The Michigan Insider

Latest Episodes:

Michigan football mailbag! May 22, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we field a number of listener questions about the Michigan football team.

We begin with a discussion on potential defensive breakout players. We break down Don Brown's candidates for Michigan's next Josh Uche-type edge rusher, looking at the ascension and trajectories of Luiji Vilain, Taylor Upshaw and David Ojabo, and what their roles could look like in 2020 and beyond. We also look a look at Michigan's potential two-deep at defensive tackle, and what the keys are for Donovan Jeter and Mazi Smith to get more run on the field this fall.

We then look at the feasibility and the steps it will take for Michigan to return to facilities, and what the Big Ten and University of Michigan may do in terms of allowing facility access again. We also discuss how overrated (or not) Jim Harbaugh is nationally, while taking a peek at coaching rankings. We close with a look at which Michigan decommits the Wolverines might miss the most.

Episode 21 - Talking Nojel Eastern & Chaundee Brown, and an Interview with Randolph Childress May 21, 2020

Show notes

Tim McCormick and Sam Webb discuss the challenges of maintaining a team in the transfer era, and why Cole Bajema's transfer was a predictable outcome. Next, they assess talent and potential impact made by transfers Nojel Eastern and Chaundee Brown. Then the duo reacts to Purdue coach Matt Painter's parting shots for Eastern. And finally, Webb interviews former Wake Forest great and assistant coach Randolph Childress about what he thinks Brown will bring to the table for the Wolverines.

Chaundee Brown reaction and more Michigan hoops May 19, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we break down Michigan's addition of Wake Forest transfer Chaundee Brown, who averaged 12.1 points and 6.5 rebounds for Wake Forest last season.

We first look at Brown's game as a 2-3 combo guard, so-so shooter and agressive addition to Michigan's backcourt. We also spend time looking at the Wolverines' pursuit of Brown, what it says about Juwan Howard and what makes Brown a high-floor pickup.

We discuss the merits of Brown being ruled immediately eligible vs. having to sit out a season due to NCAA transfer rules, his role with Michigan and how the Wolverines can and should use the transfer portal moving forward.

Finally, we close with a look at Michigan's 2020-21 roster, address speculation about Nojel Eastern and discuss what happens next for the Wolverines.

Michigan Recruiting Insider Episode 1 - Donovan Edwards, O-Line recruiting, basketball transfer news, & Phil Martelli's recruiting May 19, 2020

Show notes

Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, and Brice Marich discuss Michigan momentum with the top RB target Donovan Edwards. The trio then tackles the latest in offensive line recruiting, including Top247 target Drew Kendall.

Later Webb and Josh Henschke break down how Purdue basketball transfer Nojel Eastern fits with the Wolverines on the Hardwood. The duo finishes with a discussion of transfer targets Chaundee Brown and Jalen Coleman-Lands, and 2021 guard targets Jalen Warley and Angelo Brizzi.

Find the 247Sports podcast for your favorite team here!

Nojel Eastern reaction and other hoops questions May 15, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we react to the surprising commitment of Purdue guard Nojel Eastern, and also tackle a few more basketball questions we received from listeners.

We begin by contextualizing the rarity of a commitment happening so quickly, particularly from the transfer portal. We also break down what we think of Michigan adding Eastern, of Eastern's tenure at Purdue, what went wrong and what kind of impact we think he will have in Ann Arbor.

Answering questions from listeners, we tackle comparing Eastern to former Kentucky transfer and Michigan captain Charles Matthews — and caution why that comparison may be unfair — while assessing the fit Eastern provides.

We also discuss Juwan Howard's AAU recruiting prowess, Michigan's point guard future, Isaiah Livers' NBA Draft decision, what can be gleaned from such a hurried transfer process and if Michigan will continue to pursue other transfer options.

Breakout surprises, underrated player, recruiting risers May 14, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we tackle a few listener questions, then discuss a story series Shaw has been doing looking at past recruiting.

First, we answer a question predicting who we think will be a surprise player on offense and defense in the 2020 season. We look beneath the typical breakout candidates and new starters, and call our shot on four players who could surprise fans with their impact in the fall.

Then, we break down whom we both believe to be the most underrated player on the team, and offer a brief update on the financial importance of Michigan football to other sports at the University.

Finally, we look at Shaw's story series on recruiting risers, where he breaks down past Michigan recruits whose stock rose the most in the process. We look at why that matters, what it says about the Wolverines' recruiting approach and what it means for Michigan moving forward.

Resetting Michigan basketball after more attrition May 09, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we break down where things stand with the Michigan basketball team after more attrition, and what's next for the Wolverines.

We begin by unpacking the transfer departure of rising sophomore wing player Cole Bajema. We look at his brief career with the Wolverines, the potential reasons behind his transfer and what's next for him. We also look at if it's possible that the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic played a role in his decision to depart this far into the offseason.

From there, we turn our discussion to where the Wolverines could look next to fill now two scholarship openings. Shaw outlines why Michigan should not simply want to bank the scholarship for the 2021 class, while the two break down several transfer options that are available to the Wolverines.

Listeners are encouraged to share, rate and subscribe to The Wolverine247 Podcast, in addition to sending questions to Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz for future discussion topics.

Reacting to Jim Harbaugh's major NCAA proposals May 09, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we take a look at Jim Harbaugh's open letter to the football community, in which he proposes several significant rule changes for college football.

We open by looking at the optics of Harbaugh releasing the letter — one that made news nationally — and how it's very hard to call it anything but a win for the head coach and Michigan. We break down the reaction among fans and media members to the letter, and what it means moving forward.

We then break down the proposals, looking at the logic and feasibility of players potentially declaring for the NFL Draft early, being able to play in college for five years, being able to return to college if they aren't drafted (or are drafted low) and being able to return to college on the school's dime to finish their degree after their playing career is over.

Other proposals, such as reducing scholarship limits, allowing players and families to meet with agents and further discussion on the one-time transfer rule are also mentioned.

Listeners are encouraged to share, rate and subscribe to The Wolverine247 Podcast, in addition to sending questions to Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz for future discussion topics.

In-state recruiting with Steve Lorenz and Allen Trieu May 03, 2020

Show notes

In this recruiting-heavy episode, Steve Lorenz is joined by 247Sports Midwest recruiting expert Allen Trieu as the two break down a number of key angles in the Wolverines’ 2021 recruiting cycle.

Among the biggest key areas discussed are Michigan’s in-state recruiting efforts, including the pursuits of running back Donovan Edwards, offensive guard Rocco Spindler, offensive tackle Garrett Dellinger and others. The two discuss what can make in-state recruiting tricky, what the Wolverines are doing right and wrong on the recruiting trail and more nuance of it all.

To see more of the Wolverines’ 2021 recruiting class — ranked No. 10 in the country with 11 commitments, including one five-star and four four-star recruits — check out our commitment page here.

To see more of Michigan’s top targets — including a relatively strong in-state recruiting crop and top targets from all over the country — be sure to visit our top targets page here.

To view the Wolverines’ 292 outstanding scholarship offers in the 2021 class, visit our offer page here.

Episode 20 - Michigan Season and Recruiting Class Review Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

Tim McCormick and Sam Webb assess season one of the Juwan Howard era, reflect upon the careers of Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske, discuss the transfers of Colin Castleton and Dave DeJulius, and the pro outlooks for Isaiah Livers and Franz Wagner, The duo also projects the impact of each member of the 2020 recruiting class and discusses how the new G-League option being utilized by former commitment Isaiah Todd will change college basketball and NBA moving forward.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected