Michigan Football: The Wolverines' Best and Worst Offseason Developments
Before halftime of the 52-14 Gator Bowl loss to Mississippi State, Michigan fans knew a coaching search was about to begin. Whether it would be Les Miles, Jim Harbaugh or eventually Brady Hoke, everyone was ready.
And when Hoke was finally hired, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off the back of every Wolverine fan.
There have been several offseason developments since then, and thankfully most have been encouraging. Denard Robinson decided not to transfer, then Al Borges and Greg Mattison were brought in as the two coordinators.
A few players emerged as possible starters during spring practice and recruiting got off to a good start.
Let's take a look at the last few months. It's nice to know most of the items are on the positive side.
Best: Brady Hoke's Warm Welcome
1 of 10When columnists, talk show hosts and football experts discussed replacements for Rich Rodriguez, Brady Hoke's name was rarely at the top of the list.
Michigan was after one of the sexy, household names.
But when Jim Harbaugh decided to go pro, and Les Miles' wouldn't leave LSU, athletic director Dave Brandon turned to Hoke, who saw the coaching job at Michigan as his "dream job."
It didn't take long for Hoke to convince his offense coordinator at San Diego State, Al Borges, to follow him to Michigan. It also wasn't difficult to pry defensive coordinator Greg Mattison away from the NFL Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens, you probably know, have been noted for their tough defense. Their on-the-field leader is one of the NFL's true defensive icons, linebacker Ray Lewis.
Now it was time for the real work to begin.
Best: Ex-Players Embrace Brady Hoke
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Anyone close to the Michigan football program has seen the outpouring of affection toward new coach Brady Hoke. It's incredible how many past players showed up at the initial press conference and later attended the spring game.
James Hall played locally for the Detroit Lions before moving on to the St. Louis Rams. "He's the main reason I've been in the league 11 years," Hall said. "He's a big part of my development of a player and as a man."
Worst: Tate Forcier Leads Group of Defectors
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While Tate Forcier's departure from the Michigan program was the most notable, CB Cullen Christian, S Ray Vinopal and WR D.J. Williamson will be missed as well.
Christian and Vinopal both saw considerable action last season, but neither was expected to be a starter down the road. With injuries and previous defections hurting defensive depth, Michigan would have needed them as solid backups.
Williamson, a former high school track star, redshirted as a freshman and would have struggled for playing time. Michigan's spread offense allowed for a glut of wide receivers, as four—sometimes five—were on the field at the same time.
Forcier's transfer may be the most critical, if Devin Gardner is still not ready to step in if Robinson goes down. Don't be too alarmed, Gardner overall looked pretty good this spring, even though he was inconsistent during the spring game.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Best: Michigan Stadium Expansion
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Already the largest college stadium in the country, Michigan Stadium could soon boost attendance figures to 120,000 or more. With crowds already eclipsing 113,000, athletic director Dave Brandon envisions adding some 10,000 seats in the not-too-distant future.
"We have a vision for what can be as it relates to if our waiting list for tickets gets large enough and we're in a position where we feel that it's affordable," Brandon said. "Because if we put additional seating in Michigan Stadium, we have to fill it immediately, which gives us the ability to pay for the cost of the addition."
Michigan Stadium holds the NCAA record of 113,090 for a college football game, and it also holds the Guinness World Record for attendance of 104,073 for a hockey game of any type.
The official capacity remains 109,901, with that one extra seat saved for the legendary Fritz Crisler, the former Michigan athletic director who brought the iconic winged helmet and two-platoon football to the college game.
Best: Michigan Goes Hollywood, Unveils "Legacy" Uniforms
5 of 10Michigan marched out its "legacy" uniforms over the weekend, proving that even the Wolverines will tinker with tradition. After all, the football team has played in basically the same outfits since Tom Harmon's days in 1940.
But Adidas, Michigan's merchandising partner, figures it can parlay a nationally televised prime-time football game into profits. It also doesn't hurt that Notre Dame, another Adidas client, is the opponent.
The game, which will be the first night game in Big House history, is scheduled for September 10.
The jury is still out on the acceptance of the design. Check out the video and you can decide for yourself.
Best: Diaper Dandy Defenders
6 of 10Whether it's by necessity or due to sheer talent, four freshmen defenders should see considerable action this fall. CB Greg Brown and SAM linebacker Jake Ryan were impressive in the spring game, while DE Brennan Beyer and CB Blake Countess will arrive this summer.
Ankle injuries prevented starting CBs Troy Woolfolk and J.T. Floyd from participating in spring practice, and there no guarantee either will be ready in September.
Brown, who graduated from high school early to be available for spring drills, was so impressive this spring that some say he'll contend for a starting spot. Countess, a speedster from the Baltimore area, confirmed his commitment once he learned that Coach Mattison would be aboard.
Ryan turned heads in the spring game, playing well in coverage as well as rushing the passer. Beyer, a prospective defensive end, played his high school ball just down the road in Plymouth.
Worst: Darryl Stonum Suspended
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Unfortunately, it happens to many football teams.
Darryl Stonum, Michigan's second-leading receiver in 2010, had his second bout with alcohol since 2008.
The senior, from Texas, was sentenced to two years probation, June 2, for driving while physically impaired. He's also been stopped twice for a suspended license.
Stonum was placed on indefinite suspension from the football team after his arrest in early May, and it's unclear if he will be reinstated this fall.
Worst: Desmond Howard's Blast
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Desmond Howard's speaking topic at the Black Coaches and Administrators convention in May centered around college players' sense of entitlement.
They're showered with such praise, he said, they forget the old adage that there's no "i" in team.
When Howard spoke directly about Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, many thought a rift would develop between the two Wolverines.
"I'll give you a perfect example: Michigan fires coach Rich Rodriguez," said Howard, who starred at Michigan from 1989-91. "All the noise in Ann Arbor is, 'Is Denard Robinson going to stay or leave?' I'm like, 'Hey, if the kid wants to go, don't let the door hit you on the way out. You looked fantastic for five games against nobody. That's what you did.' I'm not going to deny his talents, but, 'You ain't won nothing in Ann Arbor, son! Not so much we need to worry about if you're going to be here next year or not.'"
Apparently all is well now. Howard sent out the following tweet:
"Last pic of the weekend. Some of you thought you could come btwn me & Shoelace. Wolverines for life! Run tell that."
Best: Recruiting Turnaround
9 of 10Common knowledge around college football suggests that Ohio State's success in recent years is based on controlling Ohio's fruitful recruiting market.
It's been a rare feat for Michigan to beat Ohio State for a four- or five-star recruit from the Buckeye state. The Wolverines have been shutout recently of every recruit Ohio State has offered.
Until now.
Whether it's the the hiring of coach Brady Hoke, the resignation of Jim Tressel, or the Buckeyes' trouble with the NCAA, Michigan is back in the recruiting fight.
The Wolverines just received a verbal commitment from Thomas Strobel, a 6'6", 250-pound defensive end from Mentor, Ohio.
Strobel's offers also included Ohio State, Stanford, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Penn State, and Michigan State.
Michigan is currently in a battle for Cincinnati Taft's Adolphus Washington. The four-star defensive end (as ranked by Rivals) may be the best player in Ohio. He may come as a package, however, as you'd have to take four-star wide receiver Dwayne Stanford, too.
Of course, who couldn't use a 6'4" receiver who can fly.
Best: Lloyd Carr Named to College Football Hall of Fame
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Lloyd Carr, Michigan head coach for 13 seasons, was named to the College Football Hall of Fame last month.
Carr compiled a 122-40 record, including a stunning mark of 81-23 in the Big 10. He won five Big 10 championships, and his undefeated 1997 team shared the national title with Nebraska.
His last few years were a struggle, however. Carr lost four of his final five bowl games, and his final four encounters with Jim Tressel.
Carr was never a fan of the Rich Rodriguez regime, so the hiring of Hoke was a bright spot of late.
Hopefully we'll see more of Carr around Ann Arbor; he can be quite an ambassador of both the football program and the university.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
