Michigan Monday: Recruiting Tidbits and News & Notes

Recruiting Tidbits:

All football programs are coming off the recruiting dead period and looking to step up the process in the last month before signing day. Some have wondered what the dead period means: Coaches are allowed to call prospects once a week but not allowed to do any in person visits or schedule any "official" visits to that specific university.

Michigan is still chasing a number of recruits on defense which include the defensive line, corner back, safety, and linebacker. Here are a couple of updates:

• Four-star safety from California, Sean Parker said he would not take any more official visits. He had planned to take an official at USC on Jan. 15. Sean is playing in this weeks U.S. Army All-American Bowl and many have wondered if he will commit this Saturday during the game. In the past, he has said he would commit on signing day on Feb. 3. Sean's final three are: Michigan, USC, and Cal.

• Florida corner back Tony Grimes told Mgoblog that, Michigan is still his leader and he plans on trying to visit Ole' Miss, Miami and Georgia. Tony has already visited Michigan and Maryland. Tony also confirmed that he and teammate Clarence Murphy plan on going to the same school. One concern for Michigan fans was the loss of Jay Hopson to Memphis, because Jay was Tony's main recruiter. Here's Tony's response, "I wouldn't say it does, because he wouldn't be my position coach if I go there. I have been talking to coach Hopson this whole time, but I met the other coaches on my visit."

• Devin Gardner went 2-4 in passing for one TD and ran for 14 yards in the Under Armour All-America game on Saturday. Sam Wyche, former head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said this about Devin, " Devin is going to be a big-time player at Michigan," Wyche said. "He and (Alabama commitment) Phillip Sims are guys to me that are going to come quickly to the scene. Devin has a great smile. He is going to sell a lot of product for somebody. He's got a great personality. He's smart—you can change directions with him and it doesn't bother him at all. He is ready to go." Many have said that Devin is border line on enrolling early. Since he would have to enroll this week, I'm guessing it's a no go.

• Other future Wolverines in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl include CB Cullen Christian and Punter Will "Hag time" Hagerup

• Michigan has been recruiting Tennessee commit LB Michael Taylor. Michael played in the Under Armour Bowl this weekend and played very fast. He is very much needed in Ann Arbor.
  
  

News and Notes:

• UConn looked really good against South Carolina on Saturday. They are going to be a very difficult W to start the 2010 season next year.

• Mike Hart had his first NFL touchdown yesterday for the Colts.

• The Michigan basketball team, after losing a disappointing game against IU on the road on New Years Eve, beat No. 13 Ohio State at Crisler Arena on Sunday.