On Tuesday afternoon, Michigan informed Brady Hoke that he will not return as head coach in 2015. Many Wolverines quickly took to social media to react to the move - we collected many responses from current and former players here, and now we've collected responses from a number of high-profile recruits:
2015 CA 5-Star CB Iman Marshall
"I hate to hear Coach Hoke potentially losing his job. That will obviously affect Iman's recruiting. When the time comes, we will sit down and discuss a contingency plan if coach Hoke isn't retained."
2015 CT 4-Star TE Chris Clark
Clark announced his intention to de-commit from Michigan shortly after news of Hoke's firing went public. Read his full statement HERE.
Bloomfield Hills (Mich.) Brother Rice quarterback Alex Malzone (2015 commit):
"I only hope the best for Coach Hoke in the future. I'm committed to Michigan 100%."
Bloomfield Hills (Mich.) Brother Rice wide receiver Grant Perry (unoffered 2015 prospect):
"It's too bad, he was a really good guy, but business is business, I guess. I wish him the best wherever his next job is.
Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga cornerback Marcus Lewis (offered 2015 target):
"It's upsetting because he's a great coach, but even a better person."
Clairton (Pa.) cornerback Lamont Wade (unoffered 2017 target):
"Michigan is still a dream school of mine, and I feel the program can build back up from this."
Wayne (N.J.) DePaul Catholic running back Kareem Walker:
"I met him and he's a nice guy. I'm sorry to hear he's fired now. I want to see who they bring in now. I'll be talking to [freshman cornerback and close friend] Jabrill Peppers to see how it's going."
Four-star 2016 Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) QB Messiah DeWeaver:
"Great man and coach, sad to see him go. I have to talk it over with my family to figure out anything further."
O'Fallon (Ill.) High School running back Kentrail Moran (offered 2016 prospect):
"Wow that's crazy. I kind of knew it was going to happen though because of the season they had this year and last year."
"Of course I'm still interested. Just because Coach Hoke is gone doesn't change my ways. I believe in whoever the next coach will be. Next man up."
Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe (offered 2016 target):
"Honestly, I guess I saw it coming. It's sad though, because he's a great guy and a good football coach. Coach Hecklinski had actually stopped by my school today and told me that Coach Hoke was having a meeting with the AD, so I inferred that something of that nature would likely happen."
"Bottom line, I think the main thing [in my recruitment] will be the coach that they decide to bring in."
Downers Grove (Ill.) South offensive tackle Erik Swenson (2016 commit):
"It's very sad. I really liked Coach Hoke and I thought he was a great guy. It's hard because you build such a good relationship with these coaches and it's hard to see them leave. It maybe changes things for me a little bit. I'm excited to see who the new coach is but as of now I'm still committed to Michigan. Decommitting isn't a possibility as of right now. There would have to be a bad coach coming in and have a worse year next year for that to happen."
Massillon (Ohio) Washington kicker Andrew David (2015 commit):
"I don't know what to say really right now. That's the guy I had wanted to play for. It's tough now but I will make the most of the future really. It doesn't change a thing for my commitment. I'm just hoping our guys, including myself, can make a difference. No matter who is coaching we want to make it to the final four someday."
Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha offensive guard Terrance Davis (offered 2016 prospect):
"I didn't really get a chance to know Coach Hoke that well but whoever Michigan hires will hopefully lead them back to the glory days and make a huge comeback. It doesn't affect my interest level at all. Like I said, no offense to Coach Hoke, but no coach can take away Michigan's legacy and tradition and education. That's what I'm interested in, a great coach is just a bonus. It doesn't hurt Michigan's chances with me at all, they are still up top for me."
Fremont (Ohio) Ross wide receiver Russ Yeast (unoffered 2017 target):
"I had a feeling that it was going to happen but I wish him and his family the best of luck moving forward. I hope Michigan makes the right hire. I haven't lost any interest because I feel like they will bring in the right coach."
Akron (Ohio) Archbishop-Hoban running back Todd Sibley Jr. (unoffered 2017 prospect):
"I heard that he was fired. I'm not really sure how I feel about it honestly. There is no doubt that I'm still interested though."
Orange (Va.) Woodberry Forest School offensive lineman Clark Yarbrough (offered 2016 target):
"I'm really sorry to see Coach Hoke go. He's a great guy. I'm excited to see who they bring in."
College Park (Ga.) Woodward Academy running back Elijah Holyfield (offered 2016 target):
"It's sad to see; I feel really bad. It depends on the next coach, for the most part."
Farmington Hills (Mich.) Harrison defensive end Khalid Kareem (unoffered 2016 prospect):
"It's always sad to see anybody get fired. At the end of the day though, it's a results business."
Buffalo (N.Y.) Canisius defensive end Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (offered 2015 prospect):
Wheatley, son of former Wolverines star & current Buffalo Bills running backs coach Ty Wheatley, responded in a half-joking manner: "Hire my dad and I'm there."
St. Joseph (Mich.) defensive end Corey Malone-Hatcher (offered 2017 target, via his father, Orlando):
"We were pulling for Hoke to succeed. He's a standup guy. Michigan remains very high to us. We're confident that a top-notch hire will be made. When that person is named, we'll have to start building that rapport."
Ottawa (Ont.) Lester B. Pearson defensive end Luiji Vilain (unoffered 2017 target):
"I think it's unfortunate for him, but it doesn't really affect me because I did not receive an offer from him. I'll just have to impress the next coaching staff."
Mt. Pleasant (Mich.) High School wide receiver Kalebb Perry (unoffered 2016 target):
"I mean it's never good when a coach gets fired. I just hope it doesn't affect my recruiting much."
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