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          Big Ten Blog

          Michigan announces Summer Swarm Tour

          • Mitch Sherman, ESPN Staff WriterApr 16, 2015, 06:30 PM ET
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            • Nebraska/Big Ten/Recruiting reporter.
            • Joined ESPN in 2011.
            • Graduated from the University of Nebraska.
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          Michigan is taking the Jim Harbaugh Show on the road.

          The Wolverines on Thursday announced their Summer Swarm Tour 2015, the most expansive foray into satellite camps undertaken by a program nationally.

          Harbaugh and his full coaching staff will visit nine camps, June 4-12, in seven states, including Michigan, working alongside the host instructors.

          “We are excited to go across the country and teach youth football in these communities,” Harbaugh said in a statement released by Michigan. “This is a great way for us to continue to be ambassadors for the great game of football.”

          The first-year coach likely is also excited about the recruiting exposure these camps will generate. Satellite camps rose to prominence last year as Penn State coaches participated as guest coaches at events in Georgia and Florida. Other schools have planned similar camps, though not on the scale of Michigan’s tour.

          Penn State plans more satellite camps this year. Nebraska has also looked into it.

          The Wolverines’ whirlwind trip starts in Indianapolis, followed by stops in Prattville, Alabama; Tampa, Florida; Easton, Pennsylvania; Houston; Grand Prairie, Texas; Mission Viejo, California; Fresno, California, and Detroit.

          It marks quite a coup for Big Ten and other northern programs to journey into the South. The NCAA prohibits programs from conducting camps more than 50 miles from their campuses. But in the case of Michigan, Penn State and others, the coaches are considered guests at the camps, which is within the rules.

          So while Harbaugh and his coaches work with prospects at the Prattville Elite Football Camp on June 5, coaches at Auburn and Alabama will sit home and sweat it out.

          Of course, SEC coaches have noticed. And they’re not pleased.

          Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said this week that he would like to see the practice of satellite camps outlawed, but that the Buckeyes would consider taking advantage of the situation as long as it’s legal.

          Expect a legislative discussion on the NCAA level soon. And expect a few Big Ten programs to object to Meyer’s suggestion.