2012 OL Alex Kozan Offered - tomvh
http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/michigan/forums/_/the-den#!/topic/13…
I find it interesting that they are going after him, and on bucknuts, it seems they want him also... Is it a premptive strike?
Tom says it has nothing to do with the other OL prospects.. but you gotta wonder..
October 6th, 2011 at 12:02 PM ^
WORLD IS COMING TO END. BANNER AND GARNETT ARE OUT. NO OBRIEN.
But seriously though, kid looks good. Would be excited to have any of these guys in the Winged Helmet.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:03 PM ^
I have to think that this has something to do with the coaching staff either not feeling confident in getting Banner/Diamond/etc. or they don't feel like all of their current commitments on the OL are solid. I don't see the need unless he is really just THAT good.
Then again, back in January I thought hiring Hoke was a mistake, so what do I know?
October 6th, 2011 at 2:18 PM ^
I don't think it reflects a lack of confidence. It reflects the hard sell we're at to get a sixth lineman.
You of course start 5 lineman. If we take 6 in a cycle it provides good odds someone is redshirting and might be a one year starter when they're a 5th year senior. So any four star that has legitimate interest in hopping in the pool and taking that risk is going to get an offer from us.
October 6th, 2011 at 3:24 PM ^
Co-sign. We need depth on the OL but guys are starting to point out a crowded depth chart in this class. I'm not at all surprised they did this and fully expect to see a couple more late bloomers in this senior class get offered.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:13 PM ^
O'Brien and Diamond are GONE. I don't know why people keep insisting on putting these two on their boards. Likewise, Banner and Garnett were pipedreams for this board as of a few months ago. Perhaps we've gotten over-confident with our prospects.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:14 PM ^
October 6th, 2011 at 12:17 PM ^
The loss of Posada happened months ago...
October 6th, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
maybe this has been in the works for months...
October 6th, 2011 at 12:47 PM ^
I'll believe we're taking more than 6 OL when I see it. If the coaches were confident about one of Banner/Garnett/Diamond and the guys already in the class staying I doubt this offer goes out.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:19 PM ^
Michigan has the space to take at least one more offensive lineman (especially if they aren't taking another DL, which appears to be the case) and a severe need to add depth on the interior of the line. I highly doubt this means much in terms of Banner, and I'd say Garnett is a longshot at this point. Definitely a good idea to get the offer out there for a four-star guard who could step in and be on the two-deep next year if needed.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:26 PM ^
The reality of the situation is that OL have a historical success rate of around 50%, even when highly rated. Michigan is probably going to need the 2012 class to produce at least one immediate contributor and by 2013 at least three of them will be playing, if not starting. They could go to 7 easily.
All this offer means is that the coaching staff is willing to risk running out of space for Garnett/Banner in the unlikely event that someone else commits. But this isn't really new - there have been outstanding offers out to other linemen through most of the process.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:19 PM ^
His offer list is pretty impressive: LSU, Arkansas, Oregon, etc, etc
October 6th, 2011 at 12:20 PM ^
People need to panic less. We are thin all along the O-Line, but especially so at Guard, and that was before we lost both Pace and Posada. Of the new commits we've picked up so far, only Stacey is an OG or C pure and simple. As to timing, the staff probably wanted to wait and examine Kozan's film during this season. I assume they are impressed with what they see.
October 6th, 2011 at 2:27 PM ^
Kalis may play guard. Some believe that he would be better suited there and he said he wouldn't mind playing inside.
October 6th, 2011 at 8:10 PM ^
I am aware. The same has been said about Bars, but both seem to think they're going to have a shot at tackle. And even if both slide in, with Pace and Posada gone that;s a wash. That's alos assuming no attrition with the class. More than that, with such a good O-line crop, the coaches migh perceive problems recruiting guys next year. To whit, the top O-line talent in the state seems to be passing: Elmer gone, Norman probably a Sparty. That's explicable, but with depth so short on O-line, the coaches might want to handle the problem now rather than later.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:31 PM ^
Kozan is an up and comer. OSU bucknuts have wanted him for some time. Don't know much about him. That said...forget about Banner and Garnett. Wonder if this means they want to take 2 OL, and not 1?
October 6th, 2011 at 12:35 PM ^
bucknuts will go insane if Kozan picks us. That might start an angry Walrus killing mob in ohio.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:45 PM ^
As opposed to a FRIENDLY AMICABLE walrus killing mob?
"I am the Walrus [killer], coo coo ka choo"
October 6th, 2011 at 7:47 PM ^
Thank you for this.
October 6th, 2011 at 2:18 PM ^
I can't believe people are actually worried about anything in regards to recruiting. Even if we were to get no more recruits it would still be a killer recruiting class.