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What I’ve Been Reading

I haven’t done one of these posts in a while, so here’s a brief look at what I’ve been reading in the hopes that you’ll share some of your latest interests, too.

Savage Son by Jack Carr is the third book in a trilogy, which started with The Terminal List and then True Believer. I don’t want to give away too much, but protagonist James Reece is a (former) Navy SEAL who takes matters into his own hands. You might have seen me post about Brad Thor’s books, and Reece is very similar to Scot Harvath in those novels. Not surprisingly, Thor’s long-running Harvath series inspired Carr to write his own books. Carr’s books are a little darker and more technical, and they’re pretty good thrillers.

Hit the jump for more.

Joe Milton, Ex-Wolverine

To discuss this post, head on over to touchthebanner.blogspot.com.

Michigan quarterback Joe Milton is no longer Michigan quarterback Joe Milton. He has chosen to enter the transfer portal.

Milton was a class of 2018 recruit ranked as a 247 Composite 4-star, the #9 pro-style quarterback, and #204 overall. I gave him a TTB Rating of 88 (LINK).

Hit the jump for more.

Preview of 2022 In-State Recruiting: #1-5

If you read this site or are into Michigan recruiting, you probably know the names at the top of this in-state list. Michigan has been pursuing all of these players for a while, and chances are good that the Wolverines land at least a couple of them, if not more.

1. Will Johnson – CB – Grosse Pointe (MI) South
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 190 lbs.
Notable offers: Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: 5-star, #4 CB, #8 overall
Analysis: Johnson is a cornerback who overwhelms fellow high schoolers with his size and strength. He plays corner, wide receiver, and wildcat quarterback for his high school team. He’s the son of former Michigan defensive back Deon Johnson, who played for the Wolverines in the early 1990s. Even so, he’s not guarantee to sign with Michigan. He also has interest in Ohio State and USC, and he and Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei cornerback Domani Jackson – who is also high on Michigan – say they’re a package deal.

Hit the jump for more.

Recruiting Update: February 15, 2021

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2022

Shemar James – LB – Mobile (AL) Faith Academy: James is a 6’3″, 200 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, and Florida, among others. He’s a 4-star, the #11 athlete, and #157 overall. As a junior in 2020, he made 66 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, along with scoring 12 touchdowns on offense.

Hit the jump for more.

Ben VanSumeren, Ex-Wolverine

Michigan linebacker Ben VanSumeren has entered the transfer portal. He would have been a fourth-year player in the fall of 2021, having signed in the class of 2018.

VanSumeren signed with Michigan as a future fullback. But with the move to the spread offense in 2019, essentially eliminating much use of a traditional fullback position, VanSumeren was a man without a position. He spent some time at running back in 2019 and then moved to linebacker in 2020. He did not have much success at either spot. VanSumeren ran 9 times for 20 yards and 1 touchdown in 2019. Then he made 7 tackles in 2020.

Perhaps the most painful part of VanSumeren’s departure is that his younger brother, 2022 defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren, was committed to the Wolverines and then rescinded his pledge a few days ago (LINK).

Michigan now has seen four class of 2018 signees transfer, including VanSumeren, TE Mustapha Muhammad, RB Christian Turner, and CB Myles Sims.