Receiver Je'Ron Stokes becomes second player in 2 days to leave Michigan football team
For the second time in two days, a Michigan football player has left the team.
An athletic department spokesman said Tuesday afternoon junior receiver Je’Ron Stokes has left the Wolverines, following a similar announcement Monday regarding freshman offensive lineman Tony Posada.
Je'Ron Stokes
Stokes was not expected to start, but he is the second outside receiver Michigan has lost this off-season. Starter Darryl Stonum is redshirting this year after being charged this summer with the second DUI of his career.
Michigan still has experience at receiver, with junior Roy Roundtree and senior Junior Hemingway back on the outside. The coaching staff also has been high on redshirt freshman Jerald Robinson.
Stokes’ exit will be felt more next year, though, when Hemingway is gone. Roundtree has one more year of eligibility, although he could consider the NFL draft.
Slot receivers Martavious Odoms and Kelvin Grady also will graduate after this season.
Stokes was a heralded, four-star recruit who committed to play for former coach Rich Rodriguez. He is the third player recruited by the former staff to leave Michigan in the past month, joining Posada and true freshman linebacker Kellen Jones, who is now at Oklahoma.
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
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
I've been waiting on the Stokes transfer for a while. I was actually surprised it didn't happen at this time last year. He was a highly thought of player from the east coast and he wasn't sniffing the field at Michigan. As with all the players who've transferred, I wish them all the best and when I can, I'll still follow their careers. Their still Michigan Men to me. However, the loss of the two incoming freshmen are troubling, IMO. I ripped RichRod last year because his 2010 class started coming apart at seams, starting with Dorsey. That class kept diminishing in stature as time progressed and recruits washed out. Hoke's first class was a bit of a miracle to get it to it's mediocre standing and now two of the better recruits are no longer part of the team. Why they aren't there doesn't matter, not from a pure talent POV. Jones sounds like a bad dude and guy we didn't want in the program, but the loss will hurt. Maybe not now, but later when their depth would have been useful. Coach Hoke had done a wonderful job of putting together a great list of commitments, but the rubber is about to meet the road. I'm optimistic for the coming season, but if the last 3 years have taught us anything, it's that all bets are off.
1st Down
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 10:42 a.m.
As Coach Hoke said yesterday...this may be the best thing for JeRon... Look at it this way... he was a 4 star kid with good athletic ability coming out of HS...he couldnt crack any playing time under RR and it doesnt look that way any time soon under Coach Hoke... so he has 2 years of UM credits that can transfer anywhere in the country that he wants... So JeRon could end up at Western Kentucky or somewhere...and put up decent numbers and end up getting a shot at the NFL as a free agent in 2 years... I totally do not blame him for this at all... he gave it 2 years and wasnt going to crack the lineup at UM...does that make him a bad guy or bad player? no of course not...just got caught up in 2 system changes and perhaps needs to find a better fit... i dont blame the guy for leaving and I dont blame Coach Hoke for having other guys ahead of him for playing time... it is what it is...no alarms need to be sounded here... as for Posada, listening to Sam Webb on tka... it appears that his heart just wasnt in it...and thats cool too... go home and regroup Tony and if you want to play football, you can end up somewhere better suited to your mentality. Go Blue.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
Welll done, painting the "Big Picture" for those with small minds.
OldBittyBates
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 10:17 a.m.
How much has Michigan actually lost? Does anyone know for sure? Come back in 4 years for the answer. If this trend continues, we will be in serious trouble. Hoke needs to talk with the rest of his team or face further mutiny happening, He can't afford to be too complacent. Please pray for the MICHIGAN football 2011 season! AMEN.
GoBlue1984
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.
It's fun to see all of you stick up for Coach Hoke after hearing that these players are leaving the program... There were a few of us who defended Coach Rod in the same way (against player departures)... No coach is immune to this. Maybe now you get it!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
"I despise comments that blow it off and say 'oh well, two more schollies for Hoke'. " That's OK, tbf. I despise the slappies who can't get over their man crushes for the WCiMFH. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 10:40 a.m.
It's equally fun to watch the slappies equate losing two players who hadn't played a down ever and another who had caught 1 pass in two years with the WCiMFH running off two starting wideouts, the prospective starting QB, and a starting lineman who, THAT SEASON, was going to be all Big Ten. Good Night and Good Luck
truebluefan
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 4:15 a.m.
Great point! I remember all the bellyaching when Boren and Clemons left. It's never a good thing when a guy leaves the program and I wish some people would be consistent in their comments. I despise comments that blow it off and say "oh well, two more schollies for Hoke". Wrong attitude.
treetowncartel
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 2:32 a.m.
They transferred before the season started, probably weighing theior options for the past few months and it was time to ----- or get off the pot. Can't blame them one way or another for their decision, wish them the best of luck. Rememeber they are students first, studenbts transfer clleges all the time. Asmothers have pointed out, this is really a non-news item, the news item is who gets their scholarships. oh , and the tigers about to beat the Rays. But you won't read about the Tigers here on isolated from se michigan .com
pchbob
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
As always...the ERM Ghost, 1st Down, and MissionBrazil say it best. Who will be missing Je'Ron in a few short days and the rest of the season??? No Big Deal.
15crown00
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 11:30 p.m.
good luck kids.nothing is guaranteed.you have to compete and win to get the position.why not join Rich Rod in the studio analyzing why you quit?
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
Because we like Coach Hoke. Man are you obtuse!
truebluefan
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 4:17 a.m.
Funny you bring this up. Rich Rod promoted open competition at each position every single season. Wonder why some people here are defending Hoke for transfers while doing the SAME EXACT thing Rich Rod did?
leaguebus
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
Looks like neither were going to start this year and both can leave with no penalty because of coach change. Good luck to them both.
10dz
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 10:28 p.m.
not surprised guys are leaving, just that it is happening right now. Most guys know where they stand after spring ball. This leads me to believe that the competition for who is going to play in the two deep has been decided internally. It also makes me a worrie a little that it took this long to come to those decisions. We might not be as good as we hope and maybe coach Hoke is finding out the talent just isn't that good right now. If it was, he would have more clear cut starters identified by now.
Hailmary
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.
I've had bosses both in the military and civilian life that thought, "they were the company" they were not. All of the employee's and everyone involved made up the company. What is happening at Mich is not that unusual however, considering the state of affairs at Mich. the last 10 years calls for coach Hoke to be upfront and sensitive to the very sesitive Mich. fans. Come on Brady, talk to us. "We are Michigan".
DonAZ
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
I'm not sure I follow you ... are you saying Hoke should hold more press conferences to discuss the state of things like this? My sense is that would cause more trouble than it would solve. Better Hoke just stay quiet and focus on preparing the team for September 3rd. Then let the team's play on the field speak.
1st Down
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.
BTW...Kellen Jones was a disciplinary thing...he didnt just suddenly decide to 'transfer'...Michigan was his fathers dream school and was the big attraction for him.
1st Down
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
This had been rumored by Ace Williams. Its not a surprise actually. I always wondered when Stokes would actually get on the field and make something happen. It never did. Best of luck to JeRon wherever he ends up. This is Michigan and those staying will be champions.
Terry Star21
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:56 p.m.
I whole heartily agree with ERMG....although you hate to see anyone leave, sometimes it's for the better - not talking just Michigan, hoping whatever the problems were for these student/athletes they can get it together soon and make a better life for themselves. MgoBlueForTiM.............Michigan Football, those that stay will become champions.
Scott Schadewald
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
Sweet. Posada and Stokes leaving will open up 2 scholarships for people who will actually contribute to THE TEAM. Besides that they were obviously not Michigan Men. Those who stay will be champions. Those who leave will be forgotten. GO BLUE!!!
truebluefan
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 4:18 a.m.
I said the same thing with kids that transferred under Rich Rod. It wasn't received very well. I guess the tables have turned now that we have "our guy", right?
a2miguy
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
This is exactly right. The Team suffers more by guys who are here and don't want or deserve to be than if they were not here at all. It may hurt us a little on the depth chart, but we'll get over that and hard-working guys will have a chance to move up. GO BLUE!
missionbrazil
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:51 p.m.
Losing Stokes and Posada won't hurt our team much, especially with the way Coach Hoke, Coach Mattison, and staff have been recruiting. It's always good entertainment to hear from guys like redcedar, cutty240,..., who seem to be coming out of the woodwork lately. Keep on coming ... we always love to see people who have to eat their words later on. Go Blue !
1st Down
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 8 p.m.
Fear, is the reason people like red and cutty are coming out of the woodworks.
ChelseaBob
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:49 p.m.
God Bless and good luck, but if you don't want to be here, find the door now. THOSE WHO STAY WILL BE CHAMPIONS!
Hailmary
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
Brady, open your mouth, wiggle your tongue and tell the fans what is going on. Brady, you are not Michigan, you are a hired employee, the team and the fans are Michigan.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
Time for a reality check here. We are talking about 1) a guy who never played a down of ball at the UM, and 2) a guy who, in two seasons, caught one pass and sometimes played on special teams. Only the slappies and/or the trolls think this is important. Two more schollies to spend on an already outstanding class of 2012. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.
I think you might be right, Don. He has at least a year of grace (the last guy had a 3-9 and the slappies still loved him) so why not winnow out the people on the team who seem to be simply treading water. Good Night and Good Luck
DonAZ
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.
"Two more schollies to spend on an already outstanding class of 2012." That's an interesting connection I'd not considered. Do you suppose there's a deliberate effort to winnow out those who don't have the determination to be here? Hoke has some latitude with the 2011 season when it comes to win/loss records -- some, not a lot, but some. But that latitude gets less forgiving in 2012 and beyond. Better to clear the scholarships now and get desired talent in rather than carry players with marginal intent to contibute up to the coaches' standards. I wonder if the same is taking place with Will Campbell?
nowayjose
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:12 p.m.
Hoke! Hoke! Hoke! Come on everybody Hoke? ... No?
chiro19
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 6:21 p.m.
Ok round two of trying to post this. Interesting panic, and comments by MSU fokes or foke! Posada- is way over weight and was going to be redshirted. He is transferring to South Florida. Stokes- unkown why but probably something similar. Jones- is being charged with domestic assault against, I would presume, his girlfriend. So he was being suspended or kicked off the team and transferred to OU. This is how Hoke is getting to the 26 or so mark on recruits when he talks about the 2012 class. Go blue!
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:34 p.m.
c19 I would be surprized about TP and USF. Hometown and up and coming program. Hometown. J'RS Don't know where he's going but it is FBS he had a better chance to play this year at Michigan than he does now. I haven't seen anything about Jones regarding DA charges. Might be his gf doesn't want to proceed since he has changed his address. That's a win-win for the girl and UM. I was never worried about Coach Hoke hitting his mark. Things happen.
macjont
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
With all the early hype regarding verbal commitments, these developments are most sobering. As Bo used to say when asked about the quality of any class of recruits, "ask that question in four years." (paraphrasing, of course.) It's not clear what, if anything these departures say about the program or the individuals involved. It clearly shows, however, that Michigan football is a long way from being back where any Michigan fan wants it to be.
Chad Williams
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.
Stokes in two years barely saw the field. It has nothing to do with Hoke being hired. He can redshirt and sit out a year and hae two years to play else where. The transfer that bothers me is Jones to Oklahoma. That says he was a pretty darn good talent and he might even see the field as a freshman. Thats a huge loss for michigan while the rich jus got richer. Stokes got lapped by grady and jackson under RR so its no suprise that he is leaving. Posada thats a loss because you dont wanna lose anyone on the line. Skill positions are easier to replace in recruting. Hopefull 2013 class will have elite level skill players.
redceder1
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 5:44 p.m.
And another ones gone, and another ones gone. Another one bites the dust. Snake oil and false hope never work. I'm sure many of you will say "The Eveil Loyd Car" had his fingerprints all over this. But who needs depth? It's the 11 walk-ons that matter right? Glad to hear Hoke The Joke is still confident no more will be leaving, just like he was a couple weeks ago.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:16 p.m.
That's OK. The slimy little creek that flows through M-S-Mooooooooooooooooo'a campus is the Red CEDAR. Good Night and Good Luck
Dude
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
"The Eveil Loyd Car"?
truebluefan
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
Rich Rod recruit or not, and I don't care how you attempt to rationalize it, this transfer was not good for Michigan football. Posada leaving was not good for Michigan football (this one still boggles my mind because Posada is the prototypical "MANBALL" lineman).
81wolverine
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.
This is a bummer given our depth situation at WR next year. But, people shouldn't panic here. Attrition is always higher when there's a coaching transition. Most of it occurs over the summer and into the beginning of next season - not right after the coach takes over. It can create depth issues short term, but over the long term it will free up scholarships to players that better fit the new system AND are completely on-board with the new coach who recruited them. This will almost certainly necessitate the coaches recruit two WR's for the 2012 class with the remaining spots they have. And hopefully, they'll be guys who are capable of contributing right away!
1st Down
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.
We will be OK. Its not like Stokes was going to see the field much anyway.
Dude
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
It's funny that after last season people were bashing Rodriguez for having too many receivers on the team, and now we're approaching scary-thin at the position.
bigblue
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.
if you're not from MICHIGAN or slowohio hoke doesn't want you on the team.
lugemachine
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
"Stokes' exit will be felt more next year, though, when Hemingway is gone." Perhaps, but what if Stonum returns? And he almost certainly will if he has any desire to play in the NFL.
friend12
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
My guess these are accademic issues that weren't resolved over the summer. With a new staff you can expect people to leave, but, that usually happens early on.
treetowncartel
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
I might add that these guys are probably still talking to Rich Rod about what to do, since he even admitted on Bill King the other day that he still talks to Denard. And before you haters start going off, don't forget Lloyd Carr did the same thing with Mallett.
treetowncartel
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.
@ Dude, you obviously are not a hater
Dude
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
Denard has said RR told him to listen to the new coaches and buy in to what they say 100%. Not sure how anyone can say anything negative about that kind of advice.
treetowncartel
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
Here is the answer to your question. <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/ryan-malletts-father-says-lloyd-carr-advised-the-quarterback-to-transfer-from-michigan/">http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/ryan-malletts-father-says-lloyd-carr-advised-the-quarterback-to-transfer-from-michigan/</a>
friend12
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
Mallett wanted to play in the NFL and the RR was not running an NFL friendly offesence when it comes to QBs. That is why he left. Did Carr palya factor? Who knows. I don't RR was much of a factor with tehes players or they would have been gone much earlier.
treetowncartel
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.
It's all about the tight end now. We just need 3 good receivers and a few tight ends for that classic play action we love to see.
Wally the Wolverine
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.
My guess is they thought they had a starting position sewn up until Coach Hoke made them compete for it. Once they realized they weren't going to be at the top of the depth chart they decided to cash in. They're just revealing they never were real Michigan Men. That's OK, those who stay will be champions!! LGB!!
Joe Kidd
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.
I don't think so either. They will have to sit out a year and where ever they end up, they will still have to compete for playing time. You never know who will be competing with at another team. Here there are five good receivers ahead of J'R but two will graduate next year and at the fifth spot he may see some reps in the early games at lease and show what he's got. With Michigan's history of great receivers, you are pretty over confident thinking you are going to be at the top of the list by your jr year. He might have a better chance staying and working if playing is his goal.
Dude
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
I really, really doubt this is why. He couldn't have expected to be handed a starting job when there are 4 returning receivers that were ahead of him last season.
Scott
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.
Not happy about this at all! I hope we don't start having transfers in pairs like we do commits! I just hope we get some good WRin the 2012 class.
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.
Sorry to see these guys go. Not because of they are irreplaceable, and they are not, but due to the disruption it will cause in their lives, their education, and in their football futures. On a side note, two other players left the team this spring that were from the previous coach so you would have to add them to the list. As for Tony Posada, you would have to put him in as a Coach Hoke recruit due to when he signed. He had the choice to leave but signed after BH took over. He went to Plant High, where two of my kids go to HS, and maybe Michigan is just to far away from where his heart is. (My son's Junior LL, Palma Ciea/Bayshore, won the World Championship in Taylor, MI last weekend. So at least one trip to Michigan worked out for some South Tampa boys.)
Nathan Groves
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.
What the heck is going on here? Less than 2 weeks away from the start of the season and people are leaving the team? I wish they would release just a little bit more information as to why.....
truebluefan
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
Transfers typically happen before the summer, to my knowledge. The Stokes and Posada transfers are odd. If it's homesickness or academics, then I understand. But playing time? O line and outside WR (especially next year) are the two most opportunistic positions for playing time besides D line.
XTR
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
The most common practical reason at this time before season starts is that these players realize that they have no chance for playing time and therefore leave. They want to play and will look for a place to play somewhere else.
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
Sorry it should be J'RS.
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.
NG Do you deal with young people these days? If you can get them to tell what and how they are thinging, please share cuz I have 2, going on 3, teenage children and I could use the insight. My guess it's not what TP thought it was going to be and LS wants more playing time and doesn't think he's going to get it. Reality vs expectations.