The Victors Voice: February 2011

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

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