Justin Meram didn't just score
Hello: Blake Bars
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Michigan added to its already-impressive offensive line haul for 2012 today, picking up TN OL Blake Bars.
GURU RATINGS
| Scout | Rivals | ESPN | 24/7 Sports |
| 3*, #38 OT | 4*, 5.8, #34 OT | 3*, 79, #56 OT | 3*, 86, NR OT |
As you can see, the sites are basically in agreement about Blake: he's outside the top couple tiers nationally among offensive line recruits, but it still a solid player. Oddly, Rivals - usually the stingiest site as far as giving out stars - is the only one to give him the fourth star. He started in Scout's top 300, but has since moved out of it.
The sites are unanimous on Blake's height: he's 6-5. There is a bit of disagreement over how much he weighs, with ESPN saying he's all the way down at 260, 24/7 Sports just 5 pounds heavier, and the other two sites going up to 275.
As we so often do, let's kick off the evaluations with ESPN's profile comments:
Bars demonstrates good tough run blocking skills, showing the ability to dominate at his present level of competition. Has the height and athleticism for the offensive tackle position at the BCS level of play; will need to add bulk to his frame over time... Although we see the need for refinement in all areas of pass protection this guy possesses the long arms and nimble feet which should be assets; flashes the ability to handle edge quickness. We like the nasty finishing attitude this athlete plays with; it's what we look for when evaluating offensive linemen.
They seem to be pretty intent on labeling him a tackle, though I had previously assumed (based on the other players Michigan is recruiting, along with his height) that he would probably move inside for college. Long arms tend to negate a lack of ideal height, in certain instances.
He's probably a little behind the curve in terms of technique as well, since he wasn't even a high school starter until last fall. However, his father is a former Notre Dame linebacker, and his older brother Brad plays for Penn State, so he does come from a football family. He talked a little bit about technique with the local paper:
“(Coach Mawae) has been helping us with our footwork,” Bars said. “He’ll come into the weight room and show us technique and introduce new drills to us that I know are going to make us a lot better. It’s such a great opportunity. Kevin is the man, pretty much.”
That's not exactly revealing about Blake's current skill set, but it does speak to a desire for improvement. His strength also seems to draw praise here and there, so when he adds another 30+ pounds of muscle onto his frame, he could be a very powerful player to go along with that nasty attitude.
There's precious little info out there on Blake, but it seems that the evaluations that do exist are more optimistic on his abilities than the 3-star ratings would seem to indicate. As we'll see in a moment, his offer list tells the same story.
OFFERS
Bars's offer list is quite a bit more impressive than you'd expect from a guy who's a generic 3-star to most of the recruiting sites. Clemson, Florida, LSU, Penn State, and South Carolina all have recent success either on the field or in recruiting (or both), and had shot this kid an offer.
In less-impressive offers, Arkansas State joins Boston College, Kentucky, Louisville, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Purdue, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and Wake Forest. There are a couple pretty good programs in there, so his whole resume is nothing to sneeze at. He had interest but no offer from his father's alma mater, Notre Dame.
STATS
Blake is an offensive lineman, and therefore doesn't have stats. Montgomery Bell Academy went 9-3 last season, his first as a starter.
FAKE 40 TIME
None of the recruiting sites have listed a 40 time for Blake, so I get to give out my default five FAKEs out of five.
VIDEO
Junior highlights:
PREDICTION BASED ON FLIMSY EVIDENCE
Blake is a prospect that seems to have plenty of upside, but at this time, he's far from a finished product. Seeing as how he's just finished his junior year of high school, that's no surprise. Still, it takes a redshirt year as a true freshman from "extremely likely" to "certain."
Following that redshirt year, he may still have a bit of growing to do. Adding 30-40 pounds or more is a tough thing to do while maintaining flexibility and agility. As a redshirt sophomore then, will be the first time he has the potential to really contribute. Fortunately for him, that season also sees the departure of a few linemen ahead of him.
As an upperclassman, he should get into the starting lineup, and his versatility (he doesn't seem like a left tackle, but almost any other OL position seems possible) will help him see the field.
He looks like the type of guy who will become a solid starter, but maybe not an All-Big Ten caliber guy, unless his physical development is truly impressive. His upside seems to be high, so if he can reach his ceiling, it could mean very good things for his future.
UPSHOT FOR THE REST OF THE CLASS
The commitment of Bars could mean a couple things: 1) he's higher in the coaching staff's eyes than we previously believed, 2) the staff doesn't feel good about their chances with some other top prospects, 3) the door is closed for other medium-range prospects, or 4) there are plans to tae more offensive lineman than we realized. The truth is probably some combination of those factors. No matter what the reasoning is, I'm guessing the coaching staff is done pursuing offensive linemen aside from Kyle Kalis, Jordan Diamond, and other elite-level linemen (i.e. Andrus Peat).
That means that, other than those guys, we shouldn't expect any offensive line commits any time soon, unless the staff uncovers a sleeper that they really like. Look for them to focus on defensive tackle and wideout, and once they fill those needs, they'll be able to focus on top prospects, regardless of position. Quarterback and running back are other, lesser needs for the class.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:31 PM | 
That's pretty impressive that
That's pretty impressive that
June 27th, 2011 at 9:01 AM |
He should be coached up better than any incoming lineman
He should be coached up better than any incoming lineman
I am sure that has helped his evaluation with other teams who offered (e.g. Florida) regardless of what Scout says. Nothing better than having a fundamentally sound player show up on campus who you simply refine or add some weight onto his frame. It also makes him a safer pick since you see his potential more readily rather than trying to project a "raw" player.
June 30th, 2011 at 11:03 PM |
Blake Bars
Blake Bars
DId anyone catch the fascinating coincidence (or not) that Blake Bars has been coached by Dan McGugin, great grandson of Dan McGugin, who was on Fielding Yost's "point a minute" teams as a running back in Michigan's early years. McGugin was hired by Vanderbilt in the '20s to coach their fledgling team and teach law and eventually build the largest stadium south of the Mason-Dixon...at the time.
JF
June 26th, 2011 at 11:31 PM |
Terrible play on words time
Terrible play on words time
Bars block in MSU players in the Big House. I hate myself.
June 27th, 2011 at 12:15 AM |
Is that why Flo is your
Is that why Flo is your
Is that why Flo is your avatar?
Land of the free market
June 26th, 2011 at 11:31 PM |
Tom was right. A nice ending
Tom was right. A nice ending
Tom was right. A nice ending to the weekend and good for the fans who buckled up for the weekend. Good night all and have a great week and Fourth of July.
Here's hoping for a bright future. This team does try hard and I will continue to support them.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:34 PM |
Pretty sure Tom wasn't talking about Bars
Pretty sure Tom wasn't talking about Bars
but yeah, good get.
There is no time, sir, at which ties do not matter.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:32 PM |
welcome back to Michigan!
welcome back to Michigan!
Hope you have a great experience in AA.
Eating is murder.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:33 PM |
NASTY LINEMEN
NASTY LINEMEN
COME GET SOME!
I love the inclusion of nastiness in the descriptions of our OL recruits.
It's also nice to see a much rosier UPSHOT from Tim. HALOL.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:34 PM |
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY BLAKE!
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY BLAKE!
GO BLUE!!
June 26th, 2011 at 11:42 PM |
Nice addition,I would like to
Nice addition,I would like to
Nice addition,I would like to see kalis or diamond,but for offensive linemen I feel its alot more about how they are coached ,then their talent in high school
"Go home, Steve!
June 26th, 2011 at 11:44 PM |
there's
there's
the optimistic Tim we all know and love!!!
June 26th, 2011 at 11:46 PM |
Sorry to sound like a dick
Sorry to sound like a dick
but it'll make your posts a lot more readable if you take the time to use periods and proper grammar. Otherwise it reads like the Scout board.
Edit: This obviously was supposed to be a reply to a comment above, not the main post. Whoops.
There is no time, sir, at which ties do not matter.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:45 PM |
Might have to check this kid out
Might have to check this kid out
Living in Nashville I may have to follow MBA this year seeing how this kid is headed up to AA next year! Know I'll be decked out in blue.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:47 PM |
That is a VERY impressive
That is a VERY impressive
That is a VERY impressive offer list. Welcome aboard Blake!
Keep believing
June 26th, 2011 at 11:56 PM |
Bars is a good get. I think
Bars is a good get. I think
Bars is a good get. I think this pretty much rules out Bisnowaty, which is sad, but I like Bars and I like the future at OL. Welcome, Blake!
Denard has spent the offseason working really hard and smiling at people.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:57 PM |
It would have been funny
It would have been funny
if we landed the 3 Kyle's on OL
Kyle Kalis
Kyle Dodson
Kyle Murphy
K3inA2
KyleCompany
GMAT score =800 = Defensive POTY
June 27th, 2011 at 10:07 AM |
Ya but...then it also could
Ya but...then it also could
Ya but...then it also could have been the...well...three K's. Probably not the best recipe for a cool and high quality nickname.
"The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:57 PM |
Error
Error
You have Jeremy Clarks highlight tape instead of Blake's.
In other happenings, welcome aboard Blake.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:57 PM |
Welcome Blake!
Welcome Blake!
Outstanding OL play is one of the things that has always made Michigan great. Molk, Lewan, and Omameh look to lead a special one this year, and the 2012 class is shaping up to be one for the books. Add Diamond and Kalis and I'm as happy about the OL as I am about the LBs.
June 27th, 2011 at 11:35 AM |
If we land Kalis and Diamond
If we land Kalis and Diamond
If we land Kalis and Diamond then I'm happier with OL than I am with the LBs, if only by a little bit. Kalis, Diamond and Magnuson are every bit as good as RJS, Bolden and Biggs, and then numbers take over for OL since Bars, Braden and Stacey could all be solid starters in the future, on par with Ringer.
So, I guess they're pretty close, but I think I'd give edge to the LBs. Here's to hoping DL beats them both when it's all said and done.
June 27th, 2011 at 11:53 AM |
Absolute #'s, I'd agree
Absolute #'s, I'd agree
But as a % of open positions, we actually have moar LBs. 4 guys for 3 spots (133%), with 3 near-consensus top guys filling all positions and a very well rated Ringer. OL would have 6 guys for 5 spots (120%), with 3 near-consensus top guys filling only 5 of the available positions, with very well regarded Braden, Stacey, and Bars. And no center.
/arguingjusttoargue
I was thinking the same this morning, though - Bars seems to be rated very similarly to Ringer (4 star on one site, 3 on the others). I think both will be very good.
It's an incredible class, and we haven't yet talked about DBs. Esp. if we nab Wilson.
June 27th, 2011 at 12:17 PM |
I was thinking of it as more
I was thinking of it as more
I was thinking of it as more of 6 guys for 4 spots, since we've taken a center in the last two classes and didn't really go after any centers year.
June 27th, 2011 at 12:02 AM |
This is great news! Welcome
This is great news! Welcome
This is great news! Welcome aboard Blake!
Chaos is found in greatest abundance wherever order is being sought. It always defeats order because it is better organized.
June 27th, 2011 at 12:08 AM |
Seems to get downfield well
Seems to get downfield well
Will be a good guard
/fromwhatiknowwhichisnotmuch
Auwê ka hua`i lâ
June 27th, 2011 at 12:29 AM |
Kevin Mawae!?
Kevin Mawae!?
If its "that" Kevin Mawae then this is a huge plus. Mawae was a great lineman with great versatility (very smart as well). This kid should be well trained and prepared when he arrives at AA.
June 27th, 2011 at 12:31 AM |
welcome
welcome
get at em dawg!
GO BLUE!
YaBoyBlue
June 27th, 2011 at 12:56 AM |
Bars's
Bars's
I was curious so I just looked that up. There is a split of authority, but this is a style question, not a grammatical one. The Chicago Manual of Style recommends that, to show the possessive of a proper noun ending in "s," the writer should add both the apostrophe and the letter "s" (i.e., add 's). However, AP style recommends adding the apostrphe only.
In other words, the spelling "Bars's" is consistent with Chicago style but not with AP style.
"You will suffer humiliation when the team from my area defeats the team from your area." -- The Onion
June 27th, 2011 at 12:40 AM |
I love this commit....
I love this commit....
He has a very solid offer list and the staff must have liked him otherwise they would e held off for another player.
"Ohhh, rough, just the way your mother likes it, Trebek!"
June 27th, 2011 at 1:11 AM |
I completely agree
I completely agree
No player would get that many good D1 offers and not have some great upside. I'm guessing all the coaches are seeing something that the premium sites aren't. I'd look for his stock to rise a lot after his senior season.
Witty comment pending further thought.
June 27th, 2011 at 12:49 AM |
I think his film looks
I think his film looks
I think his film looks outstanding... His film looks a lot better than Diamond's IMO (not bashing Diamond), but who knows? He looks very powerful, and I noticed he gets to different levels of the defense... I am very excited about this pick up....
June 27th, 2011 at 1:49 AM |
The play at 51 secs to 55 secs shows ability...
The play at 51 secs to 55 secs shows ability...
that guy is bigger than most opponents you see in highlight clips. Blake is in pass protection - and drives his man into the ground shoulder first extending his arms (and maybe holding a little ;-) ). Then he gives a little finish that shows a healthy mean streak...let me see if I can loop that...fail...oh well.
It's hard to see what the coaches see - but some of these highlights are good, show talent and strength IMO. I think the coaches are recruiting a certain "type" of player as well. You can't see that intangible on You Tube. It's hard to judge lineman when they have 40lbs to grow before seeing action regardless.
"When it got down to the nitty gritty, we pounded it in there the old fashioned way, and...um...I like that." Bo 11/11/89 #3 Michigan 24 - #8 Illinois 10
June 27th, 2011 at 9:29 AM |
What I like about that play
What I like about that play
What I like about that play is that he finishes the pass rusher off by both getting him to the ground and then giving him a totally gratuitous (legal) punch at the end. That's nasty. Helps alleviate my concern when I first looked at his picture that "this kid looks like way too nice to be mean."
"You know, for a bartender/bookie, you're pretty judgmental."
June 27th, 2011 at 1:44 AM |
I am not blown away by his
I am not blown away by his
I am not blown away by his abilities at tackle, but I do not have the eye the coaches do. I think he would make a hell of a guard but I just dont see tackle in his future.
Those who stay will be champions!
June 27th, 2011 at 11:41 AM |
I think he walls defenders off, very nicely
I think he walls defenders off, very nicely
And he's big, athletic for his size, and good footwork. Look at his feet dance around at 1:20, staying with that defender. Difficult for big kids to move like that, he really works to stay with his man. Didn't see a lot of driving people into the bleachers, relative to the size of guys he'll see in the B1G. Big, athletic, good footwork, wall you off and put his hands on you... I think you may be right at guard. BWTHDIK
June 27th, 2011 at 2:03 AM |
Hell of an offer list, having
Hell of an offer list, having
Hell of an offer list, having a pro bowl center as an OL coach cant hurt either. Nice pick up
June 27th, 2011 at 2:10 AM |
Wow, crazy. Seems like this
Wow, crazy. Seems like this
Wow, crazy. Seems like this was kinda unexpected and outta the blue. Seems like this would leave either Diamond or Kalis on the outside looking in.
I wonder if Bars wanted to commit earlier (seemed like he was close to a commitment a week or 2 ago) but was told to hold off by the coaches, then something happened this weekend with Kalis that told the coaches he wouldn't end up in Blue, so they gave Bars the green light to commit.
I could just be reading into things but the whole timing and sequence of events on this just seems a bit odd.
In any case, he seems like a solid prospect. :)
June 27th, 2011 at 6:51 AM |
No... We were looking to take
No... We were looking to take
No... We were looking to take 2-3 more OL, so it was assumed that we were gonna take Kalis, Diamond, and either Bars or Bisnowaty. This just seems to leave Bisnowaty (sp?) on the outside.
ITS GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE
June 27th, 2011 at 12:20 PM |
I don't know, Bisnowaty is no
I don't know, Bisnowaty is no
I don't know, Bisnowaty is no slouch. I think the coaches might take Kalis and the first to commit of Bisnowaty and Diamond. Maybe even the first two to commit of the three.
June 27th, 2011 at 2:11 AM |
Sweet Class getting sweeter!
Sweet Class getting sweeter!
For some of the younger bro's up in here, this class of OL's is starting to remind me of the Bubba Paris, Ed Muransky, et. al. class of the late 70's, Cause I'll tell you what, that 1980 team was the best team in the nation at the end of that year IMHO. That OL was stellar, we had A. Carter and Butch Woolfolk and John Wangler, I loved our TE that year too, Doug Marsh. BTW, that Defnse was awesome too.
That was the year Georgia beat Pitt in the Sugar Bowl to win the NC, Herschel was a stud Frosh RB that year I think we would have beat that team if they played. Under Bo our Defenses stopped big time RB's on a regular basis, I loved that team, too bad we lost to S.Car w/G. Rogers who won the Heisman that year and ND on FG late in the game again, ugh!! If we had played those teams later in the seaon we woulda kicked their arses, but alas.......
June 27th, 2011 at 6:23 AM |
Welcome to the wolverines
Welcome to the wolverines
Welcome to the wolverines Blake.
June 27th, 2011 at 6:52 AM |
Great late night pick up, I
Great late night pick up, I
Great late night pick up, I love it! Welcome to a great class, Blake. Now just give me Diamond and Kalis to round out this amazing OL
ITS GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE
June 27th, 2011 at 7:08 AM |
all that buckling up seems to have paid off
all that buckling up seems to have paid off
Please put your tray tables back to their upright and locked positions....
No radio. Nothing of value.
June 27th, 2011 at 7:13 AM |
No negative spins
No negative spins
Great pick up. When you go against the the top tier teams and win out there is nothing but positive things to say. We should always see the glass as half full and not think because this kid signed some other kid will not. Welcome Blake!
June 27th, 2011 at 7:38 AM |
I like his tenacity. The
I like his tenacity. The
I like his tenacity. The fact that he's only a junior on that film is impressive. Add one more year of growing, the weight room, Mawae coaching, and maturity and this kid could turn out to be game-ready by the time he arrives on campus.
"the Spirit of Michigan...is based on a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways....and a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours" - Fielding Yost
June 27th, 2011 at 8:50 AM |
Sam Webb said this AM that we'll likely take
Sam Webb said this AM that we'll likely take
six OLs, which would presumably still leave room for guys like Diamond and Kalis.
He also said he thinks they'll take either Pipkins or O'Brien, but not both. He's basing this on his view that Wormley is as good as committed. I'd rather take both Pipkins and O'Brien and not take a fullback, but that's because my fixation on DL as the most important element of a dominating defense.
June 27th, 2011 at 8:55 AM |
Plus, FB could come from
Plus, FB could come from
Plus, FB could come from another position that is occupied by someone already on the team / committed. I agree, DL is much more important at this stage of the game than FB.
Welcome Blake. This is another nice addition to the 2012 class.
“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.” - Bo
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June 27th, 2011 at 12:16 PM |
OL/DL depth (to prove your point)
OL/DL depth (to prove your point)
Looking at what these 2012 commits mean for our depth chart and for our 2013 class, if we quit now our Oline depth would be just as bad in 2013 as it is this right now, so in the 2013 class we'd need to bring in at least 4 kids who'd need to not redshirt and play right away. In fewer words: we have a 4 or 5 deep roster everywhere except Oline and DT where we ONLY have a 2 deep. If our Oline was full now for 2012 our 2013 depth chart will look like this:
Lewan(sr)-Posada-Pace-Bryant-Schofield(sr)
Yerden-Stacey-Miller-Bars-Magnuson
plus Banner being the only kids on scholarship.
This means almost our entire depth chart for 2013 will be(rs)sophomores and (rs)freshmen. Either we'll need 4 2013 OLinemen who don't redshirt (plus 2 others to replace Lewan and Schofield who'll be gone once those 2 are done redshirting) or we'll need 2 or 3 more kids in this class.
One other note is that I can't get around our DT depth, and I belive one of our 2010 freshmen OGs might move to DT. Right now it looks like we'll only have a 2deep at DT for 2011, and we'll only have a 2deep in 2012, and we'll only have a 2deep in 2013. Wilkins projects as a starting DE in 2 years and Talbot is too hurt and too 240+ lbs to play DT so by 2013 (if we take Pipkins) our DT depth will be:
Washington(sr)-Ash
Godin-Pipkins (with Black and Wilkins being the starting DEs)
which means we'll also need 2 interior DTs from 2013 to again not redshirt, or maybe 2010s Posada or the 6'6" Yerden moves to DT (even for just 2 years) which gives us a 5th guy to play in case of injury for all 3 seasons, but this takes yet another guy out of our OLine.
The coaches have said they're taking one more interior linemen this year (who I've guessed as Pipkins) so if (fe) Posada moves then 1 OG from 2012 will have to start in 2013, and we'll need maybe 2 others to not redshirt just for the sake of depth.
We can still use 2 (or hopefully 3) more top OTs in this class. 7 won't be too many.
1) Because I love @erikmagnuson77 he's my boo and 2) I hate Ohio State
June 27th, 2011 at 8:57 AM |
Welcome Blake - its great to
Welcome Blake - its great to
Welcome Blake - its great to have you aboard! You have the potential to shine under this coaching staff and in this offense!
And on a side note, this was a nice write-up on Blake - a good condensation of available material and a judicious prediction (not that my opinion really matters, but I don't just want to point out negatives all the time).
June 27th, 2011 at 9:49 AM |
great pickup
great pickup
i can definately see him making an impact in a few years....also just saw that max prep has us ranked 2nd so far for the 2012 recruiting class...
That's pretty impressive that he gets Kevin Mawae, a former Tennessee Titan center, as an offensive line coach next season. All I know is, I can't wait to see him in a Maize and Blue jersey.
Good luck Blake!