Tate Forcier, Denard Robinson, and Nick Sheridan looked to be the only quarterbacks on Michigan’s roster by the time fall camp rolled around, however, recent news abounds that Michigan may add some transfers to the rotation, if only to build up a bit of depth.
First comes Jason Forcier. The former Wolverine and Stanford grad is looking to continue his education in Ann Arbor. Forcier the elder, who backed up Chad Henne for a couple years before Golden Boy Mallett removed any and all hope of future playing time (ha!), is the oldest brother of Tate, the odds-on favorite to be Michigan’s starter this fall. Under normal circumstances, he would be ineligible to spend 2009, his final year of collegiate eligibility, at Michigan. However, he may appeal to the NCAA to use the Mundy Rule (under which Michigan starting safety Ryan Mundy became West Virginia starting safety Ryan Mundy). The rule has since been repealed by the bureaucracy we all know and love, but the NCAA will look at individual cases to determine their merits. In Forcier’s case, he started out at Michigan, then managed to earn his degree at Stanford, and wants to return to Michigan for a post-grad degree (and likely a future in coaching), in addition to helping his little brother adjust to college life. If he is also granted the privilege of playing for the Wolverines, that would be a bonus, though a significant one for both Jason and the Wolverines.
The other transfer news, which was something of a hot topic yesterday, comes in the form of a potential switch by Duke basketball player Greg Paulus. Paulus was among the nation’s top QB recruits in the class of 2005 (in which he was also a 5-star point guard recruit). Paulus visited Ann Arbor for Michigan’s final spring practice on Tuesday, at which time he talked to coach Rod about potentially coming to Michigan as a QB (the Green Bay Packers have similar designs on Paulus). I’m not clear on Paulus’s eligibility status, as he’d be not only transferring schools, but also sports. However, as someone who’d be playing organized football for the first time in over 4 years, it’s safe to say he’d only be adding depth to Michigan’s sparse backfield.
So what’s the most likely outcome? I would assume Jason probably ends up in maize-and-blue either way, be it a uniform or the sweatsuit of a grad assistant. If Paulus wants to come to Michigan, depending on the eligibility status, it must be assumed that the Wolverines wouldn’t hesitate to take him, especially considering they have several scholarships available to hand out for 2009.
What say you, Michigan fans? Are you for these potential moves? Against them?
Posted under Football, Personnel
Tags: greg paulus, jason forcier, tate forcier, transfers
Paulus? Doesn’t this just reek of desperation?
Hahaha it’s an April Fools joke. Apparently the Free Press’ ability to do standard fact checking has fallen to new lows; they seriously thought that a Fox Sport April Fools joke was real. No wonder the Detroit newspapers are dying.
West Texas – Paulus was confirmed to be in Ann Arbor yesterday. Doesn’t sound like much of an Arpil Fools joke to me. It’s blown up, so I’d assume there’s something to it.
Redriot – Why? He’d be a backup, might as well take a guy who will only use a scholarship for one year, and build depth through recruiting in later years. There’s nothing desperate about it so much as it’s just a perfect situation, if it works out.
Bring ’em on if they can. I think Forcier may be able to transfer, but Paulus is a long shot, I think.
From Freep article: “Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Fox Sports as an April Fool’s joke. We apologize for the mistake.”
Huh? So what’s real and what’s not?
Looks like all upside and no downside – adds depth to 2009, adds competition to 2009, has ZERO impact on 2010 recruits and later as the transfers (if one or both go through) are only going to have one year of elibigility. No impact on scholarships… what’s not to like?
It’s a no brainer on wanting Forcier the elder for depth if they give him a waiver. Even though he hasn’t started, he’s at least practiced for 4 years, and there’s really no downside.
Ideally, there wouldn’t really be a downside for Paulus either. However, the attention he’s already getting shows that it could be a distraction if he came. That’s also coupled with no much of an upside, as he hasn’t even practiced in four years, and wouldn’t even get the benefits of a spring practice.
The Free Press is now backing off the confirmation of Paulus. FREEP EPIC FAIL
Any opportunity to add more space on the depth chart between Tate and the Coner is something I’m for. If Jason’s eligible to play, he should easily beat out Sheridan for the backup spot. I’m not as optimistic about Paulus’s chances of contributing, but he still should at least be able to pass the Coner on the depth chart.
What do you guys think all of this means to Tate? I think this is kind of a slap in the face to him. He played phenominal in the spring game, something like 11 of 13 for 140 yards and 4 td’s, and as a result, RR looks to bring in transfers. Well I guess it wouldn’t hurt anything to have a former player of the year as a backup. I do have to say that I absolutely hate Paulus from his Duke days, though. None the less, it will be interesting to follow.
Jason, I could see. He’s football ready. Paulus would be a big waste of time. Let the Packers spend 2-3 years getting him football ready again.
i would rather go 3-9 again then have a flopping duke douchebag on our team
I have heard that the Freep is reporting it as an April Fool’s Day joke. The story seems to have some legitimacy, and they’re just making sure they cover their asses.