Je'Ron Stokes, Jammal Patterson & Bryce McNeal

[W0lv3r1n3]

Apparently since the McNeal de-commitment (due to negative recruiting by Tim Brewster?), we've been targeting Je'Ron Stokes (a 6.0 star Tennessee commit according to Rivals) and/or Jamal Patterson (a 5.8 star Stanford commit according to Rivals) to fill in the WR gap. Some people have been saying that one of them is supposed to be considering us and may commit.

Has anyone heard anything?

[GoDeepHammer]

I don't know about the commit, but both are supposed to visit. Patterson has said that he is solid with Stanford. If we have a chance at either, it would have to be Stokes.

[primetime101]

im pretty sure stokes is visiting this weekend, big recruiting weekend

i think the ship has sailed on mcneal, but i could be wrong

[W0lv3r1n3]

i think the ship has sailed on mcneal, but i could be wrong

Yep, apparently after his decommitment the feelings were mutual.

[GoDeepHammer]

Yep, apparently after his decommitment the feelings were mutual.

We haven't been mentioned by McNeal. I don't understand why he visited three time and then brought his parents down to commit and then decommit. That just doesn't make sense to me.

[justinsane]

We haven't been mentioned by McNeal. I don't understand why he visited three time and then brought his parents down to commit and then decommit. That just doesn't make sense to me.

Probably because he's a prima donna. I think he likes all the attention that comes with recruiting. Him and Newsome can have each other I wanted Tate from the beginning anyway. Speaking of Newsome any word on where he's heading? Barely heard a word about him in months.

[tpilews]

Probably because he's a prima donna. I think he likes all the attention that comes with recruiting. Him and Newsome can have each other I wanted Tate from the beginning anyway. Speaking of Newsome any word on where he's heading? Barely heard a word about him in months.

Last I heard it was down to VT, Penn St, and tuos. Tuos doesn't make any sense. Most think VT is where he'll end up. I was pretty excited about Newsome with him being a hurdles state champ, big size, and a pretty good arm. Who ever gets him is getting a solid qb. That being said, I am very happy with Tate/Beaver. I think Tate will be ready the soonest. He's been raised to be a qb. He's really got it all, just lacking size. Great arm, very good feet, great mind for the game.

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

people, don't count 'the beav' out too soon, he has great mobility which we all know rodriguez loves. i would not be suprised if BEAVER not tate got the first start because it would add another dimension to the zone read than i think tate could give us. i think our offense, especially in the early season, could feed off of our ground game, lead by 'The Beave' and Minor/McGuffie.

[tpilews]

people, don't count 'the beav' out too soon, he has great mobility which we all know rodriguez loves. i would not be suprised if BEAVER not tate got the first start because it would add another dimension to the zone read than i think tate could give us. i think our offense, especially in the early season, could feed off of our ground game, lead by 'The Beave' and Minor/McGuffie.

The "Beav" is going to be severely limited in what he can do because of his surgery. He won't be able to take hits during spring ball, so he's going to see less snaps. The "Beav" does offer different assets than Tate. Tate can make great plays with his arm, Shavodrick can make them with his feet. Tate can pick up some yards with his feet if he needs to. Shavodrick should be able to make basic throws.

Tate just is more ready to start right now. Plus, he'll get a head start because of the Beav being down recovering from surgery. Tate WILL start the first game unless he simply cannot pick up the offense at all. That I don't see happening though.

This offense needs a qb that can throw the ball. If Shavodrick can't make throws, the defenses we face will just stuff the box, and the only place he'll be running is backwards. Tate seems to have the arm to be able to stretch the defense and keep them honest.

[bigboyBlue]

We haven't been mentioned by McNeal. I don't understand why he visited three time and then brought his parents down to commit and then decommit. That just doesn't make sense to me.

It is a tough read because he was one of the most vocal UM supporters after his commitment. My impression is that he is one of the few recruits who has been affected by the current season; he did say a while back that he wanted to see how much we threw the ball this year (which wasn't a lot), and that would affect his decision. Too bad he cannot see the bigger picture and the longer term.

[GoDeepHammer]

Probably because he's a prima donna. I think he likes all the attention that comes with recruiting. Him and Newsome can have each other I wanted Tate from the beginning anyway. Speaking of Newsome any word on where he's heading? Barely heard a word about him in months.

Kevin Newsome raves about his VT visit but says he will visit PSU next weekend and tOSU on the 12th before making any decisions.

[GoDeepHammer]

It is a tough read because he was one of the most vocal UM supporters after his commitment. My impression is that he is one of the few recruits who has been affected by the current season; he did say a while back that he wanted to see how much we threw the ball this year (which wasn't a lot), and that would affect his decision. Too bad he cannot see the bigger picture and the longer term.

I agree, but so was Newsome. It just seems like something else happened to me. To have a kid that high on the program and then just drop off like that, it's weird.

[Bossgobbler23]

It is a tough read because he was one of the most vocal UM supporters after his commitment. My impression is that he is one of the few recruits who has been affected by the current season; he did say a while back that he wanted to see how much we threw the ball this year (which wasn't a lot), and that would affect his decision. Too bad he cannot see the bigger picture and the longer term.

I believe you are right on the money with McNeal, especially with your last sentence.

As for QB, I too believe Tate will be the starter. He can and will throw accurately down field and free up the running game. Though he will have to get college game experience, I think he will start to open things up A LOT more than the QB's were able to do this year.

[amazinblue]

...This offense needs a qb that can throw the ball. If Shavodrick can't make throws, the defenses we face will just stuff the box, and the only place he'll be running is backwards. Tate seems to have the arm to be able to stretch the defense and keep them honest.

TPI,

Completely agree. We need a QB who can stretch the field. I'm not saying that Beaver can't do it, but right now - Beaver's legs are better than his arm, and Tate's arm is better than his legs. I know it's up to RR - and he knows what he wants to do. Developing both these young men will be fantastic - and seeing them on the field will be great too.

My preference would be a QB who can do more than the "basics" with his arm, and force D's to respect his ability to gain a few yards with his legs. We've got a lot to look forward to.

I'd like to see a QB do what we did against Minnesota in every game next season. A balanced attack - that hurts D's on the ground and through the air.

Regarding Newsome - I hope he winds up at VT. I'd prefer he not be elsewhere in the Big 10.

[tpilews]

I believe you are right on the money with McNeal, especially with your last sentence.

As for QB, I too believe Tate will be the starter. He can and will throw accurately down field and free up the running game. Though he will have to get college game experience, I think he will start to open things up A LOT more than the QB's were able to do this year.

It's too bad Martin did an awful job scheduling for next year. WMU, ND, first two games. C'mon. That's a tall order for a freshmen qb to step into. Well, not just a freshmen qb, but a young offense AND defense overall. Why can't he get a couple low level teams like tuos does.

'08- Utah
'07 - App St., Oregon
'05 - ND

[tpilews]

TPI,

Completely agree. We need a QB who can stretch the field. I'm not saying that Beaver can't do it, but right now - Beaver's legs are better than his arm, and Tate's arm is better than his legs. I know it's up to RR - and he knows what he wants to do. Developing both these young men will be fantastic - and seeing them on the field will be great too.

My preference would be a QB who can do more than the "basics" with his arm, and force D's to respect his ability to gain a few yards with his legs. We've got a lot to look forward to.

I'd like to see a QB do what we did against Minnesota in every game next season. A balanced attack - that hurts D's on the ground and through the air.

Regarding Newsome - I hope he winds up at VT. I'd prefer he not be elsewhere in the Big 10.

Yep, my feeling on Shavodrick is that a redshirt would be great for him. He can use that year to put on some weight and work on his arm. Although, he's gonna play if Tate doesn't shine.

I agree on Newsome, I'd hate to play against him.

[Bossgobbler23]

It's too bad Martin did an awful job scheduling for next year. WMU, ND, first two games. C'mon. That's a tall order for a freshmen qb to step into. Well, not just a freshmen qb, but a young offense AND defense overall. Why can't he get a couple low level teams like tuos does.

'08- Utah
'07 - App St., Oregon
'05 - ND

Well at least Tate will be at spring ball and will get a taste of the speed of the college game at practice everyday. If we come out of the first two games 2-0 it will be a great confidence booster for the team.

[tpilews]

Well at least Tate will be at spring ball and will get a taste of the speed of the college game at practice everyday. If we come out of the first two games 2-0 it will be a great confidence booster for the team.

Oh, no doubt it would be a huge confidence booster. I don't mind a tough game for your second game, but not in your season opener. WMU is gonna be tough. Great qb back that loves to throw the ball. Against a unproven, young secondary, this could be disastrous. I just hate how the last two years and now next year, we don't have a gimme first & second game. I could understand playing these teams when RR is established, but not when there are so many unknowns.

[W0lv3r1n3]

I still think Threet will contend for if not win the starting position the first few games. Putting in a true freshman the first snap against WMU may (or may not) end in disaster. I think Threet will at least split time with Forcier for the first few games.

If we get Devin Gardner and Forcier beats out Beaver, would Shav move to receiver?

[GoDeepHammer]

I still think Threet will contend for if not win the starting position the first few games. Putting in a true freshman the first snap against WMU may (or may not) end in disaster. I think Threet will at least split time with Forcier for the first few games.

If we get Devin Gardner and Forcier beats out Beaver, would Shav move to receiver?

I agree, with Threet starting out the beginning of the year.

I would say if we get Gardner, then Beaver would move to WR.

[amazinblue]

I agree, with Threet starting out the beginning of the year.

I would say if we get Gardner, then Beaver would move to WR.

I think a lot depends on how these young men practice - and what their real abilities are at this time. No doubt, Beaver seems to have great legs - from what I've heard / read - Beaver's arm's not as strong as Tate's is, but his legs are better. So, if his hands are as good as his legs are - and he's quick - WR sounds like a great spot, since we're fairly deep in the slot and he may not have the size today to take the hits that could be expected there.

In any case, QB will be a focal point for recruiting every season, or every other season from now on. Though I liked Henne, not having someone capable of backing him up hurt us when he was out. Navarre put in a solid effort, but just didn't have the skills we really needed. Henson was strong but left too early, IMO. Brady and Griese were fine. As I've said before, we need to be at least 3 deep at the QB position. This year, Threet and Sheridan did all they could - and Feagin / Cone just didn't have the skills necessary to be competitive. I hope that's a thing of the past...

[bigboyBlue]

For all those who think that Tate is that much slower, he played CB in his last playoff game and did pretty well (got an interception too). C'mon, how slow can he be?

[W0lv3r1n3]

Why is Cone even on the team since he apparently can't play? He wasn't even mentioned as a back-up even when Threet was out and Sheridan was doing poorly. You get the impression that any of the RB's would start over him and just run the option every play.

[GoDeepHammer]

Why is Cone even on the team since he apparently can't play? He wasn't even mentioned as a back-up even when Threet was out and Sheridan was doing poorly. You get the impression that any of the RB's would start over him and just run the option every play.

It is interesting, I don't know if he gets any reps in practice or not. He must be really bad, as he wasn't even put on the field.

[justinsane]

For all those who think that Tate is that much slower, he played CB in his last playoff game and did pretty well (got an interception too). C'mon, how slow can he be?

They think he's slow and non athletice because he's white. Tebow is athletic and hasno problems.

[justinsane]

Everybody is talking about Gardner and I like him but I think I like Robert Bolden out of O.L. St. Mary's better but I'll take either one.

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

They think he's slow and non athletice because he's white. Tebow is athletic and hasno problems.

i don't think he's slow and non-athletic, i think he's very athletic because i have seen him on youtube. i think for what Rodriguez would want to run in the early season would be alot of zone read with beaver because based on just the videos i've watched i would say beaver is probably a much better scrambler. (again, not that Focier is a bad scrambler, just less good) i like too look at it like this: Shavodrick Beaver = Dennis Dixon?

[amazinblue]

i don't think he's slow and non-athletic, i think he's very athletic because i have seen him on youtube. i think for what Rodriguez would want to run in the early season would be alot of zone read with beaver because based on just the videos i've watched i would say beaver is probably a much better scrambler. (again, not that Focier is a bad scrambler, just less good) i like too look at it like this: Shavodrick Beaver = Dennis Dixon?

hmmm.. comparisons of Beaver and Dixon - wow... I think many of us have our preferences, my preference is that the QB pick up more of his yards through the air than on the ground - those are the QB's yards. And, it would be nice to have a QB with a solid arm so that the deep threat is more than just a threat, but something that can be capitalized on to establish or build a lead.

The ideal offense for me to see is one where players in every position can burn the D - and burn them badly, whether it's the TE, the RB, Slot, WR, QB - I want 'em all to be just amazing. It would be like an arsenal with so many weapons that anything less than a superior, well balanced, and disciplined D will be overwhelmed - and every weakness the D has will be exploited.

I do think we're a couple of years from that... I think we'll make significant progress next year...

So, I don't care if it's Shavodrick or Tate - I just want a QB that can develop into the football equivalent of Michael Schumacher - driving the Ferrari (that is Michigan football) to a win every Saturday...

[Bossgobbler23]

i don't think he's slow and non-athletic, i think he's very athletic because i have seen him on youtube. i think for what Rodriguez would want to run in the early season would be alot of zone read with beaver because based on just the videos i've watched i would say beaver is probably a much better scrambler. (again, not that Focier is a bad scrambler, just less good) i like too look at it like this: Shavodrick Beaver = Dennis Dixon?

I see Tate as a Colt McCoy type. Good accurate arm and fast feet. He is a real dual threat. We need to pass downfield next year to open up the run.

[amazinblue]

I see Tate as a Colt McCoy type. Good accurate arm and fast feet. He is a real dual threat. We need to pass downfield next year to open up the run.

Bossgobbler,

No doubt about it - we have to have a QB with a strong enough arm to exploit D's that are crowding the box. Running downfield routes with incomplete passes isn't going to hurt them. So, regardless of who the starting QB is in September - I'm just hoping their arm is strong and accurate enough to take advantage of mismatches in coverage and they are intelligent enough to identify the D coverage early and either hit a hot receiver on blitzes and crowded box formations and be mobile enough to hit a receiver in stride on a deep route.

I do believe that Tate's got that balance, and if he turned out to be a Colt McCoy "clone" - or if Beaver / Threet / Sheridan would - I'd be a very happy fan.