Michigan Wolverines Links: Nashville (Tenn.) lineman Blake Bars commits to Michigan

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Blake Bars, the 6-6, 275-pound lineman prospect from Nashville (Tenn.), has decided to spurn the Sunbelt for the charms of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bars, rated the No. 34 lineman recruit in the country according to Rivals.com, turned down schools like South Carolina, LSU, and Florida in order to be apart of Brady Hoke's momentous recruiting class, making it official on Sunday night: "My family is cheering here, and we're pumped. I was just sitting here and I asked my family why did I not commit to them yet. So I called up Coach Smith and told him. I then called up Coach Hoke and told him. It's been a really exciting night." [MGBL]

Arizona Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz was able to relive his college days over the weekend with a stop in Ann Arbor: "It's fair to say that our family bleeds maize and blue," said Putz, who pitched for the Wolverines from 1996-99. "I have tremendous pride in the university." [MLB]

Have to agree with Southestern Conference fans who are sick of Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany blaming cold weather for the Big Ten's lack of success in the College World Series. Sports should be about persevering through adversity (perceived or real) and not "lawyering up," making veiled threats or begging for special concessions. [OMAHA]

Two of the best player in the state of Ohio, running back Bri’onte Dunn and lineman Kyle Kalis, have "no chance" of going to Ohio State according to Dave Biddle, a recruiting insider for ohiostate.247.com: “These guys aren’t just decommitting, they have written off going to OSU. Word going around at both St. Eds (Saint Edwards where Kalis attends) and GlenOak are that the Buckeyes have “no chance at landing either of them.” Both players have Michigan offers. [BR]