OLB

Cincinnatti, OH – Winton Woods HS

The Numbers:

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 225 lbs

Shuttle: 4.65 seconds

Bench press – 285 lbs

Squat – 425 lbs

Vertical jump – 33 inches

Star Watching: Scout – 3 ***, Rivals – 3 ***

Offers: Michigan, Cincinnati, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue

Click ‘read more’ to view video and analysis

Photo Credit: Detroit Free Press

Kellen Jones -ILB- 6'1" 210- 4.7, 40-yard dash
Houston, Texas - St. Pius X HS
Star Gazers- 4 **** Scout/ 3 *** Rivals

Offers: (6) Michigan, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Stanford, Texas A&M

Rankings: Rivals: 29th nationally and 69th in Texas/ Scout: #12 ML

Click read more to view his stats, video and analysis

Chirs Bryant -OG- 6'1" 330- 5.3, 40-yard dash
Chicago, Illinois Simeon Vocational HS
Star Gazers- 3 *** Scout/ 4 **** Rivals

Offers: (4) Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, Pittsburgh

Rankings: Rivals: 19th nationally and 6th in Illinois/ Scout: #21 OG

Photo Credit: Rivals.com

Frank Clark-TE/WR/LB 6'3" 205- 4.5, 40-yard dash

Cleveland, Ohio Glenville HS

Star Gazers- 3 *** Scout/ 3 *** Rivals

Rankings: Rivals: Scout: #33 TE

Chris Barnett – TE

Hurst, TX – Bell HS

The Numbers:

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 249 lbs

40-yard dash: 4.55 sec

Bench press: 270 lbs

Squat: 555 lbs

Vertical jump: 32 inches

Star Gazers: Scout – 3 ***, Rivals – 4 ****

Offers: Michigan, Alabama, Arkansas, Miami (FL), Oklahoma, TCU, UCLA, USC

Click ‘read more’ to view video, stats and analysis

Photo Credit: Ann Arbor.com

A few weeks ago Tate Forcier decided to leave Michigan. Or was it Michigan decided to disembark from Tate Forcier? Whichever side of the coin you are on will dictate the answer to that question. Prior to his departure, Michigan fans already had an idea something was happening when Tate got sent back to Ann Arbor before the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL even began. On the message boards rumors spread rampant about everything from grades to a lackluster attitude for the reason of his expedited travel back to Ann Arbor. Read on to see what schools Tate is looking into.

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Delonte Hollowell – CB
Cass Technical HS – Detroit, Michigan

The Numbers:
Height: 5’8’’

Weight: 164lbs

40 yd dash: 4.53

Star Gazers: 3*** Scout, 3*** Rivals

Offers: Michigan, Central Michigan

Justice Hayes – APB/RB
Grand Blanc HS – Grand Blanc, Michigan
The Numbers:Height: 5’10’’
Weight: 182lbs
40 yd dash: 4.45
Bench: 265lbs
Squat: 460
Vertical: 35’’
Star Gazers: 4**** Scout, 4**** Rivals
Offers: Michigan, Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Purdue, Tennessee, Wisconsin

Photo Credit Zimbio.com

Athletes at all levels; professional, collegiate, and high school can have an impact on someones life in a huge way and not even realize it. As a player you never know how many children are looking up to you as a role model. You never know how many children are wearing your game jersey to bed or to school or just outside. It is important for players of all sports and and at all levels to use their gifts to give back to the communities and fans that give so much to them. That is exactly what some Philadelphia Eagles players did a few days ago. The heart warming gesture of these players caused many on the set, including Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Walters, and those in the studio to become teary eyed. Read on to know more about this story.

Brennan Beyer - DE

Plymouth HS - Canton, MI

6'4" 218 lbs

40 time - 4.7

Star Gazers: 4**** Scout/4**** Rivals

Stats: (Jr) - 45 Tackles, 9 Tackles for a loss, and 9 Sacks

Signing Day Showcase: CB Tamani Carter

Tamani Carter - CB

Pickerington Central HS - Pickerington, OH

5'11" 175 lbs

40 time: 4.48

Vertical - 35 inches

Star Gazers - 3*** Scout/3*** Rivals

Photo credit Rivals.com

Jack Miller -OL - 6'4" 265- 4.78, 40-yard dash
Olney, MD - Our Lady of Good Counsel HS
Star Gazers- 3 *** Scout/ 3 *** Rivals
Offers: Michigan, Ball State, Boston College, Illinois, Michigan State, N. Carolina, Stanford

Click read more to view his stats, video and analysis

Thomas Rawls -RB- 5'10" 210- 4.5,40-yard dash

Flint, Michigan-Northern HS

Star Gazers- 3 *** Scout/3 *** Rivals

Rankings: Rivals: #19 State of Michigan/ Scout: #77 RB

Click read more to find out more information on one of this years newest Wolverines.

Keith Heitzman -DE/TE - 6'3" 222-
Hilliard, Ohio - Hilliard Davidson HS
Star Gazers- 3 *** Scout/3 *** Rivals
Rankings: Rivals:NR/ Scout: #63 TE

Click read more to find out more information on one of this years newest Wolverines.

Desmond Morgan – ILB

Holland, MI – West Ottawa HS

The Numbers:

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 225 lbs

40-yard dash – 4.65 sec

Star Gazers: Scout – 3 ***, Rivals – 3 ***

Offers: Michigan, Akron, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Northwestern

Click ‘read more’ to view video, stats, and analysis

Photo Courtesy Rivals

Earlier Barnett Post Link

Hurst Texas TE Chis Barnett is a Michigan Wolverine. Watch out for Chris's Signing Day Showcase coming soon. Until then click the link above for an earlier post that has some preliminary info.

Rich Rod Interviews Brady Hoke on CBS

Coach Hoke was on CBS's National Signing Day show a short while ago. Tom Lemming and Rich Rodriguez interviewed him about the 2011 Michigan Recruiting Class. Both coaches were as expected; classy and professional. One thing about Coach Rod is he he always been a classy guy.

Here is the video.

UPDATE Barnett Watch Started....

Hurst, Texas DE/TE Chris Barnett is moving his announcement up to 1:45 p.m. today. He had originally said he would announce later this week and possibly Saturday. This news comes from ESPNU and a few other sources. It is to be between Arkansas and Michigan. Arkansas is deeper at TE than Michigan is so chances are looking "sunny side up" but recruiting is a very fluid world so.....

Stay tuned.........

Michigan Is Still Awaiting a Few More Signees

Every year there is a small percentage of players that wait past signing day to make their final decision. We all remember Pryor's infamous press conference that he held just to announce he was going to wait a little while longer. While the recruitment of these players aren't as dramatic, here are two Michigan prospects that are going to wait until after today. (unless something changes) Click to see who they are...........

Photo Credit Freep

Raymon Taylor -CB/RB - 5'11" 172-
Highland Park, Michigan - Highland Park Community HS
Star Gazers- 3 *** Scout/4 **** Rivals
Rankings: Rivals:# 14 Nationwide/#6 State of Michigan. Scout: #49

Click read more to view Raymon's offers, Stats, Analysis and Video

Photo Credit UnderArmour Combines

Blake Countess -CB - 5'10" 174- 4.5, 40-yard dash
Olney, MD - Our Lady of Good Counsel HS
Star Gazers- 4 **** Scout/ 4 **** Rivals
Offers: Michigan, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Maryland, NC State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee

Click read more to view his stats, video and analysis

Photo Credit MGOBLOG

Greg Brown – CB/WR

Freemont Ross HS – Freemont, Ohio

The Numbers:

Height: 5’10
Weight: 180lbs.
40 yd dash: 4.47 seconds
Star Gazers – 3*** Scout, 3*** Rivals
Offers - Michigan, Michigan State, Central Michigan, Syracuse

Click ‘READ MORE’ to view more videos and analysis of this latest Wolverine

Analysis: Greg Brown was the first commit to the Wolverines for the 2011 class back in early September of 2009. Brown new at that time that the Wolverines were destined for him and decided to avoid the stress and hassle that comes with being recruited by major programs in college football. He visited Syracuse back in October of 2010, but was still set on joining the Wolverines and is already enrolled this semester at Michigan. While Brown played both WR and CB in high school, he projects to mostly play on the defensive side of the ball. Of course, since he hails from the same high school as former Heisman winner, Charles Woodson, don’t rule out him trying to do the same if Coach Hoke will let him. Brown has decent size and speed for CB, but is still a pretty gifted athlete. He would likely benefit from a redshirt, but with low numbers in the secondary, it’s possible Brown will be needed for the 2011 season. His instincts aren’t off the charts, but with being the only early enrollee this year, he will be ahead of everyone else who joins the team in the summer. He’s not afraid to lay a hit either if you take a chance at looking at his videos below. I’m not sure if he’s the next Charles Woodson, as it’s pretty difficult to be compared with one of the greatest, but he should be a solid contributor for the Wolverines throughout his career.

Jeff Wickman - Jeffw@thevictorsvoice.com

Earlier today Flint Northern RB Thomas Rawls committed to the University of Michigan. His play making ability is drawing comparisons to fellow Flint native and current Alabama RB Mark Ingram.

Rawls commitment video

Looks for Rawls's Signing Day Showcase very soon!!!

Rich Rodriguez Breaks His Silence About Being Fired

Ralph D. Russo is an AP College Football Writer who recently interviewed Rich Rodriguez. If you would like to read the article for yourself please click on the link. RR breaks silence

Photo Credit: Detroit Free Press

In the article RR basically hits these points:

1. Michigan was about to 'turn the corner' with 24 starters coming back.

2. It would've been better for himself and his staff to be fired after the Ohio State game.

3. Upset they didn't get to finish the job.

Click to read more about what was said...

Russell Bellomy - QB - 6'3" 178 lbs
Martin HS - Arlington, Texas
40 yd dash - 4.63 sec
Vertical - 30 inches
Star Gazers - 3***/Scout , 3***/Rivals
Offers: Michigan, Boise State, Colorado, Florida International, Marshall, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio, Purdue, Rice, South Florida, Texas State, Tulsa, UAB

Click read more to read about one of Michigans newest Wolverines

Signing Day Showcase: OT Tony Posada

**Editor Note** Over the next few days we will be publishing our own Signing Day Showcases on each and every new Wolverine for the 2011 recruiting class. In case you are wondering, we are going to have some up on any "surprise commits" that may pop up! So stay tuned, keep checking back and comment on any of the stories you read about.

Tony Posada – OT

Tampa, FL – Plant Senior HS

The Numbers:

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 325 lbs

40-yard dash – 5.4 sec

Bench press – 330 lbs

Squat – 475 lbs

Vertical jump – 29 inches

Star Gazers: Scout – 3 ***, Rivals – 3 ***

Offers: Michigan, Kansas, Louisville, Mississippi State, Missouri, Rutgers, South Florida, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Wake Forest

Click ‘read more’ to view video and analysis

HOOPS: Wolverines riding high after wins over MSU and; Iowa, #1 Ranked Buckeyes Up Next

Boy, have things changed since the last time I posted? Since we’re playing catch-up, I’ll try to not drag this out too long, but the results of the past two contests have been very enjoyable to say the least.

The win over MSU last week was a fresh breath since the Wolverines hadn’t won in East Lansing since 1997. The win came at a crucial moment since the team had previously dropped it’s last six contests after starting the season 11-3. Many expected the Wolverines to be ran out of the building (I even suggested it before the game), but shocked the Big Ten with an array of phenomenal shooting and limited mistakes.

Read more to find out how this young Wolverine team was able to pull off the upset, how they fared over Iowa and what Top 10 team is on-deck for the Michigan Basketball team

Victors Voice Pre-Signing Day Top 10 Recruiting Class Rankings:

With two more days before signing day here is a quick roundup of what teams made the cut to be in the Top 10 for the 2011 Recruiting Class.

1. Texas Longhorns: Despite missing out on a bowl game last year and the departure of defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, the strangle hold they hold on the State of Texas didn't loosen up one bit. Texas is currently sitting at 22 verbal commits. 9 of them hold Top Ten rankings for thier position. They hold verbal commitments from the #2 RB in the country Malcom Brown, #2 MLB Steve Edmond, #3 FB Joe Bergeron, #5 DT Desmond Jackson, #6 CB Josh Turner and the #6 WR Jaxson Shipley who is supposed to be just as good as his older brother fromer WR Jordan Shipley. Texas has verbal’s from 5, 5 star players and 10, 4 star players. Texas was able to barley able to edge out Florida St. due to 21 of 22 commits are from within the State. With so many different college teams in Texas their success in recruiting within the State places them at #1.

Click read more to find out what other teams made the Victors Voice Top 10!

Royce Jenkins-Stone - OLB - 6'2" 215
Detroit, MI - Cass Tech
Star Gazers- 3 *** Scout Ranking/ 5 ***** Rivals Ranking
Interested In: Auburn, Cincinnati, Iowa, LSU, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Toldeo, Michigan

CLICK READ MORE TO FIND OUT ABOUT OFFERS, JR STATS, ANALYSIS AND HIGHLIGHT VIDEO:

As you may or may have not heard, the Michigan Wolverines are struggling as of late. They have dropped their last 6 contests, which include a 7-point loss to Kansas in overtime and a 4-point loss to the rival Buckeyes. In short, the month of January hasn’t been kind to the Wolverines with only one win since the New Year on Jan. 2nd vs. Penn State.

Despite the struggles though, the Wolverines have given us a few glimpses of hope for the future since this team is mostly made up of freshman and sophomores (Zack Novak and Stu Douglass are juniors). The play of the second year player, Darius Morris, has been the most enjoyable for me this season. Morris has catapulted himself into the Big Ten’s elite as far as talent goes by averaging 15.5 points a game along with dropping 7 assists a game as well. That may not seem elite in some peoples eyes given the scoring droughts that this team suffers from every game, but consider that Morris averaged 4.4 ppg and 2.6 apg, and your jaw has to hit the floor. Also factor in that Morris shooting 10% better than he did last year and you see why I’ve been impressed with his game thus far this season.

In looking at Thursday’s match-up with the Spartans, two things stands out to me if the Wolverines want to pull off the upset at the Breslin Center and it has to be eliminating those scoring droughts and rebounding better. Too many times this season have we seen the Wolverines start slow and get hot before it’s too late or start hot and sputter. The Wolverines have also done a PITIFUL job at rebounding as of late. Look, I understand that this team is undersized, but the coaching staff has to find a way to get these guys at least trying to fight for rebounds or bang in the post for rebounds or else MSU is going to run away with this one early and fast. In any instance, the Wolverines have to pray they come out focused and don’t force too many young mistakes or this Spartans team will capitalize in an instant. Their backs are against the wall and I’m sure aren’t interested in being beaten by a team far less superior.

I’m going to avoid picking a score or who is going to win in this match-up as I really think the Wolverines could pull the upset, but could also see them being beaten like the ugly stepchild and being nearly ran out of the building by halftime. The key player for the Wolverines will have to be the play of Jordan Morgan in my opinion though. He will have to find a way to slow down Draymond Green whether it be taking control of the paint on the defensive end or playing well around the hoop on the offensive end, there is no question that he will be the key if the Wolverines look to upset MSU.

Drop me a line via Email or leave your predictions or thoughts in the comments!

GO BLUE!

Jeff Wickman - Jeffw@thevictorsvoice.com

Pages

Get Great Deals on Michigan Apparel and Merchandise

Facebook Badge

Subscribe for RSS Feeds

Michigan Related Websites

Camps for Recruits

Categories

Blog Archive