UConn Depth Chart Comment Count

Brian

The first and most interesting of the year.

[Walk-ons denoted with #; players not on the official two-deep in italics.]

MICHIGAN UNOFFICIAL TWO DEEP 8/30/2010
OFFENSE
Pos First Second Third
QB

Denard Robinson OR
Tate Forcier OR
Devin Gardner

--

--

RB
Vincent Smith OR
Michael Shaw
Mike Cox 4:Fitzgerald Toussaint
5:Stephen Hopkins
6:Teric Jones
WR1 Darryl Stonum OR
Junior Hemingway
Je'Ron Stokes Ricardo Miller
WR2 Martavious Odoms Jeremy Jackson Jerald Robinson
Slot

Roy Roundtree OR
Kelvin Grady

Terrance Robinson Jeremy Gallon
TE Kevin Koger Martell Webb Brandon Moore
LT Mark Huyge Taylor Lewan Erik Gunderson#
LG Steve Schilling Quinton Washington Elliot Mealer
C David Molk Rocko Khoury Christian Pace
RG Patrick Omameh Ricky Barnum John Ferrara
RT Perry Dorrestein Michael Schofield Zac Ciullo#
DEFENSE
Pos First Second Third
DE Ryan Van Bergen Jibreel Black Steve Watson
NT Mike Martin Adam Patterson William Campbell
DE/DT Greg Banks Renaldo Sagesse Terry Talbott
LB/DE Craig Roh Brandon Herron OR
JB Fitzgerald
--
MLB Obi Ezeh OR
Mark Moundros#
Kenny Demens

--

WLB Jonas Mouton Mike Jones Kevin Leach#
Spur Carvin Johnson Thomas Gordon

Floyd Simmons#

Bandit Jordan Kovacs# Marvin Robinson --
FS Cam Gordon Jared Van Slyke# Vlad Emilien
CB1 James Rogers Terrence Talbott OR
Cullen Christian
--
CB2 JT Floyd Courtney Avery --
SPECIAL TEAMS
Pos First Second Third
P Will Hagerup Seth Broekhuizen# ---
K Brendan Gibbons OR
Seth Broekhuizen#
Justin Meram# --
PR Jeremy Gallon OR
Martavious Odoms OR
Terrance Robinson
Drew Dileo --
KR Darryl Stonum

Martavious Odoms OR
Jeremy Gallon OR
Terrance Robinson

Drew Dileo

Items

Gardner. You've probably already been bombarded by this fact on twitter, but Rodriguez specifically stated that freshmen on the two-deep are not going to redshirt this season, which includes Devin Gardner. Grumble.

Other freshmen slotted to play in groups:

  • Obvious: all three cornerbacks, Stephen Hopkins
  • Encouraging sign: Jibreel Black, Carvin Johnson, Marvin Robinson.
  • Surprising: Jeremy Jackson

Carvin Johnson's audition at spur in the Beanie Bowl went well enough that he is the starter, no OR, there. This site's prediction that he'd outperform his recruiting rankings more than anyone else is moving along smoothly, but the secondary just got a tiny bit less experienced… or did it? More in the secondary preview dropping later today.

James Rogers is, at least temporarily, a starting corner.

Kelvin Grady's frequent appearances on fall highlight film have evidently paid off, as with Martavious Odoms' seeming permanent move outside he moves up to co-starter with Roundtree.

Teric Jones is back at running back, his defensive experiment over. Probably for the best given his performance against DSU last year and his obvious speed.

Veterans win at tackle… so far.

Bizarre switch: 289 pound Sagesse is the primary backup at DE/DT and 276 pound Adam Patterson is the primary backup at nose. Theory: Mike Martin isn't coming off the field much and M plans to platoon Sagesse and Banks extensively.

Should we start getting worried about:

  • Vlad Emilien: behind a walk-on after a year and a half (he enrolled early).
  • Anthony LaLota: behind Steve Watson, also after a year and a half.
  • Will Campbell: behind perpetual non-entity Adam Patterson, a guy who moved positions this spring.

Comments

oakapple

August 30th, 2010 at 12:40 PM ^

He still has three years of eligibility (including 2010), plus the potential of an unused redshirt. Maybe he sits out this year, gets his act together, and still has plenty of time to contribute later in his career.

snowcrash

August 30th, 2010 at 2:18 PM ^

Ordinarily I think that people who can redshirt should redshirt if they aren't needed, but Campbell may be needed to start next year given that Banks, Sagesse, and Patterson are all seniors and we have only true freshmen behind him. As such I would try to work Campbell into the rotation as long as he can play approximately as well as Patterson.

If he isn't good enough yet to see meaningful action, he shouldn't play. I suspect that it never benefits a team to burn a guy's redshirt year just to play him in garbage time.

In contrast, Emilien and Hawthorne are also both third-string or lower and neither redshirted last year, but they play positions where we have plenty of returning depth. They should redshirt this year unless they are needed. 

SC Wolverine

August 30th, 2010 at 4:47 PM ^

With a freshman starting at spur and Marvelous Marvin probably (hopefully) taking over from Kovacs at bandit, the defense really is going to be kept simple.  That means they will have limited options for half-time adjustments, and other teams will be able to effectively make adjustments that we will find it hard to counter.

I'll say this, though, if these freshmen perform this year and we have a good season, their names will be burned into our hearts with affection.  (But I will still never name a son Courtney, no matter what!)

teldar

August 30th, 2010 at 12:49 PM ^

It looks like will is gong to disappoint if he doesn't get it skull in gear. Unfortunately, there was an article about hankins in the paper in columbus here the other day and apparently he's treating thins up for osu. not criticizing, just saying what could have been for michigan had hankins dowd some of that work ethic in highschool.

BiSB

August 30th, 2010 at 12:51 PM ^

Was I the only one surprised to see Huyge ahead of Lewan at LT?  I was operating under the assumption that Huyge was battling with Schofeld at RT, and that Dorrestein would be starting at LT.

Shows how much attention I've been paying...

Bigasshammm

August 30th, 2010 at 12:52 PM ^

I can't help but thinking this is RR's last year and it could potentially be disastrous for "The Team." Barring injury I still don't see any way that you don't redshirt Gardner. The team proved last year they can win with Forcier and if Denard has progressed as reported he'll be even better. You don't need 3 like options at one position unless you are pulling out all the stops to find 1 or 2 more wins and save your job. "The Team" needs Gardner to redshirt to have a viable option for the future. This is bigger than any one coach's job and he needs to realize that.

I'm fearful for the next 3 years of Michigan football's futue.

STAUDACHERBLUE

August 30th, 2010 at 12:59 PM ^

This look at the depth chart does one thing for me.  It shows me how many people are going to rotate in and out of the game especially at RB, WR, and the Defensive side of the football.  I believe that RR finally has the depth that he needs to truly run his system in "JET" mode all season.  We will be the fastest team in the big ten from minute 1 to minute 60. Hopefully this will allow us to just wear people out and get a ton of pressure on the opposing QB's.  5 days until we find out!  GO Blue 

maizenbluedevil

August 30th, 2010 at 2:49 PM ^

That's an excellent point, and one I haven't heard mentioned at all lately.

When RR first came here, what was interesting wasn't just the switch in system he'd be bringing, but the change of tempo - to that "Jet" speed so the defense is always on its heels.  

We really haven't seen that yet, like he did it at WVU.  Hopefully this year with the depth on O and also more experience at QB, we see more of it.  It could be a huge added advantage for us this year.

jonny_GoBlue

August 30th, 2010 at 1:00 PM ^

Do we expect to see McColgan as the 1st string or do we still see Moundros on both sides of the ball?  Is Hopkins able to fill somewhat of the same role while still being a running threat in 2-back formations?

Lith

August 30th, 2010 at 1:01 PM ^

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned is that Kevin Leach, a part-time walk-on starter last year has been pushed backed to 3rd string.  At times, he might have been our best lb last year at 210 lbs soaking wet.  He at least knew his assignments.  In my mind, that shows me that we'll see a better LB unit whether its Moundros or Obi starting.   I'm also excited to see that Mike Jones has stepped up his game.

Mercury Hayes

August 30th, 2010 at 3:11 PM ^

This pumped me up. Not that I have anything against Leach. I'm sure he's a nice kid, but all I remember is him running around against Illinois with no name on the back of his jersey.

He did have a sack on Juice Wlliams that game, but  now that he is three, at least we can say our defense has improved in some aspects.

Anyway, as some others have pointed out, the Will Campbell placement sort of scared me a bit. Hope he pans out. If not we will have to hear from non-U-M fans about how RIchRod is a terrible coach because he ruined a top-prospect.

As fdor the offensive line, it is really nice to know everyone in the three deep.

As for quarterbacks, if RR decides on Friday that 'Nard Dog (that's what I'm calling him now) is one, and Tate is two, think he redshirts DG? I mean there are so many factors that go into it I suppose, but what if 'Nard Dog blows up? One can only hope right?

cheesheadwolverine

August 30th, 2010 at 1:10 PM ^

DG might not have vaulted Forcier just because he's not redshirting.  RR has to win this year or else he wont have a job to worry about 2014 when the DG redshirt would pay off.  From a personal perspective (and if he thinks he's the best man for the job, for the good of the program as well) a few plays this year are worth all of 2014.  Am I too cynical?

Plus if DG is Vince Young there's no guarantee he'd stick around to be a 5th year senior if he could get drafted.

SC Wolverine

August 30th, 2010 at 4:39 PM ^

Cynical or not, you are dead on target.  Everything that can be done to improve the chances of winning this year have to be done.  I think your point about the 5th year is also well-taken.  We assume that by not redshirting them, we are losing a year of guys like this.  But if they are talented enough, they need to play now.  There may be no 5th year to lose when it gets here.

Monocle Smile

August 30th, 2010 at 1:10 PM ^

is Josh Furman on this list? I understand he's raw and needs a lot of work on football skills, but I don't know if I should be worried or relieved that a freak athlete like him couldn't touch this chart.

I was at the Beanie Bowl and Carvin Johnson looked surprisingly quick out there. When I walked past him, I wasn't expecting him to be as big as he was, either.

jamiemac

August 30th, 2010 at 1:12 PM ^

Since when has Moundros been on defense?

Seriously, this is the best looking depth chart since Rich has got here. I'm pretty encouraged about it.

Also: There is nothing wrong with a true sophomore being behind fifth and fourth year players on the opening depth chart of the season.

I'm still going to let some games get played before making sense of the who, what, why and bust of this news release.

Bodogblog

August 30th, 2010 at 1:17 PM ^

In fact the entire Offense is stacked for several years (though waiting for a top flight back to emerge) 

Confident in Front 7, DB's will have to surprise to the upside for a full revenge tour.  And grow up early.  I can't wait to see them play

VinnieMac25

August 30th, 2010 at 1:23 PM ^

anyone else notice jeremy jackson on the two deep?  Though alot of the praise through fall camp was coming from J. Robinson!  A little surprised to see, i guess.  Marvin is going to be lights out, takes starting role in about 4 games. Im really hoping Carvin lays out some ppl too.  Interesting that he gets reps at safety, CB, then is the starter at spur. I hope this lights a fire under some of these guys on the two-deep, get some experience in the first four games and takes over a starting spot. Meaing Huyge, Dorrestein, Rogers watch out! So pumped seeing that this is the final week till kickoff! Go Blue!

HailGoBlue86

August 30th, 2010 at 1:32 PM ^

Really cool to see Carvin Johnson starting,I thought he would nail a job down sometime in his career but not as a true freshman so he must be looking pretty impressive. I can't get over the fact we are just a mere five days away from the start of the season. I really hope this week goes by fast.

West Texas Blue

August 30th, 2010 at 1:37 PM ^

Some of you are just ridiculous.  Will Campbell should've been redshirted last year but because of depth issues he had to play.  Very rarely does a big man come in right away and dominate.  Because of their weight and conditioning, most big men need a few years to get into shape and also work on their technique.  Big Will is a year away from being a major contributor.  Jesus it's like people expect the 2nd coming of Warren Sapp in a player that should be a redshirt freshman this year.

chitownblue2

August 30th, 2010 at 1:49 PM ^

I think people should be getting upset with Brain for misleading thread titles. I thought I'd be looking at a depth chart of UConn. Not a Michigan Depth Chart FOR THE MICHIGAN GAME.

Come on, thread nazis!

funkywolve

August 30th, 2010 at 1:52 PM ^

Question with RB, WR, slot and MLB.  Two guys are list as the first team with the 'or'.  However, neither of the guys with the 'or' on first team are listed as the second team. 

Take MLB for instance, it's either Ezeh or Moundros on the first team with Demens listed on the second team.  In reality, Demens is really on the third team correct?  If Moundros starts, Ezeh is still ahead of Demens, right?

Drederick Tatum

August 30th, 2010 at 2:35 PM ^

Is no one else worried that JB Fitzgerald, rather than competing for that MLB position (or at least being set up to take it over next year), is now competing with Herron to back-up Roh?  

MaizenBlueBP

August 30th, 2010 at 3:04 PM ^

I'm very concerned about Big Will because of what Brandon Graham said about him.  I remember Graham saying that Big Will would be the best DT in the country by his junior season.  He's a soph and behind Patterson so I'm definiely a bit worried.  I always thought he was a hard working guy.  Hopefully he continues to play hard and get better so he can contribute to this team.

cargo

August 30th, 2010 at 4:05 PM ^

The only thing I hate about the or is people 2nd on the depth chart are actually lower.  In honesty they should list it as such.

 

|Smith OR Shaw |        | Mike Cox |

saying Cox is 2nd on depth is not quite true cause if Smith starts then next sub in is more then likely the person who was pushing him to start Shaw and not Cox who is behind the 2.

champswest

August 30th, 2010 at 5:22 PM ^

On the other hand, I will be glad when Devin Gardner sees enough game action that all the talk about redshirt is over.  I have a feeling that we are going to need 3 healthy, gane tested QBs before the season is over.

smwilliams

August 30th, 2010 at 6:32 PM ^

I'm more concerned about Emilien, Cullen, and Robinson not overtaking Cam Gordon, James Rogers, and Kovacs than I am about Campbell being 3rd string and LaLota not on the Two Deep at all. 

This is largely because Martin/Van Bergen/Banks is at worst serviceable and at best good. Campbell can replace Banks next year after he plays himself into shape. LaLota can bulk up for another year or two before seeing significant playing time. Cam G, Rogers, and Kovacs are DOOM (the movie) and at best average.

Especially since Cullen and Marvin the Martian were both highly rated recruits.