Big Will play time late

Submitted by WoodleyIsBeast on

It is obvious that we have been getting him time slowly so that we don't rely on him too much and stunt his development. I did notice he got in towards the end of the Iowa game and was happy to see him get doubled on two consecutive plays. Physically he reminds me a lot of Marcus Fortson and it was nice to see his big body in there in crunch time.

Speaking of DT's, Gabe Watson made the TD saving play agains the Texans today by blowing the center back.

Go Blue!

formerlyanonymous

October 12th, 2009 at 2:21 AM ^

Hell, even Alan Branch was blowing up the Texans on occasion. Throw in Breaston and you had all sorts of fun that game. Now if only they didn't have to say Chris "Beanie" Wells.

Texans almost came back. Every time I got sucked into the game, or thought the Texans might pull it out, they blow it. It's inevitable. The good news, working for the Texans is awesome.

jg2112

October 12th, 2009 at 7:12 AM ^

He was playing from the first quarter. He was in the game on the play where Brandon Wegher "dove" into the end zone and was caught by one of the Michigan defenders. He played about 10-12 defensive plays Saturday.

Expect him to play a lot more this Saturday.

Crime Reporter

October 12th, 2009 at 8:11 AM ^

I saw him on that Wegher touchdown as well. The next time I remember seeing him in was the Iowa drive where they were able to run the ball for large chunks in the third quarter. Will was blown of the line of scrimmage on one of the plays and taken several yards downfield before he was pancaked. I'm glad he is getting more reps, but he still has a long way to go.

Crime Reporter

October 12th, 2009 at 9:21 AM ^

I think Big Will has the makings of a future star. He needs time and more experience. At the same time, he was the main reason Michigan's defense was gashed on those consecutive runs. As soon as Martin came back in, they started to stuff it. But I'm glad Will saw some meaningful PT.

estarr01

October 12th, 2009 at 9:00 AM ^

This is exactly what I remember seeing, he was blown off the ball and was in on the long runs, I don't remember how much of an effect he had on that, but I do remember after about 3-4 plays they put Martin back in.

I just think Big Will has to learn the proper technique, he has the size. Martin seemed much better suited to play right away out of high school.

Greenwood_Slumdog

October 12th, 2009 at 9:21 AM ^

From what I could see from the SE corner of the stadium, Will was brought in on alot of 3rd and short downs where we were expecting the run. If I had to grade his performance, I would give him a B-, which against a veteran O-line from Iowa is great for a freshman playing in his 6th game. Teams with weaker interior linemen (read DSU, Purdue, potentially Wisconsin) are going to have a rough day if Will and BG are in at the same time.

He does have alot to learn/improve on, but having BG and The Hulk as mentors this year is great for his development.

Fresh Meat

October 12th, 2009 at 10:37 AM ^

He didn't just came in late, he was playing pretty early on as well. I hope this means that he has been a quick learner of the schemes and techniques. I wonder if next year they will move RVB to BG's spot, the HULK to RVB's spot, and BIG WILL in the middle

jwendt

October 12th, 2009 at 10:58 AM ^

You can tell from watching that the critiques of him are valid. He got single-teamed by a center that had to be giving away 50 lbs. and was driven 5 yards downfield on one play - nearly ended up on his back. He's clearly an exceptional athlete. Let's hope he becomes and exceptional football player as well.

petered0518

October 12th, 2009 at 11:13 AM ^

Rich Rod has consistently shown that he won't throw in someone just because they were highly touted and we need depth at the position. Think JT Turner or Vlad Emelien, if you aren't ready he won't put you in, especially in a big game against Iowa.

So even if he didn't do great, it speaks a lot about how far Big Will has already come for him to be playing.

Germany Shultz

October 12th, 2009 at 11:21 AM ^

Seems Big Will took over Sagesse's place in the rotation, giving Martin a rest every few series. Considering that many have been praising Sagesse's play, I suspected he may have been hurt.