Front Seven
Like most die hard Michigan fans I am constantly wondering about the front seven. In particular the size of the defensive line, which averages only around 275 pounds per player. The Big Ten has long been known as a conference of big offensive linemen and above average rushing attacks. Most of the teams our Wolverines play the rest of the way will outweigh us on the defensive line by an average of 30-35lbs. After watching what Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan were able to do at times has made me wonder looking forward, whether or not these smaller / quicker linemen, can work in this conference. I know Barwis is nuts about "fat bodies" but we need a couple of them up front on the DL for some added size and depth. The average DT's in the SEC are around 315lbs. Our first major test against a large offensive line used to primarily run the football is Sparty (aka little brother) (aka dirty skank). Hopefully GERG will have a great game plan to generate penetration and some disruption in the passing game. What do you guys think about getting a fat body or two in the next recruiting class or two? HAIL HAIL
GO BLUE
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:48 PM ^
we could use some big DTs to clog the middle, but i like the idea of keeping motor guys like roh on the outside
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 PM ^
somebody hearts Craig Roh
September 24th, 2009 at 8:01 AM ^
Craig Roh eats hearts
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:54 PM ^
I don't think they are necessarily going for smaller players, but quickness and speed is essential. Those 315 lb DTs in the SEC can move pretty well if you haven't noticed. We landed a big time big boy in Will Campbell last year and we will likely land some more like him either this year or next year. When the winning comes the talent pool will be better (and bigger).
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 PM ^
Big Will is primarily only getting reps on Special Teams and in garbage duty so far and I'm wondering why. When he did get some meaningful minutes in the EMU game it seemed like he got some pretty good penetration.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:03 PM ^
Personally as much as I think RR wants these guys to get experience, I still think they have to earn their playing time. These young guys have a long way to go in technique and reads. Give them time, there will most likely be changes in the rotations as the season goes on, we just hit the 1/4 point - long way to go!
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 PM ^
Having extra non-functional weight hurts a player by fatiguing him and compromising his strength more than it hurts his opponent. The ideal DT is strong, lean and plays with good leverage.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:12 PM ^
It has a lot to do with technique. BG is a lot leaner, but still takes on double teams like Captain Front Butt takes on 6' party subs. Yet, the other guys don't do as well. We tend to score quick, so the defense doesn't get much rest. I think it is more important for them to be leaner and more conditioned to handle the time.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:16 PM ^
won a couple conference titles with decidedly smaller players on the d-line. Purdue did as well.
Its really not that much of an issue.
Unfortunately those teams also had at least good if not terrific linebacker play......UM does not have that right now.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:33 PM ^
The big difference this year is our quick scoring, diverse and highly skilled OFFENSE.
Teams can't gameplan for our Offense, and if Tate and D Rob stay upright...they are going to continue to score MEGA POINTS.
The KEY there is that once that happens in a game...it takes the other team out of their game... ie, they wont be able to "run the ball" down our throats because they will be playing catchup...
Thats my take on the 09 season...
check out the MNF game from the Colts. vs Miami... similar to that... Colts too explosive and ball control running that Miami did was great, but did not work ultimately.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:34 PM ^
...also dont count out Sagassee and Banks....both are huge and showed flashes of athleticism last game, they just need experience
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:22 PM ^
I know he hasn't played a great deal in games, but Banks is a redshirt junior. He has some experience.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 PM ^
I have a great game plan to get some penetration, and my plan doesn't include fat bodies either.
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:54 PM ^
Sounds like the Canadian Football League!
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:26 PM ^
I don't think Michigan is necessarily eschewing "fat bodied" defensive linemen. But those guys need to be strong and have good stamina, too. The thing that turned Michigan off Jonathan Hankins (so far, anyway) wasn't that he weighed around 325, but that he was asked to get in shape and still was sucking wind at camp. That shows a lack of commitment to get better.
We're still offering guys like Sharrif Floyd, who would probably play at 300+ pounds.
In other words, Michigan's coaches don't want size just for size's sake. They want big guys who can still be active and give them a good number of snaps.