GoWings2008

January 18th, 2013 at 1:30 PM ^

When kicking goes fine, no one says a damn thing (usually) and when it goes wrong, people lose their collective minds.

I'll temper that with Gibbons because there were a few years where Michigan had a poor kicking game then Brendan really developed and had some good boots and we realized that it wasn't anything to take for granted. 

FreddieMercuryHayes

January 18th, 2013 at 10:12 AM ^

Great pick-up. Got Gibbons for one more year which is great (I know, crazy), Wile looks like he's got good potential, Hoke got Allen to walk-on over some minor scholarship offers last year, and now McGrath. Dare I say the kicking situation looks good the next few years? (Knock on lots of wood)

beevo

January 18th, 2013 at 10:14 AM ^

, the wildest leg in town, this kid may get his scholarship any day now....if he has a punting resume.  One thing I've learned is a Hagerup is gonna Hager.

DGDestroys

January 18th, 2013 at 10:18 AM ^

I meant competing with Wile for the primary kicking position. Which would then decide whether or not he's put on scholarship. And if Hagerup gets the boot, I would imagine Kenny Allen gets a scholly before McGrath. And I think Hoke is more concerned with having them on the roster, the schollies would just be an added bonus. Doubt Allen/McGrath decides to transfer because they don't have scholarships. 

joegeo

January 18th, 2013 at 10:28 AM ^

Greyshirting means he won't be enrolling fulltime next year.  Is that the case? I'm thinking you meant he'll be a walkon until a scholarship opens up.

LSAClassOf2000

January 18th, 2013 at 10:31 AM ^

Courtesy of the Kohl's Kicking site, some of his high school stats:

 

  Field Goals Extra Points Punts Kickoffs
Season FGM FGA XPM XPA # AVG # TBs
2012-2013 8 11 26 26 32 42 34 29
2011-2012 8 12 16 16 36 44.9 27 22
2010-2011 4 6 26 26 20 40 29 24
2009-2010 2 3 21 23     30 26

I couldn't find organized information on yardages on kickoffs, but MaxPreps had mentioned some 60-70 yard kicks as longs in the seasons I could find data for. I like the sound of that.

Welcome to Michigan, J.J.!

Bo Knows

January 18th, 2013 at 11:19 AM ^

After this coming season, I think McGrath and Allen will compete for a scholarship.  However, if WIle assumes both kicking and punting duties then I think then I think neither gets a scholly till Wile graduates.  We'll see what the coaches do.

WMU81

January 18th, 2013 at 11:21 AM ^

Good kickers are a must.. Not a high profile position, but is really important.. Remember when we could make anything and had to hold breath on xtra pts

cmgoblue

January 18th, 2013 at 11:34 AM ^

This is the news I have been waiting for. This kid is an absolute stud. 57-yard field goal...even off a block that is beyond impressive in a game. Would like to see more consistency with regards to his accuracy, but that's something you expect to see refined as he grows at Michigan. Definitely an added bonus by filling a hole here without wasting a scholarship. Well done, Hoke.

Sione's Flow

January 18th, 2013 at 12:20 PM ^

Welcome aboard J.J.   So with his greyshirt, that leaves two open spot for this class is that right?  Also I'd like to add that Cool Blue has the "nicest" avatar around.