Newsstand: Michigan assistant Tony Alford celebrates Savion Hiter commitment with victory cigar

Tweets Of The Day

Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford landed Mineral (Va.) Louisa County five-star Savion Hiter — the No. 8 overall recruit and No. 1 running back in the 2026 class — Tuesday, with the Wolverines beating out Tennessee, Ohio State, Georgia and others.

Alford has been seemingly off of social media since the start of fall camp — “locked in” — but resurfaced Tuesday night, posting pictures of his patented victory cigar celebration, featuring associate head coach Biff Poggi and general manager Sean Magee, two individuals who likely had something to do with the pledge, as well.

Here’s more on Alford’s recruiting land from The Wolverine’s EJ Holland:

“Coach Alford’s resume is amazing — Ezekiel Elliott and JK Dobbins,” Hiter said. “But he’s also such a genuine coach. He keeps it real with you. He doesn’t BS with you or beat around the bush. That’s what I like about him.”

Alford is pro’s pro.

Yes, he’s a veteran and has coached multiple NFL running backs, but what stands out about him the most is his ability to cultivate real relationships with everyone he comes into contact with.

“He’s built a great relationship with not only Savion but our family since he started recruiting him at Ohio State,” said Hiter’s mother, Aishia. “Once he came to Michigan, our relationship became stronger. It’s only gotten stronger as time has grown. He’s not just involved with Savion’s immediate family. He’s involved with extended family as well. Coach Alford means so much for us. He has our utmost respect.”

Michigan graduate safety Rod Moore is on the watch list for the comeback player of the year award. Moore, a third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2023, missed all of the 2024 campaign with knee injuries that required two separate surgeries.

Michigan NIL news:

The Champions Circle collective will hold an autograph signing with the Michigan football team Saturday, Aug. 23, at Glick Fieldhouse.

Quote Of The Day

 “He was always calling and texting us. He’s an all-around good guy. He just won us over.”

— Rod Hiter, the father of new Michigan running back pledge Savion Hiter

Headlines Of The Day

• EJ Holland, The Wolverine: The X-Factor: How Tony Alford’s genuine approach helped Michigan land five-star RB Savion Hiter
• Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: Five-star Savion Hiter is Michigan’s top RB recruit, fourth-highest rated prospect of Rivals Industry Ranking era
• EJ Holland, The Wolverine: Five-star RB Savion Hiter goes in-depth on commitment to Michigan: ‘It’s like a brotherhood over there’
• Anthony Broome, The Wolverine: Michigan QB Bryce Underwood named On3 Preseason True Freshman All-American
• Anthony Broome, The Wolverine: Savion Hiter to Michigan sets up loaded RB room for 2026: Team analysis, fit, comparison