'17-'18 Depth Chart: Version 1 ("Death To OT Season Edition")

Submitted by Mr. Yost on

 

Notes:

  1. I'm not ready to let him go. I'm not taking him off. I don't care what you say. Until there's an announcement...he stays.
  2. I'm fuming right now as I did this post to save it for next week and when I went to bury it...the computer froze. What is this a '95 Compaq Presario? FML - but now, now I post it. Screw waiting.
  3. I know it's Michigan-related and techinically not "OT"...but I would never post this during the season (unless it's late October and the season is over *cough* Hoke years *cough*)...I realize how silly it is to look 2 years ahead when we haven't started this year and we're still missing about 12 more commits.
  4. I've updated THIS year's depth chart...HERE: http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/16-depth-chart-version-1-submarine-edition
  5. I actually will go back and update this throughout the year to try to keep it as current as possible.

WAAAY TO EARLY Depth Chart? WAAAY TOO EARLY Chart.

QB
1. Wilton Speight (RS Jr.)
2. John O'Korn (RS Sr.)
3. Brandon Peters (RS Fr.)
4. Alex Malzone (RS So.)
rs: Dylan McCaffrey (Fr.)

RB
1. Ty Isaac (RS Sr.)
2. Kareem Walker (RS Fr.)
3. Karan Higdon (Jr.) / Kingston Davis (RS Fr.)
rs: A.J. Dillion (Fr.)
rs: Kurt Taylor (Fr.)

Hybrid RB/Slot
1. Chris Evans (So.)
2. Jabrill Peppers (RS Jr.) 
3. O'Maury Samuels (Fr.)

FB
1. Khalid Hill (RS Sr.)
2. Henry Poggi (RS Sr.)
rs: Chase Lasater (Fr.)

WR1
1. Eddie McDoom (So.) / Maurice Ways (RS Jr.)

WR2
1. Kekoa Crawford (So.)
2. Drake Harris (RS Jr.)

SLOT
1. Grant Perry (Jr.)
2. Nate Johnson (So.)

TE1
1. Ian Bunting (RS Jr.)
2. Sean McKeon (RS Fr.)
3. Zach Gentry (RS So.) / Nick Eubanks (RS Fr.)

TE2
1. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (RS So.)
2. Devin Asiasi (So.)
rs: Carter Dunaway (Fr.)

LT
1. Grant Newsome (Jr.)
2. Ben Bredeson (So.)
rs: Kai-Leon Herbert (Fr.)

LG
1. Ben Bredeson (So)
2. Stephen Spanellis (RS Fr.)
3. Anthony Kay (RS Fr.)
rs: Joel Honigford (Fr.)

C
1. Mason Cole (Sr.)
2. Patrick Kugler (RS Sr.)
3. Jon Runyan Jr. (RS So.)

RG
1. David Dawson (RS Sr.)
2. Michael Onwenu (So.)
3. Andrew Vastardis (RS Fr.)
rs: Andrew Stueber (Fr.)

RT
1. Juwan Bushell-Beatty (RS Jr.)
2. Nolan Ulizio (RS So.)
3. Greg Robinson (RS Fr.)
rs: JaRaymond Hall (Fr.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WDE
1. Chase Winovich (RS Jr.)
2. Carlo Kemp (So.)
3. Shelton Johnson (RS So.)

NG
1. Bryan Mone (RS Jr.)
2. Michael Onwenu (So.)
3. Michael Dwumfour (RS Fr.)
rs: Phillip Paea (Fr.)

DT
1. Maurice Hurst (RS Sr.)
2. Rashan Gary (So.)
3. James Hudson (Fr.)

SDE
1. Rashan Gary (So.)
2. Lawrence Marshall (RS Jr.)
3. Luiji Vilain (Fr.) / Ron Johnson (RS Fr.)
rs: Corey Malone-Hatcher (Fr.)

LB
1. Jabrill Peppers (RS Jr.)*
2. Noah Furbush (RS Jr.)
3. Jared Wangler (RS Jr.) / Devin Gil (RS Fr.)
*LB/S/Nickel Hybrid

LB
1. Devin Bush Jr. (So.)
2. Josh Uche (RS Fr.)
3. Josh Ross (Fr.)

LB
1. Michael McCray (RS Sr.)
2. Reuben Jones (RS So.)
3. Elysee Mbem-Bosse (RS Fr.)
rs: Ben Mason (Fr.)

CB
1. David Long (So.) / Keith Washington (RS So.)

CB
1. Brandon Watson (RS Jr.) / Lavert Hill (RS Fr.)
3. Benjamin St.-Juste (Fr.)

S
1. Tyree Kinnel (Jr.)
2. Josh Metellus (RS Fr.)

S
1. Khaleke Hudson (So.)
2. Jabrill Peppers (RS Jr.)
rs: J'Marick Woods (Fr.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

K
1. Quinn Nordin (RS Fr.)

P
1. Will Hart (RS Fr.)

KO
1. Quinn Nordin (RS Fr.)

 

As always, tear it up and I'll make changes if your opinion is "seconded."

MGoBoard
Football
Mr. Yost
'17-'18 Depth Chart

Mr. Yost

August 24th, 2016 at 3:49 PM ^

 

 

  1. I'm not going to predict it, but if that's the starting OL next year...they could actually be better than this year. It wouldn't shock me at all. But the depth behind them is "wooooo boy"
  2. That starting DL is also pretty damn good if Winovich really is as good as Mattison says he is. The depth on the DL is certainly better than the OL.
  3. We NEED Nico Collins and DPJ!
  4. LB completely hinges on "his" return...if "he" comes back...we could be okay because Bush will get experience this year.
  5. LOL @ DB...fuck. Fuck. FUCK. FUCK!!!!

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

getsome

August 24th, 2016 at 7:15 PM ^

dawson and bushel beatty starting on the right side?  and the OL might be better in 2017?

kalis and magnuson are not future all pros but 99% odds theyll be better in 2016 than any version of dawson and bushell beaty in 2017.  tough to see either being 1 of the best 5 next fall (let alone 2/5).  and im not trying to knock those dudes, theyve just given zero indication they can handle starting and performing better than whatever 2016 OL ends up.

also uche looks slated for sam not mike / will (at least according to brown).  gil came in as a mike / will.  and i agree with ways / harris not being penciled in as starters - theyve gotten tons of hype but no real results yet (similar to many assuming kugler and dawson will somehow end up competing or starting in their 4th-5th years without even sniffing the field prior) so its prob fair to list them on par with mcdoom and crawford until they perform.

nice post overall though, interesting to see this far out

Joined: 09/07/2013

MGoPoints: 7386

Mr. Yost

August 24th, 2016 at 7:38 PM ^

Dawson absolutely has proven he can start next year if you go off of what the coaches are saying. Which you can't...but that's kind of the point of this entire exercise. I know he hasn't played much, but my god, if we're really going to act like that's the only indicator - we're doomed even this year if Speight is the starter. But no, we're relying on the fact that he's in a battle for the starting spot and the coaches speak extremely highly of him...so we give him the benefit of the doubt and assume the kid can play.

Dawson has locked up the first guard spot off the bench, I don't necessarily knock him for being behind Kalis. Even if they were even...you go with Kalis because he has chemistry with the other guys he's started with. He's got the experience even if he and Dawson are the same talent wise.

I happen to believe that he's right there, there's not too much drop off...but I also believe chemistry and experience are valued on the OL maybe more than anywhere else on the team. So I too would start Kalis.

So with that being said...with another offseason to progres...yes, he could be better.

JBB I don't think will be better than Mags even next year BUT...I said the entire line, you chose to pick out two players.

I happen to think Newsome next year with a year under his belt will be significantly better than he will this year. I think Cole will be a better C next year if he returns.

You have to take the improvement of the returning players into account along with who's being replaced.

I didn't say it would happen...I just said I wouldn't be shocked. Bredeson and JBB have both gotten solid reviews this camp. Both, I think, are going to improve over the next year.

How do you get there?

Newsome: 7.5
Braden: 8
Cole: 9
Kalis: 8.5
Mags: 8.5

total: 41.5

to

Newsome: 8.5
Bredeson: 8
Cole: 10
Dawson: 8-8.5
JBB: 7.5

total: 42-42.5

...I don't see that scenario as impossible and I'm not saying that's currently how the OL is rated. I'm saying it's not as far fetched as you make it sound. You're talking about a sophomore taking a leap forward after his first year starting and a senior in his 2nd year at a position taking a leap after a full year of starting.

And again...the REAL issue is what's behind that group next year. Better hope we get Wilson, Slaton and Ruiz.

 

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

TrueBlue2003

August 24th, 2016 at 7:21 PM ^

1) That OL doesn't look nearly as bad as you'd expect after losing three senior OL and going through a couple iffy classes during the transition.  Of course, that assumes certain guys perform as you'd expect highly rated guys to perform well as upperclassmen (not a given). If Cole leaves though, there'd be a lot riding on Kugler.

2) DL again looks a lot better if Hurst returns.  If he doesn't, the depth starts to take a hit at a position group where depth is vital.

3) Hooo boy those are some young receivers to be counting on.  Even with DPJ and/or Nico, lot of inexperience there.

4) Yep

5) Yikes

Others:

1) Will be interesting to see if one of O'Korn/Speight comes into his own this season or if the door is left open for Peters (obviously really hope someone takes control of it this year)

2) RB should be wide open

3) We have an embarrassment of riches at TE when you look at what is left AFTER a likely first rounder graduates. Almost wish we could trade one for a DB or LB.

Joined: 01/05/2010

MGoPoints: 38075

Mr. Yost

August 24th, 2016 at 3:53 PM ^

If you're a recruit going into your HS senior year and you want a real shot at playing early? SIGN ON THE EFFING DOTTED LINE!

We don't have a ton of starting spots open...but there are a SHIT TON of backup spots that are up for grabs. Doesn't matter what position in this incoming class, these kids have a real shot at early PT.

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

AZBlue

August 24th, 2016 at 3:53 PM ^

this year.  I see a larger chance that Gary splits time between 3-tech and SDE than Marshall going back to WDE.

 

Love the Peppers delusion!!

Joined: 09/14/2008

MGoPoints: 16806

Spirit of 69

August 24th, 2016 at 3:57 PM ^

After Don Brown's comments in his recent interview I would move Uche to the third string SAM spot under Peppers and Furbush, that seems to be where he's playing for now.

Joined: 06/12/2015

MGoPoints: 458

Mr. Yost

August 24th, 2016 at 7:49 PM ^

I haven't designated any of the LB spots.

I took them off awhile back because it's too difficult to know until we see this thing on the field.

You've got players listed as LBs who seem like WDEs and vice versa...you've got guys who seem to fit the strongside, playing the weakside and vice versa.

It's all a mess at the moment.

I'll try and "fix" it after a few games where we see these guys on the field and know where they line up and what their responsibilities are. Until then...I just put 3 LB spots.

 

EDIT: I also eliminated WCB/SCB awhile back along with FS and SS. Also too confusing until we get some film.

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

Alumnus93

August 24th, 2016 at 4:02 PM ^

In fairness its quite impossible to accurately predict this... though I think the depth chart, especially the starters, will look ALOT different than what youre expecting.... 

Joined: 09/10/2009

MGoPoints: 9684

Mr. Yost

August 24th, 2016 at 4:21 PM ^

Not sure how anyone could disagree...but all I have to go off of is what it's looking like it'll be this year, plus natural progression, and press conference hype. Put that all together and it's still not much.

And if we get guys like DPJ and Nico Collins, I personally think they shoot straight to the top of the depth chart. There are still 4-5 guys that aren't committed I think can shake things up pretty good.

I got back and look at this Best Guess List from June and I see a few names that could make an instant impact if they jumped in the fold...those 13(14) names that are uncommitted are all blue chip prospects:

  1. QB - Dylan McCaffrey (4*)
  2. RB - Kurt Taylor (3*)
  3. RB - AJ Dillion (3*)
  4. RB - O'Maury Samuels (4*)
  5. FB - Chase Lasater (3*)
  6. WR - Donovan Peoples-Jones (5*)
  7. WR - Nico Collins (4*)
  8. WR - Oliver Martin (4*)
  9. TE - Carter Dunaway (3*)
  10. TE - Jimmy Jaggers (4*) / Josh Falo (4*)
  11. OT - Isaiah Wilson (5*)
  12. OT - JaRaymond Hall (4*)
  13. OT/OG - Tedarrell Slaton (4*)
  14. OT/OG - Kai-Leon Herbert (4*)
  15. OT/OG - Joel Honigford (3*)
  16. OT/OG - Andrew Stueber (3*)
  17. C - Cesar Ruiz (4*)
  18. DE - Corey Malone-Hatcher (4*)
  19. DE - Luiji Vilain (4*)
  20. NG - Jay Tufele (4*)
  21. NG - Phil Paea (3*)
  22. DT - James Hudson (4*)
  23. DT - Corey Bolds (4*)
  24. LB - Joss Ross (4*)
  25. LB - Ben Mason (3*)
  26. LB - Drew Singleton (4*)
  27. S/HSP - J'Marick Woods (3*)
  28. CB - Ambry Thomas (4*)
  29. CB - Benjamin St.-Juste (4*)
  30. S - Jaylen Kelly-Powell (4*)
  31. S - AJ Harris (4*)

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

Mr. Yost

August 24th, 2016 at 4:30 PM ^

...like I said, it's from June...but other than that, I concur.

And I just mentally plugged all of the uncommitted guys on the list above into the depth chart in the OP and you know it's youth, but you feel A LOT better about the roster. Of those uncommitted guys I'm guessing only 3-4 would redshirt.

But you add depth to the 3 WR spots...each gets a 3rd player. The OL fills in and isn't relying on walk-ons. You add Tufele and Bolds on the interior of the DL, another LB, another CB, another freshman S.

All of those guys are likely to play early in backup roles if they end up at Michigan.

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

IMissJohnCooper

August 24th, 2016 at 4:03 PM ^

I mean, I know Harbaugh is a demi-God coach and has won with less, but losing so many NFL-caliber guys after this season and the lack of depth going forward... Wow.  That's about as tough to overcome as it gets.

Joined: 11/04/2008

MGoPoints: 2763