Raw and unedited chat transcript with Michigan football insider Ace Williams.
Topics:
Injuries
Position battles
Bye week progress
Recruiting
John Bacon book
Salacious rumor-mongering
Monday October 24, 2011
8:31
ace williams:
Hey all, here and ready to rock!
8:31
Comment From Aaron M
Hey Ace, what do you think about Payton? You said smart money's on UM?
8:32
ace williams:
coaching staff has felt great on him for about 6 weeks . . . fuzzy feelings arent as fuzzy right now
8:32
Comment From goblue32
who is the best fit for our qb the rest of the year and whats the record you predict?
8:32
ace williams:
Denard with Devin mixed in is our best bet still . . .
8:33
ace williams:
prediction is win next 2, lose last 3. finish 8-4
8:33
Comment From Skeptic
So whats going on with Brionte?
8:34
ace williams:
my informed opinion on Brionte Dunn: He will visit for Nebraska or OSU game, silently commit, then head to Ann Arbor after Xmas and announce to the world after he is gone from Ohio
8:34
Comment From gml41
Ace, any chance at all we can pull Burbidge from Dantonio?
8:35
ace williams:
Burbridge is still in play. He has teammates that are always in his ear about Michigan and he favored us early . . . if he can qualify, I think we have a shot
8:35
Comment From Skeptic
We are going to lose to an illinois team that lost to purdue. A team we beat last year. We haven't improved enough relative to illinois to make up for the fact that the game is on the road.
8:36
ace williams:
my opinion is we lose to Iowa, Neb and OSU
8:36
ace williams:
i hope i am proven wrong by this coaching staff . . . starting with a 30 pint win this week
8:37
ace williams:
Clark will probably end up at LB when he gets to UM
8:37
ace williams:
glad to see they didnt risk losing him with a greyshirt
8:37
Comment From dog
What are coaches saying about jeremy clarks future outlook?
8:37
Comment From goblue32
any chance losing to osu would keep dunn there?
8:37
ace williams:
the outcome of the OSU game will weigh HEAVILY on Dunns decision
8:38
Comment From Skeptic
oh... you said lose the last the three so i assumed you meant illinois
8:38
ace williams:
im sorry skeptic . . brain freeze.
8:39
ace williams:
i was thinking ILL came after purdue
8:39
ace williams:
so, win Purdue, lose Iowa, beat iLL and lose last 2
8:39
Comment From Guest
Three years. What does this team look like.
8:40
ace williams:
They look a top ten team that can make a run at NC with a few lucky bounces
8:40
Comment From doug
Are we still gonna go after yuri
8:40
ace williams:
Yuri= big time. we are #1 on his list, he is #1 on our list
8:40
Comment From Matt
doubt clark plays LB, he has in the box SS written all over him
8:40
ace williams:
he is growing too fast
8:40
Comment From gml41
where are we with Yuri?
8:41
Comment From Skeptic
Any Gunner Kiel news?
8:41
ace williams:
The Michigan staff has made contact, end of day I think he is a pipe dream. scared away by Morris
8:41
Comment From dog
anything new on banner/garnett?
8:42
ace williams:
some in AA think Banner might be slightly leaning ND right now.
8:42
ace williams:
We will get Banner when all is done though
8:42
Comment From goblue32
shane morris. enough said
8:42
Comment From Grizz
How do we finish class?
8:44
ace williams:
We get 2 WR of Payton, Amara Darboh, Monty Madaris or Burbridge. 1 OL, Yuri, Dunn . . . QB is option if OL doesnt come or we have a deommit
8:44
ace williams:
decommit
8:45
Comment From Earl
Payton wowed byND visit the reason for pessimism?
8:45
ace williams:
coaches didnt want him to take visit and he still did . . then tweeted like crazy how much he loved it
8:45
Comment From Grizz
Any news with Diggs?
8:46
ace williams:
Diggs is a guy that has some issues (grades, personal) and could be a shocked addition last minute. he is more interested in Michigan than we are in him right now.
8:46
ace williams:
If he can continue to mature in next3-4 months, ya never know . . .
8:46
Comment From Skeptic
Since Demar Dorsey attended a CC whose credits transfer to UM (or so Ive heard) is there even a 1% chance Michigan would consider him?
8:47
ace williams:
I keep getting told no by folks and see that other insiders say no way . . . but, Brady Hoke spoke with his Coach about him within the last 2 months so there is a chanccec . . very small one though
8:47
Comment From Rick
are there any players that the coaches are particularly unhappy about?
8:48
ace williams:
Marvin Robinson has been a struggling player. Roundtree is not making coaches happy. P. Omameh is a guy that may have started his last game vs MSU
8:48
Comment From Guest
Is Wright still in play after giving Clark a schollie?
8:48
ace williams:
yes . . . we lost CB greg brown today, CB is still a need if its a super like Yuri
8:48
Comment From Grizz
Any chance Dorsey comes to AA?
8:48
ace williams:
whats the sources of the multiple Dorsey questions?
8:48
Comment From Rick
any players the coaches are pissed about?
8:48
Comment From diamond lover
any news on the jordan diamond front?
8:49
ace williams:
Diamond is not a guy I expect to be a part of this class
8:49
Comment From Grizz
The Gardner rumors are false, right?
8:49
ace williams:
Which rumors on DG?
8:49
ace williams:
DG is happy as a clam at U-M
8:49
Comment From Skeptic
Allen trieu wrote an article about dorsey today
8:49
Comment From Grizz
Article on scout today about Dorsey.
8:49
ace williams:
gotcha . . details?
8:50
ace williams:
i have mentioned in previous chats that Hoke and Tony Annese have spoken about Demar
8:50
Comment From Grizz
Rob parker saying he might transfer?
8:51
ace williams:
would love to get Demar here . . Dave Brandon is a guy who is against it
8:51
ace williams:
Some thoughts on bye week: Countess is now your started at CB
8:51
ace williams:
Patrick Omameh is a guy who I expect to see the bench in favor of Schofield
8:52
ace williams:
Your starting LB next year will be Jake Ryan, Hawthorne and Jenkins-Stone if I have to predict today
8:53
Comment From Rob Parker is a Dumbass
Said on tv that it would be devastating if devin transferred
8:53
ace williams:
no way devin transfers
8:53
Comment From Rick
avery, floyd, woolfolk. best to worst, your opinion
8:53
ace williams:
Floyd, Avery, Wollfolk
8:54
ace williams:
U-M brass dont want to be seen as thug U . . many donors didnt like kids like Dorsey being recruited . . . as bad as this sounds, many boosters are pissed off that so many kids have dreadlocks and cornrows on the team now
8:55
ace williams:
in the eyes of some U-M money men, Michigan became Miami of the north under Rich
8:55
Comment From Skeptic
I dont really understand the problem of going after dorsey... the article says that dorsey isnt looking at schools yet he is focused on his education and his team right now. People think hes gonna go back south but he hasnt decided yet and hes comfortable where he is right now. His coach says hes been a model citizen. THe university of michigan takes transfers from community colleges all the time and thats for people who dont play football. If a guy earns it, I don't see why not.
8:55
Comment From gml41
ceiling wise, is Jordan Diamond that much better than Chris Bryant?
8:55
ace williams:
I think he is worse
8:55
Comment From dog
Any other players that are possible mid-season transfers, i.e. greg brown?
8:55
ace williams:
only one I could see would be Jerald Robinson
8:55
Comment From Rick
any juicy insider info not discussed yet?
8:56
ace williams:
John Bacon book . . anyone read it yet?
8:56
Comment From dog
If payton announces tommorrow what is your gut feeling?
8:56
ace williams:
If he announces tmrw, I say he comes to Michigan
8:57
ace williams:
Inside info: A play that has been worked on to great success has been DG at QB, Denard going in motion and going deep on RB wheel route on right sideline with gallon on left sideline
8:58
ace williams:
went for 50+ yd TDs 3 times in practice
8:58
ace williams:
look for that play at a key moment . . not against Purdue though
8:59
Comment From Eric
why did greg brown leave?
8:59
ace williams:
I hadnt heard his name in a long time from practice reports and it looked like he would be the #5-6 cb his entire career
9:00
ace williams:
he will go 1-aa somewhere and play
9:00
Comment From Skeptic
Anything on Garnett?
9:00
ace williams:
nothing on him . . we will know his intentions when he visits in November
9:02
ace williams:
one thing Bacon left out of 2007 coaching search section of book: There was a BIG TIME donor that contacted Mary Sue pushing for Martin to resign after the Herbstreit/Les situation
9:02
ace williams:
or pushing for her to fire Martin
9:03
Comment From Rick
running back, wtf is the coaching staff planning on doing? updates?
9:03
ace williams:
Looks like it will be smith and fitz for forseeable future
9:03
ace williams:
Dunn is the only 4star or better we have a shot at in recruiting
9:03
Comment From Eric
earlier you said LB starters could be Ryan, Jenkins-Stone, and Hawthorne....what about Demens?
9:04
ace williams:
Demens is not progressing as well as hoped
9:05
Comment From gml41
most underrated commit?
9:05
ace williams:
and on top of that he is not a mature kid . . . coaches have to deal with stuff like this too much: http://annarbor.com/news/michigan-linebacker-kenny-demens-faces-legal-action-again-for-failing-to-pay-rent/
9:06
ace williams:
most underrated: Pharoah Brown
9:06
ace williams:
Overrated? T-Rich
9:06
Comment From Argus
Ace..no Purdue game for me...broke my leg in 2 places falling off my cycle. Any news on taking a QB in this class? I've got a feeling if they take a QB in this class we'll see DG under center next year.
9:07
ace williams:
i dont think they are that tied to each other but maybe. I expect a QB to be the last commit IF there are no high ceiling guys willing to take last commit at other positions
9:07
ace williams:
coached have gotten Sr film from over 20 MW qbs this fall . . .
9:07
ace williams:
coaches*
9:07
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
All year Coach Borges has been talking about how this offense is predicated upon getting Denard into a rhythm passing the ball. How did he expect to do that with a game plan that was to take Denard Robinson and intermittently put him on the sideline? Didn't he sense the cognitive dissonance between these two ideas?
9:07
Comment From Njgoblue
if Dunn sticks with Ohio, any chances we take Lewis or drake johnson?
9:08
ace williams:
i predict we will not see the same offense we saw vs MSU anymore
9:08
ace williams:
Drake Johnson is the 2nd option at RB
9:08
Comment From Guest
Whats up with keith marshall? Coaches visited him during bye week. We need a running back to come in badly!!
9:09
ace williams:
I think Marshall is a pipe dream and will go SEC
9:09
Comment From gml41
Braylon's bro Berkley on Michigan's radar?
9:10
ace williams:
berkley is a late bloomer like his brother
9:10
ace williams:
i expect him to get an offer and commit on spot when one comes
9:10
Comment From John H
Any new info on how the visit to ND this past weekend went for Payton and Banner and whether that has diminished your prior optimistic view that both to UM was most likely.
9:11
ace williams:
diminished opinion that we get both
9:11
ace williams:
i still say its very likely we get 1, less than 50% we get both
9:11
ace williams:
for what its worth, ND might be the best school in country at selling the future and the past equally
9:11
ace williams:
great experience for kids who visit.
9:12
Comment From Skeptic
So your saying they are going to look at maturity issues when they decide who the MLB should be... 0% chance Demens doesnt start as a 5th year senior
9:12
ace williams:
remember Pierre Woods?
9:12
Comment From Mitch
I see Bolden or Ross starting before RJS he seems to be raw at this point
9:12
ace williams:
RJS is the guy i have been told to keep an eye on for earliest playing time
9:12
Comment From Guest
I hope the coaches really put some heat on burbridge. I think he is going to be a great wr.
9:13
ace williams:
i dont think he is a Charles Rodgers talent but would rather have him in AA than EL
9:13
Comment From Guest
Who is going to enroll early
9:13
Comment From Rick
where will lewan be drafted when he graduates?
9:13
ace williams:
he has a lot of time, but he has 1st-2nd round potential . . not just has to realize it. my bet is 4th round
9:13
Comment From Stew Gotz
Ace, I must say I'm disappointed in Martin and Roh's play this year. What gives?
9:14
ace williams:
Martin is playing well in my book. tough to be the only guy with size on a DL
9:14
Comment From Eric
why has the bubble screen not been used by the offense?
9:14
ace williams:
I dont know . . i have not been too pleased with Borges in majority of games this yr
9:14
Comment From M#1
If we win out do we play in MNC?
9:14
ace williams:
no
9:14
Comment From Argus
We need an OLine that can block more than RBs...IMO
9:14
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
Um... in other words... did Al Borges want to lose to MSU?
9:15
ace williams:
haha, not but he didnt play to our strengths. He was counting on some open men with all the blitzing and expected Denard to hit them
9:15
Comment From Stew Gotz
Who do you see as our starting Dline next yr?
9:16
ace williams:
Roh, WC, Pipkins, Black,
9:16
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
If these coaches are deciding who plays based upon whether or not a kid failed to pay his rent, then I suggest our coaches go watch Moneyball and try to learn something.
9:16
ace williams:
thats not the reason he will not start, one of many negative factors I THINK will lead to him getting benched next yr
9:16
Comment From Grizz
Is blake C going to start this weekend?
9:16
ace williams:
yes on Countess
9:17
Comment From Hamburglar
Will the coaches give Pharaoh Brown a shot on O? He has been lighting it up as a receiver this fall.
9:17
ace williams:
Brown wants to play D, but I would expect him to get snaps at WR early on
9:17
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
If you could choose one person from Michigan's coaching staff to fire, who would it be and who would you want most to replace them?
9:17
ace williams:
Yikes . . . Fred Jackson and replace with Wheatley
9:17
ace williams:
nothing against Fred . . if I HAD to choose
9:18
ace williams:
new blood would be welcome
9:18
Comment From Eric
are you nervous about the continued momentum MSU is building in the state and the Big10? I think our recruiting will help us exceed them eventually, but it seems they won'
9:18
ace williams:
yes on State. I hate to say it, but Dantonio is one of the best 5 coaches in the country....
9:18
ace williams:
i pray he doesnt go to OSU
9:18
Comment From Argus
don't get the coach hate this early...you do realize what they're working with right?
9:19
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
Fire Borges and hire Rich Rod... psh lol
9:19
ace williams:
lol
9:19
Comment From Old Sko
Have you heard anything about the incoming OL and redshirting? I'd like to have a guy like Kalis mauling d-linemen as a 5th year senior, but he might get forced into playing time as a freshman, no?
9:19
ace williams:
i dont think Kalis will RS
9:20
ace williams:
Kalis and 1 other frosh Olineman will play in 2 deep in 2012 with chance to start. might be Bars
9:20
Comment From Eric
do you think Urban will go to OSU?
9:20
ace williams:
i dont but some people who are connected seem to think its a lock
9:20
Comment From Hamburglar
What's the story on Frank Clark (FR DE)? Has been hyped early and often, but has not gotten legit snaps yet.
9:21
ace williams:
i think Clark is a high ceiling guy that will contribute next yr and start in 2013
9:23
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
Urban Meyer doesn't belong at Ohio. He belongs on jersey shore with the rest of the overly tanned pompous douche bags.
9:23
Comment From Argus
Gene Smith HATES Meyer...if Smith is still at OSU then no on Meyer.
9:23
ace williams:
i would bet meyer will be there over smith
9:23
Comment From gml41
jarrod Wilson gonna be a good center fielder on Defense?
9:24
ace williams:
I like Wilson a lot.... he is a guy who will be a solid all big ten performer some day
9:24
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
what is your opinion on Lindsay Lohan's teeth?
9:24
ace williams:
no opinion on them
9:24
Comment From doug
Are we even looking at qb's at all
9:24
ace williams:
yes . . coaches have about 15 kids they are considering offering
9:24
ace williams:
all 3-star MW kids
9:25
ace williams:
maybe find a John Navarre
9:25
Comment From Mitch
Take a stab at the starting oline next year
9:25
Comment From nell
ace, between payton, darboh, madaris, and powe who are the best two? i have heard some people say that madaris is very underrated. any truth to that?
9:25
ace williams:
I would say Payton and Powe
9:25
ace williams:
Madaris isnt a guy I see with a TON of upside
9:25
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
When David Brandon was asked about John Bacon's book, he said that he doesn't care about the book, wont read it, and wont comment on it. Why is he so mad? It's his own fault for letting him run around unrestricted right?
9:26
ace williams:
its weird . . . i thought DB might be more open about the book since he knew all about it a couple yrs back. he has read it, trust me
9:26
ace williams:
and is shunning Bacon b/c Bacon wouldnt withhold some details on RR firing
9:26
Comment From Argus
she has teeth? I didn't know she had a head
9:26
Comment From bmgoblue
is dunn coming up for a visit soon
9:27
ace williams:
Dunn will come for OSU game most likely
9:27
Comment From bmgoblue
is payton deceding tomm or not ? if so what time
9:28
ace williams:
no one knows if he will or not
9:28
Comment From gml41
Sione Houma going to suprise?
9:28
ace williams:
ehh . . who the heck knows on that guy
9:28
Comment From bmgoblue
whats the score to this weeks game do we win
9:28
ace williams:
31-14 M
9:28
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
Actually, in Lindsay Lohan's case, a head isn't required to have teeth. She has them elsewhere.
9:28
ace williams:
say what
9:28
Comment From Argus
Painkillers are making me silly. Later ace. GO BLUE!
9:28
ace williams:
you ok Argus? what happened?
9:29
ace williams:
going to be wrapping up in about 12 minutes . . .
9:29
ace williams:
rapid fire questions!
9:32
Comment From Argus
I crashed my bike...it fell on my leg and smashed it
9:32
ace williams:
holy shit. damn man hope you the bets in recovery
9:32
Comment From Hamburglar
What do the coaches see in Pipkins (complete stud, only the best available, etc.)? They seemed to focus on him like a laser from the beginning. Have not heard much about his HS Sr season so far.
9:32
ace williams:
complete stud. future All American
9:32
Comment From Guest
Chance that Drake Johnson, as rb, wr, lb, etc is offered a scholarship?
9:32
ace williams:
depends on Dunn
9:32
Comment From Rich
Chance that Drake Johnson is offered scholarship (rb, wr, lb, etc)?
9:32
Comment From gml41
next 2013 commit?
9:32
ace williams:
2013.. no clue
9:32
Comment From bmgoblue
why didnt fitz play last week
9:32
Comment From Argus
More impressed with M after the msu/wisky game...you?
9:33
ace williams:
i certainly think it shines light on MSU loss as not being as bad as some thought . . . they might end up being a top 3-4 team in America when all is said and done
9:33
ace williams:
fitz has multiple injuries that he is battling
9:34
Comment From bmgoblue
seems like the playing calling was terrible for the msu game no bubble or hb sreens and didnt even try to run the ball
9:34
ace williams:
play calling was horrible. Borges knows it, and has vowed to do better
9:34
Comment From Dan
Name the guys we get in order
9:35
ace williams:
payton, Yuri, Dunn, Banner, 2nd WR (too many to speculate)
9:35
ace williams:
too*
9:35
Comment From ThoseWhoStayUofM
We'll I haven't slept in 36 hours so peace out everybody... deuces ace!
9:36
ace williams:
later bud
9:36
Comment From nell
would it really be that bad of an idea to try an convince denard that it is best for the team if he is at wr/rb (use him florida used percy harvin) with DG as starting QB?
9:36
ace williams:
depends on how season plays out . . if we get crushed by Iowa, Neb and OSU . . i could see a change at QB
9:36
Comment From Mitch
Who turns out the best player in this recruiting class?
9:36
ace williams:
Kalis
9:36
Comment From Eric
Do you see a repeat performance of the offense vs. OSU (as we saw vs. MSU)
9:37
ace williams:
we will be lucky to score 10 points on OSU unless someone flips a switch on this offense
9:37
Comment From Skeptic
jehu got a visit from the coaches and is setting up an official... is there legit interest from michigan there?
9:37
ace williams:
there is interest, but he is a backup plan
9:38
Comment From bmgoblue
didnt understand why we were trying to throw the ball in 40mph winds not the day u want to let denard get into a groove wtf
9:38
ace williams:
it was a mystery to me too
9:38
Comment From Hamburglar
How do you think Borges views Devin deep down - great potential, limited, lacks mental skills, etc.? I suspect fans overrate him as a prospect due to recruiting hype.
9:38
ace williams:
Borges sees Devin as a Jason Campbell potential guy
9:38
Comment From bmgoblue
do we beat iowa
9:38
ace williams:
i say not as of now . . . but that may change
9:38
Comment From Stew Gotz
Ace, a crazy hypothetical but lets say Mich, MSU and Neb are tied at the end of the big10, who plays in the championship game??
9:39
ace williams:
it would depend on tie breakers . . .
9:39
ace williams:
if they were all 1-1 vs other 2, it might come down to BCS ranking
9:40
ace williams:
if michigan were in that position, most likely means they win out and would be surely the team that came out on top
9:40
Comment From bmgoblue
wisconsin or osu this week
9:40
ace williams:
Wisc HUGE
9:40
ace williams:
31-10 Wisc
9:40
ace williams:
Jehu Chesson WR from Missouri
9:40
Comment From John H
Who is jehu?
9:40
Comment From bmgoblue
what about illinios
9:40
ace williams:
I think we can take Illinois
9:40
Comment From Kaden
What do the coaches think Countess's potential is?
9:41
ace williams:
Marlin Jackson is his potential
9:41
Comment From Hamburglar
Any weak links on the staff other than FJ?
9:41
ace williams:
never said Fred was a weakness, dont misquote me on that
9:42
ace williams:
great chat tonight! over 500 people logged in and only 3-4 trolls! Any last questions?
9:42
Comment From Eric
how pissed are the coaches about MSU's dirty play? publicly they said nothing, but behind closed doors?
9:42
ace williams:
they are a "prove it on the field' group
9:42
ace williams:
they will gameplan all summer to crush MSU next year . . 2002 style
9:42
Comment From bmgoblue
countess is a stud the best cover guy we got and hes only a true freshman STUD favorite player love hes attitude
9:43
Comment From Kaden
Love your stuff Ace. Im only 14 but i follow michigan football just like the adults. Ive been to several games, my favorite being the 100th meeting between Michigan and Ohio State.
9:43
ace williams:
you would have been 6 at that game right?
9:44
Comment From Kaden
hell yeah...remember it like yesterday
9:44
Comment From bmgoblue
well thanks ace great chat hey send me a tweet if u get any word on payton tomm
9:44
ace williams:
will do BM
9:44
ace williams:
thanks for joining everyone!
9:45
ace williams:
have a great night and GO BLUE!!!!
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