Michigan football picks up commitment from Ohio's No.1 tailback, Deveon Smith
The start of spring camp has the Michigan football program atwitter about the 2012 season.
It's not feeling so bad about 2013 as well.
The Wolverines picked up a verbal commitment Saturday from top-ranked Ohio running back Deveon Smith, according to The Wolverine and other recruiting outlets.
Michigan's 2013 class now stands at 16 commits, triple any other team in the Big Ten. Ohio State is next closest with five.
More importantly, Michigan continues to attack Ohio, a stronghold for football recruiting that typically sways the Buckeyes' way. However, coach Brady Hoke has implemented a philosophy of starting early and casting a wide net in recruiting, and it has paid off in his native state.
Smith is Ohio's No. 3 overall player, according to Scout. That means the Wolverines now have secured commitments from two of that state's top-three overall players, joining No. 2 Dymonte Thomas, a safety.
Michigan has pledges from six of the state's 20 best recruits, and seven overall. Its class features Ohio's No. 1 player at safety (Thomas), tailback (Smith) and tight end (Jake Butt), as well as the No. 2 linebacker (Mike McCray).
Smith is a gem, and he comes at a position of need for the Wolverines, who had not picked up a prototypical power back to run in offensive coordinator Al Borges' West Coast system.
He stands 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, and is a four-star player for Warren Howland High School.
Smith is the second tailback to commit to Michigan for 2013, joining Detroit Catholic Central's Wyatt Shallman. However, Shallman projects as more of a fullback.
The Wolverine reports Smith had offers from Ohio State, West Virginia, Indiana and Bowling Green. Scout reports he also had an offer from Purdue.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
william rhoads
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.
Well ted/theodore or what ever who beat you last year and we didnt have that many players from hoke but they sure learned how to win! this is a solid program under hoke and will continune to get better so whatever you say wont change that! I live in clearwater florida so I know all about your coach and the split personality he has and the team he wo n with was not recruitted by him and his recruiting had a lot of transfers so what you might not have very long and he couldnt handle the pressure very well at florida! GO BLUE!
juskishi
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
what's really sad is how truly pathetic MI high school football is and that the scUM has to recruit kids from the great state of Ohio because there's no real talent in their own home state. luckily though, there's enough talent in the state to stockpile at tOSU so it really doesn't matter if scUM gets a few good Ohio players. they'll be regretting their decision soon enough anyway. SCREW BLUE!
Hailmary
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 6:47 p.m.
I say I'm right, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
Hailmary
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 6:46 p.m.
juskishi, not that long ago you guys beat a darn good Miami Hurricane team and you won a National championship. Now correct me if I'm right or wrong but didn't your National championship Quarterback come from Michigan ? Now please by all means, correct me if I'm wrong ?
Albee Macaw
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
I saw where for 2013 they have that school rated # 6 and TOSU rated #7. But remember that is w/ 16 headed up north and on 5 so far to TOSU. Seems like the top kids wait to see who TOSU gets and then evaluates what their playing time will be. Once they see a better recruit ticketed for TOSU they then SETTLE for the weasels.
Albee Macaw
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.
No doubt a nice p/u. Please note that he is #7 on the Scout list and of course listed # 6 is Jalin Marshall. Another Ohio kid set to go to Ohio Sate. Smith kid knew he would not get the playing time coming in behind a better back like Marshall. He settled on your school because TOSU got the better higher rated recruit, Seems to be the theme of the recruiting since the Urbanator arrived. Also can anyone tell me if there are any schools from that state in the sweet 16? I believe there are 4 from Ohio. That is a first. Ouch.
juskishi
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.
great points! and yes, 1/4 of the sweet 16 teams hail from the great state of ohio. brady joke and the rest of the trash up north are in for another decade of shame. i love all the smack scUM fans talk about winning ONE game in the last 8 years and that was a very close game, in the whore ann arbor, against the WORST buckeye team in years and the buckeyes still almost won. yep, you losers up north should be extremely proud of your win over a 6-7 team. enjoy that win while you can, because it'll be the last one for many years to come.....losers.
GOBUCKS
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
TOSU 2012 RB recruits 5 star Brionte Dunn - a player that Hoke tried to sway to Michigan(but lost that battle ;-( 4 Star Warren Ball - a beast TOSU 2013 RB Recruits #1 RB prospect in Ohio - 5 star - Jalin Marshall - commited to The OSU! The Bucks are LOADED at Running back and still looking to add one more STUD - which they will add. Michigan seems to be happy though getting the second best RB in Ohio though in Deveon.
GoBigBlue
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 1:45 a.m.
It's so comical. If Brionte would have made the switch as he was very close to doing, you would have said he was no good. Give me a freaking break.
Albee Macaw
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
Could not have said it better. Smith knew he was a practice squad at best at TOSU but most likely a starter at that other school. I saw where for 2013 they have that school rated # 6 and TOSU rated #7. But remember that is w/ 16 headed up north and on 5 so far to TOSU. Seems like the top kids wait to see who TOSU gets and then evaluates what their playing time will be. Once they see a better recruit ticketed for TOSU they then SETTLE for the weasels.
Greg M
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
Outstanding pickup!!! But, let's give credit where credit is due…Brady Hoke and his entire staff did an outstanding job of turning around a disgraceful 3 seasons under Rich Rod in a single season. Brady Hoke is exactly what we Wolverines needed, desperately. The entire nation saw U of M spiraling down in a flat spin under Rich Rod. Here comes Brady…As U of M was about to make a crash landing, at best, Hoke throttled up those engines to maximum after burner, deployed a drag chute to pull them out of a flat spin, pulled back hard on the stick and took them right back into a vertical climb like a an F-15 Strike Eagle. I'm thankful for Brady and his staff to open the door wide open to the nations top recruits, once again. Winners want to play for winners….GO BLUE!!!!!!!!! Welcome to U of M Deveon Smith….Hope you have a fulfilling and memorable journey, here in Ann Arbor
michboy40
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
Platooning Deveon with Ty Isaac would feel a lot like watching Ingram and Richardson down at Bama the last few years! It's only fun if you are a Michigan fan.
RudeJude
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 4:41 a.m.
Very exciting. I still hope Ty Isaac commits too. With these guys splitting time, Michigan's run game would be unstoppable! Go Blue!
Steve McQueen
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 3:08 a.m.
Coach Brady Hoke and his merry band of roving Wolverine coaches are continuing to plunder Ohio of it's biggest natural resource: HS Football Players. This week, it is Ohio's #1 RB... last week it was the best pure cover CB in Ohio...the week before it was a stud LB, highly ranked...who is the son of a former Ohio team captain. When will it end? When Brutus joins the ranks of the Walking Deadnuts?: http://www.classesandcareers.com/collegelife/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ohio-State-Buckeye-Zombie12.jpg Stay Tuned Michigan Fans. The recruiting-blood has just started to flow from the state down below on upwards like a sea of gold as Coach Hoke parts the sea of I75 and allows those champions to pass through on the journey North......it is quite a lot o fun watching buck nuts squirm....isnt it?
Steve McQueen
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 1 a.m.
Ohio fans are so arrogant, sloppy and drunk...coming over here spouting off once again about how "Michigan fans" are supposed to act. OK whatever trolls. We just signed the top RB out of your state, that your coach wanted as well. The numbers and rankings dont lie...only Ohio fans refuse to admit the truth... the truth that keeps you awake late at night... as you worry... Coach Hoke is landing huge talent and Michigan football will soon be a dynasty again... uh oh... Ohio bucky worried.
juskishi
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
get a clue dbag. he's not the top recruit and it's truly pathetic that you scUM fans rip ohio apart and make fun of people from ohio yet here you are rejoicing that your loser team is able to get some ohio kids to come play for them. if ohio sucks so bad, why are all you white trash losers so happy to get kids from ohio? oh, maybe it's because all of your high school kids are too busy smoking crack and knocking up as many poor teenage girls as they can? stay classy losers.
Albee Macaw
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.
Please note that this kid is rated behind Jalin Marshall on Scout for running backs. Needless to say Mr. Marshall is set to attend TOSU. Mr. Smith SETTLED on your school as he knew w/ the stable of back TOSU has coming in he was a practice back at best the first few years. Once again our garbage is your gold.
Theo's Brother
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
And the last time Michigan had a bowl ban and game vacation was....well, NEVER. Stinks to be an Ohio fan.
rightmind250
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 1:18 a.m.
Your showing your age oldtimer. The last time michigan had a dynasty was pre-1950.
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
Very well said....bucks are scared, like November and deer season (pun intended)...
umstudent_osufan
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
Michigan fans are so funny. You all assume that just because a player comes from Ohio they are Ohio's best and you took them from Ohio State. The fact is you all do currently have 7 players from Ohio, but the more important fact is 5 of the 7 Ohio State did not want. So before you thump your chest, or talk about the pipeline, please think about it. By the way, I see you finally got your wish and got a chance to play the REAL Ohio, how did that work out for you!!!
Albee Macaw
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 3:59 a.m.
Spot on. The weasels' gold id Ohio States garbage.
Ted Bundy
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 3:21 p.m.
waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh
Scott
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 5:09 a.m.
Kalis, Strobel, Wormley, Smith, and Thomas have rejected offers from OSU to go to Michigan. None of Michigan's top players have taken offers at OSU over Michigan (ex's Richardson and Ross). Then there are all the top prospect from other states who choose Michigan over OSU and even moreso- Alabama, LSU and Florida- Pipkins, Fox, Tully-Tillman, Bosch, Bars, Darboh, Jenkins-Stone. How did you get accepted at Michigan with such flawed thinking? Maybe a clerical error.
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.
Stealing ohio's best players really stings I see.....lol
azwolverine
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.
And you are a UM student because...?
genetracy
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
The kid has not even finished his junior year of high school. In the mean time, would it not be a hoot if Urban Meyer convinced him to go to OSU instead? Brady would not have a problem with it, because after all, Urban stole a 4 star recruit from MSU and Brady thought it was OK.
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
I don't think he would consider 'one-and-done' meyer who is 0-3 against Michigan - no, this kid wants the best and he is getting it.
azwolverine
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.
Why should Hoke care what happens to MSU? After your Sparty coach boorishly interrupted Hoke's assistant coach at the coach's meetings, not to mention the personal foul fest the Sparty's put on in EL last season, did you honestly expect Hoke to come to their side? Heck no. Hoke, unlike D'antonio, took the high road just like he will if Meyer takes one of his recruits. The only concern Coach Hoke has for MSU is kicking their rear in the Big House this upcoming season and every season thereafter..and with his coaching ability and the dominance he is showing over Sparty in recruiting, there is little doubt that that is exactly what is going to happen.
genetracy
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
Let's hope he can academically qualify for the general studies program.
genetracy
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Great news Go Blue faithful. This will take your minds off the basketball team's pathetic performance in the NCAA's against The Ohio University.
genetracy
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
Sorry, I did not know the Go Blue love fest was on.
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
So predictable, yet so painful for the trolls....lol
Matt Patercsak
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
he is listed at 210lbs on some websites. he is not 195 pounds, google image him.
Scott
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 4:31 a.m.
He's a beast!!!!!
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.
Sounds good.....but heck, even if he was 195 @ 16yrs. old - he's got a lot of growing and a lot of muscle to add at Michigan.
Theo's Brother
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
Holy-moly donut shop!!!!!! Another one??????? I wonder what wrongmind has to say now????? Keep em coming! Hail.
umgoblue47
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
he is still on the floor !&%#@ what just happned. . . GO BLUE!!!!!!
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:20 p.m.
So what's this all about.....first we get Mr. ohio the best player, then we get a kid that's dad was an ohio captain, and now ohio's best running back - 7 of our recruits thus far. We know they chose the best program, but can't help but wonder if 'one-and-done-meyer, 0-3 against Michigan' has made the best players in ohio second guess their futures. The very best thing however is; Hoke made a commitment to recruit Michigan and ohio hard, and he came through - just like everything else he does. MgoBlueForTiM....please let me in to see spring practice
genetracy
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
Be careful Terry. The article may be an April Fool's joke.
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
Oh, gosh sorry - "Welcome to your Michigan family Deveon" !
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.
Wow, Borgess and Hoke are going to make it really easy for coaches to plan against this offense. genius !
azwolverine
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
Compared to the pathetic spread offense that couldn't make a 4th and 1 to save it's life (not to mention 8 ppg vs ohio), ANYTHING that differs from that is genius.
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:24 p.m.
Good one ted, funny...
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
# 1 tailback ..According to who ? This guy doesn't even have any stars next to his name ! from the tape I've watched this guy is slooow ! He bowls over 170 players with ease, but I don't see this happening at the college level. Another slow skill position commit. Teams are just going to put 10 guys in the box against us ( anyone here remember the Rosebowl against USC where Mike Hart and our O-line was getting stuffed against a fast d. You want to go back to that? We are well on are way back to this mediocrity) . ! yard and a cloud of dust. Dumb, boring and, uncreative and ineffective offensive football.
Jatra
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
Good to see you back Theo, I thought you left after your king left and Hoke had success.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
Allen Treue believes Deveon Smith is the #1 tailback in the state of Ohio. He is a very reliable source and has loads of data as proof. Deveon Smith has four stars next to his name on scout, which is really what matters imo (best recruiting site available). Speed is the most overrated attribute for RB. What matters is vision, explosiveness, ball carrying skills, and toughness. Deveon Smith has all of this. He doesn't have top end speed but he's a bruiser. He committed to Michigan, not Oregon. If people put 10 guys in the box against us, Shane Morris will throw for 500 yards! The kid is a beast on the deep ball. You really don't know much about football do you? LSU and Alabama, the unquestioned best two teams in college football last year, both have pro-style offenses. Your opinion is invalid.
MRunner73
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
The Michigan offense will feature the running game, the passing game and the Denard factor. Me thinks this will be much more difficult to stop like it did with Mike Hart. Your point is well taken, however.
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:23 p.m.
We all feel your pain ted, but of it helps I still enjoy your posts......
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.
170 pound playes
Hailmary
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
The only thing about the 2013 season that is written in stone is that it might happen other than that to this fan the 2013 season simply looks promising and nothing more and nothing less.
zimmats
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
and i agree, this guy runs a lot like earl campbell
umgoblue47
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
we already have the next mark ingram. . . THOMAS RAWLS and DEVEON SMITH will be the seconed!! GO BLUE!!!!!!
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
Thats one recruiting service. I find it funny that everyone here thinks this guy is the next Mark Ingram or Earl Campbell since he is considered a power back. Thats a huge stretch .
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:28 p.m.
Thanks zim, I was looking elsewhere but didn't see that. Sorry ted.
zimmats
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
scout ranks him #7 RB in the nation. go blue.
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
You know who gives this guy such hi praise...? His brother. Thats a reliable source ?
zimmats
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
so pumped about this commitment. hoke had proved he could get the top guys in the trenches, but outside of morris, we hadn't yet signed any truly elite skill players. to get the top RB in ohio, a guy holding an offer from OSU, is huge. we all know meyer is going to get his, but hoke has to get the guys who don't want to play in the spread - that's our battleground where we can do damage. losing out on dunn last yr was disappointing but this is enough to make up for it. now let's bring in an elite WR... anyone know the status on treadwell?
Mick
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.
Seems like Treadwell is gonna take his time, there might not be any room for him by the time he decides. He is a great talent, so if we're full at WR by the time he decides, then that means we got some other great WR's.
burton163
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
After watching the highlight reel, it's apparent Deveon does not like to go down. He easily powers through arm tackles and does a good job with the stiff-arm, too. Looks like he'll be a great addition to the class of 2013. Welcome aboard Deveon, you made a wise choice. GO BLUE!!!
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:29 p.m.
Good mentioning that burton, I saw that too.....fun to watch !
MRunner73
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
Is this the new norm? As for Deveon's Smith's size, I am sure he'll gain 20 or so pounds during the new few years. We are becoming well stocked in tailbacks. It reminds me of the Bo days. Maybe Lloyd Carr was this well stocked in the mid 1990s into the early 2000s. Seems when one graduated, there was another to step in and step up. The on campus recruitment must some kind of experience to behold. GO BLUE!!!
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
Right Mrunner...seeing one spring practice and he was ready to get on board - too cool !
golfer
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
what i love is any player meyer does not get is fine with me. i never was a ous hater. i always said they turn out good teams. loved it when michigan and osu played. but since meyer went to osu i do not care for him at all. i think he is a sec phoney.
rightmind250
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.
I love it. As soon as Michigan signs a recruit the first thing they say, what does The Ohio State University think of this guy. That's when you know you've already been beat. I kind of feel sorry for you guys.
uferwasawsome
Mon, Apr 16, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
Great...we have rightind250 and Albee Macaw. Why...because there is nothing to talk about in Ohio. Look you two...Ohio will always be looking up to Michigan...you will never be us. So...just accept it and try to live with it. Hey...it could be worse...you could be MSU.
Albee Macaw
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.
Funny but the kid rated one above Mr. Smith is set to go to TOSU. Again a day late and a step slow. Would you expect anything less from a head coach that has not seen his toes for 3 decades?
Ted Bundy
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
First off. Nobody signed anybody... Signing day is next Feb. Secondly, you comment on every single UM article. So your comment is borderline hypocritical. In fact, it is.
RJ12688
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 7:53 a.m.
Haha, whatever makes you sleep at night. It's just fun to rub it in the ohio faithful's faces after hearing from them all that Urban is going to take all that is good out of Ohio and leave with nothing but scraps for UM. So much for that, huh?
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
When the Buckeyes get recruits that are Michigan offers from the state of Michigan, you all rejoice too... and talk about how awesome you are. Of course, I can't even think of the last time that ever happened so it's difficult for you to gain that perspective. You're scared of us and our recruiting might in your state. Brady Hoke is undefeated against Ohio and Urban Meyer only ever lost to Michigan... and he lost to us with the heisman trophy winner and a handful of NFL talent.
umgoblue47
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
i love it. . . as soon as MICHIGAN get's another top ohio recruit the ohio TROLL want's to make sure they don't care. the only one who got beat here is oscar meyer, like a drum!! GO BLUE!!!!!!
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
Feel very sorry...we got Mr. ohio, then a player who's dad was an ohio captain, and now their best running back.....feel very sorry.....lol
GoBigBlue
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
Hahahahahahahaha!! This from the person who posts a comment on nearly every MICHIGAN article! Not to mention all the classless fat jokes about Michigan's head coach. But we're the ones with insecurities and fear?? Lol yeah ok
taxpayer united
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
I do not consider 5' 11' 195 to be a power runner. Maybe in high school. But in college he needs to be at least 220 to 225 and to bulk up that much he could lose a little speed. Very nice to see Michigan plucking some gems from the team to the south. I imagine Meyer will get some quality players from Michigan also. Go Blue ........................1.
Albee Macaw
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 11:22 p.m.
I honestly can not remember the last good player to come out of that state. You are known for being a go between for the arctic blasts that originate in Canada. Guess that is better then Detroit but then again what isn't better then that sewer?
RJ12688
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 7:49 a.m.
At around 200lbs as a junior he can easily be considered a power back. By the time he hits AA 215-220 will probably be the case, which is plenty heavy for a guy under 6'. This kid is a perfect fit for the offense Borges likes to run.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 10:26 p.m.
He is 5'11", 215 lbs, and is a junior in high school. This kid is a bruiser by every definition of the word. He doesn't need to get any bigger.
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Agre w/ scott - this kid has unlimited potential !
Scott
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
Factually incorrect. Smith is 210 (not 195) and has a year left in High school. He'll b 220 when he hits AA which is very big for a guy with his balance. Power backs in the NFL- even less college are not tall. Sproles in New Orleans is 5'6. Over 6 foot and they tend to blow out their knees. Watch his tapes. He is freakishly strong and hard to bring down.
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
His power running consisted of bowling over 170 pound players.. All opponents will end up doing is stacking the box against this easily-solved problem that is the Michigan offense.
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 9:38 a.m.
If Michigan's offense were rated like tornadoes: I'd say the 2012 team is an FH3 Wolverines Tornado. But in 2013 and beyond, I believe the Wolverines Offensive Tornado will be at FH4 and FH5. Maybe I'm being too conservative: they've got Denard & Co. and that's no mere dust devil. Success breeds success - that applies to Michigan recruiting. Those top high school players out there are looking at the 2013 Michigan team which already has 16 top recruits - whom they can join. Parents too will be thinking: why not encourage our son to go to Michigan, where a scholarship is worth close to what we paid for our house! ESPN, ABC and NBC: Michigan's Brady Hoke is making your 2013 and future college football season programming decisions a lot easier. :-)
Steve McQueen
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 7:42 a.m.
Michigan's RB situation going in to the 2013 situation will be interesting. If Fitz Toussaint rips off 1600 yds and 15 TDs next season, as McQueen here is predicting...then he will have temptations to forgo his senior year and head to the NFL...gotta strike when the irons hot. If that happens... then it would be up to Deveon, Rawls, Justice...who else to carry the rock in 13...this is still a great op for any skilled back to come in and join this class... Ty Issac, for example.
Scott
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
Your 100% right McQueen. If Fritz stays healthy he has a monster season. RB is the one position a kid SHOULD go early if he can. RB's last on average three years in the NFL . So it's nice to see bruisers like Rawls, Shallman, Houma and Deveon Smith coming up.
Mick
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:04 a.m.
Good call Scott, +1 for you buddy. Not only will there be massive holes to run through, but can you imagine some of the play-action passes that we'll be able to run and other trickeration devised by Gorgeous Borges!
RJ12688
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 7:46 a.m.
ted- your crazy if you think he is slow... there are faster backs, but top end speed is not what makes a great RB. It's the ability to hit full speed in a few steps, which this guy excels at. Mix that with a lot of lower body strength and balance and you get what you see in the highlights, a back with great burst and an elite ability to make the first guy miss. Or in this case, the first several.
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.
Mick...too cool - 'Gorgeous Borges', lord I hope he reads this !
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 3:59 p.m.
You people are delusional about your expectations for this guy. He's slow.
GoBigBlue
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
LOL!! Gorgeous Borges. I love it! Nice one Mick! Also, am I being greedy if I want Ty Isaac as well??
Scott
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:54 a.m.
Can anyone imagine Smith running behind the massive fullback Shallman, through holes opened up by guys like Kalis, Magnuson, Bosch, Fox, Kugler, Tillman, Dawson (and other recruits). It's gonna be incredible.
Scott
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:42 a.m.
Smart decision. Smith is a powerful young man with great balance. Running behind the dominate O line Michigan is recruiting I believe Smith will be the number one back taken in the NFL draft - like Ingram and Richardson at Alabama-when he goes pro.
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
Plenty fast ? compared to who, you ? Watch his tapes he consistantly gets brought down from behind by high schoolers.
Scott
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
There's trolling Ted again. An OSU guy acting like he's a Michigan fan. And every OSU offer that chooses Michigan he says isn't any good. Then you say things that are factually incorrect. Ingram wasn't that highly touted (he was a three star back ranked 58th in RB's, and inch shorter and 10 lbs lighter than Smith the year he was taken- and smith still has another year to put on muscle). Ingram isn't that fast and he racked up a whopping 467 yard in his NFL debut. Overrated because of Alabama's line. Smith is a far more developed RB than Ingram was in high school. More power and better balance. As for speed, Smith's plenty fast- but your Buckeye lineman are going to be on their backs so he won't get touched for the first five yards anyway.
ted
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
Really ? # 1 back taken in draft ? This guy is slow. To start with the Alabama backs were fast. This was a bad commit. We better get Ty Isaac. This offense is going to be slow under Borgess. He is not the great offensive mind people on here contrive him to be. He is a stoborn pretender.
Mick
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:20 a.m.
That's exactly right, ohio trolls will say they didn't want him to make themselves feel better. Fact is, according to Scout anyway, that we are raiding that state pretty well, like Hoke likes to say, this is TREMENDOUS! This kid looks like he's really tough to bring down and has a real nose for the endzone, he will do well in the winged helmet. Welcome to the Wolverines Mr. Smith! Go Blue!!! On a sidenote, does anybody else think that the guy who posts as Ted is really Theo in disguise? Maybe Theo's Brother can shed some light on this, I mean Ted & Theo are both short versions of the name Theodore, no?
umgoblue47
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
umstudent. . . congrats for qualifying and getting accepted to THE U of M, your degree will open a lot of door's for you. . . as far as your post goes there is nothing you can say to bring MICHIGAN fans down. . . MICHIGAN BB is a work in progress and will be back very soon! MICHIGAN FB is back baby and you are very worried because you know what's coming!! see you at the GAME!! GO BLUE!!!!!!
Theo's Brother
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
That Ted is no brother of mine! Mother would was his mouth out with soap and water!
Terry Star21
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
The fact remains Mick, that the osu trolls are frightened - wouldn't you be. The smart ones stay away and lick their wounds, but the.......well, you know. And Theo was Michigan's best supporter from 2008-10, he is not happy with the coaching change - but don't think he'd cross over.
zimmats
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.
i agree this is a great pickup. i actually preferred Theo to Ted as Ted lacks Theo's poetic flair.
umgoblue47
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 4:38 a.m.
MICK. . . you might be on to something. GO BLUE!!!!!!
umgoblue47
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
the ohio trolls will say they diden't want him, but oscar meyer had offered him and would have taken him. if meyer could build a higher fence around the state of ohio they would still be jumping ship and taking the higher road to MICHIGAN!! the sparty trolls will spin this negative to. . . i guess dandy dan had better re-take recruiting-101!! WELCOME TO MICHIGAN DEVEON SMITH. . . GO BLUE!!!!!!
Bogie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
@ rj blah blah blah. Burke went 1 or a 11 against the bucks. not stellar. By the way, it's hilarious to read people's responses on here. You willingly admit, that you can not win football games, without recruiting in Ohio. As a Buckeye fan, I will accept your excitement in recruiting out of state. It just reinforces the fact, that Ohio kids are better players. 2013 commitments are funny. Kids today, don't really know what a commitment is, so let Brady burn up the domino pizza jet fuel, and get these verbals, because after our 2 time Nationcal Champion coach gets the train, back on the rails; I will laughing at the whales of complaining fans on here. Good day, and good grief! LOL!
mark
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
Hey OSU Fan, Troll on to the OSU Web-Site please. GO TREY BURKE. WIN 3 MORE BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!!!!!! GO BLUE!!!!!
RJ12688
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 6:53 a.m.
Burke played fantastic all year... not sure where your going with that..
GoBigBlue
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.
Actually he played pretty well, it was most of the rest of the team that played flat.
umstudent_osufan
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
Fence destroyed, are you serious? Lets see, you do have 7 players from Ohio but 5 of them OSU did not want! You have gotten players from Ohio before. As I recall your point guard on your b-ball team is from Ohio. Quick question about that for you, how did that Ohio point guard work out the other night when you all played the REAL OHIO in b-ball?
BigWolverine13
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
As I have said before, Urbanmyth Meyer's fence around Ohio has been demolished by the incredible Hoke.
Steve McQueen
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
Another young talented player from Ohio, makes the correct choice in colleges. Deveon is a tremendous pickup for Michigan. He possesses the ultimate blend of speed, elusiveness, vision and POWER. This young man is the perfect fit for the Playmaker&Power Al Borges offense. His running style and ability are reminiscent of a young back from Texas, by the name of Earl Campbell. Just try and tackle the young man, and you will agree.