Breakout Player of the Year

Submitted by BubbaT33 on

I am that old guy that got turned on to the MGO community by my oldest son a few years back. We were talking on the phone last night (he is in Georgia now and I am in Minnesota).  He asked me the question:  "Who is your breakout player of the year?"  (Offense and defense)

Good question for the community to answer . . . I said Devin Funchess (great video of him just posted) and Taco Charlton!  Who you got?

swalburn

August 22nd, 2013 at 11:52 AM ^

I'll take James Ross III and Jehu Chesson.  Ross is going to be a stud and I can't help but think Chesson has to step up. I would love to have his speed really stretch defenses. 

MGoLogan

August 22nd, 2013 at 11:53 AM ^

On offense, I think Jehu Chesson is going to have a very solid year.  Especially with the loss of Darboh, there are going to be plenty of opportunities for Chesson and I believe he will make the most of them.  I think he finishes the year with 35 receptions for 550 yards and 6 TD's.

On defense, I am going with Cam Gordon.  I think back to Hoke's first spring at UM and remember Mattison and Hoke gushing over the amount of potential they saw in Cam.  I think he finally reaches that potential en route to an All-Big Ten season.  He finishes with 70 tackles, 12 TFL and 5 sacks.

MGoLogan

August 22nd, 2013 at 1:57 PM ^

I understand that, and I think he will play in October as the coaches are saying, I just don't think it will be close to the level he was at last year.  I think Cam is the "starter" the whole year, while Beyer is his backup until Jake returns, then Jake takes over the role that Beyer was filling. 

PurpleStuff

August 22nd, 2013 at 1:54 PM ^

The position has been a rotation spot for the last two years in this defense.  And even pre-injury the coaching staff was talking up getting Gordon more PT and possibly playing him and Ryan on the field together (they have complementary skillsets with Cam's coverage ability and Jake's pass rushing acumen).  With Jake coming off an injury and Gordon (I think) playing well, Cam should be a key contributor even if he gets replaced in the starting lineup midseason.

Blue in Yarmouth

August 22nd, 2013 at 1:32 PM ^

of course it's a package thing...it's the nickle package and Countess is playing it (as far as the last reports go). So, if when a nickle package is on the field and Blake is playing the nickle....I guess that means Thomas isn't going to be playing nickle (ahead of Blake anyway). Once the nickle package is off the field Blake will go back to his regular corner spot, but then there is no room for an extra CB/NB so again, Thomas is not of the field.

I guess what I am getting at is I am confused by your post as you seem to be inferring that Thomas being beaten out at nickle still leaves open the opportunity for him to still be first guy at nickle.....very confusing IMHE. . 

GoBlueInNYC

August 22nd, 2013 at 12:27 PM ^

The Countess-at-nickel announcement slipped by me somehow. So the plan is on nickel packages, Countess slips down into the nickel spot with Taylor and Hollowell (?) at the corner spots? Presumably the safeties will remain Gordon and Wilson/Avery (depending on who's winning that battle at a given moment).

When did the Countess-at-nickel plan come out?

TheDirtyD

August 22nd, 2013 at 1:21 PM ^

I have a feeling this is for when teams move there top receiver to the slot Michigan had the ability to move countess inside. Covering a guy in the slot is harder usually because the guy is off the line (can't jam) and the sideline isn't there for help. Not to mention you have to be able to tack on a linemen or TE or FB in the run game. If I remember right countess was solid in run defense

a2_electricboogaloo

August 22nd, 2013 at 11:59 AM ^

Defense: between Frank Clark and James Ross III.  Leaning toward JRIII

Offense: Can Devin count as a "breakout player" (in a more national sense)?  If not, then I'd probably go with Jehu Chesson.

maize-blue

August 22nd, 2013 at 12:05 PM ^

I don't know if it would count, but I really hope one of the RBs has an outstanding season.

That would mean that our O line questions and concerns are answered positively. And if Gardner has a good running game this season he will tear it up.