I believe the issue may have bee alcohol and he might have violated probation.

IF I further remember he might be a 5th year transfer eligible and could transfer and play this fall.

Some were concerned that he would take PT from the new recruits.

EDIT:

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/s...12aaa.html

What happened is that he redshirted as a SENIOR and then was dismissed.

Assuming he completes his degree he could play at EMU this fall.

Dear NUPudge and emu steve,
I was one of those people that felt bringing Stonum on board would send the wrong message to the players who were already making contributions to the team. I still feel that way. We should develop the talent we have.
My question would be, since this was a topic months ago, were is he? (Stonum) If, he was going to transfer, wouldn't it have happened by now?

(03-28-2012 08:10 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear NUPudge and emu steve,
I was one of those people that felt bringing Stonum on board would send the wrong message to the players who were already making contributions to the team. I still feel that way. We should develop the talent we have.
My question would be, since this was a topic months ago, were is he? (Stonum) If, he was going to transfer, wouldn't it have happened by now?

The critical element and it is critical is that he MUST graduate from UofM.

His EMU ELIGIBILITY is based on he having a degree AND one year of athletic eligibility left.

Maybe one of our UofM fans can indicate when the current semester ends at UofM.

If Stonum graduates on a Saturday he is free to walk into English's office on Monday and talk.

There is no release from UofM required.

If we have any women's track and field fans here, I helped facilitate such an arrangement for an athlete here in D.C. who had completed her academics at Maryland but had one year of athletic eligibility left because of a medical redshirt (I know the athlete's parents well).

She came to EMU as a grad student and on athletic scholarship for one year and hopefully graduates next month with a master's degree.

Dear emu steve,
Thanks for the reminder that he has to graduate. I forgot about that, but now I remember that, that is one of my objections to Stonum. He will only be here for a year. I know that everyone will be able to point to examples of one year wonders that helped teams the last couple of years, but I still don't think it's worth it.

(03-28-2012 08:44 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear emu steve,
Thanks for the reminder that he has to graduate. I forgot about that, but now I remember that, that is one of my objections to Stonum. He will only be here for a year. I know that everyone will be able to point to examples of one year wonders that helped teams the last couple of years, but I still don't think it's worth it.

One thing about football.

Stonum can show up in August, play one season and doesn't even need to return for 2nd semester. OR He could be a part time 2nd semester student and prepare for the NFL draft.

Whereas in other sports which transcend semesters (e.g., hoops, T&F, etc.) the 5th year eligible student would need to return for spring semester.

I think the issue was that he was given a second chance by the U of M coaching staff and blew his second chance.

Stonum had two DUI's over the past three years, and his license was suspended. He was ultimately kicked off of the team by violating his probation by getting caught driving without a license. Hoke REALLY didn't want to boot him off of the team -- Stonum was a good citizen during his suspended redshirt season, and the Michigan WRs are awful this year -- but he had to do it to maintain authority over the team.

Stonum will graduate this spring, and has no grade issues at all. Like Steve said, he will be free to play in the fall without sitting out a year, which he plans to do. Hopefully he does so at EMU.

He's a good kid, but he had an issue with alcohol in the past, obviously. If that is taken care of, English shouldn't hesitate.

(03-28-2012 08:53 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 08:44 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear emu steve,
Thanks for the reminder that he has to graduate. I forgot about that, but now I remember that, that is one of my objections to Stonum. He will only be here for a year. I know that everyone will be able to point to examples of one year wonders that helped teams the last couple of years, but I still don't think it's worth it.

One thing about football.

Stonum can show up in August, play one season and doesn't even need to return for 2nd semester. OR He could be a part time 2nd semester student and prepare for the NFL draft.

Whereas in other sports which transcend semesters (e.g., hoops, T&F, etc.) the 5th year eligible student would need to return for spring semester.

I guess I may sound really crazy but will Stonum help the current team move forward? If we have to buy a year for the younger guys to get up to speed then so be it.. I believe in competition in sports. Would he not also bring in some experiences at our WR position and ST?

(03-28-2012 12:34 PM)NUPudge Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 08:53 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 08:44 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear emu steve,
Thanks for the reminder that he has to graduate. I forgot about that, but now I remember that, that is one of my objections to Stonum. He will only be here for a year. I know that everyone will be able to point to examples of one year wonders that helped teams the last couple of years, but I still don't think it's worth it.

One thing about football.

Stonum can show up in August, play one season and doesn't even need to return for 2nd semester. OR He could be a part time 2nd semester student and prepare for the NFL draft.

Whereas in other sports which transcend semesters (e.g., hoops, T&F, etc.) the 5th year eligible student would need to return for spring semester.

I guess I may sound really crazy but will Stonum help the current team move forward? If we have to buy a year for the younger guys to get up to speed then so be it.. I believe in competition in sports. Would he not also bring in some experiences at our WR position and ST?

I assume Stonum, if he is into playing his senior year (and prepare for a possible NFL career) could be an impact player.

Do remember (obviously) that he has only one season. The frosh WR would get some PT but would also learn a lot from him. A frosh season should be a learning experience unless the WR is a Ted Ginn Jr.

An impact player at a position, even for one season, can be a very beneficial thing.

The '12 offense could be dynamite. I'd like to see Russell, Stonum, etc. spreading the field which we had a hard time doing last season.

(03-28-2012 12:34 PM)holybovine Wrote:  Stonum had two DUI's over the past three years, and his license was suspended. He was ultimately kicked off of the team by violating his probation by getting caught driving without a license. Hoke REALLY didn't want to boot him off of the team -- Stonum was a good citizen during his suspended redshirt season, and the Michigan WRs are awful this year -- but he had to do it to maintain authority over the team.

Stonum will graduate this spring, and has no grade issues at all. Like Steve said, he will be free to play in the fall without sitting out a year, which he plans to do. Hopefully he does so at EMU.

He's a good kid, but he had an issue with alcohol in the past, obviously. If that is taken care of, English shouldn't hesitate.

I would not call UM’s receivers’ “awful”. Roundtree, Dileo, and Gallon are a solid nucleus.UM needs some size and a burner. Stonum was the burner that UM needs. They miss his speed.

Stonum is an okay player, but he never has put it altogether. Two years ago he was UM’s third best WR behind Roundtree and Hemingway. He has the talent to be a first day selection in the NFL draft, but he has not displayed the consistency on the field.

2012 at EMU could be Stonum's chance to 'put it altogether' and prepare for a career on Sundays.

If he comes, I hope he realizes what is at stake for EMU, himself and a possible NFL career.

P.S. EMU needs a burner, too.

I am really undecided now with the facts coming out.. I will support and back whatever English decides because he is the one who will have to answer to the AD and president if something goes wrong with the situation..

I guess English will have to weigh the pros and cons / plus and minus in pulling this off.. I am not so worry about the WR freshmen not getting playing time because we have 3rd and 4th year players who will not make the great catch or burn a DB for a TD, this is th spot he will be replacing.

If we want the program to move to the next level then we need to get a couple kids who are board line questionable to join the team and if he causes problems (which I don't think he will) kick him off.. This kid has one more shot and I don't think he wants to blow it...

(03-28-2012 08:53 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 08:44 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear emu steve,
Thanks for the reminder that he has to graduate. I forgot about that, but now I remember that, that is one of my objections to Stonum. He will only be here for a year. I know that everyone will be able to point to examples of one year wonders that helped teams the last couple of years, but I still don't think it's worth it.

One thing about football.

Stonum can show up in August, play one season and doesn't even need to return for 2nd semester. OR He could be a part time 2nd semester student and prepare for the NFL draft.

Whereas in other sports which transcend semesters (e.g., hoops, T&F, etc.) the 5th year eligible student would need to return for spring semester.

Talk about making a mockery out of the system and the university. I want EMU to win as much as anyone, but I'd rather lose with legitimate student athletes than win with semi-pro mercenaries. Besides, he's not that good. If he was the second coming of Jerry Rice, I might be tempted, but I'd still say no. Come on everybody, let's all get some self-esteem and fight our own battles, not call on some U-M castoff to get the job done for us.

(03-28-2012 06:59 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 08:53 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 08:44 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear emu steve,
Thanks for the reminder that he has to graduate. I forgot about that, but now I remember that, that is one of my objections to Stonum. He will only be here for a year. I know that everyone will be able to point to examples of one year wonders that helped teams the last couple of years, but I still don't think it's worth it.

One thing about football.

Stonum can show up in August, play one season and doesn't even need to return for 2nd semester. OR He could be a part time 2nd semester student and prepare for the NFL draft.

Whereas in other sports which transcend semesters (e.g., hoops, T&F, etc.) the 5th year eligible student would need to return for spring semester.

Talk about making a mockery out of the system and the university. I want EMU to win as much as anyone, but I'd rather lose with legitimate student athletes than win with semi-pro mercenaries. Besides, he's not that good. If he was the second coming of Jerry Rice, I might be tempted, but I'd still say no. Come on everybody, let's all get some self-esteem and fight our own battles, not call on some U-M castoff to get the job done for us.

My guess is that if RE takes him (and is anyone sure he's looking at coming to EMU anyway?) it will be because he's convinced that Stonum is determined to get back on track and he wants to support that. One of the things English preaches to kids, and parents of kids, who want to play college ball is, 'Be a good person.' I think he's sincere about that. If he thought Stonum was less than serious about keeping his nose clean -- which probably means just steering clear of alcohol, period -- then I don't think he'd risk the turnaround in attitude and demeanour he's accomplished at EMU for one player, even if he were a new Jerry Rice.

This is the NCAA system which allows a graduate with eligibility to transfer (without sitout) and have immediate eligibility.

Yes, in the case of football a player can enroll, play a season and not bother to return to school after Christmas if that is what he wants to do.

However, a frosh basketball player can be on probation after first semester, do worse 2nd semester and then declare for the NBA draft before being declared academically ineligible.

If a player wants to game the system, he can...

(03-28-2012 07:42 PM)emu steve Wrote:  This is the NCAA system which allows a graduate with eligibility to transfer (without sitout) and have immediate eligibility.

Yes, in the case of football a player can enroll, play a season and not bother to return to school after Christmas if that is what he wants to do.

However, a frosh basketball player can be on probation after first semester, do worse 2nd semester and then declare for the NBA draft before being declared academically ineligible.

If a player wants to game the system, he can...

Right, and I have no doubt that he's learned his lesson and would keep his nose clean and all that. I just don't want a ringer coming in here for 1 semester just to play football. Wisconsin is playing that game again with their new rent-a-QB O'Brien and I just don't like it. If I want to watch non-students, I'll watch the NFL or the SEC.

(03-27-2012 03:54 AM)NUPudge Wrote:  

(03-27-2012 03:27 AM)emu steve Wrote:  O/T and "OTW" (Off the wall):

Penn State is holding their spring ball and has 3 QBs, including Robert Bolden. They may well get the Maryland QB, Danny O'Brien, as a 5th year transfer.

I still wonder if Bolden does transfer after this academic year is over and is he what English is looking for in '13 as a QB.

Chance of all this happening: very slim but still fascinating.

Now back to Spring Ball...

If English could pull this off, it would probably chance the FB balance of power of the Mac. I don't know why you like getting me excited about rumors like theses.

It's seems as Penn may need to let Bolden leave to unclog the QB logjam there.. Wow what a differences a year makes in college football for Penn St.

Surprisingly (or maybe not), but O'Brien ends up at Wisconsin which seems to like the 5th year graduate immediate eligibility rule to their liking.

Remember Russell Wilson?

I assume it significantly reduces the probability of Bolden leaving PSU...

Dear Friends,
I attended spring practice yesterday (Thursday) from 4:00-6:00p.m. I was very impressed by the use of time (there is a clock at one end of the practice facility) that clock has times programed into it, and when the time expires for whatever activity was going on, the players and coaches move to the next activity where ever on the field.
The players seemed very enthusiastic and listened to the coaches advice, and technique examples when offered. Scrimmages were interspersed between small group activity, and the hitting and speed at ground level, is very different from watching a game in the stands. It was vicious at times.
There were some walking wounded, but Desdan Hester tore his Achilles Tendon and was out of action, but hoped he would be ready for fall ball.
If, any of you can make it to one of the practices before the spring game, I would recommend the experience.

(03-30-2012 01:22 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear Friends,
I attended spring practice yesterday (Thursday) from 4:00-6:00p.m. I was very impressed by the use of time (there is a clock at one end of the practice facility) that clock has times programed into it, and when the time expires for whatever activity was going on, the players and coaches move to the next activity where ever on the field.
The players seemed very enthusiastic and listened to the coaches advice, and technique examples when offered. Scrimmages were interspersed between small group activity, and the hitting and speed at ground level, is very different from watching a game in the stands. It was vicious at times.
There were some walking wounded, but Desdan Hester tore his Achilles Tendon and was out of action, but hoped he would be ready for fall ball.
If, any of you can make it to one of the practices before the spring game, I would recommend the experience.

Excellent. Thanks.

If lived in Michigan I'd attend some sessions including the Saturdays.

There are two good ways to follow football and hoops: with your eyes and your ears.

Be there and watch and listen as Ken did.

(03-30-2012 01:22 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear Friends,
I attended spring practice yesterday (Thursday) from 4:00-6:00p.m. I was very impressed by the use of time (there is a clock at one end of the practice facility) that clock has times programed into it, and when the time expires for whatever activity was going on, the players and coaches move to the next activity where ever on the field.
The players seemed very enthusiastic and listened to the coaches advice, and technique examples when offered. Scrimmages were interspersed between small group activity, and the hitting and speed at ground level, is very different from watching a game in the stands. It was vicious at times.
There were some walking wounded, but Desdan Hester tore his Achilles Tendon and was out of action, but hoped he would be ready for fall ball.
If, any of you can make it to one of the practices before the spring game, I would recommend the experience.

Ken,

Great job with reporting from the spring practice... I have a few questions if you can recall it...

Did they play offense against defense?
If so did the offense score many TD's against our defense?
How did the QB throw the ball? what grade would you give them?
How did the RB's look?
What did the secondary look like?/
How did the WR/TE look with catching the ball
Sorry just questions I wanted so compare what you saw to what I saw while I was there...

I know this is only spring ball but this will provide a base level we can use going forward for over the summer and in the fall..