Showing posts with label 2013 Recruiting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 Recruiting. Show all posts

Kamani Thomas Interview

8:23 PM SimplyComplex , Posted in , , , 2 Comments

Michigan only has four spots left in the 2012 recruiting class. After the coaches gained a commitment from Drake Johnson and  missed out on Brionte Dunn and a few other running back prospects, they seem to be done with RB recruiting this year. Theres nothing to worry about, though. Hoke and Co. are already looking forward to what the running backs in the 2013 class have to offer.

Kamani Thomas(Photo Courtesy of Rivals)
One 2013 prospect to look out for on the recruiting trail next year is Dallas (Ga) East Paulding High School RB Kamani Thomas. Thomas is a 5-foot-9 190 pound running back has been compared by some to Alabama's current running back, Trent Richardson. It's a general consensus that Thomas will be the number one running back prospect in Georgia for next year. Thomas is the complete package at his respected position. He is extremely elusive, which gives him the "shake and bake ability" that leaves defenders in the dust. He has enough top-end speed to outrun almost everyone that he faces on the turf. Lastly, he has the physicality and strength to plow defenders over while running in the open field. He doesn't shy away from contact whether it's on the edge of the field or between the hasmarks. He also resembles Richardson mainly because of his pass-catching ability out of the backfield, which may be Thomas's most valuable asset.Thomas said in an article a few months back that Michigan was his 'dream school'. "If it was my choice, I’d sign with Michigan,” Thomas told the AJC. “I’ve always been a Michigan fan. My dad is a Michigan fan. I’ve got a lot of family up there.”


Kamani Thomas runs around a defender(Photo Courtesy of Dallas-Hiram Patch)


I recently got in contact with Kamani and he agreed to talk with me and do a quick interview.

SimplyComplex: You've come out and said that Michigan is your outright leader, what do you like the most about Michigan?

Kamani Thomas: I've always liked michigan and now that there back to the I-Formation I like them even more.

SC: How did your Michigan visit go?

KT: The visit was okay, expected a little more out of it,though. (Me:What do you mean?)
I just figured we would be able to talk to the coaches more than what we did and really look at things around the campus or facilities.


SC: Did you talk to any of the coaches? If so, what about?

KT: I talked to Coach Montgomery for a second, but thats about it.

SC: Any you good friends with any other players in Georgia?

KT: Yes, I'm good friends with Shaq Wiggins. He's a great cornerback.

SC: What are you looking for in a university and coaching staff?

KT: In the coaching staff I'm just looking for that winning environment and that want for me as much as me for them.

SC: How does it feel to be the number one RB in the state of Georgia?

KT: Being No. 1 RB is humbling just gotta keep working hard to stay there.

SC: What kind of runner would you describe yourself?

KT: I would describe myself as a power runner, but fast enough to out-run a defender if I have to.

SC: What other schools have been recruiting you?
KT: Alabama, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Duke, Southern Miss, Troy, and LSU.

Kamani Thomas Sophomore Highlights




As you can see, Thomas will be one of the premiere backs in the entire country come next year. As a sophomore, Thomas ran for 1,901 yards in 13 games, averaged 8 yards a game, ran an average 22 times a game, and scored 22 total touchdowns. Thomas visited Michigan a few weeks back, and came away thoroughly impressed. Thomas hasn't received a Michigan offer yet, but I'm positive that the coaches will be in contact with him soon enough to give him that prestigious Michigan offer.

Introducing: Colin Goebel

8:32 PM SimplyComplex , Posted in , , , 3 Comments

One of best offensive lineman in the state of Illinois is getting a lot of national recognition from some of the top schools in the country. One of these programs is Michigan. Growing up as a Michigan fan, Goebel has some serious interest in the university and the football program. His family likes Illinois and Ohio State,( Geobel's cousin is a nose guard there) but they are big time fans of Michigan's wrestling program.

Colin Goebel(on the left) opening a running lane for his running back.
Goebel was once a linebacker, but was later converted into an offensive guard. Standing at 6'4 and 275 lbs., Goebel has enough athleticism to play guard or tackle, but he says most schools are recruiting him at guard because that's were they believe he has the most upside at. Goebel is extremely athletic and fast, so he can pull well and stay on guys when's he's run blocking. Goebel does a fantastic job at finishing his blocks, as well. One of his favorite hobbies is wrestling, were he became the varsity heavyweight this year earning the position over 6 other heavyweights including a returning varsity senior and Colin’s performance helped earn his high school team finish second in the prestigious DVC Conference.


I was able to get in contact with Goebel and he allowed me to do an interview with him.

SimplyComplex: What's your favorite thing about Michigan?

Colin Goebel: "I love their great winning tradition and experienced coaches."

SC: With your cousin(Garret Goebel; DT for OSU) enrolled at OSU, How does this affect your decision and recruiting process?

CG: "No, not really. I'm open to all possibilities. Having my cousin their helps OSU, but I will consider all my options and just go from there."

SC: Do you know when you'd like to make your college decision?

CG: "I'd like to do it before my senior season, but things could get hectic, so that timeline could change depending on the situation."

SC:  What are you looking for in a university?

CG: "Good relationship with all the coaches, great academic structure, and good food.(laughs)

SC: Do you have any idea on what you'd like to major in in college?

CG: "I'm not sure, but both my parents majored in business and they're pretty successful. So I'll probably follow in their footsteps and major in business."

SC: Is distance a factor in your decision?

CG: No, doesn't matter. I could go to the East coast, West coast, Midwest, or go down south."

SC: What schools besides Michigan have been recruiting you?

CG: "Oregon, Iowa, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, Illinois, West Virginia, and USC."

SC: Who's your favorite Michigan player ever?

CG: "Dhani Jones. Great linebacker who's also a good leader."

SC: Would you consider yourself a run blocker or pass blocker?

CG: "I'd say that I'm a little of both. I'm better at run blocking,though."

SC: What can you bring to a college football team?

CG: "I'm definitely a hard worker, and I am very coach able.  I;'m willing to accept coaching suggestions and implement those suggestions into my workouts,practices, and games immediately.'

Goebel dominating a defensive end.

 Goebel is the third offensive lineman in the state of Illinois to be in contact with Michigan, the other two being Ethan Pocic and Kyle Bosch. Goebel is really good friends with Pocic and they talk with each other about their recruiting often. They also have discussed possibly attending the same university. Goebel is in attendance at the Purdue-Notre Dame game tonight. Goebel was named to Tom Lemming’s All Underclassmen Team for the 2010 season. Goebel should be a big time recruit in the next 14 months.

Introducing: Ethan Pocic

6:09 PM SimplyComplex , Posted in , , , 2 Comments

Even though Michigan is bringing in a great offensive line class in 2012, they are looking to add more "big uglies" to their 2013 offensive line recruiting class. Michigan is only planning on taking 3-4 offensive lineman next year, so they must offer prospects who they feel will help improve Michigan's rushing attack for years to come.

Ethan Pocic from Lemont, Illinois.

One prospect that Michigan has been in contact with is offensive tackle Ethan Pocic from Lemont, Illinois. Ethan Pocic stands at 6'6 285 lbs., and has great size for an offensive tackle. Pocic is very strong as he can squat 420lbs., and bench 305, respectively. Pocic comes off the snap with great quickness and generates a good push on the line. Pocic also has extreme toughness and isn't afraid to put players on their backs once he gets a hold of them. Even though Pocic has the ability to get to the second-level of the defense, he needs to gain more strength and get down to a healthier weight to become a better overall offensive lineman.

After Pocic's visit for the Notre Dame-Michigan game, I was able to catch up with Pocic for an interview regarding his recruitment.

SimplyComplex: How was your experience at the ND-Michigan game?

Ethan Pocic: "It was crazy. I've never seen an atmosphere like it."

SC: What do you think your strengths and weaknesses are at the OL position?

EP: "My strengths are-Toughness,Quickness, and getting to the second level of the defense.
Weaknesses-getting stronger and getting down to a healthier weight."

SC: Which schools are you recruiting you besides Michigan?

EP: "Illinois,Purdue,Michigan St.,Wisconsin,West Virginia, Arizona,and Notre Dame have all offered."

SC: Who are your favorite NFL and College player?

EP: "I like to watch Adrian Peterson and the Bears defense."

SC: On your visit, Did you meet with any of the coaches?

EP: "Coach Funk, but only for like five minutes."

SC: Do you have a timeline for when you'd like to make your decision?

EP: "Don't know yet."

SC: Who in your life inspires you?

EP: "My family inspires me the most."

SC: I's distance a factor in your decision?

EP: "No, not at all."

SC: What's your favorite thing about Michigan?

EP: "Everything!(laughs) My favorite thing is their rich tradition."

SC: Could you see yourself attending Michigan?

EP: "Yes, I could see myself attending any school that is interested in me."

SC: Do you think Michigan fits your style of OL play?

EP: "Yes, definitely."

SC: What are you looking for in a college?

EP: "The coaches and players[are important]. And a winning tradition,too."
Pocic in pass protection.

Look for Michigan to offer Pocic in the coming weeks. Already a 4* prospect according to Scout.com, Pocic will likely be one of the best offensive lineman in the 2013 class. Pocic has already taken unofficial visits to Notre Dame,Wisconsin, and Purdue. All we can hope for is Pocic to visit, and commit to Michigan so he can become the next Jake Long.

Introducing: Devonte Moore

1:48 PM SimplyComplex , Posted in , , , 0 Comments

There's an up and coming junior running back from Lexington, N.C. that has flown severely under the radar nationally so far. With his season underway, he is hoping to turn some heads on the "recruiting trail."

Devonte Moore using his strength to shake off a tackler. 
Devonte Moore,a 5-foot-9, 160 pound running back from North Davidson High School is a rising junior running back who has all the physical tools to be an elite back at the college level. As a sophomore, Moore rushed for 10 touchdowns and also returned a couple of kickoffs for touchdowns. Moore is already off to a fantastic junior season by rushing for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns against division rival East Davidson. In just 3 games, Moore has racked up 4 touchdowns and 300 yards. Moore's elite-ability to make quick cuts and have good vision while running are what makes Moore a special asset for his team. Clocking in at a reported 4.41 40 time, Moore can outrun defenders with ease. 
 
I was able to catch up with Moore for an interview about his recruitment.

SimplyComplex: What position do you play and what were your stats from last year?

Devonte Moore: "I play RB. I can't remember how many yards, but I know I had 10 or 11 touchdowns. Right now I have 300 yards."

SC: How many schools have been in contact with you?

DM: "I've been getting questionnaires from different schools, but that's about it."

SC: If Michigan were to offer you, would you strongly consider them as a possible destination for your college?

DM: "Yes, most definitely."

SC:  What are you looking for in a college?

DM: "A college that I would fit into and feel comfortable in. Size and love being able to meet new people."

SC: Whats your favorite college team?

DM: "I like Virginia Tech."

SC: Do you play on the defensive side ball?

DM: "No, just RB and KR."

SC: Who in your life inspires you to make the right decisions and put you on the right path to happiness?

DM: "'I'm inspired by my mom. She works really hard in pushing me to being the best I can be, and I want to show her that.

SC: What kind of impact do you think you can have at any college, as a football player?

DM: "Hard worker and love to compete with other people."
 
Moore juking defenders as he tries to gain yards.  
 
Moore is in the early stages of his recruitment, but has been getting contact from schools like: Oklahoma and UCLA. As the season looms on, he could become one of the most sought after running back recruits in the class of 2013.

Introducing: Cam Burrows

1:27 PM SimplyComplex , Posted in , , , 1 Comment



    With Michigan's 2012 recruiting class nearing completion, it provides time for us fans to focus on some rising 2013 prospects. While Michigan has landed some talented defensive backs in the 2011 and 2012 classes, they are still looking to take a couple more in the class of 2013.

Who is Michigan targeting at the DB position in 2013?
    One prospect that Michigan has been in contact with is Trotwood-Madison (OH) CB Cam Burrows. Cam Burrows is a talented player that has potential to become not only one of the top defensive back prospects in Ohio, but one that has a chance to become a top player (at his position) nationally. As a sophomore, Burrows recorded 61 tackles and 6 interceptions.
Standing at 6'2 192 lbs., Burrows can match up physically with any wide receiver that comes his way. He has quick feet and a great backpedal. Burrows describes himself as a great cover corner, who can lower his shoulder and hit someone when needed. Burrows has to work on coming out of his breaks smoother, but overall he will be one of the most sought after recruits in the nation come seasons end.
Cameron Burrows is a top 5 prospect in the state of Ohio for next year.
After his visit to the UM-ND game, I caught up with Burrows for a quick interview.

SimplyComplex: How was your experience at the Michigan-Notre Dame game?
 
Cam Burrows: "My experience was great. Had a lot of fun."
 
SC: Did you meet with the coaches at all during your visit? What did you talk about?
 
CB: "Yes, Mark Smith, Coach Mallory, and the wide receiver coach. We talked about how good of a place Michigan was, and that I could trust them."
 

SC: How would you describe your style of play at the cornerback position?
 
CB: "I'm a cover corner, but can hit when I need to."
 
SC: Does Michigan have a shot at making your top group?
 
CB: "Yes, they have a good shot."
 
SC: What did you think of Michigan's throw back uniforms?
 
CB: "They were sweet, I liked them a lot."
 
SC: Do you have a timeline for when you'd like to make your college decision?
 
CB: "Not yet."
 
SC: What do you like about the Michigan defense?
 
CB: "Their coordinator is Greg Mattison, and I think they are a defense that is improving."
 
SC: Do you think you could make an immediate impact at Michigan?
 
CB: "I think I can make an impact at any college."
 
SC: What other schools are recruiting you besides Michigan?
 
CB: "OSU,UC, LSU, UCLA, Illinois, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Northwestern, Iowa, Kentucky, Stanford, Colorado, Wisconsin, Purdue, Notre Dame, Missouri, Oregon etc."
 
SC: What are your strengths and weaknesses at the CB position?
 
CB: "Strengths-Covering skills, good hands.
Weaknesses-Coming out of breaks."
 
SC: Who are some people that inspire you in your life?
 
CB: "Life wise, it'd be my mom. Football wise, it'd be Patrick Peterson."

Burrows stepping in front of the receiver for an interception.
    Burrows will be one of the top prospects in Ohio come 2013. Right now, it seems Michigan is trailing OSU and ND for Burrows services. After his recent visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan will be a strong contender to secure a commitment for Burrows.

Brogan Roback Interview

12:54 PM SimplyComplex , Posted in , , , 1 Comment

  Out of options in the class of 2012 and facing a potential depth problem at the quarterback position, it looks as if Michigan might take 2 quarterbacks in the class of 2013. Many quarterbacks will be scarred away by competing with the likes of Shane Morris. Michigan will have to find a quarterback who is willing to come in and compete with Morris for the starting job. 

Who could possibly give Shane Morris competition?
 Morris is a special player, and not many quarterbacks in the class of 2013 (and for that matter, the class of 2012) have that kind of talent. Luckily, a few of these quarterbacks do indeed exist, and one grew up a Michigan fan less than an hour away from the Big House.

Roback recently led the Titans to a win over Orchard Lake St. Mary's, completing 14 of 20 passes and throwing for 303 yards and 4 touchdowns.
St. John's Jesuit High School (Toledo) quarterback Brogan Roback is a special talent. As a sophomore, Roback completed 119 of 210 passes (57%) for 2179 yards, and threw 25 touchdowns (a school record) and just 5 interceptions.

 At 6'4 185 lbs., Roback has the prototypical size of many college footballs best quarterbacks, but also boasts an estimated 4.65 40 time. Roback definitely has the ability to gun the ball into tight windows, but also can put a little touch on the ball when needed. His uncanny accuracy and decision-making are his biggest strengths as a passer. Roback also possesses good pocket awareness, but has instincts and mobility that often give opposing defensive coordinators sleepless nights. At the next level, Roback is full of promise, and has the physical gifts and understanding of the game to grow and develop into a great quarterback.



Fresh off his visit to Michigan, I caught up with Roback for a quick interview.

SimplyComplex: How was your experience on Saturday, at the first night game at the Big House?

Brogan Roback: "It was amazing. I've been to almost every Michigan home game since I was four, and I've never seen an atmosphere like it before."

SC: With Shane Morris already commited to Michigan. Does his decision affect you possibly commiting to UM?

BR: "Morris being commited doesn't affect my decision too much. Its a great place and you can't be scared to compete."

SC: What schools are recruiting you, other than Michigan?

BR: "Other schools: Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Iowa."

SC: What do you like about the offense at Michigan?

BR:"I like how they run this new type of spread, coach Hoke has brought, it gives the QB a chance to be a playmaker."

SC: Do you have a set timeline for when you'd like to make your college decision?


BR: "I do not have a deadline, although my mind is basically set on deciding before my senior season."

SC: Were you in contact with any of Michigans commits at the game on Saturday? If so, which ones?

BR: "Yes, Chris Wormley and Allen Gant. I'm really good friends with them. I'm actually in the same football league as Chris."

Roback does not shy away from competition. History suggests that this approach has been successful for Wolverine QBs, even when they don't win the starting job. Every Wolverine quarterback that was highly-touted coming out of high school and was involved in a recent position battle has gone on to play professional sports (Drew Henson, MLB and NFL; Tom Brady NFL; Matt Gutierrez, NFL; Clayton Richards, MLB; Chad Henne NFL). Roback will be considered as one of the top prospects in the state of Ohio in the class of 2013. Even though high school juniors cannot receive written offers until their first day of school, Roback already has two written offers from Bowling Green and Toledo. Despite the accolades, Brogan still has a good head on his shoulders and is humble. Like many recent recruits, he is the kind of kid that reflects the spirit of what Michigan represents. Keep an eye out for Roback receiving an early Michigan offer. Hopefully, good news for Wolverine fans will follow soon after.

Updated Visitor List for the Notre Dame Game

9:41 AM ScoutExile , Posted in , , 1 Comment

Expected 2012 Prospects: Position 247sports Scout
Erik Magnuson OT **** 96 OVR ****
Caleb Stacey OG *** 85 OVR ***
Chris Wormley DE/DT **** 96 OVR ****
A.J. Williams TE/OL *** 86 OVR ***
Matt Godin DE/DT **** 91 OVR ***
Anthony Standifer CB/S *** 87 OVR ***
Royce Jenkins-Stone LB **** 93 OVR ****
Pharoah Brown DE **** 92 OVR ***
Mario Ojemudia DE/LB *** 89 OVR ****
Greg Garmon RB **** 92 OVR ****
Danny O'Brien DT **** 93 OVR ****
Jordan Payton WR **** 92 OVR ****
Zach Banner OT **** 94 OVR *****
Efe Scott-Emuakpor WR ** 77 OVR **
As of now, not visisting:
Tom Strobel DE **** 93 OVR ****
Kyle Kalis OL **** 96 OVR *****
Yuri Wright CB ***** 98 OVR ****
Amara Darboh WR **** 94 OVR ****
Aziz Shittu DE **** 95 OVR ****
Josh Garnett OT **** 96 OVR *****
Darius Powe WR *** 89 OVR ***
Expected 2013 Prospects:
Shane Morris QB **** 97 OVR *****
Steve Elmer OT **** 97 OVR N/R
Kyle Bosch OT/OG **** 96 OVR ****
Wyatt Shallman RB/DE **** 94 OVR N/R
Jon Reschke LB **** 92 OVR N/R
Shaq Wiggins CB *** 88 OVR N/R
Dymonte Thomas S N/R N/R
Matt Miller DE N/R N/R
Cameron Dillard OG N/R N/R
Laquon Treadwell WR N/R N/R
Kenton Gibbs DT N/R N/R
Poet Thomas DT N/R N/R
Brogan Roback QB N/R N/R
Cameron Burrows DB N/R N/R
Taco Charlton DE N/R N/R
State College bound?
Ben Gedeon ATH N/R N/R
Bri'onte Dunn RB **** 94 OVR *****


Updates
-According to Justin Hopkins of 247sports, Darius Powe is having trouble finding a flight out to Michigan, and might reschedule. He is also uncertain that Joshua Garnett will visit before his season ends.
-There have been strong rumblings that Bri'onte Dunn may not be able to make it to Ann Arbor this weekend. Until his plans are set in stone, I'll separate him from the "expected" column.
-According to mspeedkills, Joshua Garnett will likely visit for the Ohio State game.
-Kyle Kalis has a 7:30 game on Saturday, so he won't be able to make it.
-Steve Wilfong of 247sports says that 2013 OL Kyle Bosch will visit for the Michigan/ND game.
-Penn State's 247sports site is reporting that Bri'onte Dunn and Ben Gedeon are heading to State College this weekend.

Bold = Michigan Commit
I'll continue to update the list as things change. To contact me, either find me on twitter @ScoutExileMM, e-mail me at scoutxile@gmail.com, or find me on facebook. Go Blue!

Introducing: Thomas Tyner (Class of 2013, Beaverton, OR)

5:07 PM ScoutExile , Posted in , , 1 Comment

Introducing: Thomas Tyner


(Class of 2013)
Twitter
Beaverton, OR
Running Back
Height: 6'1" Weight: 210 pounds
Favorite NFL Player: Adrian Peterson
Favorite Meal: McDank from McDonalds
Favorite Song at the moment: "African Queen" by 2Face Idibia
Hobby: Piano






Last week, 247sports released its Future 247, its early list of the top 247 players in the class of 2013. Eight of these 247 players were awarded a 5-star rating by the websites' analysts. It was no surprise when 1 of these players 8 players was Thomas Tyner, a running back from Aloha High in Oregon. It wasn't surprising to see Tyner selected because is seen by some recruitniks as a once-in-a-generation 'super recruit' with combination of an NFL running back's ideal size and an Olympic sprinter's speed. Tyner is able to break tackles and is also extremely shifty, and can make defenders miss. Last season, he ran for 1821 yards on 197 carries (9.25 yards per carry) with 19 touchdowns. This earned Tyner the distinction of Oregon's Offensive Player of the Year and scores of other accolades.


Despite only being a sophomore, Tyner is already a proven winner. He was a intricate part of Aloha winning its first-ever OSAA Class 6A state championship last fall, rushing for 163 yards in the 34-13 victory over Tualatin. The following spring, Tyner finished track season with a best time of 10.35 seconds and a state title in the 100m dash. Though Tyner is aware that speed is one of his strengths, he humbly admits that he's working on his stamina. To be fair, this isn't Tyner's fault. Citing a blue collar background, Tyner has a superior work ethic. He goes all-out in every game, practice, scrimmage, and meet.

Top high school 100m times of last season.

How fast is Tyner? Well, we're talking about speed that would warrant a nickname like Dilithium II or Trilithium. In high school, Denard's fastest official time was a 10.44. Tyner told me that he runs a 10.35, and ran an automatically-timed 10.38 in the Metro Championship meet.


Video of Tyner's 10.38 in the 100m.

Tyner is so fast that he has a legitimate shot at making the Olympics, and loves running track. Some have even suggested that he would opt for track over football. Tyner says otherwise, "[in college] I want to do both [football and track]."

Tyner's diet is reminiscent of what Michael Phelps ate while training in Ann Arbor.

As for college, Tyner doesn't have any early favorites, and says he's "opening [himself] up to the nation." He is very open to the possibility of going to college away from the west coast, and Michigan is one of the schools that Tyner has expressed interest in. Having allowed athletes like Denard Robinson to compete in track while playing football won't hurt the Wolverines' chances with Tyner.

With Shane Morris (potential #1 QB in 2013) already in the fold for the class of 2013, there may not be a more important recruit than Thomas Tyner. So Wolverine fans, make sure to remember the name "Thomas Tyner."

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