Fans and media at Crisler Arena kept looking toward the entrance to the basketball floor Saturday.
The game between Michigan and Iowa was going on, but the main attraction hadn't appeared.
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Then, with just less than 12 minutes left in the first half, the nation's No. 1 football prospect made his entrance.
Jeannette, Pa., quarterback Terrelle Pryor, accompanied by former Lions and Eastern Michigan quarterback and current Steelers backup QB Charlie Batch, made his way into the arena and sat in a second-row seat next to his host and cousin, U-M sophomore-to-be receiver Toney Clemons. Batch, serving as Pryor's adviser, sat in the front row with coach Rich Rodriguez and his wife, Rita.
TV cameras captured the moment.
And it didn't take long for the Maize Rage student section to make its feelings known.
"WE WANT PRYOR!!!" it chanted during the next time-out. "COME TO MICHIGAN!!!" rang out later.
Pryor is on his official recruiting visit to Michigan this weekend. The high school senior is expected to announce his university choice Feb. 6, the first day recruits can sign with schools. And with Ryan Mallett's transfer to Arkansas, the U-M QB spot is up for grabs. Pryor could even start as a freshman.
So it was understandable why he was the most popular guy in the house. Asked about his visit, Pryor told the Associated Press via text message: "It's cool."
The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder has been compared to Vince Young and is well-suited for Rodriguez's spread offense, which featured quarterback Pat White at West Virginia.
He is said to be also considering Ohio State, Oregon, Florida and Louisiana State. He visited OSU in November and is set to visit LSU next.
Rodriguez, who can't comment on specific recruits because of NCAA regulations, emphasized the importance of Saturday and the next two weekends before Signing Day.
"We are fortunate the previous staff did a good job," he said. "We have six or seven spots left, and we are hoping to finish with a great class."
But Saturday's focus was on Pryor, and it's something that might be wearing on him.
"He's the focus every single day," said Josh Helmholdt, who writes about U-M recruiting for rivals.com.
Helmholdt spent time with Pryor this month at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio and said the attention could be a negative for Michigan.
"He doesn't need a student section to tell him how much he is wanted," Helmholdt said.
Pryor left in the second half, and Michigan lost, 68-60.
All I really know is that if he chooses any other school than Michigan, that school up north may have a 6 loss season next year. They don't have anything coming back and they aren't suited for their new coach at all. It's almost sad to see Michigan football in this situation. If tOSU doesn't get Pryor we'll still be fine but Rodriguez is practically putting all of his hopes into Pryor.
I may be in the minority of Buckeye fans, but I'm getting sick of this whole routine. If he chooses tOSU than that's great but I don't like the fact that he seems to be searching out attention. Just pick already and get it over with.
Time and change will surely show How firm thy friendship O - HI - O
Quote: All I really know is that if he chooses any other school than Michigan, that school up north may have a 6 loss season next year. They don't have anything coming back and they aren't suited for their new coach at all. It's almost sad to see Michigan football in this situation. If tOSU doesn't get Pryor we'll still be fine but Rodriguez is practically putting all of his hopes into Pryor.
I may be in the minority of Buckeye fans, but I'm getting sick of this whole routine. If he chooses tOSU than that's great but I don't like the fact that he seems to be searching out attention. Just pick already and get it over with.
Rodriguez has already said that he will run the offense according to his personnel, and Michigan has a pretty decent sophomore quarterback, Steven Threet, who won't run the spread option, but could run the regular spread offense.
Pryor would be the ideal player to run the spread option, and obviously Rodriguez prefers to run that offense. I believe that if he can't run it immediately then he will do what he can until he has the right players to run it, which shouldn't take that long. They got the running back for the system, if he lives up to hype, in Sam McGuffie.
I think we just need to what and see. Obviously Michigan lost a ton on offense, but to say that they don't have anything coming back isn't true.
Quote: All I really know is that if he chooses any other school than Michigan, that school up north may have a 6 loss season next year. They don't have anything coming back and they aren't suited for their new coach at all. It's almost sad to see Michigan football in this situation. If tOSU doesn't get Pryor we'll still be fine but Rodriguez is practically putting all of his hopes into Pryor.
You'd like to think so. 6 losses? Look at their schedule. I sure don't see 6 losses on it next year, even with a new system/staff.
Putting all his hopes in to Pryor? Not at all. I'm not sure how closely you follow recruiting but Michigan is actively recruiting two other QB's. Justin Feagin from Delray Beach, FLA and B.J. Daniels from Tallahassee, FLA. Rodriguez said he'd like to sign atleast 2 QB's in this class and possibly 3 if he could find them (as Michigan only has 2 on their current roster).
Both would be very good in RR's system. Feagin is a burner. He ran a 4.35 in the fall. More of a Pat White type player. Daniels is more in the mold of Troy Smith. He's a pure passer that can also run around. Feagin is the more dangerous athlete but I'd probably prefer Daniels (if I had to pick 1) as he'd most likely mean a better mix of run/pass. He has really fluid mechanics and is very accurate. I also prefer a QB like Daniels that scrambles to throw and doesn't just take off at the first sign of pressure.
I'd personally just like to move on with Pryor. His act has gotten pretty old. There's also been some stuff surrounding him that hasn't exactly been on the up and up. Rumors are flying that OSU could have already committed a recruiting violation with him but we'll see what happens.
He just seems like somewhat of a headache. I think he'll be a good college player but if any of the UM coaches think he'll be a problem, they just need to move on. Daniels or Feagin would be just as good in the spread. They just don't need a distraction in their first year.
Quote: Not bad...why aren't they rated higher on rivals? looks like the kids got a good arm
Daniels is a 4-star player (#8 rated Dual Threat QB). He's a very talented player but he's already stated that Pryor's decision will probably affect his (i.e. if Pryor signs with UM, he'll probably look elsewhere.) He just doesn't want to be stuck behind someone.
Feagin is an interesting guy because there isn't a whole lot of tape on him (the one I posted is the only one anyone on the Rivals UM board could find). He played small school football in Florida, only played QB for about a season and a half and he's been kind of the anti-attention type. He just hasn't been very accessible (like most recruits are) in granting interviews, etc.
Also, a lot of schools are recruiting him as an athlete (much like Pat White) and I think he would really like the chance to play QB in college. Rivals has him listed as a 3-star player but that's at Safety (which he also played). Once they get to see some more tape on him, I would guess he'll also be a 4-star guy at QB/ATH given his measurables.
I think looking at a player's offer list is a better indicator then his star ranking once you get past the 5-star guys. Feagin has been offered by LSU, UM, Miami, WVU, Rutgers and I believe Clemson has jumped in late, so the kid can obviously play.
I know I might get killed for saying this.....but I want him to go to Michigan. And I want him to be good too.
Here's the thing, I like watching the OSU and Michigan game each year. I set aside that Saturday like it was the Super Bowl. However, it's becoming very one sided. Michigan needs this kid to bring the rivalry back in my mind (stealing him from OSU and then playing well).
And for the record, I'm not a Buck or Wolvie. I used to be a Buckeye fan when I was a kid....but denounced them once I realized I wasn't going to OSU for college. I felt I couldn't root for a college team if I didn't attend the university. So I root for Toledo instead.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
Michigan doesn't need to start wining again to make this a rivalry. All of the games lately have been close, and been important, and that's all that is needed to make it a rivalry.
Plus, OSU has some ground to make up on the historical record. Michigan's still leading 57-41, with 6 ties.
Quote: You'd like to think so. 6 losses? Look at their schedule. I sure don't see 6 losses on it next year,
Well sure... now that they dropped App State.
Truthfully, I wouldn't mind seeing them on the schedule again. All jokes aside, they're a damn good football team. I believe they finished 33rd in the final AP poll, which was pretty incredible considering they're a D-1AA team.
As for next year, the Big Ten isn't good enough for UM to lose 6 total games, especially given that their out of conference schedule isn't that great (thanks ND, glad we renewed that contract ). I would guess that 4-5 losses would be considered disappointing. 6, that would be disaster like.
My expectations are tempered given all the variable unknowns but Michigan isn't going to suddenly trot out a team with no-talent. The UM roster has plenty of it, they just needed coaches who didn't sit on their thumbs every saturday (which they now have).
Yeah I highly doubt they do that bad. The games I'd be concerned with if I were a UM fan would be road games at: Penn State, Purdue, and Ohio State. Those will be tough games. Mich is fortunate to have home games against Wisconsin and Illinois this coming year -- had those been away games, I'd be concerned about those. I don't know how well each team is projected to reload. I know they're losing some significant parts of what made them successful this past season.
Quote: Truthfully, I wouldn't mind seeing them on the schedule again. All jokes aside, they're a damn good football team. I believe they finished 33rd in the final AP poll, which was pretty incredible considering they're a D-1AA team.
They won't because it's a no-win game.. all risk, no reward.. You don't schedule tune-up games that you could lose (or at least not on purpose)... If you beat them, it's because you were supposed to and if they beat you, well, we all saw what happened...
Pryors down to two .. big shocker I know ... *L* ..
Pryor pares down his list Michigan, Ohio State appear to be final 2 Tuesday, January 29, 2008 By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette It looks like the battle for Jeannette High School quarterback Terrelle Pryor is coming down to a two-horse race between Ohio State and Michigan.
Pryor said yesterday he has crossed LSU off his final list and decided not to visit Oregon this week because he won't have time. Pryor also plays basketball and Jeannette has games tonight, Friday in Philadelphia and Saturday at Jeannette. Pryor plans to announce his college choice Feb. 6.
Pryor has not crossed Oregon and Penn State off his list, but it's highly unlikely Pryor would choose Oregon without ever visiting the place. Chip Kelly, Oregon's quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, is scheduled to meet with Pryor today at Jeannette.
Penn State coach Joe Paterno is scheduled to visit Pryor tomorrow. That's significant because Paterno doesn't visit many high school players anymore.
But Penn State isn't as high on Pryor's list as Ohio State and Michigan.
Coaches from both of those rival schools also are expected to come to Jeannette in the next few days.
<< Have to ask, what recruiting violation (rumor) is OSU accuse of ? >>
Funny thing, that looney Munch Bishop on WKNR today was talking about this. Seems there is a story circulating that an OSU alumnus has given a Corvette to Terrelle and his mother for their use. I was surprised to hear Bishop talking about this because he's the biggest OSU lover around and for him to mention something like this is so out of character for him. The OSU and JT are gods to him and he goes out of his way to protect them. It'll be interesting to see what comes of this.
Quote: WHAT? are you serious? ::shakes head:: i hope this isn't true...i would think it would get some crazy ass media if it were true...
I would not be surprised if he did in fact get a corvette to drive around while he was visiting, but I am also sure they found a workaround to make sure it was legit.
“It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” -Steve Jobs.
Probably is true, but nothing will come of it. Every big school does it. Ohio State, Michigan, Florida, LSU, USC, etc. in football... Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Duke, UCLA, etc. all do it in basketball.
The only thing I really know about this guy is from what I read on this board,
But....I'm not sure if he is something Ohio State really needs to mess with, to me he might end up being a violation in some aspect, possible trouble with the law, attitude problems, NCAA violations other than recruiting violations, I just get a uneasy feeling when I read about how colleges are after this kid and how he has lead around major programs bye the shirt tail almost waiting for them to offer something to him to play for them, we all know he's not going for a education, this guy is a two years maybe three and go Pro, if his attitude dosent get in his way.
We have all seen cant miss prospects with the world for there taken, only to toss it all away for free shoes or a car or drugs / roids ect. I'm not saying this kid is like that, I really dont know his back ground and wouldnt compare the two, it just wouldnt be fair of me to do that, all I'm saying is a kid with a possible bad attitude can cause more damage to a college than good, I just get a M. Clarett feeling about this kid.
Like I said I'm probebly wrong, I just get uneasy about whatI read and we all know how truthfull reporters are.....
Quote: WHAT? are you serious? ::shakes head:: i hope this isn't true...i would think it would get some crazy ass media if it were true...
I would not be surprised if he did in fact get a corvette to drive around while he was visiting, but I am also sure they found a workaround to make sure it was legit.
He didn't drive it around OSU, it's said to be a car that was given to him by a Jeanette businessman named Ted Sarniak. The same guy who was reportedly spotted having dinner with 2 OSU assistant coaches when they were visiting PA to see Pryor. Pryor also had a job in Sarniak's glass factory over the summer. Take it all for what it's worth....I'm sure the story will really start making the rounds once he signs with someone.
At this point, I wouldn't mind if he just went to OSU. He's a great talent but I don't want any player with potential baggage. Especially not with a new coach, system, etc. Give me B.J. Daniels at QB and I'll be happy. Very Cahrlie Ward esque in terms of his passing ability.
Pryor may delay his announcement so he can visit Oregon next week.
I really don't understand why he is even considering them. They're class isn't that great and they jumped in late in the game... OSU and RR have been there the whole time yet he is wanting to visit Oregon. He also said he is wanting to be close to home... Check a map... Oregon is all the way across the country.
I really think he is trying to get as much hype surrounding this announcement as he can. Now it's not only will it be OSU or Michigan?... it will be... will he make an announcement at all?
An insider on Scout threw out some odds of potential Buckeye and said Pryor was 70% and rising.... while Wells is 65% and steady, Jenkins 50% and steady, and Brandon Harris 99% to to be heading to THE U. Don't know how much I would read into that since from everything I've heard Keith Wells is all but signed, yet he has him at 65%.
Quote: Has any recruit every been hyped this much? I have never seen anything like this.
It seems like he is getting more hype than anyone before but that's only because by now most recruits have commited to a school. Pryor is milking this.
Why rush? It's the BIGGEST decision of this young man's life......people have nothing else to do, but complain, moan & groan and judge another person. Isn't that right Hot Boy Turk(meaning LBJ's NY shoes)......just a couple years ago when K2 had his accident at least 75% of the folks on Dawgtalk bashed and ripped him a brand new one.....AND now ya'll love him.......funny!!!!
With all due respect, I think what most of us mean isnt he should rush and announce were he's going, just that the way he's going about doing it, or allejed doing it. This is a big desicion for him to make, and if he dosent know he should take his time, all the time he needs and allowed, but he dosent have to parade himself around IF thats what he's doing, I dont really know, and suspect many others dont know either. I guess it's just the way he's doing it that causes people to react that way.
I agree,..I don't like it much either. I would rather have the kid that comes out his junior year screaming " I'm going to Kansas State,..." than these kids that play it all to the hilt. It has a bad taste.
Well not that it is a good thing or even a defense of him.....But if it were you, wouldn't you be loving all of this attention???? I know I would be.....at that age of course...LOL.
Unfortunately this is only going to get worse in the future. We live in an Information Age. The Internet and mainstream media just have more information available to them.
A little more than 150 years ago, most people wouldn't even know the biggest of stars.
A little more than 100 years ago they might know the most famous of athletes like a John L. Sullivan.
About 80 years ago you would know the Professional Sports Largest Stars like Babe Ruth and maybe the stars of your favorite team.
Going on 60 years ago and you pretty much knew the rosters of your favorite sports team, and maybe the middle of the road stars of your opposing teams. You might have heard about the College Kid tearing it up but you would really only know a team that you followed ala Notre Dame, or another Large school.
About 50 years ago you knew the Pro's and you had information on just about all of the players. You knew the college Stars and you might have knowledge of a big Game between 2 teams that you don't root for. If you were in a city (that is a place larger than a small town where everyone knows everyone) you might have heard about a kid at the local High School who was doing well.
About 30 years ago, You know the Pro's, You know the rosters of the opposing college teams, you may have even heard about the local schools rival having a special kid.
In the last 30 years though we come into a real Information Age and in 20 seconds you can have the story on the most insignificant contributor to a college team. The information is available and easily accessible. Look at the NFL Draft. It used to be done with little or no fanfare in a tiny room. Now there is Radio City Music Hall, the Combine, Senior Bolws, etc. etc...etc.
So now we have this High School Kid. Who 100 years ago would have had to petion himself like crazy to get into any college, much less than the top colleges fighting for him. Heck even 50 years ago, he would probaby only have the closest colleges to his area looking to recruit him and possibly a couple National type colleges......If he was white....
It is only going to get worse....Look at the Hoopla around the Little League World Series or the Pop Warner Championships. Soon we are going to have national coverage of Middle School Stars....
It is not a good thing IMO. It places undue pressure upon kids not ready to deal with it. How many people will blast Pryor if he doesn't become the Heisman Trophey Winner at some point in his college career????? How many arms will be ruined with some of the pitches these kids are throwing these days?
It is very Spartan-like. Feed them to the wolves and if they come out alive they are worthy...But even Spartans prepared their own for that fight. What High School kid out there is truely ready to tackle the national exposure and the issues and pressures that come alomg with it????? The kid is having some fun right now. good for him.....but it is going to cause more problems for him wherever he goes. Heck, Look at the Browns...Many fans wanted instant success as if the team never left.....Just what do you think will be expected of this kid?
Last edited by PETE314; 02/01/0803:08 AM.
I thought I was wrong once....but I was mistaken...
What's the use of wearing your lucky rocketship underpants if nobody wants to see them????
6 losses? Look at their schedule. I sure don't see 6 losses on it next year, even with a new system/staff.
More of a Pat White type player. Daniels is more in the mold of Troy Smith. He's a pure passer that can also run around. Feagin is the more dangerous athlete but I'd probably prefer Daniels (if I had to pick 1) as he'd most likely mean a better mix of run/pass. He has really fluid mechanics and is very accurate. I also prefer a QB like Daniels that scrambles to throw and doesn't just take off at the first sign of pressure. 
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