Are our defensive players too small?
Upon a debate I came across on whether our defensive players were much smaller than "before". I did a little research on one of the recruiting sites on what type of recruits we are getting now (under current coach) compared to 2002-2004 (under past coach). I was very encouraged with my results,
Remember these #'s reflect the defensive side of the ball (before transfers / position switches / etc.
Current Staff - AVG weight (defensive line) 264.20 (3.8 stars) / LB wt. 209 (3.67 stars) DB wt. 188.25 (3.38 stars)
Past staff - AVG weight (DL) 266.88 (3.75 stars) / LB wt. 230 (3.75 stars) DB wt 191.86(3.71 stars)
I guess in short, the reason for my optimism is, the past coach had these results in the middle of his "term" following years of Big 10 champs, a 3 year rcord of 28-10 and within 5 yrs following a National Championship. The other had to persuade these recruits after a coaching change in December, the biggest upset in college football history AND a combined record 16-20. I will say this, there seemed to be MORE defensive recruits under the past coach vs. the current-
Go Blue
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:41 PM ^
Jonas mouton, Stevie brown, Shawn crable were all "normal" size and carr never recruited tweeners.
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<br>Face fucking palm
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:33 PM ^
Luckily, that happens naturally. No matter who the DC is, this defense will be better next year.
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:39 PM ^
Is there any way DB lets Gerg return next season?
November 22nd, 2010 at 6:28 PM ^
And why would Gerg want to return? "Welcome back Greg. Now, go coach that 3-3-5 defense! Our personnel is almost perfect for it, except for the lack of big defensive linemen, fast, hard hitting, gap filling linebackers, and speedy defensive backs who can blitz and cover. Go git 'em!"
"Uh, Rich, I been meanin' to tell ya. I'm all happy for the opportunity and all, but..."
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:51 PM ^
Hey all, I'm a huge Michigan fan and have come across a place to get 2 tickets to the ohio state game for far under face value. There are 2 tickets in Section 10C row 33. Go to iticketbid.com to at least check it out. Sale ends around 6! You might be able to get them for free if you use the promo code "rivalryweek" it will give you 5 free bids. Go wolverines! It sells in 7:00 tonight, just so you all know.
November 22nd, 2010 at 7:45 PM ^
it is save to say they are not too small for the BIg Ten. If that is the case, then why were they manhandled by Wisconsin MIchigan State, Penn State and Iowa? In prior years Michigan did that to opponents.
Is it talent or coaching or a combination of the two? Either way, Michigan has a problem.
November 22nd, 2010 at 8:27 PM ^
I don't think our defense is too small. I just think the opposing offense is too big.
November 22nd, 2010 at 8:35 PM ^
does happen and gerg doesnt return next season, It will be interesting to see what we do defensively. I for one hope DB makes RR fire all his defensive staff and clean house!
Hail
November 22nd, 2010 at 9:22 PM ^
Does charlie daniels play a mean fiddle?
November 22nd, 2010 at 9:21 PM ^
It just takes one time for them to stop ohio state. Greg is going to use this clip to motivate the defense before the game.
One time
November 23rd, 2010 at 12:55 AM ^
People aren't missing tackles because they are too small. They are missing tackles because they try to hit people hard and don't wrap up. So ya people will get bigger and stronger but until people learn to tackle it won't matter.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 AM ^
too misaligned.
November 23rd, 2010 at 8:09 AM ^
Watched the whole Wisconsin game and did not notice that the coaching staff was missing tackles. All tha ailes this defense is time, time, time. The program is just starting to get continuity now and will improve year to year. The witch hunt hurt worse that the fan base realizes and is still hurting us. The bowl game pratice will be just like an additional spring camp and improve our fundamentals if we can keep enough players healthy.
The high injury rate we are seeing is somewhat related to team maturity and strength. Whether this blog wants to admit it or not there is no magic button or magic coaching that fixes stuff. Time will fix it if we stay patient.