Now That The Season's Over...UPDATED: Quick Look @ '12-'13: Depth Chart
I know, I know...it's waaaay to early. How could I possibly know? How could I possibly predict redshirts for kids who are in high school? "Oh wonderful, guess we don't need spring, summer and fall to figure out the depth chart!" ...and so on, and so forth.
But it's a message board. It's for fun. For the occasional prediction or daydream. So for those getting all huffy...breathe, I'm a fan focused on this year just like you. This is purely information (or speculation) to build on for the future.
With that said...my '12-'13 Depth Chart!
QB
1. Denard Robinson (Sr.)
2. Devin Gardner (RS So.)
3. Russell Bellomy (RS Fr.)
RB
1. Fitzgerald Toussaint (RS Jr.)
2. Vincent Smith (Sr.)
3. Thomas Rawls (So.)
4a. Stephen Hopkins (Jr.)
4b. Justice Hayes (RS Fr.)
rs: Drake Johnson (Fr.)
FB
1a. Stephen Hopkins (Jr.)
1b. Joey Kerridge (RS Fr.)
rs: Sione Houma (Fr.)
WR1
1. Darryl Stonum (RS Sr.)
2. Jeremy Jackson (Jr.)
3. Jehu Chesson (Fr.)
WR2
1. Roy Roundtree (RS Sr.)
2a. Jerald Robinson (RS So.)
2b. Amara Darboh (Fr.)
Slot
1. Jeremy Gallon (RS Jr.)
2. Drew Dileo (Jr.)
TE
1. Brandon Moore (RS Sr.)
2. Ricardo Miller (RS So.)
3. Devin Funchess (Fr.)
LT
1. Taylor Lewan (RS Jr.)
2. Erik Gunderson (RS Jr.)
3. Kyle Kalis* (Fr.)
rs: Erik Magnuson (Fr.)
LG
1. Ricky Barnum (RS Sr.)
2. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)
3. Chris Bryant (RS Fr.)
rs: Blake Bars (Fr.)
C
1. Rocko Khoury (RS Sr.)
2. Jack Miller (RS Fr.)
rs: Caleb Stacey (Fr.)
RG
1. Patrick Omameh (RS Sr.)
2. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)
3. Chris Bryant (RS Fr.)
rs: A.J. Williams (Fr.)
RT
1. Michael Schofield (RS Jr.)
2. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)
3. Erik Gunderson (RS Jr.)
4. Kyle Kalis* (Fr.)
rs: Ben Braden (Fr.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WDE
1. Craig Roh (Sr.)
2. Jibreel Black (Jr.)
3. Frank Clark (So.)
4. Brennen Beyer (So.)
rs: Mario Ojemudia (Fr.)
NG
1. Will Campbell (Sr.)
2. Richard Ash (RS So.)
DT
1. Quinton Washington (RS Jr.)
2. Ondre Pipkins** (Fr.)
3. Kenny Wilkins (RS So.)
rs: Matt Godin (Fr.)
rs: Chris Wormley (Fr.)
SDE
1a. Jibreel Black (Jr.)
1b. Nathan Brink (RS Jr.)
2. Keith Heitzman (RS Fr.)
3. Chris Rock (RS Fr.)
rs: Tom Strobel (Fr.)
WLB
1. Desmond Morgan (So.)
2. Brandin Hawthorne (Sr.)
3a. Antonio Poole (RS Fr.)
3b. James Ross (Fr.)
MLB
1. Kenny Demens (RS Sr.)
2a. Mike Jones (RS Jr.)
2b. Joe Bolden (Fr.)
rs: Kaleb Ringer (Fr.)
SLB
1. Jake Ryan (RS So.)
2. Cam Gordon (RS Jr.)
3. Jordan Paskorz (RS So.)
rs: Royce Jenkins-Stone (Fr.)
WCB
1. Blake Countess (So.)
2. Delonte Hollowell (So.)
3. Terrence Talbott (Jr.)
rs: Terry Richardson (Fr.)
SCB
1. JT Floyd (RS Sr.)
2. Courtney Avery (Jr.)
3. Raymon Taylor (So.)
FS
1. Thomas Gordon (RS Jr.)
2a. Tamani Carter (RS Fr.)
2b. Jarrod Wilson (Fr.)
rs: Jeremy Clark (Fr.)
SS
1. Jordan Kovacs (RS Sr.)
2. Marvin Robinson (Jr.)
3. Josh Furman (RS So.)
rs: Allen Gant (Fr.)
* - I don't think Kalis will redshirt. I think he'll play OT his freshman year before moving inside to OG for the remainder of his career
** - I don't think Pipkins will redshirt. I think he'll play DT his freshman year before moving to NG for the remainder of his career.
FB & Slot - Notice these positions are in italics. I realize you can't have 12 players on the field at once. This is my way of recognizing that. (Personally, I believe Shotgun, 3 WR, 2 RB will be our primary set along with the Pro Set formation.)
January 4th, 2012 at 1:30 AM ^
You were just itching to bust this thing out weren't you?
January 4th, 2012 at 1:49 AM ^
I have issues...I know.
But I go to bed and thinking about Michigan football helps me fall asleep. So one thing I like to think about is what next year's team is going to look like.
So yes, I searched for the thread and updated it so if anyone else daydreams about what the roster/depth chart is going to look like, they have a little help.
It also helps for the "what else do we need in recruiting for '12...or even in '13" daydream. I have that one as well from time to time.
Sorry, but I don't feel bad one bit. Hope it is of benefit for you.
January 4th, 2012 at 7:11 AM ^
I love this type of content. Beats the hell out of some of the "OT" stuff that tends to crop up after the season. Thanks for putting this together.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:34 AM ^
Will be mad you misspelled his name. I suggest you don't post your address on this blog.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:34 AM ^
I hope we get a chance to see what this kid can do.
Hopefully it's garbage time, but still.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:34 AM ^
sink in first?
January 4th, 2012 at 1:36 AM ^
You left Jareth Glanda off the WR depth chart.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:41 AM ^
Seriously... He has some talent
January 4th, 2012 at 1:50 AM ^
Our I depth chart looks pretty scary for next year
January 4th, 2012 at 11:19 AM ^
I'm not disrespecting his contribution yesterday (seriously, he saved our bacon!), but has he been LS all year? I thought Tom Pomarico had that job?
Welcome to the limelight Jareth!
January 4th, 2012 at 3:43 PM ^
He's been doing field goal and extra point snaps, Pomarico handled the punt snaps this year.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:41 AM ^
Hope Cam gets a good shot to be the starting WILL backer in the spring. Seems like a better position for him than SAM. Morgan still looks like a classic MIKE to me.
January 4th, 2012 at 6:26 AM ^
Cam's not a WILL.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:42 AM ^
I'll post the returning starters of all the 2012 opponents in a couple days when this all settles.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:43 AM ^
He's got a good football mind.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:45 AM ^
He might want to look out too!
January 4th, 2012 at 2:05 AM ^
I was thinking the same thing. It's not that Kenny was terrible, but he seems to be eclipsed by Morgan and Ryan. With the way Morgan looked tonight, I wonder if he would be a better MLB after spring practice.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:47 AM ^
No DeAnthony Arnett in the WR depth chart? What gives?! I mean, if we're going to be posting things prematurely, then let's go all the way!
January 4th, 2012 at 1:50 AM ^
He'll be included in the next one after the "Hello DeAnthony Arnett" post.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:52 AM ^
And add Yuri Wright and Josh Garnett to that as well!
January 4th, 2012 at 1:51 AM ^
Signing Day is Feb 1-Apr 1...what is the official day for fans to take a peek into the next season? Maybe you can add a countdown clock to the front page like what the team has in Schembechler Hall?
January 4th, 2012 at 1:53 AM ^
Jesus f ing Christ. We just won a great football game.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:19 AM ^
Gardner should be listed as a junior.
(ducks)
January 4th, 2012 at 2:16 AM ^
Our team will only get better from here on out. Hoke, Borges, Mattison, and Wellman will make sure our cupboard will be overflowing with talented athletes on both sides of the ball!
January 4th, 2012 at 6:27 AM ^
A.J. Williams is a tight end, not a guard.
Royce Jenkins-Stone is a MIKE, not a SAM.
Kaleb Ringer is a WILL, not a MIKE.
January 4th, 2012 at 7:43 AM ^
Magnus, quick rundown of the difference b/w MIKE, WILL, and SAM?
January 4th, 2012 at 7:54 AM ^
The WILL in the 4-3 Under is typically a smaller, quicker guy. Ian Gold was a WILL. They're frequently unblocked and have significant coverage responsibilities, so they should be quick...but they also have to take on lead blocks from fullbacks. So if they're light and quick, they shouldn't be tall and lanky. Desmond Morgan isn't exactly the prototype because he's not very fast, so I expect him to switch positions to MIKE once Demens graduates.
The MIKE is the protoypical big hitter in the middle. Demens fits well there.
The SAM is almost like a weakside end, because he has to set the edge on running plays and blitz frequently. Shawn Crable was the last SAM we had in a 4-3 Under scheme. He was 6'5", 245 lbs. and Jake Ryan is 6'3", 230 (and growing), so you can kind of see a body type/skill set trend. I expect Ryan to be 240+ before all is said and done.
January 4th, 2012 at 7:54 AM ^
So your response would certainly be accurate if the OP was running down their high school rosters this year. These guys are just 18 years old and no one knows exactly where they'll fit in at Michigan.
<br>
<br>I think there's a good chance that RJS ends up at the Sam and given the fact that we saw so little of Ringer this year, I don't think you can definitively predict his position either.
<br>
<br> Although i think youre definitely right regarding AJ Williams
January 4th, 2012 at 7:59 AM ^
My response is accurate because Ringer has stated that he's being recruited as a WILL, Jenkins-Stone has stated that he's being recruited as a MIKE, and A.J. Williams has stated that he's being recruited as a TE.
January 4th, 2012 at 9:14 AM ^
Magnus - it seems there is a lot of buzz about Williams' long term potential at OT, with some ohio recruiting folk saying he's a top 5 guy out of ohio is he's listed as an OT. Is it possible he comes in and plays as a true frosh as a blocking tight end, THEN takes a RS year as he transitions to Tackle. Have you ever seen an instance where a player as taken a random RS year after his freshman year to switch positions?
January 4th, 2012 at 9:34 AM ^
Is it possible? Sure, it's possible. Anything is possible.
But I don't remember seeing a guy get playing time as a freshman, redshirt later, and then come back at another position. I mean, I'm sure guys get injured, sit out a year, and then switch from CB to S or some small shift like that. But that would be a very unique situation for Williams to play TE as a freshman and then redshirt to learn to play the OT position.
January 4th, 2012 at 10:01 AM ^
thanks for the insight Magnus; figured if it has happened in recent memory, you would be one of the folks who would know.
January 4th, 2012 at 10:48 AM ^
Magnus, just spitting knowledge, thanks guy.
I found this today, thought it was funny. Ondre Pipkins apparently doesn't like OSU...
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/pipkins-eats-the-comp…
January 4th, 2012 at 10:19 AM ^
I'd agree with Magnus about switching positions...but what I'd hope is that he starts and finishes on the OL, but we bring him in at times as a 6th OLmen/kinda sorta technically TE, in certain situations.
NFL teams like the Patriots have done this, Tampa Bay would bring in Warren Sapp as a TE/OL combo. Ohio has done this with a number of guys, especially younger players.
We don't really have a blocking TE anyway. Moore, Miller nor Funchess meet that mold. So I'd love to see us bring in Williams as 6th OL rather than 2nd TE in certain situations.
Remember last year we put Campbell and Washington in on a package (although it wasn't very effective and they weren't on the line...)
January 4th, 2012 at 4:30 PM ^
The coaches two cents are that they want him to play TE.
January 4th, 2012 at 10:19 AM ^
Why do you speak so "matter of fact?"
It's a prediction 9 months before kickoff.
This time last year Frank Clark was a possible TE, so was Keith Heitzman...Ray Taylor was a potential FS and Tamani Carter a possible CB. Desmond Morgan was a MLB and Brennen Beyer was a DE.
I'm not saying your wrong. But for me or you to act like this is what we're going to see come our first game in Dallas is ridiculous.
Not flaming, just asking, why not say "I think this player will play here?" I respect your opinion 100%, you've proved you're right more than you're wrong. However to speak as if you're Coach Hoke and what you say, goes, is a little much.
January 4th, 2012 at 11:08 AM ^
I speak so "matter of fact" because I follow what the recruits are saying.
This time last year Michigan didn't have a coach, Keith Heitzman wasn't on our radar, Tamani Carter wasn't on our radar, etc.
And when the dust settled on the coaching issue, Frank Clark was being recruited as an OLB, Heitzman was being recruited as a defensive end/tackle, and Tamani Carter was being recruited as a FS.
Raymon Taylor was recruited as a defensive back. Even he wasn't told where exactly he would play. The coaches told him he could play safety or cornerback, depending on what he did in camp.
The 2012 recruits (Williams, Ringer, Jenkins-Stone) have specifically stated the positions they are being recruited to play; those three are not being recruited to play the positions you're projecting for 2012. That doesn't mean things can't change. People grow, get injured, etc. But if a kid says he's going to play a certain position, then that's probably what we should expect.
January 4th, 2012 at 11:50 AM ^
Touche, however...and I know where they were recruited too. And I know that YOU know, which is why I switched Ross and Bolden at WLB and MLB, that was because YOU said that's where they'd play from what you'd heard. So I definitely respect your opinion. However, I just don't believe it's fact.
Also, recruits are told where they'd play all the time, and I'm not saying the coaching staff is lying...but you can't tell me guys don't get on campus and not pan out at certain positions or get bigger and have to move. In addition, if the competition is too much at one position and they have to move because they're one of the best 11, that too can change things. I feel like you haven't taken that into account.
Brandon Herron played 4 different positions last year. And didn't end up where he was projected or told he was going to play when the staff got there. RVB bounced back and forth. Thomas Gordon was playing nickelback. Mike Jones was playing WILL and now plays MIKE. So sure players and recruits are told one thing, but who knows where they end up.
Here's another example (as you said): http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020211aaa.html
Frank Clark
Linebacker
6-2, 210
Cleveland, Ohio (Glenville HS)
Prep ... attended Glenville High School (2011) coached by Ted Ginn Sr. ... ran 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds ... Key Statistics ... recorded 70 tackles and 19 sacks as a senior ... caught 12 passes, including three for touchdowns, senior year ... Honors and Rankings ... three-star recruit and the 52nd-best player in Ohio according to Rivals.com ... three-star recruit and the nation's 33rd-best tight end according to Scout.com ... three-star recruit and nation's 83rd-best defensive end according to ESPN.com.
Personal ... Frank Clark was born June 14, 1993.
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Point is, guys move around all the time so it's never "matter of fact."
And by "last year at this time," I meant "this time of year" as in post-bowl through NLOI day.
I just feel with what we have and what we've recruited...this is where guys will end up. I don't know for sure, but the thing is, neither can you. That's where my post came from.
January 4th, 2012 at 4:39 PM ^
It is "matter of fact" right now. The fact is that the coaches told these players where they are going to play.
Guys moving around is after the fact.
January 4th, 2012 at 5:04 PM ^
I agree that people move around. It's bound to happen. Not every one of our 24-28 recruits will spend his entire career at the position he's been told. But guys like Brandon Herron moved around a bunch because he was at Michigan through three different coaching staffs and several different defensive systems. If Mattison had been his DC the entire time, he might have been a SAM or a WILL for his entire career. Instead he bounced around between all three linebacker spots.
The coaches had to take some square pegs and try to fit them into round holes with this team. I don't believe Mike Jones, for example, would have been recruited by Hoke's staff, and he certainly wouldn't have been recruited as a MIKE linebacker. But as it stands, there was very little depth at MIKE and he was needed there.
I'm guessing that Hoke's staff will be a little more accurate with their projections for recruits because they're committed to particular defensive alignment and philosophy. They know what they want and, until Mattison retires, they're probably going to run the 4-3 Under. On the flip side, Rodriguez ran a 4-3, then a 4-2-5, then a 3-3-5, then a 4-3. It's hard for guys to stay at the same position when they run four or five different systems in three years, plus another 4-3 in the fourth year.
Here's hoping that Michigan keeps some consistency for the next four or five years until Mattison retires.
January 4th, 2012 at 10:19 AM ^
I don't think all but two of the incoming class gets redshirts. I think you have to assume a bunch of these guys are going to see the field. Greg likes lots of fresh bodies on the DL, and these guys have some talent. And we are paper thin there.
The DL is likely to see lots of play time, maybe not immediately, but by the end of the year.
T-Rich is probably going to get on the field, and maybe be joined by one or two other guys if they commit. Seems to me the buzz about T-Rich is better than Countess had, and while that proves nothing, I think it's an indication that T-Rich isn't going to watch all year.
Finally, we have four stud LB's coming in -- I can't believe all will get redshirts.
January 4th, 2012 at 10:33 AM ^
#1 Freshman OLmen are RARELY ready to play...Kalis is the only one, MAYBE Garnett if we get him that I think even have a shot at seeing the field. The rest can take that redshirt.
#2 Don't forget about the guys who HAVE redshirted. Sure Mattison likes fresh bodies, but we have guys that sat this year that will be ready to provide some depth.
#3 Best players play, but Hoke and Mattison are old school. If a senior and a freshman are playing at the same level, they're going to play the senior. Some coaches would play the freshman, a lot of the fans would play the freshman because that's what they do in NCAA Football video games. Look at how long it took Countess to unseat Woolfolk.
I don't think they have a problem with playing freshman if that freshman is playing to the "level expected for the position," however I think they're a little more critical. ESPECIALLY on the DLine. These guys are going to be compared to Mike Martin and RVB from day one, because that's what's expected of a DT and DE at Michigan. I don't expect many freshman to play at that level, with THREE DLine coaches. The demands, technique, conditioning, etc. is so much to ask.
#4 I have 2 of the LBs playing and 2 redshirtting, I think you may have misread the post. All 4 are not redshirtting. I think Ross and Bolden are the most polished/have the smarts to pick up the scheme, like Morgan, I think they'll play.
#5 T-Rich is going to have to work his way up the depth chart. I personally don't think he's big enough to be anything more than a backup slot CB right now. He's got great hips, an AWESOME attitude in terms of he BELIEVES he's going to win every time. But he's small.
I've watched him in two practices now in the UA All American Bowl and he's done fine unless he has to jam or face WRs a lot bigger than him. Hemingway would have his way. He's best suited playing the field CB spot, not the boundary. That happens to be where Blake Countess plays, and I simply don't think he'll come in and unseat Countess. In fact, I think Countess will be the most improved player on defense this offseason. If he's the backup to Countess and the backup to Avery at the nickel, that would be a great accomplishment.
Gone are the days where we NEED to play a bunch of freshman...THANK GOD!
January 4th, 2012 at 10:51 AM ^
Who got red shirts this year that you said in Point 2?
I like to see most of our LB's coming back, they need to get a lot better this offseason. I think they got abused last night, but that's just my opinion.
January 4th, 2012 at 11:35 AM ^
- Chris Bryant
- Russell Bellomy
- Antonio Poole
- Keith Heitzman
- Chris Rock
- Tamani Carter
- Justice Hayes
- Jack Miller
All of those guys redshirtted last year. I think Bryant could end up as the backup OG over Mealer, assuming Mealer even returns.
Poole could be a player at that WLB spot. He was raw, but he's had a year to sit and find a way on the field.
Heitzman and Rock are both on the DLine, where we're losing guys. A year in the S&C program and with the coaching of our THREE DLine coaches should be huge. Also, these were Coach Hoke recruits, so clearly they saw something in them.
Tamani Carter has a shot to play a good deal as the backup FS, however I think Wilson is going to push him.
Hayes should factor in on special teams...I think he'd fit a 50/50 RB/Slot WR role. Half Michael Shaw/Half Tay Odoms.
As for Bellomy or Miller, I don't expect them to contribute next year, but you never know. Especially Miller, he's one of the smartest guys I've seen...exactly what you need in a center.
January 4th, 2012 at 10:59 AM ^
Thanks for posting this, I was already wondering about next year.
Looking at the roster, I think the interior DL will be the weakest link and obviously loosing MM and RVB is huge. One of the freshman DL will have to step up and play well for this team to continue progressing. What tempors my nervousness about next year is the fact that Hoke and Mattison are great DL coaches and I'd expect players to get better.
Our roster looks pretty good, I think expectations should be high but realistic given the schedule.
January 4th, 2012 at 11:18 AM ^
He's a speed demon, right?