Harbaugh makes the 5th year seniors try out for the team....

[litespeedhuskerfan]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nca...h-year-seniors-try-out-at-michigan/ar-AAdmMgV

After that interview with Cowherd, and now this...Yikes. I know Michigan fans will defend him no matter what, but I think he's getting off to a rough start there.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

May I am the dumb one here, but is this normal? I've never heard of it before, but if it's normal then perhaps I am being a little harsh on Hargod.

 

[whiplash]

Probably a more politically correct way to cut dead weight. Similar to not including players on the 105 man roster. Let them know that the writing is on the wall and see who really wants to be there.

 

[ReuniteGondwanaland]

5th year senior scholarship players? Unless Michigan is over the 85-man roster limit, which seems unlikely given the tiny 14-man class they signed last year, what would the benefit be of doing this? Would seem easier to just quietly not include anybody you didn't want on the 105 man roster, and then put them on the scout team.

 

[nebcountry]

I look at it the same way for both Riley and Harbaugh. Every position is open. Everyone has to show why they should be on the team. Different delivery, same message.

As a coach, do you want any older players that don't fully embrace your new culture.

 

[NikkiSixx]

reminds me of another head coach with mental issues.. he will be an embarrassment and glad we don't have to claim him

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

If Riley came in here and did that I wouldn't be happy. If they are still on school by their 5th year, regardless of whether or not they contributed, they should be able to stay. Assuming they stay out of trouble, go to class, etc, etc.

I think it's a pretty low class move, but the more I learn about Hargod, the less I like him and this doesn't surprise me.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

If Riley came in here and did that I wouldn't be happy. If they are still on school by their 5th year, regardless of whether or not they contributed, they should be able to stay. Assuming they stay out of trouble, go to class, etc, etc.

I think it's a pretty low class move, but the more I learn about Hargod, the less I like him and this doesn't surprise me.

I am with this idea. I guess I don't see how it hurts the team if they stay on...They have 5 months left, let them have it.

 

[Harry Caray]

I don't see the big deal. Didn't Coach Riley tell our starting long-snapper to transfer because he wouldn't see the field next year? Nobody is entitled to a spot with a new coach and a new system.

 

[leodisflowers]

reminds me of another head coach with mental issues.. he will be an embarrassment and glad we don't have to claim him

Mental issues yes, but he wins. I have no problem with Riley, but I would take Harbaugh over him in a second. Jimmy ballgame is a winner, and is going to have Michigan back to a scary good level.

 

[bigboxes]

Mental issues yes, but he wins. I have no problem with Riley, but I would take Harbaugh over him in a second. Jimmy ballgame is a winner, and is going to have Michigan back to a scary good level.

Not really. He's another Bo. It feels good for awhile. Later, after he's burned enough bridges and you wonder why the team has plateued and it's not getting better you wonder if he'll ever lose enough so that you can fire him. Good luck Michigan. You're going to need it.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

I don't see the big deal. Didn't Coach Riley tell our starting long-snapper to transfer because he wouldn't see the field next year? Nobody is entitled to a spot with a new coach and a new system.

That's a great point, and I guess I am OK with a coach cherry picking a guy or two, it happens, you know that going in, especially a niche spot like a long snapper, but the whole 5th year senior class? Seems a little heavy handed to me, but such is the nature of big time college athletics I guess.

 

[leodisflowers]

Not really. He's another Bo. It feels good for awhile. Later, after he's burned enough bridges and you wonder why the team has plateued and it's not getting better you wonder if he'll ever lose enough so that you can fire him. Good luck Michigan. You're going to need it.

You are more than entitled to your opinion, but he is WAY better than Bo. He may wear out his welcome, and he may be crazy, but he took an awful Stanford team, and made them a Power House. If he stays there, he probably has a National Title or two. He tore up the NFL as well. Bo couldn't hold a candle to any of those things. It doesn't really matter, but Michigan IS going to be really really good soon. They have a lot going for them right now.

 

[vic.valiant]

I know Michigan fans will defend him no matter what, but I think he's getting off to a rough start there.

I'm a Michigan fan and I wouldn't defend him if he threw a puppy off a bridge...just sayin'

One of the biggest issues that longtime Michigan fans have complained about is the "Country Club" atmosphere that surrounded the Wolverine program after the Schembechler years. I think a thoughtful Michigan fan would have to admit that the Wolverines felt that they could win on talent alone. Say what you like about Bo but his teams were not soft and a two score lead at the end of the 3rd quarter meant the students could leave early and get back to drinking because Michigan simply didn't lose such games.

Much like the 2001 game in Boulder for you guys Colorado's 1994 "Miracle at Michigan" was a watershed moment in Michigan football history. Michigan led 26-14 with 3:52 left in the game with Colorado on their own 28. It was a ho-hum grind 'em out kind of contest and money in the bank. DC Lloyd Carr then coaches the defense to an epic collapse. Time and time again during the Carr era we witnessed 4th quarter double digit lead after 4th quarter double digit lead end up in defeat and all the while the players were enjoying rock star status, stellar support from the Wolverine community, first class facilities and all the perks that go with being a Michigan Wolverine football player.

But Michigan had gotten soft and we knew it.

It seems to me that a full ride University scholarship is a a covenant, a two way deal, not an open ended promise. The University promises 4 years tuition,books,room and board while the student promises to be worthy of that consideration in whatever their endeavor, they behave themselves and that they graduate in the allotted time. None of us would raise an eyebrow if the gifted high school math wiz got straight C's and who didn't graduate in 4 years got his scholarship pulled. Nobody would condemn the Band Leader from pulling the scholarship from the 5th year senior trombone player because they weren't up to snuff. And so it should be with any 5th year athlete in any sport. If you can't compete with that much experience then the University has fulfilled its part of the covenant and owes nothing more.

Welcome to life as an adult.

In many ways competition brings out the best in us and more importantly instills the attitude that no thing is a sure thing. I applaud Harbaugh's policy that all players especially 5th year seniors compete for the honor of playing football at the University of Michigan. While this is no guarantee that a 4th quarter collapse will never happen it will ensure that the players who were there earned the right to be at that place and at that time. It does guarantee that none of them will be soft.

Go Blue!

 

[studed]

I look at it the same way for both Riley and Harbaugh. Every position is open. Everyone has to show why they should be on the team. Different delivery, same message.

As a coach, do you want any older players that don't fully embrace your new culture.

THIS is correct. under hoke the team became lazy and the best player player didnt always start. . some guys have transferred because they were not just given a starting spot or guaranteed playing time next year

 

[studed]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nca...h-year-seniors-try-out-at-michigan/ar-AAdmMgV

After that interview with Cowherd, and now this...Yikes. I know Michigan fans will defend him no matter what, but I think he's getting off to a rough start there.

he is not getting off to a rough start. fans of michigan are loving everything he is doing. michigan had to stop selling season tickets because they had already sold 90,000 season tickets and a lot more people wanted them. it has been anything but a rough start. nobody cares about the interview with cowherd. rough start would be if he was not recuiting well and went 5-7 in his first year

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

From the outside looking in, or at least from where I sit, it looks like a rough start. Of course you will disagree. I would expect nothing less, and if nobody cared about the interview then why did so many people talk about it, and thought Hargod looked like a total tool?

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

he is not getting off to a rough start. fans of michigan are loving everything he is doing. michigan had to stop selling season tickets because they had already sold 90,000 season tickets and a lot more people wanted them. it has been anything but a rough start. nobody cares about the interview with cowherd. rough start would be if he was not recuiting well and went 5-7 in his first year

Who was the guy that used to post here that was the big Wolvsker? Anyone remembet who that was? That guy disappeared real fast after Hoke flamed out.

 

[nebcountry]

I'm no Harbaugh expert. I've seen some interviews, heard/read stories. So this is how I could see it. Harbaugh is very demanding, has high expectations, and is very vocal. If there are UM players that aren't giving 100%, there will be fallout.

Both NU and UM are instilling a new culture, different methods, different expectations. If someone is not part of the solution, they're part of the problem. I'm not a fan of Harbaugh, I don't like his methods. IMO, Riley and Harbaugh are trying to reach the same state, 100% buy-in, 100% effort. Harbaugh just goes about it in a less glamorous fashion. There's been players leaving NU this year as well.

 

[klemman]

I think I understand why Harbaugh did that, as mentioned above- creating some kind of no one is entitled attitude. But it is a risk to utilize such a tactic, and even more of a risk by making it so public.

I have no doubt Harbaugh is a smart guy, but sometimes smart guys outthink themselves. If his out of the box antics lead to championships,then he will be considered an eccentric genius. If not he will be considered weird and recalcitrant.

 

[huskerfan66]

Agreed.

I look at it the same way for both Riley and Harbaugh. Every position is open. Everyone has to show why they should be on the team. Different delivery, same message.

As a coach, do you want any older players that don't fully embrace your new culture.

Nd trying out for the team can mean many things including interviews. I don't have a problem with it. Actually could be beneficial.

 

[St. Anger]

I'm a Michigan fan and I wouldn't defend him if he threw a puppy off a bridge...just sayin'

One of the biggest issues that longtime Michigan fans have complained about is the "Country Club" atmosphere that surrounded the Wolverine program after the Schembechler years. I think a thoughtful Michigan fan would have to admit that the Wolverines felt that they could win on talent alone. Say what you like about Bo but his teams were not soft and a two score lead at the end of the 3rd quarter meant the students could leave early and get back to drinking because Michigan simply didn't lose such games.

Much like the 2001 game in Boulder for you guys Colorado's 1994 "Miracle at Michigan" was a watershed moment in Michigan football history. Michigan led 26-14 with 3:52 left in the game with Colorado on their own 28. It was a ho-hum grind 'em out kind of contest and money in the bank. DC Lloyd Carr then coaches the defense to an epic collapse. Time and time again during the Carr era we witnessed 4th quarter double digit lead after 4th quarter double digit lead end up in defeat and all the while the players were enjoying rock star status, stellar support from the Wolverine community, first class facilities and all the perks that go with being a Michigan Wolverine football player.

But Michigan had gotten soft and we knew it.

It seems to me that a full ride University scholarship is a a covenant, a two way deal, not an open ended promise. The University promises 4 years tuition,books,room and board while the student promises to be worthy of that consideration in whatever their endeavor, they behave themselves and that they graduate in the allotted time. None of us would raise an eyebrow if the gifted high school math wiz got straight C's and who didn't graduate in 4 years got his scholarship pulled. Nobody would condemn the Band Leader from pulling the scholarship from the 5th year senior trombone player because they weren't up to snuff. And so it should be with any 5th year athlete in any sport. If you can't compete with that much experience then the University has fulfilled its part of the covenant and owes nothing more.

Welcome to life as an adult.

In many ways competition brings out the best in us and more importantly instills the attitude that no thing is a sure thing. I applaud Harbaugh's policy that all players especially 5th year seniors compete for the honor of playing football at the University of Michigan. While this is no guarantee that a 4th quarter collapse will never happen it will ensure that the players who were there earned the right to be at that place and at that time. It does guarantee that none of them will be soft.

Go Blue!

I enjoyed this.

 

[ThereIsNoPlace]

Name an individual that reaches greatness who is not eccentric. Consider these examples:

Elvis: Drugs & Food
Michael Jackson: Monkeys, boys & drugs.
Babe Ruth: Candy Bars & Beer
Muhammad Ali: Draft Dodger
Bruce Jenner: Boobs.
Tiger Woods: Cheater, Cheater ?!_! $$`/ eater.
Harbaugh: Wants to win at anyone's expense.

Doesn't look so crazy now does he? I wouldn't expect those trying to just win 9 games to understand.

 

[littleton tiger]

I don't have a problem with this move by CJH. If, by the start of your 5th season you aren't on the 2-deep you should have the class and good sense to move on ad free up a scholly for a more talented underclassman. As a new coach JH is simply doing what must be done to move the program forward.

 

[otismotis08]

Jimmy is a perfect fit for them. And if he fails, he won't hang around either. He'll just find something else to do.

 

[ellobo]

This was less about talent and more about which players were willing to buy in and compete. In one way or another he challenged all players/classes in this regard. We were 5-7 last year and with the way Michigan recruits things should never get that bad.

They did because too many players got used to losing and just started going through the motions. It is still a work in progress but the biggest thing Harbaugh had to do is change that attitude. This has not been a test of talent but a test of desire...looking for the kids who will go out and compete. It sucks that this kid feels slighted but he was given a choice and chose not to accept the challenge. I hope his decision works out for him as well as for some of the other kids who are still on the fence...doubt this is the last story you hear about things like this.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Name an individual that reaches greatness who is not eccentric. Consider these examples:

Elvis: Drugs & Food
Michael Jackson: Monkeys, boys & drugs.
Babe Ruth: Candy Bars & Beer
Muhammad Ali: Draft Dodger
Bruce Jenner: Boobs.
Tiger Woods: Cheater, Cheater ?!_! $$`/ eater.
Harbaugh: Wants to win at anyone's expense.

Doesn't look so crazy now does he? I wouldn't expect those trying to just win 9 games to understand.

Being bat shit crazy is not a prerequisite to win championships.

This is football, you don't need to be Albert Einstein

 

[bigboxes]

This was less about talent and more about which players were willing to buy in and compete. In one way or another he challenged all players/classes in this regard. We were 5-7 last year and with the way Michigan recruits things should never get that bad.

They did because too many players got used to losing and just started going through the motions. It is still a work in progress but the biggest thing Harbaugh had to do is change that attitude. This has not been a test of talent but a test of desire...looking for the kids who will go out and compete. It sucks that this kid feels slighted but he was given a choice and chose not to accept the challenge. I hope his decision works out for him as well as for some of the other kids who are still on the fence...doubt this is the last story you hear about things like this.

We? I root for NU.

 

[jimbosc]

Harbaugh is not a nice person. It shows up in some of his interactions - but as long as his wins without punching out a player or ref along the way.......he'll be fine. He has not lasted very long at any coaching job - apparently by mutual choice - I don't expect him to be a long term solution for Michigan....but he may prove me wrong.

 

[ThereIsNoPlace]

Being bat shit crazy is not a prerequisite to win championships.

This is football, you don't need to be Albert Einstein

Does NikkiSixx mean you read at a 6th grade level? You may want to take a course in reading comprehension.
I used the word "eccentric" which does not equal bat shit crazy. AND I wouldn't use bat shit crazy to describe Albert Einstein. He actually was an eccentric genius.
EVERY championship coach has their eccentricities. Even straight-laced Tom Landry wore a Fedora way past it's fashion expiration date.
Harbaugh's deviation is that he will do ANYTHING to win. Helluva quirk to have as a college FB coach in my book.