27 Tickets To Team 138: Post-Signing Day Edition
What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. I have appropriated it. Regarding the number of tickets: 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 kickers + nickelback + FLEX TE + SLOT.
PREVIOUSLY: 137 post-spring. 138 pre-bowl.
PACK YOUR BAGS
1. 3TECH Maurice Hurst, Sr.* [Last time: 1]
Crazy productive interior DL. Had just about the same grade at PFF as Michigan's NFL-bound stars despite getting about 60% of their snaps, with more QB hurries than anyone on the team. That's overall, not on a per-snap basis. Likely first rounder in the next NFL draft. Could have gone this year. Get in his belly.
2. C Mason Cole, Sr. [Last time: 2]
Bounce to guard a possibility if Michigan decides that starter #5 is Kugler or Ruiz; even so Cole is a lock to start. Needs more power if he's going to be a star. PFF liked him (+10.8) a year ago; they did not love him. Addition of Greg Frey and (possible) increased focused on outside zone might help him, as he is highly agile. Excellent in pass pro.
3. SDE Rashan Gary, So. [Last time: 3]
Omar comin', except his name is Rashan and he is not little. Like Hurst, stuck behind future pros in 2016. Still flashed freaky ability; year two should be a breakout year so enormous it shatters windows across the Midwest. #1 overall prospects are in fact guarantees, and Gary showed plenty to indicate he would not be an exception.
4. ILB Mike McCray, Sr* [Last time: 4]
Sole returning member of the front seven had some edge issues last year. Tackling in space was an Area For Improvement, as they say. Positives outweighed negatives, though, as McCray was an outstanding blitzer and reliably in the place he was supposed to be. Probably moves to MLB.
5. OT Ben Bredeson, So. [Last time: 6]
Projecting him on the outside now since Michigan's tackle recruiting ended with a bit of a splat. Bredeson was reputed to be neck and neck with Grant Newsome for the LT job in fall camp; while that turned out to be fiction, Bredeson started most of the season at G after Newsome's injury. Cole-like gentleman will get a lot better in year two.
6. QB Wilton Speight, Jr* [Last time: 7]
Bumped him to a lock. Because, I mean, obviously. 63%, 8.1 YPA, 17-5 TD-INT sophomore year. Impressive pocket presence, plus—but not perfect—accuracy, and increasing command of the offense will be tough to compete with. If he improves like Harbaugh quarterbacks always do you're looking at an All Big Ten player. (And an ugly shirt.)
UNLESS SOMETHING STRANGE HAPPENS
7. FS Tyree Kinnel, Jr. [Last time: 8]
Got more playing time than any other secondary backup, and played well. Defense did not miss a beat when he was in for extended periods. Used as a dimeback, mostly, for a four-safety look. Recruiting rep suggests he fits what Brown wants in his safeties—man coverage capable hitters. Old-ass-looking-man game strong. M needs to fill that role w/ Hill to the NFL.
8. WDE Chase Winovich, Jr.* [Last time: 9]
Ebullient pass rusher produced five sacks despite playing time often measured in single-digit snaps. 27 pressure events on just 277 snaps is outstanding production, and PFF even liked him as a run defender (+6.5). Best case scenario for him after spending 2015 as an H-back. Jake Ryan-at-DE comps look spot on so far.
9. OG Mike Onwenu, So. [Last time: 14]
Bounce for Onwenu since we're hearing that he was outstanding in practice last year and is widely regarded as a lock to move into the starting lineup by people close to the program. A 350 pound grape-destroying guard does sound rather like something Jim Harbaugh would favor. +3 in 91 snaps to PFF last year. That's like +30 for a full season. Caveat: Rutgers.
10. ILB Devin Bush, So. [Last time: 11]
Hearing that Bush's active hands and advanced ability to read plays has him well in front of his competition. Size is the only issue at the moment, and while he's always going to be 5'11" he can still pack on some muscle. Having dad around doesn't hurt his development, either. Brings a much-needed infusion of dreads to the starting lineup. Has no idea how to draw a Wolverine.
11. FLEX Ian Bunting, Jr.*[Last time: 15]
Ol' Skillet Hands did not have the breakout season many anticipated thanks in part to injury; flashed massive receiving upside after Butt's exit against FSU. Also blew a pass protection rather spectacularly, but Bunting's around to not be covered when he's covered, if you get my drift. Blocking is a sidelight. Should get most of Butt's targets this year.
12. CB Lavert Hill, So. [Last time: 23]
Bounce for both corners from the 2016 class w/ Jeremy Clark's exit. Hill edges Long thanks to late-season playing time and a couple of nice, Lewis-like PBUs. Ambry Thomas will push; bet here is that St-Juste needs at least a year of seasoning. Hill passed the rest of the roster by midseason last year.
13. CB David Long, Fr.* [Last time: NR]
Bet here is that lack of playing time for long was more about an opportunity to redshirt him after he missed a couple early games rather than a talent thing. Long was regarded as the highest-floor guy in the class by Lorenz and others last year and would have borne that out without a series of nagging injuries.
14. NT Bryan Mone, Jr.* [Last time: 10]
Slight ding for Mone since Michigan added a couple of threats to play early in Aubrey Solomon and underrated James Hudson. Still in the near-lock category because young DL are usually bad. Flashed his talent late in the year, most prominently vs OSU. Now is the time to deliver. Deliver meats.
15. FB/H-back Khalid Hill, Sr.* [Last time: 20]
If I had a Panda / I'd hammer in the morning / I'd hammer in the evening / but only in the endzone. Impact Fullback Khalid Hill specialized in two-for-one edge blocks, one yard touchdown runs, wide open flare routes, spectacular catches, and self-nicknaming that was so amazing people just ran with it.
FAIRLY SAFE BET
16. RB Chris Evans, So. [Last time: 16]
Quick-twitch athlete emerged into clear #2 behind Smith by season's end. Capable of nasty short-area jukes; doesn't break many tackles; home-run hitter. Receiving upside unexplored last year but will emerge as his career wears on. Will split snaps with Isaac, Higdon, and others in crowded backfield. Should be allowed to wear a helmet that has his hair on it.
17. SLOT Grant Perry, Jr. [Last time: 5]
Looming legal issues bust him down several spots, not to mention the addition of Oliver Martin. Accusations are of the suspension, not expulsion nature, and the fact that Perry's going to court about it means this might be more like that thing with Marlin Jackson back in the day. Worst case is probably a diversion. Still a route artisan who sold various double moves and a redzone weapon.
18. WR Kekoa Crawford, So. [Last time: 17]
Emerged as clear #3 option on the outside thanks in large part to terrific blocking. Had one bad drop and one badass catch to go with some more routine events. Arrival of mondo WR recruiting class doesn't occasion major hit for him since freshman WRs are usually bad, and that blocking tho. Meanwhile only DPJ was clearly a higher-rated recruit.
19. TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr, So.* [Last time: NR]
Kaiju coin flip currently easy choice since there are deeply unfortunate rumors that Asiasi is seeking a transfer to the West Coast. Both guys flashed A+ blocking ability and receiving that should not be a thing given their size. Both have huge upside, and should start paying that off this year. Someone get a big ol' butterfly net for Asiasi.
IN A BATTLE
20. K Quinn Nordin, Fr.* [Last time: 12]
Never should have had him as high as he was since he is a kicker. A kicker who was 2/3 on field goals as a senior. He could be an Aguayo or go 0/20 before returning to his home planet. This is the way of the kicker. Ryan Tice also an option; reportedly decent in practice.Committed to Penn State w/ ridiculous video, which we 1000% approve of.
21. SAM Noah Furbush, Jr* [Last time: 21]
Peppers's backup last year, and well-liked by the coaches. But how does Furbush replace a safety? Because that's what Peppers is, a safety. Most Don Brown SAM top out at 215, and Furbush is much bigger than that. Wouldn't be surprised to see him move inside, or reprise his backup role behind a Hudson type.
22. SS Khaleke Hudson, So. [Last time: 18]
Drop for Hudson as reports indicate he's had some struggles in coverage. Still here because the alternatives are all freshmen, and also he is an MGoFave-Rave. Spring will confirm or dis-confirm his ability at safety; if not there's always VIPER(!!!) or RB. Blocked two punts a year ago.
23. VIPER(!!!) Josh Metellus [Last time: NR]
Metellus bounces Watson as it's clear Michigan will deploy a spacebacker type. Metellus prime candidate to be that guy after spotting Jabrill Peppers in the bowl game and adding insult to injury with six mean-ass tackles against Rutgers. Won't be Peppers unless someone unearths a terrible ritual from Earth's ancient past and what are you waiting for go do it.
24. P Brad Robbins, Fr. [Last time: NR]
Foresight of using Jordan Glasgow in a bear shirt instead of a picture of the punter in question should now be undeniable, as I can leave Jordan Glasgow in a bear shirt up instead of scouring the internet for a picture of Brad Robbins, new scholarship punter and hang-time specialist.
25. OG Patrick Kugler, Sr.* [Last time: NR]
W/ Bredeson outside there is an available G spot. We're going with redshirt senior Patrick Kugler over Cesar Ruiz because we just saw a highly touted freshman OL at this very guard spot and it was a bit grim. Kugler was the clear #6 on the line a year ago, occasionally spotting Kyle Kalis when he was dinged. PFF had him +0.3 in 118 snaps. This was in fact better than the starters. Caveat: Rutgers.
26. WR Drake Harris, Jr.* [Last time: 22]
Harris is under significantly more threat than Crawford because he's less likely to take a big step forward since he's been on campus a couple more years and he hasn't erased a bunch of DBs. Keeping him a hair in front of DPJ, et al., because he is apparently good buds with Speight and looked like he might approach his HS self on various downfield opportunities last year.
27. OT Andrew Stueber, Fr. [Last time: NR]
Hearing conflicting things about Grant Newsome's availability; we'll take the pessimistic road here and project a redshirt for him. Michigan will thus be choosing between JBB (-2.6 in just 179 snaps last year) and a freshman. We're thinking freshman. Stueber has the size at almost 6'7" and Lorenz swears up and down he's underrated, so here's a 27th ticket.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNICALLY NOT STARTERS BUT CLOSE ENOUGH
RB Drake Johnson—Michigan will apply for sixth year, but do they have the room?
RB Ty Isaac—spring hype petered out into decent play.
RB Karan Higdon—Impressed with his quick cuts and low pad level. Will continue to see snaps.
FB Henry Poggi—less dynamic Michigan fullback, and one who had some issues getting his hat on someone last year.
WR Eddie McDoom—MCDOOOOOOOOM
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones—Braylon 2.0? Except with better hands? Maybe.
TE Devin Asiasi—baby please don't go.
T Grant Newsome—maybe he can get there this year. Maybe not.
CB Ambry Thomas—let's have a tiny war.
CB Brandon Watson—nickelback sort got a reasonable amount of PT last year.
PUSHING FROM BEHIND
QB Brandon Peters—first Harbaugh-selected QB on the roster comes with massive expectations.
QB John O'Korn—iffy Indiana outing was a win, at least.
RB Kareem Walker—academic redshirt out of the way and time to start displaying that talent.
RB Kingston Davis—some transfer chatter.
FB Ben Mason—will get shot at LB but FB depth chart is wide open next year
WR Nate Johnson—mean-ass slot receiver, if that's a thing. Golden Tate is ceiling.
WR Moe Ways—passed by Crawford and Harris. Getting late early.
WR Tarik Black—mondo outside WR impressed at Army game.
WR Oliver Martin—slot-ish guy with downfield upside and not-just-a-shooter athleticism.
WR Nico Collins—Funchess 2.0?
TE Sean McKeon—probably did get a redshirt after all.
T Juwann Bushell-Beatty—sixth OL after the Newsome injury so there's probably some chance, but played poorly.
C Cesar Ruiz—advanced C prospect will push for starting job
SDE Carlo Kemp—well liked by coaching staff and should be Gary's backup.
NT Michael Dwumfour—hearing positive things about his ability; Glasgow-esque.
NT Aubrey Solomon—monster five star nose prospect will be in two deep from the drop.
3T James Hudson—Henry 2.0.
WDE Ron Johnson—hyped edge rusher could be Winovich's backup.
WDE Luiji Vilain—big mover after Army game will push for PT immediately.
ILB Elysee Mbem-Bosse—most likely ILB backup given roster.
SAM Josh Uche—Don Brown dude could be chaos generator.
S Jaylen Kelly-Powell—Cass's pick to cover Ambry Thomas. Promises to be slot-coverage safety.
S J'Marick Woods—3.5 out of Alabama was a favorite of the coaching staff
S Brad Hawkins—we're just going to make this position switch now.
WAITING THEIR TURN
QB Alex Malzone—not really in the race, it seems.
QB Dylan McCaffrey—oblig redshirt year coming up.
RB O'Maury Samuels—just too many bodies in front of him
RB Kurt Taylor—Vincent Smith-alike will likely spend year getting pass pro down
TE Nick Eubanks—Funchess 2.0
TE Zach Gentry—actually played WR for much of last year. Development will be fascinating.
C Jon Runyan Jr.—right bloodlines at least.
G Stephen Spanellis—road grader needs seasoning.
G JaRaymond Hall—only incoming OL listed at under 300.
G Phil Paea—two-way DL/OL will probably land on O.
T Nolan Ulizio—some playing time he seemed iffy in. Reportedly had mono and was too light.
T Chuck Filiaga—had some Army game struggles; redshirt likely.
T Joel Honigford—redshirt, weight, etc.
3T Lawrence Marshall—now 285 and a three tech, which is one too many moves.
3T Deron Irving-Bey—raw prospect but did enroll early.
SDE Donovan Jeter—ND decommit w/ salty comments afterwards will be fan favorite
WDE Reuben Jones—worker popular with teammates.
WDE Kwity Paye—seasoning necessary, but Don Brown dude.
MLB Drew Singleton—coming off ACL surgery and probably needs a year
SAM Jordan Anthony—heated VIPER competition in front of him
WLB Josh Ross—younger brother of James brings more size, fewer instincts.
CB Keith Washington—did not find PT last year, will try again.
CB Benjamin St Juste—probably needs some seasoning after playing in Canada.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:57 PM ^
all reports are that he would prefer to play center and that seems like a better fit.
I think we can find two competent tackles between Bredeson, Newsome (if healthy), JBB, Ulizio, Steuber, and Filaga.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:04 PM ^
He played there for two years and did not die in fire like some of the other options out there, why wouldn't he be listed as a tackle if thats part of the "Best 5" solution.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:11 PM ^
Well, actually, in point of FACT - Cole played 2 years of T at a higher grade than he played 1 year of C. So, why isn't he a T?
He'll be whatever helps this team win in the eyes of Harbaugh, Drevno & Frey, not your preconeived notions of ideal OT size.
February 7th, 2017 at 5:33 PM ^
February 8th, 2017 at 9:39 AM ^
Drevno has repeatedly said he wants his best player at center because of having to make the calls. Keeping Bredeson at guard would help his development. He's not an NFL sized tackle and having to learn another position would not be ideal. The only case I see him jumping out to tackle is if Ruiz is too good not to put at guard. As for tackle, who knows. Hoping they grab one of the grad transfers (kid from Cal or Clemson). 2017 O-line will likely be very average, but when you look at what will be there in 2018 (Newsome should be back), they should be good and possibly even great in 2019.
Grad Transfer - Bredeson - Cole - Onwenu - Freshman/Redshirt Freshman
February 8th, 2017 at 1:05 PM ^
February 9th, 2017 at 8:15 AM ^
If he plays the way he did last year at center, he will not be drafted. He played better at left tackle as a freshman. The thing is in the end Ruiz will have a lot to say where he will play. Ruiz is allready bigger and stronger and has a much higher ceiling at center than Cole. Ruiz will be an all american if he does not get hurt. He is the model of the type of guys we need to recruit. Imo the only recruit at his level was leatherwood and bama cooling on Ruiz was bullshit they just knew they had no chance.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:19 PM ^
I'll go with:
Kick-offs - Chris Evans / Eddie McDoom
Punts - Oliver Martin (those hands!)
February 7th, 2017 at 1:49 PM ^
Thomas will be returning kicks in some form this year. McDoom should be there on kickoffs.
February 7th, 2017 at 6:13 PM ^
February 7th, 2017 at 4:40 PM ^
O'Maury Samuels seems like a good fit for returns.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:21 PM ^
February 7th, 2017 at 1:25 PM ^
Is anyone else not that up on Winovich? No doubt, his production last year was awesome. I just have a hard time believing he is going to hold up during the course of a game playing significant snaps.
To me, it seemed like last year he benefitted from Taco and Wormley beating up the tackles. Chase would then sneak in there with his speed and snipe a sack.
Hopefully I'm wrong, but is seems like he's too light to be a consistent contributer.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:42 PM ^
I think most people would agree Winovich will benefit from adding some weight, 245 pounds is very light for a DE these days. Hopefully he can add the muscle he needs while keeping his speed and moves.
February 7th, 2017 at 5:43 PM ^
February 7th, 2017 at 1:27 PM ^
A work buddy of mine showed me the final Parade list. I got a giggle. Aubrey Solomon was nowhere to be found, but Kwity Paye was an honorable mention on D line. (?!)
No, it wasn't a NT versus WDE thing either. The Parade list simply named defensive linemen. Ruiz wasn't on the list, despite being the top C prospect, because they simply named 5 offensive lineman, and they all looked like OT prospects to me.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:31 PM ^
Is going to get some run early. He might have 5+ TD's, and I like that it was mentioned in post but the Speight - Harris connection is real, they are best friends, and unless JMFH gives Drake the boot, Speight will look for him a lot.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:52 PM ^
Took a look at last year's projection that happened around the same time.
Only major differences are:
Starting DL was Charlton, Wormley, Glasgow, and Winovich. Obviously, that was reshuffled a bit. Godin, Hurst, Gary, and Mone all made it in the 'Not Starters, But Close' section.
Brian had O'Korn as the Starting QB and Johnson/Issac as the other contributors at RB.
Moe Ways was in the 'Not Starters...' section.
Wheatley was the starting TE with Asiasi in the 'Pushing From Behind' section.
Everything else was pretty spot on. I do think there will be more variance this year because of the relative youth in the squad, but I'd wager that what Brian has up is fairly close to the guys you'll see on the field this year.
My personal thoughts:
I'm not 100% optimistic. I think 2016 was absolutely the year (and if it wasn't for that stupid punt in Kinnick and some questionable officiating at the Shoe, it might've been). Replacing nearly all of Speight's receivers could cause some growing pains and that's if the O-Line can give him time to block. (Newsome's return and staying a solid LT would be huge). The DL is not 9 deep like they were last year althought I think Kemp and Solomon will be better than expected. Add in a completely new secondary without Lewis and Peppers and there's going to be a step back for the D.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:45 PM ^
Of all the position groups that lost a lot of players, WR is the least of my worries. Darboh and Chesson would good but nothing out of this world. They combined for 92 catches for 1300 yds and weren't exactly adept at making semi-tough to difficult catches. If anything, I think they might be missed more for their blocking.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:53 PM ^
February 7th, 2017 at 1:39 PM ^
Gets me every time.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:43 PM ^
I don't see Shelton Johnson aka the guy we stole from FSU in '15 and was going to be one of those southerners to show us what we are missing. Should we assume he gone?
February 7th, 2017 at 1:52 PM ^
I was hoping he would make a Taco like step this year and be a Dude.
February 7th, 2017 at 11:16 PM ^
I know official rosters can be tactically misleading, but, Johnson is still listed at 212lbs, and he's 6'5".
I thought that it was weird when we first took him, that he was just a gallon of milk over 200lbs, yet he was listed as "Defensive End", wondering how in the heck a guy who's 6'5" and barely 200lbs as a 17-18 year old, could be expected to put on 45-80lbs. By the time you're that age, you have pretty good idea of what body type you have and potential, and that height and weight is literally a basketball player. Even as a WR he would be slightly underweight for 6'5", let alone a tight end, and then as a defensive end, that's like close to a miracle.
And he's beginning his 3rd year, so he hasn't put on a SINGLE pound at DEFENSIVE END, in two entire years?
I have to admit, even when he first signed I, reluctantly of course, completely doubted that he would ever see the field as a DE.
He's by far the most confusing recruitment of the Harbaugh error.
February 8th, 2017 at 12:38 PM ^
February 7th, 2017 at 2:59 PM ^
Further down someone noticed that Corey Malone-Hatcher isn't listed either. I counted the guys Brian lists - there are 84 so there's room for another. Needing 2 spots for those guys really makes me wonder how they can find a spot for Drake Johnson.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:32 PM ^
I combed over the list 3 times, figuring my old eyes were just missing Shelton Johnson. I follow this stuff fairly closely and don't recall him leaving the program.
So what gives with that?
February 7th, 2017 at 7:00 PM ^
Haha. Losers like you and Mr. Yost probably put by far the most stock into these dumb things.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:51 PM ^
LT- JBB
LG- Bredeson
C- Cole
RG- Onwenu
RT- Ulizio/Filiaga
I know JBB had his struggles but I think Frey can work those out. Someone in his ear all the time specializing in the T position to me is priceless.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:55 PM ^
If JBB is our starting left tackle for week 1....have mercy!
February 7th, 2017 at 2:55 PM ^
I can see him starting in week 1. It's asking an awful lot of a true freshman to come in and start right away. That said, I also wouldn't be surprised to see one of the freshmen supplant him by week 4 or 5.
It's always nice to roll with the same starting 5 all season long, but I don't think we'll have that luxury.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:26 PM ^
I think the coaches will do everything they can to make Bredeson the LT. I would rather have Cole there ove JBB. In fact, I would rather have Wheatley Jr at LT than JBB.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:55 PM ^
Right next to Demar Dorsey.
February 7th, 2017 at 7:04 PM ^
Hey that joke makes no sense!
February 7th, 2017 at 2:01 PM ^
Why do we think McKeon probably gets a redshirt?
February 7th, 2017 at 6:54 PM ^
The old interpretation was anyone playing after game 3 was out which seems to be wrong.
February 8th, 2017 at 1:57 AM ^
Thank you. So all we have to do is convince the NCAA that right when we got to the part of the season where the competition demanded that the starters had to take almost all of the snaps McKeon, Eubanks, Kemp, Dwumfour, Nate Johnson, Ron Johnson and Long all suffered season ending injuries. The same NCAA that just denied Jeremy Clark a 6th year. It could happen.
February 8th, 2017 at 12:47 PM ^
February 9th, 2017 at 1:08 PM ^
We're on the same page. My big concern is that if H tries to get an extra year for all those guys at once the NCAA will be eager to deny all of them - even for Long who would have played if he wasn't injured.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:13 PM ^
isn't that a photo of Higdon with David Long's write-up?
February 7th, 2017 at 2:15 PM ^
There's so much talent on this list...young, but lots of talent. Throw in a few more top five recruiting classes and man this team looks elite.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:21 PM ^
The G Spot!
February 7th, 2017 at 2:24 PM ^
February 7th, 2017 at 2:59 PM ^
Iowa - fumbled kick return to start 2nd half, blown block that led to a safety
OSU - officiating, fumbled snap (only one of the year,) pick-6 (was that on Speight or the failed blitz pick up or the play call?)
FSU - gave up big plays on defense, no Peppers, offensive line sieve
Speight is a lock if he's healthy.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:30 PM ^
In addition, it was his first year as a starter. He has experience and leadership, that will be needed with the OL and new wrs. Really needs to work on his accuracy. We are 12-0 if made throws a decent qb should be able to make.
February 7th, 2017 at 7:02 PM ^
Speight not connecting on approximately 30 bombs in the Iowa game was no factor at all, sure.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:34 PM ^
Looks to be missing Corey Malone-Hatcher, I'm assuming he'd be listed under "Waiting Their Turn" as a WDE.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:46 PM ^
Note that there are 84 names on this list, but one freshman appears to have been left off inadvertently. Plus also note that two non-freshman players do not appear on this list. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
Comments