With Isaac gone, Wolverines turn to Wilkins and Green 
May, 16, 2012
May 16
2:43
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
A pair of power tailbacks from the south have become prime targets for Michigan.
Jordan Wilkins from Cordova (Tn.) St. Benedict and Derrick Green from Richmond (Va.) Hermitage are towards the top of the list for the Wolverines. It's an obvious reaction to losing out on Ty Isaac from Joliet (Ill.) Catholic, who committed to Southern California this week.
Michigan recruiters stopped by Wilkins' school on Monday. Recruiters from the school have told him that with they don't have many scholarships remaining. The Wolverines have 18 commitments for the 2013 class.
Jordan Wilkins from Cordova (Tn.) St. Benedict and Derrick Green from Richmond (Va.) Hermitage are towards the top of the list for the Wolverines. It's an obvious reaction to losing out on Ty Isaac from Joliet (Ill.) Catholic, who committed to Southern California this week.
Michigan recruiters stopped by Wilkins' school on Monday. Recruiters from the school have told him that with they don't have many scholarships remaining. The Wolverines have 18 commitments for the 2013 class.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Michigan sweeps Big Ten softball awards
May, 16, 2012
May 16
1:45
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Michigan won its fifth consecutive Big Ten title last weekend.
On Wednesday, it swept the league's awards as well.
Senior first baseman Amanda Chidester was named the Big Ten Player of the Year for the second straight season after hitting .433 in Big Ten play. It is the third straight season a Michigan player has won the award.
Pitcher Haylie Wagner was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year, the first player to win both awards in the same season since 1992.
Michigan coach Carol Hutchins was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year for the 13th time.
Wagner and Chidester were also on the all-Big Ten first team along with freshman utility player Sara Driesenga.
On Wednesday, it swept the league's awards as well.
Senior first baseman Amanda Chidester was named the Big Ten Player of the Year for the second straight season after hitting .433 in Big Ten play. It is the third straight season a Michigan player has won the award.
Pitcher Haylie Wagner was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year, the first player to win both awards in the same season since 1992.
Michigan coach Carol Hutchins was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year for the 13th time.
Wagner and Chidester were also on the all-Big Ten first team along with freshman utility player Sara Driesenga.
While Michigan football and basketball continue long breaks with spring and summer sessions, other sports are hitting the postseason.
Included in that is Michigan softball, which travels for a NCAA tournament game for the first time since the 2009 Women’s College World Series when it heads to Louisville, Ky., this weekend for an NCAA regional.
And of course, there is always recruiting as Michigan continues to pile up recruits in both football and basketball.
Included in that is Michigan softball, which travels for a NCAA tournament game for the first time since the 2009 Women’s College World Series when it heads to Louisville, Ky., this weekend for an NCAA regional.
And of course, there is always recruiting as Michigan continues to pile up recruits in both football and basketball.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
With the early success in the 2013 recruiting class, the Michigan football staff has had the opportunity to put out more offers in the 2014 class. One area on which it has focused its efforts in is the secondary, where they've already handed out five offers.
Cornerback Parrker Westphal (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) is one of the players whom the Wolverines keyed in on early. The 6-foot, 180-pound Westphal has already picked up 11 offers, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida and Notre Dame.
Westphal started as a freshman on the Bolingbrook varsity squad, but coach John Ivlow knew about the talented youngster long before that.
Cornerback Parrker Westphal (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) is one of the players whom the Wolverines keyed in on early. The 6-foot, 180-pound Westphal has already picked up 11 offers, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida and Notre Dame.
Westphal started as a freshman on the Bolingbrook varsity squad, but coach John Ivlow knew about the talented youngster long before that.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- It’s the question Drake Harris gets all the time.
As the Class of 2014 dual-sport prospect starts to figure out whether he wants to play football or basketball in college, even he gets confused sometimes. For now, that answer depends on the time of year.
“It just depends on what season I’m in,” Harris said. “I like football more if I’m playing football and during basketball season I like basketball more. But I love them both, and right now I’m looking to maybe play both in college but I don’t know right now.
As the Class of 2014 dual-sport prospect starts to figure out whether he wants to play football or basketball in college, even he gets confused sometimes. For now, that answer depends on the time of year.
“It just depends on what season I’m in,” Harris said. “I like football more if I’m playing football and during basketball season I like basketball more. But I love them both, and right now I’m looking to maybe play both in college but I don’t know right now.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Ty Isaac (Joliet, Ill./Joliet Catholic), one of Michigan's main running back targets, committed to USC on Tuesday, which means that the Wolverines need to reevaluate their plan at running back.
Isaac was the first priority, but now that he's a Trojan the Michigan coaching staff will likely turn its efforts to Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage) and Jordan Wilkins (Cordova, Tenn./St. Benedict).
Green has taken a visit to Michigan, but an effort will be made to get Wilkins on campus. The coaching staff, according to Wilkins, used an evaluation on the four-star running back on Monday.
Isaac was the first priority, but now that he's a Trojan the Michigan coaching staff will likely turn its efforts to Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage) and Jordan Wilkins (Cordova, Tenn./St. Benedict).
Green has taken a visit to Michigan, but an effort will be made to get Wilkins on campus. The coaching staff, according to Wilkins, used an evaluation on the four-star running back on Monday.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
He hasn’t even completed his sophomore year of high school, but Braden Smith (Olathe, Kan./Olathe South) is already a highly sought-after offensive tackle recruit. At 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, Smith has room to grow but has already shown enough to earn early offers from Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio State, Stanford, Nebraska and others.
“He’s the best player I’ve ever seen as an offensive or defensive linemen,” Olathe South coach Jeff Gourley said. “I’ve coached for 27 years, I’ve never seen anybody like him, even on the ESPN high school game of the week ... Florida, Texas, there’s nobody in the country like him.”
The Sooners recognized the talent of the class of 2014 prospect early in the process.
“He’s the best player I’ve ever seen as an offensive or defensive linemen,” Olathe South coach Jeff Gourley said. “I’ve coached for 27 years, I’ve never seen anybody like him, even on the ESPN high school game of the week ... Florida, Texas, there’s nobody in the country like him.”
The Sooners recognized the talent of the class of 2014 prospect early in the process.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Now that Michigan has two receivers committed with Jaron Dukes (Columbus, Ohio/Marion-Franklin) and Csont’e York (Detroit/Chandler Academy), the discussion about what prospect will fill that last spot has heated up.
Here is a look at the prospects remaining, their rankings and where they’re at in the process.
Jordan Cunningham (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School of Nova South)
Ranking: Four-star, No. 32 overall, No. 4 receiver
Here is a look at the prospects remaining, their rankings and where they’re at in the process.
Jordan Cunningham (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School of Nova South)
Ranking: Four-star, No. 32 overall, No. 4 receiver
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Wangler name resurfaces in 2013 prospect
May, 15, 2012
May 15
7:35
AM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
For Michigan fans the name “Wangler” is pretty familiar.
John Wangler was Bo Schembechler’s first pass-first quarterback, and when he made that perfect throw to a streaking Anthony Carter in 1979 for the Wolverines’ 27-21 win over Indiana, he solidified himself in Michigan football history.
And now his son, 2013 wide receiver prospect Jack Wangler (Warren, Mich./De La Salle), might be the next Wangler who dons a winged helmet.
John Wangler was Bo Schembechler’s first pass-first quarterback, and when he made that perfect throw to a streaking Anthony Carter in 1979 for the Wolverines’ 27-21 win over Indiana, he solidified himself in Michigan football history.
And now his son, 2013 wide receiver prospect Jack Wangler (Warren, Mich./De La Salle), might be the next Wangler who dons a winged helmet.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan wide receiver Jerald Robinson appeared in court Monday morning for his pretrial hearing, which his lawyer requested to have adjourned to June 4 at 9 a.m. Judge Elizabeth Pollard Hines granted the request.
Robinson was charged in February for a misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of property. After failing to appear his March 23 arraignment hearing he had a bench warrant issued for his arrest. That warrant was dismissed on April 20 after Robinson appeared for his arraignment.
Robinson declined further comment following the proceedings.
If convicted, Robinson could face up to a year in prison and a fine of $2,000.
Robinson was charged in February for a misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of property. After failing to appear his March 23 arraignment hearing he had a bench warrant issued for his arrest. That warrant was dismissed on April 20 after Robinson appeared for his arraignment.
Robinson declined further comment following the proceedings.
If convicted, Robinson could face up to a year in prison and a fine of $2,000.
Michigan has added another player to its Class of 2012 haul late in the process.
Guard Caris LeVert (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central) gave a late commitment to the Wolverines after a visit last week, making him the fifth member of his class.
The 6-foot-4 LeVert became available after he asked for a release from his scholarship from Ohio following then-Bobcats coach John Groce’s departure for Illinois. LeVert then decided to open up his recruitment, which led to interest from Michigan, Purdue and Dayton.
Guard Caris LeVert (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central) gave a late commitment to the Wolverines after a visit last week, making him the fifth member of his class.
The 6-foot-4 LeVert became available after he asked for a release from his scholarship from Ohio following then-Bobcats coach John Groce’s departure for Illinois. LeVert then decided to open up his recruitment, which led to interest from Michigan, Purdue and Dayton.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Michigan showing interest in Sellers
May, 11, 2012
May 11
12:28
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- It started with a suggestion.
Teammate Bryant McIntosh invited Sean Sellers (Greensburg, Ind./Greensburg) to play basketball with him over the summer. Sellers listened, but he was a baseball player. He liked basketball, but baseball consumed his summer months.
Something told him it might be a good idea. He seemed naturally gifted with basketball. So Sellers agreed and soon enough, baseball went by the wayside to where he isn’t even playing the sport this spring.
Teammate Bryant McIntosh invited Sean Sellers (Greensburg, Ind./Greensburg) to play basketball with him over the summer. Sellers listened, but he was a baseball player. He liked basketball, but baseball consumed his summer months.
Something told him it might be a good idea. He seemed naturally gifted with basketball. So Sellers agreed and soon enough, baseball went by the wayside to where he isn’t even playing the sport this spring.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Michigan
2011 overall record: 11-2
2011 conference record: 6-2 (2nd, Legends Division)
Returning starters
Offense: 6; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Denard Robinson; RB Fitzgerald Toussaint; WR Roy Roundtree; WR Jeremy Gallon; LT Taylor Lewan; RT Michael Schofield; DE Craig Roh; LB Jake Ryan; LB Kenny Demens; LB Desmond Morgan; CB J.T. Floyd; CB Blake Countess; S Thomas Gordon; S Jordan Kovacs.
Key losses
WR Junior Hemingway; WR Darryl Stonum; WR/KR Martavious Odoms; TE Kevin Koger; C David Molk; RT Mark Huyge; DT Mike Martin; DE/DT Ryan Van Bergen; DT Will Heininger.
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Denard Robinson* (1,176 yards)
Passing: Denard Robinson* (2,173 yards)
Receiving: Junior Hemingway (699 yards)
Tackles: Kenny Demens* (94)
Sacks: Ryan Van Bergen (5.5)
Interceptions: Courtney Avery* and J.T. Floyd* (2)
Spring answers
1. Quarterback accuracy: Denard Robinson played one series in the public spring scrimmage, but coaches raved about his improved leadership, decision-making and accuracy throughout the spring. The latter two were major issues for Michigan last season. While it is unknown whether Robinson will truly be more accurate until Sept. 1 against Alabama -- Michigan closed all of its practices to the media this spring -- offensive coordinator Al Borges was very confident in Robinson’s potential for his senior season.
2. Cornerback has depth: Two seasons ago, cornerback was the biggest question on Michigan’s team because of youth, inexperience and a lack of talent. That is no longer an issue. The Wolverines have as many as six players they could feel comfortable with come the fall, and that doesn’t include incoming freshman Terry Richardson (Detroit/Cass Tech), the highest-ranked player in Michigan's incoming signing class. Sophomore Blake Countess could turn into a star, and fifth-year senior J.T. Floyd is the most consistent corner the Wolverines have. They’ll be the likely starters.
3. A featured back is set: Borges made no hesitation: Redshirt junior Fitzgerald Toussaint is going into the fall as his top tailback -- a marked change from what the Wolverines endured last spring and through the first half of last season. Toussaint rushed for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns last season, giving Michigan a dynamic dual running game with Robinson. With major questions at wide receiver and tight end, expect a lot of running from Toussaint and Robinson, especially early in the season.
Fall questions
1. Who is catching the ball: Michigan’s coaches spoke highly of Jeremy Gallon, Jerald Robinson and Roy Roundtree during the spring as their top three receivers, but Robinson has never caught a pass, Gallon has had one season of consistent productivity, and Roundtree saw his numbers plummet last season, where he had 19 catches for 355 yards. Tight end isn’t much better, as the position group has two career catches. Denard Robinson’s two best safety valves -- Junior Hemingway and Kevin Koger -- graduated so even if Denard Robinson is improved, he might need to hunt to find a reliable receiver option. Incoming freshman Devin Funchess (Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison) could be an option at tight end.
2. Who is pressuring the quarterback: Michigan took its biggest hits on the defensive line, which saw three starters graduate -- Mike Martin was a third-round draft pick, Ryan Van Bergen signed a free agent contract and Will Heininger graduated -- and its fourth starter, Craig Roh, switch positions. Michigan insists it’ll be OK there. Will Campbell and converted end Jibreel Black will likely start inside, and either sophomore Brennen Beyer or sophomore Frank Clark will start at rush end. The success of Michigan’s defense last season relied on pressure the front four created. With an almost completely new group there, how they fare against opponents will be interesting to see.
3. Punting problems: Somewhere along the way last season, Will Hagerup lost his mojo, much like kicker Brendan Gibbons the year before. A strong-legged punter, Hagerup wasn’t connecting with the ball well and eventually lost his job to freshman Matt Wile. Now entering his junior year, Michigan hopes either Hagerup regains his form or Wile becomes more consistent. The Wolverines’ offense should be fairly prolific, but with a defense searching for pressure early on, it needs to be able to control field position with the punter.
2011 overall record: 11-2
2011 conference record: 6-2 (2nd, Legends Division)
Returning starters
Offense: 6; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Denard Robinson; RB Fitzgerald Toussaint; WR Roy Roundtree; WR Jeremy Gallon; LT Taylor Lewan; RT Michael Schofield; DE Craig Roh; LB Jake Ryan; LB Kenny Demens; LB Desmond Morgan; CB J.T. Floyd; CB Blake Countess; S Thomas Gordon; S Jordan Kovacs.
Key losses
WR Junior Hemingway; WR Darryl Stonum; WR/KR Martavious Odoms; TE Kevin Koger; C David Molk; RT Mark Huyge; DT Mike Martin; DE/DT Ryan Van Bergen; DT Will Heininger.
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Denard Robinson* (1,176 yards)
Passing: Denard Robinson* (2,173 yards)
Receiving: Junior Hemingway (699 yards)
Tackles: Kenny Demens* (94)
Sacks: Ryan Van Bergen (5.5)
Interceptions: Courtney Avery* and J.T. Floyd* (2)
Spring answers
1. Quarterback accuracy: Denard Robinson played one series in the public spring scrimmage, but coaches raved about his improved leadership, decision-making and accuracy throughout the spring. The latter two were major issues for Michigan last season. While it is unknown whether Robinson will truly be more accurate until Sept. 1 against Alabama -- Michigan closed all of its practices to the media this spring -- offensive coordinator Al Borges was very confident in Robinson’s potential for his senior season.
2. Cornerback has depth: Two seasons ago, cornerback was the biggest question on Michigan’s team because of youth, inexperience and a lack of talent. That is no longer an issue. The Wolverines have as many as six players they could feel comfortable with come the fall, and that doesn’t include incoming freshman Terry Richardson (Detroit/Cass Tech), the highest-ranked player in Michigan's incoming signing class. Sophomore Blake Countess could turn into a star, and fifth-year senior J.T. Floyd is the most consistent corner the Wolverines have. They’ll be the likely starters.
3. A featured back is set: Borges made no hesitation: Redshirt junior Fitzgerald Toussaint is going into the fall as his top tailback -- a marked change from what the Wolverines endured last spring and through the first half of last season. Toussaint rushed for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns last season, giving Michigan a dynamic dual running game with Robinson. With major questions at wide receiver and tight end, expect a lot of running from Toussaint and Robinson, especially early in the season.
Fall questions
1. Who is catching the ball: Michigan’s coaches spoke highly of Jeremy Gallon, Jerald Robinson and Roy Roundtree during the spring as their top three receivers, but Robinson has never caught a pass, Gallon has had one season of consistent productivity, and Roundtree saw his numbers plummet last season, where he had 19 catches for 355 yards. Tight end isn’t much better, as the position group has two career catches. Denard Robinson’s two best safety valves -- Junior Hemingway and Kevin Koger -- graduated so even if Denard Robinson is improved, he might need to hunt to find a reliable receiver option. Incoming freshman Devin Funchess (Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison) could be an option at tight end.
2. Who is pressuring the quarterback: Michigan took its biggest hits on the defensive line, which saw three starters graduate -- Mike Martin was a third-round draft pick, Ryan Van Bergen signed a free agent contract and Will Heininger graduated -- and its fourth starter, Craig Roh, switch positions. Michigan insists it’ll be OK there. Will Campbell and converted end Jibreel Black will likely start inside, and either sophomore Brennen Beyer or sophomore Frank Clark will start at rush end. The success of Michigan’s defense last season relied on pressure the front four created. With an almost completely new group there, how they fare against opponents will be interesting to see.
3. Punting problems: Somewhere along the way last season, Will Hagerup lost his mojo, much like kicker Brendan Gibbons the year before. A strong-legged punter, Hagerup wasn’t connecting with the ball well and eventually lost his job to freshman Matt Wile. Now entering his junior year, Michigan hopes either Hagerup regains his form or Wile becomes more consistent. The Wolverines’ offense should be fairly prolific, but with a defense searching for pressure early on, it needs to be able to control field position with the punter.
Freshman defensive end Chris Rock has left the Michigan football team, a Michigan spokesman confirmed Thursday night.
Rock, from Columbus, Ohio, redshirted and did not play last season.
The 6-foot-5, 267-pound lineman was rated by ESPN as the No. 34 defensive end in the Class of 2011. He had 15 sacks as a junior in high school.
Rock, from Columbus, Ohio, redshirted and did not play last season.
The 6-foot-5, 267-pound lineman was rated by ESPN as the No. 34 defensive end in the Class of 2011. He had 15 sacks as a junior in high school.
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.