2016 Michigan RB Recruiting

Submitted by Dawkins on

We currently have five 2016 commits who could potentially play the RB position, but 3 of whom might project to other positions:

NAME Pos
(247)		 HT WT 247
RATG		 247
COMP		 NOTES
Matt Falcon RB 6'1 215 3 star 4 star Talented RB who is out for season
w/ knee injury for 2nd straight year
Chris Evans APB 5'11 186 4 star 4 star Good runner, but more impressive WR
film. May be most valuable in the slot
Vic Viramontes ATH 6'2 220 4 star 3 star Excellent athlete, very good runner.
Could project to any of LB/QB/FB/RB/HB
Kiante Enis RB 6'1 200 3 star 3 star Decent runner. Seems like a "depth" recruit to compliment Falcon
Kingston Davis FB 6'1 225 3 star 3 star Could be a pure FB like Kerridge/Houma or a more of a hybrid like Isaac

I'm wondering if you guys think we're all done recruiting the RB position for 2016, or if we're still going after any targets in light of:

  • Matt Falcon being out for the season with injury for the 2nd staight year 
  • The absence of an explosive blue chip/consensus 4/5-star pure RB type in either the 2015 or 2016 class
  • Karan Higdon being our only RB recruit in the 2015 class
  • The fact that at least 3 of our 5 2016 potential RBs project to other positions. 
  • Any other factors I haven't listed or might not be aware of. 

Note: Just to show that I'm not totally out of my mind and have *some* credibility when discussing the RB position, I correctly predicted the RB depth chart back in early July at a time when the majority expected either Green or Isaac to be the starter. 

 

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jbibiza

September 16th, 2015 at 1:03 PM ^

Given the unfortunate injury history with Falcon it would be good for us to pick up another back with explosive to-the-house speed. Evans has it but seems to fit better as a Harvin type. I really liked Boyd before we got Falcon and according to Sam Webb we are still recruiting him.

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CorkyCole

September 16th, 2015 at 12:45 PM ^

With Harbaugh, all things are possible. I would guess that RB recruiting is done though, unless you hear chatter to the likes of what you mentioned... one guy projected to another position or Falcon's injury projected as long term.

One thing I am pretty sure about, however, is that Viramontes probably won't end up at RB at any point in his career.  He very well may, because Harbaugh and all, but I could see him at another offensive position (H-Back/TE) over RB. Though I can't recall his height...

That's the take from a complete non-expert who doesn't listen to Sam Webb.

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Dawkins

September 16th, 2015 at 1:06 PM ^

Don't be so sure. He's the same height and weight that Toby Gerhardt was coming out of high school (and the recruiting services also did not list Gerhardt as a RB). Also, Harbaugh offered Viramontes because "the way he runs reminds me of Colin Kaepernick." In other words, his running ability is what caught Harbaugh's eye. So we'll see. Either way, he's a tremendous athlete who should be a starter wherever he ends up. 

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CorkyCole

September 16th, 2015 at 1:33 PM ^

I remember that quote as well. What that tells me, however, is that he's going to get his shot at QB. Who knows if that's Harbaugh's #1 intended position for him, especially with a guy like Peters coming in the same class, but he will most definitely get his shot. Harbaugh loves competition.

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CorkyCole

September 16th, 2015 at 1:34 PM ^

Guessing the negs have to do with my Sam Webb comment. Thought that might happen.

What I meant was I don't have the knowledge of those who listen to Sam Webb have... not that he's not worth listening to. I was making fun of my lack of recruiting wisdom. Guess I should neg myself too then.

I will say though that Falcon was probably Harbaugh's #1 RB in this class, so if for some reason that's a really bad thing then I definitely won't be surprised if he pushes for another one. Even more so if the ground game continues to get established; if I was a big burley man-child of a RB, Smith's last game against Oregon State would catch my interest for sure.

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MgoHacker

September 16th, 2015 at 12:46 PM ^

Falcon is basically the RB version of drake harris. He was a top 50 overall prospect until he got perpetually injured. Hopefully tolbert can save him like he seems to have done Harris

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flysociety3

September 16th, 2015 at 12:47 PM ^

"Decent runner" on Kiante Enis is probably my biggest disagreement here. I believe he is the fastest recruit that we have. It may not be clear where he plays, but he is a fantastic runner. Albeit against poor competition, didn't he lead the nation in rushing last year?

Joined: 05/10/2009

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Dawkins

September 16th, 2015 at 12:57 PM ^

It's possible you're talking about straight line speed, whereas I was referring to his overall ability to play the RB position. He looks to be very good, just not a "carry the team on your back every down blue chip" type IMO. I think he was brought in as a depth recruit in this class to compliment Falcon, who I think was higher on our target board. 

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getsome

September 16th, 2015 at 7:14 PM ^

huge difference bw straight line top end speed and the explosiveness and sudden change of direction to break ankles or dust defenders.  enis may have the prior but certainly not the latter.  huge difference.  

and explosion to and thru the hole and into the 2nd level quick acceleration within several strides (provided they also show adequate vision and balance) should always outweigh ones ability to run really fast after the first 10 yards, at least at RB.  though they dont currently have any backs (at least healthy) with either skill set

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the real hail_yes

September 16th, 2015 at 12:48 PM ^

Given the volume here, I really hope that Vic is deployed in a different capacity. Obviously I trust Harbaugh and the staff, but I would rather see him at QB, LB, TE or maybe even Safety before he ended up at RB... JMO

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WolvinLA2

September 16th, 2015 at 1:45 PM ^

Sure it is. Aaron Hernandez is 6'2", and that TE from Purdue a handful of years ago who was drafted by the Jets (can't recall his name, Dustin something?) was 6'2" and was a very productive TE. Khalid Hill is 6'2" I believe and Winovich is only 6'3". I don't think his height will hold him back.

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Mr. Yost

September 16th, 2015 at 12:49 PM ^

Falcon and Enis both come in and redshirt as freshman.

Davis is FB, VV is a running QB/H-Back combo like Blake Bell at Oklahoma, Evans plays the Slot WR behind Canteen and Perry, like Canteen, Evans gets some run at DB as well.

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ND Sux

September 16th, 2015 at 2:18 PM ^

You've got this all figured out.  Please send your post to Jim so he doesn't have to waste precious practice time.  He can just put these guys where they belong from day one.  (Joking of course, but your suggestions are plausible.)

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Bleedmaizeblue

September 16th, 2015 at 12:50 PM ^

I'm predicting Green transfers, Isaac becomes a WR, Johnson doesn't stay healthy and retires, Ross-Douglas becomes a full time DB, and we have Smith backed up by Higden next yr plus this crop of RBs. We need a few to come in and play the style this offense needs.



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BursleysFinest

September 16th, 2015 at 1:01 PM ^

I'm hoping Green doesn't transfer, but you never know... Don't think Isaac switches  to WR, a running back who can catch is a different thing than a Receiver... I'm not sure why anyone would ever predict an injury... Ross-Douglas was a DB for a long time and it didn't work out for him, doubt he moves back there

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AZBlue

September 16th, 2015 at 1:28 PM ^

This. I think a "difference maker" at LB is our biggest hole at the moment and looms larger with losing 5 of our top 6 next year (counting Ojemudia and RJS at the Buck) I think we will land an impact guy of the DL even if Gary goes elsewhere, but it will be a big 2017 focus.

At RB I think we are OK for 2016 and will still have Isaac, Higdon , and Enis in 17 even if Falcon goes Medical down the road. I do like the 2017 GA kid we are leading for - another Smith type it seems - but would also be a good time to look for a speed back as well.

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