The future of the linebacker situation
Without lamenting over the current situation at linebacker, as we all know many of these guys (Obi, Mouton & Moundros) are, I believe out of eligibility at the end of the year.So what on earth is going to play linebacker next year. Yeah Roh has a lockdown on the deathbacker/pseudoend position but my concern is MLB and WLB. Are we seriously looking at Kenny Demens replacing Ezeh/Moundros by default as there isn't really anyone on the roster and despite the fact he can't manage to move past either despite the non-spectactular play of the incumbents. Are we then going to be starting yet another walk-on after Mouton as Kevin Leach seems to be the successor depth-chart wise.
I try HARD to avoid recruiting until signing day beyond occasionally checking to see whom has committed. Looks like we've signed Kellen Jones from Texas. Some people I know in coaching out here in SE MI say Brennan Beyer has LB potential. I've also heard rumors that Antonia Kinard is enrolling in January. Are any of these guys capable of challenging for a starting role immediately? Is there any serious shot at a recruit who hasn't committed who could get major playing time immediately, particularly one who could be counting on playing right away.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:41 PM ^
...caramba.
October 12th, 2010 at 11:12 PM ^
But I founf some serious bulletin board material for Mich. I would of started a seperate thread, but I don;t seem to have permission to post. I found this over on the Iowa blog regarding our defense:
Michigan failed to tackle anyone in the broken field with any authority, even when MSU backs were carrying the arms and torsos of Michigan defenders. To paraphrase Tyler Sash, earlier this week, they "guard", they don't tackle. I suspect that is because they "guard" all spring and summer, when they are playing their own. It is the inverse of our O-Line having to compete with our D-Line in camp. Surviving against those monsters means that you have prepared against the best in the country. Surviving against Denard means that you never learn to hit, control the LOS, tackle, or intimidate. Basically, Michigan doesn't play defense. They are playing some other game that I haven't seen before. I don't know what it is. But it isn't major college football.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:06 AM ^
I'm completely stoked. So what OP is saying is that in 1 year we will highly rated freshman linebackers and in 2 years - BOOM! highly rated sophmore linebackers and in 3 years - TILA TEQUILA'D! highly rated junior linebackers and in just 4 short years, we may have, possibly, if they pan out, and no one takes a redshirt, DILITHIUM! senior linebackers.
But will they be any good?
October 13th, 2010 at 10:03 AM ^
MGoShoe, I picture you as the USS Ticonderoga (when she was still in service), anchored just offshore with cruise missiles trained on the MGoBoard, waiting for a new thread that lacks certain qualities. Once a target is acquired, you hit that "launch" button and fire a warning shot that either teaches a lesson or completely obliterates the thread and sometimes the poster. I'm still not sure if that is totally awesome or kind of mean. I'm leaning towards the former as long as I avoid the fallout . . .
October 13th, 2010 at 10:22 AM ^
Woo hoo! Finally an appropriate posting where I can ask my question. Two years ago, there was this hybrid DB/LB whose undervalued stock quickly rose when he dazzled on-lookers during the week of the Under Armour All American Game. He nearly rose to 4 stars after his performance, and there was a ton of hype from there, going into his first season. Although he understandably redshirted his freshman year last year, I have only read one sentence about him this entire year (a pre-season article mentioning that we have some bulky LB's). So my questions are.... Where is Isaiah Bell, and why haven't I heard or seen anything on him this entire year?? As I understood it, he was trying to bulk up to grow a true LB's body, but I'd think there'd be some kind of role for him on the depth chart by now.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:41 PM ^
Possibly Jake Ryan....but who really knows whats going on until next year.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:41 PM ^
I'm hoping some of the LBs from the 2010 recruiting class who are redshirting (or appear to be) will step up and at least challenge for a starting spot.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:41 PM ^
Demens seems like a talented guy, maybe just needs another year to catch on. Josh Furman is another name to remember as he came in as a freak of an athlete who was just too skinny to play this year. Another thing to remember is that the biggest improvement mostly happens between freshman and sophomore year (see Denard) so some of the other freshman may make big enough jumps to improve that position for next year. Maybe I'm crazy but I'd rather be crazy and optomistic than realistic and a downer.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:47 PM ^
I'd like to see Josh Furman somewhere closer to the outside, whether that be WLB or Spur/Bandit. So long as you're not suggesting Furman at Mike, it sounds cool to me.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:49 PM ^
is where I see him. Demens would be most likely to take over the Mike is you ask me.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:58 PM ^
Just making sure you weren't advocating Furman for mike. That'd be quite the disaster. I'd like to see an epic C. Gordon/Furman/Johnson clash for spur in the offseason.
October 12th, 2010 at 11:46 PM ^
From our discussions, it sounds like we have 10 players who should be at the spur. Note: We need less spur players and more Linebackers.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:19 AM ^
Spur / Bandit sounds so good, when we all talk about it, just wish it was like that when we watched our D out there.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:43 PM ^
Likely get first shot. Jones and Hawthorne may get a shot as well.
Furman, although raw, may get a shot, and it is possible they will move Cam Gordon to the position...he may fit there better than safety anyway. I have problem believing any of the LB in the new class will step up, though it is also possible. But, most likely, that is the core we are working with.
October 14th, 2010 at 12:42 AM ^
Cam's ability to lay the wood shows he has the physicality to play LB, but can we teach him to tackle rather than just hitting people with everything he's got? He regularly gets big hits, but the RB/WR is usually able to stay up and continue running after. Just a thought.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:43 PM ^
Mike should be able to fill Mouton's spot. He was getting a lot of praise from Sam Webb before he got hurt.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:48 PM ^
Who is Mike Jones??????
Just kidding by the way. Familiar and know he's injured. Just always wanted to post that. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Is_Mike_Jones%3F Rather liked the album.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:45 PM ^
Kellen Jones- Looks like a WLB, according to a recent interview with Scout. High potential, but raw, I'd be concerned if he's starting next year.
Antonio Kinard- Also a WLB, also raw. Give him time behind Mike Jones/JB Fitzgerald/Etc.
Brennen Beyer- Quick (position). Should redshirt and be Roh's successor.
As far as the ILB/MLB position goes, we should have Demens/Fitzgerald/Ryan/Bell/somesuperawesomesuperdopehyperecruit competing for playing time next year. The fact that the coaches have stuck with Ezeh shouldn't concern you yet, it's only been five games, and only a couple of them have been head smashingly frustrating. As long as Demens is getting playing time by the end of the year, in packages other than goalline, I wouldn't worry.
October 13th, 2010 at 10:19 AM ^
October 12th, 2010 at 9:45 PM ^
Then again Bell has not seen any this year, which is not encouraging. Carvin Johnson if he gains twenty-five pounds...
October 12th, 2010 at 9:49 PM ^
Bell is just a RS Fr, there's no use hitting the panic button yet. This is how normal schools do it, tweeners like him bulk up and learn the position, then don't play for a couple of years
October 12th, 2010 at 10:02 PM ^
Bell has bulked up quite a bit, he's in the 240s now.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:04 PM ^
So as long as he gets spot time and improves, we should see him as an upperclassmen. That's how good dynasties work.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:24 AM ^
Even from the headshot on MGoBlue, Bell's lookin' a little doughy right now. Might have bulked up Gittelson style.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:46 PM ^
Just off the top of my head:
Brandon Herron
Kenny Demens
JB Fitzgerald
Isaiah Bell
Jake Ryan
...and I'm sure there are a bunch I'm missing. There is depth here, I believe, so I'm not that worried.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:18 PM ^
.......for the future, just not this year, IMO. Too many young guys without the headiness needed for LB play this year (I realize how that sounds too, lol). Next year, LB and DL should be strengthened quite a bit, as should the secondary. I'm not that worried about next year for the team, as they are really young this year. As long as Brandon doesn't cave to the neanderthals and can RR, we will field a very good team all around next year. This year is what it is.
October 13th, 2010 at 7:55 PM ^
But why don't we have depth this year? Herron's in his fourth year in the program and Fitzgerald and Demens are in their third year. They should be ready to be contributors by now.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:51 PM ^
Assuming we stay with the 3-3-5, Roh has one spot locked down.
That leaves Demens, Mike Jones, JB FItzgerald, Brandon Herron, Leach, and possibly Isaiah Bell as the most likely guys to get meaningful playing time. If I had to guess, I'd bet on Demens and Jones getting the nod with Fitzgerald getting lots of reps along with Herron.
Jake Ryan and Jordan Paskorz will be redshirt frosh and we'll have a few true freshman such as Kellen Jones that could challenge for spots on the two deep. Kinard as well.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Josh Furman getting some time at Mouton's spot if he bulks up enough. With Thomas Gordon and Carvin Johnson both getting significant playing time this year, I don't know if Furman will be needed at spur.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:04 PM ^
Jordan will move to DE most likely.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:51 PM ^
Nearly all true freshmen simply don't have the body type (mass) to play MLB at the D1 level until at least a year or so of weight training. Really all would be best wuited with a RS year. Trust in the fact that some of the guys already on the team will be prepared to do the job. Furman!!!
October 12th, 2010 at 9:51 PM ^
October 12th, 2010 at 9:55 PM ^
I think, ideally (and note this was jacked entirely from Sam Webb) that Cam Gordon's optimal position is at spur. There, he can utilize his big hitting ability, and his above average athleticism (for a linebacker). He would have to add a little weight, but not as much as if he was moving inside
October 12th, 2010 at 9:59 PM ^
Once Gordon gets used to the safety position I think he will be fine. He doesn't have great speed but he could easily develop into one of the better ballhawks on the team. A lot of times his angle is the only thing that kills him which can be fixed with practice. Also, I don't want to see him at linebacker unless he learns to wrap up instead of going for the big hit with his arms crossed every time. But yeah, leave him at safety where we are way too thin to move people from at this point and let the linebackers there now develop.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:03 PM ^
I think the only reason he's at safety is the lack of depth at linebacker. If we can get Avery Walls, Greg Brown (I believe he's playing FS this year?), and Woolfolk back there next year, we'd have enough depth at deep safety for him to move around. While he is a big hitter and somewhat a ballhawk, I'd much rather have a speedy, coverage safety who can hit (AVERY WALLS COUGH COUGH) back there, with Gordon more in the box. Gordon is going to need to learn how to wrap up regardless of whether or not he's playing linebacker.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:07 PM ^
about having to wrap up. If we get those guys then yeah that would be great but they still are likely going to need time to develop. Even the highest rated recruits don't exactly come in ready to ball. They need a year of Barwis before I really would like to see them on the field. Then again, with how desperate we are on defense, maybe throwing them into the fire to get experience wouldn't be such a bad thing.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:09 PM ^
With Avery Walls natural ability, I think he'd be a perfectly reliable backup, at least until Woolfolk's gone, although depth is a very important issue. Ideally, I'd like to see Woolfolk at deep safety next year, and I think Gordon has too much experience/athleticism to keep on the bench.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:07 PM ^
Sounds similar to Stevie Brown when it comes to taking poor angles. He performed much better up near the line. I think Cam Gordon would benefit from the same type of move in the future.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:09 PM ^
October 12th, 2010 at 10:12 PM ^
However, with the concerns regarding Robinson (whether he deserves it or not) I think it isn't too farfetched to think a new DC may be on his way, meaning a new scheme, and another absence of teaching fundementals. They all say they start by teaching fundamentals, and maybe the good ones do, but its tough to see when even when guys are in good position they aren't making tackles.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:15 PM ^
They assembled as simple of a defense as possible, where kids just have to read their zones and react. I assume this means they'd have more time for fundamentals, but I could be wrong.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:25 PM ^
The coaches have said a couple times that because of the depth chart they can't do too many live tackling drills during the week because they can't risk injuring anyone. I really wish this was talked about more.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:36 AM ^
...in one of his books. He said that as soon as the scholarship limits were instituted that coaches had to be A LOT more careful about how hard they had their players hit in practice because they couldn't risk injury with fewer players.
I also remember hearing in 2005 the Michigan team was devestated by injuries to the tune of something like 3 times more surguries than they experienced in a typical year, and that because of those depth issues, they had to stop hitting in practice as much. When the depth has sunk as low as it has -- and it is EXTREMELY low as compared to other teams -- you have to be very careful to avoid injuries.
I think the Michigan defense has shown very poor tackling skills for a long time longer than the 2.5 seasons that RR has been here. Maybe part of the problem is that they're only getting to tackle dummies and not real moving targets that try to elude them as much as they might under "normal" Michigan depth chart situations.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:37 PM ^
Cam Gordon is a redshirt freshman, and as a result is being a little exposed. He'll be fine. He's not as slow as people think, and his tackling and angles will improve.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:53 PM ^
He's pretty slow
October 13th, 2010 at 7:11 AM ^
Kovacs is as fast, if not faster.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:26 AM ^
with an injured hamstring. Ouch. What this team really needs is the extra practices that a bowl game brings. I think we get those this year, and we see marked improvement. That is a luxury we haven't had in awhile, and is akin to a second (and more importantly, in-season) spring practice session. It wouldn't hurt to show off for all of those Florida kids for a couple of weeks, either. Don't you think we could turn some heads if we were having open practices for recruits IN THEIR OWN STATE? "Yeah, we're improving, just watch Denard live. Now sign here."
October 13th, 2010 at 12:07 AM ^
too slow. hope it's woolfolk next year.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:01 PM ^
Let's hope the future of the linebacker position includes all of those glorious, glorious bowl practices. Those will be hugely beneficial for this team.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:28 AM ^
before I made mine. Bowl practices would be huge!