Vlad speaks!

Michigan's 20th and newest commitment Vlad Emilien speaks directly to GoBlueWolverine about his commitment, and more ...

Michigan's 20th and newest commitment Vlad Emilien to GBW's Dre Barthwell (on Sunday night):

"I committed to Michigan three weeks ago, I just didn't want to say anything until now; this is my day."

"I committed on the phone to Coach Magee, and all the other coaches were in the room. They were all excited about it."

Regarding his knee injury (ACL):

"It meant a lot to me that U-M stayed loyal to me after I hurt my knee ... others stopped recruiting me at that time (read: OSU), and that hurt."

"Michigan stayed with me; they showed me they will still be with me in tough times as well as good."

"When I visited Michigan, it felt rith right to me right at that time ... everything felt right."

"I made up my mind that that's where I wanted to be."

"And I stuck with them because they stayed loyal to me."

Regarding the U-M season:

"People have to realize they have been good so long, it was bound to happen sooner or later ... it's just too bad it had to happen to Coach Rod."

"This will be turned around!"

"I wanted to go to a team I can make a difference with .. with a coach leading the team in the right direction -- Coach Rod is that guy."

"All legends have a tough time at one time ... even Michael Jordan did ... he eventually turned it around, and so will Michigan."

And, one more thing:

"I'm coming in January ... I can't wait to get up there and help out the team."