Michigan and Notre Dames Legacy Jerseys

Last night, both Michigan and Notre Dame unveiled the jerseys they will be wearing during the first ever night game hosted at the Big House next season. I really like both jerseys, I think they have that old school feel mixed with the latest technology. I especially like the helmets for both teams.

Here is a look at the Michigan Jersey:

Check out the gloves. Nice.

Regular home uniform next to D-Rob and the new gear.

Notice the gray face masks and the numbers on the helmet

Like normal, it looks better on D-Rob

Notre Dame's Jersey:

They have green stripes on the shoulders and clovers on the helmets

June 10th Best Guess Recruiting Class

I bumped the BGRC up to 26 spots after a source close to the team said that could be the target number. The main moves include the addition and commitment of Tom Strobel, commitment of Erik Magnuson, the addition of Gunner Kiel (He cancelled his announcement this weekend, could make the trip to Michigan in the near future), and the switch from DE to OLB for Mario Ojemudia.

QB: 5* Gunner Kiel, 6'4'' 220. Columbus, IN (East HS)  - Uncommitted /Offered
   
RB: 5* Brionte Dunn, 6'1'' 215. Canton, Ohio (GlenOak HS) - OSU Commit / Offered

WR: 4* Dwayne Stanford, 6'4'' 195. Cincinnati, Ohio (Taft HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

TE: 4* Devin Funchess, 6'4'' 205. Farmington Hills, MI (Harrison HS) - COMMITTED

TE/OT: 3* AJ Williams, 6'6'' 260. Cincinnati, Ohio (Sycamore HS) - COMMITTED

OT: 4* Jordan Diamond, 6'6'' 290. Chicago, Ill (Simeon Vocational HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

OT: 4* Erik Magnuson, 6'6'' 275. Encinitas, CA (La Costa Canyon HS) - COMMITTED

OT: 4* Paul Thurston, 6'5'' 260. Arvada, CO (Arvada West HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

OT: 3* Ben Braden, 6'6'' 280. Rockford, MI (Rockford HS) - COMMITTED

OG: 3* Caleb Stacey, 6'4'' 280. Cincinnati, Ohio (Oak Hills HS) - COMMITTED

DT: 4* Ondre Pipkins, 6'3'' 320. Kansas City, MO (Park Hill HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

DT: 4* Sheldon Day, 6'2'' 278. Indianapolis, IN (Warren Central HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

DT: 3* Matt Godin, 6'6'' 265. Novi, MI (Catholic Central HS) - COMMITTED

DE: 4* Chris Wormley, 6'5'' 250. Toledo, Ohio (Whitmer HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

DE: 5* Aldophus Washington, 6'6'' 240. Cincinnati, Ohio (Taft HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

DE: 4* Tom Strobel, 6'6'' 245. Mentor, Ohio (Mentor HS) - COMMITTED

DE: 3* Pharaoh Brown, 6'6'' 220. Lyndhurst, Ohio (Brush HS) - COMMITTED

OLB: 4* Mario Ojemudia, 6'2'' 220. Farmington Hills, MI (Harrison HS) - COMMITTED

LB: 4* Joe Bolden, 6'3'' 230. Cincinnati, Ohio (Colerain HS) - COMMITTED

LB: 4* James Ross, 6'1'' 215. Orchard Lake, MI (St. Marys HS) - COMMITTED

LB: 4* Royce Jenkins-Stone, 6'2'' 215. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS) - COMMITTED

OLB: 4* Kaleb Ringer, 6'1'' 225. Clayton, Ohio (Northmont HS) - COMMITTED

CB: 4* Terry Richardson, 5'10'' 165. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS) - COMMITTED

CB: 3* Anthony Standifer, 6'1'' 180. Crete, IL (Crete-Monee HS) - COMMITTED

FS: 4* Jarrod Wilson, 6'2'' 190. Akron, Ohio (Buchtel HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

SS: 3* Allen Gant, 6'2'' 205. Sylvania, Ohio (Southview HS) - COMMITTED

New Michigan Man!: CA OT Erik Magnuson

Another great day for the University of Michigan recruiting as the #34 player in the country, top 10 OT, and 4 star recruit, Erik Magnuson from La Costa Canyon HS in California has committed to be a Michigan Wolverine!

Magnuson gave out his top schools recently and Michigan was the leader so this would have been a big loss if anyone else made up ground. But now its official, Mags is commitment #16 and will be a donning the winged helmet in 2012.

Fish's reaction: This is even bigger than picking up Strobel about 30 minutes ago. Magnuson is a big (6'6'' 275lb) Offensive Tackle that brings back the "big ugly's" and could be a huge part of the offensive line for the future. Two more offensive lineman could and should be brought in this class (Jordan Diamond, Paul Thurston, Jordan Simmons). Also, just like I said with Strobel, their spots in this class are filling up VERY fast, I expect the staff to bring in a class around 25, so that leaves 9(!!) spots left, and with the pace they are going at now, it could be filled up by the end of the summer.

Images via Rivals.com

New Michigan Man!: Ohio DE Tom Strobel

Tom Strobel, a 4 Star Defensive End from Ohio has just committed to be the #15 recruit for the University of Michigan's 2012 class!

Strobel was considered a OSU lock after growing up a lifelong buckeye fan, and being from Ohio, but after all of the problems with the Suckeyes, he has now just announced on Twitter that he will be a Michigan Wolverine!

 

Fish's reaction : This is a GREAT pick up for Hoke and staff, especially since all of the rivals were going hard after this kid. It also makes me think that Ojemudia will for sure be a OLB. For the rest of the class, I hope to see two more DE's in class (Aldophus Washington and Chris Wormley). This commitment will also make players like Wormley and anyone else trying to land in this amazing recruiting class, hurry up their decisions to ensure their spot. 

Images from Rivals.com

Michigan's recruiting class ranked #6 by ESPN

According to ESPN, The Michigan Wolverines have the 6th ranked recruiting class for the 2012 season. Considering the Wolverines have two ESPN 150 players (Terry Richardson and Royce Jenkins-Stone) this is a great ranking. Plus the rankings seem a bit bias because they under ranked nearly every mid-west prospect.

When comparing all the recruiting sites, only a couple players are consistent (Richardson, RJS, Ross, Bolden, Funchess and Ojemudia). I feel like they have underrated many players, even the top ranked players all over the mid-west. After their senior seasons, a lot of the Michigan recruits and targets will likely have much higher rankings. With the (hopeful) better, more realistic rankings, Michigan may end up with a class around #3 or #4, especially if Hoke has the team playing well and attracting big recruits to Ann Arbor.

Michigan recruit ESPN rankings:

1. MI Terry Richardson, CB (81 overall, 4 star)
2. MI Royce Jenkins-Stone, LB (80 overall, 4 star)
3. OH Joe Bolden, LB, (80 overall, 4 star)
4. MI Devin Funchess, TE (80 overall, 4 star)
5. MI James Ross, LB (80 overall, 4 star)
6. MI Mario Ojemudia, OLB/DE (80 overall, 4 star)
7. OH Pharaoh Brown, DE (79 overall, 3 star)
8. MI Ben Braden, OT (79 overall, 3 star)
9. MI Matt Godin, DT/SDE (78 overall, 3 star)
10. OH Caleb Stacey, OG (78 overall, 3 star)
11. OH Kaleb Ringer, OLB (78 overall, 3 star)
12. IL Anthony Standifer, CB (77 overall, 3 star)
13. OH Allen Gant, SS (75 overall, 3 star)
14. OH AJ Williams, TE/OT (Un-ranked)

Reloading the Wings

With all of the uncertainties surrounding the Detroit Red Wings older players this off-season, only two answers have been provided for us Wing nuts. First, Mike Modano will not be a Red Wing next season and is expected to retire, and a couple weeks ago Brian Rafalski retired. So that leaves the Wings looking to fill the voids with the newly found cap space. Here is what I would like to see Kenny Holland do.....

1st. Re-Sign Nick Lidstrom to a one year deal. I do not think Lidstrom retires, he is still possibly the best defensemen in the entire NHL and hopefully we can work out a deal with him in which he takes a pay cut. Now I don't think that he will come back if he doesn't think the Wings are taking a run at another Cup.

In the end, Lidstrom re-signs a 1 year/$3-4 million deal, to help open up some more cap room.


2nd. Replace Jonathon Ericsson, Ruslan Salei and Brian Rafalski. Even though Ericsson showed big time improvement this year, I still do not think he is worth the money he will receive on the open market. Some team will sign him to a $3 million/year deal just because he played for Detroit. With Salei, even though he played well, I just think the Wings can get younger and better for the money. Then there is Brian Rafalski, who, out of the blue, retired. Raffy was a big piece to the Wings defense, especially on the power play, but this gives Holland the ability to infuse the team with younger and/or grittier players.

My picks, James Wisniewski and Ed Jovanovski. Wiz is a hometown boy, and his gritty and skillful play would make him easily the biggest fan favorite on the team. Also add in that he is only 26 years old, has the ability to move the puck and can play on the power play, this would be a perfect fit and he wouldn't break the bank. With Jovanovski, the Wings have some "in's" with him, including having one of his best friends on the team (Todd Bertuzzi), this may be his best chance at a cup, and the fact that he is from Windsor, he may sign a short, cheap contract to finish his career near home.

Contracts: Wisniewski- 3 years/$4 million, Jovanovski-2 years/$2.5 million

Wisniewski (left) Jovanovski (right)

 To fill the other two voids, I would look inside the franchise. Jakub Kindl and Brendan Smith both will have more than legitimate shots at two of the openings on the defense. Kindl played in 48 games and scored only 4 points, but looks to have that puck possession ability that the Wings love. Then there is Smith, who was a top pick in the 2007 draft and looks like a future star. He could really be a big surprise next season at the 7th spot in the Wings defensive line up, very similar to where Kindl was this past season.


3rd. Get a top 6 forward .With the money we have left, and the fact that we are the Detroit Red Wings, expect Holland to pull off a good move to have a top free agent forward join the cast.

My pick, Simon Gagne. Yes, he does have a head injury problem, but his skill set fits perfectly with the Wings and because of the chance he would get here, we could get him for cheaper than what he received last season in Tampa.

Contract: 3 years/$2.5 million

40 pts in 63 games in 10-11, but 74 pts in 79 games in 08-09

4th. Take care of the players already on the team. Its not a mystery that the Wings have some age on their roster, so I think its time to infuse youth and talent into the solid veterans that are still producing.

• Mike Modano and Kris Draper should retire
• Give Chris Osgood a chance to at least come to camp, most likely retire. 
• Jonathon Ericsson, Ruslan Salei, and Drew Miller will be free to sign elsewhere
• Patrick Eaves will be re-signed
• Trade Jiri Hudler (to whoever will take him) for prospects and cap space
• Bring up Jan Mursak, Cory Emmerton, Tomas Tatar and Jordan Pearce

5. My 2012 Detroit Red Wings:


Forwards
1. Tomas Holmstrom - Pavel Datsyuk -Simon Gagne
2. Johan Franzen - Henrik Zetterberg - Danny Cleary
3. Todd Bertuzzi - Valtteri Filppula -Jan Mursak
4. Justin Abdelkader - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves
extra: Cory Emmerton and Tomas Tatar

Defense
1. Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart
2. Niklas Kronwall - James Wisniewski
3. Jakub Kindl - Ed Jovanovski
extra: Brendan Smith





Goaltending
1. Jimmy Howard
2. Joey MacDonald
3. Jordan Pearce


images via NHL.com

Michigan the team to beat for star tandem?

With all of this glorious mess going on in Columbus, the hotness in recruiting, that now is the University of Michigan, has the chance to really clean up the mid-west recruiting trail. With the top players in Michigan already committed and some of the top Ohio prospects have also committed to donning the winged helmet, many more top flight players around the mid-west may be leaning to the Wolverines.

The top prospect in Ohio, defensive end Aldophus Washington looked like a lock to join Tressel down in Columbus but after all these amazing things going on, including the resignation of the vest and T-Pryor dropping out of school, Michigan may have a great shot and even could be the team to beat for Washington and his teammate, one of the nations best high school wide receivers, Dwayne Stanford.

Aldophus Washington (left) Dwayne Stanford (right)

In the latest column by Sam Webb of Detnews.com, he speaks with a couple recruiting experts about the situation.

"Everyone expected Jim Tressel to fight this thing through, but now that he is no longer the head coach, I think it hurts Ohio State. I really think Michigan may be the program to beat. I think Michigan State is right there, too, because both programs have a willingness to take both players, and as we've learned that is key. (Michigan) defensive coordinator Greg Mattison is doing a great job on selling those guys that he has the NFL ties. He has had success with the NFL. I think kids buy into that. I think Adolphus Washington will look at that as a positive." - Dave Berk, SpartanDigest.com editor

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110609/OPINION03/106090302/U-M--MSU-might-move-up-in-bid-for-Ohio’s-Adolphus-Washington#ixzz1OnUKB7Gw

 If Hoke and Mattison can receive the pledges from the Taft HS duo, then I think Michigan will for sure have a top 5-10 recruiting class and more importantly, two players that could put this program back on top. Go Blue!

Lions (hopeful) offseason moves

Since the conclusion of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have become one of the most popular teams and picks for this (hopefully) up-coming season. Thanks to the addition of Big Nick Fairley, the "Silver Crush", is already being considered as one of the top defensive lines in the entire league, and how can you disagree, we know have maybe the two most dominate, dominate defensive tackles in college in the last 10 years. But not only did the Lions brass add a disruptive force on the defensive side of the ball, but they also added Boise State wide out Titus Young, a deep threat receiver, who will finally take the top off of the opposing secondary and open up the field for Calvin and Nate to be even bigger threats in the offense. Another offensive weapon has been added to help solidify the very potent Detroit offense, Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure.'Shoure is a big (6'1'' 230) power back that rushed for 1700 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2010 for the Fighting Illini. Along with top picks, the Lions added project players, Doug Hogue and Johnny Culbreath. Hogue is a speed outside linebacker out of Syracuse, and Culbreath is a extremely athletic offensive tackle from South Carolina State.

Now we have to wait until this ridiculous lockout is over until the Lions can add the final pieces to solidify this team into a consistent playoff contender year in and year out.

My free agent moves:


#1. Go out and solidify the secondary. The dream would be to go out and do what it takes to sign and land Nnamdi Asomugha, who will legitimize the defense and team. Nnamdi is one of the only 2 shutdown corners in the entire league and could really be willing to play in Detroit especially behind that great D-Line for the right price.

 Another idea would be to save money and go for a solid, tackling, cover corner like Ike Taylor or Carlos Rogers who both could lock down that #1 corner position. On top of adding a top flight free agent corner, the Lions will have to go out and re-sign Chris Houston who was the best corner on the team last year.

Rogers (left) Taylor (middle) Houston (right)

#2. Fill the gaping holes at Linebacker. Besides corner, the biggest hole on the entire team this past season was at outside linebacker, and now with the releasing of Julian Peterson, the Lions have Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer to be the OLB's on the sides of MLB DeAndre Levy.

Now there isnt a great amount of talent at the outside linebacker position in free agency, or in any position overall really, so the Lions will need to find the right player(s) that fit their system, which means they will need athletic linebackers who can cover and also step up and fill the gaps. Mayhew has already said that he expects Carpenter and Palmer to compete for one OLB position, probably weak side, so that leaves the team with the need for one impactful, starting strong side linebacker.....

My pick in the free agency pool would be either James Anderson or Stephen Nicholas. Both players are great against the run and had over 100 tackles this past season and neither would break the bank, which will be very big if we do go after Nnamdi Asomugha.

Anderson (left) Nicholas (right)

#3. Find more hidden gems. There were a ton of quality players that went undrafted this past draft and I think the Lions should jump all over them and add some more decent free agents to fill the voids that we have in the depth chart.

Players Id like to at least see get picked up for training camp.....

• DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson, UDFA - was considered a 1st round pick last year
• Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU, UDFA- won the Rimington award for top collegiate center
• Darvin Adams, WR, Auburn, UDFA - was one of Cam Newton's top targets
• Henry Hynoski, FB, Pitt, UDFA - bulldozer of a fullback, old school type of player
• Mark Herzlich, OLB, BC, UDFA - Great story, before cancer he was a top 10 pick
• Thomas Howard, OLB, Free Agent - Extremely athletic outside backer
• Eric Wright, CB, Free Agent - Has all the physical tools to turn his career around

So to recap all the moves I would like to see before the next season (whenever that may be)

1. Sign Nnamdi Asomugha (If not available, Ike Taylor or Carlos Rogers)
2. Re-sign Chris Houston
3. Sign James Anderson or Stephen Nicholas at OLB
4. Find the gem UDFA's and lower level FA's.

Michigan throwback jersey "Maybe" released?!

I found this from mgoblog.com, another great site for Michigan sports.

Michigan's ND game jersey coming this Friday

What moves are needed to turn the Pistons around?

#1. Hire Mike Woodson. He is a proven, tough leader that can turn a group of young, up and coming stars into a consistent playoff team. Also he has ties to the Pistons and knows what the fans want and what it takes to win in Detroit.

#2. Draft well and take the Lions advice.....Best Player Available. I think that the Pistons, especially Joe Dumars needs to make this draft a very big success. With the 8th overall pick, it is not known who will or will not be available but the player they select needs to be another foundation player to build around, just like Greg Monroe has become.

My 2011 NBA Mock Draft :
1st round, 8th overall : Bismak Biyombo, PF/C, Congo (6'9'', 18 years old)

2nd round, 33rd overall : Norris Cole, PG, Cleveland State (6'2''Senior)

2nd round, 52nd overall : Scotty Hopson, SG, Tennessee (6'7'' Junior)

#3. Get rid of the old baggage! Its not 2006, Rip needs to go. The team is in the rebuilding mode, and getting rid of players like Villenueva, Maxiell and Hamilton for whatever we can get them for is necessary.

My take would be to get whatever you can for Rip and CV. Worst case scenario, Joe D just lets them go and hopefully someone will offer something for hardworking Jason Maxiell, if not, let him go too.

#4. Free agency/Trades: With Gores, we have an owner with deep pockets and the will to turn this team around, he needs to give Dumars the ability to go out and make a splash for a STAR. Thats what it takes to win in the NBA now, so go out and get somebody.

My take: MAKE A SPLASH!!

• Sign and trade Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell to Philly for Andre Iguodala
• Trade Rip Hamilton to Minnesota for Johnny Flynn (Other players involved to make it work)
• Let Tayshaun Prince go
• Find someone to take Charlie Villanueava 
• Sign hometown boy Shane Battier. 

Flynn (right) Iguodala (middle) Battier (right)

2011-12 Detroit Pistons Roster (As long as there is a season)
PG: Johnny Flynn
SG: Andre Iguodala
SF: Shane Battier
PF: Bismak Biyombo
C: Greg Monroe

PG: Norris Cole
SG: Ben Gordan
SF: Jonas Jerebko
PF: Austin Daye
C: Chris Wilcox
PG: Will Bynum
SG: Scotty Hopson

June 8th Best Guess Recruiting Class

QB: 3* Austin Appleby, 6'5'' 225. North Canton, Ohio (Hoover HS) - Uncommitted / Not Offered
       
RB: 5* Brionte Dunn, 6'1'' 215. Canton, Ohio (GlenOak HS) - OSU Commit / Offered

WR: 4* Dwayne Stanford, 6'4'' 195. Cincinnati, Ohio (Taft HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

TE: 4* Devin Funchess, 6'4'' 205. Farmington Hills, MI (Harrison HS) - COMMITTED

TE/OT: 3* AJ Williams, 6'6'' 260. Cincinnati, Ohio (Sycamore HS) - COMMITTED

OT: 4* Jordan Diamond, 6'6'' 290. Chicago, Ill (Simeon Vocational HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

OT: 4* Erik Magnuson, 6'6'' 275. Encinitas, CA (La Costa Canyon HS) - Uncomitted / Offered

OT: 4* Paul Thurston, 6'5'' 260. Arvada, CO (Arvada West HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

OT: 3* Ben Braden, 6'6'' 280. Rockford, MI (Rockford HS) - COMMITTED

OG: 3* Caleb Stacey, 6'4'' 280. Cincinnati, Ohio (Oak Hills HS) - COMMITTED

DT: 4* Ondre Pipkins, 6'3'' 320. Kansas City, MO (Park Hill HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

DT: 4* Sheldon Day, 6'2'' 278. Indianapolis, IN (Warren Central HS) - Uncommited / Offered

DT/DE: 3* Matt Godin, 6'6'' 265. Novi, MI (Catholic Central HS) - COMMITTED

DE: 4* Chris Wormley, 6'5'' 250. Toledo, Ohio (Whitmer HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

DE: 5* Aldophus Washington, 6'6'' 240. Cincinnati, Ohio (Taft HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

DE: 3* Pharaoh Brown, 6'6'' 220. Lyndhurst, Ohio (Brush HS) - COMMITTED

DE/OLB: 4* Mario Ojemudia, 6'2'' 220. Farmington Hills, MI (Harrison HS) - COMMITTED

LB: 4* Joe Bolden, 6'3'' 230. Cincinnati, Ohio (Colerain HS) - COMMITTED

LB: 4* James Ross, 6'1'' 215. Orchard Lake, MI (St. Marys HS) - COMMITTED

LB: 4* Royce Jenkins-Stone, 6'2'' 215. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS) - COMMITTED

LB: 4* Kaleb Ringer, 6'1'' 225. Clayton, Ohio (Northmont HS) - COMMITTED

CB: 4* Terry Richardson, 5'10'' 165. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS) - COMMITTED

CB: 3* Anthony Standifer, 6'1'' 180. Crete, IL (Crete-Monee HS) - COMMITTED

FS: 4* Jarrod Wilson, 6'2'' 190. Akron, Ohio (Buchtel HS) - Uncommitted / Offered

SS: 3* Allen Gant, 6'2'' 205. Sylvania, Ohio (Southview HS) - COMMITTED