Hello: Demetrius Hart
After a long, strange recruitment, FL RB Demetrius Hart is (finally) committed to become a Michigan Wolverine.
INFORMATIVE PORTION
GURU RATINGS
Scout | Rivals | ESPN |
---|---|---|
4*, #9 RB | 4*, 5.9, #1 All-Purpose RB | 4*, 80, #9 RB |
Hart is in the running for this year's "Marvin Robinson/Ricardo Miller Memorial Underrated Award," as the prospect that Michigan fans get really excited about early in the process, only to become disappointed when the recruiting services don't agree. He's still a four-star prospect, most likely, but that's a far cry from the National Top 10, where it seemed like Hart would end up.
On the Orlando Sentinel's Central Florida Top 100, he's fluctuated from anywhere between #2 and #14, and is currently #4. The big board provides the following brief comment:
Has all the moves and the grades
Both positives, in this guy's humble e-pininon. There's a little more detail on the Sentinel's profile page for Hart:
Hart is a playmaker in every sense of the word and will likely set the school's record for all-time leading rusher this season [ed: He did, along with records in single season touchdowns and career touchdowns]. Hart is a running back/receiver/return-specialist for the Panthers.
Some of Hart's disappointing rating can be attributed to his size, which doesn't translate to the running back position at the college level:
Despite his size Hart has owned central Florida the last two years.
That, of course, didn't stop him from getting offers to play either RB or slot from a number of top programs (about which more later). In an interview with ThaRinger.com, Hart broke down his game a little bit:
“Basically, a lot of schools when they recruit me, they recruit me for kick returner, punt returner, things like that but I also play running back. I’m more of an outside runner but I can run up the middle. I can do it all. I’ll put my head down and run through some people, so I can do a little bit of both.”
“I think my strengths are I can see the whole field. I can read a defense real well, watch a lot of film and I have speed so I can get around the outside or I can get through holes. I know how to be patient and wait on things like for blocks to happen and stuff like that. I think one of my weaknesses are just trying to get those extra few yards and taking that contact. I know as a running back you shouldn’t do that too many times, just try to preserve yourself and also just depending on my O-line to be there. I’m pretty good with reading the blocks so sometimes I kind of get ahead of them. Sometimes I see what they don’t see and I try to make a play on it, so that’s what I’m going to try and work on this spring.”
ThaRinger also gives its opinion on Hart:
He’s a smooth athlete with good speed and acceleration and he changes direction as good as anybody. He is also much more physical than his size would indicate. He definitely doesn’t shy away from contact. But perhaps his best attribute is his vision and he admits that when asked what his strengths are and what he would like to work on to continue his development.
He's versatile, excelling from the tailback position, as a receiver out of the backfield, and in the return game.
His coach provides a short-but-sweet comment on Hart:
"Dee is a student, and he's a tremendous competitor. There's a whole lot to like about him."
Scout.com talent evaluator Bill Greene echoes the coach's sentiments:
"Hart's physical ability, speed and quickness, are easily identified, but after watching him for two days there is much more to this impressive athlete," said Scout.com recruiting analyst Bill Greene. "His leadership ability, infectious attitude, and desire to win far outshine his impressive physical gifts. Demetrius Hart is a winner, on and off the field. He will be an outstanding addition to whichever college he chooses."
That drive for success has shown itself in the weight room, where he's packed on weight to become more of an every-down back:
Hart has been working hard this off-season. He has added 18 pounds since this time last year.
“My playing weight last year was 170 pounds. I have actually gotten faster. My quickness is the same. It’s just God given.”
Tying it all together: Shifty running back prospect with great hips who could also project to slot receiver or cornerback. Very good (but not great) speed, good balance, and improving ability to pound the ball inside.
OFFERS
Think of any football power, and there's a damn good chance they offered Hart. That includes the last two national champions, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson, Georgia... the list goes on. His impressive offer list says what should be obvious by now: this kid is a Big Deal.
As his recruitment wound down, he had several "final" lists of schools. Alabama, Auburn, and Florida started the party, with Florida replaced by Michigan shortly thereafter. Auburn dropped off the list, but resurfaced about a month ago.
STATS
Hart has been a highly productive player in each of his seasons at Dr. Phillips High School. As a sophomore, he ran 111 times for 758 yards (6.83 ypc) and 16 touchdowns. He also played in the return game and was a cornerback on defense.
Hart is the all-time leader at Dr. Phillips in just about every rushing and scoring category. His junior stats include a game that he missed completely, and one for which he was injured and missed the fourth quarter.
Somehow I didn't managed to find exact junior year stats, but he gained about 2,000 yards rushing, receiving, and returning, and scored 20 total touchdowns. Five of those touchdowns came in the return game, and at least three came receiving. Hart split carries with 2010 Colorado State signee Marvin Ford. He was named 1st-Team All-Central Florida and 2nd-Team All-State.
Hart has been even more productive this season(!), with 813 all-purpose yards on 89 touches (9.13 yard per touch) through just four games. Much, much more detail on his season in next week's Friday Night Lights post.
FAKE 40 TIME
Rivals credits Hart with a 4.43 40-yard dash time, and Scout says 4.50, both of which are fast but plausible (and therefore no fun). ESPN is even less bullish, pegging him in the 4.65 range.
Hart is known as a speedster, but not a blazer, so all these times range from realistic to pessimistic. I have no choice but to dole out just a single FAKE.
VIDEO
Here's his junior year:
There's also video available from the Nike Gridiron Kings 7-on-7.
PREDICTION BASED ON FLIMSY EVIDENCE
Hart plans to enroll early, which gives him a better opportunity to contribute on the field early in his career. However, in his freshman year, Michigan will still have a bunch of running backs on the roster in senior Michael Shaw, redshirt junior Mike Cox, junior Vincent Smith, and sophomore Stephen Hopkins. That means carries will be limited, but Hart might be able to find the field in other ways.
With his receiving and returning abilities, there's a darn good chance that he'll be a starter or major contributor on special teams, and he could see some time in the slot. Couple that with a handful of carries in Michigan's stacked backfield, and it's not hard to see Hart get some good PT as a true freshman. However, with Michigan's depth at all of those positions, it's not necessary for Hart to play much as a freshman, unless the coaches want him to get his feet wet for the future. He could redshirt that season, then have a chance to play extensively the next year.
Hart's talent may be too much to keep off the field. He will probably get shuffled in during his true freshman year, become a big part of the rotation as a sophomore, and then have the opportunity to star as a junior and senior. As with Steve Slaton before him, Hart could become a Heisman contender before leaving Rich Rodriguez's program.
UPSHOT FOR THE REST OF THE CLASS
The depth shown above is an indication that Michigan doesn't have a huge need for running backs in the class of 2011. If the coaches find another running back that they really like, they might take one (maybe Thomas Rawls?), but with 11 commits already in a class that should only go to about 22, the spots will likely be used elsewhere.
ETC.
Hart's Dr. Phillips High School has put out plenty of talent in the past few years (Kenny Shaw of Florida State and a trio of Colorado State signees in the class of 2010, a trio of D-1 players in the previous class), and that trend looks to continue into the future.
Hart's commitment may not have an effect on Alabama commit S Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, the #1 defensive back prospect in the cass of 2011, but the Wolverines are looking at several other teammates, including WR Chris Gallon and S Roderick Ryles. Michigan is also looking at 2012 QB Nick Patti, whose father is influential in the Dr. Phillips community. Hart's commitment could solidify the Dr. Phillips pipeline that Ricardo Miller helped start (prior to his move to Ann Arbor).
October 8th, 2010 at 10:34 PM ^
October 8th, 2010 at 10:37 PM ^
A few months, probably. Tweaked it a couple days ago.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:21 PM ^
Leaving Fitz off the list of returning backs has me believing.
October 9th, 2010 at 10:53 AM ^
I am sure there are a few others that you have had done for a while as well.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:35 PM ^
October 8th, 2010 at 10:35 PM ^
oh man what a great portent! tomorrow a nasty smackdown of the toons and I am in bliss oh boy.
gosh darn, watch out for this offense next year. oh boy.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:36 PM ^
your move....admissions.
October 9th, 2010 at 1:01 AM ^
Admissions doesn't disqualify players... players disqualify themsleves. Any athlete already gets a little bit of a break versus joe/jane doe applying for regular admission.
Admissions needs to enforce the standards. Otherwise, would you want our degrees to be watered down? Would you want us to become Moo U.?
October 8th, 2010 at 10:36 PM ^
Fine fine fine. Can we recruit some defensive players now? Until then we'll still only be a mid level Big Ten team.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:43 PM ^
i mean this is a big get, right? you're not the least bit happy? maybe? i dunno. I could be way off base here.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:12 PM ^
Hey Bigass: no one likes a
October 9th, 2010 at 12:57 AM ^
BAH gets negbanged for speaking the truth? Ouch!
October 8th, 2010 at 10:37 PM ^
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
October 9th, 2010 at 12:18 AM ^
Your avatar is perfect for this comment . +1 well played.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:38 PM ^
The weekend is off to a great start. Welcome Dee!
October 8th, 2010 at 10:43 PM ^
Denard and Dee
October 9th, 2010 at 12:29 AM ^
D & D
October 9th, 2010 at 8:39 AM ^
Yes, but who's the dungeonmaster?
October 9th, 2010 at 9:23 AM ^
RichRod, duh!! :P
October 9th, 2010 at 3:06 PM ^
like icosahedra.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:43 PM ^
And perhaps for those who wouldn't mind a second back in this class:
"Jim_Lamar The Devondrick Nealy Show continues: Nealy with another 300+ yards (& 4 TDs) as Jefferson County beats Cottondale 43-0.'
October 8th, 2010 at 10:47 PM ^
highly recruited by the Alabama's/Florida's/USC's of college football I'll take it.......these kids in the south are starting to realize they can come up north and be studs, I like it.....Go Blue!
October 8th, 2010 at 10:47 PM ^
Hart-On!
Hail, Hail ...
October 8th, 2010 at 10:48 PM ^
Great pickup and look out for Dr.Phillips K Shawn Moffit.
October 9th, 2010 at 9:57 AM ^
If he can hit 40 yard FG's with moderate consistency...he's our man.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:50 PM ^
as Denard is to Pat White. . .
October 8th, 2010 at 10:56 PM ^
I think this version is going to be even better.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:53 PM ^
Best of luck in the rest of your season at DP, and good luck in your career at MICHIGAN!
October 8th, 2010 at 10:53 PM ^
Double D's in the backfield could be a real distraction.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:29 PM ^
the Brahs in E.Lansing will have a hard time covering them.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:44 PM ^
They'll just have to try strapping 'em on over the shoulder without messing up the nice crease down the middle.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:54 PM ^
If people are disappointed with a four-star guy, their standards are too high.
October 9th, 2010 at 12:52 AM ^
October 9th, 2010 at 9:59 AM ^
But...we're...MICHIGAN!
[/sarcasm]
October 8th, 2010 at 10:54 PM ^
HAIL YES!!! Welcome to big blue.Its a great day to be a Wolverine.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:59 PM ^
Wait - Dee commited to the NY Giants?
October 9th, 2010 at 1:44 AM ^
Nope, Kentucky.
Wait, IBM?
October 8th, 2010 at 10:59 PM ^
Welcome to Ann Arbor. Hopefully, the flood gates are open. Next up, Avery Walls. Friends are always welcome.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:59 PM ^
Welcome to Michigan, Dee Hart. You made a great decision and we are going to love you. Michigan is a great school and you will be a Michigan Man for life (a distinction that you will appreciate more and more as you grow through life). This is a great start to a key weekend -- now we have to take care of business with State. I have been nervous as all get-out over this game all week (and season), but as we get close I am having a better and better feeling about the game. Dee's announcement has only increased my optimism (and yes, I know there is no rational connection between Dee's announcement and tomorrow's game, other than more evidence that Rich Rod knows what he is doing.) Go Blue!
October 8th, 2010 at 10:59 PM ^
Welcome to Michigan, Dee Hart. You made a great decision and we are going to love you. Michigan is a great school and you will be a Michigan Man for life (a distinction that you will appreciate more and more as you grow through life). This is a great start to a key weekend -- now we have to take care of business with State. I have been nervous as all get-out over this game all week (and season), but as we get close I am having a better and better feeling about the game. Dee's announcement has only increased my optimism (and yes, I know there is no rational connection between Dee's announcement and tomorrow's game, other than more evidence that Rich Rod knows what he is doing.) Go Blue!
October 9th, 2010 at 12:11 AM ^
All the way across the board.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:00 PM ^
How's that feel Nick Saban?
October 8th, 2010 at 11:02 PM ^
about "those who stay"
October 8th, 2010 at 11:02 PM ^
October 8th, 2010 at 11:57 PM ^
I heard you the first time.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:03 PM ^
October 8th, 2010 at 11:10 PM ^
mmm the possibilities of Denard, Toussaint and Hart in the backfield lol.. wow this offense is gonna be special in the coming years.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:15 PM ^
*more special
October 8th, 2010 at 11:12 PM ^
How good will our offense be next year?
October 8th, 2010 at 11:13 PM ^
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Sorry, had to get that out.
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