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Anthony Fera Has Decommitted
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9 CommentsThe rumors are true. Anthony Fera, one of the nation’s top kickers in the 2009 recruiting class, has decommitted from Michigan. To make matters even worse, it sounds like he will now commit to Penn State if he hasn’t already, meaning we will get to see him on a couple occasions in the coming years.
Fera is the fourth member of the ’09 class to decommit from Michigan. He joins Kevin Newsome, Will Campbell, and Bryce McNeal as players that have changed their minds. Will Campbell may end up committing to Michigan again, but any decision like that won’t likely happen until January at the earliest.
What’s even worse than losing a fourth verbal is that Fera probably isn’t the last decommit. With so much time left until signing day and with so much losing that can still happen, my guess is that at least a few more will decide to not go to Michigan. That’s sounds pessimistic, but I’m still stunned that four have already decommitted.
As far as the impact Fera’s decision has on Michigan’s recruiting class, it is a pretty big one. I know some may shrug it off and say something like, “No big deal, it’s only a kicker.” But it is a big deal. Fera was seen as someone that could start at kicker as a true freshman and take over punting duties when Zoltan Mesko leaves. Not only that, but he is a great kicker. I figured Michigan’s days of worrying about kicking were over, but that’s not the case anymore.
UPDATE: Fera has committed to Penn State. Awesome.
Anthony, welcome to Happy Valley!
I am baffled at the number of decommitments this year. Is it because of the horrible record on the field or is there some other unknown factor that im not seeing?
It’s twofold: primarily the horrible record on the field but also the thought that the coaching staff maybe isn’t that good. This is an idea that’s been creeping into the minds of these recruits. It’s well accepted that RR doesn’t have the playmakers on offense, but it’s much more surprising that UM has played so badly on defense and special teams, despite having lots of 3- and 4-stars recruits. Horrible play despite talented players raises doubts on the coaching. I’m not ready to give up on the staff, but the skepticism is becoming more and more audible.
We have to remember that although the defense has experienced players, some of these guys are seeing their third defensive coordinator in only a handful of years. With each coordinator comes a difference in philosphy and how the schemes are called. It will take this group a year to get this defensive system down, and even for the coordinator to get it all together himself. He’s a new coordinator, with a new staff, with a new team, in a new league.
Yes, the defense can get better and do a beter job of tackling on the field, and the defensive play calling can be better. However, when you take all of these things into consideration, overall the defense is still solid and should improve.
Keep in mind that anytime you have a coaching change, you will have decommits, however, this is somewhat different, these are RR’s own prospects leaving.
Therefore, I believe it’s a combination of negative recruiting by other schools against Michigan. It’s easier to turn the young kids against Michigan when the new coach is struggling and they don’t fully understand his system.
Some are told that “the school is not going to be as good as they were” or “they will be moved to another position” or “you will never be drafted by the pros with that offense” or “they don’t play downhill schemes” etc. Others are concerned that the competition is too tough and will never start. There may even be some back room pay offs to players and families if one dares to look closer, who knows for sure.
A transition year is always the toughest for new coaches. Some potiential recruits only want to jump on a winning ship, and when things are tough they look else where. While other recruits know that Michigan is a national school that gets primary TV time and will bounce back, and when they see a transition year they know they can come in and compete for playing time and make a name for themselves.
Coach Rod is a winner and viewed that way nationally. Anyone who knows him professionally will tell you that he is turning this team around and will be back in a year or two. The youngsters who really know football understands this and are excited and will remain committed.
The strong come and stay while the weak move on. Those that move on to other schools will turn out to be the best thing for Michigan.
“Those who stay will be Champtions.” Michigan will gain its share of solid recruits by signing day…guaranteed!!!
Those who come to Michigan will be champions. Can’t cry over woulda, shoulda, coulda…..Good luck to him.
couldn’t agree more with you.
GO BLUE!!!
Michigan will probably offer another great kicker from Florida, Brendan Gibbons soon. There is no serious drop off here.
I’ve got 2 extra tix for Saturday’s game – corner 18. Speak up if anyone’s interested. Go Blue!