Michigan Wolverines: Michigan Wolverines
A big, aggressive receiver is how wideout Jaron Dukes (Columbus, Ohio/Marion-Franklin) says the Michigan coaches describe him. The newest commit for the 2013 class brings something to the table the coaching staff has wanted since it was hired at Michigan -- size.
"I'm 197 pounds, and I'm 6-foot-5. I just got measured today," he said. "Everybody is asking me about that, but the coaches say they love my height, and how I am able to catch the ball with my hands. They see me as a pro-style player that they really like."
Dukes said the staff made him feel comfortable, and the whole program was what made him feel like he was at home. It doesn't hurt either that his friend, defensive end Taco Charlton (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central), is also committed to the Wolverines.
"I'm 197 pounds, and I'm 6-foot-5. I just got measured today," he said. "Everybody is asking me about that, but the coaches say they love my height, and how I am able to catch the ball with my hands. They see me as a pro-style player that they really like."
Dukes said the staff made him feel comfortable, and the whole program was what made him feel like he was at home. It doesn't hurt either that his friend, defensive end Taco Charlton (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central), is also committed to the Wolverines.
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Not to be outdone by the weekend, Michigan has landed yet another commitment for the 2013 class with wide receiver Jaron Dukes (Columbus, Ohio/Marion-Franklin).
Landing the 6-foot-3, 195-pound wideout is a big deal for the Wolverines, as receiver is a major need for this class.
Dukes recently took a visit to Ann Arbor and has had the Wolverines as the frontrunners since they offered. Growing up a fan of Michigan, Dukes says he has always wanted to be a Wolverine, and he now gets his wish.
Landing the 6-foot-3, 195-pound wideout is a big deal for the Wolverines, as receiver is a major need for this class.
Dukes recently took a visit to Ann Arbor and has had the Wolverines as the frontrunners since they offered. Growing up a fan of Michigan, Dukes says he has always wanted to be a Wolverine, and he now gets his wish.
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Percy Bates, who has been Michigan's faculty representative to the NCAA and the Big Ten for the past 22 years, is stepping down.
Bates, an education professor at the school who has been a previous chairman of the NCAA Division I management council and was inducted into the minority athletic administrators Hall of Fame, will leave his position on June 30. Michigan already named his replacement, Anne Curzan, an English and linguistics professor.
"Percy has served this university and athletic department for over 20 years," Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said in a statement Wednesday. "He has helped steer us through many challenges and rewarding experiences. Percy has always looked out for the student-athlete and what's best for the university and the athletic department.
"We appreciate his guidance and thank him for all of his years of service, and look forward to developing an outstanding working relationship with Anne."
Bates has been on Michigan's faculty since 1965 and part of its athletic department since 1977.
Bates, an education professor at the school who has been a previous chairman of the NCAA Division I management council and was inducted into the minority athletic administrators Hall of Fame, will leave his position on June 30. Michigan already named his replacement, Anne Curzan, an English and linguistics professor.
"Percy has served this university and athletic department for over 20 years," Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said in a statement Wednesday. "He has helped steer us through many challenges and rewarding experiences. Percy has always looked out for the student-athlete and what's best for the university and the athletic department.
"We appreciate his guidance and thank him for all of his years of service, and look forward to developing an outstanding working relationship with Anne."
Bates has been on Michigan's faculty since 1965 and part of its athletic department since 1977.
"Exit Interview" is a feature at WolverineNation where we chat with departing seniors from the Michigan football and men's basketball programs about their time in Ann Arbor in a Q&A format.
Previous Exit Interviews: C David Molk; CB Troy Woolfolk; DL Will Heininger; TE Steve Watson; TE Kevin Koger; S Jared Van Slyke; DT Alex Schwab; WR Jordan Barpal; LB Brandon Herron; CB Tony Anderson; FB John McColgan; WR Martavious Odoms; DT Mike Martin; OL Mark Huyge
Former Michigan linebacker J.B. Fitzgerald played in every game of his career -- starting three at linebacker as a junior -- but was used as a reserve linebacker and on special teams throughout his career.
Previous Exit Interviews: C David Molk; CB Troy Woolfolk; DL Will Heininger; TE Steve Watson; TE Kevin Koger; S Jared Van Slyke; DT Alex Schwab; WR Jordan Barpal; LB Brandon Herron; CB Tony Anderson; FB John McColgan; WR Martavious Odoms; DT Mike Martin; OL Mark Huyge
Former Michigan linebacker J.B. Fitzgerald played in every game of his career -- starting three at linebacker as a junior -- but was used as a reserve linebacker and on special teams throughout his career.
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Offensive lineman John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett) was going to try to make it out to Ann Arbor on Wednesday but had to reschedule.
"I'm not going because I think the head coach (Brady Hoke) won't be there," he said. "I'm going up on March 19 instead, during a spring practice."
Montelus also plans on visiting Florida, another school that has offered, sometime in April. Outside of Michigan and Florida, Montelus also counts offers from Connecticut, West Virginia, Virginia, Boston College and NC State.
"I'm not going because I think the head coach (Brady Hoke) won't be there," he said. "I'm going up on March 19 instead, during a spring practice."
Montelus also plans on visiting Florida, another school that has offered, sometime in April. Outside of Michigan and Florida, Montelus also counts offers from Connecticut, West Virginia, Virginia, Boston College and NC State.
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Rapid reaction: Michigan 67, Northwestern 55
February, 21, 2012
Feb 21
11:22
PM ET
There were a lot of things Michigan coach John Beilein likely didn't like during the No. 13 Wolverines' 67-55 overtime win over Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., on Tuesday night.
His team, which had driven the ball well and with precision over the past few weeks, settled too often for 3-pointers. Foul trouble came up again, with both Jordan Morgan and Evan Smotrycz sitting for most of the first half with two fouls.
And Tim Hardaway Jr. struggled from the foul line, going 4-of-10.
But this late in the season, in a game Northwestern badly needed to win to make its first-ever NCAA tournament, the Wolverines will take any win they can get on the road.
His team, which had driven the ball well and with precision over the past few weeks, settled too often for 3-pointers. Foul trouble came up again, with both Jordan Morgan and Evan Smotrycz sitting for most of the first half with two fouls.
And Tim Hardaway Jr. struggled from the foul line, going 4-of-10.
But this late in the season, in a game Northwestern badly needed to win to make its first-ever NCAA tournament, the Wolverines will take any win they can get on the road.
The coaching staff has naturally been going after California prospects, as they have familiarity with the area from their days at San Diego State University. Another California prospect, defensive back Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga), was identified and offered Monday.
Hawkins is a lot of what the coaches want in a cornerback, and he's well aware of those qualities.
"I have good size, I'm 6-foot, 170 pounds. I also have long arms, and I'm rangy," he said. "I have good speed, too. I know Michigan said they want me as a corner and that's what I play now."
Hawkins is a lot of what the coaches want in a cornerback, and he's well aware of those qualities.
"I have good size, I'm 6-foot, 170 pounds. I also have long arms, and I'm rangy," he said. "I have good speed, too. I know Michigan said they want me as a corner and that's what I play now."
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Michigan continued its tornado of offers on Monday, as three more offers were extended to defensive prospects.
LB Alex Anzalone: "It was, definitely (an offer he was hoping for). I think I'll visit some time in March when I take my visit to Notre Dame."
LB Elijah Qualls: "Every offer is big to me. I appreciate all of them extremely, but Michigan was an awesome one. It's nice to know that I'm good enough to play for them."
DB Devin Butler: "The tradition and environment really appeals to me. I'm a real social guy and I like to entertain, and at Michigan you can really do that," he said. "At Michigan they have arguably the best fan base, and I'm definitely going to check it out on my spring break (between March 23 and April 9)."
LB Alex Anzalone: "It was, definitely (an offer he was hoping for). I think I'll visit some time in March when I take my visit to Notre Dame."
LB Elijah Qualls: "Every offer is big to me. I appreciate all of them extremely, but Michigan was an awesome one. It's nice to know that I'm good enough to play for them."
DB Devin Butler: "The tradition and environment really appeals to me. I'm a real social guy and I like to entertain, and at Michigan you can really do that," he said. "At Michigan they have arguably the best fan base, and I'm definitely going to check it out on my spring break (between March 23 and April 9)."
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One might be tempted to believe the Michigan coaching staff is sitting back celebrating the successful weekend it just had. The eight commitments landed were a big boost for the Wolverines, but there will be no rest.
The results of last weekend were no fluke either, as Michigan has put in extensive time and effort with the 2013 class, despite the fact it has been only 19 days since the 2012 class signed.
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Marks a decade old within the Michigan basketball program continue to be shattered this week. On Saturday, the Wolverines beat Ohio State -- signifying the first time since the 2002-03 season Michigan has beaten the Buckeyes and Michigan State in the same season.
Now, on Monday, Michigan claimed its highest ranking in either the Associated Press or USA Today polls since 1997 after being tabbed the No. 11 team in the nation in the AP media poll Monday. Michigan also moved up to No. 13 in the ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll.
The Wolverines were the No. 8 team in the nation on Jan. 2 and 4 in 1997 -- splitting a pair of games with Ohio State (a 73-71 loss) and Northwestern (a 75-57 win). The split knocked the Wolverines from eighth to 16th in that poll and while Michigan had come close to reaching those numbers again, it never did.
Until Monday.
This season's Michigan team is in contention for the Big Ten title, currently at 20-7 overall and 10-4 in the Big Ten, tied for second place and one game behind Michigan State.
The 1996-97 team, which had that lofty ranking, was led by the late Robert "Tractor" Traylor and current Michigan director of basketball operations, Travis Conlan. The team fell apart from early season success, finishing 24-11 and failing to make the NCAA tournament. The Wolverines did, however, win the NIT that season.
Now, on Monday, Michigan claimed its highest ranking in either the Associated Press or USA Today polls since 1997 after being tabbed the No. 11 team in the nation in the AP media poll Monday. Michigan also moved up to No. 13 in the ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll.
The Wolverines were the No. 8 team in the nation on Jan. 2 and 4 in 1997 -- splitting a pair of games with Ohio State (a 73-71 loss) and Northwestern (a 75-57 win). The split knocked the Wolverines from eighth to 16th in that poll and while Michigan had come close to reaching those numbers again, it never did.
Until Monday.
This season's Michigan team is in contention for the Big Ten title, currently at 20-7 overall and 10-4 in the Big Ten, tied for second place and one game behind Michigan State.
The 1996-97 team, which had that lofty ranking, was led by the late Robert "Tractor" Traylor and current Michigan director of basketball operations, Travis Conlan. The team fell apart from early season success, finishing 24-11 and failing to make the NCAA tournament. The Wolverines did, however, win the NIT that season.
Question of the Week is a feature running Mondays at WolverineNation -- where we ask coaches and athletes we chat with during the week the same question. The best answers are compiled here each Monday.
Welcome to Question of the Week: Here are our previous questions.. Best Taunt: http://es.pn/w83dDi; Guilty pleasure: http://es.pn/zOY21E; Biggest Fear: http://es.pn/xNvEEA; Best recruiting story: http://es.pn/ACnIwc; What can't you live without: http://es.pn/z6lmMi
This week's question: What is your hidden talent?
Welcome to Question of the Week: Here are our previous questions.. Best Taunt: http://es.pn/w83dDi; Guilty pleasure: http://es.pn/zOY21E; Biggest Fear: http://es.pn/xNvEEA; Best recruiting story: http://es.pn/ACnIwc; What can't you live without: http://es.pn/z6lmMi
This week's question: What is your hidden talent?
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After a quiet weekend for Michigan, landing only eight commitments between Saturday and Sunday, I'm sure you don't have very many questions. Oh, you do?
You'd like to know who's left, who's visiting this week, and what the rest of the class might look like?
Luckily WolverineNation is having our recruiting chat at noon, drop by and ask any questions you'd like. I am willing to accept cake for answers.
You'd like to know who's left, who's visiting this week, and what the rest of the class might look like?
Luckily WolverineNation is having our recruiting chat at noon, drop by and ask any questions you'd like. I am willing to accept cake for answers.
The Wolverines landed the seventh commit of the weekend with tight end Jake Butt, and figured why stop there? The coaching staff received the eighth commit of the weekend, No. 11 overall, with offensive lineman Logan Tuley-Tillman (Peoria, Ill./Manual).
Tuley-Tillman had Michigan as his leader for quite some time and felt as though the time was right to make his decision.
"It feels so great. Honestly I just came to a realization that these other places were great opportunities, but Michigan is where I belong," he said. "I told my mom and called my dad, and then I called Coach (Darrell) Funk and Coach (Brady) Hoke. Coach Hoke's wife was yelling when I told them."
Tuley-Tillman had Michigan as his leader for quite some time and felt as though the time was right to make his decision.
"It feels so great. Honestly I just came to a realization that these other places were great opportunities, but Michigan is where I belong," he said. "I told my mom and called my dad, and then I called Coach (Darrell) Funk and Coach (Brady) Hoke. Coach Hoke's wife was yelling when I told them."
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Five-star offensive tackle prospect Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia) visited Florida on Saturday for junior day, and the 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive tackle prospect said he enjoyed his visit.
"It was awesome," Tunsil said. "I saw a lot of things that I haven't seen before at the University of Florida. I saw where the alligators are at. I saw a church. I saw the practice facilities. I saw the basketball court. I saw all of that stuff that I haven't seen before."
While on his visit Tunsil had a chance to speak with Florida coach Will Muschamp.
"It was awesome," Tunsil said. "I saw a lot of things that I haven't seen before at the University of Florida. I saw where the alligators are at. I saw a church. I saw the practice facilities. I saw the basketball court. I saw all of that stuff that I haven't seen before."
While on his visit Tunsil had a chance to speak with Florida coach Will Muschamp.
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If you thought Michigan was done for the weekend with commitments, you thought wrong. The Wolverines picked up their seventh commit of the past two days on Sunday when tight end Jake Butt (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North) pledged.
Butt (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) took a visit to Ann Arbor this past weekend, and did not commit while he was there. He went into the visit maintaining that he didn't want to make a decision this early, but after going home and thinking about the excitement that surrounded his visit, Butt decided to pull the trigger.
"This visit showed a lot about their program," he said.
Butt (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) took a visit to Ann Arbor this past weekend, and did not commit while he was there. He went into the visit maintaining that he didn't want to make a decision this early, but after going home and thinking about the excitement that surrounded his visit, Butt decided to pull the trigger.
"This visit showed a lot about their program," he said.
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ABOUT WOLVERINE NATION
Michael Rothstein
Michael Rothstein joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for AnnArbor.com, Notre Dame for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette and a host of colleges for the Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, Va.). A Syracuse graduate and an East Meadow, N.Y. native, he lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. He can be reached at michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com.
Tom Van Haaren
Tom VanHaaren joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for three years at MGoBlog.com. VanHaaren and his wife currently reside in Royal Oak, Mich. He can be reached at TomVHESPN@gmail.com.
Chantel Jennings
Chantel Jennings joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Michigan athletics for three years at The Michigan Daily. Chantel graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in English and Spanish and lives in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jenningsespn@gmail.com.
Bob McClellan
Bob McClellan joined ESPN.com in 2011 after more than 20 years as a sports editor and sports writer at Rivals.com, The (Nashville) Tennessean and The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. He is a Northwestern University graduate. He resides in Franklin, Tenn. Email him at robert.x.mcclellan.-nd@espn.com.