Tom VanHaaren

  (12:01 PM)

Thanks everyone for joining me this week. Again it's just me, so I'll try to get to as many questions as I can as fast as I can. If I don't get to yours I apologize. I turned auto-update on as well, so again if it's not working let me know.

chris (wyoming)

who do we need more, mcquoy 3rd or fuller? and do we have a legitimate shot at one of them?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:03 PM)

Who they need more? You're splitting hairs at some point, it depends on what you want. Leon McQuay is probably more versatile, you could use him as a boundary corner or a safety, switch him up in multiple looks. Fuller is a cornerback, both are very good. Either would be big.

chris (wyoming)

Who would we have a more legitimate shot at the rb green or the wr treadwell?

Greg (Cincinnati)

What remaining recruits have Michigan the highest on their list?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:06 PM)

There are probably only around two spots left, so it's going to be interesting to see what happens. The guys that seem to be mentioning the most are WR Laquon Treadwell, WR Alvin Bailey, S Leon McQuay, RB Derrick Green, RB Jordan Wilkins, DB Kendall Fuller, there are a few defensive linemen as well but again there are only a few spots left.

Nick (Ann Arbor)

Has anyone made sense of Hoke giving an offer to a long snapper? Generally, that is a walk-on position. I understand that one of the desired prospects who was going to have a preferred walk-on spot went north to Dantonio where he had a scholarship in hand. Do you think this is the main reason Hoke handed out a scholly for a long snapper?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:07 PM)

Nebraska and Alabama also offered long snappers right around when Michigan did. It's not something that doesn't happen, and he happens to be one of the top long snappers in the country. Hoke is big on winning all aspects of the game, including special teams and I think everyone remembers the GIF that featured Will Hagerup.

Kevin (Birmingham)

Tom, are you still on Vacation?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:08 PM)

No, are you?

Brandon Woods (Alabama)

Will we be able to recruit as good in ohio with urban meyer there now?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:11 PM)

I think so, yeah. Sure it's going to be harder, but people seem to forget that Hoke and some of his staff have ties to Ohio as well. Hoke and Mattison have a lot of relationships in Ohio, Hoke was at Ball State, etc. so it's not like Urban Meyer comes in and it wipes everything that the Michigan coaches have done away. Ohio State will always be a powerhouse in their home state, but I think Hoke is going to continue to have success there for sure. Remember Greg Mattison is one of the best recruiters in the country and he recruits part of Ohio, that's on purpose.

James (Kalamazoo, MI)

How do you see Michigan's last 2 spots filling out for this class? I like our chances with McQuay and Treadwell or Bailey.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:11 PM)

I think wide receiver is a priority for sure, and then after that it's kind of a wildcard whoever commits first kind of thing.

Timhonks (GA)

Could Roy Roundtree be pivotal to Michigan's success this season?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:12 PM)

I think he has to be. He's the new leader of the receiving corps and he has to be making plays for Michigan to be successful.

Bob (Ann Arbor)

What are the chances Bailey likes his visit so much he commits? Do you think we have a real strong chance at him?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:13 PM)

I don't think that's likely to happen. He has said he wants to visit a few other schools, so I would be surprised if that happened. He has said that he wants to make a decision around July though, so I don't know that he'll take very long with a decision.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:15 PM)

Also, sorry about last week's chat. There was a mistake because of Michigan's camp we weren't having a chat, but it still got posted so I obviously wasn't there. This will be the new schedule, every other week.

Sam (Alabama)

Being from Alabama and also a Bama fan what advice would you give Bama to stop Michigans QB? I know that's a weird question to ask,but I know Michigan can when if they play their cards right,since there are no given games in FB.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:16 PM)

In the past Denard has gotten rattled if there's pressure and if coverage is tight on his receivers. I think you need to force him into making quick decisions and make sure you get to him before he sees a hole to run through.

Jason (Grand Rapids, Mich)

Cookies or Cake?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:16 PM)

Come on dude, cake.

Matt (Toledo)

Does Drake Harris intend to play both basketball and football and would Michigan let him play both.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:18 PM)

That's a good question, and I don't know if Drake knows yet. I asked him after camp what he'd like to do and he said he's going to try to figure that out. It can be done, but it's pretty difficult to play both sports if you're a key player. He was ridiculous at Michigan's camp at receiver, too. I haven't seen him play basketball yet, but he has a bright future on the football field.

Jeremy (Illinois)

Do you see Michigan having any shot at land Treadwell? #GoBlue

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:19 PM)

I do. He is saying that he's still going to wait, but I think Michigan is still very much in it.

kevin kopp (St. Louis)

What 2014 RB's is Michigan in on? Who do they have a real shot at getting?Thanks

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:21 PM)

They have offered Leonard Fournette (LA), Jonathan Hilliman (NJ), Jalen Hurd (TN) and Bo Scarbrough (AL) so far. I think Hilliman has shown a good amount of interest and Scarbrough has also said that Michigan is a school he's interested in learning more about. More names will pop up for sure.

Kyle O (Youngstown, OH)

Two questions. 1. How many more scholarship spots are left in this recruiting class and 2. Out of the remaining targets, who do you think is most likely to commit over the others? Thanks.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:22 PM)

There are roughly two spots left, and it's really going to depend on who commits first or what happens with the next spot. With so few spots remaining it's kind of a chess match. The guys that I named earlier I think Michigan has a shot with most of them.

Rick Blaine (Casablanca)

We've beaten the 'Quon conversation to death, but I am still interested in the Devon Allen kid from AZ. What are your realistic thoughts on our chances to land him? BIG always gets the "not as fast as SEC" label, and getting THAT kind of speed would be hard to pass up. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:23 PM)

I don't think the chances are very high right now. He has said he wants to visit, but if that visit doesn't happen then the chances are lower obviously. He's the kind of kid that you need to get on campus first, but as of right now I don't think there's a great chance. That could change with a visit, but we'll see.

Jeff Jacobs (New York)

With two spots available, and Laquon Treadwell seemingly drifting away, do you think they just take the BPA? Or still targeting a specific area like WR, DB, or DE?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:24 PM)

I don't think Treadwell is drifting away, he's a main target and he told me last night that everything is fine with Michigan. Like I said before I think WR is a priority and then best player after that.

Ali (Chicago)

Tom do you think we have a realistic chance at Bailey, the WR teammate of McQuay III?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:25 PM)

I think any time a kid is willing to pay his own way from a distance like Florida to Michigan then there's legitimate interest. I think Michigan is a little behind right now, because he hasn't seen Michigan yet. We'll know more after this visit.

BT (PA)

TVH-Has Michigan moved on from taking a RB with the final 2 spots? After Ty chose SC it seems UM never got serious with any other RB. Even the Wilkins visit doesn't seem to be mutually serious. Any expalnation for the struggles to secure a top WR or RB in recent years?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:28 PM)

They're still targeting Derrick Green and like you said Jordan Wilkins is visiting on Tuesday, so no they haven't moved on. Don't forget though that they have Deveon Smith and Wyatt Shallman already committed. The WR/RB thing I don't think is a huge deal right now, they have secured some of their main targets at WR just not some top ones yet. If they can get Treadwell or Bailey it will be a non-discussion. It's hard to sell a system change, though, without recruits being able to see it already. All they've seen is Denard.

Todd (Kansas City)

A little OT from recruiting but could have an effect on it for sure... What's the word around Schembechler about J Robinson's court case and how do you foresee it being handled?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:29 PM)

That's a better question for Chantel or Mike, but it got adjourned again until July 16. It depends on if he's convicted or not.

tommy (Flint, MI)

Something i've been really wondering since there's been a bit of a lull in recruiting... What are the new weights of some of our players? How heavy are Roh, Black, Beyer, Clark, Morgan, our OL, Etc.... How light is Will C? haha

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:30 PM)

I don't know their exact weights, but I saw Craig Roh and he's bulked up for sure. He, and this could be wrong, but I seem to remember him saying he wanted to be up around 280? Will Campbell I saw him at camp last week and he looked like he was in great shape.

Mark (Chicago)

Do you think it would be possible to put up a chart or list (sticky) of our commits showing each ESPN ranking until the final ranking? It would be really cool to see how much they change from the first to the last release.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:30 PM)

Sure.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:30 PM)

Mark just remind me.

Alex (Iowa)

Is anyone else scheduled to visit this week besides Jordan Wilkins and Alvin Bailey?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:31 PM)

2014 DB Nick Glass was going to visit this week, but that got cancelled for family reasons. He's currently committed to Georgia.

Luke (Hudsonville)

Tom does lewis have a chance to pass fuller in the cb rankings, it sounds like teams were targeting fuller and staying away from lewis this weekend.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:32 PM)

I don't know if he'll pass him or not, but I don't know if it matters either. I have been saying for awhile that Jourdan is going to be very good, he's just really athletic and always seems to be in good position. He can also play receiver.

Ali (Chicago)

Do you know the muffin man? Better yet.. are you the muffin man?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:33 PM)

No, muffins are weird.

Kareem (Brooklyn)

for 2014, do you see us taking 2 QBs? and if we assume 20 spots for now, what would you guess is the breakdown by position?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:34 PM)

I don't think taking two in 2014 is really necessary, especially if they land one of their top targets. I broke down the positions for the 2014 class on our board, OL will be a focus again, landing a top running back, defensive backs will always be important, there will be limited numbers at linebacker, wide receiver will be a focus.

Phil (Oak Harbor OH)

over/under 30 questions about Treadwell/Bailey?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:35 PM)

Over

Todd (Kansas City)

Sticking with the receivers, do you see J Lewis playing both ways in A2?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:36 PM)

Great question. The coaches were at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp and Jourdan showed off that he can play receiver as well. I don't think it's out of the question. I think he's coming in as a defensive back, but I don't think it's out of the question.

Matt (SC)

Coaches really seem to want another RB in this class. Should we be on commit watch with Wilkins visit or do you think he still wants to take other visits before he decides? Whats Greene's timeline like? Has he visited all the schools he's considering?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:37 PM)

No, Wilkins said he might still visit Tennessee but he wants to make a decision before his senior season. I don't think he'd commit on the spot, and I think Michigan is a little behind right now anyway. The visit could help them though for sure.

Steve (Warren)

Are Alvin Bailey and McQuay interested in playing together at the next level? If so does this help us out with the Armwood duo?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:37 PM)

They're not trying to be a package deal, if that's what you mean. I don't think it would hurt, but they're not trying to make it happen.

Kareem (Brooklyn)

I've heard Drake Harris would prefer MSU for bball, do you see a Izzo vs Hoke battle, and would this be a first you come across (fball vs bball) recruiting a kid?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:39 PM)

I heard that early on, but I think Michigan has done some favors for themselves. Like I said before, too, he might have a decision to make on what sport he wants to play, and if he decides to play both he'll have to look at the best opportunity for both sports not just basketball. Michigan doesn't typically do this, OL Zach Banner wanted to play both, but Harris was really good at camp at receiver. Really good.

Dan (Clinton Twp.)

With the 2013 class almost full, any 2014 kids likely to commit soon? Who are the 2014 kids Michigan is strong with?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:41 PM)

WR Corey Holmes, who camped, said his Michigan offer was a dream, DB Damon Webb is a Michigan fan, Michigan has done a lot of good with OL Nathaniel Devers (doesn't yet have an offer), LB Michael Ferns has Michigan in his top three, RB Jonathan Hilliman, OL James Hendren is a Michigan fan (doesn't yet have an offer), TE Jeb Blazevich is interested, there are more names than that but those are a few.

Brian (Pa)

Channing Stribling...great pick up or big gamble given the number of scholarships left?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:43 PM)

Think of it this way, he camped for three days in front of Curt Mallory and Greg Mattison. They have the No. 1 ranked class in the country, two other very good corners already committed, and two listing Michigan in their top group. Michigan offered the kid with all that in mind. They didn't have to do that, but I was told that they loved him at camp. They weren't in panic mode, or in a situation where they needed to offer him, but they did. That should tell you how they felt about his performance and his potential. Michigan now has two corners over 6-1 with good speed.

Luke (Hudsonville)

Any chance stribling plays wr?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:43 PM)

He's a corner.

Jim (Ohio)

What's Michigans chances with LB Michael Ferns?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:44 PM)

He loved his visit recently. He said he was shocked by the whole visit, and they did themselves a lot of favors with him. He has Michigan in his top three with Notre Dame and Penn State.

Tim (Moscow,PA)

Webb seemed pretty excited with his Ohio offer. Is that shaping up to be a Michigan vs. Ohio battle?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:44 PM)

He's a sophomore in high school, I think he's excited by every offer he gets.

brach (bay city mi)

Tom sees like we are hearing the same names over and over. Any sleepers were not hearing about who may come out of left field last minute? WIth the 2 star we signed last week at corner im thingking RB or WR

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:46 PM)

It's a unique year because they are so far ahead. There are only around two spots left and camp is where you usually see the sleepers pop up. You saw Channing Stribling happen, but a lot of 2013 kids didn't come to camp because Michigan is so full. There were a lot of 2014 prospects there, so it doesn't seem likely unless they miss on most of the remaining targets.

Matt (SC)

If one of the RB targets commits next, does the Stribling commit influence the coaches to reserve the last spot for a WR, or would Fuller or Mcquay still be in the mix if they wanted it?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:46 PM)

Fuller and McQuay are still in the mix regardless.

Tuggs (Philly)

Tom-There were rumors last week that Shane did not perform all that well at the UM camp and that some are starting to doubt his dedication to football. In your opinion should UM fans be worried Sugar Shane is more into his twitter feed and celebrity status than improving his game?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:48 PM)

I already addressed this, but Shane looked great at camp and is one of the more dedicated prospects in this class. Sure he's on twitter and in the public, but he's also a kid. He's allowed to do that, he's in high school. Just because he's a top football prospect doesn't mean he has to stop having fun or doing what kids do. His performance at camp, I thought was great, anyway. He had touch on the ball, good accuracy and only had a few throws that I felt he needed to dial back. I've said this a few times, but he had a pass that the receiver turned late on and it hit him right in the face mask. Shane looked great, and does more than most to prepare for football.

Robert (Ann Arbor)

How do you foresee the coaches distributing all the incoming secondary recruits? In 2013, there are will be no sophomore corners, assuming Richardson redshirts to put on weight. I see no way around playing some of the taller freshman. All the upperclassmen will be 5'11" or shorter and generally not thought of as capable of holding down a starting spot.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:50 PM)

Competition, competition, competition. This is what Hoke wants. He wants teammates making each other better and working to keep their spot. It's a good situation to have. I do think the younger DB's will be in the mix to get playing time.

Donovan (Las Vegas)

With what Michigan has done with the early commits for 2013, do you see them possibly setting a trend/standard for future recruiting?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:52 PM)

This class was crazy and there was a lot of factors that went into the early decisions. It seemed like a domino effect, really. I think they'll definitely get some earlier commitments again in 2014, but I don't know if it's going to be this fast. 22 commits by the end of June is crazy.

CJ Murphy (Connecticut)

What do you think of the offer that was sent out to Channing Stribling as opposed to waiting on what ESPN and other recruiting sites deem as better prospects such as Fuller and McQuay. Although I trust the coaches it just seems to me that we could have sent this offer out to Stribling several months from now after both fuller and McQuay decide and still have gotten a commitment.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:52 PM)

"Better prospects" is subjective. Like I always say, at some point you're splitting hairs on certain prospects. There's no way of measuring how many more wins one prospect will get you over another. The coaches saw Stribling in person for three days and knew that they wanted him.

Vinny (Columbus)

I don't know a whole lot about Jordan Wilkins' abilities. I've seen tape on Derrick Green. Would Michigan be settling with Wilkins or would a commitment from him be something to get excited about?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:53 PM)

Definitely something to be excited about. ESPN has him as a four-star, and he would be a great addition.

Troy (Birmingham)

First, Jason from GR that's a clown question. Tom, from reading "the den" posts its seems like the coaches make decisions on kids and go after them with pretty much the same approach. Basically, "we are committed to success both in the classroom and on the field and we will win with or without you, you have an offer but so do other kids and your offer is good until we take the number of kids we want." Is this the basic pitch that ever kid gets from Hoke and the staff. I'm sure with a bunch of 17-19 year olds you have to say it in a more coddling tone but that is the jist, right?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:54 PM)

Yeah, I mean they don't need to say it like that but the culture and way of business that Hoke is building is basically setting that tone. They're definitely not begging anyone to commit, that's for sure. Recruits see that Michigan has the No. 1 class and they have top guys, so they know the situation.

Kareem (Brooklyn)

Are you able to shed any light as to why a ball hawking FS wasn't a priority for '13? l loved the wilson pick up, are the coaches just content with Wilson and Clark to skip a yr? We just seem thin on talent in the current roster

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:55 PM)

People seem to overlook Dymonte Thomas. He hasn't been out to camps or combines because he plays other sports, but I'll tell you right now that you should be as excited about Michigan getting Thomas as anyone else. He's going to be very good.

D (TO)

Can't believe I'm wasting a possible post on this but muffins are mini-cakes, they deserve a little love. #GoBlue at least

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:56 PM)

I like the cinnamon muffins from CostCo and blueberry, outside of that they're a waste of time. I'd rather have a cupcake.

Chris (AA)

When is the desert bracket coming out? Have you sampled them all yet?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:56 PM)

Soon, we have all the desserts just figuring out formatting.

Andy (Troy)

When does the 2014 ESPN 300 come out? Interested to see where UM's 2014 targets rank.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:57 PM)

I believe August, but I could be wrong on that. I know they're working on it.

Troy (Birmingham)

Tom, I don't know if this is even known or not but are these recruits being offered one year, two year or the full four year/five with RS scholarships?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:58 PM)

Hoke said on signing day for the 2012 class that Michigan will be offering four year scholarships. I believe the 2012 kids got four year scholarships.

Chris (AA)

First time in your chat Auto-Update has actually worked. Just fyi.

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:58 PM)

Giddy up

Chris (AA)

Michigan still looking good to land McDowell once his mom lets him when school starts come sept?

Tom VanHaaren

  (12:59 PM)

We'll see. There are some outside factors with him, so we'll see how it plays out and what happens.

Ron (Toledo)

It seems as if Michigan will have several top recruits right their own backyard for 2014. How many of these recruits would you say are Michigan locks? And how much of a priority do you think it is for the coaches to keep in-state talent from going elsewhere?

Tom VanHaaren

  (1:00 PM)

I don't like to use the word lock with recruiting because things change often. I think Michigan has a very good chance with a lot of them, and it's a huge priority for the staff to keep the top in-state guys committed to Michigan. That will always be a priority under Hoke.

Tom VanHaaren

  (1:01 PM)

Alright, that's it for me. Thank you again for joining me, and I appreciate all the questions. As always you can follow me on Twitter @TomVH, and if you haven't signed up for WolverineNation yet, it's only roughly $2.50 per month with a 2 year subscription....so what are you waiting for?! Have a good one.