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Hello: Tony Posada
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After a brief server outage, here come the Hello. GBW is reporting that FL OL Tony Posada out of Tampa Plant High School has committed to become the 10th member of Michigan's 2011 recruiting class.
INFORMATIVE PORTION
GURU RATINGS
| Scout | Rivals | ESPN |
|---|---|---|
| 3*, #75 OT | NR OL | 3*, 78, #34 OT |
At 6-5 and already over 320 pounds, Posada is expected to be an offensive tackle at the next level. We'll get started with the ESPN evaluation:
Posada has great size along with enough explosion and playing strength to dominate defenders at his present level of play. Has the height and weight we like to see for the offensive tackle spot at the major level of competition.
He has a number of strengths:
Flashes explosion off the ball with good pad level and fit for his height; brings his hips with a good base and the leg drive necessary to sustain contact.
His agility is also singled out as a positive, though they say that quicker pass rushers, primarily from the linebacker position, could give him trouble. Other points to work on:
Will need to work on all aspects of punch, location and extension however his arm length and quick hands should be an asset.
Uh, that's actually really brief. ESPN, per usual, gives the above raving review, then follows it up with a lofty... #34 offensive tackle ranking. How can a guy whose only weaknesses are "might have trouble picking up a blitzing linebacker" and "has a little technique work to do on his hands" be ranked so low?
Elite Scouting Services puts a decidedly non-elite effort into breaking down his game:
Up front the offensive line for Plant will be led by Tony Posada. He is a big kid who moves well. Posada also played very well in their state title game. He will have the chance to really blow up this fall if his play on the football field continues to improve.
UMGoBlog's Jon Jennings notes that he has a great nasty streak and excels in run blocking. GBMWolverine breaks down his game as well:
Tony also has enough flexibility to move inside and play offensive guard, which is always a plus when recruiting offensive linemen. The more spots a recruit can play, the more opportunities he might have with a program. Coaches like linemen who provide multiple possibilities instead of being tied to one position and having to then recruit other linemen to fill a specific need.
Tony is a bulldozer; think somewhat of a taller Justin Boren. The biggest difference is stength.
Despite "stength" being listed as one of his weaknesses, he has shown impressive strength in winning a regional title in the shot put, then finishing sixth in the state. Still, if there's even the slightest question about his strength, that 320-some pounds is not all good weight.
OFFERS
Posada was offered early, at least back in February. Kansas, USF, and Wake had also offered at that time. According to his Rivals profile, his other BCS-level offers included the likes of Duke, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisvulle, Missouri, Rutgers, South Florida, Tennessee, and Texas Tech.
The conventional wisdom on Posada was always that a Florida offer would be nearly impossible for him to turn down. When it became clear that an offer from the Gators was never going to come (despite performing impressively at their camp), Michigan became the heavy favorite. However, South Florida came on strong in the end, causing Michigan to stave them off down to the finish line.
STATS
Posada is an offensive lineman, and therefore doesn't have stats. He was, however, part of a dominant Tampa Plant running game last year (more on Plant in a moment). TJ Glover and James Wilder both ran for nearly 1,000 yards, and the team on the whole rushed for 2,945 yards on their way to a state title.
FAKE 40 TIME
Rivals credits him with a 5.39-second 40-yard dash time. That doesn't sound FAKE at all, but given the fact that he's well over 300 pounds, it still qualifies for one FAKE out of five.
VIDEO
There are no Posada-specific highlight reels available, but a bunch of Tampa Plant material is out there (Posada is #75):
Here's another game, and you can peruse Youtube for more.
PREDICTION BASED ON FLIMSY EVIDENCE
There's a huge disparity between descriptions of Posada and his actual rankings. He's certainly not under-the-radar, playing at one of the most visible programs in the nation. So what does it all mean? I would guess based on photographic evidence and measureables that he has to get in much better shape to be ready to play in college, in addition to the technique work mentioned above.
Tony's an offensive lineman, so he would probably be a lock to redshirt even if he didn't have conditioning and technique question marks. During his first year in Ann Arbor, he'll work to rectify those issues.
After a redshirt, Tony would hopefully be in decent shape to play (he certainly has good size). There will be more playing time available at tackle than guard, and he's a combo prospect who projects at either position. As a redshirt freshman and sophomore, he could get some playing time before sliding into a starting position as a junior and senior.
UPSHOT FOR THE REST OF THE CLASS
Posada is offensive lineman #3 of four or five in the class. That means there's only room for a couple more. Chris Bryant, Jordan Walsh, and Nick Martin seem like some of the most realistic prospects to fill any remaining OL spots.
Offensive recruiting is almost completed (a tight end, and outside receiver, and Dee Hart are probably the only three positions left on that side of the ball). Defensive tackles, another linebacker or two, and defensive backs are the emphasis from here on out.
ETC.
Plant is a powerhouse program, routinely pumping out tons of talent. In this year's class alone, 5-star RB James Wilder and 4-star QB Phillip Ely will graduate from Plant. Getting a foot in the door for future years can't hurt Michigan's recruiting efforts. The Panthers will play on ESPN on August 27, against Manatee in a preseason state title rematch.
August 11th, 2010 at 4:47 PM | 
The server
The server
August 11th, 2010 at 4:56 PM |
CB release + OL commit =
CB release + OL commit =
CB release + OL commit = server outage
August 11th, 2010 at 5:54 PM |
CB release + OL commit =
CB release + OL commit =
August 11th, 2010 at 4:50 PM |
Chris Bryant, Jordan Walsh,
Chris Bryant, Jordan Walsh,
Chris Bryant, Jordan Walsh, and Nick Martin seem like some of the most realistic prospects to fill any remaining OL spots.
Hmmm, appears somebody wrote up the first draft of this more than a few days ago.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:16 PM |
I've been gone. What happened
I've been gone. What happened
I've been gone. What happened to Walsh?
August 11th, 2010 at 5:25 PM |
He committed to Iowa.
He committed to Iowa.
He committed to Iowa.
"After all was said and done, there was nothing left to do."
August 11th, 2010 at 5:31 PM |
Thanks.
Thanks.
Thanks.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:27 PM |
Re: I've been gone. What happened
Re: I've been gone. What happened
I've been gone. What happened to Walsh?
Walsh committed to Iowa.
August 11th, 2010 at 4:50 PM |
Welcome
Welcome
Welcome to the Family Tony. Nice to have you on the team.
Joined:2010-5-29
August 11th, 2010 at 4:51 PM |
are you considering zettel a
are you considering zettel a
are you considering zettel a DE for the purposes of evaluating the remaining OL prospects on the board?
August 11th, 2010 at 5:43 PM |
Michigan
Michigan
is still recruiting him to play OG but there may be some reconsideration for being open to positions wherever Zettel fits best. I do like him best as a OG, he showed mean streak and tenacity that you like to see out of a OL.
August 11th, 2010 at 6:33 PM |
Basically
Basically
Michigan just wants Zettel to commit and then will play him according to how his body fills out and according to where the team needs him the most.
He is open to either position but is around 240 right now which is more the weight of a DE
August 11th, 2010 at 7:20 PM |
well
well
not really. They really liked him as a OG. If he commits to Michigan, it's more likely that he'll play OG which is what the coaches' originally recruited him to play in this position. Now they're saying that they may be fine with him playing DE which is to try to get him into this year class and move him to OG alas Barksdale at LSU.
August 11th, 2010 at 7:25 PM |
I'm glad we now have a
I'm glad we now have a
I'm glad we now have a contact on the coaching staff to tell us exactly what they're doing. Thanks, Michigan4Life!
August 11th, 2010 at 4:53 PM |
Tim, you are the fastest
Tim, you are the fastest
Tim, you are the fastest typer ever.
August 11th, 2010 at 4:53 PM |
There could not be a more
There could not be a more
There could not be a more appropriate day for this post, thank you.
August 11th, 2010 at 4:53 PM |
Finally some good news.
Finally some good news.
Welcome aboard kid.
HELLO HEISMAN!
August 11th, 2010 at 4:54 PM |
I believe that
I believe that
Michigan is recruiting him to play OG or RT depending on their needs. He is a big guy, but is not real fat. He would be a good addition to the OL especially in run blocking.
Welcome to Michigan, Tony Posada!
August 11th, 2010 at 5:02 PM |
Yeah, RT is where he'll be if
Yeah, RT is where he'll be if
Yeah, RT is where he'll be if not a guard. Jake Fisher and Tony Posada as our OT's for a couple year's is not all bad. Who will the OG's be?
August 11th, 2010 at 4:55 PM |
Welcome!
Welcome!
Welcome aboard Tony.
Say, any chance you have some interest in playing defense? Maybe in the secondary?
August 11th, 2010 at 5:00 PM |
Love it!
Love it!
I'd wager Tony gets more than one Big Ten Championship and one appearance (OK with the W!) in a MNC game.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:02 PM |
Good news!
Good news!
Except this part made me wince:
<blockquote>Tony is a bulldozer; think somewhat of a taller Justin Boren.</blockquote>
I'll take the liberty of thinking of a taller, more committed, less lazy Justin Boren, how's that?
"You know, for a bartender/bookie, you're pretty judgmental."
August 11th, 2010 at 5:04 PM |
Hate him all you want, Justin
Hate him all you want, Justin
Hate him all you want, Justin Boren is a good football player for OSU. If Posada ends up being a taller Justin Boren, that's A-OK with me.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:06 PM |
Instead of a bulldozer,
Instead of a bulldozer,
Instead of a bulldozer, wouldn't a snow plow have been a better analogy?
August 11th, 2010 at 5:54 PM |
with this decision I will consider Tony Posada...
with this decision I will consider Tony Posada...
"a smarter Justin Boren"
"delusions of granger"
August 11th, 2010 at 5:06 PM |
thank God
thank God
finally some good news
"Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football." - John Heisman
August 11th, 2010 at 5:07 PM |
Oh Yeah
Oh Yeah
Some good news that would be even more awesome if there was a Welcome Back:JT post??? But either glad he's on board.
Stay thirsty my friends.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:11 PM |
And Ely...
And Ely...
...committed to Bama in a surprise.
LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | Maize Pages Wolverines on Twitter | @MGoShoe
August 11th, 2010 at 5:15 PM |
Welcome Tony
Welcome Tony
Good news on an otherwise somber day.
They mostly come at night... mostly.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:17 PM |
Beast...
Beast...
Posada is a beast at the HS level. He is very fast for someone his size. Watching a bruiser like Wilder Jr run behind him as they run over HS kids is sorta funny to watch. His performance in the State Championship game was enough that he was iso'd for replays and then gushed over by the crew running the telecast.
I think he will be a great addition, and I agree with Brian that it won't hurt to have inroads to a school that is becoming a perennial top five Florida program. Plant is a team that is big and athletic enough that I think they could defeat some lower-division (think GLIAC) college teams. Having one of their grads contributing to the impending rebirth of Michigan as a truly elite college football team bodes very well for the future.
August 11th, 2010 at 7:10 PM |
...but Brian hasn't posted in
...but Brian hasn't posted in
...but Brian hasn't posted in this thread?
August 11th, 2010 at 5:29 PM |
Welcome Tony!
Welcome Tony!
Tony is a great pickup. He will be a big part of our OL in the future. I'm glad to see our OL will be huge. All that talk a few years ago about small Offensive lineman is down the drain. Wow, he looks so thin for being 320 lbs. Just wait until he hits the weight room here. He could be pushing 340-350 lbs in a few years!!!! Talk about pancaking some DTs.
expect the best
August 11th, 2010 at 5:30 PM |
Is Posada their top lineman?
Is Posada their top lineman?
If so, then the fact their backfield is so highly rated could be a sign of just how good Tony is. It's not insane to think we could be getting the player most crucial to their success as a team.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:33 PM |
Thus pauseth the dong
Thus pauseth the dong
Thus pauseth the dong punching. Dare I say endeth? Yea, let it be so.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:57 PM |
to the dong punch...
to the dong punch...
"delusions of granger"
August 11th, 2010 at 6:10 PM |
Florida
Florida
Love getting guys from Florida. Home of arguably the best high school players in the country.
Hail! Hail! To Michigan the champions of the west!
August 11th, 2010 at 7:59 PM |
Welcome to the University of
Welcome to the University of
Welcome to the University of Michigan. You are going to have some of the best times of your life here and I can't wait to see what you can do on the field.
August 11th, 2010 at 8:00 PM |
If Jim Leavitt were still at USF
If Jim Leavitt were still at USF
man, would he be pissed off or what?
August 12th, 2010 at 12:21 PM |
Is Anyway
Is Anyway
He's probably still pissed anyway.
Nobody home...
August 11th, 2010 at 8:09 PM |
Always a little taken aback
Always a little taken aback
is #34 that low of a rating? Seems like he's got some technique and physique questions to shore up, we've got people that can help with that
With Fisher and this kid at Tackle, seems like the coaches picked up 2 of their top targets
August 11th, 2010 at 8:51 PM |
Posada quotes...
Posada quotes...
...from this Jamie Newberg WWL.com article:
"I went up there (to Ann Arbor) and loved the visit. I was ready to commit but coach (Rob Weiner) wanted me to come back home. So I slept on it for a few weeks. But after talking it over with and my parents I knew this is where I wanted to go."
"They have everything. I love the coaches, facilities and the school itself. It just blew everyone away."
"Michigan and their offensive line tradition was a big factor for me. They have a big tradition of OLs there."
"I like Coach Rod's offense. The offensive tackle isn't squished next to a tight end at the line of scrimmage. It's a power football scheme that still allows you to be physical and dominant."
Apparently the kid has a pretty good head on his (large) shoulders.
LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | Maize Pages Wolverines on Twitter | @MGoShoe
August 11th, 2010 at 8:54 PM |
Wait --they have pre-season
Wait --they have pre-season
Wait --they have pre-season high school football on national TV? Is this some sort of 2012 thing?
August 12th, 2010 at 1:34 AM |
they are nuts
they are nuts
about high school football down there.
Nuts on a level us northerners can't even comprehend.
August 11th, 2010 at 10:12 PM |
maybe I'm nitpicking
maybe I'm nitpicking
I just get uneasy when a guy has his heart set on a Gator offer, doesn't get it, and it just seems like he is settling for Michigan. This happens a lot these days.So if he blows up his senior year we have to worry about a Gator offer? We know the SEC oversigns. Posada could very well be a great Wolverine someday, this is nothing against him but I am not used to this and it happens a lot it seems. Can't wait till we go toe to toe with the elite again. I believe it's a matter of time.
August 12th, 2010 at 10:43 AM |
He said at the press
He said at the press
He said at the press conference that, once he visited Florida, he knew he didn't want to go there. That would explain blowing off the FNL camp, which would have been a great opportunity to earn a Gator offer.
August 11th, 2010 at 11:04 PM |
Good pick up for RR...
Good pick up for RR...
This is definitely a victory for RR and Michigan. With all this bad news popping up all the time, it's good that Michigan is still getting some talented kids. Most of all this is RR's recruit that was based on attraction rather than promotion.
Woody Hayes punched me in the 1978 Gator Bowl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmoIjMr1BZs
August 11th, 2010 at 11:31 PM |
The most impressive part
The most impressive part
of that video, which I did not watch in its entirety by the way, was the RB who was tackled, kept his body from hitting the ground, sprang back up and stayed on his feet until the end zone. HOW DO WE GET THAT GUY?
If Posada can push our RBs into the end zone from 5+ yards out, consider me very happy right now
Mike Martin told me he loves me. My life is quite possibly complete.
Join the bone marrow donor registry today: www.dkmsamericas.org (do it.)
August 12th, 2010 at 10:50 AM |
That's the #1 overall
That's the #1 overall
That's the #1 overall prospect in the class of 2011, James Wilder. He's announcing between UF, FSU, and Georgia next Wednesday.
August 12th, 2010 at 3:30 PM |
wait wait wait wait wait
wait wait wait wait wait
no no no. jadeveon clowney is the #1 overall prospect. no debate about it. that being said, james wilder is a physical freak and has muscles on his muscles.
oh and you can basically cross georgia off his list, its a FSU/UF battle. he mentioned FSU's assistant coach's ability to get RBs in the NFL, which kind of makes me think hes going FSU. before that comment i thought he was 100000% UF.
Hook 'em Horns
August 12th, 2010 at 1:32 AM |
I find it
I find it
I find it somewhat annoying that on a day it was announced our latest 5 star failure was transferring, we beat out Duke, Wake Forest and South Florida for a recruit.
With that said, he looks like a potential stud, and if WF and Duke were after him he's precisely the kind of smart intelligent football athlete Michigan should be recruiting.
The server outage was driving me crazy!!! Welcome to the family Tony!
“When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft; on the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing.” Bo