Wolverine Wednesday: Zettel's Decision leaves The Michigan Nation Unsettled

By now you know in-state OL/DE 4-star prospect Anthony Zettel picked Penn State last night over long time favorite Michigan.  Michigan had been Anthony's leading choice since his recruiting process started. Further, AZ had been to just about every Michigan home game this year, and a number of other events like the Big Chill and Barbecue at the Big House.

So what happened?  How did he pick Penn State over Michigan during the quiet period when he had publicly stated his announcement was coming in January just days ago?

This is what AZ had to say about Michigan after his last visit earlier this month: 

"I felt really good with the players and really enjoyed all the people," Zettel said. "They gave me insight on all of it and I asked every question I could about the school, whether it was a good fit for them, what they like about the school and what they don't like."

As you know, I like to do a Tale of the Tape when it comes to previewing a Michigan opponent.  Let's use that same format to weigh some the "recruiting factors" into Anthony decision between the two schools. 

Zettel's Tale of the Tape:  Michigan vs Penn State:

Head Coaching Stability:  Push.  One program is run by an 84 year-old figurehead that was rumored to be in the hospital all week.  The other program has a coach that needs AD David Brandon to "lift him up or out" after the Gator Bowl.

State of the Program:  Push.  Yes, Penn State handled Michigan in Happy Valley this year, but both finished 7-5.  Depending on what happens with the Bowl Games, I expect them both to be improved next year.

Location:  Advantage Michigan.  U of M is hours from home and, of course, in Ann Arbor—routinely ranked one of the best places to live in the US.  Penn State is in a valley of happiness that got nearly two feet of snow this week, or to quote the widely known wordsmith Terrelle Pryor,"The middle of nowhere".

Academics: Both are good schools but the advantage has to go to Michigan if that was an important factor to Anthony.  Some recruits talk about academics being a key factor but truly, it isn't that important.

Playing Time:  Advantage Michigan:  Michigan is losing seniors on the defensive line (rumored to be where he wants to play) and would probably looking at a redshirt if he picked the offensive line.  I'm not familiar with PSU's depth chart, but from a quick count of their roster they have 14 DE's or DT's that are currently juniors or below.  There are also two other DE's in the 2011 class.

2011 Recruiting:  Advantage Michigan.  Penn State got off to a very slow start, but has benefited from a coaching change at Pitt.  It should be a close race to signing day.  Tim at Mgoblog.com ranks the Big Ten recruiting classes and currently has Michigan at #4 and Penn State at #12 (he includes ND in the rankings due to ND fishing from the same pond as many Big Ten schools).

So, to net it out, Anthony picked Penn State over a place that is closer to home so his family could attend every home game, has a quicker path to playing time, been a lifelong fan and currently has a better 2011 recruiting class. 

Makes sense to me, does it to you? 

I'm guessing the status of Rich Rod and staff played a big role in his decision, but that couldn't have waited seven more days?  Maybe after the coaching situation clears up the Wolverines can take another run at the young man. 

Penn State, we are now even for Michael Shaw. 

Another alarming trend is that four top-in-state prospects (Thomas, Arnett, Zettel, and Showers) all have either gone out of state, or like Thomas, to the Spartans.  Michigan has five in-state kids in it's 2011 recruiting class, including Rivals #84 player in Justice Hayes and four-star prospect Brennen Beyer.