The Michigan Insider

Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, and Brice Marich discuss the major takeaways from the Barbecue at the Big House. The crew focuses on Michigan's chances with Deone Walker, Isaiah Hastings, Kenneth Grant, and Josh Conerly Jr. Amorion Walker. Sam and Steve lay out the REAL story behind Jeremy Patton's flip to Baylor, the reset Michigan's linebacker board. The podcasts closes with an interview with Top247 cornerback target Ephesians Prysock and his dad.

We spend most of this episode offering our thoughts and takeaways from Michigan's Big Ten Media Days appearance. In the second half of the show, we also look at conference realignment, and how it pertains to Michigan and the Big Ten.

Reflecting on Jim Harbaugh, Josh Ross, Aidan Hutchinson and Hassan Haskins speaking with reporters in Indianapolis last week, we look at some of the key storylines. We discuss Michigan's renewed focus on Ohio State, Cade McNamara, the Wolverines' vows of redemption and reflections on the 2020 season, some light depth-chart talk and other key topics. We also discuss Harbaugh's demeanor, and some interesting comments about Michigan's new coaching staff.

Then, we switch to the ongoing discussion of conference realignment, assessing what the Big Ten could and should do next, and where that leaves Michigan.

Tim McCormick and Sam Webb discuss the impact transfers will have on college basketball's power rankings. Next the duo share the latest chatter from NBA scouts on where Franz Wagner and Isaiah Livers will slot in the draft. Cade Cunningham's pro outlook and fit with the Detroit Pistons are also assessed. From there the focus returns to Michigan and a projection of next year's rotation and freshman impact. The podcast closes with reactions to the first few weeks of NIL deals.

Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, and Brice Marich discuss the major takeaways from the Keon Sabb recruitment. From there the trio resets Michigan's safety and linebacker boards, and share the latest on Dillon Tatum and Lander Barton. Next the crew points out five must get recruits for U-M (i.e. the five most attainable targets at the biggest positions of need). The podcasts closes with a discussion of more Barbecue at the Big House confirmations.

Sam Webb and Brice Marich break down the commitment of Micah Pollard, the update Michigan's EDGE and LB boards. The duo focuses extensively on where things stand with LB targets Jeremy Patton and Deuce Spurlock. Attention then turns to the expanded DT board and new targets Derrick Shepard, Shone Washington, and Robby Harrison. Next up the TMI team tackled a listener question - is it possible for Michigan to get back in on Tennessee DT commit Jordan Phillips. The podcast concludes with a discussion of noteworthy targets planning to attend U-M's annual Barbecue at the Big House.

In this episode, we take a look at the Michigan football players we think have the most breakout potential in the 2021 season.

We begin by looking at the offensive skill positions, where we think the Wolverines have the most breakout-capable players on the team. We discuss each of our top two candidates — Cornelius Johnson and Blake Corum — and why we're as high on them in 2021 as we are. We also discuss the coaches' affinity toward Erick All and Mike Sainristil, and how we weigh that heading into their junior seasons. Along the way, we also mention a couple rising sophomore receivers we're optimistic about.

Next, we look at the defensive side of the ball, discussing both returning starters and two-deep newcomers. We lament Michigan for not giving more defensive underclassmen more run last season, and discuss the position groups where we think there are more talented breakout candidates than others. We close the discussion by turning to the offensive line and assessing new breakout candidates up front.

Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, and Brice Marich break down the commitments of Colston Loveland and Mario Eugenio. Next, the crew breaks down the abrupt change in course in Michigan's recruitment of four-star DE Justice Finkley. Attention then turns to Myles Pollard's commitment announcement. Pollard's trainer Daryl Graham joins the podcast to handicap Michigan's chances of coming out on top, provide a scouting report on his star pupil, and project his impact at the college and possibly pro levels. The podcast finishes with a discussion of several other tall corners Michigan is pushing for. Things close out from there by highlighting how Michigan is trending with top targets Deone Walker, Dillon Bell, Josh Josephs, and Micah Pollard.

Tim McCormick and Sam Webb chat with former Michigan great Phil Hubbard about the growth and development of recent PG commit Dug McDaniel during his time coaching him at Paul VI high school in Fairfax , Virginia. Tim and Sam also detail the Kobe Bufkin's improved physique and the impact that has had on his game. The podcast ends with a discussion about the far reaching implications of the new Name, Image, Likeness rules on intercollegiate athletics.

Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, and Brice Marich break down the commitments of Alessandro Lorenzetti and Kevonte Henry. Henry's coach Brandon Manumaleuna sheds light on his star pupil's game and recruitment. The crew then discusses U-M's positive momentum with Sebastian Cheeks, Jahlil Florence, and Colston Loveland. Next on the docket was addressing rumors that Michigan had fallen out of contention with no. 1 TE Oscar Delp. From there the trio projects the impact of Thomas Wilcher's move from Cass Tech to Michigan State. The podcast ends with a discussion about Michigan targets trending towards July decisions and talk that the Wolverines are in line to land several of them.

In this episode, we spend the bulk of it discussing how potential changes to NIL compensation impacts Michigan, and preview what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. We also take an early preview of the Wolverines' running game, and discuss if it's the strength of Michigan's team right now.

We begin by looking at NIL compensation, which allows players to profit off of their own brand. We discuss the NCAA's (somewhat reluctant) decision to allow players to make money in this way, and how it impacts the Wolverines. We look at the current and future impact it has had on the recruiting trail, how Michigan must capitalize, and how it could impact the Wolverines' recruiting expectations.

We then look at the changes' impacts on current players. We discuss concerns from a coach's standpoint, as well as how players are going to have to navigate this added wrinkle to the college experience. We also take a look at what kind of athletes will benefit the most from these rules, and how it could change our jobs.

In the second half of the episode, we discuss Michigan's running back and offensive line position groups, and assess if this is the strength of the Wolverines' roster. We look at how Michigan's experienced, big and talented offensive line can take a step forward in 2021, and asses how the running back room shakes out after a season with several departures and arrivals. We discuss where each position group still has to develop, but also look at potential for the two areas of Michigan's offense.