SEC speed is a myth, but monstrous, athletic SEC defensive linemen is not. If Michigan is to enter the “conversation” during the Shane Morris era, and given the state of play, DL appears to be recruiting priority #1 in the next class or two. I personally think DL is the most important position group in football. Defense wins championships, and it all starts up front. 85 Bears on down. This is one of the reasons I was ecstatic to learn Hoke was a DL guy.
Michigan’s DL recruiting for 2013 appears complete, whereas OSU and ND still may have room for a few more players. However even if Ohio and ND add no other DL, they both appear below to have out-recruited UM at the DL over the last 3 years (2 Hoke, 1 RR).
With OSU there is little doubt if you look at the numbers, but ND can stake that claim as well, even more-so that Sheldon Day is blowing up as a true freshman.
The sign of hope is that Hoke had 6 DL in his 2012. However that is tempered by 4 of those being Rivals 3 stars.
As a DL coach, you’d think DL recruiting would be Hoke’s main priority. I love his recruiting so far, but since I’m a DL first guy, I need to be seeing more Alan Branch/Pip types coming through the door to get really excited about the future, especially in light of the product we are seeing so far this year.
Data based on Rivals:
UM and peers – recent DL recruiting totals from 2011 to current:
Total players:
UM – 12
OSU – 13 *
ND – 11*
* Includes 2013 where UM is likely done, but ND and OSU will likely have room for more DL.
Star totals over this span:
UM – 5 stars – 1, 4 stars – 4, 3 stars - 7
OSU – 5 stars – 3, 4 stars – 8, 3 stars - 1
ND – 5 stars – 2, 4 stars – 5, 3 stars - 4
2013 (classes obviously not filled yet):
UM – 3
Poggie 260 4, Charlton 250 4
Hurst 305 3
OSU – 4
Hill 315 4, Price280 4, Bosa 270 4
ND – 1
Rochell 260 4
2012:
UM – 6
Pip 325 5
Strobel 245 4
Godin 270 3, Henry 270 3, Ojem 215 3, Wormley 270 3
OSU – 4
Washington 230 5, Spence 245 5,
Schutt 301 4, Pittman 245 4,
ND – 3
Day 285 4, Jones 310 4,
Okwara 240 3,
2011:
UM – 3
Beyer 220 4,
Heitzman 237 3, Miller 268 3,
OSU – 5
Bennett 275 5,
Farris 265 4, Hayes 240 4, Miller 230 4
Hale 290 – 3
ND – 7
Williams 230 5, Tuitt 260 5
Lynch 245 4, Councell 225 4
Springmann 257 3, Rabasa 220 3, Carrico 270 3
Michigan didn't recruit a DL named "Miller" in 2011. Nor did they recruit a DL named "Poggie" in 2013.