wrote this on another Michigan Site

[Peake]

Part I. Brady Hoke

Brady Hoke, a man after my own heart. Why you may ask? Well the man said and I quote, "I would coach Michigan for no money", and " I would walk from San Diego to Ann Arbor if they asked me to". You can't measure what a true passion for a University will do for a program, especially one going through a complete transition away from it roots (thanks Dick Rod). Brady Hoke was a former assistant (1995-2002) under Gary Moller and Lloyd Carr. He coached the defensive line for the Wolverines for 6 years before leaving to be the head coach at Ball State. He preached being physical, playing with an edge, and blowing people off the ball. Lets not forget that during his coaching days Hoke was a part of 3 Big Ten Titles, 2 BCS game wins, and a Co-National Championship. His record v the school he refers to as only "Ohio" was 5-2 in favor of the Blue.



Since leaving Ann Arbor he has guided two below average programs into respectability. As a former Son of Marshall, I fully understand how awful Ball State was for a very long time. He took over a Ball State program that was on par with some of the worst program in all of America. He had his struggles but before leaving Ball State he led them to a MAC East Title, an AP ranking of number 12 (first ever), and an undefeated regular season. He also continued a very successful recruiting campaign in the Midwest, including nabbing Ohio quarterback Nate Davis away from Midwest power Ohio State and Michigan.



After Ball State Hoke continued on his success of building up programs by leading San Diego State program to a 9-4 season, their first 9 win season dating back to 1971. Hoke was able to successfully recruit the west coast while continuing to recruit successfully in the Midwest.



Hoke truly understands what it means to beat Ohio State and the importance of The Game. Only one week after his arrival he put up clocks counting down the days until the "Ohio" and Michigan State games. He said in order to win Big Ten Titles you must first beat Ohio. Since his arrival he has put the focus in recruiting back on the Midwest, and more importantly Ohio and Michigan. In the 2012 class, all 13 commits are from either Ohio or Michigan.



Part II. Greg Mattison

Current Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison has quite the resume. For starters he left the Baltimore Ravens as their current Defensive Coordinator, to return to coach the Wolverines. Lets not forget he has been a part of 2 National Championships (Michigan and Florida), and has led one of the most dominate defensive in the National Football League.



As part of the defensive staff at Michigan he recruited and coached players such as: Charles Woodson, Glen Steele, Ty Law, Ian Gold, Dahiani Jones, Cato June, Jarrett Irons, and Marlin Jackson.



If that doesn't impress recruits how about this, he led a defense consisting of Hall of Famers Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Terrel Suggs, and Haloti Ngata.



Urban Meyer said that Mattison is the ultimate closer when it comes to recruiting.



Part III. Al Borges

Borges, the new Offensive Coordinator for the Wolverines, has led two previous programs back to resurgence. Once at UCLA, where the Bruins were a game away from playing in the National Title game, and also guiding the 2003 Auburn Tigers offense to an undefeated 13-0 season. His teams at UCLA averaged over 40ppg twice, and he also developed Cade McNown into an 1st team All-American and 1st round NFL draft pick. While at Auburn he helped Jason Campbell turn into a 1st round NFL draft pick.



Borges runs a West Coast Offense that will feature the returning Big Ten Offensive POY Denard Robinson.



Part IV. Recruiting

Michigan's current recruiting class for 2012 is rated as the #2 class in the country right behind recruiting power Texas. It is May and already UM has 13 of its possible 24 spots filled. Of those 13 commits 7 are rated as 4 star recruits, with 8 of those 13 rated in the top 21 players at their position.



Michigan has gone back to its roots plucking the best talent available from the fertile Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania hot beds, rather then trying to throw their hat in the ring in Florida with the likes of in state powers Miami, Florida, and Florida State. Under Rich Rodriguez Michigan refused to do battle in their own home state, and consistently struggled to bring in top players from the Midwest. To date, Michigan has already landed the top player in state, and 3 more in the top 10 players in the state of Michigan. The Wolverines have plucked the #2 and #3 linebackers from the state of Ohio away from the Buckeyes, while also landing a top 15 TE from the Buckeye state.



Impressive stats: In this years recruiting class alone, Michigan was able to beat out Ohio State for 5 recruits with both Michigan and Buckeye offers. That is something the previous staff was unable to do on a consistent basis.



*Michigan has already landed a commit from 2013 QB Shane Morris, who is considered to be the top QB in the country right now as a sophomore and possibly the #1 player in the country next year. He was named MVP at the Elite 11 Passing Camp as a sophomore over top QB Gunner Keil of the 2012 class.



Part 5. Defense

AS I have already mentioned, both Hoke and Mattison are defense first coaches, and I put a lot of faith in their ability to get the most out of their players. With that being said, lets face it, Rich Rod didn't care much about defense. As bad as UM's defense was last year, I fully expect them to be a top 50 defense this season.



How to fix the defense? Answer---Recruit!



As Hoke and company scrambled to keep the 2011 recruiting class together they focused mostly on the defense. UM was able to land Antonio Pool ( a top 15 LB in the country), Blake Countess (a top 20 DB in the country), Kellen Jones ( a top 10 LB in the country), and Brennen Beyer ( a top 12 DE in the country). One of the biggest leaps made was with Ohio State feeder and power house Glenville High School. UM grabbed Frank Clark a top TE from the Tarblooders, and provided themselves with a foot back in the Glenville door. As you can see UM made the best of what they could with the 2011 recruiting class.



Onto 2012. In this class UM has already gotten Commits from 4 top 25 linebackers nationally, two of which are in the top 3 at their position. UM has also worked their way back into Michigan powerhouse Farmington Hills, grabbing two 4-star prospects away from Ohio State and Michigan State. Of the 13 current commits, 9 of them are on the defensive side of the ball.



Putting it all together.



Michigan will have its struggles because of the transition, but the foundation back to glory has been laid. The Wolverines will no longer play back seat to Ohio State in recruiting, and will no longer let Michigan State take away top instate talent.



The offense will run again through Denard Robinson, but more balance is expected. If Denard struggles in the new system, expect to see him at WR while former 5-star Devin Gardner takes over. No longer will UM go after 270 lb offensive lineman, they will go back to road graders like Jake Long, Steve Hutchinson, and David Baas. The TE will finally be a crucial part of the new offensive philosophy. Kevin Koger is expected to have a huge year, and is considered by many to be the top TE in the conference. Roy Roundtree will return as the leading wideout for UM, after missing 1000 by nearly 40 yards. A steady group of vets will lead the receiving core led by Hemingway, Roundtree, Odoms, and hopefully Stonum (if he can get out of the dog house).



The defense is still yet to be seen, but I have fully confidence they will be better. Mike Martin is considered to be a top 30 pick next year, and will be used at DT, DE, and rush LB. He was featured on ESPN as the second strongest player in the NCAA. Michigan will mimic Alabama by plugging in gap clogging DT's like Will Campbell (6'5, 330). The linebacking core will welcome two new starters and will be anchored by last years one steady starter Kenny Demens. The secondary will welcome back 3 year starter Troy Wolfolk, who missed all of last year due to injury. JT Floyd also returns from an injury that put him out after the Notre Dame game, which saw him shut down ultra talented Michael Floyd. Courtney Avery will also return at DB for the Wolverines. The S position will be interesting to watch, with steady vets trying to hold off talented youngsters.



The Bottom Line.



Michigan is no longer going to sit back and try to outscore you. They will return to the days of smacking you in the mouth and letting you know it is going to hurt bad the next day after the game. This staff knows what it means to coach at Michigan, something the previous staff was oblivious to. There is a pride about UM that has not been seen in the program for several years being reinserted. There is an attitude of we are going to hit you and hit you and not stop hitting you.Ohio State is the #1 priority and Hoke and company knows it and has let it be known. Recruiting has taken off and lets take care of the Midwest and instate first philosophy will pay off huge. Michigan will no longer be home to the spread, but will welcome the drop back passer back into the offense. This is the Michigan we all grew up watching, and this is the Michigan that will continue to win championships.

*Michigan recently added Anthony Standifer, DB from Illinois.

[Bleeding Red]

Do you really think he would coach Michigan for no money?

I think not!

[Peake]

I think you missed the point entirely. The point being that having a passion to actually be the coach at a particular University is immeasurable.

example: John Cooper at OSU or Rich Rod at Michigan. Those were step up jobs from where they were, but they weren't dream jobs for either one. Neither were ever really fully accepted by their fan base.

Of all the information posted that was really what you choose to concentrate on?

[LucasJackson]

Ball state and SanDiego state. I would walk to Michigan too.

Good info

[Rebels on 3]

He still cant beat THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY. Just lay down Michigan fans so OSU dont hurt you to bad. Just because you got a new coach dosent mean you still dont SUCK.

[Peake]

This is why I don't really post on this board anymore. No one appreciates well thought out information, people just want to run their mouths and say pointless things.

SMH

[Rebels on 3]

Because no one wants to hear about Michigan. We're in OHIO friend.

[Peake]

No, not everyone here is an Ohio State fan, this is a college board, to discuss all things college related, not just Ohio my friend. Yes I am aware that there is a large majority of OSU fans here, and I also understand there is a very large immature population of OSU fans here as well. Believe me as a Michigan fan I want to know what is going on with OSU, and the fact that you made the statement that no one wants to know about Michigan, only shows the half hearted fan that you are. This rivalry is about mutual respect for one another, not ignorant hate.

Anyways, not everyone on this site is from Ohio either, I for one live in North Carolina.

You could learn a lesson from some good OSU's posters on here who show respect and form actual intelligent sentences.

[seofan_via_dublin]

A recent thread on this forum showed that while there are more Buckeye fans in numbers, more people voted their favorite team as someone other than the Buckeyes.

So, I hope Peake continues to post his info about Michigan. It gives OSU fans inside info about the team we hate, it give Michigan fans info about their team, and it gives the board something other than 6 different threads about the same OSU discussion!!!

Peake, it's not just OSU fans that want to run their mouths though, we take just as much as we give!!!

[oldmo31]

Peake I have to agree with you.Michigan must recruit Ohio.Without Ohio,Michigan is NOTHING!!1

[Bleeding Red]

I think you missed the point entirely. The point being that having a passion to actually be the coach at a particular University is immeasurable.

example: John Cooper at OSU or Rich Rod at Michigan. Those were step up jobs from where they were, but they weren't dream jobs for either one. Neither were ever really fully accepted by their fan base.

Of all the information posted that was really what you choose to concentrate on?

I beg to differ. Both were dream jobs for those coaches, as that is as high as they were going to go in the NCAA level.

Nobody is going to coach for no money. That is my point that you missed. It is a good sound byte, thats about it. I understand your point about the passion behind the coach, but it is going to take more than passion to turn their program around.

I have said on this board a hundred times that true OSU fans hope that UM gets the program back on track. I could do nothing but good for the conference. However, they need more than a passionate coach. True, I think that Rich Rod didnt have much passion and didnt fully commit to UM and their standards and rituals. That is why he is not there. Obviously, Hoke will bring more passion to the program. But there is another ingredient that UM does not have right now.......

TALENT!

Although their offense could score points (against most teams), their defense was terrible.

I think the main thing Hoke is going to be up against is recruiting really good talent on both sides of the ball. It is hard enough for a new coach to get the top athletes, let alone at a school that is not performing as well as it should. These kids nowadays want to be starters and winners right off the rip.

[Peake]

Thanks Dubs.

BR,

Michigan was not Rich Rod's dream job, if you believe that you are sorely mistaken. The reason he failed is due in large part to his inability to understand the Michigan tradition and culture. Don't forget he was offered the Alabama job the year before. John Cooper was one of the worst salesmen of his program. Coaches around his own state hated him.

Nobody is going to coach for no money.

Thank you captain obvious. You really think I believe he would coach them for no money?

Yes I understand that it will take more then passion to turn things around, but I don't think you are grasping what they have already done in recruiting. If you actually took in what I wrote then you'd be able to see the emphasis they are putting on the midwest top recruits, on making sure they get all of the top instate talent, and focusing on defense. As I have already stated they have beaten out Ohio State for 5 recruits, which they haven't been able to accomplish in a very long time. Not to mention they have already landed arguably the best player and top QB in the class of 2013.

I wouldn't say w/out Ohio Michigan would be nothing, unless players like Tyrone Wheatley, Brandon Graham, Lamar Woodley, Leon Hall, Ty Law, Jake Long, Mike Hart, Chad Henne, Tom Brady, Braylon Edwards, Steve Hutchinson, David Baas, Tim Biakabatuka, Anthony Thomas, David Terrel, Marcus Knight, Ian Gold, Steve Breaston, Dahani Jones, Drew Henson, Marlin Jackson, don't count. None of which are from Ohio.

[Bleeding Red]

Thanks Dubs.

BR,

Michigan was not Rich Rod's dream job, if you believe that you are sorely mistaken. The reason he failed is due in large part to his inability to understand the Michigan tradition and culture. Don't forget he was offered the Alabama job the year before. John Cooper was one of the worst salesmen of his program. Coaches around his own state hated him.

Nobody is going to coach for no money.

Thank you captain obvious. You really think I believe he would coach them for no money?

Yes I understand that it will take more then passion to turn things around, but I don't think you are grasping what they have already done in recruiting. If you actually took in what I wrote then you'd be able to see the emphasis they are putting on the midwest top recruits, on making sure they get all of the top instate talent, and focusing on defense. As I have already stated they have beaten out Ohio State for 5 recruits, which they haven't been able to accomplish in a very long time. Not to mention they have already landed arguably the best player and top QB in the class of 2013.

I wouldn't say w/out Ohio Michigan would be nothing, unless players like Tyrone Wheatley, Brandon Graham, Lamar Woodley, Leon Hall, Ty Law, Jake Long, Mike Hart, Chad Henne, Tom Brady, Braylon Edwards, Steve Hutchinson, David Baas, Tim Biakabatuka, Anthony Thomas, David Terrel, Marcus Knight, Ian Gold, Steve Breaston, Dahani Jones, Drew Henson, Marlin Jackson, don't count. None of which are from Ohio.

First off, knock of your personal attack....."Captain obvious"? Get real dude. Say what you want about college football players and programs, but take your personal knock towards me somewhere else.

Secondly, John Cooper wasnt a good salesman? You mean to tell me he didnt know how to recruit talent? What a joke of a statement that is. He couldnt beat UM, but he could recruit. And if you suck as a salesman, you cant recruit.

Yeah, without Ohio Michigan would have sucked a long time ago, not just recently. Look at their rosters over the past 15 years and see how many starters were from Ohio. Then look at OSU's roster and see how many starters were from Michigan. Not even comparable!

[Bleeding Red]

Hell its bad when Michigan starters transfer to OSU.

[JChipwood]

I appreciate the info as well peake. I hate UM once a year and dislike them the rest but still hope they come into November undefeated and do well in bowl games. If you don't respect your opponent then who have you really beaten?

Strides to me is an understatement!! The offensive nucleus is in place to be strong. The receivers are imo the best in the BigTen if healthy and on the field together. I am interested in seeing the QB spot shake out this year, I'm not sure but I feel that Gardner as more upside that Robinson at the QB spot.

The defense will get better and recruiting was made easy in bringing in the new DC. Who wouldn't want their kid plaiying for a guy like that???? Not to mention that Hoke is a teacher even though he is the head man, much like Saban and Harbaugh. Head coaches that teach fundamentals and stress them are succussful most of the time.

Keep us informed, lord knows you'll get plenty of info about us.....some reliable and some not-so-much.

[Peake]

If you are unable to recognize an expression then turn around and ask, "if I really think he would coach for no money", then the joke is on you. It is not a personal attack, it is a recognition of a statement that you took literally, rather then figuratively, like 99.99999% of everyone who actually read the article. Again, you are another example of why I have chosen not to post as much because common sense often seems to be thrown out the window here. Of course I realize that he wouldn't coach for no money, and of course I understand why he said it, but again what you have failed to recognize is the idea behind it. One of the reasons the OSU program has become so good is because of the passion of JT. JT knew the OSU culture, the traditions, he had previously coached there, and he knew how to make UM the #1 priority.

John Cooper was much like Rich Rod, he often said that Michigan was just "another" game. John Cooper was hated around the state. I don't know how to put that to you any clearer. Yes he recruited well, but imo OSU recruited its self rather then he "sold" the program. I can tell you that by the end of his tenure coaches did everything they could not to send kids to OSU. Don't forget that OSU lost out on kids like Charles Woodson, Marcus Hall, Desmond Howard, Elvis Grbac, just to name a few.

No one said that OSU relies on Michigan kids, no one ever made that claim, but to make the statement that Michigan would be "nothing" without Ohio is ridiculous. Yes UM has gotten a lot of good players from Ohio, but to say they would suck again shows the posters ignorance.

Michigan past 15 years: Lamar Woodley, Brandon Grahm, Jake Long, Mike Martin, Drew Henson, Braylon Edwards, Markus Curry, David Harris, Matt Lentz, Ernest Shazor, Gabe Watson, Larry Foote, Morgan Trent, JCarson Butler, Jeff Backus, Ian Gold. All were selected to the NFL.

Actually I will go one step further, here is the state breakdown of current UM NFL players.
Ohio-Mario Manningham, Prescott Burgess, Charles Woodson, Pierre Woods.
Michigan-Lamar Woodley, Jake Long, Brandon Graham, Morgan Trent, Gabe Watson, David Harris, Jeff Backus, Carson Butler.
Pennsylvania- Chad Henne, Steve Breaston, Ryan Mundy.
California- Leon Hall, Donnavon Warren, Jonus Mouton, Marlin Jackson, Tom Brady, Dahani Jones.
Florida- Steve Hutchinson, David Baas, Jay Feely, Greg Matthews.

You get the point. So you can stop now.

Thanks JC.

[Bleeding Red]

If you are unable to recognize an expression then turn around and ask, "if I really think he would coach for no money", then the joke is on you. It is not a personal attack, it is a recognition of a statement that you took literally, rather then figuratively, like 99.99999% of everyone who actually read the article. Again, you are another example of why I have chosen not to post as much because common sense often seems to be thrown out the window here. Of course I realize that he wouldn't coach for no money, and of course I understand why he said it, but again what you have failed to recognize is the idea behind it. One of the reasons the OSU program has become so good is because of the passion of JT. JT knew the OSU culture, the traditions, he had previously coached there, and he knew how to make UM the #1 priority.

John Cooper was much like Rich Rod, he often said that Michigan was just "another" game. John Cooper was hated around the state. I don't know how to put that to you any clearer. Yes he recruited well, but imo OSU recruited its self rather then he "sold" the program. I can tell you that by the end of his tenure coaches did everything they could not to send kids to OSU. Don't forget that OSU lost out on kids like Charles Woodson, Marcus Hall, Desmond Howard, Elvis Grbac, just to name a few.

No one said that OSU relies on Michigan kids, no one ever made that claim, but to make the statement that Michigan would be "nothing" without Ohio is ridiculous. Yes UM has gotten a lot of good players from Ohio, but to say they would suck again shows the posters ignorance.

Michigan past 15 years: Lamar Woodley, Brandon Grahm, Jake Long, Mike Martin, Drew Henson, Braylon Edwards, Markus Curry, David Harris, Matt Lentz, Ernest Shazor, Gabe Watson, Larry Foote, Morgan Trent, JCarson Butler, Jeff Backus, Ian Gold. All were selected to the NFL.

Actually I will go one step further, here is the state breakdown of current UM NFL players.
Ohio-Mario Manningham, Prescott Burgess, Charles Woodson, Pierre Woods.
Michigan-Lamar Woodley, Jake Long, Brandon Graham, Morgan Trent, Gabe Watson, David Harris, Jeff Backus, Carson Butler.
Pennsylvania- Chad Henne, Steve Breaston, Ryan Mundy.
California- Leon Hall, Donnavon Warren, Jonus Mouton, Marlin Jackson, Tom Brady, Dahani Jones.
Florida- Steve Hutchinson, David Baas, Jay Feely, Greg Matthews.

You get the point. So you can stop now.

Thanks JC.

No, you can stop now. I appreciated your info until you resorted to childish name calling. Really? Name calling? Very mature.....

I know you are a die hard UM fan, so lets just leave it at that. But the disrespectful name calling will not be forgotten. Its one thing to discuss and disagree, it is another to start making personal remarks toward someone else. You should try to avoid the latter.

[Peake]

If calling you captain obvious really makes you that upset and you consider that name calling, then you should grow some thicker skin. Again, it is nothing more then an expression, not an insult, it is like saying "no duh".

You have added nothing to this thread besides point out something obvious that was meant as an expression.

Then you threw around some general statements about Michigan that you didn't really have a real grasp on. So....

[Bleeding Red]

If calling you captain obvious really makes you that upset and you consider that name calling, then you should grow some thicker skin. Again, it is nothing more then an expression, not an insult, it is like saying "no duh".

You have added nothing to this thread besides point out something obvious that was meant as an expression.

Then you threw around some general statements about Michigan that you didn't really have a real grasp on. So....

Your right. You know it all. Michigan is the best at everything. I have thin skin.

Captain Obvious

[Peake]

lol