With rumors of a Sports Illustrated story ready to blow the doors of Ohio State football swirling -- Michigan head coach Brady Hoke remains poised ready to pounce. Ohio State is bracing for more and Michigan's new coach couldn't have picked a better time to take over the bruised football program.

Hoke hired a staff with strong mid-west and Ohio ties -- and The Wolverines have all ready pulled five recruits out of the State and are poised to get more in one of the most talented core of Ohio recruits in a long time. Nothing like making yourself stronger while weakening your arch-rival at the same time.

Credit goes to Hoke (a Dayton guy), recruiting coordinator Jeff Hecklinski (a great hire and a knockout recruiting master planner), defensive coordinator Greg Mattison (his Raven pedigree is really attracting defensive recruits), and linebacker coach Mark Smith (a Defiance, Ohio guy who's attention to detail has drawn rave reviews from Ohio high school coaches).

What to watch for?

Keep an eye on Canton Ohio running back Bri'onte Dunn. He's a 4-star back who's long been committed to Ohio State. But he's opened up his recruitment given all the uncertainty surrounding the Buckeyes, the NCAA and the future of Jim Tressel. Dunn has visited Ann Arbor and has shown a strong interest in the Wolverines. Also keep an eye on Cincinnati defensive lineman Adolphus Washington. He's considered by some to be the top player in Ohio and has become a Michigan priority.

If Hoke can capitalize and pull Dunn and Washington? ... His timing and choice of staff couldn't be better.