Beating Ohio State and Notre Dame is personal for Michigan football recruit Joe Bolden
Joe Bolden is 16 months away from stepping onto the field for the Michigan football team, but the linebacker recruit from Cincinnati is already stoking the Wolverines’ biggest rivalry games.
In a profile story on MLive.com, Bolden talks about the personal grudges he already holds against Ohio State and Notre Dame and that he can’t wait “to beat the tar out” of them.
Though he received scholarship offers from more than 20 big-time programs, Notre Dame told the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Bolden that he was too small.
"It will be good to walk over and shake the Notre Dame coaches' hands and say thank you for giving me the drive to be even better," said Bolden, who committed to play for the Wolverines last week.
Bolden - who has already picked up Michigan coach Brady Hoke’s tendency to drop the ‘State’ from the school in Columbus - said the Buckeyes didn’t show him much interest in the beginning and end of the recruiting period.
“I don't wanna say it upset me, but I have personal reasons to beat Notre Dame and Ohio," he said.
"Going back home and wearing the Block M and walking down the street, whether it be Cincinnati or Columbus, it just gives you a special feeling. It fills you with pride. I just love Michigan and we are going to beat the tar out of Ohio and Notre Dame."
Read the full story here.
Comments
Terry Star21
Thu, May 5, 2011 : 1:49 a.m.
It is still great to fire one's self up for rivalries and I give the kid a lot of credit, the anticipation for players is part of the motivational drive that makes Michigan the best. Fortunately for the rest of us faithful - nd, osu and msu will soon be 'just another game' that we constantly win. MgoBlueforTim.
Mick
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.
Tater, come on man, what kind of an attitude is that? We are Michigan, we're not afraid to play anybody! Check in your fear at the door please, we got some business to take care of on the field!! TiM, Go Blue!!!
tater
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.
He's lucky he won't be on the bench this year against ND. ND could end up being THE dominant team in the midwest again, and it could happen for the next five or ten years. This might be a very good era to take one of those ten year vacations in the ND rivalry; it would be the one thing Brandon has done that I would agree with. On the field, the best we can hope for is that Kelly gets fired over the Declan Sullivan tragedy. Off the field, I would like to see the Sullivan family get some justice and some closure, but I can't come close to figuring out what that would mean at this point. There are still too many questions and no definitive answers.
1st Down
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 6:54 a.m.
Bold statements from young Mr. Bolden.
Mick
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
I love it!!! This is the kind of young man I want playing in a winged helmet! Smart, 3.9 GPA, leader on the field, understands the rivalries, dad and uncle are AD and Coach of his school, great pedigree. This is the most comfortable I've been about where our program is headed in years, despite the 2006 season, that includes the last 3 of Carr's years as well. TiM, Go Blue!!!
Blu n Tpa
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
He can talk the talk, now he's got to walk the walk. But I love the talk and think he will show the walk.....! TiM Go Blue!
missionbrazil
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.
Love Mr. Bolden's attitude, and it looks like he can really play on his video. Love his aggressive style. ND and Ohio ... be on notice ... we're on our way back.
Tim Wirtz
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
Joe, dont take it personal the ND coaching staff is looking for bigger faster players than Michigan. It doesnt mean they dont think you cant play football!!. ND is on the come back trail, as I think UM is. I am hoping in a few short years the ND Michigan Rivalry will be the best in college football, unless UM cancels it. go Irish, Go Blue but not as much Truly Elite Football programs stay Independent, all others join a conference.
missionbrazil
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 10:53 p.m.
Tim, our last coach had a winning record against the following teams: Eastern Mich., Western Mich., Miami OH, UMass, Delaware State, Indiana, Bowling Green, Minnesota, and ND. Congrats, you are in elite company.
Blue Marker
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 8:14 p.m.
So BYU is elite? Wow, you must have a different dictionary than I do.
Buster W.
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
ND is no longer considered "elite". ND lost to UM twice in the last last three years....the worst three seasons in UM's history. Go Rudy!
Gwhizz
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.
Thinking this guy is gonna be good! GO BLUE!!!
81wolverine
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
I'm a 'readin and I'm a likin! I can't wait to see Mr. Bolden on the field delivering payback to TSIO and ND.