The event that has caused an uproar from the SEC and its coaches, and garnered much of criticism in the college football world got underway in sunny Florida on the final day of February 2016. Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan football team began a week of spring football practices at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. This week marks the University of Michigan's spring break — Harbaugh decided to take advantage and hold a week of spring practices down in Florida as opposed to the frozen elements that currently exist in Ann Arbor.
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Spring practice is underway!! Brandon Peters and Alex Malzone getting loose. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/QNETREFzfy
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 29, 2016
John O'Korn sporting a new digit this year. pic.twitter.com/opZEZHpfYL
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 29, 2016
Why are people — especially people like the SEC commissioner Greg Sankey so worked up about this week? Essentially, the trip is kind of a glorified recruiting trip — Harbaugh and Michigan football is openly inviting prospects' coaches (it's especially convenient already being on recruiting hotbed IMG Academy's grounds) to practices throughout the week, too. Prospects are allowed to attend Michigan's Friday practice — all of this is OK with the NCAA, this year at least.
HS Coaches attending U of M FB practices in Florida, must register at: https://t.co/7IstrAkxHq REMINDER: Coaches may not bring recruits.
— Michigan Compliance (@umichcompliance) February 26, 2016
Michigan, including players and coaches, will be participating in a number of off-field events in Florida as well — see how rival SEC and in-state schools might not be the most fond of this? The one activity I'm looking forward to more than anything personally is that Harbaugh will be coaching first base for the Detroit Tigers during one of their spring training games in the Grapefruit League.
