Bruce from grand rapids [via mobile]

Will the class of 2013 feature more offense than defense if so will records be the majority?

Tom

  (12:01 PM)

I don't know what you mean by, "will records be the majority." But, we ran an article about what needs will be addressed and how many spots are open for 2013 here: http://insider.espn.go.com/colleges/michigan/football/recruiting/story/_/id/7538570/michigan-wolverines-look-2013-needs-targetsOn offense you'll see Running back, O-line, wide receiver and tight end heavily addressed.

djaquadine [via mobile]

Who will be the back-up QB for U of M in 2012. What is the future at that position?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:02 PM)

In 2012, or 2013? Devin Gardner will be the backup as of right now, unless he beats out Denard. It will be interesting to see Gardner's progression and what happens in the future.

Hopefully (Not Auburn)

When will Alex Kozan's Vision Quest come to an end? Do you have a read on his current favorite?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:04 PM)

He hasn't really shared anything with anyone. As of early this morning, though, I know coaches at the schools, including Michigan hadn't heard anything from him yet. I would imagine his decision will happen sometime soon.

George (Cincinnati)

Who fills the gap at D-line for the Wolverines next season?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:05 PM)

Well you have Craig Roh, WIll Campbell, Jibreel Black, Frank Clark, and Brennen Beyer who all saw time last season. Nathan Brink got high praise before the season, and Quinton Washington seems like he should be ready. Outside of them it looks like Pipkins and some of the 5 tech DE's in the 2012 class will get a shot.

Josh (new york)

While I'm really happy with the totality of this class, I can't help but be disappointed with how Michigan closed. Is there anything you've heard about why we went 0 for 5 to end the cycle other than just the emotions of 17 year olds?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:07 PM)

It's just the nature of the game, and those last prospects happened to be under the microscope because they were the final prospects. Michigan missed on a lot of other prospects, but these were at the end so there's more emphasis on them. I'd be willing to bet most people can't name more than 4 other prospects Michigan missed out on last summer.

JJ (Detroit)

How's the 2013 class looking so far?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:09 PM)

The coaches are off to a fast start already. ESPNU's top 100 (Which is not the ESPNU 150, just an early look at top kids) shows that Michigan has already offered around 30 of those top 100 kids. Two are committed, Shane Morris and Dymonte Thomas. I actually think Michigan might rival their offensive line haul they got in the 2012 class with the 2013 class.

Brian (The Village)

Offensive line and wide receiver seem to be the two most important positions for this class. Which prospects does Michigan currently seem to be in the best shape with between these two positions?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:11 PM)

I'll have quite a few articles and blog posts this week about 2013 O-linemen, but the state of Illinois is stocked this year with OL. Kyle Bosch, Ethan Pocic, Logan Tuley-Tillman, Colin McGovern and Colin Goebel are all very high on Michigan. All but Goebel have an offer, and that could change. Receiver, Jaron Dukes is a fan of Michigan, Laquon Treadwell, Kevin Gladney, all are very high on Michigan. A lot of new offers have gone out recently.

Matt (Ann Arbor)

Hey Tom,Any chance we see Michigan offering a second QB for 2013, since we didn't take one for the 2012 class?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:14 PM)

It depends. Grand Blanc has a QB that's under the radar right now, but he's around 6-foot-5, big arm. If they could find an under the radar kid that would be a preferred walk-on I think that would be more ideal for them. It would depend on what other needs are filled and what type of prospect it is. There's no need to ruffle the feathers of Shane Morris.

Matt (Ann Arbor)

What are the chances Berkeley Edwards gets an offer?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:15 PM)

When I saw him a few weeks ago, or a month ago whatever it was, at the Silverdome I was really impressed. He is FAST, and he is short but in great shape. I think the coaches taking Norfleet might mean Berkley will get a look, but again it depends on what needs are filled and how many spots are open.

Matt (Ann Arbor)

Is the staff still recruiting Shallman as a RB or do you think they'll end up recruiting him as more of a FB/DE type? Do you think he has every-down back ability or is he more of a bruiser third and short/goalline back?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:17 PM)

He's being recruited as a running back, and I've heard he name Mike Alstott at Purdue in how he'd be used. He's interesting though because he's so young, I think there's a chance he grows still and if that happens maybe ends up on defense. But the coaches are saying he's a running back for them, not a fullback.

Matt (Ann Arbor)

How high on Michigan are the Illinois lineman Pocic, McGovern and Bosch?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:18 PM)

Very high, all are very interested and I'll have more with them later in the week.

Matt (Ann Arbor)

Which offered cornerbacks are you highest on?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:19 PM)

Out of the prospects that are offered I think Kendall Fuller is going to be really good. He comes from Good Counsel, home of Blake Countess, which has prepared their kids well for college. He's about 5-foot-11, 180 pounds so he has good size and I think he'll be one of the more sought after corners in the country.

Brandon (Charleston, SC)

Are you fully recovered from your Barwis experience yet?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:20 PM)

Yes, fortunately, yes. I actually had to stretch my legs just to get out of bed the two days after. I couldn't get them to move until I stretched them.

Brandon (Charleston, SC)

Who do you think will be the next 2013 prospect to commit to Michigan?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:21 PM)

I don't like to say that kind of stuff because the second I say a name people run with it and the message gets lost in translation and it ends up being posted that I said so-and-so is committing. I think Michigan has a chance with a few kids to get early commitments, but we'll see if their timelines play out.

Brandon (Charleston, SC)

What is the absolute biggest need for the 2013 class? Who are the top targets for Michigan to fill that need?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:24 PM)

Michigan loses four more offensive linemen after 2012, so that's a huge need for depth. To me that's the biggest need to get guys in. You lose Omameh, Khoury, Mealer, and Barnum, and if Taylor Lewan decides to leave early then the need is even bigger.

Ben (San Diego)

How good are the two 2013 recruits from Cass Tech? I've read that Dawson is only fair and can't get a read on the other one.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:26 PM)

They'll have a few prospects. DB Jourdan Lewis just received a Michigan offer, and I think he's going to be very good. He's taller than Terry Richardson, has a ton of athleticism and was always making plays or around the ball the couple times I saw him last year. Dawson already has offers from Florida State, Missouri and a few others so I think he's got a chance to be a good one based on the attention he's getting. I need to see him in person.

Wade Starnes (Buffalo, NY)

Hey Tom...I'd love to see a study of # of commitments/de-commitments vs on-field effectiveness. I say this, because if i could, I'd lay money that Jordan Payton isn't going to live up to his ratings. Maybe that's just a bias, but it seems like most of the 'diva' types are never worth it. I'm weighing this as I pine away for Kozan.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:27 PM)

I think someone has done that study, and I'll have to look up the numbers, but I believe the rate at which prospects that decommitted saw success was lower than their peers. Don't quote me on that, I'll have to look for it, but I think that's right.

CJ (Connecticut)

How do you like Michigan's chances with Laquan Treadwell at this stage? I have been a little shaky ever since Standifer's decommitment.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:28 PM)

It's still early. Laquon still really likes Michigan, but he's gaining a lot of attention from other schools now. He'll give everyone a look, and probably take his time so a lot can change as you saw with Jordan Diamond's recruitment.

Drago (Harlem)

Hey TVH, WR, OL, DL seem to be the early priorities in terms of offers. I see RB as also a high need but I've only seen 3 RBs offers go out. What are your thoughts on this, who else do you see receiving offers shortly?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:29 PM)

I think there's a reason for that, one those three prospects are high on Michigan, and I think the Wolverines have a good shot at landing one or two of them. The coaches want a bigger back in this class, so that's who you will see, and who you have seen, them go after.

Jason (Wish I was in Michigan)

Who do you think will show the greatest improvement next year?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:31 PM)

I think there's four names that stick out for me with opportunity to improve. Craig Roh, Will Campbell, Roy Roundtree, and Denard. No one really talks about Roh that much, but I know that he has adjusted to the system now, and that Mattison is intent on making him into an NFL D-lineman. I think he has a really good chance to make some noise this next season.

Brandon (Charleston, SC)

Did Jayme Thompson actually have a Michigan offer?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:32 PM)

I didn't check before he committed to WVU, so I can't say definitively, but I don't think so. He might still get an offer, though.

Jason (Wish I was in Michigan)

Should we expect an early start in the 2013 class like we had last year?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:33 PM)

It just depends on timelines, every kid and every situation is different. I think there is a chance for a few early ones, as in around spring time, so we'll see.

Matt (SC)

Do you see Norfleet being a featured back in the future or will he be soley used in the return game?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:34 PM)

Jeff Hecklinski said at the press conference that they think Norfleet can help in the return game, in the slot and out of the backfield. I think they view his explosiveness as something that can be diverse in what they want to accomplish. Hecklinski brought up smaller back they've had before like Ronnie Hillman at SDSU.

Kevin (Grand Rapids)

What are the chances of landing a blue chip every down back for 2013?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:35 PM)

I think the chances are very good. Ty Isaac, Wyatt Shallman, and Deveon Smith are all very interested. I think Michigan has a good shot with all of them.

HoldMeTom (Indiana)

Will Urban Meyer impact Michigan's recruiting, or are there enough "vacuums" in Pennsylvania and Illinois to make up for any loss in Ohio?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:37 PM)

It would be naive to say he's not going to effect recruiting around the Midwest. He's going to do everything he can to get his guys, but that isn't to say that Michigan won't get some of them as well. It will be a battle for sure, but I think Michigan's recruiters can hold their own. I've said this a lot now, but I really think MSU and PSU are the ones that are going to hurt the most from this, and I guess Wisconsin can be thrown in there, too.

Mark (Raleigh)

With the lack of depth in-state for the 2013 class, where does Michigan make up ground? I know the philosophy is, Michigan, Ohio, Midwest, but it seems like there is already stiff competition for the better targets in the 2013 class. What's your prediction for where the 2013 class ends up ranked?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:39 PM)

They'll look to grab the top Michigan kids they want, and as I mentioned earlier, the state of Illinois has a lot of top kids this year. Michigan happens to be in good shape with a lot of them, too. That will definitely help with the class and getting it filled with the talent they want. I think they have a chance to land another top ten class if all goes as planned.

Brian (PA)

Tom- some Ohio fans seem optimistic Meyer will be able to flip Dymonte. Should UM fans be concerned of this becoming a reality or is his bromance with Shane Morris enough to keep him solid.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:41 PM)

I don't think it's fair to Dymonte to assume anything here. He'll make the right decision for him no matter what it is. I know he and Shane have developed a good friendship, and he hasn't said anything yet to contradict his commitment. That being said, there's a long ways to go, and anything can happen.

Chad (Tallahassee, FL)

Tom, we sometimes hear about a potential recruit having interest in UM, but that there might be concerns with academics (and the recruit ends up at another big name school). How much do UM's academic standards affect who they can recruit?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:43 PM)

I think it's made out to be a bigger deal than it is. They have the number 8 ranked class according to ESPNU with those requirements. Besides, those requirements are in place for a reason. Why put a kid in a situation where he's being set up for failure in the first place. That doesn't do anyone any good, and the coaches will tell you a big part of their job is to develop these kids as humans and that includes academics.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:43 PM)

Sorry, I meant to say develop these kids as people, not humans.

Hoke_A_Mania (Tom's Basement)

We seem to be short on centers, if we don't get Kozan, will this be a top priority for 2013?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:44 PM)

I think OL will be a priority regardless, including center, so yes. And get out of my basement.

Wade (buffalo)

in 2013, we'll have 8 scholarship lineman that aren't true frosh. Who are the walk-ons currently on the roster that have a shot of making the 2 deep? I thought I heard Yerden was gone. Who are the other candidates?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:46 PM)

If you remember Graham Glasgow, he was a 2011 OL who was deciding between Michigan and Ohio State. He ended up choosing the Buckeyes, but then quietly switched to Michigan. He's about 6-foot-6, 300 pounds and out of the walk-ons I think he'd probably have the best shot eventually. He's still young.

Michael (Lincoln Park)

2 questions: Was there any specific 2012 recruits that you thought Michigan should have taken a better look at? What grade would you give for that class?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:51 PM)

Yeah, one name in particular comes to mind. DT Jordan Watkins from Georgia, who signed with Stanford. The fact he signed with Stanford should tell you something, but he was an awesome recruit. He had great academics, I think he played the cello or some kind of instrument, big on community service, was 6-foot-5, 265 pounds. He was respectful, and really wanted to hear from Michigan. Overall I think this class from top to bottom is solid. They filled needs, they filled holes, missed out on a few guys, but overall is a great class. I think you'll see a lot of contributors from this class.

Dwight (Cleveland)

Please explain why some recruites (such as those in the class of 2013) commit so early ? What do they have to gain by doing this, versus waiting and seeing what other offers they get ?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:52 PM)

It's just a preference for them. If they think they know where they want to go, why wait. Some see it as an annoyance or distraction so they just want to get it done. Some are just kids and get excited and sold on a program and want to commit. It's different for every kid really. If they wait there spot might get filled, it takes up a lot of their time too, so it just depends.

Bryan (Sterling Heights)

Tom, Jaron Dukes was offered and it sounds like Michigan is his favorite. Is he considered an elite type prospect (4star or better) or is he kind of one of those guys like a Drake Johnson who's relatively un or low rated, but someone the coaches like?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:56 PM)

Yeah, he grew up a Michigan fan and told me he's going to talk to his parents about getting up their soon. He's around 6-foot-4, but no I don't think he's a low rated guy. It's February and he already has a Michigan offer, so that should tell you right there he's high on their board. I just think it's still early for a lot of these guys, Michigan is getting a head start on a lot of them.

Jivas (Atlanta)

Hey Tom: any chance you diversify and move into college basketball recruiting as well, or will you stick to football only?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:56 PM)

The basketball scene with AAU and all that isn't for me. I'd prefer just football, I stay plenty busy with this.

Phil (Oak Harbor)

Does Michigan have a real shot at any of the Trinity 3?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:57 PM)

DE Jason Hatcher, WR James Quick, and DB Ryan White is who's being referred to. All have been offered, and I've spoken to Hatcher and White so far, both are interested. The problem with right now is that it's so early for everyone. So yes they're interested but I'm not going to pump things up unnecessarily for you, we'll see what happens.

Schrodoug (Portage)

How many scholarships do you expect Michigan to have for 2013?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:59 PM)

Well right now there's going to be around 17 I think from leaving, so with attrition and everything you'll probably be around 20 or so.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:59 PM)

Time for one more question then I have to get going.

Bryan (Sterling Heights)

Of the 2013 TE crew that we've offered, who do you think we have the best chance at? Also, do you think we will take 2...maybe 3 TEs like we were this year?

Tom VanHaaren

  (1:01 PM)

I think they'll likely take two tight ends in 2013. Adam Breneman and Jacob Matuska are the only TE offers for 2013 so far. I know both are interested, but again it's too early. In-state prospect Khalid Hill will be in Ann Arbor on Monday with the coaches, so he might be one to watch. He's a Michigan fan. Another name to watch is Mitchell Parsons from Colorado, could get a look from Michigan.

Tom VanHaaren

  (1:02 PM)

Alright, one more question because it's awesome.

Hoke_A_Mania (o Y o)

Tom, any truth to the rumor that you're going to be sponsored by Hostess Snack Cakes?

Tom VanHaaren

  (1:02 PM)

If anyone from Hostess is reading this......call me. Thanks for joining me everyone. As always you can follow me and ask questions on Twitter @TomVH. Have a good one.