The Michigan Insider

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2020 recruiting notes and 2019 newcomer breakdown May 29, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we break down Michigan’s recent recruiting run in the 2020 class, breaking down the Wolverines’ three recent commitments — offensive tackle Zak Zinter, linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green and defensive end Braiden McGregor — and what the trio could bring to Michigan both in a football sense and a recruiting sense.

We also look ahead to what could be a busy month and change for the Wolverines’ 2020 class and what to watch for.

The second half of the episode is spent looking at Michigan's 2019 recruiting class, many of which will arrive on campus this week or next to begin training in June.

We revisit some of the recruits who haven’t been discussed too much since signing nearly six months ago, breaking down early contenders to land two-deep roles, dark-horse recruits and what the rest of the class can do this summer to improve their trajectory.

Reacting to Michigan hiring Juwan Howard as next head coach May 23, 2019

Show notes

In the hours following reports that Miami Heat assistant and former Michigan basketball star Juwan Howard would take over the vacant Wolverines' head-coaching job, we discuss some of our early reactions to the hire.

We look at how hiring Howard grades for Michigan and what went into hiring him over other candidates. We also look at the key challenges that Howard faces in his first head-coaching job and first coaching gig in college. We break down some of the early recruiting pushes Howard will have to make, as well as looking at how we would handle retaining some of Michigan's key assistant coaches.

Finally, we close by taking a peek at the coming months for Howard, what that could look like and also gauge just what kind of team he is inheriting for the 2019-20 season.

Ranking Michigan football's 10 best players following spring practice May 16, 2019

Show notes

Taking a break from the ongoing discussion about the Michigan basketball team's search for a new head coach, we take a look at the Michigan football team, breaking down Michigan's 10 best players following spring practices and heading into the 2019 offseason. Combining what players have done as well as what their potential is in 2019, we dissect impact players who could carry the Wolverines this fall.

First, we take a look at 5-10 names of players who just missed the cut due to a lack of experience, lack of prominent role or other factors. and dissect which players have the most potential to prove us wrong with their play on the field this fall. Then, we look at some of the players at the beginning of the list, how far they have come and what could be in store for them this season.

The middle of our list includes several soon-to-be third-year starters, and we look at how important step forwards for them this season could be toward exceeding expectations. Finally, we reveal our picks for the best players on the team, discussing why we view them so highly and what expectations there are for them this fall. We also look at some trends on the list, and what that means for the Wolverines.

John Beilein departs and what's next for Michigan hoops? May 13, 2019

Show notes

In an emergency podcast, Lorenz and Shaw breaking down the stunning breaking news that saw Michigan basketball coach John Beilein leave the Wolverines to become head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They break down how shocking the news was to us, why leaving for Cleveland and the NBA overall does and does not make sense and what some of the key differences are.

The two also look at John Beilein's legacy, breaking down how and why he was so successful at Michigan, unpacking some of the more impressive things he accomplished in 12 years and what's going to make him so hard to replace.

Finally, they crack open their list of potential replacements, taking a peak at which big- and small-name coaches could be good fits for the Wolverines and how Michigan should approach the search.

J.J. McCarthy commits, other recruiting notes, Barton Simmons May 13, 2019

Show notes

In a recruiting-centric episode, Lorenz and Shaw open by breaking down top-20 recruit and 2021 quarterback J.J. McCarthy's commitment to Michigan. They look at his game, what can be gleaned from his sophomore season performance, why the Wolverines were fine taking his pledge so early and what it can mean for the 2021.

Shaw and Lorenz also look at Michigan's 2020 class, including why things have been quiet in the commitment department, some top targets with visits or decision dates looming, other names to keep in mind and a little bit on what the 2020 class could look like.

Finally, Shaw closes with an interview with 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons, as they dig into the national perspective of McCarthy's game and what it means for Michigan.

Michigan's South Africa trip and recruiting updates May 04, 2019

Show notes

We open the show discussing Michigan's annual offseason foreign trip, which is heading to South Africa this year after trips to Italy and France. We break down why South Africa made it on the list, how David Turnley gives the Wolverines a unique look at the country and more benefits to the trip.

We also look the trip from the fans' perspective, addressing the vocal minority against the trip, why the trip is a good idea and the impact that the trip has on recruits, players, parents and others.

Then, we turn to some 2020 recruiting updates, looking at how and why Michigan could be turning up the heat on the class after it's trip and some prospects to keep an eye on for visits.

Recapping Michigan's 2019 NFL Draft class and an early look to 2020 crop Apr 29, 2019

Show notes

Focusing solely on the NFL Draft, Lorenz and Shaw break down the fits of Michigan's five NFL Draft picks (Devin Bush Jr., Rashan Gary, Chase Winovich, David Long and Zach Gentry) and how we forecast their early NFL futures. We also break down what the haul means for a continuing trend of talent development under Jim Harbaugh and whether or not it makes a difference with recruits.

Then, after looking at the seven Wolverines who landed undrafted free agent opportunities, we break down Michigan's potential NFL Draft picks in 2020, dissecting players at every position and sifting through the list of potential first-round picks.

Post-spring football questions, spring risers, position group power rankings Apr 25, 2019

Show notes

In a football-focused episode, we first answer a series of questions from listeners, looking at defensive players who need to step up, why Michigan's cornerback recruiting isn't the problem some think it is and unpacking some of Don Brown's comments about his defense following Spring practices.

Then, we review some key storylines from the spring, first looking at players who improved their stock the most this spring, We look at key players who made the most of their opportunities, what kind of role such players could have in the fall, who else could be due to step up and how to interpret information that comes out of spring practices.

Finally, we close by ranking Michigan's 10 position groups, comparing our list to a similar list we put out before spring practice began, dissecting hwo and why some groups rose in the rankings and why others fell.

Jordan Poole, NBA Draft decisions and Michigan basketball recruiting Apr 24, 2019

Show notes

In a basketball-focused episode, Shaw and Lorenz look at Jordan Poole's seemingly inevitable decision to turn pro, and react to Poole's father's comments citing that the Wolverines' system put Poole in suboptimal position. We also weigh in with our thoughts on Poole's decision, including some analysis at how the college basketball landscape has changed for players who aren't drafted.

Then, we look at Michigan's lone remaining draft decision — Ignas Brazdeikis — and break down the likelihood it is that he returns. We also look at the rest of Michigan's returning players and what the departures mean for them.

Finally, we close by looking at Justin Pierce, Franz Wagner, Lester Quinones, Nah'Shon Hyland and other potential recruiting targets that Michigan could turn to, along with who the Wolverines are most likely to get.

Taking football questions, Sims transfer and recruiting talk Apr 18, 2019

Show notes

After breaking down Spring Game takeaways in the previous episode, Lorenz and Shaw field football-related questions from listeners. The discuss what Ben VanSumeren's redshirt freshman season could look like at running back and H-back, how Michigan has seemingly gotten over its decade-long depth problem, what to make of Michigan's 9.5 over-under win total projection and the Wolverines' schedule, how position roles might change under Josh Gattis and more.

Then, they break down the breaking news of cornerback Myles Sims' decision to enter his name into the transfer portal, and what that says about the Wolverines' cornerback position right now and moving forward.

Finally, Shaw and Lorenz look at the latest in recruiting, discussing a recent 2020 decommitment, how and why Michigan is getting a lot of players to visit this spring, the state of the Wolverines' 2020 recruiting class and more.

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