Scouting Report: Chase Winovich
This week's scouting report is on Clairton (PA) Thomas Jefferson linebacker Chase Winovich. There seem to be some positive vibes about him as a potential Michigan commitment, although Ohio State and, to a lesser extent, Pitt are also options. Michigan really needs some more options at the SAM position going forward.
http://touchthebanner.blogspot.com/2013/05/scouting-report-chase-winovi…
Why does the link send me to Sam Webb's Detroit News article about Winovich?
C'mong, man!
Magic!
I don't know... That was weird. Thanks for the heads up.
You're link goes to a Detroit News article
Magnus: The link goes directly to a Sam Webb write-up on the Detrot News, not your scouting report.
OMG: Sam Webb is Magnus! I knew it all along.
EDIT: Beaten to the punch...twice.
Beaten to the punch but you added vital new information: MAGNUS IS SAM WEBB!!!!!!!!
(Let's see if this ends up becoming one of the internet rumors a la Craig James vs. Hookers)
Like RollDamnTide and WolverineInABag.
#rememberthefive
What about Craig James and hookers?
IIRC, last time you posted a scouting report discussion thread, that particular individual committed the following weekend. Can that please be the case again?
Yeah...the last one was Lawrence Marshall.
He's one of the most important recruits left on the board.
Obviously Peppers, Hand, etc.
But he plays a position of need (SLB) and we really don't have any young player there outside of Michael McCray. I know guys can slide over, but I'm past playing guys out of position. 80-somthing percent of our class is in the ESPN Top 150, play guys where they should be playing.
That said, his frame and skill set seem perfect for the position. We're already set at the two ILB spots. Winovich can come in and make an immediate impact post-Gordon/Ryan.
In fact, if someone said Peppers, Hand and Winovich are the 3 most important prospects left, based on need, I wouldn't argue with that person.
That highlight video looks damn good to me. That's a lot of speed for a decent sized LB.
I feel like half the scouting reports I read (not just from you) say something along the lines of "the key question is whether he can preserve his speed/quickness when he bulks up." In general, do most of these slighter guys do that? It'd be nice to know whether I should assume he'll preserve his speed (unless something weird happens) or assume he'll lose some of it.
I think a lot of them do maintain their speed/athleticism. Those guys know how to run and are used to making plays in space, so I think their previously existing level of proprioception helps as they add weight.
and it did not grow me any new hair. I doubt it will help these kids on the gridiron
Wait a minute, that was also the word my girlfriend used when she ended up pregneant even though we were waiting until marriage...
I usually profile about 90 players and lead right up to the first game, so it should start at the end of May/beginning of June. I haven't set the schedule yet, so I can't tell you an exact date.
That third play when he reversed field after charging towards the QB on the screen pass and then hauled a** to catch the WR from behind was pretty impressive in terms of speed and tenacity.
As Magnus points out in his report, his lack of mass leads to some less than impactful tackling and the obvious concern would be if he can maintain his speed after putting on the 30-40 lbs necessary for him to play in college.
Still, he looks like a pretty good SLB prospect given a few years in a college S&C program. Coach Brown over at the M Block is still pretty confident UM will land Winovich; hopefully, he is correct.
He has likely added weight since the end of the football season. The report is based on his junior film. Ferns is supposedly in the 235 lb. range, but his legs aren't/weren't as skinny as Winovich's. They might look similar in the upper body but have a significant difference in the lower body.
Another SAM type they're looking at is Jimmy Swain (the fourth!) out of Missouri. Have you had a chance to watch his highlights as well? And if so, who do you like better? Swain night be a slightly better athlete and he's got about 10 pounds on Winovich right now. I think to a certain degree you're obviously hoping that they can add 20-30 pounds and maintain that athleticism so neither one is any guarantee, but both seem like they could be fairly good if they develop correctly.
I'm not so sure that Swain looks like a SAM. To me he looks like he could be a WILL, maybe like a Ben Gedeon type with WILL skills and the potential to grow into a MIKE. Unless he's hit a growth spurt, he looks a little short to be the prototypical SAM that Michigan's coaches have been pursuing.
The consensus has him at about 6'3" which is fine for a SAM... and he could still grow some.
It seems like kids always come in an inch or two shorter than their listed height, so he's probably more like 6'2".
Height/length is important for a few reasons. First of all, basic human anatomy suggests that shorter guys are going to weigh less, so a 6'4" guy with good proportions might weigh 245 while a 6'2" guy would proportionally weigh 220 or so. And weight is a factor in taking on blocks, ball carriers, etc.
Second, the SAM is often used as a pass rusher, which necessitates taking on offensive tackles at times. If you lack good length, it makes it more difficult to get your hands in the OT's chest, it prevents you from knocking down passes, it makes it a little tougher to reach around a blocker and grab the QB, etc. As you mention, I think it also helps in pass coverage because SAM linebackers - while good athletes in their own right - might not have the basic coverage abilities of some WILL linebackers, strong safeties in the flat, etc.
We will never forget when he ran down Ringer from behind...
We will never forget when he ran down Ringer from behind...
I dd...
When did that happen? I thought I remember Brandon Graham chasing a Sparty down once. Am I confusing this with Crable?
Brandon Graham ALMOST chased an MSU running back down from behind. Crable missed a tackle as the play went to the defense's right, then chased him down all the way back to the left and downfield to make the tackle.
P.S.: I think it was A.J. Jimmerson, but I might be wrong.
I'm down with that. He seems like a quality player. He passes the eye test. Any idea why he seems a little lower on the recruiting rankings? I'd think a kid that projects to an all-conference type player would be a mid to high 4-star or in the mid 80s type range versus a 3-star around 78.
What does "Lacks some functional strength" mean? That he just needs to bulk up and get stronger, or something more specific?
Well, I don't know what he benches or squats or power cleans or anything. But he struggles sometimes with bringing runners down, which caused the "functional strength" comment.
and it really has nothing to do with strength. Function is a good word to use though because with proper technique, he can function very well as a tackler.
They may not be exactly proportional, but please don't try to sell me that strength and tackling don't go hand in hand.
It is hyperlinked, at least for me...
Magnus copy/pastes but doesn't use the link button when posting the thread. That works for me, although I'm usually on my browser on my phone, and I don't know that a majority do it either way. That's possibly the difference, though.
If his height is legit, he can easily add weight and grow into an effective LB down the road. Most of his weaknesses sound like things our coaches can correct once (if) he gets here. He probably would be a guy we'd redshirt which is fine. Hopefully, he'll Go Blue shortly and stay away from the Dark Side.
this post blocked for anyone else at work? Magnus and his "adult content"
That's one reason why I've stopped posting pictures of the fairer gender.