The Diary of Michael Coleman

[buckeyeryan]

I researched Minnesota on Coach Robertson’s computer after school the next day.

University of Minnesota Golden Gophers 2007 season: 1 win, 11 losses.

Really? Is that right? I kept looking at it, hoping it would change.

Here I thought that Minnesota was probably a middle of the pack team in the Big 10, but they were 1-11 last year. No bowl game with that record....

I read more about Coach Brewster and the program, and found out more about the school’s academic programs on Coach Robertson’s request. I didn't really care about their majors or anything. I just wanted to play football at a big time program. And for me, it looked like Minnesota would be the biggest one that would give me a chance.

I still felt good about Minnesota, even with the 1-11 record. It felt like the right decision. The next time I talked to Coach Brewster, I’d let him know I was ready to commit….

[buckeyeryan]

I talked to Coach Brewster again four days later, and told him I was ready to commit. On Signing Day, I would be putting on a Minnesota Golden Gopher hat.

I told him that I was grateful for the opportunity, and I thanked him for taking a chance on me.

Coach Brewster laughed on the other side of the phone. “Well, son, you really need to be thanking Walter.”

“Um, who? Who is Walter?,” I asked him. I was puzzled.

“Walter. Walter Jackson. He lives there in Detroit. Owns a grocery store and says he knows you real well. I played college ball with him at the University of Illinois. He was a hell of a defensive back. He called me up a few months ago and told me to take a look at you. My staff here had seen your highlight tape and were interested, but we just weren’t sure because of your – ahem – minor issue with the law, but Walter vouched for you and said you were a good kid who just made a bad mistake. Ol’ Walter probably called me ten times about you. I know your football skills, but Walter knows your character."

I thanked Coach Brewster for his time, and hung up the phone. There was no way I could go anywhere other than Minnesota now.

[G-Men72]

whats minnesota's preseason ranking

[buckeyeryan]

Originally Posted by G-Men72

whats minnesota's preseason ranking

Athlon Sports and CNNSI have them coming into this year at #78, second to last in Big 10.

[G-Men72]

better than i expected for them being 1-11 last year

[buckeyeryan]

Feb. 6, 2008

Signing Day

My announcement and signing went off without a hitch. There was a local reporter there, but nothing major. Coach Robertson said that Scout.com had me listed as a two-star prospect, but that I would probably been a 3 or 4 star prospect if there had been more tape on me.

Mr. Jackson and Coach Robertson sat next to me at the table as I signed the papers declaring my intent to enroll at the University of Minnesota. My momma got half a day off of work and was there, too. I felt like I had made the best choice possible, and that hopefully, all of my problems were behind me. I’ve got about six months until practices start at Minnesota, and hopefully, I can use this time to prepare my body and mind for the pressures of big time college football.

[fukau23]

wow good stuff keep it up

[YoungWonda]

Alright going to the Big Ten woohoo. As you might have seen Ima huge Michigan fan. Just dont beat up on Michigan too bad, please? lol jk. I love this Cl and its one of the best I've read. No offense G-Men lol

[G-Men72]

Originally Posted by YoungWonda

Alright going to the Big Ten woohoo. As you might have seen Ima huge Michigan fan. Just dont beat up on Michigan too bad, please? lol jk. I love this Cl and its one of the best I've read. No offense G-Men lol

way to just totally throw me under the bus, youngwonda. no but this is a really good CL

[Saints101]

Maybe you can be the next Marion Barber. Cuz he attended Minnesota.