BRIAN: insider bits(!)

Submitted by Brian on

I have acquired some insider bits from a few different sources of late. I will put them here. None of these have been confirmed by a second source, but all are credible. (Obviously.) Take them in the spirit of insidery message board info. 

1. Michigan is in good shape for 2014 GR Christian OL Tommy Doles. 

2. Gardner is basically a WR at this point. Faith in Bellomy is high, at least for any hypothetical week in which Denard gets dinged. Gardner is expected to compete at QB next year and a longer-term injury would force M to re-evaluate. 

3. Borges won't overhaul the offense until Denard is gone, and after that it does sound like a highly multiple offense with tight ends all over and formations switching willy-nilly. 

4. Norfleet is "making people look foolish" on kick returns and everyone is very high on him. He's fast, too. Needs 10-15 pounds before he's a serious every-carry threat; once he gets that he will be a real contender for feature back carries. [Srs. I didn't make this up.]

5. Darboh and Chesson will be hard to keep off the field, especially Darboh. Jerald Robinson is "good" but it sounds like the two freshmen are in the process of passing him. This is both good and bad, IME.

6. Rawls is pretty good, and is more than Fred Jackson uber-hype. Fitz is still on another level. Once he's cleared he'll be the man. 

7. IL CB Parrker Westphal is going to take his time; don't expect anything quick in that department. 

8. The DL is "legit." Campbell is "the real deal." I know, this would be wonderful and is hard to believe, but this is just me playing careful stenographer.

9. Michigan has so many different fronts now that their base set as announced (Roh-QW-Campbell-Black) probably won't even get a plurality of the snaps. Michigan will get some snaps from Ash.

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FrankMurphy

August 31st, 2012 at 7:12 PM ^

When I saw this post, I had to do a double-take to make sure it wasn't some joker who had taken Brian's avatar and was posting under a similar-looking name to fool us. 

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CRex

August 31st, 2012 at 7:58 PM ^

I just hope the multiple fronts are seamless.  Last year I was always confused that teams didn't snap the ball when we did had guys popping up and down and moving around on the line to realign strength with strength.  I was always taunt when you see that on offense you just snap the maul, the guard mauls the DT that popped up since he has instant leverage (can't play low when you're standing up) and the RB slams through that gap.  Pretty much 5+ yards every time.  We did it so often and I was confused as to why opposing coaches weren't prepping their offensives to exploit it.  

Regarding Gardner, Bellomy, I've been hearing the same things for what it is worth.  I've heard Bellomy advanced as a Shane Morris like substance.  Bellomy lacks the arm strength of Morris, but supposedly is similiar in his ability to make reads and other things scouts love about Morris.  What people have told me is that the staff is hoping Gardner ends up loving WR and the fact he is instantly dominate at it.  So he'll be happy there as a future 1st round NFL pick.  That way Bellomy rolls on in next year and the offensive overhaul happens.  Morris likely passes him on the depth chart and things move forward from there.  Basically a nice no drama personal adjustment where everyone wins.  

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LSAClassOf2000

August 31st, 2012 at 7:53 PM ^

"Borges won't overhaul the offense until Denard is gone, and after that it does sound like a highly multiple offense with tight ends all over and formations switching willy-nilly. "

I give the Al Borges a lot of credit for taking the OC job and inheriting a QB who was electric but not in his personal wheelhouse as offenses go and building one that combines his tendencies with the power of Dilithium and made it work very well overall. Michigan is recruiting to better suit what they would like to do long term, but the compliment paid to Denard by an incoming staff should not be overlooked. 

"The DL is "legit." Campbell is "the real deal." I know, this would be wonderful and is hard to believe, but this is just me playing careful stenographer."

That is awesome to hear. If there is anyone that I would like to see have a great year, it's BWC. He's endured through trials and tribulations of both the program and some that were self-made, but he's taken on a leadership role willingly and that shows how much he has matured in a short span really. 

 

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bronxblue

August 31st, 2012 at 8:03 PM ^

Excited to hear about the young WRs making good.  This team needs a deep threat opposite Roundtree, and either would be a welcome addition.

Also, still skeptical about BWC but, man, a good final year out of him would be awesome.

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Slamdo

August 31st, 2012 at 10:49 PM ^

Highlight vid reminiscent of McGuffie but with better speed. A playmaker with breakout ability. Great upside. Tremendous cutting abilility Hope he doesn't get hurt.

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Slamdo

August 31st, 2012 at 10:49 PM ^

Highlight vid reminiscent of McGuffie but with better speed. A playmaker with breakout ability. Great upside. Tremendous cutting abilility Hope he doesn't get hurt.

Joined: 04/26/2011

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