adolphus washington

The goal of Draftageddon is to draft a team of Big Ten players that seems generally more impressive than that of your competitors. Along the way, we'll learn a lot of alarming things, like maybe Maryland is good? Full details are in the first post.

PREVIOUSLY ON DRAFTAGEDDON

  1. Everyone not grabbing dual-threat senior QBs grabs defensive linemen
  2. Seth takes Venric Mark in front of just about everyone
  3. Nothing terribly remarkable happens
  4. BISB takes all the guys I want
  5. A ridiculous amount of time is spent discussing the merits of one particular interior lineman from Rutgers
  6. WILDCARD TIME as Brian takes a quarterback despite already having a quarterback.
  7. Peppers drafted in WILDCARD TIME II.
  8. Someone drafts an Illinois defender! I know!

CURRENT SITUATION

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ROUND 17 - PICK 2: Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

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O: QB Connor Cook (MSU), RB Ameer Abdullah (NE), WR Devin Funchess (U-M), SLOT Dontre Wilson (OSU), TE Maxx Williams (MN), LT Brandon Scherff (IA), LG Kaleb Johnson (RU), RT Tyler Marz (WI)

D: WDE Shilique Calhoun (MSU), SDE Andre Monroe (MD), NT Darius Kilgo (MD), DT Adolphus Washington (OSU), OLB Chi Chi Ariguzo (NW), OLB Matt Robinson (MD), CB Desmond King (IA), S John Lowdermilk (IA), HSP Earnest Thomas III (IL)

ST: KR/PR Ameer Adbullah (NE)

ACE: I was really hoping Trinca-Passat would fall just a little further, but I'll happily settle for the fourth member of Ohio State's fearsome defensive line. Adolphus Washington came to Ohio State as a five-star defensive end in the class of 2012; as a freshman he backed up Big Ten DPOY John Simon at DE, recording three sacks in ten games, including a sack/fumble against Taylor Lewan when he beat him clean around the edge. In 2013 he was a valuable backup all along the defensive line, lining up both inside and outside en route to picking up two more sacks among his four TFLs in 12 games despite playing at less than 100%.

Washington was initially a starter at SDE last season, but a groin injury in game two against San Diego State cost him the next two games, and when he returned he'd been Wally Pipped by Joey Bosa—no shame there. With Bosa's emergence, Washington finally has a place to call his own on the defensive line, as the OSU coaches made him a permanent defensive tackle in the spring; in fact, his ascension to the starting lineup was so inevitable that senior Joel Hale, who started 11 games at DT last season, volunteered to move to offensive guard after turning down the same move a year prior.

No longer concerned with maintaining edge-rushing speed, Washington is a solid 288 pounds, and he should be even bigger by the fall. He won't have to worry about too many double-teams with Kilgo commanding two blockers and the Calhoun/Monroe duo coming off the edge. (He won't in real life, either, though neither he nor Michael Bennett is a true two-gap nose.) He can be disruptive as a penetrating three-tech who's retained enough quickness to be very dangerous on stunts. As he settles into his new position, he should only get better, too.

I know it's been two years since I made the very same selection, so perhaps it will work out better this time, but best of luck with the whole Campbell thing, Brian. From the FFFF you linked:

Strong safety Ibraheim Campbell also acquitted himself well in this regard, flowing downhill aggressively and making a couple nice tackles pretty close to the LOS; he was also prone to taking poor angles, however, and had a couple whiffs in there too.

Run defense is his strength. I considered drafting him instead of Thomas, but I like Thomas's controlled aggression—and thumping hits—against screens and run plays more, especially in confined spaces, and I'll wait to grab another safety more suitable for coverage purposes in a later round.

INTERLUDE

ACE: Oh, and I'm pretty sure I've already won this whole thing anyway.

Brandon Scherff is 11 foot 5, 890 pounds?!

BISB: Eh, his pad level is probably terrible. Plus he's in legal trouble for crushing Oberyn Martell's skull in a fight.

ACE: Oh man, I watched that episode on the DVR, and as soon as it ended I flipped to overtime of Game 7 between the Kings and Blackhawks.

The surgeon general's warning for this course of action is simply: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

SETH: Thomas has made a host of highlight reels, namely those of every team he's played against.

Okay I'll stop now, but only because watching Melvin Gordon rip off huge gains against Thomas is making me kick myself about the Mark pick.

ACE: Seth, your ability to link highlights that have zero context due to pore-o-vision—and, in the case of the second one, showing Thomas execute his assignment while an entirely different defender is late to get to the fullback—is unparalleled.

BRYAN: You just have to look at the tape REALLY closely.

SETH: Didn't really affect the play but he sat there and ate tight end. I can keep pulling these out but I really don't think anybody should be watching this much Illini secondary play without, like, protective gear or heavy drugs.

BRYAN: You're talking to the guy who did the App State, Miami (NTM) and Rutgers HTTV previews. Ace has seen things even the Illini couldn't dream of seeing.

ACE: I CAME IN LIKE A WREEEEEEEECKING BAAAAAALLLLLLLLL

Please send help.

ROUND 17 - PICK 3: Deon Long, WR, Maryland

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DRAFT ALL THE MARYLANDS

O: QB Devin Gardner (UM), RB Jeremy Langford (MSU), RB Tevin Coleman (IU),  WR Kenny Bell (Neb), WR Shane Wynn (IU), WR Deon Long (MD), OT Donovan Smith (PSU), OT Jack Conklin (MSU), C Austin Blythe (Iowa)

D: DT Louis Trinca-Pasat (Iowa), DE Joey Bosa (OSU), DE Noah Spence (OSU), LB Jake Ryan (UM), LB Mike Hull (PSU), CB Sojourn Shelton (Wisky), CB Jabrill Peppers (UM), S Kurtis Drummond (MSU)

ST: Bell (KR), Peppers (PR)

BISB: It's hard for me to explain Long's continued presence on the board, other than to think that people didn't see enough separation between Long and teammate Levern Jacobs to warrant grabbing one until the other was gone. But I'm amazed he's still here in Round 17, and I gladly yoink him at this point.

Long caught 32 passes for 489 yards despite (a) only playing six and a half games, and (b) sharing targets with Stefon Diggs. Extrapolate that out over Maryland's 13 game season (i.e. multiply by 2) and he was on pace for a 64 catch, 978 yard season. His 15.3 YPC and 8.9 yards per target would have been among the best in the Big Ten last year if Maryland had been in the Big Ten last year. A really good all-around receiver, especially on slants and fades/outs. He finds separation to the outside, and he has great body control and sideline awareness. He can also high-point the ball well for a moderately-sized receiver. He was also a 5-star coming out of high school, which, while it means nothing, means something. Jacobs is solid, but Long is a little bigger, a little faster, and was the starter over Jacobs when everyone was healthy.

Between Kenny Bell, Shane Wynn, and Deon Long, I feel like I should be okay in the ball-catchy department.

[AFTER THE JUMP: Marcus Rush, more like Marcus Stationary Bike Amirite; BISB doubles down on Maryland; a long discussion about the philosophy of safeties; BISB reminds us all that Kurtis Drummond exists about 600 times.]

The Curious Case of the Cass Tech Commits

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There was a minor hullaballoo late last week over the status of M commits Royce Jenkins-Stone and Terry Richardson, after a couple tweets indicated they'd like to take other visits:

Mr2012RJS i want to take my visits to Oklahoma Miami Florida Alabama and Iowa and get a feel for every school.

Terry_Rich Me n Royce both still taking visits are recruitment process not over till feb 2 we solid but still looking nothing personal

Royce backtracked within a couple of days:

great advise my coach gave me. T wilcher.

no visits 4 me . i will wait till i get to AA to get wined n dined =DD

So it sounds like Mr. Jenkins-Stone's commitment is as solid as they come, thanks to Coach Wilcher. Terry hasn't said anything about canceling his visits, but he tweeted:

People make newspaper articles on my tweets and royce tweets they outta hand with this recruiting stuff we are still in HIGHSCHOOL People!!!

So it sounds like he's upset that his words were made out to be more than he intended. ...But, in personal e-pinion, when you're a public figure, you have to expect attention based on your words.

Wide Receivin'

Michigan has offered OH WR Monty Madaris, he tells TomVH:

Coach Smith said they liked my film and they are looking forward to getting me up there for a visit soon. I'll be up for the BBQ on the 31st. Michigan is near the top of my list [now] for sure. They are one of the schools that I'm evaluating more than others. I have no idea when I want to make my decision but I would like to make it soon.

The Wolverines are certainly looking for a wideout in this class, and it sounds like they won't have to wait too long to hear Madaris's decision. He ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at Michigan State last weekend.

Speaking of wideout needs, CA WR Jordan Payton has scheduled his official visit to Michigan for the Notre Dame Game on September 10th.

MO WR Jehu Chesson has scheduled a Michigan visit ($, info in header).

Michigan State and Michigan are on the mind of MI WR Aaron Burbridge ($, info in header).

Tom talked to the coach of OH WR Dwayne Stanford and DE Adolphus Washington, who says the highly-touted pair won't be in Ann Arbor any time soon:

I don't think they'll be taking any more visits because of AAU basketball. I know they go away next week and when they come back we'll be in two a days so it will be tough for them to make it to places. As of now they have nothing else scheduled.

Coach Martin points out that Michigan is one of the few mutual schools on their top five lists, but they're softening their stance on being a package deal.

Etc.

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The Crimson Quarry breaks down the recruitment of IN QB Gunner Kiel, noting that Oklahoma and Missouri's recent pickups at the position may reduce their chances of landing the nation's top signal-caller.

Of course, AJ fails to mention Michigan, reducing the competition to a head-to-head battle between Indiana and Alabama. That could either be prescient (CBS's Eye on Recruiting blog also omits Michigan) or foolhardy, but I'm guessing the Wolverines are unlikely to land Kiel at this point.

IL OL Jordan Diamond will cut his list to 10 schools soon, but it seems like he has a top 5 within that number:

Diamond said Iowa is among five schools that would definitely make the cut, the others being Michigan, Wisconsin, Auburn and Tennessee.

Ohio State sounds like his sixth school, pending a decision from the NCAA (which could be a long way off if Michigan's timeline (in a less serious case) is any indication). Diamond plans to take all five visits before deciding.

PA OL Adam Bisnowaty likes Michigan, but is not going to hurry a decision just because the Wolverines' class is starting to fill up.

CA DT Aziz Shittu will take his time coming to a(nother) decision on college ($, info in header).

Tennessee and Notre Dame lead for OH DE LaTroy Lewis ($, info in header).

MLive's Kyle Warber interviews OH S Commit Allen Gant, who - shocker - wants to beat Ohio State and play in Rose Bowls.

Is the door still open between Michigan and NY CB Wayne Morgan? It sure sounds like it:

Morgan currently holds offers from Alabama, Miami, Rutgers, Syracuse and UConn, among others. Michigan offered him and wanted him to commit in June, but the decision was made to go on visits first and find the perfect fit. Morgan said he is still in touch with Wolverines coaches, so they are not completely off the board.

His coach's version of events (Wayne thought he was moving too fast) differs from the internet consensus of events (the coach wanted Wayne to consider Rutgers, so he made him delay a decision), but either way the door is still open a crack. Regardless of which is true, I would assume that Wayne's place in the 2012 class is no longer available, barring any changes in Michigan's commit list.

The Big House BBQ recruiting event is still over a week away, but Tom is already hard at work putting together a guest list of known visitors. He'll update with the latest info when it becomes available, so keep checking back. There are a couple big uncommitted names planning to be there, including OH RB Bri'Onte Dunn and OH DE Chris Wormley.

The Detroit News's Bob Wojnowski talks about Michigan and Michigan State recruiting success in Ohio.

Happy Trails

NY DT Jarron Jones has narrowed his list of schools to North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, and Penn State. The Penn State decommitment is not considering Michigan.

Happy Trails, TN WR Drae Bowles, who committed to Tennessee.

Happy Trails, OH RB Alden Hill, who also committed to Tennessee.

2013

Duane Long runs down the three "must-have" players in Ohio next year. QB/WR/Ath Jalin Marshall sounds like he's all Buckeye, but CB Cameron Burrows hails from Trotwood-Madison, which has been kind to the Wolverines in recent years, and RB/S Dymonte Thomas has openly named Michigan his leader. Long on Burrows:

Burrows is the complete package. He can cover like an elite corner and he brings the hurt like a safety. He dazzled this spring at Ohio State with his feet and hips. Athletes Burrows size are not supposed to move like that.

...and on Thomas:

As great a back as Thomas is, make no mistake he is a great back, he may be a better safety. If you held a gun to my head and said choose a position I would say safety. He is a relentless kid with great speed and instincts. He is a great tackler and ferocious competitor. He has an ideal safety frame at 6-2 and about 190.

Thomas, as you may recall, is a cousin of 2012 RB Bri'Onte Dunn.

Or continues invading Ohio, as the case may be.

Jarrod Wilson and Kyle Kalis Go Blue

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The 2012 trend of picking up prospects in pairs has returned with a vengeance, as Michigan earned commitments from two top Ohio prospects over the weekend.

OH S Jarrod Wilson kicked off the festivities on Friday, picking the Wolverines over Notre Dame and Penn State in a ceremony at his school. Touch the Banner on Jarrod:

He has the size, speed, tackling ability, and ballhawking instincts that Michigan teams have been lacking for the last several years. And, perhaps best of all, he's the elusive Michigan-recruited safety who actually looks like a safety and not a linebacker.

The Wolverine Blog:

Wilson is the first safety Michigan’s recruited since Demar Dorsey that I’d be comfortable sticking in a Cover 1 situation. He doesn’t have elite top-end speed, but that’s more important for cornerbacks than safeties. His acceleration and instincts are more than enough to be a top-flight safety in the Big Ten.

For more on Jarrod, check out Hello: Jarrod Wilson. Despite Wilson's accolades and ability, the real headliner of the weekend (and probably even the 2012 class to date) was OH OL Kyle Kalis, who committed to Michigan in an unorthodox way on Sunday:

Kalis said he visited Michigan last weekend and called coach Brady Hoke from the "M" logo at the middle of the field at Michigan Stadium to inform him he was coming to Ann Arbor.

He also has plenty of incendiary things to say about Ohio State, much to the delight of any Michigan fan:

"I can't go there (Ohio State) and take penalties for something I never did," Kalis told ESPN.com on Monday. "Ohio State is a great program. I'm just not sure how long it will take them to recover. I want a solid, grounded coaching staff with a safe environment. Where there aren't such tough questions."

"He is the type of guy I want to play for," Kalis said. "(Hoke) has an incredible amount of passion. I believe the Michigan-Ohio border is now open."

CBS commitment article. Kalis, an Ohio State decommit, instantly became the top-rated prospect in the Wolverines' 2012 crop. Magnus is impressed by his quickness and feet:

Kyle comes out of his stance very well for such a big, young player. He's quick off the ball, and his footwork is impeccable. He rarely wastes any movement or gets his feet crossed up, and he keeps a wide base when blocking, which allows him to latch onto blocks and not let go.

The Wolverine Blog:

All through his blocks, his feet are pumping at a mile-a-minute. He’s got good knee bend and gets out of his 3-point stance with a flat back, a crucial trait for maintaining good balance while blocking. He’s athletic for his 300-pound size, and is a great pull and trap lineman. Just like Erik Magnuson, I really like his nasty disposition on the football field, as well as his upper body strength that allows him to manipulate opponents in whichever way he’d like.

Go Blue Michigan Wolverine talks a little bit about what he needs to work on:

Kyle has average arm length and this could pose problems against super edge rushers. If his arms were three inches longer the drool factor would be off the charts for talent watchers. Watch Kyle’s film and his set up at the line tips off whether he is going to pass block, drive block, trap or pull. No big deal.

For more on Kalis's game, check out the Hello: Kyle Kalis post.

Assume the Position: Quarterback

OH QB Maty Mauk committed to Missouri last week, taking yet another of Michigan's options at the position off the table.

There are only three quarterbacks in the country that hold Michigan offers and are not committed to any school. One of them, FL QB Bennie Coney, has told Tom that Michigan is eliminated from consideration. IN QB Gunner Kiel has been pretty quiet lately, but the general vibe is that Michigan is just below the top couple schools, and Indiana (of all teams!) might lead for his services.

If the Wolverines can't land a top pro-style quarterback, they have three other options: 1) take a lesser-rated pocket passer, 2) pass on a 2012 QB, or 3) take a dual-threat guy, with the option of moving positions down the road.

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The third QB currently holding an offer, NJ QB/S Devin Fuller, fits into the final category. He recently sat down for a live chat with Rivals (HT: Braylon Edwards (I'm going to go out on a limb and assume NTBE)). Relevant portions:

Comment From brad who are the schools coming at you the hardest?

Devin Fuller: Brad: I would say UCLA, Nebraska, Rutgers, Michigan, and Penn State too. All are pretty close but those are the ones that stick out.

Comment From nemesisx24 Any idea when you will get a chance to visit michigan?

Devin Fuller: Nemesis: Probably late July or early August.

Comment From Guest What about Michigan sticks out to you the most; to make you want to visit?

Devin Fuller: Guest: The Michigan way. The big stadium. You know, just the Michigan way of doing things.

Comment From Guest Have you been in contact with any of Michigan's 18 commits?

Devin Fuller: Guest: Actually, no ... I haven't been

He also seems pretty set on getting a chance at quarterback, though schools are recruiting him at a variety of positions (slot receiver and various DB slots). If Michigan strikes out on a top QB this year, perhaps he could start out at QB as a stopgap before Shane Morris arrives on campus?

Etc.

Tom continued his interviews with the coaches of CA OL Commit Erik Magnuson with his high school offensive line coach:

By far he's the best I've coached. I was very fortunate to coach John and Dan Saleaumua, Danny played for the Chiefs in the NFL. Those guys were probably the closest to Erik. The Saleaumua brothers were brute force guys. Erik is a guy that can go in and compete, and once he gets out on the edge he's so athletic it allows us to do most things others can't.

Right now I think he is without a doubt the best pass blocking lineman. The guy can pass block anybody... He has great form and technique. He's going to get way better once he gets stronger. He trains like no one else. He could survive at Michigan right away. The one thing we work on here is just to get his frame extended a little more, getting his chest up a little more. His strength is pass block, he needs to work on his run block which will come with strength and learning [Darrell] Funk's system.

Long quote, but too much good information to cut anything out.

MI DT Danny O'Brien will include Michigan and Tennessee when he cuts down his list. That top six should be released sometime soon, after O'Brien returns from a trip to some SEC camps.

Michigan is recruiting PA LB Deaysean Rippy as a safety (the only school doing so). The Wolverines aren't mentioned much with him, and the robust DB/LB recruiting crop means there's no chance he ends up in the class.

Notre Dame and Tennessee lead Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio State in the race for OH DE LaTroy Lewis (Mr. SEC has a very limited understanding of what the term "final" means). I'm guessing Michigan isn't very interested in any non-Wormley/Washington defensive ends at this point.

MD DE Ryan Watson is "in no rush" to come to a decision ($, info in header). Though if he wants to come to Michigan - the Wolverines are still on his list, and he plans to visit soon - he might run out of luck by taking his time.

MO WR Jehu Chesson will visit Michigan soon.

Michigan is one of five schools that have offered WA OL Zach Banner scholarships in both football and basketball.

PA OL Adam Bisnowaty wants to take his visits before making a college decision.

OH DE Adolphus Washington has Michigan, but not Ohio State, in his top 5.

Those concerned about losing the greyshirt commitment of KY S Jeremy Clark need not worry, as he's still solid to Michigan, despite picking up some offers ($, info in header).

Tom's Weekly Update includes tidbits from commits Mario Ojemudia and Erik Magnuson talking about their experiences at The Opening.

The BBQ at the Big House recruiting event has returned, and Tom has a tentative list of attendees:

Commit OL Caleb Stacey

Commit LB Joe Bolden

Commit LB Kaleb Ringer

Commit LB Royce Jenkins-Stone

Commit DB Terry Richardson

Commit LB James Ross

Commit DE Matt Godin

Commit DB Allen Gant

Commit TE Devin Funchess

Commit DE Tom Strobel

Commit OL Ben Braden

DT Danny O'Brien

2013 RB Wyatt Shallman

WR Jehu Chesson: He told me he believes he will be there.

2013 OL Steven Elmer: His father told me they will be at the BBQ. As I reported on Twitter earlier, he and his father were on campus on Monday the 10th. It wasn't a football related visit, just more to walk around campus and see things.

NOT SURE:

Commit OL Kyle Kalis: Says he's not sure yet. I'd imagine he'd be there, but we'll see.

DT Ondre Pipkins: There's a chance, but he doesn't know yet

OL Jordan Diamond: They're not sure if they are yet, but there's a good chance they will be. His mom told me, "Any excuse to visit. We'd like to go."

It's still a couple weeks away, so stay tuned for updates to the list. The Kyle Kalis commitment has really gotten the attention of OH RB Bri'Onte Dunn. He's been insisting for the past several weeks that his commitment to Ohio State is solid, but the tide may be turning. He's a possible visitor for the BBQ, as well.

Happy Trails

Happy Trails, PA DE Dakota Conwell. I didn't hear his name mentioned much with Michigan prior to his Pitt commitment.

MI OL Kyle Knapp didn't have much interest from the in-state schools, and has committed to Syracuse.

Happy Trails SC WR Jody Fuller, who committed to South Carolina.

2013

Scout previews the in-state crop for next year's class. QB Commit Shane Morris is neck-and-neck with OL Steve Elmer, according to Allen Trieu:

The great thing about both guys is, they're great kids and student athletes as well who will represent the state of Michigan well. Left tackle and quarterback are typically two of the most sought after, important positions in football, and both of these guys have the goods.

Elmer was on campus earlier this week ($, info in header), so Michigan has at least a chance to lock up the top two in-state prospects for 2013.