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Chris Clark decommits from U-M
Brady Hoke is officially out as the head football coach at the University of Michigan, and the impact is already being felt on the recruiting trail.
The first decommitment to come out of Hoke's firing came in the form of Chris Clark(Avon, Connecticut), 2015's top tight end prospect. He has said for awhile that a coaching change would shake his recruitment up a bit, and he followed through with that on Tuesday evening.
— Chris Clark (@Clark8Chris) December 2, 2014
Clark made it clear that things will not open up too much and that he is still considering the Wolverines.
So it doesn't get hectic wanna make it public only interested in 5 schools Michigan Unc Usc Ucla Texas
— Chris Clark (@Clark8Chris) December 3, 2014
It's hard to fault Clark or any commitment that decides to open their options up. Recruiting is built around the relationships these players build with a coaching staff, so these things happen when coaches are relieved of their duties.
His decommitment leaves the Wolverines with only six commits left: quarterback Alex Malzone, wide receiver Brian Cole, offensive linemen Grant Newsome and Jon Runyan Jr., safety Tyree Kinnel and kicker Andrew David.
Recruits respond to Hoke firing
Recruiting is built around the relationships players build, as mentioned above. Say what you will about Brady Hoke, but his players loved him and recruits enjoyed talking to him, so it is not a surprise that there is a certain sadness among the group now that the man they got to know is looking for a job.
2015 safety commit Tyree Kinnel shouted out the coaching staff on Twitter.
Want thank the whole coaching staff for what they have done for me. Wish them the best of luck!
— Tyree Kinnel (@Tkinnel_2) December 3, 2014
Several commits and targets spoke to 247's Steve Lorenz following Hoke's dismissal. (FREE)
The most notable and interesting reactions can be found below.
OL commit Grant Newsome: "It's really tough. I wish things could have gone differently because I think Coach Hoke is a great coach and a great person. It's hard to have to say goodbye to a group of people that I've spent the last two years building a relationship with. However, I'm excited to see who the new coach will be and be part of a new chapter in this program's storied history"
QB commit Alex Malzone: "It's tough to see Coach Hoke go since I've gotten to know him so well over the past few years. I wish him the best in the future. I'm still committed to Michigan no matter who they bring in. I can't wait to get up to Ann Arbor and wear the winged helmet"
2016 OL Ben Bredeson: "There's no particular coach out there that I'd like to see them replace Hoke with. I just want a coach that's able to step in and make Michigan a winner like they're supposed to be."
2016 WR Josh Imatorbhebhe: "Honestly I guess I saw it coming. At a football powerhouse like Michigan, they should be competing for a conference and national championship almost every year. It's sad to see because he's a great guy and a good football coach. Coach Hecklinski was actually at my school today and told me that Coach was having a meeting with the athletic director so I inferred that something could be going on after that."
2016 TE Naseir Upshur (offer): "My reaction was simply that they're doing this for the better of the program. What they have wasn't working, so they are committed to change to make things better overall. I'm OK with that."
There are a few guys that seem legitimately affected by Hoke being gone, but many still believe in the program and what it stands for.
Recruiting news very well could be slow in the coming weeks, but whoever the Wolverines decide to bring in as their next coach should be able to recruit at a high level. Now, the key is developing that talent.