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TomVH: DT Danny O'Brien Talks About Michigan Camp
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Flint defensive tackle Danny O'Brien (6'2", 293 lbs) has seen his recruitment take off. He's added offers from the likes of Alabama and Florida among others. He went up to Michigan's camp today to show the Michigan coaches what he could do and prove his worth. Here's what he had to say about the day.
TOM: How did the day go?
DANNY: Good, I tore it up. I didn't work out in the second part, I just kind of hung out and talked with everybody.
TOM: What was the outcome from this camp with Michigan? I know there was a discrepancy of sorts with being on the same page.
DANNY: There was basically some confusion during the spring on how they wanted things to go and they told me they wanted me to come to camp and prove myself. They told me that there's basically only a couple defensive tackles with offers and they will probably only take one interior guy. They're going to recruit me really hard now and they gave me the pitch and everything.
TOM: So what's next? I know you told me the other day that you were going to come out with a top five soon.
DANNY: Yeah in July I'll come out with a top five. I don't have a leader anymore, I'm just going to evaluate all the schools in the top five and go from there.
TOM: Do you know when you want to have your final decision made?
DANNY: I'd like to take some official visits then make the decision late in the season or after the season, but I'm not sure yet.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:39 PM | 
we're only going to take one
we're only going to take one
June 21st, 2011 at 4:45 PM |
I have to assume that a) One
I have to assume that a) One
I have to assume that a) One of the DE commits is 3-tech bound, b) this is just coach-speak in trying to recruit him or c) it`s more fuel to add to the possibility that we`re going 3-4 at some point in the future.
I trust Mattison and Hoke know exactly what they want for defence so this isn`t a huge concern but that`s a little surprising to see.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:53 PM |
i still don't see how this
i still don't see how this
i still don't see how this year's recruiting sets up for a 3-4. stroebel and godin would make good 3-4 ends, but brown and ojemudia would not.
admittedly, mario ojemudia would be a good 3-4 OLB though.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:57 PM |
I figured I'd just speculate,
I figured I'd just speculate,
I figured I'd just speculate, I don't actually know or really care if we're planning on going 3-4 at some point. Just looking at the tackle depth for 2012, if we're only taking one this class and no ends are converting then at best we're probably looking at 6-7 interior guys, and 3 of the guys would probably be fairly undersized. We'll see how it all plays out.
June 21st, 2011 at 5:47 PM |
I love speculating and let me
I love speculating and let me
I love speculating and let me add this to your speculation. Mattison ran 3-4 base while he coached the Ravens.
The only thing is that both Hoke and Mattison said that they are going to be running a 4-3 Under.
Greetings from Bolivia.
"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple." - Gary Moeller
June 21st, 2011 at 7:56 PM |
I understand the 4-3 Under;
I understand the 4-3 Under;
The 3-4 though: I'm clueless.
Question for those of you who know these things: Could it be possible that a college 4-3 Under could use a similar personel grouping to a 3-4? If you make the weakside defensive end in the 4-3 Under into a linebacker isn't that basically a 3-4?
It makes perfect sense to me if that's the case. Mattison!
Hide ya kids, hide ya wife.
June 21st, 2011 at 9:27 PM |
Let me see if I got this
Let me see if I got this
Let me see if I got this correct:
in the 4-3 under the SAM backer walks down and is lined up over the TE.
I'm not sure, but I think the DL and LB have different gap responsibilities and allignments in the 3-4. In 3-4 I think the NT is playing 0-tech or head up on the center, while in a 4-3 under the NT plays a 1 tech shading to the strong side of the center.
Greetings from Bolivia.
"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple." - Gary Moeller
June 21st, 2011 at 10:08 PM |
Yes, the 4-3 Under could
Yes, the 4-3 Under could
Yes, the 4-3 Under could easily become a 3-4. Like you said, the basic change would be the weakside DE (in our case, Roh or Black) becomes an outside linebacker. And Roh/Black will already be doing some of that in zone blitz types of schemes.
The 3-tech would bump out to a 4- or 5-tech, and the nose tackle would [mostly] play a 0-tech, which is head up on the center.
It's a minor adjustment and could happen, although Hoke/Mattison have both talked about the 4-3 Under and 4-3 Over with no mention of a 3-4, AFAIK.
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:26 AM |
Of the DTs that we are after
Of the DTs that we are after
Of the DTs that we are after are any of them suited to play 0-tech? Are 0-techs supposed to be huge immovable types that take on double teams and are they hard to come by?
Greetings from Bolivia.
"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple." - Gary Moeller
June 22nd, 2011 at 6:33 AM |
My uninformed opinion
My uninformed opinion
My uninformed opinion is that it would make more sense to move to a 3-4 next year after Mike Martin has done damage as a 4-3 DT his last year. Martin's the best player on the defense and 0-tech is not where he is best used (see: last year).
It would make sense to me to do it in 2012 though when you could hopefully fashion BWC into a 0-tech.
June 21st, 2011 at 10:25 PM |
OSU supposedly did some of
OSU supposedly did some of
OSU supposedly did some of this last year and might do more this year.
June 21st, 2011 at 10:25 PM |
OSU supposedly did some of
OSU supposedly did some of
OSU supposedly did some of this last year and might do more this year.
June 21st, 2011 at 5:26 PM |
Typically the good rush ends
Typically the good rush ends
Typically the good rush ends will move to the OLB spot that typically rushes the passer all day long. You will see alot of college DE's get drafted to play OLB in 3-4 NFL schemes. Then of course if we didn't already , we will have too many LB's
June 21st, 2011 at 8:29 PM |
Boy i hope we switch to a 3-4
Boy i hope we switch to a 3-4
in the near future. Not this year but with the LB's coming in for '11 and '12 i think a 3-4 will suit our personell the best. And I think the 3-4 is a great defense to run
June 21st, 2011 at 8:45 PM |
posted from iPhone
posted from iPhone
I don't know so much. Our LB's aren't big enough for a 3-4. Those are the 6'3-6'4 type guys (ideally) who are big enough to take on O-linemen at the line of scrimmage and rush head on with an O tackle. The guys we have at LB seem more like 4-3 LBs. If anything, State seems to be setting up nicely for a 3-4, with guys such as Thomas and Pittman. Both would be great 3-4 pass rushing LBs.
June 21st, 2011 at 5:57 PM |
Man if they're only taking 1
Man if they're only taking 1
then I hope it's Pipkins as a NT. I hope we take another next year too. I miss those double NT days of Branch and Watson. Stuff the run!
How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon
June 22nd, 2011 at 7:47 AM |
Maybe that means one NT
Maybe that means one NT
And one DT
June 21st, 2011 at 4:40 PM |
"they will probably only take
"they will probably only take
"they will probably only take one interior guy"
What? Seriously? Don't we need a bare minimum of two? Preferably three?
June 21st, 2011 at 5:38 PM |
DT is a need in a sense that
DT is a need in a sense that
DT is a need in a sense that we need elite talent not so much numbers like 3 recruits. We have BWC, Q Washington, Kenny Wilkins, Richard Ash, and Terry Talbott. I guess it all depends on how they are going to be using Rock and Heitzman from the 2011 class.
Greetings from Bolivia.
"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple." - Gary Moeller
June 21st, 2011 at 11:11 PM |
Campbell will be a senior in
Campbell will be a senior in
Campbell will be a senior in 2012, Washington a redshirt junior. Wilkins is a 5-tech DE. Talbott is injured and might not finish his career. Ash is the only other possibility.
We're essentially down to 3 defensive tackles next year, not counting true freshmen or someone like Chris Rock, who's a DE but could bulk up. Unless we're switching to a 3-4, we need more than just one DT.
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:03 AM |
What are the odds of the coaches
What are the odds of the coaches
playing Chris Bryant at DT? Scout listed him as a 2 way lineman, but that hardley counts I suppose. Gary Yerden also played 2 ways in High School.
How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon
June 21st, 2011 at 4:41 PM |
interesting that the coaches
interesting that the coaches
interesting that the coaches only want one interior guy-I have a strong feeling that spot will be occupied long before Danny makes his decision.
June 21st, 2011 at 6:09 PM |
I agree with you..
I agree with you..
If he waits until his season is over his spot will most likely be gone.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:42 PM |
A late in the season
A late in the season
A late in the season decision? Does not compute...
Don't quote laws to us. We carry swords.
-Pompeius Magnus
June 21st, 2011 at 4:42 PM |
Seems like it's between
Seems like it's between
Seems like it's between Pipkins and O'Brien for the DT spot (if they are taking only one like they told him). First come first served? In this case I don't think that would be bad, as both are very good prospects
ITS GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE
June 21st, 2011 at 4:46 PM |
You could add Day (seldom
You could add Day (seldom
You could add Day (seldom mentioned, though) and Shittu (highly speculative) to that list and I would still be fine with a first-come first-served mentality.
Don't quote laws to us. We carry swords.
-Pompeius Magnus
June 21st, 2011 at 4:53 PM |
Johnson
Johnson
You could also include Jaleel Johnson. Not sure if we still keep in contact with him but he seems like a good fit as well.
June 21st, 2011 at 5:39 PM |
I have been hearing that he
I have been hearing that he
I have been hearing that he is a liking Sparty more and more these days. I guess we will wait and see what happens.
Greetings from Bolivia.
"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple." - Gary Moeller
June 21st, 2011 at 7:07 PM |
OBrien really looks
OBrien really looks
like a 3tech. He spins his way around or swims past his blocker, while Pipkins takes on his blocker with his shoulder just chicken winging his way past. You can easily visualize him taking on 2 blockers in the video at the 1 gap. If were picking 1 interior lineman then it should be Pipkins as a NT. If I had to pick today I would say OBrien is better than Godin at the 3 gap, but if Godin had a little more weight he'd be the better DT by far. Pipkins and Godin will be our best bet from that video.
How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon
June 21st, 2011 at 4:42 PM |
Well this answers some questions.
Well this answers some questions.
I wonder who that one interior spot is going to?
June 21st, 2011 at 4:46 PM |
I would be the "one guy" line
I would be the "one guy" line
I would be the "one guy" line is used to place the sense of urgency in play. If Pipkins commits, and O'Brien calls up Hoke in November asking "Can I commit?", I'd bet that Hoke would accept his commitment as well.
"It would be a travesty, it would be ridiculous to all of a sudden come back and get the feeling back, get the health back, feel good again and then all of a sudden go throw some other colors on my shirt and go coach."
June 21st, 2011 at 4:55 PM |
That makes sense
That makes sense
They might not take him, though, if Wormely, Pipkins, and Adolphus Washington have already jumped on board. Four more DLs seems like a lot.
It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. -- Yogi Berra
June 21st, 2011 at 4:46 PM |
Sooooooo
Sooooooo
One interior guy left in this class......which means its either going to be Danny, or Pipkins, no? Would be a bummer to have to pick one and not both......
BTW, did anyone else notice how Jaleel Johnson smoked Jordan Diamond a couple of times (sts) in that video......
June 21st, 2011 at 4:50 PM |
Diamond was injured.
Diamond was injured.
Diamond was injured.
Tom VanHaaren I TomVH on Twitter I U Recruit I Email
June 21st, 2011 at 4:54 PM |
Ahhh....
Ahhh....
Didn't realize that...well good on him for still competing.....that actually really says a lot about the kid......
June 21st, 2011 at 5:00 PM |
You can see him reach for this back
You can see him reach for this back
on both reps
Also: this isn't the update I was hoping for (no commitment)
Also, Also: Pipkins is a man among boys in that video, Danny looks very good too
June 21st, 2011 at 4:51 PM |
It's been said Diamond was
It's been said Diamond was
It's been said Diamond was ill or injured that day and playing through it. Cannot verify that on my own, however. That said, I don't think there's a lot of question that Johnson is a skilled tackle.
Don't quote laws to us. We carry swords.
-Pompeius Magnus
June 21st, 2011 at 4:49 PM |
I'm not liking our approach to recruiting tackles
I'm not liking our approach to recruiting tackles
it is the greatest need by far
Looking for BTTYS Nike sb Michigan Dunk Highs size 14, hit me up.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:57 PM |
Wormley and Strobel
Wormley and Strobel
They might both play DT at some point...I say that assuming that the coaches are holding a spot for Wormley and that they don't consider him to be an "interior guy."
It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. -- Yogi Berra
June 21st, 2011 at 6:14 PM |
If by DT you mean SDE, then
If by DT you mean SDE, then
If by DT you mean SDE, then yes he is a DT. The 5 technique in a 4-3 under actually kind of plays like a DT. Wormley is not a 3 technique player.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:58 PM |
Unless, like wlubd said, and
Unless, like wlubd said, and
Unless, like wlubd said, and we're planning on going to 3-4 in the future or someone like a wormley/strobel/godin moves to the interior.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:50 PM |
I'm ok with only taking one interior guy when there is such a surplus of talent at DE in this class. Plus hopefully this means the staff feels confident in Quinton Washington and Richard Ash playing down the road.
Ohio Stadium "10000 alumni and 74000 truck drivers."- Bob Ufer
June 21st, 2011 at 4:52 PM |
That would be a calming
That would be a calming
That would be a calming conclusion, but who knows...
Don't quote laws to us. We carry swords.
-Pompeius Magnus
June 21st, 2011 at 5:17 PM |
This also makes me wonder if
This also makes me wonder if
This also makes me wonder if the coaches are really high on the combo of Campbell, Ash, and Washington. It would seem odd to think so, but has anyone heard anything recently about these guys? Nonetheless, depth will be shallow, since Talbott is a long ways from contributing, if ever, and I don't know exactly where they see Wilkins playing.
Additionally, I think this is also recruiting coachspeak. They probably wanted to explain to Obrien why they weren't pursuing as intensely as before and might want to try and squeeze committments out asap. If a two of Pipkins, Obrien, Shittu, and Day wanted to come I think the coaches would take them. Also, good chance Godin and Strobel end up being 3 techs.
"The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:54 PM |
posted from iPhone
posted from iPhone
So far the coaches have done a fantastic job, but only 1 interior lineman? After this year we have ash, Washington and senior Campbell. If you can take pipkins and obrien, then take both.
June 21st, 2011 at 4:54 PM |
Whoaaaa!!!!
Whoaaaa!!!!
I think everyone needs to relax when they say that they don't like the way the coaches are recruiting. Remember it's Hoke and Co. who salvaged last year's class and is tearing it up this year. I COMPLETELY trust what they are doing. Also remember Hoke said he wants the "right" players and if they aren't running through the doors to be at Michigan I believe that there is someone else who is. And with our coaching staff they will be taught to become BEASTS
***In Hoke We Trust***
June 21st, 2011 at 5:01 PM |
It's ok to criticize coaches.
It's ok to criticize coaches.
It's ok to criticize coaches. Yeah, I trust them, and yeah, they're much better than I would be, but they're not perfect.
Every coach will take players that don't turn out well and pass on players who blow up. It's part of football.
And part of being a fan is criticizing that. I'm going to cheer for whoever plays for the Wolverines, but it's fun to pretend and say how we would approach recruiting.
ITS GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE
June 21st, 2011 at 5:08 PM |
I may agree with what you
I may agree with what you
I may agree with what you say, sir, but I'll never fight to the death to defend your right to say it!
Don't quote laws to us. We carry swords.
-Pompeius Magnus
June 21st, 2011 at 5:13 PM |
Also
Also
Besides what Waggles said, I highly doubt that Hoke wouldn't LOVE to have Dorial Green-Beckham or (more realistically) Aziz Shittu just because they don't want to "run through the doors to be at Michigan." Furthermore, us having great coaches (and some of the coaches haven't proven themselves yet, but I think Mattison qualifies) doesn't mean we can get a class of 20 2 stars that REALLY want to play for us and make them into Brandon Graham.
June 21st, 2011 at 5:00 PM |
Sounds like the difference between a 3-tech and a nose
Sounds like the difference between a 3-tech and a nose
One of the things I like about Pipkins is his quote that he wants to take up blockers to leave his LBs free. I don't recall any other DT recruit ever saying that.
It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. -- Yogi Berra
we're only going to take one interior guy? really?