Defensive Line

OSU's D-line may be that team's biggest strength. Our offense has struggled to get production from our running game all season. Perhaps this conundrum places the question of Denard and Devin and who plays under/behind center the next two weeks in a context for productive discussion. 

My thinking is that Borges has to be looking across both of our next two games to figure this out, hoping--if Denard is on the mend--to learn a lot from next week and Iowa. There are signs that both our passing and running game are developing under Devin Gardner, but if Denard can play you want him on the field. (Denard IS yards!) 

Could these things suggest we might see a mix of QBs, with Denard getting some looks at running back? (Could featuring him in this way be useful to him when draft time comes?) To what extent is it necessary to "go with what got you to the dance," and not change things up for an O line that has sometimes looked confused? What's necessary to win? What's possible under these circumstances? 

 

That's not your mother, it's a MAN BABY!

Alabama defensive tackle Jesse Williams has made waves since arriving in Tuscaloosa from his homeland of Australia, standing out with his unique look and big personality as well as his performance on the field.

The latest feat from Williams that has fans buzzing came in the weight room on Thursday when the 320-pound lineman reportedly bench pressed 600 pounds.

To give that achievement some perspective, former Memphis star Dontari Poe, the top bench press performer at this year's NFL Combine, maxed out at 500 pounds on the bench press.

This was all over twitter recently, and I didn't see it posted anywhere. That's one strong dude. It's going to be one heck of a trench battle for the Michigan offensive lineman.

Read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend (link). The age old story about how a Defense spent the summer getting to optimal weight / power / speed, and wound up loosing the former, and becoming more effective. In this case LSU in preparation for Oregon.

So we had Barwis, who seemed to be on the path of tear out the bad weight and build them up , and stories of our linemen adding weight each season. And then we had all the complaints about undersized line, compounded by a 3-3-5 front. Throw in Wisconsin's loss to TCU, and how our guys have been consuming salmon like no one's business, and ... worry beads:

1) Will we wind up too heavy?

2) Do we have to be too heavy to win the Big Ten, positioning us poorly in subsequent bowl games against speedier opponents?

Thoughts?

Yesterday we took a look at the potential recruits for Michigan's offensive line, so far. The other side of this equation is the defensive line. With the large hole that was left by Brandon Graham, Michigan brought in some good potential replacements in Jibreel Black, and Terry Talbott for 2010. They have also already added DE Brennen Beyer to the 2011 class. 

WIth Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen going into their junior years, adding players in this class will be essential for the future success of the defensive front. Here's a look at who Michigan is targeting right now. 

Darian Cooper

Hyattsville, MD

Defensive Tackle

6'3", 275 lbs.

Cooper is a tackle prospect that originally wasn't as hyped as some of the other defensive players. Lately, he has been the talk of a lot of recruiting circles for the combination of size, speed, and strength he already brings to the position. Cooper will be visiting Michigan on May 21st for the Big House BBQ, along with his mother. 

"I am excited and grateful for the Michigan offer. They have a great program, and I can't wait to see it for myself." - Darian Cooper

Both he and his mother have started to build a great relationship with the Michigan coaches, and they look to continue that. Michigan seems to be in favorable position, but we'll know more after his visit. He told me that his mother will likely move where ever he decides to go, so distance won't play a factor. Here's his junior highlights for your enjoyment. 

Chris Rock

Columbus, OH

Defensive End

6'5", 250 lbs. 

Rock has long been known to have MIchigan as his favorite, and that is yet to change. Rock boasts approximately 14 offers, including Michigan, Notre Dame, and Nebraska to name a few. Rock has been to Ann Arbor a few times, and has spoken highly of Michigan every time he visits. The last time we spoke, he told me that he doesn't have a list, per se, but Michigan is as high as any other team. Unless something drastic happens, I would expect Michigan to land Rock. When asked today when his decision will be made, he said, soon. One of these links is Chris Rock's highlight video, and the other is a clip of Chris Rock doing stand up. Choose wisely. 

Deion Barnes

Philadelphia, PA

Defensive End

6'5", 220 lbs.

Barnes was a visitor for the Spring Game this year. He came with the Top Prospects Family, which was founded by Je'Ron Stokes father, and Barnes left with an offer. It's too early to name favorites yet, but he did tell me that the visit to Michigan was an awesome experience. 

"Michigan has great tradition, and they're a great school. I can't really say I have a list right now, but Michigan is definitely up there, you could say that." - Deion Barnes

Deion attends the same high school as current Wolverine Je'Ron Stokes. With the Stokes family guiding him through the process there's a 100% chance that any negative recruiting towards Michigan will not be effective.

Vincent Croce

Olney, MD

Defensive Tackle

6'4", 260 lbs.

Croce is the second defensive tackle from Maryland that Michigan is looking at this year, and he is high on Michigan as well. Vincent was in Ann Arbor for the spring game, and came away with Michigan on top of his list, as far as schools he's visited. He stayed in the state, and took a trip to MSU the next day, and nothing had changed. Still early as far as a decision goes for Croce, but the Spring Game has put in Michigan in favorable position here as well. His highlight video is here. 

Anthony Chickillo

Tampa, FL

Defensive End

6'3", 230 lbs.

I'm going to include Anthony on here, because he has a really impressive offer list. I've spoken with him before, and he spoke highly of Michigan in general. With the offer list that he has, he was quick to admit that it's easy to confuse coaches and schools, let alone narrow down his list. He's a prospect to keep an eye on, if anything else. Anthony had 12 1/2 sacks in only 6 games this past year, which was the result of an injury. If Michigan can get him to visit, then we'll have a chance. My initial thought is that he will probably stay in the south. It should be noted that his father and grandfather were both linemen at Miami. From what he says in this in your face interview with ESPN, it sounds like Michigan may have a shot.

Joel Hale

Greenwood, IN

Defensive Tackle

6'4", 290 lbs.

Hale is a midwest defensive tackle, that actually plays as a huge defensive end in high school. His size says that he'll move inside somewhere, and could actually end up being a nice fit for Michigan's style of defense. Hale is somewhat close to campus, so it shouldn't be too hard to get him there. Hale has offers from Florida, to Georgia Tech, Ohio State, and Penn State, among others. He will be highly sought after, and Michigan should have a decent shot. His highlight video is awaiting. 

Corey Marshall

Dinwiddie, VA

Defensive End

6'2", 240 lbs. 

Marshall is a big time prospect from Virginia, that was recently offered by Michigan. He plans on attending the Big House BBQ on May 21st, but I haven't confirmed that, yet. The visit should tell us more on where his interest level is at, and if he and his mother would be ok with the distance from home. 

His highschool has a nice website, with a video interview from Corey and a local station. Towards the end of the interview, Corey says he has an unnamed favorite, which is not Michigan, but is still evaluating schools.

These are the bigger names for now. As is with the offensive line recruiting, this list will continue to change as we get closer to the season. Here's a few names that may pop up soon, or just to keep in mind.

Giorgio Newberry: (likely won't choose Michigan)

Fort Pierce, FL

6'6, 255 lbs.

Offered

James Adeyanju:  

Chicago, IL

6'3, 220 lbs.

Not offered

Eric Crume:

Detroit, MI

6'1", 310 lbs.

Not offered

Deon Lee:

DeFuniak, FL

6'4, 210 lbs.

Not offered

Donte Phillips:

Mequon, WI

6'3, 250 lbs. 

Not offered

Brandon Fulse:

Fort Meade, FL

6'5, 240 lbs. 

Offered

Charles Burks:

Huntington Beach, CA

6'1" 230 lbs.

Not offered (Night of Champions visitor)

Why is no one talking about the lack of pressure that Michigan has been able to get on the opponent's quarterback?!  I have stood in my seat at the stadium every game this season wondering why our defensive line is not capable of sacking (or even pressuring) the quarterback.  I could not find a good website to find out the necessary statistic to prove my point, but I am sure any fan in the stadium or watching on TV could tell you that we are not able to get any pressure.

Why is this important? It is important because our secondary (which everyone is hating on) is having to work way too hard because we cannot get pressure on the quarterback.  Every secondary plays better when the defensive line gets pressure on the quarterback and ours in no exception.  I believe that we have good talent in our secondary, and all we need is a good presence by our defense line in order for the secondary to play up to its potential.  If we do not get pressure against MSU (or any other opponent this season), we will have a hard time putting up enough points to win games, even with Tate and our improved offense.

Was pumped to see Brian's recent photo-tracking of Will Campbell from Army All Star size, to his current svelte shape. While that all seems fine, I don't remember hearing much about him so far in camp. I've heard that Roh is expected to play this year, obviously a good sign. While, I'm sure Will is expected to play, I'm curious what's been said about his performance thus far in camp. Considering how thin we're supposed to be at D-line, it seems like a pretty important matter.